Analysis of microRNA expression profile in Emiliania huxleyi in response to virus infection.

The interactions between Emiliania huxleyi and E. huxleyi virus (EhV) regulate marine carbon and sulfur biogeochemical cycle and play a prominent role in global climate change. As a large DNA virus, EhVs have developed a novel "virocell metabolism" model to meet their higher metabolic needs. However, the regulatory mechanism of this metabolic model is still largely unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate biological pathways through targeting hub genes in the metabolic processes. Here, we performed high-throughput small RNA sequencing to analyse miRNA expression in EhV99B1 infected E. huxleyi BOF92. A total of 26 miRNAs (including 2 virus-derived miRNAs) were identified, including four up-regulated and one down-regulated miRNAs. These results were further validated through quantitative real-time PCR. Functional enrichment analysis showed that five differentially-expressed miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, the expression levels of differentially-expressed miRNAs were negatively correlated with that of several lipid metabolism-related genes, such as ACC-1, SPT, ACOX, ACAT, CERS and ACADS, indicating that these miRNAs might play an important regulatory role in virus-mediated lipid metabolism.

Correlations Between Radiation Dose in Bone Marrow and Hematological Toxicity in Patients With Cervical Cancer: A Comparison of 3DCRT, IMRT, and RapidARC.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively evaluate the hematological toxicity (HT) associated with 3 concurrent chemoradiotherapies that are routinely used to treat cervical cancer, including 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and RapidARC and to establish a new normal tissue complication probability model of bone marrow (BM) to predict HT in cervical cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Patients with cervical cancer (N = 100) who received concurrent cisplatin and whole-pelvic radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. Dosimetric parameters (including V10, V20, V30, and V40 and mean doses to the pelvic bone) and HT were analyzed. RESULTS: The V20, V30, and V40 and mean doses to the BM were lower in the IMRT and RapidARC groups than in the 3DCRT group, and the RapidARC group had higher V10 and V40 and mean values than the IMRT group. The V20, V30, and V40 and the mean dose to the pelvic bone were positively correlated with HT. Generalized linear normal tissue complication probability models of white blood cell (WBC) and absolute neutrophil cell (ANC) nadirs and BM V20 were established as follows: WBC nadir = 3.382 - 4.056 • V20 + 0.295 • baseline of WBC (adjusted R = 0.246, F = 15.847) and ANC nadir = 2.438 - 2.780 • V20 + 0.233 • baseline of ANC (adjusted R = 0.236, F = 16.282). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IMRT results in milder hematological toxicity than either 3DCRT or RapidARC. Dosimetric parameters were associated with the incidence of HT in cervical cancer patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapies.

[Preparation and Molluscicidal Effect of Chlorosalicylicamide Sustained-release Granules].

Objective: To prepare the 5% and 10% chlorosalicylicamide（quinoid-2', 5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide from niclosamide） sustained-release granules （LDS-SRG） and evaluate their molluscicidal effect. Methods: The 5% and 10% LDS-SRG were prepared with screened carriers, surfactants, adhesives, defoamers and lubricants. Their bulk density, water content, repose angle, critical relative humidity, thermal stability and release rate were determined. Spraying method was used to test the molluscicidal effect of LDS-SRG at 1.6 g/m2. Meanwhile, 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPN) was applied as the positive control at 1.0 g/m2, and dechlorinated water was used as the blank control. The mortality of snails was calculated on days 3, 7 and 14 after administration. Results: The 5% and 10% LDS-SRG were red brown in color, showed good fluidity, and had bulk density of 0.655 g/ml and 0.594 g/ml, moisture content of 1.15% and 1.28%, repose angle of 39.8° and 39.7°, and critical relative humidity of 64.98% and 61.63%, respectively. Moreover, both showed good thermal stability. The release curve was stable for both 5% and 10% LDS-SRG during day 1 to day 9, and faster release for 5% LDS-SRG than for 10% LDS-SRG. The burst release occurred on days 10 and 15, and the steady release occurred from days 14 and 20 for 5% and 10% LDS-SRG respectively. The snail mortality on day 7 after 5% LDS-SRG 1.6 g/m2 administration and on day 14 after 10% LDS-SRG 1.6 g/m2 administration was both higher than 95%, and higher than that of the 50% WPN 1.0 g/m2 control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The 5% and 10% LDS-SRG show sustained-release potential and satisfactory molluscicidal effect by spraying, reaching the evaluation standard for molluscicidal agents.

