[Correlation of VISTA and PD-L1 expression with the clinicopathological features and prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the expression of VISTA and PD-L1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and to explore its relationship with clinicopathologic features and prognosis. Methods: Ninety TNBC patients who underwent surgical resections between 2016 to 2018 in Jiangsu Province Hospital were selected. The expression of VISTA and PD-L1 in both tumor cells and immune cells was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis was analyzed. Results: VISTA was expressed in 17.8% (16/90) of the tumors. The expression of VISTA in tumor cells was related to a higher Ki-67 proliferation index (P=0.02) and higher number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL, P<0.01). VISTA was expressed in 71.1% (64/90) of the immune cells and the expression correlated with smaller tumor size (P=0.02), lower T stage (P=0.04), higher number of TIL (P<0.01), higher number of CD8+T cells (P=0.03) and higher Ki-67 proliferation index (P=0.02). PD-L1 was expressed in 17.8% (16/90) of the immune cells and the expression correlated with higher histologic grade (P=0.04), higher Ki-67 proliferation index (P=0.02) and higher number of TIL (P<0.01). VISTA expression was higher in immune cells within TNBC patients than PD-L1 (P<0.01). Among 90 TNBC patients, complete follow-up was obtained in 85 patients, 8 of whom had recurrences or metastasis after surgery, and two patients cases died of recurrences or metastasis. Conclusions: The expression rate of VISTA is higher than that of PD-L1 in TNBC. The expression of VISTA in immune cells predicts a lower T stage. VISTA may act as an effective immunotherapy target.

miR-181a-5p can inhibit the proliferation and promote the differentiation of chicken primary myoblasts.

1. Myoblast proliferation and differentiation is one of the most important biological processes in the development of skeletal muscle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in this process.2. In this study, the expression level of miR-181a-5p was detected, which found that miR-181a-5p was expressed differently in different tissues, different embryonic ages, and different differentiation stages of primary myoblasts in Gushi chickens.3. The effect of miR-181a-5p was further investigated on chicken primary myoblasts (CPMs). The results of cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and cell cycle showed that miR-181a-5p could inhibit the proliferation of CPM. The miR-181a-5p promoted the expression of MYOD, MYOG, and MYHC. MYHC protein immunofluorescence experiments showed that miR-181a-5p increased the area of myotubes.4. In total, 63 potential target genes of miR-181a-5p in mRNA transcriptome data analysis were identified. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on these target genes, and ASNS, SMYD1, and FOS were found to play regulatory roles in biological processes such as muscle development. It was speculated that miR-181a-5p played a role in myoblast development through these genes.5. In conclusion, miR-181a-5p can inhibit the proliferation of chicken myoblasts and promote the differentiation of chicken myoblasts. This study laid the foundation for further research on the regulatory mechanism of miR-181a-5p in the development of skeletal muscle and the formation of excellent meat quality traits in Gushi chicken.

miR-30a-3p can inhibit the proliferation and promote the differentiation of chicken primary myoblasts.

1. Chicken muscle is an important factor in meat quality and its development is controlled by a complex regulatory network.2. The following study examined the expression of miR-30a-3p in Gushi chicken breast muscle tissue and found that it was differentially expressed at different embryonic stages, reaching a peak in the 14-day-old embryo (E14).3. The effect of miR-30a-3p on chicken primary myoblasts (CPMs) was explored. Results from both cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) showed that this can inhibit the proliferation of myoblasts, and through cell cycle experiments, the inhibition of myoblast proliferation was found, which may be due to G0/G1 arrest in the cell cycle.4. The effect of miR-30a-3p on the differentiation of myoblasts was studied. The results showed that miR-30a-3p can promote the expression of MYOD, myogenin (MYOG), and myosin heavy chain (MYHC) genes to promote the differentiation of myoblasts. Through MYHC protein immunofluorescence experiments, it was found that miR-30a-3p can effectively increase the area of myotubes.5. Finally, mRNA transcriptome data was analysed, which showed that miR-30a-3p has 51 potential target genes. Among them, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), ankyrin repeat domain 1 (ANKRD1), and insulin-induced 1 (INSIG1) genes were differentially expressed at different developmental stages and were enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms, such as cell differentiation and cellular developmental process. The data showed that tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG), BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase (BUB1), and growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 (GADD45) genes were enriched in the cell cycle pathway.6. It can be speculated that miR-30a-3p plays roles through these genes in myoblast development. This research provides information for further improving knowledge of the chicken muscle development regulation network.

