Androgens in endometrial carcinoma: the killer or helper?

PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to discuss the role of androgens in the progression of endometrial carcinoma (EC) with particular focus on the different kinds of androgenic hormones, androgen receptor (AR) and intracrine androgen metabolism. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search within PubMed was performed. Selected publications related to androgens and EC were reviewed. RESULTS: There are different kinds of androgenic hormones, and different kinds of androgens may have different effects. Elevated androgens (especially testosterone) have been associated with an increased EC risk in postmenopausal women. 5α-reductases (5α-Reds) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17ßHSD2) pathway may inhibit the progression of EC mediated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but aromatases stimulate further progression of EC. The most of studies accessing the prognostic value of AR have found that AR expression may be a favorable prognostic indicator. CONCLUSION: Androgens may have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. Androgen-specific biases in metabolism and the expression of AR may contribute to the different prognosis of patients with EC.

Editorial: The society for environmental geochemistry and health (SEGH): 50 years and beyond.

When the SEGH international board released a short editorial paper back in 2019, we described an aim to increase the membership offering, whilst improving the diversity of input regionally, by scientific discipline and to ensure greater and more regular contact across the regions from 2020 onwards. Wider aspirations described in 2019 (Watts et al. 2019) are discussed within this short communication at the end of 2021 to evaluate progress made. In particular, how the SEGH community adapted to the unprecedented circumstances that have challenged each and every one of us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020 and are likely to influence our activities for the foreseeable future.

[Incidence and predictors of 90-day poor clinical outcome after successful endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion].

Objective: To investigate the incidence and predictors of 90-day poor clinical outcome after successful endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion. Methods: Patients were selected from the Acute Ischemic Stroke Cooperation Group of Endovascular Treatment (ANGEL) registry, which was a prospective, multicenter registry study between June 2015 and December 2017. The demographic characteristics, past history, personal history, vital signs, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, imaging examination, onset/admission/puncture/end of operation, operation-related variables, medication during operation, patency of occluded blood vessels after operation, etiology classification, and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score were collected. Successful endovascular treatment was defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b-3. Poor outcome was defined as 90-day mRS 4-6. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the predictors of poor clinical outcome after successful endovascular treatment. Results: A total of 170 (128 males and 42 females) acute basilar artery occlusion patients undergoing successful endovascular treatment were included in the analysis, with the median age of [M (Q1, Q3)] of 64 (55, 70) years. Poor clinical outcome occurred in 72 patients (42.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high baseline NIHSS score (OR=1.166, 95%CI: 1.109-1.225, P<0.001) and high baseline systolic blood pressure (OR=1.032, 95%CI: 1.010-1.053, P=0.003) were the independent predictors of poor clinical outcome. Conclusions: The incidence of 90-day poor clinical outcome after successful endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion is 42.4%. High baseline NIHSS score and systolic blood pressure are associated with the poor clinical outcome.

[Investigation and analysis of prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases among interventional surgeons in some top three hospitals in Tianjin].

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases among interventional surgeons in top three hospitals, and to provide suggestions for prevention of musculoskeletal diseases. Methods: In June 2022, a self-designed questionnaire was used to collect general information of doctors engaged in interventional surgery (121) and non-interventional surgery (124) in some top three hospitals in Tianjin. The standard version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to investigate information related to musculoskeletal diseases. The prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases among interventional and non-interventional surgeons were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases among interventional surgeons and non-interventional surgeons was 59.50% (72/121) and 62.90% (78/124) . Compared with non-interventional surgeons, interventional surgeons had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in the shoulders and upper back, and a lower prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in the waist. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, weekly time of physical exercise, time of intervention operation, and wearing protective clothing were independent risk factors for musculoskeletal diseases (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of musculoskeletal diseases among doctors engaged in interventional surgery is relatively high in some top three hospitals in Tianjin, and proper enhancement of physical exercise and shortening of interventional time are conducive to reducing musculoskeletal diseases.