[The Molluscicidal Effect of Chlorosalicylicamide Sustained-release Granules on Oncomelania hupensis].

Objective: To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of the chlorosalicylicamide sustained-release granules (LDS-SRG) on Oncomelania hupensis. Methods: Seven effective concentrations or dosages of LDS-SRG, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 and 6.4 mg/L （for immersion test） or g/m2（for spraying test）, were prepared from the original 5% and 10% concentrations or dosages in the laboratory. In the immersion test, each concentration of LDS-SRG was incubated with 3 packs of snails（30 snails in each pack）, and each pack was taken for snail counting at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. In the spraying test, each dosage of LDS-SRG was applied to 200 snails, and the snail mortality was calculated in 50 randmoly collected snails on days 3 and 7, and in the whole on day 14 after administration. In the field immersion test, LDS-SRG at concentrations of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g/m3 was incubated with 6 packs of snails （30 snails in each pack）, and each 2 packs were taken at 24, 48, and 72 h to calculate the snail mortality. In the field spraying test, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 g/m2 LDS-SRG was sprayed in 3 snail-positive ditches （～100 m2）, and 10 boxes of snails were selected in each ditch on days 3, 7 and 14 to calculate the snail mortality. The 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt （WPN） with effective concentrations or dosages of 1.0 mg/L （or g/m2 and g/m3） was used as the positive control. Fresh water served as the blank control. Results: In the labratory immersion test using the original concentration of 5%, both 0.1-6.4 mg/L LDS-SRG for 72 h and 1.6-6.4 mg/L LDS-SRG for 48 h caused 100% mortality; and the concentration lethal to 50% （LC50） at 24, 48 and 72 h was 0.70, 0.01 and 0.01 mg/L respectively. When using the original concentration of 10%, both 0.1-6.4 mg/L LDS-SRG for 72 h and 0.2-6.4 mg/L LDS-SRG for 48 h caused 100% mortality; and the LC50 at 24, 48 and 72 h was 0.15, 0.01 and 0.01 mg/L respectively. The labratory spraying test showed that 7-day administration of 1.6 and 6.4 g/m2 LDS-SRG as well as 14-day administration of 3.2 and 6.4 g/m2 LDS-SRG prepared from 5% dosage, resulted in a snail mortality>95%, with the LD50 on days 3, 7 and 14 being 0.06, 0.16, and 0.18 g/m2; 14-day administration of 1.6 g/m2 LDS-SRG as well as 7-day administration of 6.4 g/m2 LDS-SRG prepared from 10% dosage, resulted in a snail mortality>95%, with the LD50 on days 3, 7 and 14 being 3.29, 0.75, and 0.16 g/m2. The mortality by various dosages of LDS-SRG prepared from 5% dosage was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). In the field immersion test, the snail mortality by 1.6 g/m3 LDS-SRG prepared from 5% and 10% concentrations for 72 h was 96.43% and 98.21% respectively (P>0.05 versus the control group). In the field spraying test, the snail mortality by 3.2 g/m2 LDS-SRG prepared from 5% dosage for 3, 7 and 14 days was 93.99%, 91.18% and 86.48% respectively, and that from 10% dosage was 94.95%, 93.50% and 85.43%, all significantly higher than that of the control group （82.83%, 72.38% and 48.38%）（P<0.05）; the snail mortality by 0.8 g/m2 LDS-SRG prepared from 5% dosage for 14 days（66.51%） and that by 1.6 g/m2 LDS-SRG prepared from 5% dosage for 3 days（84.61%） were both significantly higher than that by 10% LDS-SRG（20.13% and 43.06%） （P<0.05）. Conclusion: The 5% and 10% LDS-SRG used separately in the immersion test and the spraying test both meet the requirements of the national standard of Efficacy Test Methods and Evaluation of Molluscicide for Pesticide Registration.

Controlled attenuation parameter for the detection of steatosis severity in chronic liver disease: a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a novel ultrasound-based elastography method for detection of steatosis severity. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the performance of CAP. METHODS: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Knowledge were searched to find studies, published in English, relating to accuracy evaluations of CAP for detecting stage 1 (S1), stage 2 (S2), or stage 3 (S3) hepatic steatosis which was diagnosed by liver biopsy. Sensitivities, specificities, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves were used to examine CAP performance. The clinical utility of CAP was also evaluated. RESULTS: Nine studies, with 11 cohorts were analyzed. The summary sensitivities and specificities values were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.84) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68-0.86) for ≥ S1, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74-0.92) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.71-0.85) for ≥ S2, and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.76-0.89) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68-0.87) for ≥ S3. The HSROCs were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81-88) for ≥ S1, 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.91) for ≥ S2, and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.90) for ≥ S3. Following a "positive" measurement (over the threshold value) for ≥ S1, ≥ S2, and ≥ S3, the corresponding post-test probabilities for the presence of steatosis (pretest probability was 50%) were 78%, 80% and 80%, respectively; if the values were below these thresholds ("negative" results), the post-test probabilities were 22%, 16%, and 17%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CAP has good sensitivity and specificity for detecting hepatic steatosis; however, based on a meta-analysis, CAP was limited in their accuracy of steatosis, which precluded widespread use in clinical practice.

