[Prognostic nutritional index application value for acute-on-chronic liver failure co-infection].

Objective: To explore the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in concurrently infected patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods: 220 cases with ACLF diagnosed and treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2011 to December 2016 were selected. Patients were divided into an infection and non-infection group according to whether they had co-infections during the course of the disease. Clinical data differences were compared between the two groups of patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to screen out influencing factors related to co-infection. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of PNI for ACLF co-infection. The measurement data between groups were compared using the independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test. The enumeration data were analyzed using the Fisher exact probability test or the Pearson χ(2) test. The Pearson method was performed for correlation analysis. The independent risk factors for liver failure associated with co-infection were analyzed by multivariate logistic analysis. Results: There were statistically significant differences in ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, PNI score, and albumin between the infection and the non-infection group (P < 0.05). Among the 220 ACLF cases, 158 (71.82%) were infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The incidence rate of infection during hospitalization was 69.09% (152/220). The common sites of infection were intraabdominal (57.07%) and pulmonary infection (29.29%). Pearson correlation analysis showed that PNI and MELD-Na were negatively correlated (r = -0.150, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis results showed that low PNI score (OR=0.916, 95%CI: 0.865~0.970), ascites (OR=4.243, 95%CI: 2.237~8.047), and hepatorenal syndrome (OR=4.082, 95%CI : 1.106~15.067) were risk factors for ACLF co-infection (P < 0.05). The ROC results showed that the PNI curve area (0.648) was higher than the MELD-Na score curve area (0.610, P < 0.05). The effectiveness of predicting infection risk when PNI was combined with ascites and hepatorenal syndrome complications was raised. Patients with co-infections had a good predictive effect when PNI ≤ 40.625. The sensitivity and specificity were 84.2% and 41.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Low PNI score and ACLF co-infection have a close correlation. Therefore, PNI has a certain appraisal value for ACLF co-infection.

[Clinical analysis of laparoscopic treatment of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in 29 cases].

Objective: To examine the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic individualized surgical treatment for chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (CTDH). Methods: The clinical data and follow-up data of 29 CTDH cases admitted to the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from June 2015 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 21 males and 8 females, aged (49.4±17.8) years (range: 19 to 79 years). The main clinical manifestations were symptoms of the digestive system and respiratory system, and only 4 cases were asymptomatic. All patients received laparoscopic treatment (conversion to open surgery was not excluded). Intraoperative exploration (location of the hernia, contents of the hernia, diameter of the hernia ring), surgical conditions (surgical repair plan, operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications) and postoperative follow-up were analyzed and discussed. Results: Laparoscopic repair was successfully completed in 27 cases, including simple suture in 6 cases, suture and patch repair in 17 cases, the anterior abdominal wall muscle flap reversal suture and patch repair of in 3 cases, and patch bridge repair in 1 case. The operation time was (112.8±44.7) minutes (range: 60 to 200 minutes). The amount of bleeding (M(IQR)) was 35 (58) ml (range: 10 to 300 ml). The other 2 patients were converted to laparotomy. Except for one patient with transverse colon strangulation necrosis who died of aggravated pulmonary infection after surgery, the remaining 28 patients were discharged successfully. The follow-up time was 36 (24) months (range: 1 to 60 months). During the follow-up period, only two patients had occasional left upper abdominal discomfort. Twenty-seven patients with left diaphragmatic hernia had no recurrence, and the symptoms of 1 patient with right diaphragmatic hernia were relieved. Conclusion: Customized laparoscopic surgical repair for CTDH according to the location and size of the diaphragmatic defect can achieve good surgical results.