[A multicenter randomized controlled study of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by Jing-Hua-Wei-Kang in the treatment of patients newly diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia].

Objective: To investigate the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rate and improvement of dyspepsia in patients who were newly diagnosed with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia and treated by bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by Jing-Hua-Wei-Kang(JHWK). Methods: Patients who were newly diagnosed with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection and treated in 16 medical centers in China between December 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019 were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole+amoxicillin+furazolidone+colloidal bismuth pectin capsule, 14 days), followed by JHWK (30 days), and the course of treatment was 44 days in total. In the control group, the administration regimen was bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole+amoxicillin+furazolidone+colloidal bismuth pectin capsule, 14 days). The main outcome measure was H. pylori eradication rate, while the secondary outcome measures were dyspepsia symptom changes and adverse events during the treatment and the 1st month after treatment. Results: A total of 1 054 patients were included in the study. There were 522 cases enrolled in the experimental group, including 224(42.91%) men and 298(57.09%) women, and the age was 53(26, 73) years old; 532 cases enrolled in the control group, including 221(41.54%) men and 311(58.46%) women, and the age was 46(22, 71) years old. Based on PP analysis, it was found that the H. pylori eradication rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group (93.85% vs 87.88%, P=0.001). In the group of all enrolled patients, the symptom dyspepsia after H. pylori eradication was significantly improved compared with that before treatment [4(4, 7) vs 15(10, 22), P<0.001], so was the superior and middle abdominal pain [1(1, 4) vs 4(1, 8), P<0.001], the postprandial fullness [1(1, 4) vs 4(4, 9), P<0.001], the early satiety [1(1, 1) vs 4(1, 4), P<0.001], and the heartburn [1(1, 1) vs 1(1, 4), P<0.001]. The symptom dyspepsia after treatment was significantly improved compared with that before treatment in the experimental, the control groups, the successful and the unsuccessful H. pylori eradication groups. The superior and middle abdominal pain after treatment was signifcantly improved than that before treatment [1(1, 2) vs 1(1, 4), P<0.001], so were the postprandial fullness [1(1, 3) vs 1(1, 4), P=0.002] and the dyspepsia[4(4, 7) VS 7(4, 10), P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the experimental group and the control group (1.34% vs 0.38%, P=0.09). Conclusions: Compared with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by JHWK significantly improves the H. pylori eradication rate without increasing the incidence of adverse events. H. pylori eradication therapy can improve symptoms of patients with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia.

Low-dose rescue tirofiban in mechanical thrombectomy for acute cerebral large-artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tirofiban administration during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains controversial. The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-dose rescue tirofiban regimen during MT for Chinese acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. METHODS: Patients from the ANGEL study, a multicentric, prospective registry study that included AIS patients who underwent MT owing to proximal large-artery occlusion from June 2015 to December 2017, were collected. The patients were dichotomized into tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups according to whether rescue tirofiban was performed during MT. Safety outcomes [symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH), total intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and distal embolization] and efficacy outcomes (artery recanalization and functional outcomes at 3-month follow-up) were compared between groups using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 662 patients were included in this study, and 230 (34.7%) were in the tirofiban group. No significant differences in safety outcomes on sICH, total ICH and distal embolization and efficacy outcomes on artery recanalization and 3-month functional independence were observed between the tirofiban and non-tirofiban group in the entire cohort or the anterior circulation stroke or posterior circulation stroke patients (P > 0.05 for all groups). However, low-dose rescue tirofiban was significantly correlated with 3-month mortality reduction for posterior circulation stroke patients [adjusted hazard ratio 0.35 (0.14-0.92), P = 0.03]. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose rescue tirofiban during MT was not associated with increased risk of sICH, ICH and distal embolization for AIS patients, and may be correlated with 3-month mortality reduction for posterior circulation stroke.

