[Analysis of clinical and genetic characteristics of the severe liver disease phenotype in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration].

Objective: To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics and predictive role of the severe liver disease phenotype in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD). Methods: Inpatients with HLD confirmed at Xinhua Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 1989 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects. Clinical classification was performed according to the affected organs. Patients with liver disease phenotypes were classified into the liver disease group and further divided into the severe liver disease group and the ordinary liver disease group. The clinical characteristics and genetic variations were compared in each group of patients. The predictive indicators of patients with severe liver disease were analyzed by multiple regression. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ(2) test according to different data. Results: Of the 159 HLD cases, 142 were in the liver disease group (34 in the severe liver disease group and 108 in the ordinary liver disease group), and 17 were in the encephalopathy group. The median age of onset was statistically significantly different between the liver disease group and the encephalopathy group [12.6 (7.0, 13.3) years versus 16.9 (11.0, 21.5) years, P<0.01]. 156 ATP7B gene mutation sites were found in 83 cases with genetic testing results, of which 54 cases carried the p.Arg778Leu gene mutation (allele frequency 46.2%). Compared with patients with other types of gene mutations (n=65), patients with homozygous p.Arg778Leu mutations (n=18) had lower blood ceruloplasmin and albumin levels, a higher prognostic index, Child-Pugh score, an international normalized ratio, and prothrombin time (P<0.05). Hemolytic anemia, corneal K-F ring, homozygous p.Arg778Leu mutation, and multiple laboratory indexes in the severe liver disease group were statistically significantly different from those in the ordinary liver disease group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the predictive factors for severe liver disease were homozygous p.Arg778Leu mutation, total bilirubin, and bile acids (ORs=16.512, 1.022, 1.021, 95% CI: 1.204-226.425, 1.005-1.039, and 1.006-1.037, respectively, P<0.05). The drawn ROC curve demonstrated a cutoff value of 0.215 3, an AUC of 0.953 2, and sensitivity and specificity of 90.91% and 92.42%, respectively. Conclusion: Liver disease phenotypes are common in HLD patients and have an early onset. Total bilirubin, bile acids, and the homozygous p.Arg778Leu mutation of ATP7B is related to the severity of liver disease in HLD patients, which aids in predicting the occurrence and risk of severe liver disease.

[Clinical value of the implication of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) is a respiratory support technique based on extra-pulmonary gas exchange, which can effectively remove carbon dioxide generated in-vivo, reducing the requirements of respiratory support from mechanical ventilation. With improvements in extracorporeal life support technologies and increasing clinical experience, ECCO2R has potential value in clinical application with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review article discusses the principles of ECCO2R, its relevant indications for ARDS, clinical evidence, existing issues, and future directions, aiming to provide more references for the application in ARDS.

[Analysis of the burden of disease attributable to high temperature exposure in China and globally from 1990 to 2019].

Objective: To analyze the burden of disease attributable to high temperature exposure in China and globally from 1990 to 2019, and to study the current burden of disease in relevant populations. Methods: In October 2021, based on data from the global burden of disease 2019 (GBD 2019) study, population attributable fraction (PAF), number of deaths, mortality, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and DALY rate of Chinese and global populations with different ages and genders in 1990 and 2019 were extracted and analyzed. The rate of change was calculated, the mortality rate was normalized by the age structure of the world standard population, and the causes of disease burden caused by high temperature exposure of Chinese residents were analyzed. Results: In 2019, compared with 1990, the PAF of Chinese and global population decreased by 43.98% and 12.41% respectively, the number of deaths increased by 29.55% and 49.40% respectively, the crude mortality rate increased by 7.81% and 3.30% respectively, the DALY decreased by 48.12% and 14.41% respectively, and the DALY rate decreased by 56.82% and 40.82% respectively. The mortality rate of the ≥70 age group was higher than that of other groups. The disease burden indicators such as PAF, standardized mortality and DALY attributable to high temperature exposure in men were higher than those in women. In 2019, the main cause of DALY affected by high temperature exposure in Chinese population was ischemic heart disease (84400 person-years), and the main cause of death was ischemic heart disease (4900 cases). Conclusion: The burden of diseases attributable to high temperature exposure is still serious in China and the world at large. Targeted interventions should be formulated for men, the elderly and people with occupational exposure, and a sound surveillance system should be established to reduce the burden of diseases caused by high temperature exposure.

MRI parameters for predicting the effect of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound in the ablation of uterine fibroids.

