Diagnostic value of a CT-based radiomics nomogram for discrimination of benign and early stage malignant ovarian tumors.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the diagnostic value of models constructed using computed tomography-based radiomics features for discrimination of benign and early stage malignant ovarian tumors. METHODS: The imaging and clinicopathological data of 197 cases of benign and early stage malignant ovarian tumors (FIGO stage I/II), were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were randomly assigned into training data set and validation data set. Radiomics features were extracted from images of plain computed tomography scan and contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, were then screened in the training data set, and a radiomics model was constructed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to construct a radiomic nomogram, containing the traditional diagnostic model and the radiomics model. Moreover, the decision curve analysis was used to assess the clinical application value of the radiomics nomogram. RESULTS: Six textural features with the greatest diagnostic efficiency were finally screened. The value of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the radiomics nomogram was superior to the traditional diagnostic model and the radiomics model (P < 0.05) in the training data set. In the validation data set, the radiomics nomogram was superior to the traditional diagnostic model (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference compared to the radiomics model (P > 0.05). The calibration curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test revealed that the three models all had a great degree of fit (All P > 0.05). The results of decision curve analysis indicated that utilization of the radiomics nomogram to distinguish benign and early stage malignant ovarian tumors had a greater clinical application value when the risk threshold was 0.4-1.0. CONCLUSIONS: The computed tomography-based radiomics nomogram could be a non-invasive and reliable imaging method to discriminate benign and early stage malignant ovarian tumors.

[Release of Exosomes Derived from Leukocyte-Depleted Red Cell Suspension and Its Regulation on Hematological Tumor Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the release of exosome (Exo) from leukocyte-depleted red cell suspension (LDRCS) at different storage time and its regulation on proliferation of hematological tumor cells and possible mechanism. METHODS: The Exo (RBC-Exo) in LDRCS at different storage time was obtained by ultracentrifugation, and the morphology and immunological marker of RBC-Exo were detected by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot, respectively. The particle size distribution of RBC-Exo in LDRCS at different storage time was detected by Dynamic Light Scattering. CCK-8 assay was used to explore the effect of RBC-Exo on hematological tumor cell proliferation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proliferation-related proteins in hematological tumor cells after co-culture with RBC-Exo. RESULTS: RBC-Exo was isolated, which was characterized by cup-like shape, particle size distribution ranged from 20 to 200 nm, CD63/TSG101 enriched, Calnexin negative, CD235a positive and CD41 negative. The particle size distribution of RBC-Exo from LDRCS between middle was not significantly different and late stored stage. But the particle size distribution of RBC-Exo at middle-late stored stage(>14 d) was larger than that at early stored stage (≤14 days). Compared with the control group, RBC-Exo could significantly promote the proliferation of HBL1, U2932 and Jurkat cells. Compared with the control group, the cycle-related protein P21 was significantly down-regulated in HBL1, U2932 and Jurkat cells after co-culture with RBC-Exo for 3 days, while the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 was not changed significantly. CONCLUSION: The morphology of RBC-Exo from LDRCS at middle-late stored stage was different from that at early stored stage. RBC-Exo could promote the proliferation of hematological tumor cells, possibly by regulating the expression of cycle-associated protein P21.

Application Value of Machine Learning Method in Measuring Gray Matter Volume of AIDS Patients.

Background: To investigate the role of gray matter (GM) volume in the identification of HIV-positive patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HAND) using a machine learning approach from normal healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-seven HIV-infected patients and 14 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. Each set of BRAVO images was postprocessed using DPARSF3.1 to coregister all brains on the MNI template, and volume extraction of 90 brain regions was performed using custom-designed code. The machine learning method was performed using PRoNTo2.1.1 toolbox. The differences in brain volume between the HAND and non-HAND groups were analyzed. Results: GM volume effectively distinguished HIV-positive patients from healthy subjects with an AUC equals to 0.73. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the established classification were 85.19%, 42.86%, and 70.73%, respectively. GM volume value of the top ten brain regions was related to digit symbols, trail making test, digit span, vocabulary fluency, stroop C time, stroop CW time, CD4, and neuropsychological group. Conclusions: A machine learning approach facilitates early diagnosis of HAND in HIV patients by MRI-based GM volume measurement.

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of cyclic arginine glycine aspartic acid-gadopentetic acid-polylactic acid in human breast cancer by targeting αvß3 in xenograft-bearing nude mice.

