[Retracted] MicroRNA­505 is downregulated in human osteosarcoma and regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the control GAPDH western blotting bands shown in Fig. 4H on p. 496 were strikingly similar to data that were submitted for publication in advance of this article in different form by different authors at different research institutes [Liu F, Bai C and Guo Z: The prognostic value of osteopontin in limited­stage small cell lung cancer patients and its mechanism. Oncotarget 8: 70084­70096, 2017]. A further independent investigation conducted in the Editorial Office revealed that other western blotting data were likely to have been shared in common, comparing between the two articles. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been submitted for publication prior to the submission of this article to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, it was admitted that the authors Feng Chang, Jian-Na Liu and Jun-Xin Lin did not initially provide their agreement to be authors on this paper; otherwise, the rest of the authors accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 491­500, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6142].

Effectiveness of lenvatinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors in primary advanced hepatocellular carcinoma beyond oligometastasis.

BACKGROUND: Targeted therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors is considered a promising treatment for primary advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the difference between synchronous and asynchronous treatment of lenvatinib with programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor in advanced HCC is still unclear. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous of lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitor on the advanced HCC beyond oligometastasis. METHODS: In this study, 213 patients from four institutions in China were involved. Patients were split into two collections: (1) lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitor were used synchronously (synchronous treatment group); (2) patients in asynchronous treatment group received PD-1 inhibitor after 3 months of lenvatinib treatment prior to tumour progression. To analyse progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), efficacy and safety of patients in both groups, we employed propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: The 6-, 12- and 24-month OS rates were 100%, 93.4% and 58.1% in the synchronous treatment group and 100%, 71.5% and 25.3% in the asynchronous treatment group, respectively. In contrast to the asynchronous treatment group, the group treated synchronously exhibited a substantially enhanced OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.66; p < .001). The 6-, 12- and 18-month PFS rates were 82.6%, 42.6% and 10.8% in the synchronous treatment group and 63.3%, 14.2% and 0% in the asynchronous treatment group, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the PFS rate (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.33-0.63; p < .001) between the two collections. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced HCC beyond oligometastasis, simultaneous administration of lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitor led to significant improvements in survival.

Modified percutaneous ethanol injection method combined with microwave ablation for the treatment of symptomatic, predominantly cystic, benign thyroid nodules: a retrospective study of 201 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) and microwave ablation (MWA) are both important methods used in treating benign thyroid nodules. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a modified PEI method combined with MWA for the treatment of symptomatic, predominantly cystic and benign thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 201 patients who underwent treatment in our department between April 2015 and August 2018. Predominantly cystic thyroid nodules were treated by the modified PEI procedure, which included short-term boiling ethanol ablation (STBEA) and was combined with MWA. Complications, the volume reduction ratio (VRR), symptoms and cosmetic scores were recorded at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: No major complications were observed during or after the treatment. Ten patients (4.8%) experienced temporary voice change, which resolved within 3 months. Of 200 (97.6%) out of 205 nodules showed significant volume reduction at the final follow-up. Recurrence occurred for only 5 (2.4%) nodules. The mean thyroid nodule volume decreased from 17.40 ± 3.21 mL at baseline to 1.17 ± 0.37 mL at 12 months. The greatest VRR was observed within the first 3 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The modified PEI method combined with MWA is safe and effective for the treatment of predominantly cystic benign thyroid nodules and provides a shorter operating time and lower recurrence rate than traditional treatments.

Transmission dynamics and optimal control of stage-structured HLB model.

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of severe quarantine diseases affecting citrus pro-duction both in abroad and domestic. Based on the mechanism and characteristics of citrus HLB transmission, we establish a vector-borne model with stage structure and integrated strategy and inves-tigate the effect of the strategy in controlling the spread of HLB. By calculating, we obtain the basic reproductive number R0, and prove that the disease can be eradicated if R0 < 1, whereas the disease will persist if R0 > 1. Meanwhile, we apply the optimal control theory to obtain an optimal integrated strategy. Finally, we use our model to simulate the data of the numbers of inspected and infected citrus trees in "Yuan Orchard", located in Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province in the southeast of P.R China. We also give some numerical simulations for our theoretical findings.