[Clinical effect and economic benefit evaluation of minimally invasive surgery for drivers with lumbar disc herniation].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of professional drivers with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: 126 patients with lumbar disc herniation admitted to hospital from June 1, 2015 to December 30, 2018 were selected and divided into observation group (59 cases treated by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopy) and control group (67 cases treated with conventional conservative treatment) according to the treatment methods. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (JOA) before and after treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Length of stay, time out of bed, hospitalization expenses and recurrence rate were evaluated. The measurement data was expressed by x±s, the comparison between groups was performed by t test, and the count data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. Results: Before treatment, there was no significant difference in gender, age, VAS score and JOA score between the two groups (P>0.05) . After treatment, compared with the control group, the VAS score of the observation group was lower, the JOA score was higher, the time out of bed was shorter, the average hospitalization time was reduced, the average hospitalization cost was higher, and the recurrence rates after Six months and one year were lower in the observation group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The clinical effect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic treatment is better than that of conventional conservative treatment for driver＇s lumbar disc herniation.

Tunable Electrorheological Fluid Microfluidic Rectifier: Irreversibility of Viscous Flow Due to Spatial Asymmetry Induced Memory Effects.

Because of the reversibility of viscous flow it is not expected to obtain a fluidic rectifier simply from geometrical asymmetry without any moving mechanical parts. Here, we found a counterexample by using spatial asymmetry combined with an electric field to inject memory effects that render the flow irreversible. This stems from the strong dependency of the electrorheological fluid particle chaining on the flow direction. A funnel-shaped microfluidic rectifier with electrorheological fluid has been shown to be easily and rapidly tuned via the applied electric field to achieve an almost order of magnitude rectification along with pressure oscillations. These findings are of importance for the realization of fluidic diodes, rectifiers, and ratchets.

Significant enhancement of the electrorheological effect by non-straight electrode geometry.

In contrast to the commonly used straight electrodes with electrorheological (ER) fluid, here, we studied the effect of non-straight electrodes comprising the sides of a microchannel, on the ER fluid response. A more than one order of magnitude enhancement of the apparent viscosity was observed for non-straight electrode geometries, where castellated and sawtooth electrode geometries were used merely as an example, relative to that measured for straight electrodes. The enhancement increased with increasing applied voltage and exhibited a distinct maximum in the frequency range of 5-10 Hz. Experimental analyses demonstrated that positive dielectrophoresis-driven attraction of the chain ends to the sharp tips of the electrode underlies the ER enhancement. Hence, introducing such uniformity breakage of the electric field through non-straight electrode geometries is of practical importance for enhancement of the ER response.

[Clinical characteristics of 57 patients with polyarteritis nodosa and renal involvement].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) patients with renal involvement. Methods: PAN patients admitted to the department of rheumatology, department of pediatrics, department of nephrology, general internal medicine department and department of vascular surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2012 to August 2018 were enrolled in this study and were divided into two groups according to renal involvement or not. The clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: A total of 94 PAN patients were finally enrolled and 57 (60.64%) presented kidney manifestation. The mean age of onset was (37.76±17.40) years old and the interval from onset to diagnosis was 10 (0 to 240) months. Forty patients were misdiagnosed once or more times. In patients with renal involvement, 9 cases suffered from renal ischemia or infarction, 31 with microscopic haematuria, 26 with proteinuria, renal artery or its branch involved in 17 cases, renal vein thrombosis in 1 case, 4 cases with pyeloureterectasis, one case with renal fascia thickening, 33 cases with impaired renal function (serum creatinine>84 µmol/L) including creatinine>140 µmol/L in 10 patients. Renal artery branch stenosis was the most common presentation [9 cases (52.94%)] of renal vascular involvement, other abnormalities including nodular dilatation [4 cases (23.53%)], occlusion [3 cases (17.65%)]. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the PAN patients with and without renal involvement in the following: age of onset [(33.72±16.13) years vs. (43.97±17.66) years, t(2)=2.901, P=0.005], weight loss(≥4kg since PAN onset) [25(43.86%) vs. 7(18.92%), χ(2)=6.216, P=0.013], elevation of diastolic blood pressure [22(38.60%) vs. 7(18.92%), χ(2)=4.072, P=0.044], acromegaly gangrene [18(31.58%) vs. 21(56.76%), χ(2)=5.859, P=0.015], and gastrointestinal artery involvement [20(35.09%) vs. 6(1.22%), χ(2)=3.993, P=0.046]. Laboratory parameters and the application of glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide therapies were similar in two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Young PAN patients are more likely to be associated with renal involvement, especially gastrointestinal arteries.