Effective early detection shows the potential to reduce breast cancer mortality. This study aimed to establish a targeted contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/ultrasound dual-modality molecular radiography for breast cancer. The cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate-gadopentetic acid-polylactic acid (cRGD and Gd-DTPA) coated by multi-functional blank poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles) was successfully constructed by chemical synthesis method with high stability. The safety of cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, and their affinity to breast cancer cells was revealed. Moreover, MRI/ultrasound dual-modality molecular radiography in vitro showed that as the concentration of contrast agent increased, the echo enhancement and signal intensity of MRI imaging were also elevated. The mouse models of human breast cancer also indicated significant target enhancements of cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA magnetic nanoparticles in the mouse tumor. Thus, cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA magnetic nanoparticles were suggested as qualified MRI/ultrasound dual-modality molecular radiography contrast agent. We further explored the targeting mechanism of cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA in breast cancer. The results showed that αvß3 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues, and cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA used for MRI/ultrasound dual-modality molecular radiography by targeting αvß3. Additionally, we found that the signal-to-noise ratio of MRI was positively correlated with microvessel density (MVD). The cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA dynamicly and quantitatively monitored breast cancer by monitoring the state of neovascularization. In conclusion, in the present study, we successfully constructed the cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA magnetic nanoparticles for MRI/ultrasound dual-modality molecular radiography. The cRGD-Gd-DTPA-PLGA showed potential in early detection and diagnosis of metastasis, and dynamic evaluation of the efficacy of molecular targeted therapy of integrin αvß3.

Prognostic significance of pretreatment serum free fatty acid in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fatty acid metabolism is reportedly associated with various cancers. However, the role of pretreatment serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) prognosis is still unclear, and our study aimed to better elucidate its influence on clinical outcomes. METHODS: The medical records of 221 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients admitted to Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from January 2011 to December 2016 were analysed retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine a cut-off value for pretreatment serum FFA levels for prognostic prediction in DLBCL patients. The relationship between pretreatment serum FFA levels and clinical and laboratory parameters was analysed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Newly diagnosed DLBCL patients with high pretreatment serum FFA levels (≥0.495 mmol/l) had more B symptoms, higher serum lactate dehydrogenase levels (> upper limit of normal), >1 extranodal site, and higher International Prognostic Index score (3-5) compared to those with low pretreatment serum FFA levels (<0.495 mmol/l). Higher serum FFA levels were independent prognostic factors for poor OS, but not PFS. CONCLUSIONS: High pretreatment serum FFA levels are associated with lower survival in untreated DLBCL patients.

High pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels predict poor survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the real world.

BACKGROUND: Data on the role of pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels in the prognostic prediction of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are limited. We here studied the potential prognostic roles of pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels in patients with DLBCL. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 308 newly diagnosed patients with DLBCL admitted to the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2011 and December 2018. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to generate an optimal cut-off value for pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels in patients with DLBCL. According to the cut-off value, all patients were divided into the low D-dimer and high D-dimer groups. We analyzed the relationship between pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels and clinical and laboratory characteristics in patients with DLBCL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Patients with B symptoms, plasma lactate dehydrogenase levels >upper limit of normal (ULN), poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (2 to 4), advanced stage (III-IV), >1 extranodal site, higher International Prognostic Index (IPI) (2 to 5) and higher National Comprehensive Cancer Network IPI (NCCN-IPI) (≥4) (all P<0.001) had higher pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels (≥1.4 µg/mL). Patients with higher plasma D-dimer levels had worse OS and PFS (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher pretreatment plasma D-dimer level was associated with poor survival and was an independent poor predictor of OS among untreated patients with DLBCL.

Preoperative normalized iodine concentration derived from spectral CT is correlated with early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether normalized iodine concentration (NIC) correlates with tumor microvessel density and early recurrence in patients with HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 71 patients with surgically resected single HCC in this prospective study who underwent preoperative spectral CT between November 2014 and June 2016. Two observers independently measured the NIC in the arterial phase (AP) and portal venous phase (PVP). The relationship between NIC and microvessel density was evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate independent predictors of early recurrence. RESULTS: Early recurrence occurred in 28 of 71 patients (39.4%) during the 2-year follow-up. NIC-AP positively correlated with microvessel density for the two observers (r = 0.593 and 0.527). Based on multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for early HCC recurrence were tumor size (odds ratio, 1.200; p = 0.043) and NIC-AP (odds ratio, 2.522; p = 0.005). For the two observers, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting early HCC recurrence were 0.719 and 0.677. Early recurrence rates were significantly higher among patients with NIC-AP values higher than the optimal cutoff than among those with values below the cutoff. CONCLUSION: Normalized iodine concentration in the arterial phase from spectral CT reflects tumor-derived angiogenesis and is a potential predictive biomarker for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. KEY POINTS: • Normalized iodine concentration in the arterial phase positively correlated with microvessel density of hepatocellular carcinoma. • In the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, tumor size and normalized iodine concentration in the arterial phase were independent risk factors for early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. • Early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rates were significantly higher when normalized iodine concentration in the arterial phase values was above the optimal cutoff.