Diagnostic value of two dimensional shear wave elastography combined with texture analysis in early liver fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Staging diagnosis of liver fibrosis is a prerequisite for timely diagnosis and therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. In recent years, ultrasound elastography has become an important method for clinical noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis stage, but its diagnostic value for early liver fibrosis still needs to be further improved. In this study, the texture analysis was carried out on the basis of two dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), and the feasibility of 2D-SWE plus texture analysis in the diagnosis of early liver fibrosis was discussed. AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of 2D-SWE combined with textural analysis in liver fibrosis staging. METHODS: This study recruited 46 patients with chronic hepatitis B. Patients underwent 2D-SWE and texture analysis; Young's modulus values and textural patterns were obtained, respectively. Textural pattern was analyzed with regard to contrast, correlation, angular second moment (ASM), and homogeneity. Pathological results of biopsy specimens were the gold standard; comparison and assessment of the diagnosis efficiency were conducted for 2D-SWE, texture analysis and their combination. RESULTS: 2D-SWE displayed diagnosis efficiency in early fibrosis, significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, and early cirrhosis (AUC > 0.7, P < 0.05) with respective AUC values of 0.823 (0.678-0.921), 0.808 (0.662-0.911), 0.920 (0.798-0.980), and 0.855 (0.716-0.943). Contrast and homogeneity displayed independent diagnosis efficiency in liver fibrosis stage (AUC > 0.7, P < 0.05), whereas correlation and ASM showed limited values. AUC of contrast and homogeneity were respectively 0.906 (0.779-0.973), 0.835 (0.693-0.930), 0.807 (0.660-0.910) and 0.925 (0.805-0.983), 0.789 (0.639-0.897), 0.736 (0.582-0.858), 0.705 (0.549-0.883) and 0.798 (0.650-0.904) in four liver fibrosis stages, which exhibited equivalence to 2D-SWE in diagnostic efficiency (P > 0.05). Combined diagnosis (PRE) displayed diagnostic efficiency (AUC > 0.7, P < 0.01) for all fibrosis stages with respective AUC of 0.952 (0.841-0.994), 0.896 (0.766-0.967), 0.978 (0.881-0.999), 0.947 (0.835-0.992). The combined diagnosis showed higher diagnosis efficiency over 2D-SWE in early liver fibrosis (P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed in other comparisons (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Texture analysis was capable of diagnosing liver fibrosis stage, combined diagnosis had obvious advantages in early liver fibrosis, liver fibrosis stage might be related to the hepatic tissue hardness distribution.

MicroRNA-505 is downregulated in human osteosarcoma and regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis, progression, invasion and metastasis. For example, miR-505 plays important roles in human carcinogenesis; however, its exact function in osteosarcoma remains unclear. MicroRNA profiles of osteosarcoma and normal tissues were obtained by miRNA microarray assays, which were validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. The correlation between miR-505 and HMGB1 was analyzed by Pearson correlation. In vitro, the biological functions of miR-505 were examined by wound healing, MTT and Transwell assays and western blot analysis in MG63 cells transfected with miRNA mimics or empty vector. Luciferase assay was utilized to assess whether HMGB1 is a target of miR-505. miRNA microarrays revealed 26 aberrant miRNAs in osteosarcoma tissues; miR-505 showed the most pronounced decrease (P<0.01), which was significantly associated with TNM stage and metastasis status (P<0.05). In addition, HMGB1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues (P<0.01), with a significantly negative correlation with miR-505 (r=-0.6679, P<0.001). Furthermore, miR-505 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of MG63 cells (P<0.01). Moreover, luciferase activity of the HMGB1-3'-UTR plasmid was suppressed following miR-505 binding (P<0.01). Finally, HMGB1 overexpression partly reversed the effects of miR-505 on MG63 cells. In conclusion, miR-505 levels are decreased in osteosarcoma tissues, and reduced miR-505 expression is significantly associated with poorer clinical prognosis in patients with osteosarcomas. miR-505 inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating HMGB1.

