Burden and trend of dietary risk-related colorectal cancer in China and its provinces: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the spatial pattern and temporal trend of colorectal cancer (CRC) burden attributed to dietary risk factors in China from 1990 to 2019 using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study (GBD) 2019. METHODS: Numbers and age-standardised rates of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and corresponding average annual percentage change (AAPC) were determined. The joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the temporal trends of CRC deaths and DALYs from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS: In China, the number of diet-attributable CRC deaths and DALYs in 2019 were 90.41 (95% uncertainty interval: 65.69, 114.67) and 2234.06 (1609.96, 2831.24) per-1000 population, marking 2.05% and 1.68% annual increases since 1990, respectively. The region with the highest increase in age-standardised rates (ASRs) of diet-related CRC deaths and DALYs was in Taiwan with an AAPC of 2.00% (1.51, 2.48), whereas the highest decline in ASRs of CRC deaths and DALYs was observed in Hong Kong with an AAPC of -0.63% (-0.90, -0.35) (all P < 0.05). Nationally, men suffered higher CRC deaths and DALY burdens attributable to dietary risks than did women. Regarding the specific diet group, diets low in calcium, milk, and whole grains contributed to CRC deaths and DALYs the most. CONCLUSIONS: Diet is an important contributor to increasing CRC burden in China. Necessary measures should be taken to kerb the growing burden attributed to dietary factors, particularly in males and in regions with middle Socio-demographic Index or lower.

[The 504th case: Multiple lymph node enlargement, renal insufficiency, blindness, and white matter lesions of the brain].

A 65-year-old male patient was admitted for recurrent lymph node enlargement for 5 years and elevated creatinine for 6 months. This patient was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma 5 years ago and underwent multiple lines of anti-tumor therapy, including cytotoxic chemotherapy; epigenetic modifying drugs such as chidamide and azacitidine; the immunomodulator lenalidomide; and targeted therapy such as rituximab, a CD20-targeting antibody, and brentuximab vedotin, which targets CD30. Although the tumor was considered stable, multiple virus activation (including BK virus, JC virus, and cytomegalovirus) accompanied by the corresponding organ damage (polyomavirus nephropathy, cytomegalovirus retinitis, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) occurred during anti-tumor treatment. Anti-tumor therapy was suspended and ganciclovir was used. The serum viral load decreased and organ functions were stabilized. The purpose of this report was to raise clinicians' awareness of opportunistic virus reactivation during anti-tumor treatment.

Tissue Distribution of mtDNA Copy Number And Expression Pattern of An mtDNA-Related Gene in Three Teleost Fish Species.

Teleosts are the most speciose vertebrates and have diverse swimming performance. Based on swimming duration and speed, teleosts are broadly divided into sustained, prolonged, and burst swimming fish. Teleosts with different swimming performance have different energy requirements. In addition, energy requirement also varies among different tissues. As mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is correlated with ATP production, we speculated that mtDNA copy number varies among fish with different swimming performance, as well as among different tissues. In other species, mtDNA copy number is regulated by tfam (mitochondrial transcription factor A) through mtDNA compaction and mito-genome replication initiation. In order to clarify the tissue distribution of mtDNA copy number and expression pattern of tfam in teleosts with disparate swimming performance, we selected representative fish with sustained swimming (Pseudocaranx dentex), prolonged swimming (Takifugu rubripes), and burst swimming (Paralichthys olivaceus). We measured mtDNA copy number and tfam gene expression in 10 tissues of these three fish. The results showed the mtDNA content pattern of various tissues was broadly consistent among three fish, and high-energy demanding tissues contain higher mtDNA copy number. Slow-twitch muscles with higher oxidative metabolism possess a greater content of mtDNA than fast-twitch muscles. In addition, relatively higher mtDNA content in fast-twitch muscle of P. olivaceus compared to the other two fish could be an adaptation to their frequent burst swimming demands. And the higher mtDNA copy number in heart of P. dentex could meet their oxygen transport demands of long-distance swimming. However, tfam expression was not significantly correlated with mtDNA copy number in these teleosts, suggesting tfam may be not the only factor regulating mtDNA content among various tissues. This study can lay a foundation for studying the role of mtDNA in the adaptive evolution of various swimming ability in teleost fish.

[Periodic dynamic observation and analysis of cellular and humoral immunity indexes of adults infected with Omicron BA.1].

