[Application value of image fusion technology in transcatheter aortic valve implantation].

Objective: To analysis the application value of image fusion technology in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: A total of 35 patients underwent trans-femoral TAVI using the first-generation VENUS-A valve in Heart Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were 21 males and 14 females, aged from 64 to 81 years, with a mean (SD) of (71.37±5.66) years. They were divided into conventional group (n=22) and fusion group (n=13), according to whether image fusion technology was used during operation. The preoperative general data, intraoperative data, differences of postoperative renal function and residence time in intensive care unit (ICU) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The postoperative echocardiography and 12 lead ECG were observed. Results: All 35 patients in this study were with severe aortic stenosis, of which, 10 patients were complicated with moderate to severe regurgitation. Compared with the conventional group, the intraoperative fusion group had fewer angiography times [3.0 (3.0, 4.0) vs 5.0 (5.0, 6.0)], X-ray absorbed dose [342.0 (44.5) mGy vs 388.4 (71.0) mGy], and contrast dosage [(73.5±10.5) ml vs (90.3±10.3) ml], and shorter rapid pacing time [(14.0±1.6) seconds vs (16.5±2.0) seconds] (all P<0.05). There was no significant differences in X-ray irradiation time, operation time, sizing of the pre-dilated balloon, valve implantation depth and other indicators (all P>0.05). There was no significant differences in ICU retention time and postoperative renal function (all P>0.05). Postoperative echocardiography showed that the function of aortic valve was good, with mild perivalvular leakage in 2 cases in the conventional group and 1 case in the fusion group; and one patient was implanted with permanent pacemaker after TAVI in the conventional group. Conclusion: Image fusion technology simplifies the TAVI process, shortens the ventricular pacing time and reduces the dosage of X-ray and contrast, and has certain clinical application value.

[Related factors of urinary tract infections in inpatients based on real world data].

To analyze the risk factors for urinary tract infection (UTI) among inpatients. The case data of 1 875 inpatients receiving urinary bacterial culture in Beijing Haidian Hospital from October 2019 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the etiological diagnostic criteria of UTI, they were divided into infection group and non-infection group. The species and distribution of pathogens in the infection group were analyzed, and the case data and laboratory indexes were subjected to univariate analysis. The variables with statistical significance were selected for binary logistic regression to analyze the risk factors of urinary tract infection and establish a prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn for each parameter included in the model, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The diagnostic and predictive efficacy of each parameter alone and their combination for UTI were evaluated. So, a total of 1 162 patients with non-infection group and 713 patients with UTI were detected. Among the cultured pathogens, the constituent ratio of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi was 57.2%(408/713), 35.9%(256/713) and 6.9%(49/713) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that, Age, duration of urinary catheterization>7 d, stroke and orthopedic surgery were the risk factors of UTI among inpatients. The use of antibiotics is a protective factor for urinary tract infections. The prediction model of UTI was established by the risk factors, age, duration of urinary catheterization>7 d, stroke, orthopedic surgery, urinary leukocyte esterase, urinary nitrite and Coefficient of variability of red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW-CV). The AUC of the combination of the eight parameters in diagnosing and predicting UTI was 0.835 (95%CI: 0.816-0.855), with the sensitivity of 70.7% and the specificity of 82.8%. In conclusion,the combination of the eight parameters can better assist in the diagnosis and prediction of UTI, and provide an experimental basis for clinicians to judge UTI.

[Correlation of serum lipids levels of Alzheimer's disease patients with sex, age and apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism].

