Cigarette Smoke Extract and Lipopolysaccharide Induce Pyroptosis in Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells of Rats.

We studied the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), LPS, or their combination on the activity and pyroptosis of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) in rats. PMVEC were cultured without treatment, with CSE in different concentrations (1-25%), with 20 ng/ml LPS, or with 20% CSE+20 ng/ml LPS. Cell viability was determined using the CCK8 kit, apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell morphology was evaluated using light microscopy. The content of IL-1ß and IL-18 was measured by ELISA. CSE decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The morphology of cells in the CSE+LPS group showed the most significant cytomorphological changes and the highest pyroptosis rate. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rates in the CSE and LPS groups were higher than in the control group, but the highest rate of apoptosis was revealed in the CSE+LPS group (p<0.01). The levels of IL-18 and IL-1ß in the cell supernatant of the CSE, LPS, and CSE+LPS groups were significantly (p<0.01) increased in comparison with the control. These levels in the CSE+LPS group were higher (p<0.01) than in other groups. There were no differences between the CSE and LPS groups. Thus, the effect of CSE on cell viability is dose-dependent. Combined treatment with CSE+LPS can induce cell pyroptosis and increase the levels of inflammatory cytokines in PMVEC. These observations demonstrated that pyroptosis caused by CSE and LPS can play an important role in pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Probing

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in

ß decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The ß decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through ß-delayed two-proton emission (ß2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P ß decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in ß-decay experiments.

Risk factors for progression of Urolith Associated with Obstructive Urosepsis to severe sepsis or septic shock.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the risk factors for progression of urolith associated with obstructive urosepsis to severe sepsis or septic shock, we had done the retrospective cross-sectional study, which would facilitate the early identification of high-risk patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Datas were retrospectively reviewed from 160 patients, suffering from obstructive urosepsis associated with urolith between December 2013 and December 2019. There were 49 patients complicating by severe sepsis (severe sepsis group), 12 patients complicating by septic shock (septic shock group), and 99 patients without progressing to severe sepsis or septic shock (sepsis group). The data covered age, gender, BMI (body mass index), time interval from ED (emergency department) to admission, WBC count (white blood cell count), NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio), HGB (hemoglobin), etc. Datas were analyzed by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The corresponding nomogram prediction model was drawn according to the regression coefficients. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the differences of age, the time interval from ED to admission, history of diabetes mellitus, history of CKI (chronic kidney disease), NLR, HGB, platelet count, TBil (total bilirubin), SCr (serum creatinine), ALB (albumin), PT (prothrombin time), APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), INR (international normalized ratio), PCT (procalcitonin), and positive rate of pathogens in blood culture were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariatelogistic regression analysis showed that age, SCr, and history of CKI were independent risk factors for progression to severe sepsis, or septic shock (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aged ≥ 65 years, SCr ≥ 248 mol/L, and history of CKI were independent risk factors for progression of urolith associated with obstructive urosepsis to severe sepsis or septic shock. We need to pay more attention to these aspects, when coming across the patients with urolithic sepsis.

Positive-Parity Linear-Chain Molecular Band in

An inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment ^{2}H(^{16}C,^{4}He+^{12}Be or ^{6}He+^{10}Be)^{2}H was carried out to investigate the linear-chain clustering structure in neutron-rich ^{16}C. For the first time, decay paths from the ^{16}C resonances to various states of the final nuclei were determined, thanks to the well-resolved Q-value spectra obtained from the threefold coincident measurement. The close-threshold resonance at 16.5 MeV is assigned as the J^{π}=0^{+} band head of the predicted positive-parity linear-chain molecular band with (3/2_{π}^{-})^{2}(1/2_{σ}^{-})^{2} configuration, according to the associated angular correlation and decay analysis. Other members of this band were found at 17.3, 19.4, and 21.6 MeV based on their selective decay properties, being consistent with the theoretical predictions. Another intriguing high-lying state was observed at 27.2 MeV which decays almost exclusively to ^{6}He+^{10}Be(∼6 MeV) final channel, corresponding well to another predicted linear-chain structure with the pure σ-bond configuration.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in

ß-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of ß-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror ß decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

Biosynthesis of poly-γ-glutamic acid in Escherichia coli by heterologous expression of pgsBCAE operon from Bacillus.

