The feasibility of a novel computer-aided classification system for the characterisation and diagnosis of breast masses on ultrasound: a single-centre preliminary test study.

AIM: To introduce a novel computer-aided classification (CAC) system and investigate the feasibility of characterising and diagnosing breast masses on ultrasound (US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 246 breast masses were included. US features and the final assessment categories of the breast masses were analysed by a radiologist and the CAC system according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon. The CAC system evaluated the BI-RADS assessment from the fusion of multi-view and colour Doppler US images without (SmartBreast) or with combining clinical variables (m-CAC system). The diagnostic performance and agreement of US characteristics between the radiologist and the CAC system were compared. RESULTS: The agreement between the radiologist and the CAC system was substantial for mass shape (κ = 0.673), orientation (κ = 0.682), margin (κ = 0.622), posterior features (κ = 0.629), calcifications in a mass (κ = 0.709) and vascularity (κ = 0.745), fair for echo pattern (κ = 0.379), and moderate for BI-RADS assessment (κ = 0.575). With BI-RADS 4a as the cut-off value, the specificity (52.5% versus 25%, p<0.0001) and accuracy (73.98% versus 62.6%, p=0.0002) of the m-CAC system were improved without significant loss of sensitivity (94.44% versus 98.41%, p=0.1250) compared with the SmartBreast. The m-CAC system showed similar specificity (52.5% versus 45.83%, p=0.2430) and accuracy (73.98% versus 73.58%, p=1.0000) as the radiologist, but a lower sensitivity (94.44% versus 100%, p=0.0156). CONCLUSION: The CAC system showed an acceptable agreement with the radiologist for characterisation of breast lesions. It has the potential to mimic the decision-making behaviour of radiologists for the classification of breast lesions.

[Advances in three-dimensional tumor models for colorectal cancer].

Conventional tumor culture models include two-dimensional tumor cell cultures and xenograft models. The former has disadvantages including lack of tumor heterogeneity and poor clinical relevance, while the latter are limited by the slow growth, low engraftment successful rate, and high cost. In recent years, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor models have emerged as the tool to better recapitulate the spatial structure and the in vivo environment of tumors. In addition, they preserve the pathological and genetic features of tumor cells and reflect the complex intracellular and extracellular interactions of tumors, which have become a powerful tool for investigating the tumor mechanism, drug screening, and personalized cancer treatment. 3D tumor model technologies such as spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic devices are maturing. Application of new technologies such as co-culture, 3D bioprinting, and air-liquid interface has further improved the clinical relevance of the models. Some models recapitulate the tumor microenvironment, and some can even reconstitute endogenous immune components and microvasculature. In recent years, some scholars have combined xenograft models with organoid technology to develop matched in vivo/in vitro model biobanks, giving full play to the advantages of the two technologies, and providing an ideal research platform for individualized precision therapy for specific molecular targets in certain subtypes of tumors. So far, the above technologies have been widely applied in the field of colorectal cancer research. Our research team is currently studying upon the application of patient-derived tumor cell-like clusters, a self-assembly 3D tumor model, in guiding the selection of postoperative chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer. A high modeling success rate and satisfactory results in the drug screening experiments have been achieved. There is no doubt that with the advancement of related technologies, 3D tumor models will play an increasingly important role in the research and clinical practice of colorectal cancer.

[The application of ultrasound in the diagnosis of small bowel volvulus in adults].

