Epidemiology, Treatment Patterns and Survival in Canadian Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. We described and evaluated the outcomes of patients with CHB-HCC in Canada. In this retrospective cross-sectional cohort study, data were analysed from CHB mono-infected subjects seen between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2022, and entered the Canadian Hepatitis B Network Registry. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared modelling were used to compare cohorts, followed by multivariable survival analysis regarding survival post-diagnosis. Statistical analyses were completed in R version 2.2. Of the 6711 patients with CHB who met inclusion criteria, 232 (3.5%) developed HCC. Compared with the CHB cohort, the majority of CHB-HCC cohort were male, SEA and HBeAg negative and born in endemic area (80% vs. 56%, 73% vs. 55%, 84% vs. 54%, 64% vs. 40% and all p < 0001). Overall, median HBV DNA level was log 2.54 (IQR: 0-4.04). Advanced liver disease, defined as minimum Fibrosis stage F3, was seen in 9.4% of overall cohort, but 92% of HCC cohort. At diagnosis, median tumour size was 2.5 cm (IQR: 1.7-4.0) and mean tumour number was 1.33 (SD: 1.33), with 81% of patients BCLC 0-A. Fifty-three per cent of patients were diagnosed with HCC as part of surveillance protocols. The survival rate after HCC diagnosis was 78.7%, during the median follow-up of 52.9 months (IQR: 17-90). In multivariable analysis, survival was significantly correlated with diagnosis through the screening programme. In this large cohort of patients with CHB-HCC, the majority of patients were detected with early-stage HCC and received treatment with curative intent, resulting in strong survival rates.

Effect of manganese amino acid complexes on growth performance, meat quality, breast muscle and bone development in broilers.

1. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of manganese (Mn) amino acid complexes on growth performance, Mn deposition, meat quality, breast muscle and bone development of broilers.2. A total of 504, one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into seven treatments; control diet (CON; basal diet, no extra Mn addition), manganese diet (MnN as Numine®-Mn; CON + 40, 80, 120 or 160 mg Mn/kg), manganese-S group (MnS; CON + 120 mg Mn/kg as MnSO4·H2O), manganese-A diet (MnA as Mn from hydrolysed feather meal; CON + 40 mg Mn/kg as MnA).3. There were no significant differences for average daily gain (ADG) or feed intake (ADFI) among diets during the feed phases (p > 0.05). The FCR in the starter and over the whole period were quadratically affected by dietary MnN dosage and gave the lowest FCR at 80 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The Mn content of thigh muscle, jejunum, heart, pancreas, liver and tibia increased linearly with MnN addition (p < 0.05).4. For meat quality, MnN significantly increased colour (a*), pH45 min and pH24 h, reduced shear force, drip loss and pressure loss of breast muscle (p < 0.05).5. Moreover, MnN significantly upregulated MYOD expression at d 21 and SOD expression at d 42, decreased MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 mRNA level at d 42 in breast muscle. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the regulating effect of MnN on muscle development significantly enriched signalling pathways such as adhesion, ECM-receptor, MAPK, mTOR and AMPK. Furthermore, dietary MnN significantly affected tibia length and growth plate development (p < 0.05) and promoted growth plate chondrocytes by increasing SOX-9, Runx-2, Mef2c, TGF-ß, Ihh, Bcl-2 and Beclin1 and decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 (p < 0.05) expression which affect longitudinal tibial development.6. In conclusion, Mn amino acid complexes could improve growth performance, tissue Mn deposition, breast muscle development, meat quality and bone development.

[Interpretation of the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer of the 2024 edition of the NCCN guidelines].

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor in the digestive system, and radical surgery is the only possible means to cure pancreatic cancer at present. In the past decade, pancreatic surgery has been developing rapidly, with various new technologies and concepts emerging, among which the use of minimally invasive techniques and the popularization of neoadjuvant therapy concepts are the most notable. At the same time, the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer still has a long way to go, and many problems need to be solved urgently. This article introduces the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer in the 2024 edition of the NCCN guidelines, focusing on minimally invasive and open surgical treatments, expanded lymph node dissection, combined vascular resection and reconstruction, surgical treatment of pancreatic neck cancer and neoadjuvant therapy, and briefly discussing the unresolved issues.