AIMS: Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is an excellent water-soluble biosynthesis material. To confirm the rate-limiting steps of γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway, we introduced a heterologous Bacillus strain pathway and employed an enzyme-modulated dismemberment strategy in Escherichia coli. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we heterologously introduced the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway of two laboratory-preserved strains-Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 and Bacillus subtilis 168 into E. coli, and compared their γ-PGA production levels. Next, by changing the plasmid copy numbers and supplying sodium glutamate, we explored the effects of gene expression levels and concentrations of the substrate l-glutamic acid on γ-PGA production. We finally employed a two-plasmid induction system using an enzyme-modulated dismemberment of pgsBCAE operon to confirm the rate-limiting genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway. CONCLUSION: Through heterologously over-expressing the genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway and exploring gene expression levels, we produced 0·77 g l-1 γ-PGA in strain RSF-EBCAE(BS). We also confirmed that the rate-limiting genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway were pgsB and pgsC. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work is beneficial to increase γ-PGA production and study the mechanism of γ-PGA biosynthesis enzymes.

miR-15a-5p targets PHLPP2 in gastric cancer cells to modulate platinum resistance and is a suitable serum biomarker for oxaliplatin resistance.

MicroRNAs can bind with target genes thus inhibiting their expression levels to regulate cell survival, hence serve as serum biomarkers for a variety of purposes. Our aim was to explore the role of miR-15a-5p in the cisplatin/oxaliplatin resistance of gastric cancer. In this study, the growth and apoptosis of gastric cancer cell lines were measured with cell viability assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Dual-luciferase assay was applied for miRNA target validation. Expression of PHLPP2 and miR-15a-5p were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Serum miR-15a-5p level of 82 gastric cancer patients was examined by qPCR. Our results indicated that miR-15a-5p overexpression increased cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer cells, whereas miR-15a-5p downregulation decreased the resistance. miR-15a-5p directly targets and inhibits PHLPP2 in gastric cancer cells, enhancing downstream Akt phosphorylation. Moreover, overexpression of miR-15a-5p could attenuate the decrease in cisplatin resistance induced by PHLPP2 overexpression. Additionally, we observed that lower serum miR-15a-5p level was significantly correlated with better response to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy as well as better 3-year survival. In conclusion, miR-15a-5p was recognized as a biomarker for platinum resistance and prognosis in gastric cancer, interference of which may be a promising strategy for sensitizing gastric cancer to platinum drugs.

Tephritidae bacterial symbionts: potentials for pest management.

Tephritidae is a large family that includes several fruit and vegetable pests. These organisms usually harbor a variegated bacterial community in their digestive systems. Symbiotic associations of bacteria and fruit flies have been well-studied in the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, and Rhagoletis. Molecular and culture-based techniques indicate that many genera of the Enterobacteriaceae family, especially the genera of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pectobacterium, Citrobacter, Erwinia, and Providencia constitute the most prevalent populations in the gut of fruit flies. The function of symbiotic bacteria provides a promising strategy for the biological control of insect pests. Gut bacteria can be used for controlling fruit fly through many ways, including attracting as odors, enhancing the success of sterile insect technique, declining the pesticide resistance, mass rearing of parasitoids and so on. New technology and recent research improved our knowledge of the gut bacteria diversity and function, which increased their potential for pest management. In this review, we discussed the diversity of bacteria in the economically important fruit fly and the use of these bacteria for controlling fruit fly populations. All the information is important for strengthening the future research of new strategies developed for insect pest control by the understanding of symbiotic relationships and multitrophic interactions between host plant and insects.

Expression of RNF8 on cochlear apoptosis and aging in mice of different ages.

