Extreme magnetoresistance at high-mobility oxide heterointerfaces with dynamic defect tunability

Magnetic field-induced changes in the electrical resistance of materials reveal insights into the fundamental properties governing their electronic and magnetic behavior. Various classes of magnetoresistance have been realized, including giant, colossal, and extraordinary magnetoresistance, each with distinct physical origins. In recent years, extreme magnetoresistance (XMR) has been observed in topological and non-topological materials displaying a non-saturating magnetoresistance reaching 103-108% in magnetic fields up to 60 T. XMR is often intimately linked to a gapless band structure with steep bands and charge compensation. Here, we show that a linear XMR of 80,000% at 15 T and 2 K emerges at the high-mobility interface between the large band-gap oxides γ-Al2O3 and SrTiO3. Despite the chemically and electronically very dissimilar environment, the temperature/field phase diagrams of γ-Al2O3/SrTiO3 bear a striking resemblance to XMR semimetals. By comparing magnetotransport, microscopic current imaging, and momentum-resolved band structures, we conclude that the XMR in γ-Al2O3/SrTiO3 is not strongly linked to the band structure, but arises from weak disorder enforcing a squeezed guiding center motion of electrons. We also present a dynamic XMR self-enhancement through an autonomous redistribution of quasi-mobile oxygen vacancies. Our findings shed new light on XMR and introduce tunability using dynamic defect engineering.

[Analysis of gene characteristics and core genome characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae in rural residents of Weifang City, Shandong Province]

Objective: To investigate the drug-resistant gene characteristics and core genome characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae (CR-ECL) in rural residents of Weifang City, Shandong Province. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from rural community residents in Weifang City, Shandong Province in 2017. Drug-resistant strains were screened using a carbapenem-resistant enterobacter chromogenic medium. CR-ECL positive strains were acquired via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry(MALDI-TOFMS) analysis. The antibiotic resistance phenotype of CR-ECL was determined using a microbroth dilution assay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and analysis were conducted, along with an examination of the immediate vicinity of the blaNDM gene and phylogenetic analysis of the strains. Results: A total of 628 fecal samples were collected and tested, of which 6 were CR-ECL positive (detection rate 0.96%), all exhibiting multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotypes. Six CR-ECL strains had four MLST genotypes (ST), all of which carried multiple drug resistance genes (blaNDM-1, blaNDM-5, etc.) and virulence genes (acrA, acrB, entB, fepC, etc.). There were mobile genetic elements ISAba125, TN3-IS3000, TN3 and IS5 in the genetic environment surrounding the blaNDM gene. The phylogenetic tree showed that the multi-locus sequence typing of the core genome (cgMLST) was consistent with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) results. The cgMLST results showed that the allele differences between strains 2BC0101B and 2BC0251B, 2BG0561B and 2BI0221B were 2 and 1, respectively. The SNPs results showed that the above two pairs of bacteria also clustered together. It was found that the strains of chicken fecal samples in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database were located in the center of the evolutionary tree, and the local sequences could be traced back to American human sequences. Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant CR-ECL is detected in rural community residents in Weifang City, Shandong Province.

[Obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study]

Objective: This study aims to explore the causal relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: The genetic data related to OSA were obtained from the FinnGen Biobank (Ncase=16, 761, Ncontrol=201, 194) in the Genome-wide association study (GWAS). Three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were screened out as instrumental variable (IV) of OSA. The genetic data related to T2D were derived from a large Meta-analysis of GWAS (Ncase=62, 892, Ncontrol=596, 424), 114 SNP were selected as IV of T2D. Multiple MR methods were used for analysis and inverse variance weighted (IVW) was performed as main method. The sensitivity of MR analytic results was analyzed using MR-Egger and other methods, and the IV was evaluated using F-value statistics. Results: MR analysis showed that OSA was significantly associated with increased risk of T2D (OR=2.016, 95%CI: 1.185-3.429, P<0.05). There was no significant relationship between T2D and OSA risk (OR=1.030, 95%CI: 0.980-1.082, P=0.238). There was heterogeneity in both-way results (OSA➝T2D, P=1.808×10-11; T2D➝OSA, P=1.729×10-7), and no horizontal pleiotropy (OSA➝T2D, P=0.477; T2D➝OSA, P=0.349). IV of OSA and T2D-selected in the study were strong instrumental variables (F statistics of OSA=20.543; F statistics of T2D=30.117). Conclusion: Our results supported that OSA was a risk factor for T2D, but T2D had no significant impact on the incidence of OSA. Blood glucose monitoring and diabetes screening in OSA patients might be beneficial to the early detection and intervention of T2D.

Prognostic significance of lymphocyte subpopulations for ICU-acquired infections in patients with sepsis: a retrospective study

AIM

To determine the prognostic value of lymphocyte subpopulations in predicting intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections among patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis.

METHODS

Data on peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations [CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD16+CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells and CD19+ B cells] were collected continuously from 188 patients admitted to the study ICUs with sepsis between January 2021 and October 2022. Clinical data collected from these patients, including medical history, number of organ failures, severity of illness scores, and characteristics of ICU-acquired infections, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Lymphocyte subpopulation counts were significantly lower in patients who acquired an infection in the ICU compared with those who did not. Univariate analyses showed that the number of organ failures [odds ratio (OR) 3.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25-5.05], severity of illness scores [Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score - OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.41-2.02; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score - OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.17-1.36], history of immunosuppressant use (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.01-5.73) and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+ T cells - OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51-0.71; CD4+ T cells - OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41-0.63; CD8+ T cells - OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.22-0.47; CD16/CD56+ NK cells - OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.59; CD19+B cells - OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.75) were associated with ICU-acquired infections. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis demonstrated that APACHE II score (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.38), CD3+ T cells (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.81) and CD4+ T cells (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50-0.82) were independent significant risk factors for ICU-acquired infections.

CONCLUSION

Assessing CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells within 24 h of ICU admission may help in identification of patients at risk for developing ICU-acquired infections.

Retraction Note: Systematic analyses reveal long non-coding RNA (PTAF)-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous ovarian cancer

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-018-0844-7.

[Analysis of clinical and pathological features of chronic hepatitis B combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and histopathological features of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods: Clinical data of 529 cases who had liver biopsies at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and October 2021 were collected. Among them were 290 cases with CHB, 155 cases with CHB combined with MAFLD, and 84 cases with MAFLD. Three groups of patients clinical data, including general information, biochemical indicators, FibroScan indicators, viral load, and histopathology, were analyzed. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing MAFLD in patients with CHB. Results: (1) Age, male status, proportion of hypertension and diabetes, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, creatinine, and the controlled attenuation parameter for hepatic steatosis were higher in CHB combined with MAFLD than in CHB patient groups. In contrast, the high-density lipoprotein, HBeAg positivity rate, viral load level, and liver fibrosis grade (S stage) were lower in CHB patients, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). (2) Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, triglycerides, uric acid, creatinine, and the controlled attenuation parameter for hepatic steatosis in CHB combined with the MAFLD were lower than those in MAFLD patient groups, while high-density lipoprotein was higher than that of MAFLD patients, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the grade of liver inflammation and fibrosis (GS stage) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that overweight/obesity, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, the controlled attenuation parameter for hepatic steatosis, and HBeAg positivity were independent influencing factors for MAFLD in CHB patients. Conclusion: Patients with CHB combined with metabolic disorders are prone to developing MAFLD, and there is a certain correlation between HBV viral factors, the degree of liver fibrosis, and the fatty degeneration of hepatocytes.