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of white matter integrity in patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the efficacy and neurotoxicity of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) by evaluating white matter (WM) injury using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). METHODS: Forty-six patients with HAND underwent DTI before and every six months during HAART treatment. DTI data, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values of structural WM before and after HAART, were compared. The relationship between DTI values and plasma viral loads was tested. MD was more sensitive than FA for evaluating WM injury in HAND-positive patients. RESULTS: Following 12 months of HAART, increased MD values (compared to 6 months of HAART) were observed in the right temporal lobe, right parietal lobe, right occipital lobe, right anterior limb of the internal capsule, right lenticular nucleus, the right cerebral peduncle, left caudate nucleus, left dorsal thalamus, and left posterior limb of the internal capsule. MD values in the left genu of the internal capsule (r=0.350, P=0.017) and left corona radiata (r=0.338, P=0.021) were positively correlated with plasma viral loads. CONCLUSIONS: DTI may be useful for assessing the efficacy and neurotoxicity of HAART in HAND-positive patients. Starting HAART may halt WM injury; however, prolonged HAART could worsen WM injury, highlighting the importance of optimal HAART duration.

Association between polymorphisms in the interleukin-10 gene and susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study meta-analyzed the literature on possible association of 3 polymorphisms (-592, -1082, -819) in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene with susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant studies in English. Meta-analyses were performed to examine the association of IL-10 polymorphisms -592, -1082, and -819 with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. RESULTS: A significant association between the -592 polymorphism and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection was found in the total population (recessive model, odds ratios (OR) = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.06-1.96, P = .02; homozygous model, OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.02-2.02, P = .04). However, these results were not observed in subgroups based on ethnicity. The -1082 polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in Caucasians (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05-1.62, P = .02; recessive model, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.09-2.03, P = .01; homozygous model, OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.01-2.46, P = .04), but not in Asians or the total population. None of the 5 genetic models suggested a significant association between the -819 polymorphism and HIV-1 infection. CONCLUSION: The available evidence indicates that the AA genotype of IL-10 -592 may confer increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, and that the AA genotype of -1082 may confer increased susceptibility in Caucasians. In contrast, the -819 polymorphism may not be associated with HIV-1 infection risk. These conclusions should be verified in large, well-designed studies.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP-like or CHOP-like regimens: an 8-year experience from a single center.

BACKGROUND: The CHOP regimen comprising cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone is a basic chemotherapeutic regimen for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Addition of rituximab (R) to chemotherapy has led to better efficacy than other regimens in clinical trials. However, data of clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with DLBCL are scarce. Therefore, this study reports the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with DLBCL in our hospital. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients treated with CHOP-like or R-CHOP-like regimens at our hospital between 2011 and 2018. We analyzed the data on demography, clinical characteristics, treatment, treatment response, and survival time. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were applied. RESULTS: In total, 570 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were included, of which 133 were treated with CHOP-like regimens and 437 with R-CHOP-like regimens. The overall response rate was 83.3%. Germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype, R-CHOP-like treatment, Ann Arbor stage I-II, not more than 1 extranodal disease site, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≤1, normal serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, normal serum ß2 microglobulin (ß2-MG) level, absence of B symptoms, and lower International Prognostic Index (IPI) or National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) scores were associated with longer overall survival (OS) and progressionfree survival (PFS), and were favorable prognostic factors for OS and PFS. Only GCB subtype, R-CHOPlike treatment, absence of B symptoms, and lower IPI or NCCN-IPI scores were independent favorable prognostic factors for OS and/or PFS. Neither IPI nor NCCN-IPI could accurately and precisely predict the prognosis of high-risk DLBCL patients. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients indicates that patients treated with R-CHOP-like regimens or with GCB subtype exhibited better outcomes. Further, IPI and NCCN-IPI have limited prognostic values in high-risk DLBCL patients.

RETRACTED: Association Between Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-10 Gene and Susceptibility to HIV-1 Infection.

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses officially retracts the paper entitled, "Association Between Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-10 Gene and Susceptibility to HIV-1 Infection," by Dan-Hui Fu, Wen-Juan Deng, Zhi Yang, Sen Hong, Qian-Ling Ding, Yang Zhao, Jia Chen, and Dan-Ke Su (AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, epub: 16 Jun 2020; DOI: 10.1089/AID.2020.0011) due to a final, post-acceptance plagiarism review of the paper revealed a level of duplication of published sources that exceeded normal thresholds. The authors were provided an opportunity to adjust the problem, but the revision was returned with an even higher degree of duplication. The Editor and Publisher of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses are committed to preserving the scientific literature and the community it serves.