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. A total of 474 benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation from September 2012 to August 2015 were included. Nodule volume and thyroid function were measured before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and subsequently after every 6 months. The nodule volume reduction rate and changes of thyroid function were evaluated. The volume of all thyroid nodules significantly decreased after ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. The average volume was 13.07 ± 0.95 ml before treatment, and 1.14 ± 0.26 ml at 12-months follow-up. The mean volume reduction rate was 90% and the final volume reduction rate was 94%. The volume reduction rate of mainly cystic nodules was significantly higher than that of simple solid and mainly solid nodules (all P < 0.05). The pretreatment volume of nodules was positively correlated with the final volume reduction rate at final follow-up ( P = 0.004). No serious complications were observed after treatment. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is an effective and safe technique for treatment of benign thyroid nodules, and has the potential for clinical applications. Impact statement Ultrasound-guided MWA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. It can significantly reduce the nodule volume, improve the patients' clinical symptoms, has less complication, guarantees quick recovery, meets patients' aesthetic needs, and shows less interference on the physiological and psychological aspects of the body. MWA should be a good complement to traditional open surgery and has potentials in clinical applications.

Effect of a poloxamer 407-based thermosensitive gel on minimization of thermal injury to diaphragm during microwave ablation of the liver.

AIM: To assess the insulating effect of a poloxamer 407 (P407)-based gel during microwave ablation of liver adjacent to the diaphragm. METHODS: We prepared serial dilutions of P407, and 22.5% (w/w) concentration was identified as suitable for ablation procedures. Subsequently, microwave ablations were performed on the livers of 24 rabbits (gel, saline, control groups, n = 8 in each). The P407 solution and 0.9% normal saline were injected into the potential space between the diaphragm and liver in experimental groups. No barriers were applied to the controls. After microwave ablations, the frequency, size and degree of thermal injury were compared histologically among the three groups. Subsequently, another 8 rabbits were injected with the P407 solution and microwave ablation was performed. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) in serum were tested at 1 d before microwave ablation and 3 and 7 d after operation. RESULTS: In vivo ablation thermal injury to the adjacent diaphragm was evaluated in the control, saline and 22.5% P407 gel groups (P = 0.001-0.040). However, there was no significant difference in the volume of ablation zone among the three groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no statistical differences among the preoperative and postoperative gel groups according to the levels of ALT, AST, BUN and Cr in serum (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Twenty-two point five percent P407 gel could be a more effective choice during microwave ablation of hepatic tumors adjacent to the diaphragm. Further studies for clinical translation are warranted.

The basic reproductive ratio of Barbour's two-host schistosomiasis model with seasonal fluctuations.

BACKGROUND: Motivated by the first mathematical model for schistosomiasis proposed by Macdonald and Barbour's classical schistosomiasis model tracking the dynamics of infected human population and infected snail hosts in a community, in our previous study, we incorporated seasonal fluctuations into Barbour's model, but ignored the effect of bovine reservoir host in the transmission of schistosomiasis. Inspired by the findings from our previous work, the model was further improved by integrating two definitive hosts (human and bovine) and seasonal fluctuations, so as to understand the transmission dynamics of schistosomiasis japonica and evaluate the ongoing control measures in Liaonan village, Xingzi County, Jiangxi Province. METHODS: The basic reproductive ratio R 0 and its computation formulae were derived by using the operator theory in functional analysis and the monodromy matrix theory. The mathematical methods for global dynamics of periodic systems were used in order to show that R 0 serves as a threshold value that determines whether there was disease outbreak or not. The parameter fitting and the ratio calculation were performed with surveillance data obtained from the village of Liaonan using numerical simulation. Sensitivity analysis was carried out in order to understand the impact of R 0 on seasonal fluctuations and snail host control. The modified basic reproductive ratios were compared with known results to illustrate the infection risk. RESULTS: The Barbour's two-host model with seasonal fluctuations was proposed. The implicit expression of R 0 for the model was given by the spectral radius of next infection operator. The R 0 s for the model ranged between 1.030 and 1.097 from 2003 to 2010 in the village of Liaonan, Xingzi County, China, with 1.097 recorded as the maximum value in 2005 but declined dramatically afterwards. In addition, we proved that the disease goes into extinction when R 0 is less than one and persists when R 0 is greater than one. Comparisons of the different improved models were also made. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the mechanism and characteristics of schistosomiasis transmission, Barbour's model was improved by considering seasonality. The implicit formula of R 0 for the model and its calculation were given. Theoretical results showed that R 0 gave a sharp threshold that determines whether the disease dies out or not. Simulations concluded that: (i) ignoring seasonality would overestimate the transmission risk of schistosomiasis, and (ii) mollusiciding is an effective control measure to curtail schistosomiasis transmission in Xingzi County when the removal rate of infected snails is small.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for quantitative assessment of portal pressure in canine liver fibrosis.