This study aimed to investigate the role of RNF8 (RING finger protein 8) in DNA damage repair in mice of different ages, and to provide new insight into the pathology and treatment of senile deafness. Sixteen C57BL/6J mice aged 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 32 weeks were obtained by paired reproduction. The mice of three age groups were equally divided into two groups, named experimental group (RNF8 gene knockout) and control group (no knockout). The cochlear hair cells, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion cells were observed by HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining. The degree of DNA damage and the related expressions were observed by immunofluorescence γ-H2AX staining and 8-OH immunohistochemical staining, and the aging of damaged cells was detected by lipofuscin and ß-galactosidase staining. HE staining showed that the changes of cochlear hair cells, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion cells were obvious in the same group of mice at different ages. Compared with the control group, the aging changes of cochlear hair cells, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion cells were more significant in the experimental group. Immunofluorescence γ-H2AX staining showed H2AX phosphorylation in injured cells. The aging of cochlea in mice changed, and staining of ß-galactosidase in the experimental group suggested that the striae of blood vessels were changed with age at 32 weeks old and staining of lipofuscin showed dark brown staining around the nucleus (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the deletion of RNF8 is an important cause of morphological changes in the cochlea of mice. The deletion of RNF8 accelerates the aging of the cochlea of mice, suggesting that the apoptosis of the cochlea could contribute to aging in RNF8 gene-deficient mice.

APC promoter methylation is correlated with development and progression of bladder cancer, but not linked to overall survival: a meta-analysis.

The clinical role of APC promoter methylation in patients with bladder cancer remains to be determined. The relevant databases (PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, Wangfang, CNKI and Cochrane Library) were searched to get eligible studies. The overall odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the effects of APC promoter methylation on bladder cancer risk and clinicopathological features. 2214 patients with bladder cancer and 665 controls were identified. APC promoter methylation was significantly higher in bladder cancer than in nonmalignant tissue and urine samples (tissue: OR = 11.14, 95% CI = 4.29-28.91, P < 0.001; urine: OR = 24.31, 95% CI = 6.26-94.38, P < 0.001), but not in blood samples (P = 0.242). The relationship was observed between APC promoter methylation and gender (male vs. female: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.96-2.22, P = 0.074), tumor stage (stage T2-T4 vs. Ta-T1: OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.66-5.42, P < 0.001), and tumor grade (grade 3-4 vs. grade 1-2: OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.15-3.42, P = 0.013). But no correlation was found between APC promoter methylation and age, lymph node status, and tumor number (P > 0.1). APC gene was not associated with overall survival of bladder cancer. Our findings indicate that APC promoter methylation may be associated with the development and progression of bladder cancer and may serve as a promising noninvasive biomarker using urine samples for the detection of bladder cancer.

The influence of antibiotics on gut bacteria diversity associated with laboratory-reared Bactrocera dorsalis.

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a destructive insect pest of a wide range of fruit crops. Commensal bacteria play a very important part in the development, reproduction, and fitness of their host fruit fly. Uncovering the function of gut bacteria has become a worldwide quest. Using antibiotics to remove gut bacteria is a common method to investigate gut bacteria function. In the present study, three types of antibiotics (tetracycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin), each with four different concentrations, were used to test their effect on the gut bacteria diversity of laboratory-reared B. dorsalis. Combined antibiotics can change bacteria diversity, including cultivable and uncultivable bacteria, for both male and female adult flies. Secondary bacteria became the dominant population in female and male adult flies with the decrease in normally predominant bacteria. However, in larvae, only the predominant bacteria decreased, the bacteria diversity did not change a lot, likely because of the short acting time of the antibiotics. The bacteria diversity did not differ among fruit fly treatments with antibiotics of different concentrations. This study showed the dynamic changes of gut bacterial diversity in antibiotics-treated flies, and provides a foundation for research on the function of gut bacteria of the oriental fruit fly.

Optimization of the medium for the growth of Nitrobacter winogradskyi by statistical method.