[Influence of autologous adipose stem cell matrix gel on wound healing and scar hyperplasia of full-thickness skin defects in rabbit ears]

Objective: To investigate the influence of autologous adipose stem cell matrix gel on wound healing and scar hyperplasia of full-thickness skin defects in rabbit ears, and to analyze the related mechanism. Methods: Experimental research methods were adopted. The complete fat pads on the back of 42 male New Zealand white rabbits aged 2 to 3 months were cut to prepare adipose stem cell matrix gel, and a full-thickness skin defect wound was established on the ventral side of each ear of each rabbit. The left ear wounds were included in adipose stem cell matrix gel group (hereinafter referred to as matrix gel group), and the right ear wounds were included in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group, which were injected with autologous adipose stem cell matrix gel and PBS, respectively. The wound healing rate was calculated on post injury day (PID) 7, 14, and 21, and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scoring of scar tissue formed on the wound (hereinafter referred to as scar tissue) was performed in post wound healing month (PWHM) 1, 2, 3, and 4. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe and measure the histopathological changes of wound on PID 7, 14, and 21 and the dermal thickness of scar tissue in PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4. Masson staining was performed to observe the collagen distribution in wound tissue on PID 7, 14, and 21 and scar tissue in PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) was calculated. The microvessel count (MVC) in wound tissue on PID 7, 14, and 21 and the expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in scar tissue in PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4 were detected by immunohistochemical method, and the correlation between the expression of α-SMA and that of TGF-β1 in scar tissue in matrix gel group was analyzed. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in wound tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on PID 7, 14, and 21. The number of samples at each time point in each group was 6. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, analysis of variance for factorial design, paired sample t test, least significant difference test, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: On PID 7, the wound healing rate in matrix gel group was (10.3±1.7)%, which was close to (8.5±2.1)% in PBS group (P>0.05). On PID 14 and 21, the wound healing rates in matrix gel group were (75.5±7.0)% and (98.7±0.8)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (52.7±6.7)% and (90.5±1.7)% in PBS group (with t values of 5.79 and 10.37, respectively, P<0.05). In PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4, the VSS score of scar tissue in matrix gel group was significantly lower than that in PBS group (with t values of -5.00, -2.86, -3.31, and -4.45, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with the previous time point within the group, the VSS score of scar tissue at each time point after wound healing in the two groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), except for PWHM 4 in matrix gel group (P>0.05). On PID 7, the granulation tissue regeneration and epithelialization degree of the wounds between the two groups were similar. On PID 14 and 21, the numbers of fibroblasts, capillaries, and epithelial cell layers in wound tissue of matrix gel group were significantly more than those in PBS group. In PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4, the dermal thickness of scar tissue in matrix gel group was significantly thinner than that in PBS group (with t values of -4.08, -5.52, -6.18, and -6.30, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with the previous time point within the group, the dermal thickness of scar tissue in the two groups thickened significantly at each time point after wound healing (P<0.05). Compared with those in PBS group, the collagen distribution in wound tissue in matrix gel group was more regular and the CVF was significantly increased on PID 14 and 21 (with t values of 3.98 and 3.19, respectively, P<0.05), and the collagen distribution in scar tissue was also more regular in PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4, but the CVF was significantly decreased (with t values of -7.38, -4.20, -4.10, and -4.65, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with the previous time point within the group, the CVFs in wound tissue at each time point after injury and scar tissue at each time point after wound healing in the two groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), except for PWHM 1 in matrix gel group (P>0.05). On PID 14 and 21, the MVC in wound tissue in matrix gel group was significantly higher than that in PBS group (with t values of 4.33 and 10.10, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with the previous time point within the group, the MVC of wound at each time point after injury in the two groups was increased significantly (P<0.05), except for PID 21 in PBS group (P>0.05). In PWHM 1, 2, 3, and 4, the expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in scar tissue in matrix gel group were significantly lower than those in PBS group (with t values of -2.83, -5.46, -5.61, -8.63, -10.11, -5.79, -8.08, and -11.96, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with the previous time point within the group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in scar tissue in the two groups were increased significantly at each time point after wound healing (P<0.05), except for the α-SMA expression in matrix gel group in PWHM 4 (P>0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of α-SMA and that of TGF-β1 in scar tissue in matrix gel group (r=0.92, P<0.05). On PID 14 and 21, the expressions of VEGF (with t values of 6.14 and 6.75, respectively, P<0.05) and EGF (with t values of 8.17 and 5.85, respectively, P<0.05) in wound tissue in matrix gel group were significantly higher than those in PBS group. Compared with the previous time point within the group, the expression of VEGF of wound at each time point after injury in the two groups was increased significantly (P<0.05), and the expression of EGF was decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions: Adipose stem cell matrix gel may significantly promote the wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in rabbit ears by promoting collagen deposition and expressions of VEGF and EGF in wound tissue, and may further inhibit the scar hyperplasia after wound healing by inhibiting collagen deposition and expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in scar tissue.

Rhinitis associated with asthma is distinct from rhinitis alone: The ARIA-MeDALL hypothesis

Asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) are interrelated clinical phenotypes that partly overlap in the human interactome. The concept of "one-airway-one-disease", coined over 20 years ago, is a simplistic approach of the links between upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases. With new data, it is time to reassess the concept. This article reviews (i) the clinical observations that led to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), (ii) new insights into polysensitisation and multimorbidity, (iii) advances in mHealth for novel phenotype definition, (iv) confirmation in canonical epidemiologic studies, (v) genomic findings, (vi) treatment approaches and (vii) novel concepts on the onset of rhinitis and multimorbidity. One recent concept, bringing together upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases with skin, gut and neuropsychiatric multimorbidities, is the "Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis". This review determined that the "one-airway-one-disease" concept does not always hold true and that several phenotypes of disease can be defined. These phenotypes include an extreme "allergic" (asthma) phenotype combining asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Rhinitis alone and rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity represent two distinct diseases with the following differences: (i) genomic and transcriptomic background (Toll-Like Receptors and IL-17 for rhinitis alone as a local disease; IL-33 and IL-5 for allergic and non-allergic multimorbidity as a systemic disease), (ii) allergen sensitisation patterns (mono- or pauci-sensitisation versus polysensitisation), (iii) severity of symptoms and (iv) treatment response. In conclusion, rhinitis alone (local disease) and rhinitis with asthma multimorbidity (systemic disease) should be considered as two distinct diseases, possibly modulated by the microbiome, and may be a model for understanding the epidemics of chronic and auto-immune diseases.

[A deep-learning model for the assessment of coronary heart disease and related risk factors via the evaluation of retinal fundus photographs]

Objective: To develop and validate a deep learning model based on fundus photos for the identification of coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated risk factors. Methods: Subjects aged>18 years with complete clinical examination data from 149 hospitals and medical examination centers in China were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists, who were not aware of the study design, independently evaluated the coronary angiography images of each subject to make CHD diagnosis. A deep learning model using convolutional neural networks (CNN) was used to label the fundus images according to the presence or absence of CHD, and the model was proportionally divided into training and test sets for model training. The prediction performance of the model was evaluated in the test set using monocular and binocular fundus images respectively. Prediction efficacy of the algorithm for cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., age, systolic blood pressure, gender) and coronary events were evaluated by regression analysis using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and R² correlation coefficient. Results: The study retrospectively collected 51 765 fundus images from 25 222 subjects, including 10 255 patients with CHD, and there were 14 419 male subjects in this cohort. Of these, 46 603 fundus images from 22 701 subjects were included in the training set and 5 162 fundus images from 2 521 subjects were included in the test set. In the test set, the deep learning model could accurately predict patients' age with an R² value of 0.931 (95%CI 0.929-0.933) for monocular photos and 0.938 (95%CI 0.936-0.940) for binocular photos. The AUC values for sex identification from single eye and binocular retinal fundus images were 0.983 (95%CI 0.982-0.984) and 0.988 (95%CI 0.987-0.989), respectively. The AUC value of the model was 0.876 (95%CI 0.874-0.877) with either monocular fundus photographs and AUC value was 0.885 (95%CI 0.884-0.888) with binocular fundus photographs to predict CHD, the sensitivity of the model was 0.894 and specificity was 0.755 with accuracy of 0.714 using binocular fundus photographs for the prediction of CHD. Conclusion: The deep learning model based on fundus photographs performs well in identifying coronary heart disease and assessing related risk factors such as age and sex.