Objective: To explore the correlation of serum lipids levels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with sex, age and apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene polymorphism. Methods: The retrospective study method was used, and 407 AD patients (142 males and 265 females, aged 52-91 years) were selected from Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2015 to August 2021 as the research target, and 894 healthy persons (339 males and 555 females, aged 52-94 years) who did body examination were selected as the control group. The AD patients were divided into four age groups according to the age interval of 10 years, including 85 aged 50-59 years, 163 aged 60-69 years, 119 aged 70-79 years, and 40 aged more than 80 years. The serum lipids levels were detected by biochemical analyzer, including triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHO), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoproteinA1(Apo A1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B). ApoE gene polymorphism were detected by PCR fluorescent probe method. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare the serum lipids levels in each group. Results: The levels of serum CHO and LDL-C were 3.30(1.41,4.82) mmol/L and 1.76(1.39,2.78) mmol/L in AD patients, and 4.84(4.24, 5.56) mmol/L and 2.91(2.36, 3.57) mmol/L in control group, and the levels of serum CHO and LDL-C of AD patients were significantly lower than control group (Z=-15.172,Z=-14.583, P<0.001, P<0.001). The levels of serum HDL-C and Apo B were 1.84(1.30, 3.88) mmol/L and 1.17(0.85, 1.57) g/L in AD patients, and 1.39(1.18, 1.64) mmol/L and 0.93(0.81, 1.09) g/L in control group, and the levels of serum HDL-C and Apo-B of AD patients were significantly higher than control group (Z=-12.249, Z=-9.706, P<0.001, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in TG and Apo A1 between 2 groups (Z=-1.577, Z=-0.408, P=0.115, P=0.683). The levels of TG, CHO, LDL-C in female AD patients were significantly higher than male patients (Z=-2.737, Z=-3.963, Z=-4.417, P=0.006, P<0.001, P<0.001). There were significant differences in TG, CHO, HDL-C, LDL-C, Apo A1 and Apo B among AD patients of all age groups (Z=11.263, Z=10.060, Z=40.246, Z=10.451, Z=24.315, Z=19.922, P=0.010, P=0.018, P<0.001, P=0.015, P<0.001, P<0.001). The serum CHO and LDL-C levels were positively correlated with age (rs=0.160, rs=0.174, P=0.001, P<0.001), and HDL-C, Apo A1 and Apo B levels were negatively correlated with age (rs=-0.312, rs=-0.272, rs=-0.146, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.003), and there was no correlation between TG level and age in AD patients (rs=0.086, P=0.082). There were 3 cases (3.33%) of E2, 43 cases of E3 (47.78%) and 44 cases of E4 (48.89%) in AD patients, and 22 cases (12.72%) of E2, 117 cases of E3 (67.63%) and 34 cases of E4 (19.65%) in control group. There was significant difference in Apo E genotype distribution between AD patients and control group (χ²=26.381, P<0.001). Apo E4 was the most common genotype in AD patients, and the proportion was 48.89%. Except for Apo A1(Z=7.821, P=0.020), there was no significant difference in TG, CHO, HDL-C, LDL-C and Apo B levels among all patients with different genotypes (Z=3.732, Z=1.677, Z=1.455, Z=1.619, Z=2.202, P=0.155, P=0.432, P=0.483, P=0.445, P=0.333). Conclusion: The levels of CHO and LDL-C decreased while the levels of HDL-C and Apo B increased in AD patients. The dyslipidemia in AD patients might be correlated with age, but not sex and Apo E genotypes.

[Short- and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty under the guidance of ultrasound].

Objective: To evaluate the safety, short- and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) guided by the ultrasound. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical data of 15 patients [9 males and 6 females, with an age of (53±13) years] with PBMV under the guidance of ultrasound in Heart Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital between December 2016 and January 2019 were collected and reviewed. The short-and mid-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: PBMV was successfully performed in all the patients. One patient underwent surgical valve replacement due to severe mitral regurgitation, and the other 14 patients were all followed up successfully. The average follow-up time was (13.8±4.6) months. Comparisons of preoperative and postoperative data showed significant differences in valve area [(1.84±0.43) cm2 vs (0.89±0.24) cm2], left atrial pressure [(11.9±4.5) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs (21.9±6.0) mmHg] and mean mitral valve pressure gradient [(10.9±3.2) mmHg vs (20.1±3.6) mmHg](all P<0.01), with no significant differences in mitral regurgitation area (P=0.67). Postoperative follow-up showed that there were no significant differences in mitral valve area, regurgitation area and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) between short-and mid-term postoperatively (all P>0.05). There was no secondary operation due to mitral stenosis in 14 patients, and 3 patients with moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation showed significant improvement, with gradually recovered cardiac function, and there were no deaths in these patients. Conclusion: PBMV guided by the ultrasound is feasible and effective, and exhibits favorable short-and mid-term outcomes.