Although Nitrobacter winogradskyi is an important chemoorganotrophic organism for the study of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria physiology as well as nitrification, until now, the mixotrophic medium for this organism growth has not been optimized, comprehensively. In this study, we aimed to improve the growth medium of N. winogradskyi using the one-factor-at-a-time (NaNO2 , glycerol, pH) method. In addition, a further experimental design was carried out based on central composite design with response surface methodology. Different combinations of the three cultural parameters were fitted by multiple regression analysis to calculate the predicted response. Our results suggest that optimal culture condition for the growth of N. winogradskyi was a modified DSMZ 756a medium containing NaNO2 (5·74 g l-1 ) and glycerol (37·88 mmol l-1 ), pH 7·83, a temperature of 28°C and agitation at 120 rev min-1 . The results from a validation experiment (bacterial growth: OD600 1·0293) were close to the value predicted by the quadratic model (OD600 1·0994). In addition, we uncovered the potential mechanism at the cellular and ultrastructural levels. The results indicated that glycerol in the media enhanced the rate of cell division and cell growth by increasing the accumulation of polyphosphates and phosphorus, and high concentrations of NaNO2 provided sufficient energy for growth and contributed to the generation of carboxysomes in cells for CO2 fixation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Due to the extremely slow growth rate and the low growth yield of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and NOB (nitrite-oxidizing bacteria), nitrification is still the rate-limiting step of nitrogen cycle in the current research. Nitrobacter winogradskyi, an important NOB, participates in the second step of nitrification in water and soil. This study reported an optimized culture condition for N. winogradskyi, which increased the growth yield by 5·06 times than that in the basal medium and uncovered the potential mechanism. We expect our study will contribute to the research on water and soil nitrogen cycle. In addition, the optimized culture conditions have the potential to be suitable for the chemoorganotrophic growth of other nitrifiers.

Nutrient use efficiencies, losses, and abatement strategies for peri-urban dairy production systems.

Manure management is an important aspect of urban livestock production that has a profound impact on metropolitan living. Data were collected from 28 dairy farms in peri-urban Beijing and analysed to determine farm nitrogen and phosphorus flows and costs associated with various manure management options to reduce nutrient losses. Dairy production in peri-urban Beijing was characterized by its use of high protein diets (16.3-17.0% crude protein), high reliance on imported feeds (92-98%), and low manure recycling (3.0-10.8%). Farms of 900-2000 cattle showed lower use efficiencies than farms of <900 cattle. Costs of manure handling ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 Yuan kg-1 milk. Among various manure treatment options, biogas digesters with aerobic lagoons had the lowest N losses and costs, justifying their investments. In conclusion, peri-urban dairy production systems were contrasting with traditional systems and within their own systems in nutrient use efficiency and losses, which was mainly decided by their farm size. To improve the nutrient use efficiencies and reduce losses, farmers and managers of peri-urban dairy production system should have a full awareness of different feed intake and manure management.

[The expressions of VEGF and VEGFR signaling pathway in the bone marrow mononuclear cells with chronic mountain sickness].

Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the levels and relationships of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor(VEGFR) in the bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Methods: A total of 34 patients with CMS and 30 controls residing at altitudes of 3 000-4 500 m were recruited for this study. The levels of VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in bone marrow MNC were detected by flow cytometry technique and RT-qPCR. Results: The percentage of VEGFR2 positive cells in the bone marrow MNC of CMS were higher than that of the controls[20.7% (8.1%, 67.6%) vs 8.1% (2.2%, 14.9%), P<0.05], but that of VEGFR1-positive and VEGF-positive were similar in CMS and controls. The mRNA levels of VEGFR2 were higher in the bone marrow MNC of CMS than in the controls[1.7(1.0, 5.1) vs 1.0(0.4, 2.7), P<0.05], while VEGF and VEGFR1 mRNA levels were similar between the two groups. The percentage of VEGFR2 positive cells in CMS were significantly correlated with hemoglobin (r=0.453, P=0.007) and the percentage of VEGF-positive cells (r=0.373, P=0.030). Conclusions: Bone marrow MNC of CMS may show enhanced activity of the VEGF-VEGFR2 pathway, and it appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of CMS.