[An investigation on the nutritional status and support of in-patients with common variable immunodeficiency].

The study aimed to reveal for the first time the clinical characteristics, nutritional and metabolic status and support of hospitalized patients with common variant immunodeficiency disease (CVID), and provide reference to improve the long-term nutritional management for such patients. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Through searching the electronic medical record system of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the study included 33 consecutive in-patients with CVID diagnosed in Jan 2016 to Jun 2021, with the male to female ratio of 16∶17. All their medical data, nutritional assessment and intervention retrospectively summarized and analyzed. Data with normal distribution were described using (x¯±s), and analyzed with independent sample t-test. Data with non-normal distribution were compared with non-parametric test. The results showed that the median onset-age of the included patients was 22 (10.0,36.5) years old, and the median duration was 9.0 (2.0,16.0) years. All patients had recurrent infections involving various systems (33/33), with development of autoimmune diseases (8/33) and lymphoproliferative disease or malignancy (9/33) in some cases among them. The nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scores revealed that 85.19% of adults had an NRS 2002≥3 points, and 33.33% of children had a BMI-for-age z score<-2. Weight loss occurred in 66.67% of patients (22/33), while 87.88% (29/33), 69.70% (23/33) and 81.82% (27/33) of patients respectively had anemia, hypoalbuminemia and decreased prealbumin. Among 22 patients with micronutrients status evaluated, 77.27% (17/22), 22.73% (5/22) and 31.82% (7/22) of patients respectively had lowered serum iron, folate deficiency and vitamin B12 insufficiency. Six patients underwent 25-OH-VD3 measurement, and were all testified to have vitamin D deficiency. Among all patients with nutritional risk, 56.00% of them underwent nutritional support: oral nutritional supplements (14 cases), enteral feeding (4 cases) and parenteral nutrition (5 cases). In conclusion, the condition of malnutrition was prevalent in patients with CVID, but was under-recognized and undertreated to some degree.

[Investigation on the treatment of empagliflozin in glycogen storage disease type â b].

Objective: To investigate the safety, efficacy and effective dose of empagliflozin in the treatment of glycogen storage disease type Ⅰb (GSD Ⅰb). Method: This was a cross sectional study. A total of 28 children with GSDⅠb who started oral empagliflozin treatment from January 2021 to June 2023 in the WeChat group of patients with glycogen storage disease were selected as the study objects. Clinical data such as general situation, current situation of medication and adverse reactions of the children were collected through questionnaires from June 18 to 30, 2023. The differences of symptoms and laboratory tests before and after empagliflozin treatment were compared by using paired chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Results: Totally 28 children with GSD Ⅰb were from 12 different provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China. There were 14 males and 14 females. Empagliflozin treatment was started at the age of 4.8 (2.4, 10.8) years, the time of treatment was 14.5 (11.3, 21.5) months, the initial dosage was (0.23±0.11) mg/(kg·d), and the maintenance dosage was (0.28±0.12) mg/(kg·d). Empagliflozin showed positive effects on neutropenia, severity of inflammatory bowel disease like symptoms(Z=-3.70, -2.65, both P<0.05), The proportion of recurrent oral ulcers, recurrent bacterial infections and anemia was significantly lower than that before medication (18% (5/28) vs. 46% (13/28), 14% (4/28) vs. 46% (13/28), 21% (6/28) vs. 46% (13/28), χ²=4.05, 5.26, 3.05, all P<0.05). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) was once used in 5 children with GSD Ⅰb, all of them had completely stopped GCSF after empagliflozin treatment. The most common adverse events during empagliflozin treatment were hypoglycemia (5 children) and urinary infection (3 children). All 28 patients had no serious adverse reactions. Conclusions: Empagliflozin can increase the neutrophil count of children with GSD Ⅰb, and had a favorable effect on symptoms such as recurrent oral ulcers, and recurrent infection. The common adverse events during empagliflozin treatment were hypoglycemia and urinary infection.