Expression and clinical significance of Semaphorin4D in non-small cell lung cancer and its impact on malignant behaviors of A549 lung cancer cells.

This study aimed to explore Semaphrin4D (Sema4D) expression and clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to define the roles and mechanisms of Sema4D in regulating the malignant behaviors of A549 cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Firstly, immunohistochemistry revealed that Sema4D was more frequently expressed in NSCLC than in lung benign lesion (P<0.05) and its overexpression was associated with low differentiation (P<0.05), poor pTNM staging (P<0.05) and occurrence of lymph node (LN) metastasis (P<0.05). Endogenous Sema4D expression was suppressed by Sema4D siRNA in A549 cells overexpressing Sema4D. Protein levels of Sema4D, total Akt and p-Akt were examined by Western blotting. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were measured by MTT assay and Transwell assay respectively. Results showed that Sema4D siRNA significantly suppressed phosphorylation of AKT in A549 cells, but it did not alter total AKT expression. In addition, efficient down-regulation of SemaD significantly inhibit cell proliferation (P<0.05), migration (P<0.05) and invasion (P<0.05) in A549 cells. These findings suggest that Sema4D might serve as a reliable tool for early prediction of NSCLC poor prognosis. Sema4D could play an important role in promoting tumor proliferation, migration and metastasis in the NSCLC, by influencing the Akt protein phosphorylation. Inhibition of Sema4D may be a useful approach for the treatment of NSCLC.

5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTRR), and methionine synthase reductase (MTR) gene polymorphisms and adult meningioma risk.

The causes of meningiomas are not well understood. Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with various human cancers. It is still controversial and ambiguous between the functional polymorphisms of folate metabolism genes 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTRR), and methionine synthase reductase (MTR) and risk of adult meningioma. A population-based case­control study involving 600 meningioma patients (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade I, 391 cases; WHO Grade II, 167 cases; WHO Grade III, 42 cases) and 600 controls was done for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C, MTRR A66G, and MTR A2756G variants in Chinese Han population. The folate metabolism gene polymorphisms were determined by using a polymerase chain reaction­restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Meningioma cases had a significantly lower frequency of MTHFR 677 TT genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.33­0.74; P = 0.001] and T allele (OR = 0.80, 95 % CI 0.67­0.95; P = 0.01) than controls. A significant association between risk of meningioma and MTRR 66 GG (OR = 1.41, 95 % CI 1.02­1.96; P = 0.04) was also observed. When stratifying by the WHO grade of meningioma, no association was found. Our study suggested that MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G variants may affect the risk of adult meningioma in Chinese Han population.

The levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 are associated with gender and age in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: CA 19-9 is one of the most frequently used biomarkers for tumors. METHODS: We analyzed the influential factors of the Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) levels in Chinese general population to better interpret the results of the CA 19-9 screening tests. 36,924 apparently healthy individuals and 1,335 patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tumors were involved in this study. Serum CA 19-9 levels were measured using a Roche Cobas E601. RESULTS: The serum CA 19-9 levels in apparently healthy individuals were correlated with age and gender. Its level was positively correlated with the age of males, while it showed a V-shape curve in female populations. This effect could be due to sex hormones, such as prolactin, which were found to have a negative effect on the level of CA 19-9 in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that gender and age could affect the CA19-9 serum level. We can set up different cut-off values according to the patient's gender and age, which can help us to get a more individualized representation in different populations.