STIL is upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma proliferation, migration and invasion.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common primary malignancy that originates from the nasopharynx. Some regulatory networks involved in nasopharyngeal carcinoma have been reported, but the relevant genes have not been fully identified. We have used mRNA microarray to identify differential expression genes between NPC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Then high-content shRNA screening was carried out to screen the genes that may control proliferation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell proliferation was monitored by MTT assays and Celigo image cytometry in vitro and subcutaneous transplantation model in vivo. Flow cytometric analysis was carried out to detect the distribution of cell cycle stages and apoptosis. Transwell assay was performed to measure the migratory and invasive capacities of NPC cells. We identified 20 genes that potentially play an important role in the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by mRNA microarray and functional analysis. The result of high-content shRNA screening indicated that STIL had the greatest effect on reducing the proliferation rate of NPC cells. The analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data showed that STIL was upregulated in several human cancer tissues, and higher STIL expression level was correlated with shorter survival time. STIL knockdown also inhibited NPC cell migration and invasion, promoted G1/S phase transition and apoptosis. Three genes including ITGA2, SMAD2, JAK1, associated with molecular mechanisms of cancer were influenced by downregulating STIL. Our study confirmed STIL as a key regulator that promotes the proliferation of NPC, providing insight into the molecular mechanisms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.

Operating behavior of micro-LEDs on a GaN substrate at ultrahigh injection current densities.

Near-ultraviolet micro-LEDs with different diameters were fabricated on GaN substrates. The electroluminescence and the light output power-current density and current density-voltage relationships were measured. A saturated current density of 358 kA/cm2 was achieved with a 20 µm LED. The ideality factor curves showed steps and peaks when the injection current density was increased from 20 to 150 kA/cm2 and an abnormal efficiency increase. The transport and recombination processes of micro-LEDs at high injection current densities were simulated, and the many-body effect and phase space filling in the integrated quantum drift-diffusion model were considered. Serious current crowding was observed above 100 kA/cm2, even for the 20 µm LED.

[Clinical characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma misdiagnosed as tuberculous peritonitis: a report of 6 cases].

Objective: To reduce the misdiagnosis rate of ascites and improve the diagnosis rate of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Methods: From May 2008 to May 2018, in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,the clinical data of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma misdiagnosed as tuberculous peritonitis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: (1) Among the 6 patients, they were male; the age of onset was 42-70 (52±9.57) years old, and there was no history of asbestos exposure. (2) All cases with abdominal pain or abdominal distension were there and the course of disease was more than 1 month to more than 2 years. (3) In all patients,the nature of ascites was exudate; ADA was higher than normal value and below 45 U/L; LDH value in ascites was higher than 200 U/L (83.3%); mesothelioma was considered in ascites cytology in 1 case. (4) Laparoscopic biopsy was performed in 2 cases and B-ultrasound guided biopsy in 4 cases; Among them, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosed by pathology. (5) In Immunohistochemical positive markers, MC was the most sensitive (100%), followed by CR (67%), CK-Pan (67%), Ki-67 (67%) and EMA (67%). (6) Two patients received treatment with operation, abdominal hyperthermic perfusion and postoperative systemic chemotherapy. Conclusions: (1) Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma should be considered in middle-aged and aged male patients with unexplained ascites and early laparoscopy or laparotomy for diagnosis. (2) ADA and LDH level in ascites are significant in differentiating tuberculous peritonitis from malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. (3) Immunohistochemical positive marker MC may be a potential specific marker for malignant mesothelioma. (4) The survival time of patients is improved by comprehensive treatment such as operation and chemotherapy.

[Prospective controlled observation ofeffect of adjuvant chemotherapy onsurvival and prognosis ofhigh-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients underwent radical nephroureterectomy].

Objective: To assess the oncologic outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) combined with adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in patients with high risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods: From January 2014, all high-risk UTUC patients after RNU surgery were enrolled in this prospective comparative trial. And these patients were randomized to ACT group (Gemcitabine+Cisplatin three weeks regimen) and observing group. Cox proportional hazard modeling and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to determine overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival (PFS) in the cohort. Results: The median follow-up duration was36 months (range: 6-54) in the ACT group (n=94) and 30 months (range: 6-54) in the observing group (n=82). Oncologic outcomes of RNU treated high-risk UTUC patients were improved much significantly by ACT: OS [P=0.0397, HR: 1.39(0.91-1.75)], CSS [P=0.0255, HR: 1.26(1.07-1.45)] and PFS [P=0.0033, HR: 3.78(3.13-4.55)]. The further analysis in lymph node positive cohort displayed that median times of oncologic events were prolonged in the ACT group compared with the observing group: OS (26.8mon vs 36.3mon, P=0.0255), CSS (28.2mon vs39.3mon, P=0.0197) and PFS (11.4mon vs 31.9mon, P=0.0018). Additionally in T3/4 cohort, the significant growth in the median times of OS (20.6mon vs 32.2mon, P=0.0183), CSS (21.9mon vs 38.4mon, P=0.0226) and PFS (13.9mon vs 36.3mon, P=0.0217) were observed in ACT group. Conclusion: ACT could play the important synergistic role in improving the OS, CSS and PFS of high-risk UTUC patients after RNU.