[Relationship between clinicopathological features and prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between clinicopathologic features and prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma located in the head of pancreas. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 169 patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic head cancer collected in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to April 2019. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: Patient's age, tumor differentiation, tumor maximum diameter, resection margin (several resection margins including portal vein groove resection margin, posterior resection margin, and uncinate resection margin), number of positive lymph nodes, number of regional lymph node dissected, and some preoperative and postoperative indicators were associated with prognosis (P<0.05). Direct tumor invasion of organs and surrounding tissues, perineural and vascular invasion, pathologic variants etc. had no statistical significance for survival time. Patient's age, maximum tumor diameter, degree of differentiation, uncinate incision margin, number of regional lymph nodes dissected, and preoperative CA19-9 were independent factors affecting prognosis. Patients older than 74 years of age, with tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter, poorly differentiated, less than 7 regional lymph node dissected, positive uncinate margin, and preoperative CA19-9 higher than 1.5×105 U/L were independent risk factors in patients with pancreatic head cancer. Conclusions: Old age, tumor lager than 3 cm, poor differentiation, low examined lymph nodes, direct uncinate margin involvement and (or) with preoperative CA19-9 higher than 1.5×105 U/L are related to poor prognosis of head pancreatic cancer.

Patient-centred measurement of recovery from day-case surgery using wrist worn accelerometers: a pilot and feasibility study.

This pilot and feasibility study evaluated wrist-worn accelerometers to measure recovery from day-case surgery in comparison with daily quality of recovery-15 scores. The protocol was designed with extensive patient and public involvement and engagement, and delivered by a research network of anaesthesia trainees. Forty-eight patients recruited through pre-operative assessment clinics wore wrist accelerometers for 7 days before (pre-operative) and immediately after elective surgery (early postoperative), and again at 3 months (late postoperative). Validated activity and quality of recovery questionnaires were administered. Raw accelerometry data were archived and analysed using open source software. The mean (SD) number of valid days of accelerometer wear per participant in the pre-operative, early and late postoperative periods were 5.4 (1.7), 6.6 (1.1) and 6.6 (1.0) days, respectively. On the day after surgery, Euclidian norm minus one (a summary measure of raw accelerations), step count, light physical activity and moderate/vigorous physical activity decreased to 57%, 47%, 59% and 35% of baseline values, respectively. Activity increased progressively on a daily basis but had not returned to baseline values by 7 days. Patient questionnaires suggested subjective recovery by postoperative day 3 to 4; however, accelerometry data showed that activity levels had not returned to baseline at this point. All activity measures had returned to baseline by 3 months. Wrist-worn accelerometery is acceptable to patients and feasible as a surrogate measure for monitoring postoperative recovery from day-case surgery. Our results suggest that patients may overestimate their rate of recovery from day-case surgery, which has important implications for future research.

[Clinicopathological features in relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].

Objective: To study the clinical pathological features of patients with relapsed diffuse large B-celllymphoma (DLBCL) and to provide evidence for early clinical screening of recurrent cases. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of the 20 patients, who had relapsed DLBCL (relapsed group) and were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019, were included. Meanwhile, other 34 patients with DLBCL who had achieved complete response (CR) for 36 months or more (CR group) were used as controls.Statistical methods were used to retrospectively analyze the differences in general conditions, clinical characteristics, lab resultsand pathological features between the two groups. Results: Clinically, there were 6 males and 14 females with a median age of 55.5 (33-85) years in the relapsed group and 14 males and 20 females with a median age of 53 (15-89) years in the CR group. The relapsed and CR groups had significant difference in Ann Arbor stage (P=0.001), International Prognostic Index score (P=0.006), primary lesions (P=0.003), extranodal involvement (P=0.002), and hepatitis B viral infection (P=0.046), ß2-MG level (P=0.029), LDH level (P=0.005) and CRP level (P=0.006), while the age (P=0.732), gender (P=0.416), ECOG score (P=0.248), B symptoms (P=0.511), the presence of hypoalbuminemia (P=0.279), anemia (P=0.983) and A/G(P=0.416) showed no statistical difference.Pathologically, compared with the CR group, the relapsed group was mostly non-GCB type (85% vs. 59%,P=0.048), with a higher CD5 positive rate (25% vs.3%,P=0.014) and a lower bcl-6　positive rate (60% vs. 88%,P=0.017), while the expression of Ki-67, CD10, bcl-2, MUM1, CD20 and PAX5 was not different between the two groups. Conclusion: Most of the patients with relapsed DLBCL are non-GCB type. The patients with CD5 positivity, stage III-IV, International Prognostic Index score 3-5, nodal origin, often involving>1 extranodal organ, abnormally elevated LDH, CRP and ß2-MG level, and HBV infection are more likely to relapse.