MicroRNA Profiling of Exosomes Derived from Red Blood Cell Units: Implications in Transfusion-Related Immunomodulation.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the microRNAs existent in exosomes derived from stored red blood cell (RBC) unit and their potential function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant derived from stored RBC units by sequential centrifugation. Isolated exosomes were characterized by TEM (transmission electron microscopy), western blotting, and DLS (dynamic light scattering). MicroRNA (miRNA) microarray was performed to detect the expression of miRNAs in 3 exosome samples. Results revealed miRNAs that were simultaneously expressed in the 3 exosome samples and were previously reported to exist in mature RBCs. Functions and potential pathways of some detected miRNAs were illustrated by bioinformatic analysis. Validation of the top 3 abundant miRNAs was carried out by qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). RESULTS: TEM and DLS revealed the mean size of the exosomes (RBC-derived) as 64.08 nm. These exosomes exhibited higher abundance of short RNA than the long RNA. 78 miRNAs were simultaneously detected in 3 exosome samples and mature RBCs. Several biological processes might be impacted by these miRNAs, through their target gene(s) enriched in a particular signalling pathway. The top 3 (abundant) miRNAs detected were as follows: miR-125b-5p, miR-4454, and miR-451a. qRT-PCR revealed higher abundance of miR-451a than others. Only miR-4454 and miR-451a abundance tended to increase with increasing storage time. CONCLUSION: Exosomes derived from stored RBC units possessed multiple miRNAs and, hence, could serve various functions. The function of exosomes (RBC-derived) might be implemented partly by the predominantly enriched miR-451a.

Combination of Fresh Frozen Plasma and Cryosupernatant Plasma for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Single Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a combination of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryosupernatant plasma (CP) as a replacement fluid in therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on early therapeutic response and long-term survival of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients with suspected TTP were screened by Bentley and PLASMIC scores. Twenty-seven patients treated with TPE using the FFP and CP combination as the replacement fluid were enrolled and divided into two groups: 11 patients who received TPE with CP-dominant replacement fluid (FFP/CP<1) and 16 patients who received TPE with FFP-dominant replacement fluid (FFP/CP>1). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups except for the international normalized ratio (INR). The number of TPE procedures was lower, and time to achieve complete response was shorter in the CP-dominant group than in the FFP-dominant group. There were no significant differences in overall survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The CP-dominant replacement fluid was superior to the FFP-dominant replacement fluid in early response to TPE in patients with TTP, but did not impact the patients' overall survival.

Prognostic Significance of Blood Transfusion in Elderly Patients with Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

The current study sought to evaluate whether blood transfusions affect survival of elderly patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A total of 104 patients aged 60 years and over were enrolled and divided into two groups: 24 patients who received transfusions and 80 patients who did not. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in LDH levels, platelet (Plt) counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) levels between the two groups. Univariate analyses showed that LDH level ≥ 245 IU/L, cell of origin (germinal center/nongerminal center), and blood transfusion were associated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Higher IPI (3-5), Alb level < 35 g/L, and rituximab usage were associated with OS. Appearance of B symptoms was associated with PFS. Multivariate analyses showed that cell of origin and rituximab usage were independent factors for OS and LDH level was an independent factor for PFS. Blood transfusion was an independent factor for PFS, but not for OS. Our preliminary results suggested that elderly patients with primary DLBCL may benefit from a restrictive blood transfusion strategy.

Leukapheresis in 15 patients weighing 20kg or less: A single centre experience.

The application of apheresis equipment to perform leukapheresis (LK) in low weight paediatric patients is logistically complex and lacking of largest clinical performing experiences, meanwhile, the benefit from LK is controversial. In this study, 15 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL)and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and hyperleukocytosis were treated with the COBE Spectra apheresis system in the general paediatric ward by the staff from the department of Blood Transfusion. 26 LK procedures were performed. 12 patients (80%) were performed with peripheral veins, others (20%) with femoral veins. Median age, body weight of the patients was 4 years (range from1year 10 month to 7 years) and 15kg (range from10 to 20kg). The median white blood cell (WBC) count of pre-first-LK was 289×109/L (range from 108×109/L to 579×109/L). The median decrease in WBC count after each LK was 34% (range from 14% to 54%), and overall decrease in WBC after completion of LK procedures was 45% (range from 15% to 70%). All of the patients had no further signs of leukostasis and achieved marked reductions in WBC counts. Only minor clinical adverse events were attributable to LK. With adequate monitoring and experienced team, LK is a safe and may be a beneficial leukoreduction method in small patients weighing 20kg or less with ALL and AML.