[Endovascular thrombectomy in patients with intracranial large artery occlusion and atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with acute intracranial arterial occlusion. Methods: Fifty-eight patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with acute intracranial arterial occlusion in the intervention group of East (Endovascular Therapy for Acute ischemic Stroke Trial) were analyzed. According to the TOAST (Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) classification, patients were divided into ICAS (Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis) group and cardiogenic embolism group. Clinical characteristics, treatment methods and clinical prognosis were compared between ICAS group and cardiogenic embolism group. Results: A total of 58 patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with acute intracranial arterial occlusion were included in this study, including 46 patients in the cardiogenic embolism group (79%) and 12 patients in the ICAS group (21%). The pre-hospital transport time in ICAS group was longer than that in cardiogenic embolism group (P<0.05).Patency rate in patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with acute intracranial arterial occlusion was 98.3% (57/58), The rate of patients with the 90-day function independent (mRS 0-2) was 51.7% (30/58). There were no statistically significant differences in functional independence, mortality rate, ICH and sICH at 90 days between the cardiogenic embolism group and the ICAS group. Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy is an effective method to treat patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with acute intracranial arterial occlusion.

[Impact of informal e-waste recycling on human health].

Increasing e-waste has become a major problem for global environment and public health. In the process of dismantling and recycling of disordered electronic waste, heavy metals such as lead and brominated flame retardants and organic substances are released into environmental media such as air, soil, dust and water, which is harmful to the health of local residents. Taking an e-waste dismantling area in Guangdong Province as an example, this paper reviews exposure levels of heavy metals and organic matters in e-waste recycling areas in China, as well as the health effects of local residents. Previous studies have found that e-waste recycling activities led to serious environmental pollution and high exposure levels of heavy metals and organic matters in local residents, which has a certain impact on the physiological functions of various human systems. The establishment of a centralized dismantling zone can effectively reduce the load level of various pollutants.

[The study of exposure levels of dioxin-like compounds in cord blood of newborns in an e-waste dismantling area in Guangdong Province].

Objective: To study the pollution status of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in cord blood of newborns in an e-waste dismantling area of Guangdong Province. Methods: We recruited 20 eligible mothers and newborns who could meet the inclusion criteria in local hospitals of Guiyu in 2007. The inclusion criteria included directly engaged in dismantling e-waste during pregnancy and within 1 year before pregnancy; living in the e-waste dismantling workshops or the distance between living place and the e-waste dismantling areas was ≤200 m; the father of newborn was directly engaged in electronic waste dismantling for more than 1 year; the frequency of visiting the e-waste dismantling workshop during pregnancy was ≥3 times in a week. Questionnaires and physical examinations were performed on maternal and neonatal, and cord blood was collected from newborns to detect PCDD/Fs, PCB and PBDE. The concentration level of organic pollutants was corrected by the blood lipid content, and the total toxicity equivalent was calculated. The correlation between three compounds was analyzed by Spearman correlation. Results: The mothers of the 20 newborns were (23.45±3.27) years old and lived for more than 5 years. The number of one parent engaged in e-waste dismantling, the mother or father smoking, and parent engaged in e-waste dismantling work were 3, 13, 15 and 19, respectively. The weight of newborns ranged from 2.5 to 3.6 kilogram and the Apgar score was 10 points. No adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, malformation or stillbirth were found. The median (maximum, minimum) concentration of PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs in cord blood were 263.22 (328.29, 244.19), 38.42 (147.49, 12.68), 39.33 (265.11, 14.81) pg/g lipid, respectively. The median (maximum, minimum) of toxic equivalence concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCB were 3.94 (9.24, 2.69) and 15.95 (26.64, 9.28) pg TEQ/g lipid. PBDE, the proportion of PBDE, PCB and PCDD/Fs in cord blood was 50.41%, 49.25% and 0.34%, respectively. PCBs and PBDEs were positively correlated (r=0.733, P=0.039). Conclusion: The high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCB, and PBDE were detected in the e-waste dismantling area. It is recommended that the risk of such substances on the health of local people should be assessed in a timely manner.