[The incidence and time distribution of early transient intraocular pressure elevation after penetrating canaloplasty]

Objective: To report the incidence and time distribution of early transient intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after penetrating canaloplasty. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Data of patients treated by penetrating canaloplasty for glaucoma in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2015 to March 2020 were collected. Early transient IOP elevation was defined as an increase of IOP to over 21 mmHg on the first week to the third month after surgery followed by a decrease to 21 mmHg or less within 3 months. Main outcome measures included IOP, quantity of medication use, the occurrence time and duration of IOP elevation. Generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis, and measurement data with non-normal distribution was represented as M (Q₁, Q₃). Results: A total of 277 patients (315 eyes) achieved 360-degree catheterization of the canal successfully, and 299 eyes (94.9%) completed the postoperative 6-month follow-up. Thirty-four eyes (10.8%) had persistently high IOP, so the surgical treatment failed in them. Consequently, 234 patients (265 eyes) were enrolled in the analyses, including 161 males (184 eyes) and 73 females (81 eyes). The median age was 42 (26, 54) years, the mean preoperative IOP was (37.7±11.1) mmHg, and the mean number of drugs used was 3 (2, 4). The incidence of early transient IOP elevation was 43.0% (114/265) in all enrolled eyes, 42.7% (35/82) in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma, 37.8% (17/45) in eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma, 27.7% (13/47) in eyes with congenital glaucoma and 53.8% (49/91) in eyes with secondary glaucoma. The IOP began to increase on the first to fourth week in 91.2% (104/114) of eyes with early transient IOP elevation and reached the peak [21.3 mmHg to 54.8 mmHg; mean, (32.4±8.2) mmHg] in 88.6% (101/114) on the first to fifth week after surgery. The IOP elevation lasted for no more than 4 weeks in 69.3% (79/114) of eyes. Conclusions: Over 40.0% of patients with penetrating canaloplasty may experience postoperative transient IOP elevation. The incidence is relatively high in secondary glaucoma but low in congenital glaucoma. Most of the elevations and peak IOP occur within 1-4 weeks after surgery.

[Effects and mechanism of water-soluble chitosan hydrogel on infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice]

Objective: To explore the effects and mechanism of water-soluble chitosan hydrogel on infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice. Methods: The experimental research method was adopted. The control hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol and gelatin, and the water-soluble chitosan hydrogel composed of the aforementioned two materials and water-soluble chitosan were prepared by the cyclic freeze-thaw method. The fluidity of the two dressings in test tube before and after the first freeze-thawing was generally observed, and the difference in appearance of the final state of two dressings in 12-well plates were compared. According to random number table (the same grouping method below), the cell strains of L929 and HaCaT were both divided into water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group and control hydrogel group, respectively. After adding corresponding dressings and culturing for 24 h, the cell proliferation activity was measured using cell counting kit 8. Rabbit blood erythrocyte suspensions were divided into normal saline group, polyethylene glycol octyl phenyl ether (Triton X-100) group, water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group, and control hydrogel group, which were treated accordingly and incubated for 1 hour, and then the hemolysis degree of erythrocyte was detected by a microplate reader. Twenty-four female db/db mice aged 11-14 weeks were selected, and full-thickness skin defect wounds on their backs were inflicted and inoculated with the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 72 h later, the mice were divided into blank control group, sulfadiazine silver hydrogel group, control hydrogel group, and water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group, which were treated accordingly. On post injury day (PID) 0 (immediately), 7, 14, and 21, the healing of the wound was observed. On PID 14 and 21, the wound healing rate was calculated. On PID 14, MRSA concentration in wounds was determined. On PID 21, the wounds were histologically analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; the expression of CD31 in the wounds was detected by immunofluorescence method, and its positive percentage was calculated. Raw264.7 cells were taken and divided into interleukin-4 (IL-4) group, blank control group, control hydrogel group, and water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group, which were treated accordingly. At 48 h of culture, the percentages of CD206 positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. The number of samples was all 3. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, least significant difference test, and Dunnett T3 test. Results: Two dressings in test tube had certain fluidity before freeze-thawing and formed semi-solid gels after freeze-thawing for once. The final forms of two dressings in 12-well plates were basically stable and translucent sheets, with little difference in transparency. At 24 h of culture, the cell proliferation activities of L929 and HaCaT in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in control hydrogel group (with t values of 6.37 and 7.50, respectively, P<0.01). At 1 h of incubation, the hemolysis degree of erythrocyte in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was significantly lower than that in Triton X-100 group (P<0.01), but similar to that in normal saline group and control hydrogel group (P>0.05). On PID 0, the traumatic conditions of mice in the 4 groups were similar. On PID 7, more yellowish exudates were observed inside the wound in blank control group and control hydrogel group, while a small amount of exudates were observed in the wound in sulfadiazine silver hydrogel group and water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group. On PID 14, the wounds in blank control group and control hydrogel group were dry and crusted without obvious epithelial coverage; in sulfadiazine silver hydrogel group, the scabs fell off and purulent exudate was visible on the wound; in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group, the base of wound was light red and obvious epithelial coverage could be observed on the wound. On PID 14, the wound healing rate in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups (all P<0.01). On PID 21, the wound in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was completely closed, while the wounds in the other 3 groups were not completely healed; the wound healing rate in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups (all P<0.01). On PID 14, the concentration of MRSA in the wound in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was significantly lower than that in blank control group (P<0.01), but similar to that in control hydrogel group and sulfadiazine silver hydrogel group (P>0.05). On PID 21, the new epidermis was severely damaged in blank control group; the epidermis on the wound in control hydrogel group also had a large area of defect; complete new epidermis had not yet being formed on the wound in sulfadiazine silver hydrogel group; the wound in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was not only completely covered by the new epidermis, the basal cells of the new epidermis were also regularly aligned. On PID 21, the percentage of CD31 positivity in the wound in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was (2.19±0.35)%, which was significantly higher than (0.18±0.05)% in blank control group, (0.23±0.06)% in control hydrogel group, and (0.62±0.25)% in sulfadiazine silver hydrogel group, all P<0.01. At 48 h of culture, the percentage of CD206 positive Raw264.7 cells in water-soluble chitosan hydrogel group was lower than that in IL-4 group (P>0.01) but significantly higher than that in blank control group and control hydrogel group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: The water-soluble chitosan hydrogel has good biosafety and can induce higher level of macrophage M2 polarization than control hydrogel without water-soluble chitosan, so it can enhance the repair effect of MRSA-infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice and promote rapid wound healing.

[Current situation and reflection of clinical trials in the field of burn medicine in China]

Clinical trials are of great significance in formulating guidelines or consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of burns. However, the innate advantages of clinical trials in the field of burn medicine in China have not been translated into evidence-based medical data. Our research group counted the literature published in major academic journals in the field of burn medicine at home and abroad from 2010 to 2020 in Chinese and English databases, and found that the number and proportion of clinical trials in the field of burn medicine published in Chinese journals were generally lower than those in English journals. Moreover, the number and proportion of clinical trials in the field of burn medicine published in Chinese journals were lower than those in the field of critical care medicine. On this basis, our research group statistically analyzed the registration status of clinical trials in the field of burn medicine from 2010 to 2020, and found that the registration volume and completion volume of clinical trials in the field of burn medicine in China were not only lower than those in the field of burn medicine in the United States, but also lower than those in the field of critical care medicine in China. The reasons for insufficient clinical trials in the field of burn medicine may be the decrease in the incidence of burns, the decrease in the number of burn specialists and their low income, and the lack of burn research talents. It is necessary for China to integrate the advantages of clinical resources in the field of burn medicine, strengthen clinical trial research, and improve the discourse power in the international community.

Gankyrin modulated non-small cell lung cancer progression via glycolysis metabolism in a YAP1-dependent manner

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is highly malignant and heterogeneous form of lung cancer and involves various oncogene alterations. Glycolysis, an important step in tumor metabolism, is closely related to cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the biological function and mechanism of action of Gankyrin in glycolysis and its association with NSCLC. Analyzed of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas as well as NSCLC specimens and adjacent tissues demonstrated that Gankyrin expression was upregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Gankyrin was found to significantly aggravate cancer-related phenotypes, including cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas Gankyrin silencing alleviated the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells. Our results reveal that Gankyrin exerted its function by regulating YAP1 expression and increasing its nuclear translocation. Importantly, YAP1 actuates glycolysis, which involves glucose uptake, lactic acid production, and ATP generation and thus might contribute to the tumorigenic effect of Gankyrin. Furthermore, the Gankyrin-accelerated glycolysis in NSCLC cells was reversed by YAP1 deficiency. Gankyrin knockdown reduced A549 cell tumorigenesis and EMT and decreased YAP1 expression in a subcutaneous xenograft nude mouse model. In conclusion, both Gankyrin and YAP1 play important roles in tumor metabolism, and Gankyrin-targeted inhibition may be a potential anti-cancer therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

Combined effect of Photorhabdus luminescens and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai on Plutella xylostella

In this study, we evaluated a new biopesticide containing different combinations of Photorhabdus luminescens (ATCC 29,999; Pl) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai (Bt) to leverage their insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella. Mixtures containing proteins of various sizes were assayed to determine which combination of the two bacteria would yield the maximum insecticidal activity. A histopathologic slide revealed vacuole formations and rifts near the apical membrane (a symptom of Bt) and severe thinning of the intestinal wall (a symptom of Pl). When the two bacteria were cultured separately and then mixed, the insecticidal activity of the treatment reached 83.33% ± 8.82%. The insecticidal activity was elevated and significantly accelerated when Bt was mixed with both the Pl supernatant and the isolated protein with a molecular mass [Formula: see text] 100 kDa of Pl. These results highlight the potential of Pl as a potent bioinsecticide to economically and sustainably control Pl. xylostella and other lepidopteran pests. KEY POINTS: • Growth inhibition by Bacillus thuringiensis exerted a significant effect on insecticidal activity. • Large Photorhabdus luminescens proteins can accelerate the synergistic insecticidal effect on Plutella xylostella.