[Analysis of occurrence and treatment of perioperative complete atrioventricular block by transcatheter aortic valve implantation].

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the occurrence and treatment of perioperative complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: A total of 65 patients who underwent TAVI via femoral artery in the Heart Center of Henan People's Hospital from October 2017 to May 2021 were enrolled. Perioperative data of patients were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether complete atrioventricular block was occurred during TAVI: complete atrioventricular block group (Group CAVB) and non-complete atrioventricular block group (Group NCAVB). Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of complete atrioventricular block during transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The incidence of perioperative complications were recorded. Results: The patients age was (69.1±7.3) years old. and there were 35 males and 30 femals. There were 15 patients in group CAVB with complete atrioventricular block and 50 patients in group NCAVB. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative right bundle branch block [OR (95%CI) vs 3.325 (2.132-13.061), P=0.005] and severe aortic valve calcification [OR (95%CI) vs 1.271 (1.052-3.326), P=0.030] were independent correlative factors for CAVB during TAVI perioperative period. The implantation rate of permanent pacemaker in group CAVB was 73.3% (11 cases), which was higher than 6.0% (3 cases) in group NCAVB (P<0.001). Conclusions: It indicated that preoperative right bundle branch block and severe aortic valve calcification are correlative factors for complete atrioventricular block for TAVI. The implantation rate of permanent pacemaker in complete atrioventricular block group increased significantly.

[Influence of genetic variation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy].

Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate the influence of genetic variation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective analysis, and a total of 278 patients with postoperative NSCLC who received platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy from January 2012 to December 2018 in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of the First affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included in this study. Biological specimens of the patients were collected during hospitalization. Recurrence status and adverse reactions were evaluated in the hospital during adjuvant chemotherapy. Survival data of the patients were obtained through telephone follow-up after completing the fixed cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy. DNA extracted from the collected hematological specimens was genotyped for PD-L1 gene polymorphism. Additionally, postoperative cancer tissue specimens from 68 patients were collected for RNA extraction in order to perform the PD-L1 mRNA expression analysis. The univariate analysis of genotypes and prognosis was carried out by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: Prognostic results indicated that the median disease-free survival (DFS) of the 278 patients with NSCLC was 3.2 years and the median overall survival (OS) was 4.9 years. The prevalence of -1813G>C polymorphism were: GG genotype 173 cases (62.23%), GC genotype 92 cases (33.09%), CC genotype 13 cases (4.68%), the minor allele frequency was 0.21, the distribution of the three genotypes was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (P=0.864). In view of the rare frequency of CC genotype, GC and CC genotype were merged in the following analysis. The survival analysis results of the two genotype groups suggested that the median DFS of patients with GG and GC/CC genotype was 2.7 and 4.0 years, which was statistically significant (P=0.013). Furthermore, the median OS of patients with GG and GC/CC was 4.0 and 5.4 years respectively, which was statistically significant as well (P=0.009). However, the safety analysis failed to find the significant association between the polymorphism and adverse events (P>0.05). Interestingly, expression analysis of RNA extracted from cancer tissues specimens indicated that the PD-L1 mRNA expression of the patients with GG genotype were significantly higher than those of the GC/CC genotype (3.67±0.65 vs 2.69±0.78, P<0.001). Conclusion: The prognosis of patients with postoperative non-small cell lung cancer who received platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy is influenced by -1813G>C polymorphism of PD-L1 gene.

[Epidemiological characteristics of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Henan].