Gm6377 suppressed SP 2/0 xenograft tumor by down-regulating Myc transcription.

PURPOSE: Disturbed process of B-cell differentiation into plasmablasts (PBs)/plasma cells (PCs) is involved in multiple myeloma (MM). New strategies will be required to eliminate the MM cell clone for a long-term disease control. Because of its PB-like characteristics, the mus musculus myeloma SP 2/0 cell line was used in this study to search novel targets for PBs/PCs. METHODS/PATIENTS: Affymetrix microarrays and RNA-sequencing assays were used to search a novel different molecule (Gm6377) between PBs/PCs and mature B cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry (FACS), xenograft mouse model, and the luciferase reporter system were used to assess the effect of Gm6377 on SP 2/0 cell proliferation, cell cycle, tumor growth, and Myc promoter activation, respectively. RESULTS: We found that B cells expressed a high level of Gm6377 mRNA, whereas Gm6377 mRNA was decreased in PCs. In addition, SP 2/0 cells also expressed low levels of Gm6377 mRNA. Critically, Gm6377 overexpression suppressed SP 2/0 cell proliferation but not cell cycle. Furthermore, Gm6377 overexpression suppressed tumor progression in the SP 2/0 xenograft mouse model. Finally, we found that Gm6377 suppressed SP 2/0 cell proliferation by reducing the activation of the Myc promoter. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Gm6377 suppresses myeloma SP 2/0 cell growth by suppressing Myc. Thus, modulation of Gm6377 may be a potential therapeutic way to treat MM.

Sequential treatment by polidocanol and radiofrequency ablation of large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules with solid components: Efficacy and safety.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sequential treatment including percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in terms of volume reduction and complication rate in large, benign, partially cystic thyroid nodules with solid components. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From April 2017 to April 2019, 46 patients with 47 large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules underwent sequential treatment. There were 14 men and 32 women with a mean age of 49.9±11.5 (SD) years (range: 18-75 years). The volume of initial nodules was 12.7±12.3 (SD) mL (range: 2.16-75.62mL). Volume reduction after percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and further RFA was evaluated respectively. Patients had clinical and ultrasound evaluations at a follow-up time of 12.1±5.3 (SD) months (range: 1.5-23.9 months). Technical success and complications were accessed retrospectively. RESULTS: After unsatisfying results with polidocanol sclerotherapy alone the 46 patients with 47 large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules had further RFA. Mean volume reduction of 47 nodules was 90.5±11.3 (SD) % (range: 43.9-99.3%) one month after RFA, 94.9±6.2 (SD) % (range: 66.9-99.5%) three months after RFA, and 95.8±5.5 (SD) % (range: 71.0-99.8%) six months after RFA. No recurrence or nodule enlargement after RFA was observed at the last follow-up. The complication rate of RFA was 12.5% (8/46 patients), with minor complications only. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential treatment regimen, including percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and RFA, is an appropriate and safe treatment strategy for large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules with solid components.

[Proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion induced by deletion of TMPO in A549].