[Nutritional status of 15 children with progeria].

Objective: To analyze the nutritional status of progeria, and to provide reference for scientific nutritional management of progeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 15 children with progeria who were treated at Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between April 2022 and May 2023. Data of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, dietary survey and body composition were collected and analyzed. Results: Among 15 patients there were 7 males and 8 females, aged 7.8 (2.3, 10.8) years. Twelve of the 15 patients exhibited signs of malnutrition. A 24-hour dietary survey was carried out in 14 of them. The daily energy intake of 11 cases was below recommended levels. Carbohydrate intake was insufficient in 10 cases, protein intake was insufficient in 7 cases, and fat intake was insufficient in 12 cases. Deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc were noted in 13, 13, 9 and 10 cases, respectively. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 8 cases, and the bone mineral density was below average in 5 of them. Conclusions: Malnutrition, characterized by reduced energy intake, micronutrient deficiencies, and alteration in body composition, is prevalent in children with progeria. Regular routine nutritional assessment and proper interventions may benefit their long-term health status.

Genome-wide association analysis of eggshell color of an F2 generation population reveals candidate genes in chickens.

Eggshell color is an important visual characteristic that affects consumer preferences for eggs. Eggshell color, which has moderate to high heritability, can be effectively enhanced through molecular marker selection. Various studies have been conducted on eggshell color at specific time points. However, few longitudinal data are available on eggshell color. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate eggshell color using the Commission International de L'Eclairage L*a*b* system with multiple measurements at different ages (age at the first egg and at 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 66, and 72 weeks) within the same individuals from an F2 resource population produced by crossing White Leghorn and Dongxiang Blue chicken. Using an Affymetrix 600 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, we estimated the genetic parameters of the eggshell color trait, performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and screened for the potential candidate genes. The results showed that pink-shelled eggs displayed a significant negative correlation between L* values and both a* and b* values. Genetic heritability based on SNPs showed that the heritability of L*, a*, and b* values ranged from 0.32 to 0.82 for pink-shelled eggs, indicating a moderate to high level of genetic control. The genetic correlations at each time point were mostly above 0.5. The major-effect regions affecting the pink eggshell color were identified in the 10.3-13.0 Mb interval on Gallus gallus chromosome 20, and candidate genes were selected, including SLC35C2, PCIF1, and SLC12A5. Minor effect polygenic regions were identified on chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 12, and 15, revealing 11 candidate genes, including MTMR3 and SLC35E4. Members of the solute carrier family play an important role in influencing eggshell color. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the phenotypic and genetic aspects underlying the variation in eggshell color. Using GWAS analysis, we identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pink eggshell color, including a major QTL on chromosome 20. Genetic variants associated with eggshell color may be used in genomic breeding programs.

Effects of exogenous energy on synthesis of steroid hormones and expression characteristics of the CREB/StAR signaling pathway in theca cells of laying hen.