Objective: To analyze the immunological characteristics and antibody changes of patients infected with the Omicron BA.1 and evaluate the possibility of secondary infection. Methods: A total of 104 patients infected with Omicron BA.1 in the Jinnan District of Tianjin from January 8 to February 2, 2022, were included in the study. The control group and case group were matched 1∶1 based on age, sex and vaccination status. Serum was collected from the case group and control group at 3, 6 and 9 months after infection. The serum levels of interleukin4 (IL-4), IL-5 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), as well as the positive rates of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2, were detected by ELISA. Results: The highest concentration of IFN-γ in the case group at 6 months after infection was 145.4 pg/ml, followed by a decrease in concentration. The concentrations of IL-4 and IL-5 began to decrease at 6 months after infection (all P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the IgG2 positive rate between the case group and the control group at 6 months after BA.1 infection. However, at 9 months, there was a significant decrease compared to the control group (P=0.003). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL4 at 3 months after infection in the case group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the ratio between the case group and the control group at 9 months after infection. Conclusion: The cellular immune function has been impaired at 3 months after infection with BA.1, and the specific cellular immune and humoral immune functions decrease significantly after 6 months, and the risk of secondary infection increases.

[Correlation between Helicobacter pylori enrichment and clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma].

Objective: Aim to observe the enrichment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in adenoma tissue of patients with colorectal adenoma and analyze its effect on the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma. Methods: The data of 1 622 cases of gastroenteroscopy in the Endoscopy Center of Wenzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. The general data, gastric HP infection, clinical and pathological features, HP methyl blue special staining, HP immunohistochemical staining and toll-like receptor5(TLR5) protein immunofluorescence of colorectal adenomas were compared between the colorectal adenoma group (743 cases) and the control group (879 cases). Results: There were 743 cases in the colorectal adenoma group, aged (54.5±12.3) years, and 56.0% were male. There were 879 cases in the control group, aged (55.6±12.1), and 58.4% were male. Gastric Hp was positive in 361 cases in the colorectal adenoma group with a positive rate of 48.6% and in 331 cases in the control group with a positive rate of 37.7%. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Gastric HP infection significantly increased the risk of Hp enrichment in colorectal adenomas (OR=28.590;95%CI:18.554-44.055; P<0.001). At the same time, Hp enrichment in colorectal adenomas was the promoting factor of positive events in adenoma diameter, pathological adenoma type, and adenoma malignancy (RR=0.804,3.163,3.089,2.463, P<0.001). It was also found that the expression of TLR5 protein was increased in HP-enriched adenomas. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between gastric HP infection and intestinal HP enrichment. The effect of intestinal HP enrichment on the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma is statistically significant, and its tumor-promoting effect may be related to the upregulation of mucosal TLR5 protein.

Syndecan-2 selectively regulates VEGF-induced vascular permeability.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- driven increase in vascular permeability is a key feature of many disease states associated with inflammation and ischemic injury, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in these settings. Despite its importance, no specific regulators that preferentially control VEGF-dependent increase in permeability versus its other biological activities, have been identified. Here we report that a proteoglycan Syndecan-2 (Sdc2) regulates the interaction between a transmembrane phosphatase DEP1 and VEGFR2 by controlling cell surface levels of DEP1. In the absence of Sdc2 or the presence of an antibody that blocks Sdc2-DEP1 interaction, increased plasma membrane DEP1 levels promote selective dephosphorylation of the VEGFR2 Y951 site that is involved in permeability control. Either an endothelial-specific Sdc2 deletion or a treatment with an anti-Sdc2 antibody result in a highly significant reduction in stroke size due to a decrease in intracerebral edema.

[Studying the correlation between ferritin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease].

Objective: To analyze the correlation between serum ferritin and steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: Data of 167 cases who underwent liver biopsy in the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University were collected. Hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were performed within one week. The pathological results of liver biopsy were used as the gold standard to analyze the case data, serological indicators, magnetic resonance spectroscopy-proton density fat fraction. Results: Pathological monitoring result showed that the serum ferritin in patients without steatosis, and with mild, moderate and severe steatosis were (206.20 ± 189.83), (286.65 ± 200.80), (326.55 ± 214.71), (391.50 ± 184.93) ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.005. Serum ferritin was correlated to body mass index, PDFF, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein. The area under ​​the receiver operating characteristic curve with ferritin for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was 0.716, and the optimal diagnostic threshold was 214.56 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity were 80.1%, and 68.8%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the intralobular inflammation, fibrosis, and ferritin. Prussian blue iron staining had no apparent deposition of iron particles. Conclusion: Ferritin has significant positive correlation with the results of pathological and magnetic resonance imaging for liver steatosis. Therefore, it can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic method for liver steatosis evaluation.