[The effects of macrophages with high expression of TL1A on activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro].

Objective: To explore the effects of macrophages with high expression of TL1A on the activation and proliferation of HSCs in vitro. Methods: The Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) and peritoneal macrophages (PMs) from wild type (WT) and myeloid-overexpressed TL1A transgenic mice were isolated, differentiated and activated. HSCs were harvested from activated macrophages culture supernatant (CM). HSCs were detected by immunofluorescence and real-time Q-PCR. And the proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and BrdU assay kit. The levels of IL-1ß and PDGF-BB in macrophage culture supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: BMMs-derived CM-intervention HSCs were used to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day respectively by immunofluorescence method. There was no significant difference between the two groups on the 2 nd and the 6th day, P > 0.05; On day 4, the CM/Tg group was significantly higher than that of CM/WT group, P < 0.01; the results of CMs derived from PMs were consistent with the above trend. The expression of α-SMA mRNA on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day was detected by real-time Q-PCR method using BM-derived CMs. No significant difference was found between the groups on the 2nd day (P > 0.05).α-SMA mRNA increased further on the 4th and 6th day, and the level of CM/Tg in CM/Tg group was significantly higher than that in CM/WT group (P < 0.05). The detection results of CMs derived from PMs were consistent with the above trend. The results of CCK-8 assay and BrdU assay showed that the proliferation rate of HSCs in CM Tg group was significantly higher than that in CM/WT group (P < 0.01). The CMs derived from PMs were used to interfere with HSCs. And the results were consistent with the above trend. For BMMs, the levels of IL-1ß and PDGF-BB in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + IFNγ/Tg culture supernatant were significantly higher than those in the LPS+IFNγ/WT group (P < 0.01). For the culture supernatants of PMs Liquid test results consistent with the above trend. Conclusion: Macrophages with high expression of TL1A could enhance the activation and proliferation of HSCs by increasing the secretion of IL-1ß and PDGF-BB.

[Effect of valsartan on the expression of leptin, leptin receptor and collagen in rats with hepatic fibrosis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist valsartan on leptin, leptin receptor and collagen in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Thirty-six male wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and drug-treated group, with 12 rats in each group. Liver fibrosis models were made by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride on the dorsal of the rats, simultaneously gastric gavage with Valsartan and were killed at the end of 8th week. The degree of liver fibrosis was observed by HE and Masson staining. The serum leptin (LP) and TGFß1 were determined by ELISA. Liver LP mRNA and leptin receptor mRNA (OB-R mRNA) were detected by RT-PCR. Liver LP, OB-R and collagen I were detected by Western blot. The data of multiple groups were analyzed by one-way analysis variance (ANOVA), and linear correlation was performed between serum LP and TGF ß1. Results: After the intervention of valsartan, HE and Masson staining showed that the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly reduced. The levels of serum LP and TGFß1 in the control group were (18.92 ± 7.10) ng/ml and (9.13 ± 1.58) pg/ml respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the model group (46.92 ± 28.54) ng/ml and (16.39 ± 3.56) pg/ml, And (29.27 ± 7.27) ng/ml and (12.24 ± 2.94) pg/ml in the drug-treated group, respectively. The F values were 7.864 and 20.057 respectively. The P values were < 0.05. The differences were statistically significant. The relative expression levels of LP and OB-R mRNA in the control group were 0.35 ± 0.18 and 0.62 ± 0.18, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the model group (1.79 ± 1.79 and 1.52 ± 1.44, and drug-treated group 0.48 ± 0.34 and 0.75 ± 0.26, respectively), F values = 6.914,3.894, P values were < 0.05, the differences were statistically significant. The relative expression levels of LP, OB-R and collaten I in liver were 0.71 ± 0.13, 0.81 ± 0.11 and 0.76 ± 0.13 in the model group, 0.97 ± 0.06, 1.04 ± 0.06, and 1.05 ± 0.04 respectively in the drug-treated group and 0.74 ± 0.05, 0.93 ± 0.05 and 0.91 ± 0.05. The F values were 15.425, 13.757 and 19.130 respectively in three groups (P < 0.001), the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Valsartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, can reduce the expression of leptin and leptin receptor, reduce the production of TGFß1 and collaten I, and play an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.