Objective: To analyze the ultrasound characteristics of small bowel volvulus among adults and to investigate the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of small bowel volvulus. Methods: Totally 34 adults with small bowel volvulus confirmed by clinical diagnosis or surgery and who underwent ultrasound examination at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2017 to October 2022 were enrolled, including 19 males and 15 females, aged (55.0±21.8) years (range: 19 to 94 years). The clinical characteristics, CT images and ultrasound images of the patients were retrospectively reviewed, and the ultra, sound features of small bowel volvulus and its diagnostic efficacy were analyzed. Results: Abdominal pain was the typical clinical symptom of all patients. Other symptoms included 21 cases of abdominal distension, 19 cases of nausea and vomiting, and 13 cases of cessation of passage of stool or flatus. Eight patients had signs of peritonitis and 22 patients had abnormal bowel sounds. Twenty patients had a history of abdominal surgery. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery for intestinal obstruction, and the remaining 7 patients improved after conservative treatment. All cases were evaluated by ultrasound, 11 cases showed a "whirl sign" and were diagnosed as small bowel volvulus, the diagnostic accuracy rate was 32.4% (11/34), ultrasound simultaneously diagnosed intestinal obstruction in 21 cases, 17 cases of abdominal effusion, 4 cases of intestinal wall thickening, 2 cases of abdominal mass, 1 case of intussusception, 1 case of right sided inguinal hernia. CT and ultrasound had a consistent positive discovery in 88.2% (30/34) of all the patients. Conclusion: Ultrasound is valuable in the diagnosis of small bowel volvulus and the evaluation of complications.

[Advances in gene therapy of ocular surface and corneal diseases].

With the continual advancement of gene editing technology, gene therapy has been increasingly explored as a potential treatment option for both hereditary and acquired diseases. Due to its unique physiological and anatomical characteristics, the eye has emerged as an optimal target for gene therapy. In fact, ophthalmology was among the first clinical fields to obtain approval for in vivo gene therapy. Despite the widespread development of gene therapy targeting ocular surface and corneal diseases in recent years, a systematic review of these projects is still lacking. Thus, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the research progress and clinical application of gene therapy for ocular surface and corneal diseases, providing valuable guidance for future research and clinical translation.

Association of Fear of Falling With Cognition and Physical Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Fear of falling (FOF) might be associated with physical and cognitive function, but there is a lack of understanding of the specific relationship between the three variables. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to accurately investigate the association of FOF with cognitive and physical function in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Six hundred sixty-nine older adults (>60 years old) participated in this study. A self-report questionnaire collected information about demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and behavioral habits. FOF was evaluated through the Shortened Version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International. Global cognitive function and the subdomains of cognitive function (including memory, visual-spatial, language, attention, and executive function) were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), the Verbal Fluency Test, and the Trail Making Test. Subjective memory complaints were assessed using the Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire. Physical function was evaluated by measuring muscle strength and balance ability, and muscle strength was indicated by hand grip strength. In contrast, balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the linear or ordinal regression analysis showed that the values of hand grip strength, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and CDT were significantly and negatively correlated with the score of FOF. On the other hand, Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire and TUG Test values showed significant positive correlations with FOF scores. Moreover, compared with other cognitive or physical measures, the CDT and TUG Test values showed a greater association with the FOF scores. DISCUSSION: Low subjective or objective cognitive ability and low physical function, especially low visuospatial and balance ability, were positively associated with the risk of FOF in a community-dwelling older population.

[Clinical, pathological and genetic characteristics of 8 patients with distal hereditary motor neuropathy].

OBJECTIVE: Distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders associated with neurodegeneration of motor nerves and neurons, mainly charac-terized by progressive atrophy and weakness of distal muscle without clinical or electrophysiological sensory abnormalities. To improve the recognition and diagnosis of the disease, we summarized the clinical manifestations, electrophysiological, pathological, and genetic characteristics in eight patients with dHMN. METHODS: Eight probands from different families diagnosed with dHMN were recruited in this study between June 2018 and April 2019 at Peking University People's Hospital. Eight patients underwent complete neurological examination and standard electrophysiological examinations. The clinical criteria were consistent with the patients presenting with a pure motor neuropathy with no sensory changes on electrophysiology. The detailed clinical symptoms, neurophysiological examinations, pathological features and gene mutations were analyzed retrospectively. Genetic testing was performed on the eight patients using targeted next-generation sequencing panel for inherited neuromuscular disorder and was combined with segregation analysis. RESULTS: The age of onset ranged between 11 and 64 years (median 39.5 years) in our dHMN patients. All the cases showed a slowly progressive disease course, mainly characterized by distal limb muscle weakness and atrophy. The motor nerve conduction revealed decreased compound muscle action potential amplitude and velocity, while the sensory nerve conduction velocities and action potentials were not affected. Needle electromyography indicated neurogenic chronic denervation in all patients. Muscle biopsy performed in two patients demonstrated neurogenic skeletal muscle damage. Sural nerve biopsy was performed in one patient, Semithin sections shows relatively normal density and structure of large myelinated fibers, except very few fibers with thin myelin sheaths, which suggested very mild sensory nerve involvement. Eight different genes known to be associated with dHMN were identified in the patients by next-generation sequencing, pathogenic dHMN mutations were identified in three genes, and the detection rate of confirmed genetic diagnosis of dHMN was 37.5% (3/8). Whereas five variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were identified, among which two novel variants co-segregated the phenotype. CONCLUSION: dHMN is a group of inherited peripheral neuropathies with great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Next-generation sequencing is widely used to discover pathogenic genes in patients with dHMN, but more than half of the patients still remain genetically unknown.