Energy and the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB)/steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) signaling pathway play important roles in steroid hormone production and follicular development in hens. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous energy on the synthesis of steroid hormones and the expression characteristics of the CREB/StAR signaling pathway in theca cells of laying hen. The primary theca cells of small yellow follicles were randomly divided into 6 treatments and cultured in medium with glucose concentrations of 1, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 mg/mL for 48 h. It was found that growth was robust and cell outlines were clear when cells were cultured with 1, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mg/mL glucose, but cell viability was diminished and cell density decreased after exposure to glucose at 6 and 7.5 mg/mL for 48 h. Cell viability showed an increasing and then decreasing quadratic response to increasing glucose concentration in culture (r2 = 0.688, P < 0.001). The cell viability of theca cells cultured with 4.5 mg/mL glucose was greater than those cultured with 1, 1.5, 6, and 7.5 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.05). The concentration of estradiol in the medium containing 3 mg/mL glucose was higher than in medium containing 1, 1.5, and 6 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.05). There was an increasing and then decreasing quadratic correlation between progesterone concentrations and glucose concentrations (r2 = 0.522, P = 0.002). The concentration of progesterone in medium with 4.5 mg/mL glucose was higher than in medium with 1 and 7.5 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.05). There was an increasing and then decreasing quadratic correlation between the relative expression of CREB1 (r2 = 0.752, P < 0.001), StAR (r2 = 0.456, P = 0.002), CYP1B1 (r2 = 0.568, P < 0.001), and 3ß-HSD (r2 = 0.319, P = 0.018) in theca cells of laying hens and glucose concentrations after treatment with different glucose concentrations for 48 h. After treatment with 4.5 mg/mL glucose, the expression of StAR, CYP1B1, and 3ß-HSD genes were increased compared to treatment with 1, 1.5, 3, 6, and 7.5 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.001). There was an increasing and then decreasing quadratic correlation between glucose concentrations and protein expression of CREB1 (r2 = 0.819, P < 0.001), StAR (r2 = 0.844, P < 0.001), 3ß-HSD (r2 = 0.801, P < 0.001), and CYP11A1 (r2 = 0.800, P < 0.001) in theca cells of laying hens. The protein expression of CREB1, StAR, and 3ß-HSD in theca cells cultured with 4.5 mg/mL glucose was higher than in other groups (P < 0.001). The results indicate that the appropriate glucose concentration (4.5 mg/mL) can improve the synthesis of steroid hormones in theca cells of laying hens through the upregulation of key genes and proteins in the CREB/StAR signaling pathway.

Effects of manganese glycine on eggshell quality, eggshell ultrastructure, and elemental deposition in aged laying hens.

Poor eggshell quality of eggs laid by aged laying hens is the major problem affecting the length of the rearing period in the laying hen industry. Trace elements are required and play vital roles in the eggshell quality of laying hens. Appropriate dose of organic microelements is environmentally friendly and sufficient to satisfy the needs of hens because of their greater bioavailability and lower excretion than inorganic forms. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of manganese (Mn) glycine (MG) on eggshell quality, elemental deposition, and eggshell ultrastructure in aged laying hens. A total of 720 Hy-Line Brown hens 70 weeks old were assigned equally to four groups with six replicates of 30 birds each. The hens were fed basal diets (without Mn supplementation) supplemented with 120 mg/kg of Mn from manganese sulfate monohydrate (MSM), or 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in the greatest eggshell strength after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.047), and in greater eggshell strength than observed in the MSM control after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.025). After 12 weeks of treatment, the eggs of hens in the MG groups showed lower mammillary layer thickness in the blunt end, equator, and acute end than observed in the MSM control group (P < 0.001). With the exception of the blunt ends of eggs from hens in the 120 mg/kg MG group, the eggs of hens in the MG groups, compared with the MSM control group, exhibited a lower mammillary layer ratio, and greater palisade layer ratio and effective layer ratio in the blunt end, equator, and acute end (P < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control and 40 and 120 mg/kg MG, resulted in the greatest palisade layer thickness and effective layer thickness, and the lowest mammillary layer thickness in the equator (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG exhibited the greatest ratio of the palisade layer and effective layer, and the lowest mammillary layer ratio in the blunt end and equator (all P < 0.001). The Mn content of eggshells in hens-fed diets supplemented with 80 and 120 mg/kg Mn from MG was greater than that in the MSM control and 40 mg/kg MG groups (P = 0.035). Dietary supplementation with 80 or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in greater tibia Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG group (P = 0.019), and greater yolk Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG and MSM control groups (P = 0.018). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control (120 mg/kg Mn), may increase the deposition efficiency of Mn, alter eggshell elemental composition, improve eggshell ultrastructure, and enhance eggshell strength in aged laying hens.