[Application of single nucleotide polymorphism array in prenatal diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings].

Objective: To investigate the value of single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) for fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings. Method: A total of 904 fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings were enrolled in this study from May 2015 to November 2017, and 434 (48.0%) cases received conventional karyotyping analysis at the same time. According to different abnormal ultrasound category, 904 cases were divided into 5 groups: 280 cases (31.0%) in single system structural anomalies, 31 cases (3.4%) in multiple system structural anomalies, 331 cases (36.6%) in single ultrasound soft marker abnormalities without structural anomalies, 107 cases (11.8%) in multiple soft marker abnormalities and 155 cases (17.2%) in structural abnormalities combined with soft markers abnormalities. Abnormal detection rates by SNP-array among 5 groups of abnormal ultrasound category were calculated. Result: (1) Total SNP-array results: 171 (19.0%) cases out of 904 cases analyzed by SNP-array, presented chromosomal abnormalities. Pathogenic copy number variants were detected in 27 cases (3.0%) and variants of unknown significance were detected in 81 cases (7.8%) . In addition, 7 cases (26.0%) were found with new mutation by parental validation. (2) SNP-array of 5 groups: among the 5 groups of abnormal ultrasound category, chromosomal abnormalities were identified by SNP-array in 19.3% (54/280) with single system structural abnormalities, 25.8% (8/31) with multiple system structural abnormalities, 13.9% (46/331) with single nonstructural anomalies, 19.6% (21/107) with multiple nonstructural anomalies and 27.1% (42/155) with structural abnormalities combined with nonstructural anomalies. The differences were significant (P=0.010) . No chromosome abnormalities was identified in single soft marker abnormalities, such as choroid plexus cysts, echogenic foci in the heart, single umbilical artery and pyelectasis. (3) Chromosomal abnormalities: the abnormal detection rate of aneuploidy chromosomal abnormalities by SNP-array increased with the maternal age, decreased with the gestational weeks (all P<0.05) . However, the pathogenic copy number variants and variants of unknown significance rates did not change with maternal age and gestational weeks (all P>0.05) . (4) SNP-array and karyotyping: 434 cases were analyzed by conventional karyotyping and SNP-array respectively, 10.3% (43/419) of which presented chromosomal abnormalities by conventional karyotyping and 18.7% (81/434) of which presented chromosomal abnormalities by SNP-array. Conclusions: SNP-array could be a useful genetic analysis method in prenatal diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings. For different abnormal ultrasound category, SNP-array has different detection rate. Compared with conventional karyotyping analysis, SNP-array can improve the detection rates for chromosomal abnormalities and find the chromosome abnormalities which can't be detected by conventional karyotyping analysis. In clinical prenatal genetic counseling, SNP-array should be selected rationally in combination with the various abnormal ultrasound category.

Decomposition Kinetics of Omethoate in Blood.

OBJECTIVES: To study the decomposition kinetics of omethoate in blood. METHODS: The acetonitrile precipitated protein was added into the blood, with the chromatographic column of a Waters BEH C18 column （2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.7 µm）, the mobile phase of 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate aqueous solution-methanol, and the gradient elution with a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min and injection volume of 2 µL. With electrospray ionization （ESI） source and positive ion detection, qualitative and quantitative analyses were taken using multi-reaction monitoring mode. Omethoate standard was added into blank human blood to the mass concentrations of 0.78, 1.40, 2.30, 4.50, and 7.20 µg/mL, and each mass concentration was preserved at 3 temperatures of -20 ℃, 4 ℃, and 20 ℃, respectively. The content of omethoate was detected at different time points （0, 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 15, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, and 120 d）. RESULTS: Different concentrations of omethoate all showed a descended trend in human blood under different temperature conditions. The decomposition in storage environment of -20 ℃, 4 ℃, and 20 ℃ was fit to a one-compartment open model with a first-order kinetic process, which could be expressed as Ct=Coe-αt, with the calculated theoretical values of omethoate concentration close to the measured values. CONCLUSIONS: All concentrations of omethoate are decomposed in the blood, which vary a lot in different preservation conditions. It is suggested that blood samples should be frozen and detected timely in suspected omethoate poisoning cases.