AIM: To study the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in predicting the efficacy of ultrasonic ablation of fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 91 patients were divided into groups based on non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio and blood supply type. The preoperative MRI parameters were measured and analysed. A correlation analysis between the MRI parameters and the NPV ratio was performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse and determine the cut-off value of MRI parameters to predict the ablation rate of fibroids. RESULTS: The uterine fibroids group with an NPV ratio <80% and the group with an NPV ratio of ≥80% had significant differences in signal intensity (SI) at MRI T2-weighted imaging (WI), fibroid-to-rectus abdominis SI ratio (SIR) at T2WI, and blood supply type (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in fibroid volume, T2WI signal uniformity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The ADC value and SI and SIR at MRI T2WI in the group with poor blood supply were lower than those in the group with a rich blood supply (p<0.05). SI at MRI T2WI correlated negatively with the NPV ratio. The cut-off values for SI and SIR at MRI T2WI of fibroids whose NPV ratio exceeds 80% were 220.58 and 1.315, respectively. CONCLUSION: SI at MRI T2WI and blood supply type could be predictors of the efficacy of ablation. Ultrasonic ablation of fibroids with MRI T2WI hyperintensity and a rich blood supply had poor efficacy.

[The characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its associated factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 385 RA patients [including 72 (18.7%) male and 313 (81.3%) female] who received abdominal sonographic examination from August 2015 to May 2021 at Department of Rheumatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. There were 28 RA patients at 16-29 years old and 32, 80, 121, 99, 25 at 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, ≥ 70 years old, respectively. Demographic and clinical data were collected including age, gender, history of alcohol consumption, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, RA disease activity indicators and previous medications. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the associated factors of NAFLD in RA patients. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 24.2% (93/385) in RA patients, 26.3% (21/80) in 40-49 age group and 33.1% (40/121) in 50-59 age group. There were 22.1% (85/385) and 3.6% (14/385) RA patients with overweight and obese, in which the prevalence of NAFLD was 45.9% (39/85) and 78.6% (11/14) respectively, which was 2.6 folds and 4.5 folds that of RA patients with normal BMI. Although there was no significant difference of age, gender and RA disease activity indicators between RA patients with or without NAFLD, those with NAFLD had higher proportions of metabolic diseases including obese (11.8% vs. 1.0%), central obesity (47.3% vs. 16.8%), hypertension (45.2% vs. 29.8%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (24.7% vs. 12.0%), consistent with higher levels of total cholesterol [(5.33±1.31) mmol/L vs. (4.73±1.12) mmol/L], triglyceride [(1.51±1.08) mmol/L vs. (0.98±0.54) mmol/L] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [(3.37±0.97) mmol/L vs. (2.97±0.78) mmol/L, all P<0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI (OR=1.314) and triglyceride (OR=1.809) were the independent factors positively associated with NAFLD in RA patients. Conclusion: NAFLD is a common comorbidity in RA patients, especially in those with middle-aged, overweight or obese, which is associated with high BMI or high triglyceride. Screening and management of NAFLD in RA patients especially those with overweight, obese or dyslipidemia should be emphasized.

Platelets-to-serum Ca2+ ratio as a risk factor for postoperative cerebral vasospasm in surgically treated aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) generally requires surgical intervention to secure the aneurysm(s). Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a common complication of aSAH that occurs before and after a clipping or coiling procedure. However, we have limited options for the prevention or early detection of CVS by far. Although some biomarkers were studied regarding the purpose, some of which are rather complicated and actually hard to obtain. We conducted this study to investigate the potential correlations between the platelets-to-serum Ca2+ ratio (P/C) and the occurrence of postoperative CVS in aSAH patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 262 patients in this retrospective study, clinical features and lab results were collected from an electronic medical record (EMR) system. The variables were consecutively analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses; p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. The predictive values of several certain variables for CVS were further assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVS in our study was 33.6%. Patients suffering from CVS had significantly increased P/C levels compared to those who did not (p = 0.045). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that P/C was independently associated with postoperative CVS (p = 0.041). ROC curves demonstrated prominent interactions between P/C and clinical rankings, in terms of predicting postoperative CVS in aSAH patients. At a cutoff value of 112.53, patients with higher P/C levels in the early stage of aSAH were more likely to develop symptomatic CVS after aneurysm occlusion (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Among aSAH patients, a higher P/C at admission increases the risk of postoperative CVS events and, with easy access, it may serve as a novel predictor for the complication.