Decreased epithelial and plasma miR-181b-5p expression associates with airway eosinophilic inflammation in asthma.

BACKGROUND: Airway eosinophilic inflammation is a pivotal feature of asthma. Epithelial cells play critical roles in airway eosinophilia. We hypothesized that epithelial microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in airway eosinophilia. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the associations between epithelial and plasma miR-181b-5p and airway eosinophilic inflammation, and the possible mechanism by which miR-181b-5p participates in eosinophilic inflammation. METHODS: Epithelial miRNAs expression was profiled by miRNA array in eight subjects with asthma and four healthy controls. Epithelial miR-181b-5p expression was confirmed by quantitative PCR in the subjects for array experiment and another cohort including 21 subjects with asthma and 10 controls. Plasma miR-181b-5p was determined by quantitative PCR in 72 subjects with asthma and 35 controls. Correlation assays between epithelial and plasma miR-181b-5p expression and airway eosinophilia were performed. The target of miR-181b-5p, SPP1, was predicted by online algorithms and verified in BEAS-2B cells. The role of miR-181b-5p in epithelial proinflammatory cytokine expression was examined in an in vitro system. RESULTS: Epithelial miR-181b-5p expression was decreased in subjects with asthma. Epithelial miR-181b-5p levels were inversely correlated with sputum and bronchial submucosal eosinophilia. Plasma miR-181b-5p was decreased and correlated with epithelial miR-181b-5p in subjects with asthma. There was a strong inverse correlation between plasma miR-181b-5p and airway eosinophilia in subjects with asthma. Plasma miR-181b-5p was increased after inhaled corticosteroids treatment. We verified that SPP1 is a target of miR-181b-5p. In human bronchial epithelial cells, miR-181b-5p regulated IL-13-induced IL-1ß and CCL11 expression by targeting SPP1. Dexamethasone restored IL-13-induced miR-181b-5p down-regulation and suppressed IL-13-induced SPP1, IL-1ß and CCL11 expression. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epithelial and plasma miR-181b-5p are potential biomarkers for airway eosinophilia in asthma. MiR-181b-5p may participate in eosinophilic airway inflammation by regulating proinflammatory cytokines expression via targeting SPP1.

Biodegradation of kraft lignin by a newly isolated anaerobic bacterial strain, Acetoanaerobium sp. WJDL-Y2.

UNLABELLED: An anaerobic kraft lignin (KL)-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from sludge of a pulp and paper mill. It was characterized as Acetoanaerobium sp. WJDL-Y2 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The maximum KL degradation capability of strain Y2 was determined to be 24·9% on a COD basis under an optimal condition with temperature of 31·5°C, initial pH of 6·8 and KL to nitrogen (as NH4 Cl) ratio of 6·5 by mass. Growth kinetic studies showed that the KL tolerance of strain Y2 was relatively high (Ki  = 8120·45 mg l(-1) ). Analysing KL degradation products by GC-MS revealed the formation of low-molecular-weight aromatic compounds (LMWACs), including benzene-propanoic acid, syringic acid and ferulic acid. This indicates that strain Y2 can oxidize lignin structure's p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units, guaiacyl (G) units and syringyl (S). In addition, the inoculated sample also contained low-molecular acid compounds, such as hexanoic acid, adipic acid and 2-hydroxybutyric acid, further validating strain Y2's ability to degrade KL. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Kraft lignin containing effluents discharged from pulp and paper industries causes serious environmental pollution in developing countries. Due to the immense environmental adaptability and biochemical versatility, bacterial ligninolytic potential deserve to be studied for application in effluent treatment of pulp and paper industry. In this study, an anaerobic lignin-degrading bacterium, Acetoanaerobium sp. WJDL-Y2 (accession no. KF176997),was isolated from the sludge of a pulp and paper mill. Strain Y2 can play an important role in treating pulp and paper wastewater, as well as breaking down materials for biofuel and chemical production.