Current advances in serological and molecular diagnosis of Schistosoma mekongi infection.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, caused by blood flukes belonging to the genus Schistosoma; it persists as a public health problem in selected regions throughout Africa, South America, and Asia. Schistosoma mekongi, a zoonotic schistosome species endemic to the Mekong River in Laos and Cambodia, is one of the significant causes of human schistosomiasis along with S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. intercalatum. Since its discovery, S. mekongi infection has been highly prevalent in communities along the Mekong River. Although surveillance and control measures have shown success in recent years, more robust diagnostic tools are still needed to establish more efficient control and prevention strategies to achieve and sustain an elimination status. Diagnosis of S. mekongi infection still relies on copro-parasitological techniques, commonly made by Kato-Katz stool examination. Serological techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) may also be applicable but in a limited setting. Targeted molecular and serological tools specific to the species, on the other hand, have been limited. This is due, in part, to the limited research and studies on the molecular biology of S. mekongi since genome information of this species has not yet been released. In this review, current advances, and gaps and limitations in the molecular and immunological diagnosis of S. mekongi are discussed.

Orphan nuclear receptor 4 A1 involvement in transforming growth factor beta1-induced myocardial fibrosis in diabetic mice.

We explored the involvement of orphan nuclear receptor 4 A1 (NR4A1) in myocardial fibrosis mediated by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1) and its response to cytosporone B (Csn-B). We developed a diabetic cardiomyopathy mouse model by administering a high-fat diet in conjunction with a low-dose streptozotocin injection. Our analysis involved monitoring alterations in blood glucose and lipid levels, cardiac function and structure, as well as profibrotic factors such as α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen III, TGF-ß1, connective tissue growth factor, and fibronectin. These assessments were conducted using biochemical techniques, Doppler ultrasound, histopathology, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were extracted from suckling mice and cultivated in a high-glucose medium to simulate diabetes-induced myocardial fibrosis in vitro. These CFs were then subjected to coculture experiments with TGF-ß1 or Csn-B. The proliferation and migration of CFs were assessed using cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assays and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were employed to evaluate the expression levels of NR4A1, p-NR4A1, and α-SMA in CFs treated with TGF-ß1 after NR4A1 knockdown or Csn-B administration, respectively. In diabetic heart tissue, the expression of p-NR4A1 was notably elevated. Furthermore, CFs exhibited enhanced proliferative capabilities and increased p-NR4A1 expression following high glucose exposure. Interestingly, NR4A1 knockdown resulted in a significant increase in the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in CFs following treatment with TGF-ß1. Moreover, our observations revealed a marked decrease in p-NR4A1 levels and a reduction in the expression of fibrosis-related proteins after Csn-B treatment. In diabetic mice treated with Csn-B, we noted diminished NR4A1 phosphorylation and a mitigation of myocardial fibrosis. We concluded that in the mouse model, Csn-B played a pivotal role in inhibiting diabetes-induced myocardial fibrosis by activating NR4A1.

Risk factors of PTSD, depression and anxiety in patients with previous COVID-19 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Studies showed that those who tested positive for COVID-19 have a 65% risk for a psychiatric disorder, while those undergoing isolation or quarantine are put at risk for anxiety and depression. The objective of this study was to appraise studies that determine the risk factors for psychiatric disorder post-COVID-19 infection.@*METHODS@#All cross-sectional and cohort studies from 2019 onwards that had COVID-19 survivors that developed anxiety, depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were included. Medline, Cochrane Library and ClinicalKey were searched using MeSH terms including “COVID-19”, “depression”, “anxiety”, “post-traumatic stress disorder”, and “risk factor”. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The data extracted from the studies were characteristics of the participants, risk factors, outcome measures and outcomes.@*RESULTS@#Four cohort and four cross-sectional studies involving 1438 COVID-19 survivors who developed depression, anxiety and/or depression were included. The risk factors that were statistically significant were 1) female sex (RR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.06, 2.04; Z = 2.32; p = 0.02) for depression, 2) having family members infected with COVID-19 (RR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.32, 1.85; Z= 5.17; p = <0.01) for depression, 3) steroid administration during hospital admission (RR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.07, 2.47; Z = 2.26; p = 0.02) for anxiety and 4) female sex (RR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.16, 3.91; Z = 2.45, p = 0.01) for PTSD.@*CONCLUSION@#Female sex increases the risk of depression and PTSD. A family history of COVID-19 increases the risk of depression. Steroid administration is a risk factor for anxiety.