Objective: To investigate the effect of thymopoietin (TMPO) gene deleted by small interfering RNA (RNAi) on the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cell A549 and its mechanism. Methods: TMPO siRNA was transfected into A549 cells by lipofection. The transfected siRNA control was used as a negative control, and the parent cells were used as blank control. Forty-eight hours later, the expression of TMPO in the transfected cells was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cleaved caspase-3, notch receptor 1 (Notch1) and mammalian rapamycin target protein (mTOR) were detected by Western blot analysis. Results: The results of RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression levels of TMPO mRNA in the blank control group, the negative control group and TMPO siRNA transfected group were (1.01±0.11), (0.99±0.10), (0.36±0.04), respectively, the protein levels were (0.27±0.02), (0.29±0.03), (0.08±0.10), respectively. The expression levels of TMPO mRNA and protein in the transfected group were significantly lower than those in the blank control and negative control group (P<0.05). The results of MTT assay showed that the OD values of the blank control group, the negative control group and the transfected group were (0.35±0.04), (0.37±0.04) and (0.34±0.03) at 24 h of transfection, respectively. The OD values at 48 h were (0.47±0.06), (0.46±0.08), (0.37±0.04), the OD values at 72 h were (0.75±0.08), (0.73±0.07), (0.49±0.05), respectively, and the OD values at 96 h were (1.09±0.07), (1.06±0.08), (0.56±0.06). The proliferation abilities of the transfected cells at 48, 72, 96 h were significantly lower than those of the blank control and the negative control group (P<0.05). The results of flow cytometry showed that the proportion of G(0)/G(1) phase cells in blank control group, negative control group and transfection group were (62.55±2.03)%, (61.24±3.15)%, (47.35±2.44)%, respectively. The proportion of cells in S phase were (17.12±1.31)%, (17.70±2.01)%, and (20.81±2.06)%, respectively. The proportion of cells in G(2)/M phase were (20.33±1.43)%, (21.06±1.52)%, (31.84±2.76)%, respectively. The proportion of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase of transfection group was significantly lower than those of blank control and negative control group (P<0.05). The proportion of cells in G(2)/M phase of transfection group was significantly higher than those of blank control and negative control group (P<0.05). The apoptosis ratio of the transfection group was (34.10±2.69)%, significantly higher than (2.96±0.03)% of the blank control and (3.01±0.04)% of the negative control group (P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that PCNA, Notch1 and mTOR proteins were down-regulated while cleaved caspase-3 protein was up-regulated in A549 cells after deletion of TMPO. Conclusion: The inhibition of TMPO gene expression induced by small interfering RNA can significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of A549 cells, and the mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the activation of Notch1/mTOR signaling pathway.

Mid-term outcome of percutaneous thermal ablation for intrahepatic recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and mid-term outcome of percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) for the treatment of intrahepatic recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (r-HCC) after liver transplantation (LT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2010 and March 2017, a total of 52 cases with 120 r-HCCs after LT treated with PTA as a first-line option were enrolled. Overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS), and the incidence of complications were comprehensively analysed. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in four of 52 (7.7%) patients and minor complications occurred in 19 patients (36.5%). Median OS time was 21.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]:16.4-26.7 months), with 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative survival rates of 74.5%, 45.6%, and 26.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumour number, the time to recurrence after LT, and serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level were found as independent predictors of OS. The estimated of median RFS time was 6 months (95% CI: 3.1-9 months) with the estimated 1-year recurrence-free survival rates of 28.8%. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated tumour number and the time to recurrence after LT were found as independent predictors of RFS. CONCLUSION: PTA is a safe and effective treatment for intrahepatic r-HCCs after LT, with a favourable mid-term outcome. Single tumour, late recurrence after LT (>12 months), and serum AFP level ≤200 ng/ml were independent predictors for longer OS time.

Clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

AIM: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients with 38 PTMC nodules underwent RFA at a power of 20 W between September 2014 and December 2017. The clinical data of these patients were reviewed retrospectively and analysed. Imaging studies of the nodules were conducted, and the patients' thyroid function was assessed before RFA; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA; and every 6 months thereafter. The volumes and volume reduction rate (VRR) of the nodules were also calculated. RESULTS: RFA with a low power of 20 W was used in the treatment of 37 patients with 38 PTMC nodules. All nodules achieved complete ablation, no complications occurred, and thyroid function was not affected. During follow-up, the volume of the nodules gradually decreased. Twelve months after ablation, the mean volumes of the nodules significantly decreased to 0.01±0.03 ml with a VRR of 99.34±3.49%. At a median follow-up of 6 (range: 1-18) months, 37 of the 38 nodules were completely absorbed, and no recurrence was observed in all 37 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Low-power RFA showed good safety and promising efficacy outcomes for the treatment of PTMC. In addition to surgery and active surveillance, RFA may be an alternative treatment option for patients with PTMC.