Meta-analysis of the association between a polymorphism in microRNA-196a2 and susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To accurately evaluate the impact of the C/T polymorphism in microRNA (miRNA)-196a2 on the colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, by meta-analysis. METHODS: An electronic search for articles was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the association through meta-analysis. RESULTS: 5 studies were used for analysis. The results showed a significant association between the miRNA-196a2 C/T polymorphism and CRC risk in the genetic models (C vs. T: OR = 1.168, 95% CI = 1.106-1.282, p = 0.001; CC vs. TT: OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.132-1.654, p = 0.001; TC/CC vs. TT: OR = 1.206, 95% = CI 1.035-1.405, p = 0.016; CC vs. TC/TT: OR = 1.254, 95% CI = 1.077-1.461, p = 0.004), with the exception of the TC-versus-TT model (TC vs. TT: OR = 1.130, 95% CI = 0.961-1.329, p = 0.138). In a subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, we identified a significant overrepresentation of the polymorphism in individuals of Asian ethnicity. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates a significant association between the miRNA-196a2 polymorphism and CRC risk.

Platelet RNA enables accurate detection of ovarian cancer: an intercontinental, biomarker identification study.

Platelets are reprogrammed by cancer via a process called education, which favors cancer development. The transcriptional profile of tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) is skewed and therefore practicable for cancer detection. This intercontinental, hospital-based, diagnostic study included 761 treatment-naïve inpatients with histologically confirmed adnexal masses and 167 healthy controls from nine medical centers (China, n = 3; Netherlands, n = 5; Poland, n = 1) between September 2016 and May 2019. The main outcomes were the performance of TEPs and their combination with CA125 in two Chinese (VC1 and VC2) and the European (VC3) validation cohorts collectively and independently. Exploratory outcome was the value of TEPs in public pan-cancer platelet transcriptome datasets. The AUCs for TEPs in the combined validation cohort, VC1, VC2, and VC3 were 0.918 (95% CI 0.889-0.948), 0.923 (0.855-0.990), 0.918 (0.872-0.963), and 0.887 (0.813-0.960), respectively. Combination of TEPs and CA125 demonstrated an AUC of 0.922 (0.889-0.955) in the combined validation cohort; 0.955 (0.912-0.997) in VC1; 0.939 (0.901-0.977) in VC2; 0.917 (0.824-1.000) in VC3. For subgroup analysis, TEPs exhibited an AUC of 0.858, 0.859, and 0.920 to detect early-stage, borderline, non-epithelial diseases and 0.899 to discriminate ovarian cancer from endometriosis. TEPs had robustness, compatibility, and universality for preoperative diagnosis of ovarian cancer since it withstood validations in populations of different ethnicities, heterogeneous histological subtypes, and early-stage ovarian cancer. However, these observations warrant prospective validations in a larger population before clinical utilities.

Identification of genotypes of plasmid-encoded AmpC beta-lactamases from clinical isolates and characterization of mutations in their promoter and attenuator regions.

We investigated the occurrence of AmpC beta-lactamases among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and determined the genotype of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases at a medical center. The AmpC beta-lactamase promoter and attenuator were amplified from chromosomal DNA of high AmpC-producing E. coli isolates and sequenced. Antibiotic screening and 3D extract tests showed the presence of AmpC beta-lactamase in 3.56% of K. pneumoniae and 1.88% of E. coli isolates. Ten isolates (six K. pneumoniae and four E. coli) were positive for extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) as indicated by the double disc diffusion method. DHA-1 plasmid-encoded AmpC beta-lactamase was present in 10 K. pneumoniae isolates and four E.coli isolates. E. coli chromosomal AmpC beta-lactamase carried polymorphisms in the -42, -32, and -18 bases of the promoter and in the +26 and +27 bases of the attenuator, which may play a role in antibiotic resistance. The observed mutations may have clinical implications for the management of antibiotic-resistant infections.

[In vitro and in vivo evaluation of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides self-microemulsifying drug delivery system].

The goal of the study is to evaluate the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) which enhances the oral bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble drug, total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides (TFH). It is orally administered for the protection of human cardiovascular system. Self-microemulsifying time, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), morphological characterization, in vitro dispersity, stability, in situ intestinal absorption and relative bioavailability were investigated in detail. The TFH-SMEDDS rapidly formed fine oil-in-water microemulsions with 0.1 mol x L(-1) hydrochloride solution, with average size of which was less than 40 nm, PDI was below 0.2, and the particles of which were observed round-shaped under transmission electron microscope. Almost 90% of TFH (expressed with quercetin) was released from SMEDDS within 20 min, which was remarkably higher than that from common capsules. The stability test showed the TFH-SMEDDS maintained stable in 6 months under accelerated condition. In situ absorption study demonstrated the absorption rate constant of TFH-SMEDDS (expressed with quercetin) was significantly higher than that of TFH in ethanolic solution (P < 0.05). The absorption of TFH from SMEDDS showed a 4.18-fold increase in relative bioavailability (expressed with quercetin) compared with that of the suspension. The results suggest that SMEDDS is a promising drug delivery system to increase the oral bioavailability of TFH.