[The characteristics and associated factors of functional limitation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of functional limitation and associated factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Consecutive patients with RA were recruited from August 2015 to June 2019 at Department of Rheumatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics including age, gender, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, clinical disease activity index (CDAI), modified total Sharp score were collected. Physical function was assessed by the Stanford health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI).Ordered logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of HAQ-DI. Results: A total of 643 RA patients were finally recruited including 114 males and 529 females with mean age (49.7±12.9) years. There were 399 (62.1%) patients having different degrees of functional limitation, who were classified as mild (293, 45.6%), moderate (73, 11.4%) and severe (33, 5.1%). The prevalence of functional limitation was positively correlated with age and disease activity. The most restricted activity was walking [43.5% (280/643)], followed by gripping [36.1% (232/643)], reaching [35.5% (228/643)], daily activities [33.4% (215/643)], hygiene [33.0% (212/643)], dressing and grooming [29.7% (191/643)] and arising [29.1% (187/643)], and the last eating [18.4% (118/643)]. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.019, 95%CI 1.004-1.035),pain VAS (OR=1.820, 95%CI 1.616-2.050), ESR (OR=1.009, 95%CI 1.001-1.017), CDAI (OR=1.080, 95%CI 1.059-1.102) and modified total Sharp score (OR=1.010, 95%CI 1.004-1.015) were associated factors of functional limitation. Conclusion: The majority RA patients have functional limitation. Age, pain and active disease are independent associated factors. Therefore, target treatment and control of pain should be emphasized in RA patients.

Delayed intracerebral hemorrhage after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt procedure: two case reports and a review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is a commonly used procedure for treating hydrocephalus of various causes. Delayed intracerebral hemorrhage (DICH) is regarded as a very rare complication after VPS procedure, with mechanisms still indeterminate. We report two cases of this condition whereby we discuss the characteristics and potential explanations for it in a short review of literature. CASE REPORT: Two female patients, aged 49, 76 respectively, were admitted to our hospital for hydrocephalus in the year 2021 as ordinary participants among many other patients with the same diagnosis. Unforeseeably, what made them special was DICH situations occurred after regular VPS procedures. Luckily both of them responded well to subsequent conservative treatment with no deterioration and were discharged promisingly in the end. Surprisingly, both of the valve mechanisms in these two functioned properly so far even after the ominous DICH events. Quality of life also improved a lot for them, thus we could consider the VPS surgery successful as well as the later management of the unwanted hematomas, in other words, a full recovery from DICH. CONCLUSIONS: Only few cases or series of DICH were reported in the past decades and the mechanisms of it still lack a verdict. We intend to attribute physical vascular injury due to a closer contact between cerebral blood vessels and the VPS catheter for DICH in the younger patient, while degenerative changes of brain tissue might be the protagonist in the elder one. More discreetness should be expected in perioperative management of VPS patients, with still a long way to go to fully understand the mechanisms of DICH and prevent the complication in highest measure.

[Prevalence and influencing factors of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Fanxian County of Henan Province in 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Fanxian County, Henan Province in 2019, so as to provide insights into the management of enterobiasis. METHODS: Five kindergartens were selected in urban and rural areas of Fanxian County, Henan Province using the stratified sampling method in 2019, and a census of E. vermicularis infections was performed among all children in the kindergartens. E. vermicularis eggs were detected using adhesive and scotch cellophane-tape anal swab methods, and the basic characteristics of children and their families, health habits and the kindergartens' information were investigated with questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors and protective factors of pinworm infection in children. RESULTS: A total of 671 children were tested, and the mean prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 15.50% (104/671). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was higher among children in rural kindergartens (28.13%, 72/256) than in urban kindergartens (7.71%, 32/415) (χ2 = 50.380, P < 0.01), and greater in private kindergartens (32.26%, 60/186) than in public kindergartens (9.07%, 44/485) (χ2 = 55.183, P < 0.01). There was no gender-specific prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children (χ2 = 1.442, P > 0.05), and the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections presented a tendency towards a rise with age (χ2trend = 8.373, P < 0.05) and school grade (χ2trend = 30.274, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified rural kindergartens and high grades as risk factors, and separate washing of children's and adults' cloths, frequent bathing and frequent dinnerware disinfection in kindergartens as protective factors for E. vermicularis infections among children. In addition, there was no significant difference in the detection of E. vermicularis infections among children by using adhesive (73.08%, 76/104) and scotch cellophane-tape anal swab methods (56.73%, 59/104) (χ2 = 3.959, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of E. vermicularis infection is high among children in Fanxian Country, Henan Province. Health education and surveillance of enterobiasis are required to be intensified among children in rural kindergartens and senior grades and their parents and teachers.