Positive nonsentinel lymph nodes are associated with poor survival in breast cancer: results from a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The prognostic value of nonsentinel lymph-node (NSLN) status in breast cancer remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the prognostic value of NSLN status in SLN-positive breast cancer. METHODS: Retrospective 873 consecutive primary breast cancer patients from a single institution who were SLN-positive and underwent axillary lymph-node dissection (ALND) were included. Patients with incomplete clinical information or loss of follow-up were excluded. Survival analysis in patients with the same number of positive LNs and patients belonging to the same American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) node (N) classification was performed to establish a proposal for incorporating the NSLN status into the breast cancer staging system. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 41 months. Positive NSLN status was a significantly unfavorable factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR: 4.31, P < 0.001) and distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) (HR: 3.62, P < 0.001). The survival of patients with one positive SLN and one positive NSLN (N = 97) was significantly worse than that of patients with two positive SLNs (N = 68; RFS, P = 0.011; DRFS, P = 0.027). Positive NSLN status was a significantly unfavorable factor affecting survival in patients with the AJCC N1 classification (N = 806; RFS, HR: 2.85, P = 0.002; DRFS, HR: 2.81, P = 0.004). No significant difference in survival was found between LN-negative (N = 361) and NSLN-negative AJCC N1 classification (N = 363) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Positive NSLN status has an independent prognostic value in breast cancer patients with 1-3 positive LNs, and the NSLN status should be incorporated into the breast cancer staging system.

Population dynamics of rice planthoppers, Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera, Delphacidae) in Central Vietnam and its effects on their spring migration to China.

Rice planthopper (RPH) populations of Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera periodically have erupted across Asia. Predicting RPH population dynamics and identifying their source areas are crucial for the management of these migratory pests in China, but the origins of the migrants to temperate and subtropical regions in China remains unclear. In particular, their early migration to China in March and April have not yet been explored due to a lack of research data available from potential source areas, Central Vietnam and Laos. In this study, we examined the population dynamics and migratory paths of N. lugens and S. furcifera in Vietnam and South China in 2012 and 2013. Trajectory modeling showed that in March and April in 2012 and 2013, RPH emigrated from source areas in Central Vietnam where rice was maturing to the Red River Delta and South China. Early migrants originated from Southern Central Vietnam (14-16°N), but later most were from Northern Central Vietnam (16-19°N). Analysis of meteorological and light-trap data from Hepu in April (1977-2013) using generalized linear models showed that immigration increased with precipitation in Southern Central Vietnam in January, but declined with precipitation in Northern Central Vietnam in January. These results determined that the RPH originate from overwintering areas in Central Vietnam, but not from southernmost areas of Vietnam. Winter precipitation, rather than temperature was the most important factor determining the number of RPH migrants. Based on their similar population dynamics and low population densities in Central Vietnam, we further speculated that RPH migrate to track ephemeral food resources whilst simultaneously avoiding predators. Migrations do not seem to be initiated by interspecific competition, overcrowding or host deterioration. Nevertheless, S. furcifera establishes populations earlier than N. lugens South China, perhaps to compensate for interspecific competition. We provide new information that could assist with forecasting outbreaks and implementing control measures against these migratory pests.

Hepatic abscess with hepatobronchial fistula following percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has a low rate of complication and is one of the most effective and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of liver tumors. However, a number of complications may occur in rare cases, including bronchobiliary fistula, hollow viscera perforation, diaphragmatic perforation and hernia. The present study reports a case of hepatic abscess with hepatobronchial fistula following RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma; this led to severe lung infection, respiratory failure and mortality. The present case report aims to improve understanding of the cause and mechanism of the complications arising through RFA of the liver, and highlight important factors in the prevention and management process. This case indicates that the complications of RFA may be prevented or effectively managed through preoperative evaluation, intraoperative and postoperative monitoring.

Transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy increases expression level of miR-142-5p in stage III colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression level of miR-142-5p and its potential target gene endothelial PAS domain protein 1(EPAS1) in Stage III colorectal cancer during Transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy (TAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to obtain miRNA expression profiles of paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from one patient received TAI 1 week before the operation and another patient directly underwent an operation. The expression levels of miR-142-5p was measured with both high-throughput sequencing and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-142-5p, were significantly reduced in tumor tissues of stage III CRC, then significantly increased in tumor tissues receiving TAI and higher than tumor tissues without TAI. The apoptosis rate of HT-29 colon cancer cells was mildly increased after transfection with pre-miR-142. miR-142-5p could bind directly to the 3'untranslated region of endothelial PAS domain protein 1 and reduce its expression. CONCLUSIONS: miR-142-5p is a potential tumor suppressor in CRC and is upregulated in tumor tissues after TAI, suggesting its potential clinical values for testing the functionality of TAI and predicting the progress of CRC.

Meta-analysis of the differentially expressed colorectal cancer-related microRNA expression profiles.