Association between adiponectin gene T45G polymorphism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk: a meta-analysis.

Numerous epidemiological investigations have evaluated the association between adiponectin gene T45G polymorphism and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the results of these studies have proven to be inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to obtain a more accurate estimation of this association. Published articles were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effect models. Five case-control studies incorporating 597 cases and 701 controls were included in this meta-analysis. No association between adiponectin gene T45G polymorphism and NAFLD was established (TT vs GG: OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.37-1.86; TG vs GG: OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.33-1.79; dominant model: OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.37-1.84; recessive model: OR = 1.10, 95%CI = 0.69-1.76). Moreover, in a subgroup analysis, no significant correlation was found among Asian subjects. In conclusion, the T45G polymorphism of the adiponectin gene may not constitute an NAFLD risk factor. However, this needs to be further validated in single large well-designed future studies.

The expression and significance of WT1 in xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma treated by paclitaxel.

In this study, the authors investigated the expression and significance of WTl in xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma cell SKOV3 of nude mice treated with paclitaxel. Xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma was established in nude mice using the SKOV3 cell line. The mice were randomized into the treatment group with paclitaxel and control group with normal sodium. The sizes of the xenotransplanted tumors were measured and the tumor specimens were confirmed by routine hemotoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The apoptosis index was then assayed using flow cytometry. WTl and bcl-2 expression were detected with immunohistochemistry, and WT1 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The authors found that the growth of the xenotransplanted tumor was inhibited by paclitaxel therapy. Compared to the control group, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased in the treatment group (p < 0.05). At the same time, the expression of WTl, bcl-2 and WTI, mRNA were significantly decreased in the paclitaxel therapy group (p < 0.05). The authors conclude that the WTl gene may play an important role during apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma and the mechanism may be closely related to bcl-2.

[Percutaneous coronary intervention in eastern urban China: 2001-2011].

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess trends in clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes for hospitalized patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in eastern urban China from 2001 to 2011. METHOD: We analyzed a Chinese eastern representative sample of hospital admissions for PCI identified in China PEACE-retrospective CathPCI study using a two-stage random sampling design and calculated the weighted data of clinical information in each year. RESULTS: We included 3 308 admissions for PCI in 29 urban hospitals.Between 2001 and 2011, rates of hospitalizations for PCI increased by 15 fold.Compared with 2001, the patients undergoing PCI were more likely to be female, older than 70 years, and to have history of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and PCI in 2011.The proportion of trans radial PCIs was increased from 3.5% in 2001 to 72.6% in 2011 (Statistic=-28.95, Ptrend<0.000 1); the proportion of drug eluting stents (DES) among all the implanted stents was increased from 18.2%in 2001 to 98.4% in 2011(Statistic=-40.82, Ptrend<0.000 1), largely due to increased use of domestic DES.Less than 10% of medical records of patients undergoing primary PCI documented door time and balloon time.The median length of stay decreased from 13 days in 2001 to 10 days in 2011 (Statistic=-0.11, Ptrend<0.001). In-hospital mortality did not change significantly, but both any bleeding (Statistic= 2.66, Ptrend< 0.01) and access bleeding were decreased significantly (Statistic= 5.55, Ptrend< 0.000 1). CONCLUSIONS: During 2001 and 2011 in eastern urban China, there has been a rapid increase in the number and significant change in treatment patterns of PCI.Quality gaps are identified that represent opportunities to improve care.