[Correlation between fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and DNA methylation in adult twins].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the cytidine-phosphate-guanosine (CPG) sites associated with fas-ting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in twins. METHODS: In the study, 169 pairs of monozygotic twins were recruited in Qingdao, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan and Heilongjiang in June to December of 2013 and June 2017 to October 2018. The methylation was detected by Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip and Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. According to the Linear Mixed Effect model (LME model), fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were taken as the main effects, the methylation level (ß value) was taken as the dependent variable, continuous variables, such as age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, components of blood cells, surrogate variables generated by SVA, and categorical variables, such as gender, smoking and drinking status, hypoglycemic drugs taking, were included in the fixed effect model as covariates, and the identity numbers (ID) of the twins was included in the random effect model. The intercept was set as a random. Regression analysis was carried out to find out the CpG sites related to fasting blood glucose or HbA1c, respectively. RESULTS: In this study, 338 monozygotic twins (169 pairs) were included, with 412 459 CpG loci. Among them, 114 pairs were male, and 55 pairs were female, with an average age of (48.2±11.9) years. After adjustment of age, gender, BMI, blood pressure, smoking, drinking, blood cell composition, and other covariates, and multiple comparison test, 7 CpG sites (cg19693031, cg01538969, cg08501915, cg04816311, ch.8.1820050F, cg06721411, cg26608667) were found related to fasting blood glucose, 3 of which (cg08501915, ch.8.1820050f, cg26608667) were the newly found sites in this study; whereas 10 CpG sites (cg19693031, cg04816311, cg01538969, cg01339781, cg01676795, cg24667115, cg09029192, cg20697417, ch.4.1528651F, cg16097041) were found related to HbA1c, and 4 of which(cg01339781, cg24667115, cg20697417, and ch.4.1528651f) were new. We found that cg19693031 in TXNIP gene was the lowest P-value site in the association analysis between DNA methylation and fas-ting plasma glucose and HbA1c (PFPG=2.42×10-19, FDRFPG<0.001; PHbA1c=1.72×10-19, FDRHbA1c<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this twin study, we found new CpG sites related to fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, and provided some clues that partly revealed the potential mechanism of blood glucose metabolism in terms of DNA methylation, but it needed further verification in external larger samples.

[Clinical observation of ocular injury caused by chestnut burr].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of ocular injury caused by chestnut burr. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Data of 48 patients (48 eyes) with ocular injuries caused by chestnut burrs hospitalized in Qingdao Eye Hospital were collected from January 2013 to March 2019. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months. The time of seeking medical advice, lesion region, and characteristics and treatment methods were analyzed. Results: There were 48 patients, including 33 males and 15 females, aged 19 to 74 years [mean, (56±10) years]. The time of injury was late September (25 cases) and early October (23 cases). The shortest time to visit our hospital was 3 hours after injury, and the longest was 8 months after injury. There were 13 cases (27.1%, 13/48) with corneal and/or scleral foreign bodies. All patients were treated with corneal or scleral foreign body extraction. Twenty-four patients (50.0%, 24/48) developed fungal keratitis. Among them, 18 patients had a corneal ulcer, and the infection involved the superficial or full-thickness corneal layer. Six patients had no corneal ulcer, and the infection involved the deep stroma and corneal endothelial surface. The positive rate of fungal examination by confocal microscopy was 87.5% (21/24). Antifungal drugs (2 cases), corneal debridement (5 cases), conjunctival flap covering (2 cases), corneal stroma injection (1 case), and penetrating keratoplasty(14 cases) were given according to the depth of fungal infection. Most of the pathogens were Alternaria spp. Eleven patients (22.9%, 11/48) with necrotizing scleritis were treated with exploration of the sclera. Three patients had scleral foreign body residues on ultrasound biomicroscopy examination, which were removed by operation. Four patients were found to have fungi at the necrotic site of the sclera. Conclusions: The main types of ocular injuries caused by chestnut burrs are corneal and/or scleral foreign bodies, fungal keratitis, and necrotizing scleritis. Chestnut burr foreign bodies should be removed as soon as possible. In the case of fungal keratitis, a drug or surgical intervention should be carried out as early as possible. Necrotizing scleritis is often induced by long-term foreign body retention. Scleral incision and exploration is an effective form of treatment. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 370-375).