Muscle wasting, a neglected complication associated with physical dysfunction in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional observational study.

Objective: Little is known about muscle wasting in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined muscle characteristics and their clinical significance in this group.Method: Consecutive RA patients were recruited and clinical data were collected. Muscle mass and distribution were assessed using bioelectric impedance analysis. Myopenia was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) ≤ 7.0 kg/m2 (men) and ≤ 5.7 kg/m2 (women).Results: Among the 643 RA patients recruited, 165 (25.7%) were elderly patients (age ≥ 60 years) with a mean age of 65.1 ± 4.5 years. Compared with young patients (age < 60 years), elderly RA patients had significantly higher Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) (median 3.4 vs 3.2), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) (0.38 vs 0.13), and modified total Sharp score (mTSS) (16 vs 9), and a higher proportion of myopenia (54.5% vs 41.4%; all p < 0.01). Elderly RA patients with myopenia (n = 90, 14.0%) had significantly higher DAS28-CRP (3.6 vs 3.0), HAQ-DI (0.50 vs 0.12), and mTSS (21 vs 7) than young RA patients without myopenia (n = 280, 43.5%; all p < 0.0083). Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses showed that myopenia, high HAQ-DI, active smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease were the main relevant characteristics of elderly RA patients. Age positively correlated with HAQ-DI, and ASMI negatively correlated with HAQ-DI (both p < 0.01). Further mediation analysis showed that ASMI partially mediated the association between age and HAQ-DI.Conclusion: Our data reveal that half of elderly RA patients manifest myopenia which aggravates physical dysfunction as a mediator of age. Myopenia, a neglected complication in elderly RA patients, should be recognized and further investigated.

[Predictive value of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibody on one-year radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Objective: To investigate the value of baseline anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) antibody for predicting one-year radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Consecutive RA patients were recruited from November 2014 to July 2018 at Department of Rheumatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Clinical data were collected including disease activity score in 28 joints with four variables including C-reactive protein (CRP).Serum anti-MCV antibody at baseline was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. X ray assessment of both hands/wrists was performed and assessed according to the Sharp/van der Heijde modified score (mTSS) at baseline and the 12th month. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for one-year radiographic progression. Results: Among 220 RA patients recruited, the positive rate of anti-MCV antibody at baseline was 77.7%. Compared with those with negative anti-MCV antibody, RA patients with positive anti-MCV antibody had higher disease activity score in 28 joints with four variables induding CRP [3.8 (2.4, 5.0) vs. 3.1 (2.1, 4.0), P=0.007], more physical dysfunction (21.6% vs. 8.2%, P=0.033) and higher radiographic indicators including mTSS [11 (2, 27) vs. 4 (1, 10), P=0.003], joint space narrowing [JSN, 4 (0, 14) vs. 2 (0, 6), P=0.024] and joint erosion[JE, 5 (1, 18)vs. 3 (0, 5), P=0.003]. After one-year follow-up, sixty-six RA patients (30.0%) developed radiographic progression, the percentage of whom was significantly higher in positive anti-MCV group than that in negative anti-MCV group (33.9% vs.16.3%, P=0.018). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that positive anti-MCV antibody at baseline was an independent risk factor for one-year radiographic progression (OR=2.341, 95%CI 1.002-5.469). Conclusion: Positive anti-MCV antibody at baseline predicts one-year radiographic progression in RA patients. In the future, anti-MCV antibody can be used not only as a supplementary laboratory marker, but also in disease activity assessment and prognosis prediction for RA.