A large-scale genome-wide association analysis reveals QTL and candidate genes for intramuscular fat content in Duroc pigs.

This study aimed at identifying genomic regions and genes associated with intramuscular fat content (IMF) in Duroc pigs using a weighted single-step GWAS. Data from 3912 pigs, of which 3770 animals were genotyped with GeneSeek Porcine 50K Bead chip, were used for the association analysis. We identified 19 genomic regions that each explained >1% of the additive genetic variance associated with IMF. Notably, a consistent QTL on SSC7 (117.42-117.92 Mb) was confirmed, explaining 3.70% of the additive genetic variance, and two genes, BDKRB2 and ATG2B, were highlighted as promising candidates for IMF. Two QTL (SSC7, 94.19-94.64 Mb; SSC14, 123.25-123.75 Mb), which harbored MED6 and MAP3K9 genes and TCF7L2 gene respectively, were newly identified as associated with IMF. In conclusion, we identified a consistent QTL and additional genomic regions and genes that contributed to the genetic variance of IMF using a large-scale sample size of genotyped pigs and genealogical information.

[Effect of band ligation or combined with tissue adhesive in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices and portal vein blood flow situational changes].

42 cases with gastroesophageal varices were prospectively included. The groups were treated with endoscopic band ligation or combined with tissue adhesive. The results showed that the left gastric vein internal diameter, average blood flow velocity and blood flow volume after the treatment of band ligation combined with tissue adhesive were significantly lower than that of the treatment of band ligation alone, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Spleen and portal vein internal diameter, blood flow and average velocity, the liver and spleen size, shear wave velocity and liver function grade of the two groups after treatment did not change significantly (P > 0.05). The effective rate of band ligation combined with tissue adhesive in the treatment of esophageal and gastric varices (66.67%, 52.38%) were higher than that of band ligation alone (42.85%, 23.81%) (P > 0.05), and the re-bleeding rate of the latter was higher (9.52% and 19.05%, P > 0.05). Hence, it is suggested that the combined therapy is safe and more effective, and has no apparent effect on liver function and portal hypertension.

Translating Fecobionics Into a Technique That Addresses Clinical Needs for Objective Perineal Descent Measurements.

INTRODUCTION: Perineal descent is a phenomenon associated with anorectal dysfunction. It is diagnosed by defecography but subjected to manual measurements on the images/videos and interobserver bias. Fecobionics is a simulated feces for assessing important physiological parameters during defecation. Here, we translate Fecobionics into a new method for estimation of perineal descent based on electronic signals from the embedded inertial measurement units (IMUs). METHODS: A displacement measurement method by a combined zero-velocity update and gravity compensation algorithm from IMUs was developed. The method was verified in a robot model, which mimicked perineal descent motion. RESULTS: The method correlated well with the reference (R = 0.9789) and had a deviation from the peak displacement (range 0.25-2.5 cm) of -0.04 ± 0.498 cm. The method was further validated in 5 human experiments with comparison to the benchmark defecography technology (R = 0.79). DISCUSSION: The proposed technology is objective, i.e., electronic measurements rather than by fluoroscopy or MRI. The development may impact clinical practice by providing a resource-saving and objective technology for diagnosing perineal descent in the many patients suffering from anorectal disorders. The technology may also be used in colon experiments with Fecobionics and for other gastrointestinal devices containing IMUs such as ingestible capsules like the Smartpill.