[Screening of endophytic fungi against southern blight disease pathogen-Sclerotium delphinii in Dendrobium catenatum].

In order to screen the endophytic fungi that can enhance the host(Dendrobium catenatum) resistance to Sclerotium delphinii, the antagonism between each of the 43 endophytic fungi and the pathogen S. delphinii were tested. The results showed that 6 endophytic fungi(DCR2, DCR5, DCR21, DCR22, DCR42, DCR43) have strong activities against the pathogen, the inhibition rates were 49.2%, 49.2%, 47.2%, 56.2%, 53.2%, 48.0%, respectively. Then D. catenatum plantlets were inoculated with both S. delphinii and each of these six endophytic fungi. As a result, the incidence rates of leaves and stems of the D. catenatum plantlets inoculated with DCR2 and the pathogen were both significantly lower than those with other treatments, and the plantlet death rate was 0. It showed that DCR2 Trichoderma polysporum could effectively inhibit the southern blight disease of D. catenatum. Through the endophytic fungal re-isolation test, it was found that DCR2 can colonize in the roots, stems, and leaves of D. catenatum. The research will provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of the southern blight disease of D. catenatum. It is also significant for reducing pesticide use, ensuring food safety, and promoting the sustainable development of D. catenatum industry. Furthermore, it will provide a basis for the disease control in other crops.

[Effect of Panax japonicus saponin â £a on alleviating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating miR-17-5p/MFN2 signaling pathway].

To study the effect of Panax japonicas saponin Ⅳa(SPJ-Ⅳa) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) through miR-17-5 p/MFN2 signaling pathway. The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with CCl_4 in Balb/c male mice. The mouse serum and liver were collected, the body weight and liver weight were measured, the liver index was calculated, and the serum biochemical indicators alanine amino transferase(ALT), triglyceride(TG), and glucose(Glu) were measured. The morphological changes in the liver were detected by HE and Masson staining, Real-time PCR was used to detect lipid metabolism-related genes, inflammation-related genes interleukin-6(IL-6) and interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), miR-17-5 p and MFN2 expressions, and Western blot was used to detect MFN2 protein expression level. Compared with the normal control group, the liver index in the HFD+CCl_4 group was significantly increased, and the contents of ALT, TG, and Glu were significantly increased; the morphology showed obvious steatosis and collagen fiber deposition; mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, inflammation-related genes and miR-17-5 p increased significantly, the mRNA expression level of MFN2 decreased significantly, and the protein level of MFN2 decreased. After intervention with SPJ-Ⅳa, the levels of ALT, TG and Glu decreased, morphological steatosis decreased, collagen fiber deposition decreased, and mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, inflammation-related genes and miR-17-5 p decreased. The mRNA expression level of MFN2 increased, and the protein level of MFN2 also increased. The results of this study indicated that miR-17-5 p/MFN2 signaling pathway may be involved in the occurrence and development of NASH, and SPJ-Ⅳa had a protective effect on NASH, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of miR-17-5 p/MFN2 signaling pathway.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for treating gastritis cystica profunda.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in inflammation. It is partly produced by three forms of NOS: eNOS of inflammatory cells, nNOS of neural cells and iNOS (inducible isoform). Estrogens can cause an anti-inflammatory effect, although it is not yet clear through which NOS isoforms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the different NOS isoforms, as well as estrogen receptors (ERs) α and ß, on the anti-inflammatory effects of estrogens. To avoid the influence of endogenous glucocorticoids or sexual hormones, male rats were hypophysectomized. Animals were segregated into two control groups (no-treatment control group and SHAM-operated animals) and three hypophysectomized groups (no-hormonal treatment, with estradiol-17ß, or with testosterone replacement treatment). Freund's complete adjuvant (1 mg) was administered to the footpad of all animals. Measurements were made based on footpad inflammation (with a plethysmometer) such as eNOS, nNOS, iNOS and ER α and ß protein expression (by immunohistochemistry principle/method) on days 1, 7 and 14. Only estradiol decreased inflammation, accompanied by increased levels of eNOS and nNOS and differential expression of ERs α and ß in the inflammatory infiltrate. The higher levels of estradiol-induced eNOS and nNOS ocurred perhaps through the activation of ER ß.