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Henan Province. Methods: An epidemiological study was conducted based on the latest epidemic information of 1 265 confirmed cases (including regional distribution, severe illness, and deaths) announced by Health Commission of Henan Province, as well as the details of 1 079 COVID-19 officially released by Health Commission of municipalities in Henan Province collected as of 24: 00 on February 19, 2020. Results: Among 1 079 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, there were 573 male (53.2%) and 505 female (46.8%), with the ratio of male to female of 1.14∶1; The majority of patients were 36-59 years old (553 cases, 51.3%), and the mean age was 46 (interquartile range is 24) years old; 515 cases (47.7%) had a history of living, traveling, doing business in Wuhan or a brief stopover at Wuhan train stop, and 382 (35.4%) had a history of close contact with confirmed patients; There were 72 severe cases (5.7%) in 1 265 patients, and the fatality rate was 1.5%. A high number of cases were reported in Xinyang (269 cases, 21.26%), Zhengzhou (156 cases, 12.33%), Nanyang (155 cases, 12.25%), Zhumadian (139 cases, 10.99%), followed by Shangqiu (91 cases, 7.19%), Zhoukou (76 cases, 6.01%). Among 605 patients, the symptoms were fever (553 cases, 91.4%), debilitation (44 cases, 7.3%), cough (110 cases, 18.2%), expectoration (19 cases, 3.1%), chills (6 cases, 1.0%), shiver (7 cases, 1.2%), running nose (21 cases, 3.5%), stuffy noses (8 cases, 1.3%), throat dryness and sore (24 cases, 4.0%), headache (21 cases, 3.5%), chest pain (6 cases, 1.0%), anhelation (18 cases, 3.0%), and gastrointestinal symptom (21 cases, 3.5%). The age of deaths ranged from 33 to 86 years old, with an average age of 72 (interquartile range of 17) years old; there be 7 males (63.6%) and 4 females (36.4%). Conclusion: The cases in Henan Province were mainly imported cases and had certain geographical location relevance; meanwhile, there was a family-focused incidence. The overall trend of new cases was wave-like decline, and the number of deaths was high among elderly men with underlying diseases.

[Fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase inhibits autophagy and proliferation in liver cancer cells].

Objective: To construct the recombinant adenoviral containing fructose 1, 6-biphosphatase 1 (FBP1), and to investigate whether FBP1 has effect on autophagy and proliferation in liver cancer cells (HepG2). Methods: FBP1 cDNA sequence was amplified by PCR and cloned in adenovirus vector pAdTrack-TO4, and then recombinant adenovirus plasmid pAdTrack-FBP1 was constructed. The recombinant adenovirus plasmid was transfected into HEK293 cells by Lipofectamine 3000. High-titer of recombinant adenovirus AdFBP1 was obtained by packaging and amplification. HepG2 cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus AdFBP1, and the Mock and AdGFP group were set at the same time. Western blot and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to observe the effect of FBP1 on the level of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and the effect of FBP1on the proliferation was observed by MTS and colony formation assay. A t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the mean between group. Results: A high-titer recombinant adenovirus FBP1 was successfully constructed. Western blot and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the level of autophagy in AdFBP1 group was significantly lower than that in AdGFP group. Western blot results showed that LC3-II protein expression level in AdGFP was 1.10 ± 0.10 and 0.30 ± 0.01 in AdFBP1 group, F = 90.36, P < 0.01. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that the average number of autophages in AdGFP was 28.33 ± 1.53 and 12.33 ± 1.53 in AdFBP1group, F = 97.40, P < 0.01. In addition, the results of colony formation assay and MTS assay showed that the proliferation of liver cancer cells in the AdFBP1 group was significantly inhibited compared with the AdGFP group. The results of colony formation showed that the cell clones in the AdGFP group was 65.66 ± 2.57 and 34.00 ± 2.00 in AdFBP1 group, F = 141.50, P < 0.01. MTS results showed that the absorbance of AdGFP group at 96h was 39.13 ± 2.21 and 30.61 ± 3.33 in AdFBP1 group, F = 7.80, P < 0.05. Conclusion: FBP1 inhibited the autophagy and proliferation in liver cancer cells (HepG2).

[Respiratory pathogen spectrum in pulmonary exacerbation of bronchiectasis in adults and its association with disease severity].