[Study of liver fat and iron deposition quantification based on magnetic resonance imaging in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for quantitative determination of liver fat and iron content through a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. Methods: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into experimental (MCD-diet group, n = 30) and normal control group (normal diet, n = 30). Rats were subjected to special MRI examinations at the ends of 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and R2* value were obtained, and then the rats were sacrificed. The liver tissues were stained with HE, Prussian blue, etc. Liver tissue non-heme iron (NHI) homogenate was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. According to different data, one-way analysis of variance, t-test or χ (2) test was used for statistical analysis. Results: PDFF and R2 * values in the MCD diet group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks were 23.37% ± 9.20%, 28.07% ± 6.84%, 25.40% ± 7.04% (P < 0.01) and 90.58 ± 15.92, 104.12 ± 13.47, 106.35 ± 15.76 (P < 0.05), respectively, which were significantly higher than the normal control group PDFF (2.39% ± 0.50%, 2.45% ± 0.45%, 3.26% ± 0.80%) and R2* (48.93 ± 7.90, 54.71 ± 5.91, 64.25 ± 15.76). Additionally, with the disease progression, R2 * had gradually increased, which was consistent with the NHI trend in liver tissue homogenates of each group. Conclusion: MRI, as a non-invasive quantitative method, can accurately assess liver fat and iron content in fatty liver disease, and with the degree of severity of fat changes, iron deposits tend to increase.

An analysis of the variations and clinical applications of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the arterial variation of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is a vital step in planning surgical and radiological approach. The aim of the study was to evaluate the variations and discuss the clinical correlates of the LCFA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty eight adult cadavers (male 45, female 13) with 115 usable sides were used to assess and classify the origin and branches of the LCFA. Also its external diameter, distance from mid-inguinal ligament to sites of origin from the profunda femoris artery or femoral arteries. RESULTS: There were seven types of LCFA variations in this sample. We classified them as types A to G, of which type A was normal, that is, the one showing a single LCFA arising from the profunda femoris artery. Nearly 50.43% of the sample had type B-G variations, each having 13, 10, 23, 4, 4, and 3 cases, accounting for 11.30%, 8.70%, 20.00%, 3.48%, 3.48%, and 2.61%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are many variant types in the LCFA. To avoid iatrogenic injuries, clinicians must have a sound understanding of the variation types of this important blood vessel.

Atomically dispersed Ni in cadmium-zinc sulfide quantum dots for high-performance visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Catalysts with a single atom site allow highly tuning of the activity, stability, and reactivity of heterogeneous catalysts. Therefore, atomistic understanding of the pertinent mechanism is essential to simultaneously boost the intrinsic activity, site density, electron transport, and stability. Here, we report that atomically dispersed nickel (Ni) in zincblende cadmium-zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZCS QDs) delivers an efficient and durable photocatalytic performance for water splitting under sunlight. The finely tuned Ni atoms dispersed in ZCS QDs exhibit an ultrahigh photocatalytic H2 production activity of 18.87 mmol hour-1 g-1. It could be ascribed to the favorable surface engineering to achieve highly active sites of monovalent Ni(I) and the surface heterojunctions to reinforce the carrier separation owing to the suitable energy band structures, built-in electric field, and optimized surface H2 adsorption thermodynamics. This work demonstrates a synergistic regulation of the physicochemical properties of QDs for high-efficiency photocatalytic H2 production.

MiR-150 alleviates EMT and cell invasion of colorectal cancer through targeting Gli1.

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-150 alleviates EMT and cell invasion of colorectal cancer through targeting Gli1, by H. Fan, X. Liu, W.-W. Zheng, Z.-H. Zhuang, C.-D. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21 (21): 4853-4859-PMID: 29164577" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/13726.

Paradoxical aortic stiffening and subsequent cardiac dysfunction in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultra-rare disorder with devastating sequelae resulting in early death, presently thought to stem primarily from cardiovascular events. We analyse novel longitudinal cardiovascular data from a mouse model of HGPS (LmnaG609G/G609G) using allometric scaling, biomechanical phenotyping, and advanced computational modelling and show that late-stage diastolic dysfunction, with preserved systolic function, emerges with an increase in the pulse wave velocity and an associated loss of aortic function, independent of sex. Specifically, there is a dramatic late-stage loss of smooth muscle function and cells and an excessive accumulation of proteoglycans along the aorta, which result in a loss of biomechanical function (contractility and elastic energy storage) and a marked structural stiffening despite a distinctly low intrinsic material stiffness that is consistent with the lack of functional lamin A. Importantly, the vascular function appears to arise normally from the low-stress environment of development, only to succumb progressively to pressure-related effects of the lamin A mutation and become extreme in the peri-morbid period. Because the dramatic life-threatening aortic phenotype manifests during the last third of life there may be a therapeutic window in maturity that could alleviate concerns with therapies administered during early periods of arterial development.

[Clinicopathologic features and prognostic analysis of 240 patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms].