MiR-200b-5p inhibits proliferation of ovarian cancer cells by targeting ATAD2 and regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-200b-5p on proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer (OC) cells, and to explore its correlations with the target gene ATPase family, AAA domain containing 2 (ATAD2), and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human ovarian fibroblasts (HOFs) or human OC cell lines (A2780) were cultured in vitro, and then, A2780 cells were separately transfected with miR-200b mimics or miR-NC or cultured with ATAD2-specific inhibitor BAY-850. Thereafter, the expression levels of miR-200b and ATAD2 messenger RNA (mRNA) were measured via qRT-PCR, and the proliferative capacity of cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. Next, the cell apoptosis was determined by means of flow cytometry and one-step TUNEL assay. Finally, the targeted regulatory relationship between miR-200b and ATAD2 was examined using a Luciferase reporter assay system, and the protein expressions were detected through Western blot (WB) assay. RESULTS: It was found that the expression level of miR-200b was remarkably lower (p<0.05), while the mRNA expression level of ATAD2 was notably higher (p<0.05) in A2780 cells than those in HOFs. The transfection with miR-200b mimics markedly reduced the mRNA expression level of ATAD2 (p<0.05) and the proliferative capacity (p<0.05) and increased the apoptosis rate (p<0.05) of A2780 cells. Besides, it was detected via the Luciferase reporter assay system that miR-200b inhibited ATAD2. BAY-850 significantly decreased the expression level of ATAD2 protein (p<0.05) and the proliferative capacity (p<0.05) but improved the apoptosis rate (p<0.05) of cells. Moreover, both miR-200b mimics and BAY-850 could distinctly repress the protein expression levels of PI3K and p-Akt of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (p<0.05) and enhance the expression of suppressor gene p53 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-200b-5p can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of OC cells through targeted inhibition of ATAD2 expression and regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Diverse polarization angle swings from a repeating fast radio burst source.

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration radio transients1,2 of unknown origin. Two possible mechanisms that could generate extremely coherent emission from FRBs invoke neutron star magnetospheres3-5 or relativistic shocks far from the central energy source6-8. Detailed polarization observations may help us to understand the emission mechanism. However, the available FRB polarization data have been perplexing, because they show a host of polarimetric properties, including either a constant polarization angle during each burst for some repeaters9,10 or variable polarization angles in some other apparently one-off events11,12. Here we report observations of 15 bursts from FRB 180301 and find various polarization angle swings in seven of them. The diversity of the polarization angle features of these bursts is consistent with a magnetospheric origin of the radio emission, and disfavours the radiation models invoking relativistic shocks.

[Function and mechanism of histone demethytransferase Jmjd3 mediated regulation of Th1/Th2 balance through epigenetic modification in pre-eclampsia].

Objective: To observe the expression level of histone demethyltransferase Jmjd3 in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE), and to investigate the possible mechanism of its epigenetic modification in regulating Th1/Th2 imbalance in PE patients. Methods: The mRNA levels of histone demethyltransferase Jmjd3 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PE patients and normal pregnant women were detected by RT-PCR. Peripheral serum IFN-γ and IL-4　　were detected by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of Jmjd3, Tbx21 and Cxcr3 in the spleen of PE and control mice. Immunomagnetic beads were used to sort out the initial CD4+ T cells in the spleen of control and PE mice. Western blot was used to detect H3K27me1 and H3K27me3 levels. ChIP analysis was used for H3K27me3 demethylation modification in spleens of PE mice. Results: Compared with normal pregnant women, the mRNA level of Jmjd3 in PBMC of PE patients was significantly increased, the level of IFN-γ in serum was significantly increased, and the level of IL-4 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with normal control mice, the mRNA level of Jmjd3 in the spleen of PE mice was significantly increased, and the expression of Tbx21 and Cxcr3 was significantly increased in PE mice (P<0.01); the H3K27me3 level of CD4+ T cells in PE mice was significantly reduced (P<0.05), but H3K27me1 was not changed. ChIP analysis showed that CD4+ T cells H3K27me3 in PE group mice were in the Ifng promoter region, compared with control mice. Recruitment was significantly reduced, while recruitment in the promoter region of Il4 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusions: In both PE patients and mice with PE model, the relative expression level of histone demethyltransferase Jmjd3 is significantly up-regulated, which further induces the demethylation of H3K27me3 in the Ifng promoter region and promotes the initial CD4+ T cells to Th1 cell differentiation and development, leading to an imbalance of Th1/Th2, which may be one of the important reasons for the development of preeclampsia.

ß-Elemene Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines via Suppressing Ring Finger Protein 135.