Objective: To determine the pattern of respiratory pathogens at bronchiectasis exacerbation and its associations with disease severity. Methods: A total of 119 steady-state bronchiectasis patients [42 males, 77 females, age range 19 to 74 years, mean age (45±14)years], diagnosed by a compatible history combined with evidence of bronchial dilatation on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), were recruited prospectively from out-patient clinics in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between September 2012 and March 2013. A comprehensive history taking, radiologic appearance, spirometry, sputum bacterial culture and 16 respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal swabs and sputum samples by PCR assays were collected at steady-state bronchiectasis. All bronchiectasis patients were followed up one year and assessed for bacteriology, virology and systemic inflammatory indices [including white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, 8 and tumor necrosis factor-α] during bronchiectasis exacerbation. Results: Fifty-eight bronchiectasis patients [20 males, 38 females, age range 19 to 74 years, mean age (44±14) years] reported 100 exacerbations (1 to 5 exacerbation events per patient) during one year follow-up. Respiratory viruses were found more frequently in sputum and nasal swab during exacerbation [35.0% (35/100) and 39% (39/100)] than those during steady-state in bronchiectasis [sputum: 13.8% (8/58), nasal swab: 8.6% (5/58)] (χ(2)=8.33,χ(2)=13.51; respectively, all P<0.05). The rate of bacterial detection during exacerbation in sputum was 56% (56/100), which was not significantly different compared with those at steady-state (35/58, 60.3%;χ(2)=0.284, P=0.59). Of these respiratory infections, viral-bacterial co-infection accounted for 30% exacerbation events. The most common bacteria and viruses during exacerbation in mild bronchiectasis (n=18, with 25 exacerbation events) were Haemophilus parainfluenzae (4 cases) in sputum and influenza A in nasal swab or sputum (4 cases), respectively. In patients with moderate (n=17, with 29 exacerbation events)-severe bronchiectasis (n=23, with 46 exacerbation events), pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common bacteria in sputum (35 cases), and the most common respiratory viruses were rhinovirus in nasal swab or sputum (11 cases). In these 100 exacerbation events, patients with bacterial and viral co-infection, pure bacteria infection, pure virus infection, no bacteria and virus infection accounted for 30, 29, 16 and 25 exacerbation events, respectively. And patients with co-infection had higher serum CRP (45±23) mg/L and IL-8 [9.0 (4.4-15.5) ng/L] (F=23.32, F=9.81,respectively; all P<0.05), and increased risk of hospitalization (30% vs. 0] compared with those in non-infectious group(χ(2)=9.0, P=0.003). Conclusions: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, rhinovirus and influenza A were common causative agents of exacerbation in bronchiectasis.In patients with moderate-severe bronchiectasis, pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common bacterium in sputum, and the most common respiratory virus was rhinovirus in nasal swab or sputum, compared to Haemophilus parainfluenzae in sputum and influenza A in nasal swab or sputum in mild bronchiectasis. Patients with co-infection had more severe systemic inflammatory response and higher risk of hospitalization during exacerbation.

[Comparison of transthoracic or percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in the therapy of pulmonary valve stenosis].