[Effect of siRNA for mutant p53 gene on biological behavior of gastric cancer cell line SGC7901].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of silencing the expression of mutant p53 gene with RNA interference technique on biological behavior of gastric cancer SGC7901 cells. METHODS: Recombinant plasmid of mutant p53 gene-targeting siRNA was transfected into gastric cancer SGC7901 cells by Lipofectamine(TM)2000. The expressions of mutant p53 gene mRNA and protein were identified by RT-PCR and Western blot assay. The proliferation of SGC7901 cells and changes of Oxaliplatin (OXA) drug sensitivity were detected by MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were analyzed by flow cytometry. Changes in cell tumorigenicity ability were analyzed by colony formation assay and xenograft tumor formation in nude mice. RESULTS: The expression of mutant p53 in SGC7901 cells was remarkable suppressed by mutant p53-siRNA. The cell growth curve of the transfected group turned to left compared to untransfected group and control group. The cell number of G(0)/G(1) phase of transfected group was decreased by 7.4% and 6.7% respectively, and that of S phase was increased both by 17.2% compared to control group and untransfected group, and the cell apoptosis rate induced by Oxaliplatin was remarkable decreased. The IC(50) of OXA in untransfected group, control group and transfected group were 15.88 µmol/L, 14.32 µmol/L and 20.34 µmol/L respectively. The colony formation rate and tumorigenicity ability in nude mice of transfected group increased remarkably. CONCLUSION: Mutant p53-siRNA can significantly inhibit the expression of mutant p53 in SGC7901 cells, however, the use of RNA interference targeting mutant p53 gene in the treatment of gastric cancer is still uncertain.

Accumulation of dysfunctional tumor-infiltrating PD-1+ DCs links PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapeutic response in cervical cancer.

Various predictive biomarkers are needed to select candidates for optimal and individualized treatments. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells have gained increasing interest in cancer research for the prediction of therapeutic response and survival. However, the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in PD-1 blockade immunotherapy remains unclear. In this study, we identified a population of PD-1+ DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cervical cancer (CC). The accumulation of PD-1+ DCs in cervical tumors was correlated with advanced stages, elevated preoperative squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and lymph-vascular space invasion. PD-1 expression was induced on activated tumor-associated DCs (TADCs) in vitro compared with their resting counterparts. This PD-1+ DC population was characterized by reduced secretion of cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) and dysfunctional induction of T cell proliferation and cytotoxic reaction. PD-1 blockade significantly reinvigorated PD-1+ DCs to release IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1ß compared with PD-1- DCs. TILs from samples with higher PD-1+ DC infiltration could be induced to achieve a greater killing effect of PD-1 blockade treatment. Our findings suggested a role for PD-1+ DCs in immune surveillance dysfunction and CC progression. PD-1+ DC density in the TME may serve as a diagnostic factor for predicting the optimal beneficiaries of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in CC.

[Thermosensitive in situ gel of boanmycin hydrochloride for injection].

Poloxamer F127, poloxamer F68 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M were used to prepare the thermosensitive in situ gel of boanmycin hydrochloride for injection. Its gelation temperature, rheological behavior, texture characteristics, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro and in vivo drug release were evaluated. These results showed that the formulation was a fluid solution at room temperature, which could become semisolid at the temperature of 37 degrees C, and the thermally induced sol-gel transition allowed to be injectable and in situ setting. The formulation was constructed into a tridimensional network at gelation temperature. The drug release was controlled by the diffusion of the drug and the erosion of the gelmatrix. The pharmacokinetics indicated that the drug could be released slowly for up to 48 hours after subcutaneous administration in rats.

[Effect of pinellia extract on HeLa cell line in vitro and associated mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Pinellia extract (PE) on HeLa cell line and to study its associated mechanisms, in order to provide theoretical foundations for its applying in clinical prevention and treatment of cervical disease. METHODS: HeLa cell line was incubated in media containing different concentrations of PE. Growth of cells was observed and photo-generated with inverted phase microscope; cell activity was detected by MTT assay; cell apoptosis detected by flow cytometry, protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immuno-cytochemistry, and protein expression of Bcl-2 was determined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: PE showed obvious inhibition on the proliferation of HeLa cells, cell apoptosis appeared after PE treatment in a time and dose dependent manner; PCNA and Bcl-2 protein expressions reduced significantly after being effected by PE for 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: PE can obviously inhibit the growth and induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells, and its mechanism is possibly realized through down-regulating the expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2. The study set a primary experimental base for further studying the action mechanism of PE and developing new anti-tumor agents.