Screening of reference genes using real-time quantitative PCR for gene expression studies in Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

A stable reference gene is a key prerequisite for accurate assessment of gene expression. At present, the real-time reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction has been widely used in the analysis of gene expression in a variety of organisms. Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a major predator of mites on many important economically crops. Until now, however, there are no reports evaluating the stability of reference genes in this species. In view of this, we used GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder software tools to evaluate the expression stability of 11 candidate reference genes in developmental stages and under various abiotic stresses. According to our results, ß-ACT and Hsp40 were the top two stable reference genes in developmental stages. The Hsp60 and Hsp90 were the most stable reference genes in various acaricides stress. For alterations in temperature, Hsp40 and α-TUB were the most suitable reference genes. About UV stress, EF1α and α-TUB were the best choice, and for the different prey stress, ß-ACT and α-TUB were best suited. In normal conditions, the ß-ACT and α-TUB were the two of the highest stable reference genes to respond to all kinds of stresses. The current study provided a valuable foundation for the further analysis of gene expression in N. barkeri.

[Surgical treatment of keratoglobus: key techniques of bridge-shaped flap penetrating keratoplasty and whole lamellar keratoplasty with corneoscleral limbal].

Objective: Introduce the surgical techniques of bridge-shaped flap penetrating keratoplasty and whole lamellar keratoplasty with corneoscleral limbal and the comparison of therapeutic effects on keratoglobus. Methods: Five patients (eight eyes) with keratoglobus from January 2010 to December 2015 were included. Three eyes received bridge-shaped flap penetrating keratoplasty (two eyes with corneal penetrating injury due to trauma, one eye with descemet's membrane detachment) and five eyes received whole lamellar keratoplasty with corneoscleral limbal. Results: The patients (four male, one female) aged 3 to 67 years old. Three younger patients were complicated with blue sclera. The visual acuity of all the patients pre-operation were lower than 0.05. The average visual acuity after whole lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) surgery was 0.2, while the average visual acuity after bridge-shaped flap penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was 0.5. The corneal epithelium of the three eyes received bridge-shaped flap PKP surgery was completely healed within a week with no recurrence of corneal epithelial defect. Whereas one eye after whole LKP surgery arised persistent corneal epithelial defect and healed after blepharorrhaphy. The corneal epithelial of another eye after whole LKP surgery healed slowly and was completely healed after wearing a bandage lens on corneal for 2 months. The corneal epithelial of the remaining three eyes after whole LKP surgery was completely healed within a week. Two eyes received bridge-shaped flap PKP surgery arised corneal graft rejection 2 months after operation and recovered after anti-rejection treatment. No corneal graft rejection arised in the patients receiving whole LKP surgery. Conclusions: The whole lamellar keratoplasty with corneoscleral limbal could effectively reinforce corneal, avoid corneal penetrating injury caused by minor trauma, and improve visual acuity in keratoglobus whose corneas were gradually thinning and corrected vision cannot be improved. The patients with corneal perforating injury or descemet's membrane detachment could obtain good visual prognosis receiving bridge-shaped flap penetrating keratoplasty. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:916-922).