[ß-catenin nuclear translocation represses thyroid cancer stem cells differentiating into cells with sodium-iodine symporter functional expression].

Objective: To confirm whether ß-catenin nuclear translocation in thyroid cancer stem cells can differentiate into thyroid cancer cells without functional membrane expression of sodium-iodine transporter (NIS) and be resistant to iodide 131 treatment. Methods: Thyroid cancer stem cells were firstly isolated as a side population (SP) from human thyroid cancer cell line FTC133. The SP cells from FTC133 were transfected with ß-catenin, and then differentiated. The cells were further collected for Western blot, Transwell and MTT assay to investigate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics, tumor growth, invasion, and iodine uptake potency in vitro. Functional NIS expression and iodide uptake in differentiated cells were detected with immunofluorescent staining and iodide uptake assay, respectively. Subcutaneous severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice tumor model was induced with differentiated cancer cells to explore the in vivo effect of radioiodine treatment. Further immunohistochemical staining was performed to reveal the changes of functional proteins involved in tumor radioiodine treatment. Results: Side population was isolated from FTC133 accounting for about 0.03%, with high expression of stem cell markers and decreased expression of differentiated cell markers. Western blot showed prominent EMT phenotype in the differentiated cells from ß-catenin transfected stem cell model, with absence of epithelial expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 18, as well as abnormal expression of vimentin,fibronectin and urokinase-type plasminogen activator. Moreover,compared with cells differentiated from untransfected or empty plasmid transfected stem cells, in vitro proliferation markedly increased 85.4% and 81.0%, respectively (both P<0.01); while in vitro invasion augmented 78.8% and 84.4%, respectively (both P<0.01). Immunofluorescent staining identified that, after transfected with ß-catenin, differentiated cells underwent ß-catenin nuclear translocation and NIS localization transferred from membrane to plasma, compared with cells from untransfected or empty plasmid transfected stem cells. Cell iodide uptake in vitro decreased about 52.8% and 45.2%, respectively (both P<0.01). Furthermore, in vivo experiment further demonstrated that, cells differentiated from ß-catenin transfected stem cells were found with much higher tumor proliferation,tumor growth rate and larger tumor mass after radioiodine 131 treatment (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Induction of ß-catenin nuclear translocation in stem cells may generate differentiated thyroid cancer cells that are not sensitive to radioiodine treatment.

[Study on apoptosis, cytochrome C and mitochondrial membrane potential in CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes in patients with chronic mountain sickness].

Objective: To investigate the changes of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocyte apoptosis, cytochrome C (Cyt-C) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in bone marrow of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Methods: 14 patients with CMS and 15 patients with simple old fracture were divided into CMS group and control group, respectively.Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) were separated, marked with CD71 monoclonal antibody and stained with Annexin V-FITC/PI.Then the apoptotic index of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes was determined by flow cytometry.CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes were sorted out by magnetic column separation, and Cyt-C mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR, MMP was detected by JC-1 staining flow cytometry. Results: The apoptotic index of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes was (1.9±1.4)% in the CMS group, and was (3.2±1.5)% in the control group, with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The expression of Cyt-C mRNA was (0.72±0.14) in the CMS group, and was (1.00±0.15) in the control group, with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). The MMP was (5.0±2.2) in the CMS group, and was (3.3±0.9) in the control group, with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The apoptotic index of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes was negatively correlated with hemoglobin in CMS group (r=-0.569, P=0.034). But there was no significant correlation among apoptosis index, MMP and Cyt-C mRNA. Conclusions: The apoptosis index of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes decreased in CMS patients, which was negatively correlated with the level of hemoglobin, indicating that the decline of apoptosis index of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes may be related to the accumulation of red blood cells in CMS.The MMP increased and Cyt-C mRNA expression decreased in CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes of CMS patients, which suggests that the change of mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis might be involved in the down-regulation of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes apoptosis in CMS patients.But there was no significant correlation among CD71(+) nucleated erythrocyte apoptosis index, MMP and Cyt-C mRNA levels, which indicates that the mechanism of CD71(+) nucleated erythrocytes apoptosis is complex in CMS.