[Intein-Mediated Protein trans-Splicing of the Recombinant Streptavidin on Magnetosomes]

When expressing streptavidin recombinant polypeptide on magnetosomes (called bacterial magnetic nanoparticles, or BMPs), the presence of endogenous bacterial biotin might be detrimental. In the study, the streptavidin monomer fragment (S1-116) was fused with the intein N-terminal (termed precursor S1-116-IN), and S1-116-IN was expressed in E. coli (BL21). Meanwhile, the SA117-160 fragment was fused with the C-terminal intein, and then this chimeric polypeptide was expressed on magnetosomes by fusion with magnetosome membrance protein MamF. In the in vitro protein splicing system, the purified engineered magnetosomes (BMP-SA117-160-IC) and the S1-116-IN precursor were mixed. Intein-mediated trans-splicing reaction was induced to produce the functional magnetic beads BMP-SA. Our results indicate that intein-mediated protein trans-splicing may lead to efficient synthesis of the recombinant streptavidin on the magnetosomes, showing its promising potential to produce other functional magnetic nanoparticles.

[Analysis on the imported Coronavirus Disease 2019 related cluster epidemic in rural areas of Chengdu]

An epidemiological investigation was carried out on a local cluster of outbreak caused by imported cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in rural areas of Chengdu in December 2020, to find out the source of infection and the chain of transmission. According to Prevention and Control Protocol for COVID-19 (Version 7), field epidemiological investigation was adopted, combined with big data technology, video image investigation, gene sequencing and other methods to carry out investigation into COVID-19 cases and infections source tracing, analyze the epidemiological association, and map the chain of transmission. From December 7 to 17, 2020, 13 local COVID-19 confirmed cases and 1 asymptomatic case were diagnosed in Chengdu, of which 12 cases (85.71%) had a history of residence and activity in the village courtyard of Taiping (TP), Pidu (P) District, Chengdu. From November 8, 2020 to November 28, 2020, a group of inbound people form Nepal were transferred to the designated entry personnel quarantine hotel of P District which was adjacent to the TP village. During quarantine, there were 5 cases who tested positive for COVID-19. Through gene sequencing alignment, genes of local cases and Nepalese imported cases from the same period are homologous, all belong to the lineage of L2.2.3 (B.1.36 according to Pangolin lineage typing method). According to the results of field epidemiological investigation and gene sequencing analysis, the index case was most likely infected by contact with household waste of quarantine site. Under the situation of normalization prevention and control of COVID-19, sentinel monitoring of fever clinics in primary medical institutions is the key to early detection of the epidemic. The multi-department joint epidemiological investigation and the application of gene technology are the core links of the investigation and traceability of modern infectious diseases. The allocation of public health resources in rural areas needs to be strengthened. We need to improve the capacity for early surveillance and early warning of the epidemic in rural areas.

[Quality of life of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma based on EQ-5D in Wenzhou]

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and its related factors in Wenzhou. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis. A total of 339 POAG patients diagnosed in the Wenzhou glaucoma progression study conducted in the Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University from March 2014 to October 2019 were included. Quality of life of POAG patients was assessed by EQ-5D including the visual analogue scale (VAS). The effects of gender, age, visual field loss (VFL), family history of glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, migraine, sleep quality, and amateur exercise on the quality of life were analyzed. The utility value (UV) and VAS score were expressed as the median (P₂₅, P₇₅), and Mann-Whitney U was used for the comparison between two groups. Kruskal-Wallis H was performed to compare the differences among multiple groups. Results: A total of 339 POAG patients were included in the study; 164 were males (48.4%), and 175 were females (51.6%). The mean age was (63±10) years. Thirty-four patients (10.0%) had received medication (including one with combined surgical treatment), while the remaining 305 patients (90.0%) had received no anti-glaucoma treatment. Among the patients, 10.5% (32/305) had no VFL, 68.9% (210/305) had mild VFL, 17.0% (52/305) had moderate VFL, and 3.6% (11/305) had severe VFL. In all patients, the median of UV was 1.000 (1.000, 1.000), the mean of UV was 0.964, and the median of VAS score was 80 (75, 90), the mean of VAS score was 81.58. Anxiety or depression and pain or discomfort occurred in 45.7% (43/94) and 34.1% (32/94), respectively, of POAG patients with decreased UVs, as well as mobility constraints in 13.8 % (13/94) and usual activity constraints in 6.4% (6/94). The median of UV of the eye with a better visual field in the group without VFL or with mild or moderate VFL was 1.000 (1.000, 1.000), and in the group with severe VFL was 1.000 (0.862, 1.000), but there was no significant difference in the UV and the VAS score of the eye with a better visual field among groups with different degrees of VFL (both P>0.05). There was statistically significant difference in the UV among groups with different sleep qualities (H=17.465; P<0.01). Using pairwise comparison, the median of UV of the very good sleep group was 1.000 (1.000, 1.000), significantly different to the slightly poor sleep group 1.000 (0.866, 1.000) (z=3.613; P<0.05). The median of UV in patients with migraine was 1.000 (0.875, 1.000), without migraine 1.000 (1.000, 1.000), and in patients with hypertension was 1.000 (0.875, 1.000), without hypertension 1.000 (1.000, 1.000), and in patients with diabetes was 1.000 (0.875, 1.000), without diabetes was 1.000 (1.000, 1.000), the difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.189, -3.864, -2.417; all P<0.05). The UV was not related to age, gender, family history of glaucoma, amateur exercise, alcohol and tobacco, and history of anti-glaucoma medication (all P>0.05). Conclusions: VFL is related to the UV of POAG patients in Wenzhou. Quality of life in mild POAG patients is good but decrease in advanced POAG patients. Sleep quality, systemic complications and physical or psychological discomfort impact on quality of life in POAG patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 207-214).

Heterogeneity of enhancement kinetics in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and implication of distant metastasis in invasive breast cancer

AIM

To investigate the heterogeneity of enhancement kinetics for breast tumour in order to demonstrate the predictive power of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for distant metastasis (DM) in invasive breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Time-signal intensity curve (TIC) patterns from 128 patients with invasive breast cancer were analysed by a pixel-based DCE-MRI analysis. This MRI technique enabled pixels with varying TIC patterns (persistent, plateau, washout and non-enhancement) to be categorised semi-automatically and the percentage of different TIC patterns in each breast tumour to be calculated. The percentage of TIC patterns was compared between the DM and non-DM groups. DM-free survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

This study demonstrated a larger percentage of persistent TIC and non-enhancement TIC was associated with DM in invasive breast cancer. The cut-off values of persistent TIC and non-enhancement TIC were 22.5% and 2.5%. Combining TIC patterns and traditional predictors (tumour size and axillary lymph node status) can improve the prediction efficiency. The multivariable model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.87 with 0.70 sensitivity and 0.87 specificity in leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). These predictors showed significant differences in DM-free survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that breast tumours with higher heterogeneity are more likely to metastasise, and pixel-based TIC analysis has utility in predicting distant metastasis of invasive breast cancer.