Role of microRNA (miRNA) and Viroids in Lethal Diseases of Plants and Animals. Potential Contribution to Human Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Both plants and animals have adopted a common strategy of using ~18-25-nucleotide small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), known as microRNAs (miRNAs), to transmit DNA-based epigenetic information. miRNAs (i) shape the total transcriptional output of individual cells; (ii) regulate and fine-tune gene expression profiles of cell clusters, and (iii) modulate cell phenotype in response to environmental stimuli and stressors. These miRNAs, the smallest known carriers of gene-encoded post-transcriptional regulatory information, not only regulate cellular function in healthy cells but also act as important mediators in the development of plant and animal diseases. Plants possess their own specific miRNAs; at least 32 plant species have been found to carry infectious sncRNAs called viroids, whose mechanisms of generation and functions are strikingly similar to those of miRNAs. This review highlights recent remarkable and sometimes controversial findings in miRNA signaling in plants and animals. Special attention is given to the intriguing possibility that dietary miRNAs and/or sncRNAs can function as mobile epigenetic and/or evolutionary linkers between different species and contribute to both intra- and interkingdom signaling. Wherever possible, emphasis has been placed on the relevance of these miRNAs to the development of human neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Based on the current available data, we suggest that such xeno-miRNAs may (i) contribute to the beneficial properties of medicinal plants, (ii) contribute to the negative properties of disease-causing or poisonous plants, and (iii) provide cross-species communication between kingdoms of living organisms involving multiple epigenetic and/or potentially pathogenic mechanisms associated with the onset and pathogenesis of various diseases.

Gene cloning and difference analysis of vitellogenin in Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes).

Neoseiulus barkeri (HUGHES) is the natural enemy of spider mites, whiteflies and thrips. Screening for chemically-resistant predatory mites is a practical way to balance the contradiction between the pesticide using and biological control. In this study, the number of eggs laid by fenpropathrin-susceptible and resistant strains of N. barkeri was compared. Additionally, we cloned three N. barkeri vitellogenin (Vg) genes and used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify Vg expression in susceptible and resistant strains. The total number of eggs significantly increased in the fenpropathrin-resistant strain. The full-length cDNA cloning of three N. barkeri Vg genes (NbVg1, NbVg2 and NbVg3) revealed that the open reading frames of NbVg1, NbVg2 and NbVg3 were 5571, 5532 and 4728 bp, encoding 1856, 1843 and 1575 amino acids, respectively. The three N. barkeri Vg possessed the Vitellogenin-N domain (or lipoprotein N-terminal domain (LPD_N)), von Willebrand factor type D domain (VWD) and the domain with unknown function 1943 (DUF1943). The NbVg1 and NbVg2 expression levels were significantly higher in the resistant strain than in the susceptible strain, while the NbVg3 expression level was lower in the resistant strain. Thus, we speculate that the increased number of eggs laid by the fenpropathrin-resistant strain of N. barkeri may be a consequence of changes in Vg gene expression.

[Correlation between blood pressure and DNA methylation in adult twins].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the DNA methylation sites correlated with blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure) in adult twin population. METHODS: A total of 476 twins from the Chinese National Twin Registry were selected as the research population. Questionnaires were used to collect demographic characteristics, lifestyle, disease status and other information, and blood pressure, height, weight and other anthropometric indicators were measured. The genome-wide DNA methylation of whole blood samples was detected by using Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. The DNA methylation sites correlated with blood pressure were analyzed by constructing mixed effect model with adjusting potential confounding factors, and the significant level was false discovery rate <0.05. RESULTS: After data quality control, 465 twins (122 pairs of monozygotic twins, 104 pairs of dizygotic twins, 13 individuals from 13 pairs of twins) aged (44.8±13.2) years were finally enrolled. There were more males and more monozygotic twins, and the current smokers and current regular drinkers both accounted for more than 30%. No significant CpG site was found after multiple testing in the correlation study between genome-wide DNA methylation and blood pressure by using the collected twins. However, the cg07761116 located on chromosome 10 had low P value in the correlation analysis of 3 blood pressure indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure), suggesting that this site might be correlated with blood pressure. The other 7 sites had low P value in the correlation analysis of the two blood pressure indices, respectively, which pointed to genes involved in neurological development, protein homeostasis, inflammatory reaction and other pathways. CONCLUSION: There is no sufficient evidence to support any DNA methylation site correlated with blood pressure, which may be caused by insufficient sample size and other reasons. This study could provide a reference for subsequent similar twin studies, and subsequent studies can focus on the cg07761116 located on chromosome 10 and other sites with low P values.