Prognostic Significance of Blood Transfusion in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients without Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether blood transfusions affect overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A total of 181 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: 68 patients in the transfused group and 113 patients in the nontransfused group. Statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences in ECOG scoring, Ig isotype, platelet (Plt) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) level, serum creatinine (Scr) level, and ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) level between the two groups. Univariate analyses showed that higher International Staging System staging, Plt counts < 100 × 109/L, Scr level ≥ 177 µmol/L, serum ß2-MG ≥ 5.5 µmol/L, serum calcium (Ca) ≥ 2.75 mmol/L, and thalidomide use were associated with both OS and PFS in MM patients. Age ≥ 60 was associated with OS and Ig isotype was associated with PFS in MM patients. Moreover, blood transfusion was associated with PFS but not OS in MM patients. Multivariate analyses showed that blood transfusion was not an independent factor for PFS in MM patients. Our preliminary results suggested that newly diagnosed MM patients may benefit from a liberal blood transfusion strategy, since blood transfusion is not an independent impact factor for survival.

High Expression of Phosphorylated Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK1/2) is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is commonly activated in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, the prognostic value of activation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in newly diagnosed patients with MM has not been reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS Expression levels of p-ERK1/2 protein in bone marrow biopsy specimens obtained from 60 newly diagnosed patients with MM were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, and classified into 3 groups: high p-ERK1/2 expression, low p-ERK1/2 expression, and negative group. Correlations between clinicopathological characteristics, including expression levels of p-ERK1/2 protein, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein was positive in 47 bone marrow specimens, including 19 specimens with high p-ERK1/2 expression and 28 specimens with low p-ERK1/2 expression. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that in newly diagnosed patients with MM, high p-ERK1/2 expression, high ISS staging, serum creatinine (Scr) ≥177 µmol/l, serum ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) ≥5.5 µmol/l, and serum calcium (Ca) ≥2.75 mmol/l were significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS. Additionally, high ECOG scores (score 2-4) were associated with shorter PFS in newly diagnosed patients with MM. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that in newly diagnosed patients with MM, high p-ERK1/2 expression was significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS. Additionally, in newly diagnosed patients with MM, serum Ca ≥2.75 mmol/l was significantly associated with shorter PFS, and serum ß2-MG ≥5.5 µmol/l was significantly associated with shorter OS. CONCLUSIONS High p-ERK1/2 expression is an independent factor for poor prognosis in newly diagnosed patients with MM.

[Arginase Level in Apheresis Leukocyte-Reduced Platelets Stored for Different Time].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of storage time on arginase level and possible source of arginase in apheresis leukocyte-reduced platelets(ALR-Plt). METHODS: The arginase level and myeloperoxidase(MPO) levels in ALR-Plt and control plasma were detected by ELISA. The relationship between arginase level and MPO level in ALR-Plt was analyzed by correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of arginase level between ALR-Plt stored less than 3 days and control plasma. However, arginase level in ALR-Plt stored over 3 days was significantly higher than that in ALR-Plt stored less than 3 days and control plasma(P<0.05). There was no significant difference of MPO level in ALR-Plt stored for different times, but the MPO level in ALR-Plt stored for different time was lower than that in control plasma. Correlation analysis showed that arginase level positively correlated with MPO level in ALR-Plt of different storage time (r=0.58). CONCLUSION: The arginase level in ALR-Plt stored over 3 days increase significantly. The main possible source of arginase in ALR-Plt is the residual white blood cells, especially neutrophils.

[Arginase Level in Suspended Red Blood Cells Storaged for Different Time].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of storage time on arginase level, and the possible source of arginase in suspended red blood cells (RBC). METHODS: The arginase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in suspended RBC and control plasma were detected by ELISA. The free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC and control plasma were detected by colorimetric method. The relationship between arginase level, MPO level and free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC was analyzed by the related methods. RESULTS: The arginase and free hemoglobin levels in suspended RBC were higher than those in control plasma. Otherwise, MPO level was not significantly different between suspended RBC and control plasma. All of them did not increase along with prolonging of storage time. There was not a significant correlation between arginase level and free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC of different storage time (r = 0.03), but arginase level positively correlated with MPO level in the suspended RBC of different storage time (r = 0.76). CONCLUSION: The arginase level in suspended RBC storaged for different time increases significantly, but not along with prolonging of storage time. The main possible source of arginase in the suspended RBC is the residual white blood cell, especially neutrophils.