Intercomparison of dose enhancement ratio and secondary electron spectra for gold nanoparticles irradiated by X-rays calculated using multiple Monte Carlo simulation codes

PURPOSE

Targeted radiation therapy has seen an increased interest in the past decade. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed enhanced radiation doses due to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to tumors in mice and demonstrated a high potential for clinical application. However, finding a functionalized molecular formulation for actively targeting GNPs in tumor cells is challenging. Furthermore, the enhanced energy deposition by secondary electrons around GNPs, particularly by short-ranged Auger electrons is difficult to measure. Computational models, such as Monte Carlo (MC) radiation transport codes, have been used to estimate the physical quantities and effects of GNPs. However, as these codes differ from one to another, the reliability of physical and dosimetric quantities needs to be established at cellular and molecular levels, so that the subsequent biological effects can be assessed quantitatively.

METHODS

In this work, irradiation of single GNPs of 50 nm and 100 nm diameter by X-ray spectra generated by 50 and 100 peak kilovoltages was simulated for a defined geometry setup, by applying multiple MC codes in the EURADOS framework.

RESULTS

The mean dose enhancement ratio of the first 10 nm-thick water shell around a 100 nm GNP ranges from 400 for 100 kVp X-rays to 600 for 50 kVp X-rays with large uncertainty factors up to 2.3.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that the absolute dose enhancement effects have large uncertainties and need an inter-code intercomparison for a high quality assurance; relative properties may be a better measure until more experimental data is available to constrain the models.

HMGA1-mediated miR-671-5p targets APC to promote metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through Wnt signaling

This study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-671-5p on metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and underlying mechanism involved. The migration and invasion of ccRCC cells were determined by transwell and boyden assays in vitro and in vivo. Genes mRNA and protein expression were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. The target gene of miRNA was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Transcriptional regulation of miRNA by transcription factor was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). The expression of miRNA in clinical specimens were detected by in situ hybridization (ISH). miR-671-5p promoted migration and invasion of ccRCC in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, miR-671-5p directly targeted APC to activate Wnt signaling, thus inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ccRCC. Intriguingly, miR-671-5p expression was transcriptionally enhanced by HMGA1. Consistently, bioinformatics analysis suggested that HMGA1 was positively correlated with miR-671 expression, however, miR-671 was negatively correlated with APC. In situ hybridization analysis showed that miR-671-5p was upregulated in ccRCC compared with paracarcinoma and correlated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. In addition, univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that miR-671-5p expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in ccRCC patients. Our data suggest that miR-671-5p is a tumor enhancer in regulating of ccRCC metastasis, and miR-671-5p may be utilized as a factor for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC.

Protective effects of trehalose on frozen-thawed ovarian granulosa cells of cattle

In this study, trehalose was investigated for its cryoprotective effects on ovarian granulosa cells (bGCs) of cattle. Five concentrations of trehalose at 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mol/L were added to the cryopreservation medium of bGCs, and the effects on the quality of frozen-thawed bGCs were assessed. The results indicate that the use of cryopreservation medium containing 0.2 and 0.4 mol/L of trehalose resulted in a greater rate of bGC viability compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). Culturing with trehalose at 0.2 and 0.4 mol/L increased 17β- estradiol (E₂)and decreased progesterone (P₄)production (P < 0.05) in post-thawed bGCs. Compared with the control group, the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations of frozen-thawed bGCs were less in all treatment groups (P<0.05), and the least Ca²⁺ concentration was observed in the group containing 0.4 mol/L trehalose. The plasma membrane potentials of frozen-thawed bGCs were greater in the groups with 0.2 and 0.4 mol/L trehalose, and the group treated with 0.4 mol/L trehalose had the greatest membrane potential in comparison to other groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of the CYP19 mRNA in frozen-thawed bGCs was greater in the groups containing 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mol/L trehalose, and relative abundances of FSHR and BCL2 mRNA were greater in the group of bGCs treated with 0.2 mol/L trehalose (P<0.05). Trehalose treatment at 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mol/L had an inhibitory effect on BAX gene transcription in frozen-thawed bGCs (P<0.05). In summary, trehalose exhibited a greater cryoprotective effect on bGCs than basic cryopreservation medium.

[Clinical diagnosis and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the external auditory canal]

Objective:To discuss the clinical diagnosis, therapies and prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of external auditory canal.Method:Eleven patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of external auditory canal, who had been admitted to West China hospital, Sichuan university from April 2009 to October 2015 were recruited and a retrospective analysis was performed.Result:All the 11 patients were treated with surgery except one elderly with T1 stage who was only treated with radiotherapy(RT),1 of the 10 patients treated with surgery were added on radiotherapy after surgery. Following up for 12-104 months,the patient who was treated with RT alone has survived with carcinoma for 51 months by now,among the remainder stage T1 patients,one was reoperated for local recurrence 95 months after surgery, and therefore survived without recurrence.The other 2 patients all survived with free-disease;in the stage T2 patients,one was lost to follow-up after identified local recurrence with pulmonary masses 12 months after surgery, another one committed suicide because of family problems 56 months after operation,and the other one survived without recurrence for 57 months after surgery; the stage T3 patient survived without recurrence for 26 months at present;in the T4 patients, one died after gamma knife therapy for local recurrent disease with brain metastasis 22 months after surgery, another one died from pulmonary metastasis 17 months after surgery,and the other one survived without recurrence for 56 months.Conclusion:Adenoid cystic carcinoma of external auditory canal is a rare disease with high misdiagnosis rate and progresses slowly.Surgery is the preferred therapy.The prognosis is closely related to disease clinical stage at presentation type of pathology and surgical approaches. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of external auditory canal is characteristically susceptible to local recurrence and distant metastasis,inaddition to routine re-exam of ear,the patients should be reviewed carefully to exclude of pulmonary,brain and kidney metastasis during follow-up.

[A case report of sphenoid sinus Schwannoma]

Schwannomas are neurogenic tumors that arise from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath, also called shwann cell tumor. More common in patients with 30 to 40 years old. This tumor always occurs in the septum, maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, etc. The Schwannoma is rare in sphenoid sinus with only sporadic cases at home and abroad. Our institute received and cured a sphenoid sinus nerve sheath tumor patient, the preoperative misdiagnosis is the sphenoid sinus cyst and the postoperative pathological diagnosis is sphenoid sinus nerve sheath tumor. Therefore, we introduce a case of the sphenoid sinus nerve sheath tumor misdiagnosed as the sphenoid sinus cyst.

Inhibition of lncRNA PFRL prevents pulmonary fibrosis by disrupting the miR-26a/smad2 loop

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial lung disease with increasing mortality and poor prognosis. The current understanding of the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in IPF remains limited. In the present study, we identified a lncRNA NONMMUT022554, designated pulmonary fibrosis-regulatory lncRNA (PFRL), with unknown functions and found that its levels were increased in fibrotic lung tissues of mice and pulmonary fibroblasts exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Furthermore, we found that enforced expression of PFRL induced fibroblast activation and collagen deposition, which could be mitigated by the overexpression of microRNA (miR)-26a. By contrast, the inhibition of PFRL could markedly alleviate the TGF-β1-induced upregulation of fibrotic markers and attenuate fibroblast proliferation and differentiation by regulating miR-26a. Meanwhile, our study confirmed that PFRL inhibited the expression and activity of miR-26a, which has been identified as an antifibrotic miRNA in our previous study. Interestingly, our molecular study further confirmed that Smad2 transcriptionally inhibits the expression of miR-26a and that the miR-26a/Smad2 feedback loop mediates the profibrotic effects of PFRL in lung fibrosis. More importantly, knockdown of PFRL ablated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that lncRNA PFRL contributes to the progression of lung fibrosis by modulating the reciprocal repression between miR-26a and Smad2 and that this lncRNA may be a therapeutic target for IPF.

lncRNA PFAR Promotes Lung Fibroblast Activation and Fibrosis by Targeting miR-138 to Regulate the YAP1-Twist Axis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in various pathophysiological processes in many diseases. However, the role and mechanism of lncRNAs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have not been explicitly delineated. In the present study, we reported that lncRNA NONMMUT065582, designated pulmonary fibrosis-associated RNA (PFAR), is upregulated in the lungs of mice with lung fibrosis as well as in fibrotic lung fibroblasts. Overexpression of PFAR promoted fibrogenesis through modulation of miR-138, whereas knockdown of PFAR attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in lung fibroblasts. In addition, knockdown of miR-138 promoted fibrogenesis by targeting regulation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), whereas enhanced expression of miR-138 attenuated fibrogenesis in lung fibroblasts. Mechanistically, PFAR acted as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-138: forced expression of PFAR reduced the expression and activity of miR-138 to activate YAP1 and promote fibrogenesis in lung fibroblasts, whereas loss of YAP1 abrogated the pro-fibrotic effect of PFAR. More importantly, PFAR silencing alleviated BLM-induced lung fibrosis in mice. Taken together, the results of our study identified lncRNA PFAR as a new pro-fibrotic molecule that acts as a ceRNA of miR-138 during lung fibrosis and demonstrated PFAR as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of lung fibrosis.