A bioinformatic analysis of microRNAs role in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the underlying function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: A bioinformatic analysis of miRNAs-OA studies was completed in multiple databases. All identified articles were assessed using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria (Eligible case-control studies for the present study included those which investigated miRNAs differential expression in cartilage tissues and cells of OA and controls. Abstracts, case reports, conference presentations, editorials, and expert opinions were excluded.). We performed bioinformatic analysis and assessed which miRNAs are commonly elevated or decreased in cartilage of OA, and assessed putative targets of these miRNAs using TargetScan, Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), FunRich and String. RESULTS: Fifty seven studies were included in this study. Our current review has identified 46 differentially expressed miRNAs involved in autophagy, inflammation, chondrocyte apoptosis, chondrocyte differentiation & homeostasis, chondrocyte metabolism and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, our literature search identified a wide range of miRNAs that have been shown to be differentially expressed in OA. The function of up-regulated miRNAs primarily target nucleus, whereas the function of down-regulated miRNAs primarily target transcription. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive analysis of all miRNAs studies reveals cooperation in miRNA signatures and suggests that there may be two biologically synergic classes of miRNAs that are associated with OA. This finding suggests that miRNAs may be useful as diagnostic biomarkers and/or may provide new therapeutic targets in OA. Furthermore, a better understanding of the targets of these miRNAs will accelerate biomedical discoveries and improve clinical care based on new knowledge of OA-related disease mechanisms.

[Mendelian randomization analysis of the relationship between obesity and DNA methylation].

Objective: To explore the association between DNA methylation and body mass index (BMI) using Mendelian randomization analysis. Methods: A total of 469 participants were selected from the Chinese National Twin Registry in 2013, who were living in Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Sichuan provinces, and at least 18 years of age. A questionnaire survey and physical examination were conducted to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioral information. Peripheral blood cells were collected to detect genotype and methylation status. Association analyses between DNA methylation and BMI and between CpGs and cis-SNP were conducted. With rs748212 as the instrumental variable, the association between cg15053022 and BMI was explored using the Mendelian randomization method. Results: A total of 469 participants were selected. The mean age of participants was (44.8±13.2) years and the BMI was (25.0±3.8) kg/m(2). Nine BMI-related DNA methylation sites were found and DNA methylation site cg15053022 in the ATP4A gene was negatively associated with cis-SNP rs748212 (ß=-0.020); the mean methylation level of AA, AC, and CC were 0.212±0.025, 0.242±0.024, and 0.264±0.028, respectively. rs748212 was associated with BMI (ß=0.04, P=0.007) and closely related to cg15053022 (F=237.66, P=0.143). Mendelian randomization analysis showed lower methylation levels at cg15053022 were associated with higher BMI (ß=-1.97, P<0.001). Conclusion: This study supported the impact of cg15053022 methylation in the ATP4A gene on BMI using Mendelian randomization analysis and provided the basis for using Mendelian randomization analysis in methylation studies.

[Impact of the 2016 new definition and classification system of pancreatic fistula on the evaluation of pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery].