Objective: To compare the clinical outcome of patients with pulmonary valve stenosis underwent transthoracic and percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Methods: Clinical data of 806 patients diagnosed as pulmonary valve stenosis underwent transthoracic(171 patients as group A)or percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (635 patients as Group B) in Fuwai Hospital from February 2006 to January 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 72 males in group A (42.1%) and 344 males in group B (54.2%). The average age was (1.6±1.1) years in group A and (21.0±18.5) years in group B. The median weight was 7.65 (7.68) kg (M(Q(R))) in group A and 43.75 (47.38) kg in group B. There were 732 (90.9%) patients followed up from 3 months to 10 years, with an average interval of (6.3±3.6) years. Sixty cases were ligated patent ductus arteriosus simultaneously, and 20 cases got Blalock-Taussig shunt at the same time of valvuloplasty in group A. There were 47 cases of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect and 6 cases of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in group B. The t test, rank sum test and χ(2) test were used to compare data of two groups. Results: There were no hospital death or cardiac tamponade and other serious complications for all patients. The postoperative hospital stayin group A was significantly longer than that in group B (8(5) days vs. 2(2) days, Z=-9.404, P=0.000). In every further consultation, patients were reviewed with transthoracic echocardiography to assess transpulmonary gradient and pulmonary regurgitation. There were significant difference between group A and B of preoperative transpulmonary pressure gradient ((80.6±22.4) mmHg vs.(72.6±20.5) mmHg, t=1.611, P=0.032, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and so as transpulmonary pressure gradient reduction value ((55.9±21.0) mmHg vs. (46.6±23.4) mmHg, t=-1.710, P=0.026). Patients in both groups had good cardiac function during follow-up interval. One patient needed surgical valvuloplasty 10 months after percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and 1 case occurred moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation in group B. During follow-up period, there was no significant difference between group A and B of transpulmonary pressure gradient ((22.3±6.5) mmHg vs. (25.2±12.6) mmHg, t=1.320, P=0.072), the incidence of pulmonary valve regurgitation in patients of group A was significantly lower than patients of group B (56.1% vs.65.2%, χ(2)=4.755, P=0.029). Conclusions: The clinical outcome and complications are similar between patients underwent two different routes of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Transthoracic balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is more suitable for infant and underweight children patients with pulmonary valve stenosis. Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is more suitable for the treatment of the elder children or adults.

Methylation differences and expression profiles of the caprine DIO3 gene.

DIO3 gene encoding type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase is an imprinted gene, located in the DLK1-DIO3 (delta-like 1 homolog-type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase) imprinted domain, and is potentially involved in degrading excessive amounts of thyroid hormone to protect embryogenesis. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of the imprinted DIO3 gene expression during fetal and neonatal development in goats has not been elucidated. In this study, we explored the DNA methylation patterns of the caprine DIO3 intragenic CpG island and quantified gene expression level in six tissues from Chinese Nanjiang Yellow 3-day old kids. The expression of the DIO3 gene was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCRs), while the identification of methylation patterns was determined using bisulfite-sequencing PCRs. Modest, and non-significant (P > 0.05), methylation patterns were noted for the DIO3 CpG island methylation in the brain, heart, liver, kidney, lung, and longissimus dorsi tissues (ranging from 26.48 to 34.92%). The expression level of the DIO3 mRNA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the liver tissue than in the other five tissues. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that there was no significant relationship between methylation and gene expression (P > 0.05), which indicated that the expression of the caprine DIO3 gene was likely modified by other regulatory elements. This study identified DNA methylation and expression patterns of the DIO3 gene in goats and provided insights into further regulatory mechanisms of expression and imprinting in the DLK1-DIO3 domain.

[Prognostic analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors complicated with gastrointestinal bleeding].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis and gastrointestinal bleeding in primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). METHODS: The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 200 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated in our hospital from April 2008 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation of gastrointestinal bleeding with gastrointestinal stromal tumor clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The 200 GIST patients were divided into two groups according to the bleeding in the digestive tract, including 57 gastrointestinal bleeding patients and 143 non-bleeding patients. The mean tumor diameter was 6.5 cm (range 1.8-22 cm) in the bleeding group and 2.5 cm (range 0.4-18 cm) in the non-bleeding group (P<0.05). Of the 57 bleeding patients, 31 located in the stomach, 25 in the small intestine, and one had colorectal bleeding. Fifty patients had mitotic index (MI) ≤ 5/50 HPF, other 6 patients ranged between 5 and 10/50 HPF and one patient had MI >10/50 HPF. Six GIST patients were complicated with tumor rapture. But in the non-bleeding group, 125 patients had gastric GIST, 8 in the small intestine, one colorectum, and 9 had esophageal or other GIST. 141 patients had MI ≤5/50 HPF, 1 patients ranged between 5 and 10/50 HPF and one patient had MI >10/50 HPF. Only 1 GIST patients was complicated with tumor rapture. The gastrointestinal bleeding was closely associated with tumor size, mitotic index, tumor location, risk classifications, tumor rapture and tumor recurrence (P<0.05 for all). The 3-year and 5-year survival rates of the 200 patients were 96.5% and 86.8%, respectively. 16 patients developed recurrence or metastasis, and 11 died of GIST. The 5-year survival rate of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding was 76.2%, significantly lower than that of patients without gastrointestinal bleeding (91.6%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GIST patients complicated with gastrointestinal bleeding have poor prognosis, and attention should be paid to stratifying patients for therapy.