Systematic analyses reveal long non-coding RNA (PTAF)-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

A deeper mechanistic understanding of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation is needed to improve current anti-metastasis strategies in ovarian cancer (OvCa). This study was designed to investigate the role of lncRNAs in EMT regulation during process of invasion-metastasis in serous OvCa to improve current anti-metastasis strategies for OvCa.

METHODS

We systematically analyzes high-throughput gene expression profiles of both lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in OvCa samples with integrated epithelial (iE) subtype and integrated mesenchymal (iM) subtype labels. Mouse models, cytobiology, molecular biology assays and clinical samples were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA PTAF-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous OvCa.

RESULTS

We constructed a lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network that affects the expression of many EMT-related protein-coding genes in mesenchymal OvCa. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies, we provided evidence that the lncRNA PTAF-miR-25-SNAI2 axis controlled EMT in OvCa. Our results revealed that up-regulated PTAF induced elevated SNAI2 expression by competitively binding to miR-25, which in turn promoted OvCa cell EMT and invasion. Moreover, we found that silencing of PTAF inhibited tumor progression and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of OvCa. We then observed a significant correlation between PTAF expression and EMT markers in OvCa patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The lncRNA PTAF, a mediator of TGF-β signaling, can predispose OvCa patients to metastases and may serve as a potential target for anti-metastatic therapies for mesenchymal OvCa patients.

[A follow-up study of six years' outcome of children with asthma in urban area of Beijing]

Objective: To understand the outcome of asthma in children from urban area of Beijing and the factors associated with the outcome. Methods: A total of 497 children with asthma diagnosed in the epidemiological survey of childhood asthma in urban area of Beijing in 2010 were selected in this study. Telephone follow-up was conducted in 2016 to obtain information about asthma attack, emergency visit, hospitalization, medication and disease control, and data of comorbidities of allergic diseases from 1 year earlier. Enumeration data were compared using chi-square test, measurement data were compared by rank sum test. The multi-factor logistic regression analysis was employed for the relationship between the related factors and asthma, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and COX regression was employed to understand the relationship between the related factors and the course of the disease. Results: Questionnaires were conducted in 366 children, of whom 66.7% (244/366) were male, and 33.3% (122/366) were female.Compared with 2010, the rate of asthma attack and emergency room visits in children in last 12 months were significantly lower (19.1%(70/366) vs. 57.1%(284/497), and 3.0% (11/366) vs.19.7% (98/497), χ(2)=125.910 and 53.352, both P<0.01). There was no significant change in the proportion of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in last 12 months compared with that 6 years ago (both P>0.05). The number of children with clinical remission (2 years and above) was 75.4% (276/366). The number of children without remission within 2 years was 24.6% (90/366). The majority of children without remission were less than 12 years old boys (52.4% (33/63) vs. 30.9% (56/181) , χ(2)=9.273, P<0.01) . The proportion of children without remission associated with allergic rhinitis (67.8%(61/90)), atopic dermatitis (30.0%(27/90)), first-degree relatives with asthma (68.9%(62/90)) was higher than that of children with remission (51.8%(143/276), 17.0%(47/276), and 54.7%(151/276), respectively, χ(2)=7.013, 7.079, 5.608, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of children without remission who used control drugs was (33.3%(30/90)), which was higher than that in children with remission (7.2%(20/276), χ(2)=39.158, P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that boy (OR=2.402 (1.611-3.580), P<0.05), later onset (OR=4.339 (>3-6 years old vs. 0-3 years old), OR=2.630(>6 years old vs. 0-3 years old), χ(2)=18.512, 31.371, 6.510, all P<0.05) were independent risk factors for asthma remission. COX regression analysis showed that the use of control drugs (HR=0.705 (0.515-0.964), χ(2)=4.795, P<0.05) was the relevant factor in the course of the disease. Conclusions: With the increase of age, the incidence of asthma in children in Beijing city in recent 12 months reduced. Male and late onsets were independent risk factors for asthma remission. The use of control drugs was the relevant factor in the course of the disease.

YAP1 contributes to NSCLC invasion and migration by promoting Slug transcription via the transcription co-factor TEAD

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) contributes to the development of multiple tumors, but the mechanism underlying YAP1 deregulation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. By performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, we found that YAP1 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC compared with adjacent tissues; therefore, we sought to elucidate whether the upregulation of YAP1 contributes to NSCLC progression. MTT and transwell assays showed that YAP1 overexpression promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion in the NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460; YAP1 overexpression also promoted the significant differential expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. Nevertheless, YAP1 knockdown alleviated TGF-β1-induced EMT and proliferation, migration, and invasion in NSCLC. Furthermore, western blotting showed that the co-transcription complex YAP1/TEAD was impaired by YAPS94A (a YAP1 mutant without the TEAD binding site), and verteporfin (a small molecular inhibitor of YAP1) inhibited A549 and H460 cell metastasis and EMT-related markers expression, indicating that TEAD mediated the NSCLC aggressiveness induced by YAP1. Moreover, sequence analysis and ChIP and luciferase assays confirmed that YAP1 transcriptionally activated Slug expression by binding to TEAD. Importantly, silencing YAP1 inhibited A549 cell tumorigenesis and EMT and downregulated Slug expression in vivo. Overall, our findings revealed that YAP1 is a driver of NSCLC metastasis because YAP1 promoted the EMT program by inducing Slug transcription.

[An analysis of the characteristics of perioperative cardiac troponin elevation in orthopaedic surgical patients]

Objective: Perioperative myocardial infarction remains a severe complication in non-cardiac surgery and is one of the major causes of death. Cardiac troponin (cTn) I elevation is associated with short-term and long-term mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the proportion rate of cTnI elevation and its clinical characteristics among patients admitted for orthopaedic surgery with or without cardiovascular events. Methods: This is a retrospective study including 27 744 patients aged 50 years or older who admitted for orthopaedic surgery from 2009-2015 in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. Results: Two hundred and sixty-five patients [age (71.7±9.9) years] had cTnI level> 0.04 μg/L with 66% (175 patients) of them being female. Among them, 59 patients were isolated troponin rise (ITR) (n=59), 13 were preoperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 193 were postoperative AMI. The proportion of postoperative AMI was 0.69%. Those patients were more likely to have a history of coronary artery disease or hypertension. Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was more common (93.3%) than ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in these patients. Most of them did not experience ischemic symptoms. Totally 76.7% of the AMI occurred within 3 days of surgery; and the in-hospital mortality rate was 10.4%. Conclusions: Perioperative elevation of troponin is common in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Most postoperative AMI were NSTEMI and with absent or atypical ischemia symptoms. Monitoring troponin levels and electrocardiograph in at-risk patients is needed to find most of the AMI.

Propranolol inhibits the proliferation, migration and tube formation of hemangioma cells through HIF-1α dependent mechanisms

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of propranolol on the regression of hemangiomas. Propranolol-treated hemangioma tissues were collected and the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was examined. We also established HIF-1α overexpression and knockdown hemangioma cells, and determined the effects of HIF-1α on the hemangioma cells proliferation, apoptosis, migration and tube formation. Significantly increased HIF-1α level was found in the hemangioma tissues compared to that in normal vascular tissues, whereas propranolol treatment decreased the HIF-1α level in hemangioma tissues in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, propranolol treatment significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration and tube formation as well as promoted cell apoptosis in HIF-1α overexpression and knockdown hemangioma cells. Propranolol suppressed the cells proliferation, migration and tube formation of hemangioma cells through HIF-1α dependent mechanisms. HIF-1α could serve as a novel target in the treatment of hemangiomas.