ß-Elemene is commonly used as an anti-cancer agent in different types of cancers and its effects on glioblastoma have been studied through different pathways. However, its effect through ring finger protein 135 (RNF135, OMIM 611358) (RNF135), which is upregulated in glioblastomas, has not yet been explored. The current study is focused on the effects of ß-elemene on human glioblastoma cell lines U251, U118, A172 and U87 through RNF13 5. A cell counting kit-8 assay and wound healing assay have been utilized to test the proliferation and migration of the cells. Western blot and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the level of expression of RNF135. A model of nude mice was used to explore progression of the tumor in vivo. It was observed that increasing treatment time or dose of ß-elemene remarkably decreased viability of the cells. The cells that were treated with ß-elemene had a much lower speed of moving toward the gap in comparison to untreated cell lines. ß-Elemene-treated cells showed a much lower level of expression of RNF135 mRNA than control groups (p <0.05) and the levels of RNF135 protein were lower in the cells treated with ß-elemene than in control groups (p <0.05). Moreover, tumor progression in subcutaneous xenograft nude mice was delayed with the injection of ß-elemene. Altogether, our findings suggest that ß-elemene inhibits proliferation, migration and tumorigenicity of human glioblastoma cells through suppressing RNF135.

Advances in SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: In December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection broke out in Wuhan, China. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of this emerging virus. In this manuscript, we collected relevant articles and reviewed the characteristics about SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an online search on PubMed and Web of Science with the keywords COVID-19, 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV-2, and summarized the epidemiology, virology, clinical features and treatments of SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: We retrieved 157 published papers about SARS-CoV-2 from January, 2020 to April, 2020. We found that SARS-CoV-2 was a kind of virus with low mortality rate and high infectivity. This virus can enter human cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in alveoli and activate immune response in human body. SARS-CoV-2 infection can be classified as asymptomatic, mild, common, severe, and critical. We summarized antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, such as remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir. Because the vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 is developing, more clinical studies are needed to verify the safety and efficacy of these treatments. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. We should pay more attention to prevent SARS-CoV-2 and try to control it sooner.

MiR-221 affects proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through targeting SOCS3.

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "MiR-221 affects proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through targeting SOCS3, by Q.-Y. Zhou, P.-L. Peng, Y.-H. Xu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (21): 9427-9435-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201911_19436-PMID: 31773681" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19436.

[Emphasis on clinical study of heterogeneity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease].

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has a wide spectrum of diseases including simple fatty liver, steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The clinical manifestations and disease outcomes of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease vary widely, and are related to the heterogeneity of risk factors, such as heredity, epigenetics, race, gender, age, diet, exercise, alcohol drinking, intestinal microecology, coexisting diseases, and hormone and metabolic status. Emphasizing the study of pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will help to layer the management of disease and improve the effectiveness of clinical trials.

[Analysis on the situation of being supported by the national natural science foundation of China in the field of occupational diseases from 2010 to 2019].

Objective: To understand the situation supported by the National Natural Science Foundation in the field of occupational diseases (H2402) in China, so as to provide a reference basis for the application and research of scientific researchers in the field of occupational diseases in China. Methods: The information system of scientific and technological achievements was used to search the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the field of occupational diseases from 2010 to 2019. Results: From 2010 to 2019, a total of 55 projects were funded under the Occupational Disease code (H2402) , with a total funding of 22.33 million yuan, of which 30 were supported by the Youth Science Foundation, 20 by the Youth Science Foundation and 5 by the Regional Science Foundation. Thirty five items of the research projects focused on pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases which accounted for 63.64 per cent. Forty one items of scientific research projects are supported by domestic institutions of higher learning which accounted for 74.55 per cent. Conclusion: The research support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China to the field of occupational diseases (H2402) has increased steadily, but the support of different research directions and supporting units is not balanced. It is suggested that departments concerned strengthen guidance and support for the applicants in less developed areas and weak research directions of the projects in the National Natural Science Foundation.

Downregulation of nuclear protein-1 induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase in glioma cells in vivo and in vitro via P27.

Nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1), also named as p8 or Com1, has been since found overexpressed in several human malignant tumor cells, such as glioma. NUPR1 also regulates cell cycle progression, however, the role of NUPR1 in regulating glioma cell cycle remains poorly understood. Knockdown efficiency of U87 and U251 cells infected with the lentiviral vector was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry and western blot were used to explore a mechanism by which NUPR1 modulates cell cycle in U87 and U251 cells. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect expression levels of P27, CDK2, and cyclin E in human glioma tissues with NUPR1 positive expression and tumorigenesis in nude mice. We confirmed that the downregulation of NUPR1 arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase in U87 and U251 cells in vitro. Furthermore, the expression level of P27 was increased, and CDK2 and cyclin E were decreased upon silencing NUPR1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the knockdown of NUPR1 induces cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in glioma cells via P27.