Proteomic analysis identifies differentially expressed proteins participating in forming Type III brush hair in Yangtze River Delta white goat.

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a goat breed that can produce high quality brush hair (Type III hair) around the world. This study aimed to compare Type III hair and non-Type III hair goat skin tissues using differentially expressed proteins based on 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis technology. The differentially expressed protein spots were analyzed using the PDquest 8.0 software. Ten protein spots were detected as positive for mass spectrometric analysis based on a threshold of 2-fold change. Through matching based on Ultraflex III TOF/TOF and MASCOT database, four differentially expressed proteins were identified. Fibrinogen beta chain isoform 1 and ATP synthase beta subunit were upregulated in Type III hair, while succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid-coenzyme A transferase 1-mitochondrial-like and actin-cytoplasmic 1 were upregulated in non-Type III hair. The 4 proteins play important roles in different aspects of hair follicle development. These findings could pave a good foundation for explaining the mechanism of forming Type III hair.

Interleukin-10 polymorphisms and nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk: a meta-analysis.

It has been reported that interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter genes (1082 A/G, 819 T/C, 592 A/C) are associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the results remain controversial and ambiguous. To resolve inconsistencies in published data, we performed a meta-analysis to ascertain the association between IL-10 polymorphisms and NPC risk. Two case-control studies and two cohort studies were quantitatively analyzed to evaluate IL-10 promoter gene polymorphisms and NPC risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each genetic model and allelic comparison. A random-effect model or a fixed-effect model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. Overall, the variant genotypes (AA and AG) of the IL-10-1082 A/G polymorphism were associated with elevated risk of NPC compared with the GG homozygote (AG vs GG: OR = 1.77; 95%CI = 1.39-2.26; AG + GG vs AA: OR = 1.78; 95%CI = 1.42-2.22); no significant associations were observed in allelic contrast and the recessive model. Strong positive association was seen in the cohort studies but not in the case-control studies. No statistically significant association was detected between IL-10-819 T/C and IL-10-592 A/C polymorphisms and NPC. Additionally, publication bias was not found. Based on the current evidence, this meta-analysis suggests that IL-1082 A/G polymorphism may increase the risk of NPC, but IL-10-819 T/C and IL-10-592 A/C polymorphisms do not. Further multicenter studies that are better controlled are required to confirm these findings.

Toxicokinetics of T-2 toxin and its major metabolites in broiler chickens after intravenous and oral administration.

T-2 toxin, one of the most toxic trichothecene mycotoxins, causes economic losses in animal production. Little information is available on the toxicokinetic parameters of T-2 toxin and its major metabolites (i.e., HT-2 toxin and T-2 triol) in broiler chickens. In this study, toxicokinetics of T-2 toxin and its major metabolites were evaluated in broiler chickens after a single intravenous (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) and multiple oral administrations (2.0 mg/kg b.w., every 12 h for 2 days). Plasma concentration profiles of T-2 toxin and its metabolites were analyzed by a noncompartmental model method. Following intravenous administration, the terminal elimination half-lives (t(1/2λz)) of T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and T-2 triol were 17.33 ± 1.07 min, 33.62 ± 3.08 min, and 9.60 ± 0.50 min, respectively. Following multiple oral administrations, no plasma levels above the limit of quantification were observed for HT-2 toxin. The t(1/2λz) of T-2 toxin and T-2 triol was 23.40 ± 2.94 min and 87.60 ± 29.40 min, respectively. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax ) of 53.10 ± 10.42 ng/mL (T-2 toxin) and 47.64 ± 9.19 ng/mL (T-2 triol) were observed at Tmax of 13.20 ± 4.80 min and 38.40 ± 15.00 min, respectively. T-2 toxin had a low absolute oral bioavailability (17.07%). Results showed that the T-2 toxin was rapidly absorbed and most of the T-2 toxin was extensively transformed to metabolites in broiler chickens.