Size-dependent electrical transport properties in Co nanocluster-assembled granular films

A series of Co nanocluster-assembled films with cluster sizes ranging from 4.5 nm to 14.7 nm were prepared by the plasma-gas-condensation method. The size-dependent electrical transport properties were systematically investigated. Both of the longitudinal resistivity (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xx}$$\end{document}ρxx) and saturated anomalous Hall resistivity (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xy}^{A}$$\end{document}ρxyA) continuously increased with the decrease of the cluster sizes (d). The \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xx}$$\end{document}ρxx firstly increased and then decreased with increasing the temperature for all samples, which could be well described by involving the thermally fluctuation-induced tunneling (FIT) process and scattering. The tunneling effect was verified to result in the invalidation of classical anomalous Hall effect (AHE) scaling relation. After deducting the contribution from tunneling effect to \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xx}$$\end{document}ρxx, the AHE scaling relation between \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xy}^{A}$$\end{document}ρxyA and the scattering resistivity (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{S}$$\end{document}ρS) by varying the temperature was reconstructed. The value of scaling exponent γ increased with increasing Co cluster sizes. The size dependence of γ might be qualitatively interpreted by the interface and surface-induced spin flip scattering. We also determined the scaling relation between \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xy}^{A}$$\end{document}ρxyA and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{S}$$\end{document}ρS at 5 K by changing the Co cluster sizes, and a large value of γ = 3.6 was obtained which might be ascribed to the surface and interfacial scattering.

Thermodynamic Ground States of Complex Oxide Heterointerfaces

The formation mechanism of 2-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) at heterointerfaces between nominally insulating oxides is addressed with a thermodynamical approach. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the thermodynamic ground states of various 2DEG systems directly probed in high temperature equilibrium conductivity measurements. We unambiguously identify two distinct classes of oxide heterostructures: For epitaxial perovskite/perovskite heterointerfaces (LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃, NdGaO₃/SrTiO₃, and (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O₃/SrTiO₃), we find the 2DEG formation being based on charge transfer into the interface, stabilized by the electric field in the space charge region. In contrast, for amorphous LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ and epitaxial γ-Al₂O₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructures, the 2DEG formation mainly relies on the formation and accumulation of oxygen vacancies. This class of 2DEG structures exhibits an unstable interface reconstruction associated with a quenched nonequilibrium state.

Breaking through the strength-ductility trade-off dilemma in an Al-Si-based casting alloy

Al-Si-based casting alloys have a great potential in various industrial applications. Common strengthening strategies on these alloys are accompanied inevitably by sacrifice of ductility, known as strength-ductility trade-off dilemma. Here, we report a simple route by combining rapid solidification (RS) with a post-solidification heat treatment (PHT), i.e. a RS + PHT route, to break through this dilemma using a commercial Al-Si-based casting alloy (A356 alloy) as an example. It is shown that yield strength and elongation to failure of the RS + PHT processed alloy are elevated simultaneously by increasing the cooling rate upon RS, which are not influenced by subsequent T6 heat treatment. Breaking through the dilemma is attributed to the hierarchical microstructure formed by the RS + PHT route, i.e. highly dispersed nanoscale Si particles in Al dendrites and nanoscale Al particles decorated in eutectic Si. Simplicity of the RS + PHT route makes it being suitable for industrial scaling production. The strategy of engineering microstructures offers a general pathway in tailoring mechanical properties of other Al-Si-based alloys. Moreover, the remarkably enhanced ductility of A356 alloy not only permits strengthening further the material by work hardening but also enables possibly conventional solid-state forming of the material, thus extending the applications of such an alloy.

Mitochondrial tRNALeu(CUN) A12307G variant may not be associated pancreatic cancer

Mitochondrial DNA mutations that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction have long been proposed to play important roles in the development of pancreatic cancer. Of these, alterations to mitochondrial tRNA genes constitute the largest group. Most recently, a variation at position 12307 in the gene encoding tRNA(Leu(CUN)) has been reported to be associated with this disease. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this relationship remains poorly understood. To assess this association, we evaluated this variant by evolutionary conservation analysis, measurements of allelic frequencies among control subjects, and use of several bioinformatic tools to estimate potential structural and functional alterations. We found this residue to have a high conservation index; however, the presence of the A12307G variation in control subjects revealed by a literature search suggested it to be common in human populations. Moreover, RNAfold results showed that this variant did not alter the secondary structure of tRNA(Leu(CUN)). Through the application of a pathogenicity scoring system, this variant was determined to be a "neutral polymorphism," with a score of only 4 points based on current data. Thus, the contribution of the A12307G variant to pancreatic cancer needs to be addressed in further experimental studies.

Osthole Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Inhibits Migration and Invasion via PTEN/Akt Pathways in Osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Osteosarcoma is the second highest cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Majority of osteosarcoma patients (90%) show metastasis. Previous reports revealed that osthole showed antitumor activities via induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. However, the potential effects and detailed molecular mechanisms involved remained unclear.

METHODS

Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay in osteosarcoma cell lines MG-63 and SAOS-2. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The effects of migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell assays. Moreover, the level of proteins expression was determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

The cell viability of MG63 and SAOS-2 were markedly inhibited by osthole in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle was arrested and the ability of migration and invasion was obviously reduced when cells were exposed to osthole. Moreover, enzymes involved in PTEN/Akt pathway were regulated such as PTEN and p-Akt proteins. Furthermore, osthole inhibited the tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our study unraveled, for the first time, the ability of osthole to suppress osteosarcoma and elucidated the regulation of PTEN/Akt pathway as a signaling mechanism for the anti-tumor action of osthole. These findings indicate that osthole may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis (MASK-rhinitis): the new generation guideline implementation

Several unmet needs have been identified in allergic rhinitis: identification of the time of onset of the pollen season, optimal control of rhinitis and comorbidities, patient stratification, multidisciplinary team for integrated care pathways, innovation in clinical trials and, above all, patient empowerment. MASK-rhinitis (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) is a simple system centred around the patient which was devised to fill many of these gaps using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools and a clinical decision support system (CDSS) based on the most widely used guideline in allergic rhinitis and its asthma comorbidity (ARIA 2015 revision). It is one of the implementation systems of Action Plan B3 of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA). Three tools are used for the electronic monitoring of allergic diseases: a cell phone-based daily visual analogue scale (VAS) assessment of disease control, CARAT (Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test) and e-Allergy screening (premedical system of early diagnosis of allergy and asthma based on online tools). These tools are combined with a clinical decision support system (CDSS) and are available in many languages. An e-CRF and an e-learning tool complete MASK. MASK is flexible and other tools can be added. It appears to be an advanced, global and integrated ICT answer for many unmet needs in allergic diseases which will improve policies and standards.

Specificity of human anti-variable heavy (VH ) chain autoantibodies and impact on the design and clinical testing of a VH domain antibody antagonist of tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1

During clinical trials of a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-R1 domain antibody (dAb™) antagonist (GSK1995057), infusion reactions consistent with cytokine release were observed in healthy subjects with high levels of a novel, pre-existing human anti-VH (HAVH) autoantibody. In the presence of HAVH autoantibodies, GSK1995057 induced cytokine release in vitro due to binding of HAVH autoantibodies to a framework region of the dAb. The epitope on GSK1995057 was characterized and dAbs with reduced binding to HAVH autoantibodies were generated; pharmacological comparability was determined in human in-vitro systems and in-vivo animal experiments. A Phase I clinical trial was conducted to investigate the safety and tolerability of the modified dAb (GSK2862277). A significant reduction in HAVH binding was achieved by adding a single alanine residue at the C-terminus to create GSK2862277. Screening a pool of healthy donors demonstrated a reduced frequency of pre-existing autoantibodies from 51% to 7%; in all other respects, GSK2862277 and the parent dAb were comparable. In the Phase I trial, GSK2862277 was well tolerated by both the inhaled and intravenous routes. One subject experienced a mild infusion reaction with cytokine release following intravenous dosing. Subsequently, this subject was found to have high levels of a novel pre-existing antibody specific to the extended C-terminus of GSK2862277. Despite the reduced binding of GSK2862277 to pre-existing HAVH autoantibodies, adverse effects associated with the presence of a novel pre-existing antibody response specific to the modified dAb framework were identified and highlight the challenge of developing biological antagonists to this class of receptor.