Obesity inversely correlates with prostate-specific antigen levels in a population with normal screening results of prostate cancer in northwestern China

Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a diagnostic biomarker of prostate cancer and is possibly associated with obesity. This study aimed to explore the relationships between obesity indicators [body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)] with PSA in Chinese men. A cross-sectional study of men aged 30-85 years undergoing prostate cancer screening was conducted from August 2008 to July 2013 in Xi'an, China. Data were obtained from clinical reports, condition was recorded based on self-report including demographics, weight, height, and WC (>90 cm=obese). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and prostate volume (PV) were assessed clinically. Patients were grouped by BMI (normal=22.9, overweight=23-27.4, obese≥27.5 kg/m2). PSA parameters of density (PSAD), PSA serum level, and PSA increasing rate per year (PSAR) were calculated per BMI and age groups (30-40, 41-59, 60-85 years). Obesity indicators (BMI and WC) and PSA parameter relationships were modeled by age-stratified linear regression. Of 35,632 Chinese men surveyed, 13,084 were analyzed, including 13.44% obese, 57.44% overweight, and 29.12% normal weight, according to BMI; 25.84% were centrally (abdominally) obese according to WC. BMI and WC were negatively associated with all PSA parameters, except PSAD and PSAR [P<0.05, BMI: β=-0.081 (95%CI=-0.055 to -0.036), WC: β=-0.101 (-0.021 to -0.015)], and independent of FBG and PV (P<0.05) in an age-adjusted model. In conclusion, obesity was associated with lower PSA in Chinese men. Therefore, an individual's BMI and WC should be considered when PSA is used to screen for prostate cancer.

Effects of fluoride on proliferation and mineralization in periodontal ligament cells in vitro

Fluoride, which is often added to toothpaste or mouthwash in order to protect teeth from decay, may be a novel therapeutic approach for acceleration of periodontal regeneration. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fluoride on proliferation and mineralization in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro. The periodontal ligament cells were stimulated with various concentrations of NaF added into osteogenic inductive medium. Immunohistochemistry of cell identification, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red S staining and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. Moderate concentrations of NaF (50-500 μmol/L) had pro-proliferation effects, while 500 μmol/L had the best effects. ALP activity and calcium content were significantly enhanced by 10 μmol/L NaF with osteogenic inductive medium. Quantitative RT-PCR data varied in genes as a result of different NaF concentrations and treatment periods. We conclude that moderate concentrations of NaF can stimulate proliferation and mineralization in periodontal ligament cells. These in vitro findings may provide a novel therapeutic approach for acceleration of periodontal regeneration by addition of suitable concentrations of NaF into the medication for periodontitis treatment, i.e., into periodontal packs and tissue patches.

Stromal expression of JNK1 and VDR is associated with the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its outcome is poor. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between JNK1 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and the prognosis of ESCC. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was conducted on ESCC tissue microarrays (362 pairs of ESCC and normal esophagus tissues). The epithelial and stromal expression levels of c-jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and VDR were scored and correlated with the ESCC characteristics. Laser-capture-based quantitative RT-PCR was performed on ESCC tissues. The effects of JNK1 and VDR on ESCC cell proliferation and migration were analyzed in vitro by transient transfection, and protein changes were evaluated by immunoblotting. Results: Both JNK1 and VDR were reduced in ESCC epithelial cells in comparison with the normal esophagus, but the expression of JNK1 and VDR in ESCC stromal tissues, not epithelial cells, was strongly associated with the survival time of ESCC patients. Functional studies showed that increased JNK1 suppressed cancer cell proliferation, mobility, and migration, which were linked to the alterations of VDR and metastasis-associated proteins. Conclusion: JNK1 and VDR act as tumor suppressors, and their stromal expression levels are associated with prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