Anti-platelet and anti-thrombosis characteristics of Z4A5, a novel selective platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, compared with eptifibatide under long-term infusion.

Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are approved for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions due to their effects on the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. Z4A5 is a new hexapeptide IIb/IIIa inhibitor with antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. This study was performed to assess the characteristics of Z4A5 compared with another IIb/IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide. Light-transmission aggregometry was used to measure platelet aggregation to assess the antiplatelet efficacy of Z4A5 in vitro and ex vivo in beagles. The time course of platelet inhibition and bleeding time prolongation during i.v. bolus plus infusion and after infusion of the Z4A5 were evaluated in beagles following two 2 x 2 Latin square designs. We also compared the antithrombotic activity of Z4A5 with eptifibatide in arterial thrombosis and arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model in beagles. Our data showed that Z4A5 completely inhibited adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-, thrombin- and arachidonic acid-induced in vitro platelet aggregation with values of IC50 of 260 nM, 128.6 and 56.4 n respectively. Z4A5 also markedly and stably prevented ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation and prolonged the bleeding time throughout the 8-hour infusion. Both platelet function and bleeding time returned to normal sooner after cessation of Z4A5 infusion than after eptifibatide. Z4A5 inhibited thrombosis and had the same potent antithrombotic activity as eptifibatide. In conclusion, Z4A5 has the same potent antiplatelet effect and antithrombotic activity with the advantage of a faster on and off time compared to eptifibatide.

Nanostructured high-strength molybdenum alloys with unprecedented tensile ductility.

The high-temperature stability and mechanical properties of refractory molybdenum alloys are highly desirable for a wide range of critical applications. However, a long-standing problem for these alloys is that they suffer from low ductility and limited formability. Here we report a nanostructuring strategy that achieves Mo alloys with yield strength over 800 MPa and tensile elongation as large as ~ 40% at room temperature. The processing route involves a molecular-level liquid-liquid mixing/doping technique that leads to an optimal microstructure of submicrometre grains with nanometric oxide particles uniformly distributed in the grain interior. Our approach can be readily adapted to large-scale industrial production of ductile Mo alloys that can be extensively processed and shaped at low temperatures. The architecture engineered into such multicomponent alloys offers a general pathway for manufacturing dispersion-strengthened materials with both high strength and ductility.

Chemotherapy with cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with etoposide for small-cell esophageal cancer: a systemic analysis of case series.

Chemotherapy has been the first-choice treatment for small-cell esophageal cancer (SCEC), etoposide plus cisplatin or carboplatin (EP/CP) is the most commonly recommended chemotherapeutical strategy. However, the choice of chemotherapy in treating SCEC has not been validated by studies of large cohorts of cases because of the rarity of the malignancy, and the efficacy superiority of EP/CP over other chemotherapy combinations has not been confirmed. The present case series analysis was conducted to address the above issues. Reported studies of SCEC patients were retrieved. Case series with more than five patients were enrolled. Eight patients treated in our institute were also included as another case series. Data pertaining to clinical stages, treatment regimens, and survival time were collected and analyzed. Altogether, 19 SCEC case series were enrolled, including 164 male and 61 female patients with a median age of 63.5 years. The follow-up time ranged from 0.1 to 221 months (median 12.3 months). The median survival time (MST) was 19 months for limited disease (LD) patients (124 cases) and 9 months for extensive disease (ED) patients (88 cases) (P<0.001). For LD patients, MST was obviously prolonged by chemotherapeutical regimens (20 vs. 10 months, P<0.01), whereas this superiority was not proved in ED patients (10 vs. 10 months, P>0.05). EP/CP did not result in significantly longer MST, compared with that of the cases treated by other chemotherapy combinations (P>0.05, for either LD or ED cases). Chemotherapy prolongs the survival time of the LD SCEC patients, which indicates that chemotherapeutical treatment is effective for SCEC. EP/CP, as commonly recommended multidrug chemotherapy regimen, is not superior to other chemotherapy combinations.