Extreme mobility enhancement of two-dimensional electron gases at oxide interfaces by charge-transfer-induced modulation doping

Two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) formed at the interface of insulating complex oxides promise the development of all-oxide electronic devices. These 2DEGs involve many-body interactions that give rise to a variety of physical phenomena such as superconductivity, magnetism, tunable metal-insulator transitions and phase separation. Increasing the mobility of the 2DEG, however, remains a major challenge. Here, we show that the electron mobility is enhanced by more than two orders of magnitude by inserting a single-unit-cell insulating layer of polar La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO3 (x = 0, 1/8, and 1/3) at the interface between disordered LaAlO3 and crystalline SrTiO3 produced at room temperature. Resonant X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy show that the manganite layer undergoes unambiguous electronic reconstruction, leading to modulation doping of such atomically engineered complex oxide heterointerfaces. At low temperatures, the modulation-doped 2DEG exhibits Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations and fingerprints of the quantum Hall effect, demonstrating unprecedented high mobility and low electron density.

Functional characterization of the vitellogenin promoter in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Genetic transformation and genome editing technologies have been successfully established in the lepidopteran insect model, the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, providing great potential for functional genomics and practical applications. However, the current lack of cis-regulatory elements in B. mori gene manipulation research limits further exploitation in functional gene analysis. In the present study, we characterized a B. mori endogenous promoter, Bmvgp, which is a 798-bp DNA sequence adjacent to the 5'-end of the vitellogenin gene (Bmvg). PiggyBac-based transgenic analysis shows that Bmvgp precisely directs expression of a reporter gene, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), in a sex-, tissue- and stage-specific manner. In transgenic animals, EGFP expression can be detected in the female fat body from larval-pupal ecdysis to the following pupal and adult stage. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that EGFP expression can be activated by 20-hydroxyecdysone, which is consistent with endogenous Bmvg expression. These data indicate that Bmvgp is an effective endogenous cis-regulatory element in B. mori.

Variants -250G/A and -514C/T in the LIPC gene are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Chinese women

We examined the influence of the promoter polymorphisms -250G/A (rs2070895) and -514C/T (rs1800588) in the human hepatic lipase (LIPC) gene on dyslipidemia and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) in a Chinese population. Clinically defined HDCP patients (N = 321) and healthy pregnant women (N = 331) were recruited and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the two LIPC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The results showed significant relationships between HDCP and triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), which confirmed that HDCP was accompanied by dyslipidemia. The results also demonstrated that in gestational hypertension (GH) patients, both total cholesterol (TC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were related to the two SNPs (P ≤ 0.004), although no significant association was found between HDCP and LIPC genotypes or alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium of the two SNPs was found in both HDCP patients (R(2) = 0.867) and controls (R(2) = 0.91). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with -250G/A in women with mild preeclampsia (MPE) (P = 0.01). Carriers of the mutant homozygote -250AA genotype presented higher BMI in the MPE group. In conclusion, the LIPC -250G/A and -514C/T variants influenced TC and SBP levels in GH patients and the BMI level in the MPE group, although there was no evidence to validate an association between HDCP and LIPC allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies.

Integrated care pathways for airway diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs)

The objective of Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs) is to launch a collaboration to develop multi-sectoral care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases in European countries and regions. AIRWAYS-ICPs has strategic relevance to the European Union Health Strategy and will add value to existing public health knowledge by: 1) proposing a common framework of care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases, which will facilitate comparability and trans-national initiatives; 2) informing cost-effective policy development, strengthening in particular those on smoking and environmental exposure; 3) aiding risk stratification in chronic disease patients, using a common strategy; 4) having a significant impact on the health of citizens in the short term (reduction of morbidity, improvement of education in children and of work in adults) and in the long-term (healthy ageing); 5) proposing a common simulation tool to assist physicians; and 6) ultimately reducing the healthcare burden (emergency visits, avoidable hospitalisations, disability and costs) while improving quality of life. In the longer term, the incidence of disease may be reduced by innovative prevention strategies. AIRWAYSICPs was initiated by Area 5 of the Action Plan B3 of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. All stakeholders are involved (health and social care, patients, and policy makers).

Room temperature formation of high-mobility two-dimensional electron gases at crystalline complex oxide interfaces

Well-controlled sub-unit-cell layer-bylayer epitaxial growth of spinel alumina is achieved at room temperature on a TiO2 -terminated SrTiO3 single-crystalline substrate. By tailoring the interface redox reaction, 2D electron gases with mobilities exceeding 3000 cm 2 V(-1) s(-1) are achieved at this novel oxide interface.

Relationship between tumor and peripheral blood NPRL2 mRNA levels in patients with colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer

NPRL2 is a tumor suppressor gene involved in the progression of human cancer. The present study investigated whether NPRL2 expression correlates with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Colorectal tissue and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 62 patients with CRC, 38 patients with colorectal adenomas and 51 normal controls. NPRL2 mRNA levels in tissue samples and blood were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. NPRL2 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. NPRL2 protein expression in CRCs was significantly lower than in the adenomas or normal colorectal tissue. NPRL2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in adenomas compared with normal controls (P<0.0001) and it was further decreased in colorectal tumors compared with adenomas (P<0.0001). NPRL2 mRNA levels expression correlated with tumor stage. In addition, NPRL2 mRNA levels in the blood correlated with the levels detected in tumors. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that NPRL2 expression in blood could distinguish colorectal adenomas and CRCs from normal controls. NPRL2 mRNA expression in CRC tumor tissues and peripheral blood correlated with colorectal tumor progression. Based on our findings, we can conclude that NPRL2 mRNA blood levels could be a potentially useful marker for the detection of early stage adenomas and CRCs.

[Evaluation of the expression and significance of Claudin-5 and CD99 in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors of pancreas]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of endothelium tight junction protein Claudin-5 and intercellular adhesion molecule CD99 in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) and neuroendocrine tumors of pancreas (P-NET), and their significance in the differential diagnoses.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining of Claudin-5 and CD99 was performed in 37 cases SPN and 21 cases of P-NET.

RESULTS

Membranous Claudin-5 expression was observed in all cases of SPN but was absent in all cases of P-NET. The difference was significant (P < 0.01). In SPN, 91.9% (34/37) of the cases displayed paranuclear dot-like immunoreactivity for CD99; in contrast, 61.9% (13/21) of the cases of P-NET displayed membranous staining (P < 0.01). There was a positive association between the expression of Claudin-5 and CD99 in SPN (r = 0.421,P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the macroscopic and microscopic features of SPN are quite characteristic, they may not allow confident differentiation from P-NET in all cases, especially when these characteristics are not classical. If necessary, immunostaining for Claudin-5 and CD99 can help to differentiate between these entities.

Predicting targeted polypharmacology for drug repositioning and multi- target drug discovery

Prediction of polypharmacology of known drugs and new molecules against selected multiple targets is highly useful for finding new therapeutic applications of existing drugs (drug repositioning) and for discovering multi-target drugs with improved therapeutic efficacies by collective regulations of primary therapeutic targets, compensatory signalling and drug resistance mechanisms. In this review, we describe recent progresses in exploration of in-silico methods for predicting polypharmacology of known drugs and new molecules by means of structure-based (molecular docking, binding- site structural similarity, receptor-based pharmacophore searching), expression-based (expression profile/signature similarity disease-drug and drug-drug networks), ligand-based (similarity searching, side-effect similarity, QSAR, machine learning), and fragment-based approaches that have shown promising potential in facilitating drug repositioning and the discovery of multi-target drugs.

PTEN hypermethylation profiles of Chinese Kazakh patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Aberrant DNA methylation of promoter region CpG islands may serve as an alternative mechanism to genetic defects in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) in human malignancies. The aim of this study was to examine the promoter methylation status of the PTEN TSG and its association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) carcinogenesis in a Chinese Kazakh population, which is known to have a relatively high ESCC incidence and mortality. The methylation status of the PTEN promoter region was determined in patients with ESCC (n = 95) and healthy individuals (n = 65) using highly sensitive Sequenom Epityper assays. The methylation level of the PTEN gene was significantly higher in patients with ESCC than in healthy controls. The median methylation level was 10.0% (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.0-11.0%) in patients with ESCC and 6.0% in controls (IQR: 4.0-9.0%; P = 0.001). PTEN methylation levels were higher in male patients with ESCC than in male controls, whereas a trend toward significance was observed between female patients with ESCC and female controls (P = 0.005 and P = 0.086, respectively). The PTEN methylation level was associated with histopathological grade and lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the presence of PTEN promoter CpG hypermethylation in ESCC and its association with tumor metastasis.