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Development of Monoclonal Antibodies That Target 1-Cys Peroxiredoxin and Differentiate <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> from <i>P. vivax</i> and <i>P. knowlesi</i>

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of malarial patients is a crucial factor in controlling the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Effective treatment decisions require a correct diagnosis among mixed-species malarial patients. Differential diagnosis is particularly important in cases of <i>Plasmodium vivax</i>, a species that shares endemicity with <i>P. falciparum</i> in most endemic areas. Moreover, it is difficult to identify <i>P. knowlesi</i> on the basis of morphology alone, and rapid diagnostic tests are still not available for this malaria species. Therefore, the development of diagnostic tests applicable to the field is urgently needed. 1-Cys peroxiredoxin (1-Cys-Prx) in <i>P. falciparum</i> is abundantly expressed in the mature asexual stages, making it a promising candidate as a diagnostic antigen. In this study, we produced five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against <i>P. falciparum</i> 1-Cys-Prx (Pf1-Cys-Prx) by immunizing BALB/c mice with recombinant Pf1-Cys-Prx and subsequent hybridoma production. Cross reactivity of established mAbs with the orthologous molecule of Pf1-Cys-Prx in <i>P. vivax</i> (Pv1-Cys-Prx) and <i>P. knowlesi</i> (Pk1-Cys-Prx) was examined. Western blot analyses showed that three mAbs reacted with Pv1-Cys-Prx and Pk1-Cys-Prx but two mAbs did not. These results indicate that the two mAbs were effective in differentiating <i>P. falciparum</i> from <i>P. vivax</i> and <i>P. knowlesi</i> and could be used in differential diagnosis as well as comparative molecular studies of human <i>Plasmodium</i> species.

Knockdown of OCT4 may sensitize NSCLC cells to cisplatin

Purpose. Cisplatin is commonly used in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) chemotherapy; however, chemoresistance to cisplatin remains a great clinical challenge. Octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4) has been reported to be overexpressed in NSCLC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of OCT4 in NSCLC with chemoresistance to cisplatin. Methods. Expressions of OCT4 was detected in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. We utilized siRNA to knock down OCT4 expression in human NSCLC cells and analyzed their phenotypic changes. Results. We found that the difference of OCT4 expression between NSCLC and the adjacent non-tumourous tissues was statistically significant. Knockdown of OCT4 in NSCLC cells could decrease cell proliferation, and potentiate apoptosis induced by cisplatin, suggesting OCT4 may contribute to cisplatin resistance in NSCLC. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that targeting OCT4 could improve cisplatin effect in NSCLC, confirming their role in modulating cisplatin sensitivity (AU)

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Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose. To investigate biological impact of the down regulation of yes-associated protein (YAP) through RNA interference in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MHCC97H and MHCC97L. Methods. MHCC97H and MHCC97L cells were transiently transfected by YAP-siRNA. Furthermore, protein expressions and mRNA levels of characteristic markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (E-cadherin, N-cadherin) were examined by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction, and transwell invasion assay was used to detect changes of invasiveness of MHCC97H and MHCC97L cells. Results. The transfected group with YAP-siRNA in MHCC97H after 72 h by Western blotting showed obviously higher expression of E-cadherin compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and lower expression of N-cadherin (P < 0.05). In MHCC97L cells, the expression of E-cadherin was also significantly increased (P < 0.05); however, N-cadherin expression did not significantly change (P > 0.05). Moreover, compared with the control group, Transwell invasion assay showed that the number of the transfected groups was significantly decreased in MHCC97H and MHCC97L cell lines (both P < 0.05). The result of real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that mRNA levels of E-cadherin increased (P < 0.05), but the mRNA levels of N-cadherin did not significantly change (P > 0.05) in these two cell lines, indicating some effects of post-transcriptional regulation mechanism after silencing YAP. Conclusions. YAP expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines MHCC97H and MHCC97L is closely related with the characteristic markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, N-cadherin and E-cadherin expression (AU)

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