Objective: To investigate clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of gastric neuroendocrine tumors (G-NEN). Methods: Clinical and pathological data of patients with G-NEN diagnosed by pathological examination in Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2000 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in this case-control study. Patients with complicated visceral lesions, other visceral primary tumors, mental disorders and incomplete clinicopathological data were excluded. Finally, 240 hospitalized patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Physical examination information, tumor characteristics and pathological characteristics of patients were summarized. The Cox regression models were used to analyze the risk factors affecting G-NEN and the survival conditions were described by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test. Results: In 240 patients with G-NEN, the mean age was (60.3±10.1) years; 181 were male (75.4%) and 59 females (24.6%); mean tumor diameter was (4.2±2.8) cm; 51 cases (21.2%) were neuroendocrine tumor (NET), 139 cases (57.9%) neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), 50 cases (20.8%) mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC); 28 cases (11.7%) were G1 low grades, 34 cases (14.2%) G2 medium grades, and 178 cases (74.2%) G3 high grades; tumor infiltration depth T1 to T4 were 44 cases (18.3%), 27 cases (11.2%), 60 cases (25.0%) and 109 cases (45.4%) respectively; 163 cases (67.9%) developed lymphatic metastasis and 46 patients (19.2%) distant metastasis; tumor stage from stage I to stage IV were 55 cases (22.9%), 42 cases (17.5%), 94 cases (39.2%) and 53 cases (22.1%) respectively. Of the 240 G-NEN patients, 223 cases (92.9%) were followed up. The median survival time of the patients was 39.2 (95% CI: 29.1 to 47.5) months. Univariate survival analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years, tumor diameter ≥ 4.2 cm, tumor grade G3, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis, and tumor stage III-IV were risk factors for G-NEN patients. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that lymphatic metastasis (HR=1.783, 95%CI: 1.007-3.155, P=0.047) and distant metastasis (HR=2.288, 95% CI: 1.307-4.008, P=0.004) were independent risk factors of the prognosis. Further analysis of the G3 subgroup of G-NEN showed that the 5-year survival rate of NET-G3 was 76.19%, which was significantly higher than that of NEC-G3 and MANEC-G3 (15.60% and 24.73%, P=0.012). Conclusions: Most G-NEN patients are in advanced stage at diagnosis. Lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis indicate poor prognosis. The prognosis of high proliferation NET-G3 patients is better as compared to those of NEC-G3 and MANEC-G3. This classification is worth further attention.

The applied anatomy and clinical significance of the proximal, V1 segment of vertebral artery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to probe the morphological features of the proximal segment (V1) of vertebral artery (VA) in a sample of Chinese cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The origin, course and outer diameter at origin of the pre-vertebral part of the VAs were evaluated in 119 adult cadavers. RESULTS: It was found that 94.12% of the VAs originated from the subclavian arteries, bilaterally. The variant origins were present in 5.88% of the cadavers and all originated directly from the arch of the aorta. All the variations were observed on the left side of male cadavers. The average outer diameters at origin of the normal and variation groups were 4.35 ± 1.00 mm and 4.82 ± ± 1.42 mm, respectively, p = 0.035. In the normal group, but not in the variation group, the average diameter in the males was significantly larger than that in the females (4.50 ± 0.99 mm, 3.92 ± 0.92 mm, respectively, p = 0.000). In addition, only 5 cadavers in the normal group had hypoplastic VAs (4.20%, 4 males, 3 right-sided). Vertebral artery dominance (VAD) was present in 91 (69 males) out of 112 cadavers and more common on the left (n = 48). In addition, 3 cadavers satisfied conditions for coexistence of VAD and vertebral artery hypoplasia. All 7 cadavers in the variation group exhibited VAD, which was more common on the right side (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: The morphologic variations and frequencies described above have implications for the early prevention, abnormal anatomy detection, accurate diagnosis, safe surgery and endovascular treatment of cardiovascular and neurological disease.

Induction of M2 Macrophages Prevents Bone Loss in Murine Periodontitis Models.