Objective: To discuss the impact of updated definition and classification system of pancreatic fistula published in 2016 on the postoperative classification of pancreatic fistula. Methods: Retrospective analysis was made on patients who underwent pancreatic surgery at ward 1 in Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016.A total of 408 patients were included in this retrospective study, male/female was 184/224, aged from 9 to 81 years with mean age of 51.6 years.One hundred and fifty-two cases were performed pancreaticoduodenectomy, 125 cases for distal pancreatectomy, 43 cases for spleen preservation distal pancreatectomy, 61 cases for partital pancreatectomy or enucleation, 8 cases for middle pancreatectomy, 6 cases for pancreaticojejunostomy and 13 cases for other procedures.Clinical data including postoperative drainage fluid volume, amylase concentration, duration of hospitalization and drainage were obtained, revaluated and re-analyzed, classified grounded on 2005 edition and 2016 edition, respectively.t-test was adopted for data analysis. Results: According to the previous standards, the incident rate of pancreatic fistula was 57.4%, and the incident rate of B-level plus C-level pancreatic fistula was 35.8%, which decreased to 13.7% based on 2016 edition.Nine patients who received percutaneous puncture or endoscopic drainage was regraded from C-level to B-level. The average duration of postoperative hospitalization of patients without pancreatic fistula was (12.5±6.0)days, demonstrating no significant difference compared to (14.1±7.7)days, duration of postoperative hospitalization of A-level(under 2005 edition of criteria) pancreatic fistula group(t=1.66, P=0.09) and (12.4±6.1)days, duration of postoperative hospitalization of biochemical leakage group(t=0.14, P=0.89). Nevertheless, there was statistical significant difference between the average postoperative duration of hospitalization(30.7±16.9) days of B-level(under 2016 criteria) pancreatic fistula patients and pancreatic fistula-free patients as well as the biochemical leakage group patients (t=7.10, 7.13; both P<0.01). Conclusions: Based on the new diagnostic criteria, the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula decreased dramatically.New classification system downgraded part of cases graded C-level pancreatic fistula to B-level and some B-level to biochemical fistula.The new diagnostic classification and criteria facilitated clinical practice, accomplished better conformity to clinical reality and potentially enacted clinical outcome.

[Allogeneic cultured limbal epithelial transplantation: a clinical observation of its treatment effects on large conjunctival lesions].

Objective: To introduce the surgical methods and investigate the treatment effects of conjunctival lesion resection combined with transplantation of allogeneic limbal epithelia cultured in vitro for treatment of varied large conjunctival lesions. Methods: A retrospective analysis of case data of the patients receiving transplantation of allogeneic limbal epithelia cultured in vitro for large conjunctival lesions at Qingdao Eye Hospital from January 2013 to December 2015 was conducted. Fresh donor corneal limbal epithelial tissues were obtained for cellular digestion and isolation. The cells were cultured on de-epithelized amniotic membrane to form a stratified cell sheet with 3 to 5 layers of cells for reservation. Conjunctival lesions were removed, and corneal limbal epithelial cell sheets corresponding to the size of the conjunctival defects were covered on the scleral flaps, before the conjunctivae were para sutured with corneal limbal epithelial cell sheets. The stitches were removed 7 days after surgery. The treatment effects were evaluated. Results: There were 11 cases (12 eyes) in this study, including 6 cases (6 eyes) of recurrent pterygium combined with symblepharon, 3 cases (3 eyes) of conjunctival compound nevus, 1 case (1 eye) of conjunctival primary acquired melanosis, and 1 case (2 eyes) of dermoid lipoma. The patients were 6 to 69 years old, with an average age of (46±23) years old. There were 5 male patients and 6 female patients. The follow-up time was 6 to 39 months, with an average time of (24.8±12.4) months. The conjunctival lesions in all patients were more than 2 quadrants. No patients had intraoperative and postoperative complications. No obvious irritation symptoms were observed after surgery. There were a few small pieces of epithelial defects on the limbal epithelial cell sheets at the end of the operation due to operative injury. With postoperative cellular proliferation and repair, the epithelium gradually healed and tended to become firm, and the boundaries with original conjunctival epithelium gradually disappeared. The healing time of the epithelium after surgery was 3 to 7 days, with an average time of (4.5±1.2) days. No immunological rejection occurred after surgery. No recurrence of original diseases was observed among all the patients at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Transplantation of allogeneic cultured limbal epithelial cells, which was carried out for the treatment of large conjunctival lesions, witnessed rapid epithelization at the areas of lesion resection. It could reduce the risk of recurrence of original diseases and effectively avoid the occurrence of postoperative symblepharon. The postoperative inflammatory reaction was also minor. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53:172-176).