Association of thymidylate synthase polymorphisms with the tumor response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT) followed by surgery is currently the standard therapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. It is very important to develop biomarkers to prior identify the patients who have a higher likelihood of responding to pCRT. Recently, a series of studies have been conducted to investigate the association of thymidylate synthase (TYMS) polymorphisms with the tumor response to pCRT in rectal cancer, but the results were not consistent and conclusive. In the present study, we performed a systematic literature search for relevant studies up to 30 March 2015 and conducted a meta-analysis to summarize and clarify the association between the TYMS polymorphisms and the tumor response to pCRT in rectal cancer. Finally, 7 studies containing 892 cases for TYMS 2R/3R polymorphism, 7 studies involving 715 cases for TYMS 1494del6 polymorphism and 6 studies containing 616 cases for TYMS 5' untranslated region (UTR) expression allele polymorphism were analyzed in the meta-analysis. The results suggested that TYMS 2R/3R was associated with the response and the patients with 2R/2R or 2R/3R genotype with rectal cancer might benefit more from pCRT than others. On the contrary, neither 1494del6 nor 5'UTR expression allele polymorphisms was associated with the response to pCRT.

[Applying temporally-adjusted land use regression models to estimate ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy].

The impact of maternal air pollution exposure on offspring health has received much attention. Precise and feasible exposure estimation is particularly important for clarifying exposure-response relationships and reducing heterogeneity among studies. Temporally-adjusted land use regression (LUR) models are exposure assessment methods developed in recent years that have the advantage of having high spatial-temporal resolution. Studies on the health effects of outdoor air pollution exposure during pregnancy have been increasingly carried out using this model. In China, research applying LUR models was done mostly at the model construction stage, and findings from related epidemiological studies were rarely reported. In this paper, the sources of heterogeneity and research progress of meta-analysis research on the associations between air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. The methods of the characteristics of temporally-adjusted LUR models were introduced. The current epidemiological studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes that applied this model were systematically summarized. Recommendations for the development and application of LUR models in China are presented. This will encourage the implementation of more valid exposure predictions during pregnancy in large-scale epidemiological studies on the health effects of air pollution in China.

[Detection and clinical significance of circulating tumor cells in patients with colorectal carcinoma].

Objective: To detect circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients with colorectal carcinoma and to evaluate the relationship among CTC, clinic-pathological characteristics and prognosis of colorectal carcinoma. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 109 patients with colorectal carcinoma in Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from April 2014 to October 2016. There were 60 male and 49 female patients, aging from 33 to 86 years with a mean age of (65±10) years.CTC were detected using density-gradient centrifugation and immunofluorescence staining. χ(2) test, Fisher exact test and rank-sum test were used to analyze the relation between positive rate of CTC and clinical characteristic, respectively. The correlation analysis of CTC and common tumor markers was detected by χ(2) test and Spearman test. The overall survival of patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: CTC were found in 71 of the 109 patients with colorectal carcinoma. The presence of CTC was significantly correlated with N stage (Z=4.422, P=0.035) and M stage (χ(2)=4.424, P=0.049). However, CTC was not significantly correlated with age, sex, tumor location, tumor size, differentiation, T stage, Ki-67 and TNM stage (P>0.05). Meanwhile, there was significant correlation between CTC and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) (χ(2)=4.897, P=0.027; r=0.212, P=0.027) indicated by χ(2) test and Spearman correlations analysis. The positive rate of CTC was higher than that of CEA (χ(2)=15.45, P=0.000). Survival analysis suggested that positive CTC was poor for overall survival in colorectal cancer with adjusted HR as 3.023(95%CI: 1.330 to 6.872, P=0.008). Conclusions: CTC is helpful to early diagnosis tumor recurrence and metastasis. Hence, combined multiple tumor markers, including the CTC as common indicators of tumor diagnosis, relapse and metastasis could effectively improve the accuracy of diagnosis.