Periodontitis is characterized by the progressive destruction of tooth-supporting alveolar bone, which is mainly caused by chronic inflammation in response to persistent bacterial insult. It has recently become clear that the pathogenesis of periodontitis is associated with a high ratio of proinflammatory M1 (classically activated) macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 (alternatively activated). To decrease the inflammatory activity, we locally delivered the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) using controlled-release microparticles (MPs). CCL2 is known to promote chemotaxis of M0 or M2 phenotype macrophages to the inflamed site and induce M2 phenotype polarization locally. Our in vitro data showed that CCL2 increased the number of M2 phenotype macrophages, decreased TNF-α secretion, and enhanced chemotaxis of RAW264.7 cells toward CCL2 MPs. Moreover, we induced periodontal disease in 2 animal models through inoculation of Porphyromonas gingivalis and ligature around the murine molar. Micro-computed tomography analysis showed significant reduction of alveolar bone loss in the CCL2 MP treatment group when compared with a blank MP group and a no-treatment periodontitis group in both models. Immunohistologic analysis showed a significant increase in the M2 phenotype subset and a decrease in the M1 phenotype subset in the CCL2 MP group of the P. gingivalis-induced model. Also, in both models, tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase staining showed significantly fewer numbers of osteoclasts in the CCL2 MP group in alveolar bone area. Moreover, quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed a significant increase in IL-1RA (interleukin 1 receptor antagonist) mRNA expression and a decrease in RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand) mRNA expression in the CCL2 MP group in the ligature model. In summary, manipulation of endogenous M2 phenotype macrophages with CCL2 MPs decreased the M1 phenotype:M2 phenotype ratio and prevented alveolar bone loss in mouse periodontitis models. The delivery of CCL2 MPs provides a novel approach to treat periodontal disease.

Apparent diffusion coefficient measurement in luminal breast cancer: will tumour shrinkage patterns affect its efficacy of evaluating the pathological response?

AIM: To determine which region of interest (ROI) placement method of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement has the best performance for predicting pathological complete response (PCR) at two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) according to different tumour shrinkage patterns of luminal breast cancer and to assess the evaluative accuracy of ADC value combined with other clinicopathological indicators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients who underwent NAC for histopathologically confirmed breast cancer were enrolled in this retrospective study. The ADC values of different shrinkage patterns (concentric shrinkage, nest or dendritic shrinkage, and mixed shrinkage) for tumours shown by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were measured independently using three ROI placement methods (single-round, three-round, and freehand). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess the interobserver variability in the ADC values. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of PCR. RESULTS: The best placement method found was single-round ROI in all the patients (AUC=0.863). When analysed separately, the effectiveness results differed: the single-round method was optimal for concentrically shrinking tumours (AUC=0.970); the freehand method was optimal for nest or dendritically shrinking tumours (AUC=0.714); and the three-round method was optimal for mixed shrinking tumours (AUC=0.975). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that oestrogen receptor (ER), ΔADC% and tumour diameter reduction (ΔD%) were independent factors in evaluating the PCR. CONCLUSION: The methods for measuring ADC values vary across different shrinkage patterns of luminal tumours. ΔADC%, ER and ΔD% were independent factors for evaluating the PCR.

Utility of apparent diffusion coefficient as an imaging biomarker for assessing the proliferative potential of invasive ductal breast cancer.

AIM: To determine the clinical utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metrics for the non-invasive assessment of tumour proliferation indicated by Ki-67 labelling index (LI) in invasive ductal breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with 80 histopathologically proven invasive ductal breast cancers underwent diffusion-weighted imaging with b-values of 0 and 800 s/mm2 at a 3-T system. ADC metrics including ADCmean, ADCmedian, ADCmin, ADCmax, and ΔADC (ADCmax-ADCmin) were recorded from the entire tumour volume on ADC maps, and correlated with the Ki-67 LI. Ki-67 staining of ≥14% was considered to indicate high proliferation and <14% was considered to indicate low proliferation. RESULTS: ADCmin, ADCmax, and ΔADC showed significant correlations with the Ki-67 LI (for all tumours, r=-0.311, 0.436, and 0.551, respectively; for luminal/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative group, r=-0.437, 0.512, and 0.639, respectively; all p<0.01), whereas ADCmean and ADCmedian showed no significant correlation (both p>0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the differentiation of high- from low-proliferation groups showed that ΔADC yielded the highest area under the ROC curve for the whole tumour population (0.825; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.724, 0.901), as well as for the luminal/HER2-negative group (0.844; 95% CI: 0.692, 0.940). CONCLUSION: ΔADC may serve as a promising imaging biomarker for the prediction of Ki-67 proliferation status in invasive ductal breast cancer.