AIM: To explore the feasibility of non-invasive quantitative estimation of portal venous pressure by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in a canine model. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was established in adult canines (Beagles; n = 14) by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). CEUS parameters, including the area under the time-intensity curve and intensity at portal/arterial phases (Qp/Qa and Ip/Ia, respectively), were used to quantitatively assess the blood flow ratio of the portal vein/hepatic artery at multiple time points. The free portal venous pressures (FPP) were measured by a multi-channel baroreceptor using a percutaneous approach at baseline and 8, 16, and 24 wk after CCl4 injections in each canine. Liver biopsies were obtained at the end of 8, 16, and 24 wk from each animal, and the stage of the fibrosis was assessed according to the Metavir scoring system. A Pearson correlation test was performed to compare the FPP with Qp/Qa and Ip/Ia. RESULTS: Pathologic examination of 42 biopsies from the 14 canines at weeks 8, 16, and 24 revealed that liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 and represented various stages of liver fibrosis, including F0 (n = 3), F1 (n = 12), F2 (n = 14), F3 (n = 11), and F4 (n = 2). There were significant differences in the measurements of Qp/Qa (19.85 ± 3.30 vs 10.43 ± 1.21, 9.63 ± 1.03, and 8.77 ± 0.96) and Ip/Ia (1.77 ± 0.37 vs 1.03 ± 0.12, 0.83 ± 0.10, and 0.69 ± 0.13) between control and canine fibrosis at 8, 16, and 24 wk, respectively (all P < 0.001). There were statistically significant negative correlations between FPP and Qp/Qa (r = -0.707, P < 0.001), and between FPP and Ip/Ia (r = -0.759, P < 0.001) in the canine fibrosis model. Prediction of elevated FPP based on Qp/Qa and Ip/Ia was highly sensitive, as assessed by the area under the receiver operating curve (0.866 and 0.895, respectively). CONCLUSION: CEUS is a potential method to accurately, but non-invasively, estimate portal venous pressure through measurement of Qp/Qa and Ip/Ia parameters.

Field transmission intensity of Schistosoma japonicum measured by basic reproduction ratio from modified Barbour's model.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis japonica, caused by infection with Schistosoma japonicum, is still recognized as a major public health problem in the Peoples' Republic of China. Mathematical modelling of schistosomiasis transmission has been undertaken in order to assess and project the effects of various control strategies for elimination of the disease. Seasonal fluctuations in transmission may have the potential to impact on the population dynamics of schistosomiasis, yet no model of S. japonicum has considered such effects. In this paper, we characterize the transmission dynamics of S. japonicum using a modified version of Barbour's model to account for seasonal variation (SV), and investigate the effectiveness of the control strategy adopted in Liaonan village of Xingzi county, Jiangxi Province. METHODS: We use mathematical tools for stability analysis of periodic systems and derive expressions for the basic reproduction ratio of S. japonicum in humans; we parameterise such expressions with surveillance data to investigate the conditions for persistence or elimination of the disease in the study village. We perform numerical simulations and parametric sensitivity analysis to understand local transmission conditions and compare values of the basic reproductive ratio with and without seasonal fluctuations. RESULTS: The explicit formula of the basic reproduction ratio for the SV-modified Barbour's model is derived. Results show that the value of the basic reproduction ratio, R0, of Liaonan village, Xingzi county is located between 1.064 and 1.066 (very close to 1), for schistosomiasis transmission during 2006 to 2010, after intensification of control efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified version of the Barbour model to account for seasonal fluctuations in transmission has the potential to provide better estimations of infection risk than previous models. Ignoring seasonality tends to underestimate R0 values albeit only marginally. In the absence of simultaneous R0 estimations for villages not under control interventions (such villages do not currently exist in China), it is difficult to assess whether control strategies have had a substantial impact on levels of transmission, as the parasite population would still be able to maintain itself at an endemic level, highlighting the difficulties faced by elimination efforts.