OBJECTIVES: Unique microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in colorectal cancer in recent studies which can be used to accurately diagnose the presence of colorectal cancer and help predict disease recurrence. Differential expression of specific miRNAs in tissues or blood offers the prospect of their use in early detection and screening for colorectal cancer. However, the experiments under different environments would produce different results. The purpose of this study was to get a reliable result on differentially expressed miRNAs related to colorectal cancer by integrating different studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed to review three miRNA microarray datasets from three published literatures that compared the microRNAs expression profiles in colorectal cancer tissues with those in normal colorectal tissues. The R VennDiagram package was applied to identify the overlapping miRNAs with differential expression among these three studies. RESULTS: A total of 175 differentially expressed miRNAs were reported in the three miRNA expression profiling studies that compared colorectal cancer tissues with normal tissues, of which 25 miRNAs were reported at least by two studies including 15 up-regulated miRNAs and 10 down-regulated miRNAs. Among the 25 miRNAs, 15 ones were differentially expressed between early stage colorectal cancer and normal tissues including 11 up-regulated miRNAs and 4 down-regulated miRNAs, of which hsa-miR-195 (down-regulated) and hsa-miR-20a (up-regulated) were shared by these three studies. CONCLUSIONS: The 15 differentially expressed miRNAs, especially hsa-miR-195 and hsa-miR-20a may be used as potential biomarkers for early detection and screening of colorectal cancer.

Pr3+-doped heavy metal germanium tellurite glasses for irradiative light source in minimally invasive photodynamic therapy surgery.

Pr3+-doped medium-low phonon energy heavy metal germanium tellurite (NZPGT) glasses have been fabricated and the intense multi-peak red fluorescence emissions of Pr3+ are exhibited. Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω2 = 3.14 × 10(-20)cm(2), Ω4 = 10.67 × 10(-20)cm(2) and Ω6 = 3.95 × 10(-20)cm(2) indicate a high asymmetrical and covalent environment in the optical glasses. The spontaneous emission probabilities A(ij) corresponding to the 1D2→3H4, 3P0→3H6, and 3P0→3F2 transitions are derived to be 1859.6, 6270.1 and 17276.3s(-1), respectively, and the relevant stimulated emission cross-sections σ(em) are 5.20 × 10(-21), 14.14 × 10(-21) and 126.77 × 10(-21)cm(2), confirming that the effectiveness of the red luminescence in Pr3+-doped NZPGT glasses. Under the commercial blue LED excitation, the radiant flux and the quantum yield for the red fluorescence of Pr3+ are solved to be 219µW and 11.80%, respectively. 85.24% photons of the fluorescence in the visible region are demonstrated to be located in 600-720nm wavelength range, which matches the excitation band of the most photosensitizers (PS), holding great promise for photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment and clinical trials.

Rice planting systems, global warming and outbreaks of Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

Brown Planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) is one of the most serious pests of rice in both temperate and tropical regions of East and South Asia and has become especially problematic over the past few years. In order to analyze the effect of the change of rice cropping system on the population dynamics of BPH, field surveys of the occurrence and distribution of BPH were performed and other relevant data, including light trap data and ovary dissection data were collected in nearly 40 Chinese counties encompassing six provinces (or municipalities), including Hainan, Guangxi, Anhui, Shanghai, Fujian and Guangdong from April to October in 2007.The mixed planting areas of single- and double-cropping rice in China include Hubei, South and Central Anhui, North Hunan, and North Jiangxi. In these areas, double-cropping rice has now been greatly reduced and single-cropping rice has been rapidly increasing since 1997. The surveys revealed that when the immigration peak of BPH occurred in June and July, the single-cropping rice was at the tillering to booting stage and fit for BPH, but early rice had already matured and most of late rice had not yet been transplanted. BPH immigrants from southern rice areas prefer to inhabit and breed in single-cropping rice paddies. Moreover, farming activities between early rice and late rice interrupted the continuous growth of BPH populations in double-cropping rice paddies. As a result, in comparison with data collected 30 years ago, the spatiotemporal dynamics and migration patterns of BPH have dramatically changed in the lower-middle reaches of the Yangtze River. In the mixed planting areas, due to their high suitability, the BPH population in single-cropping rice grew so quickly that it caused serious local damage and there was mass emigration of macropterous progeny to the Yangtze River Delta in late August and early September.Global warming may also affect BPH populations, where results suggest steadily warmer autumns have occurred from the 1990s on, with such conditions gradually the norm. The combination of 'cooler summer' and 'warmer autumn' are conditions known to promote outbreaks of BPH in the lower-middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Immigrant BPH arrivals in late August and September now cause serious damage to late-maturing mid-season rice and late rice in the lower-middle reaches of the Yangtze River.