Clinical Features and Short-Term Outcomes in COVID-19-Infected Patients with Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has been spreading very fast worldwide. Up to now, there is scarce information regarding the clinical features and short-term outcomes of infected patients with cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in Wuhan Union Hospital from Feb 14, 2020, to Mar 15, 2020, China. Data were retrieved including demographic and clinical features, laboratory findings, and outcome data. Patients were classified into the discharged group and undischarged group by the 4-week outcomes from admission. Difference analysis and correlation analysis were performed between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in the study, including 27 cancer survivors in routine follow-up. Breast cancer (18.9%) was the most frequent cancer type, and common symptoms included cough (54.1%), fever (48.6%), and fatigue (27%). Lymphocytopenia and hypoproteinemia were much frequent in patients who had received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery within the past month. However, the concentration of D-dimer (median: 3.75 vs 0.43, P =0.010) and fibrin degradation products (median: 23.60 vs 1.80, P =0.002) were evidently increased in this population compared with cancer survivors. At the end of follow-up, 83.8% of the enrolled patients were discharged. Among the discharged, women (48.6%) and cancer survivors (67.6%) showed better short-term outcomes. The elevated level of FDP was significantly higher in the undischarged group (median: 21.85 vs 2.00, P =0.049). The proportion of CD3-positive lymphocyte cells and CD4-positive lymphocytes was correlated with short-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: Peripheral lymphocyte subset (CD3-positive and CD4-positive) on admission as a novel biomarker had a potential association with early efficacy. Cancer survivors in routine follow-up would achieve better short-term outcomes. COVID-19 patients with cancer should gain more attention and close monitoring.

[Relationship between hedgehog signaling pathway molecules and HPV16 infection in uterine cervical cancers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of sonic hedgehog (Shh), indian hedgehog (Ihh), smoothened (Smo) and patched (Ptch) expressions in uterine cervical lesions and their relationships with HPV type 16 infection. METHODS: Totally 183 cases of cervical lesions, including 32 non-neoplastic cervix, 71 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (28 CINI, 18 CINII, and 25 CINIII) and 80 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were selected from the Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanbian Women Hospital, and Yanbian Tumor Hospital. Shh, Ihh, Ptch and Smo proteins expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarry platform, and the presence of HPV type 16 was detected by PCR method. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining showed that the frequencies of Shh, Ihh, Ptch and Smo expression were rare in normal cervical epithelium, but were strongly expressed in cervical cancer and its precursor lesions (CINII/III) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). In cervical cancer, the expression rate of Shh (95%) was higher than that of CIN (CINI to CINIII) (46.4%, 61.1%, 80.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). HPV16 was positive in 77.5% of SCC. In cervical cancer, the expression of Shh was related with HPV16 infection (P < 0.05), and the expression of Smo was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Shh, Ihh, Ptch, and Smo genes may play important roles in the development of cervical cancer. Detection of Hedgehog signaling pathway molecules seems helpful for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions, and are potentially therapeutic targets as well.

The anti-diarrhea activity of red algae-originated sulphated polysaccharides on ETEC-K88 infected mice.

Polysaccharides from red algae Porphyra haitanensis and Gracilaria lemaneiformis possess various bioactive functions, however, their anti-diarrhea activity remains incompletely defined. In the current study, sulphated polysaccharides were extracted by high pressure treatment plus ethanol precipitation from these two algae, and named PHSP(hp) and GLSP(hp), respectively. PHSP(hp) and GLSP(hp) showed decreased viscosity and molecular weight. Meanwhile, they have a certain immunomodulatory effect on wound healing and migration of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, they significantly increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). A BALB/c model infected by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-K88 was also established to evaluate the anti-diarrhea activity of PHSP(hp) and GLSP(hp). The results showed that PHSP(hp) and GLSP(hp) were able to alleviate mice diarrhea symptoms. Meanwhile, they inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed the secretion of immunoglobulin A via reducing the population of B cells. In addition, the nitroblue tetrazolium levels of mouse serum were decreased. Taken together, PHSP(hp) and GLSP(hp) alleviated the inflammatory response of ETEC-K88-induced diarrhea through both specific and non-specific immunity. Sulphated polysaccharides from red algae may be used as functional food components for remitting diarrhea.