[Comparison of whole blood indium and the serum indium of the population exposed to the indium].

Objective: The method was established for the detection of whole blood indium and serum indium. By comparing the results of two samples, it is possible to explore the significance of whole blood indium and serum indium in the population exposed to indium compounds. Methods: According to GBZ/T 295-2017 and GBZ 294-2017, the whole blood and serum samples were diluted 20 times by 0.5% nitric acid solution (including 0.05% Triton X-100) . Under the standard mode of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) , whole blood indium and serum indium of indirect exposure group, low exposure group and high exposure group in an indium mine were detected with 20 µg/L rhodium standard solution as internal standard. Results: This method has a working range of 0.00~5.00 µg/L and a correlation coefficien t>0.999. The detection limit and quantitative lower limit of whole blood indium were 0.076 µg/L and 0.26 µg/L respectively. Those of serum indium were 0.06 µg/L and 0.20 µg/L accordingly. The recovery rates of serum and whole blood samples were 88.5%~95.6% and 93.0%~101%. Intra batch precisions were 1.3%~4.4% and 1.9%~3.5% and inter batch precision were 2.4%~6.1% and 2.1%~4.6% in two samples. There were no significant differences between whole blood indium and serum indium in indirect exposure group. The serum indium level was lower than the detection limit in 3 cases, while their whole blood indium was only below the quantitative lower limit. However, in other groups whole blood indium level was significantly higher than serum indium level (P<0.05) and even was two-fold in the high exposure group. Conclusion: The detection of whole blood indium is more sensitive than that of serum indium, which can reflect the internal exposure level more accurately in exposure population. Therefore, the whole blood indium is of more important referential value to health examination and poisoning diagnosis in the population exposed to indium and its compounds.

Exacerbation of spontaneous autoimmune nephritis following regulatory T cell depletion in B cell lymphoma 2-interacting mediator knock-out mice.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs ) have been recognized as central mediators for maintaining peripheral tolerance and limiting autoimmune diseases. The loss of Tregs or their function has been associated with exacerbation of autoimmune disease. However, the temporary loss of Tregs in the chronic spontaneous disease model has not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the role of Tregs in a novel chronic spontaneous glomerulonephritis model of B cell lymphoma 2-interacting mediator (Bim) knock-out mice by transient depleting Tregs . Bim is a pro-apoptotic member of the B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family. Bim knock-out (Bim-/- ) mice fail to delete autoreactive T cells in thymus, leading to chronic spontaneous autoimmune kidney disease. We found that Treg depletion in Bim-/- mice exacerbated the kidney injury with increased proteinuria, impaired kidney function, weight loss and greater histological injury compared with wild-type mice. There was a significant increase in interstitial infiltrate of inflammatory cells, antibody deposition and tubular damage. Furthermore, the serum levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17α, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were increased significantly after Treg depletion in Bim-/- mice. This study demonstrates that transient depletion of Tregs leads to enhanced self-reactive T effector cell function followed by exacerbation of kidney disease in the chronic spontaneous kidney disease model of Bim-deficient mice.

[Clinical value of acoustic radiation force impulse technique to predict esophageal and gastric varices in patients with biliary atresia].

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI)technique in predicting esophageal and gastric varices in patients with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy. Methods: A total of 42 patients with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy were collected from September 2015 to May 2016 in Tianjin First Central Hospital.ARFI technique was used to measure the stiffness of liver and spleen, and 28 healthy children as control.According to the result of CT examination , patients with biliary atresia were divided into two groups , twenty-three patients with esophageal and gastric varices(A group) and nineteen patients without esophageal and gastric varices (B group), Comparing the difference of liver and spleen stiffness between the two groups.The ROC curve analysis was carried out to test the diagnostic power of effective parameter. Results: The ARFI value of liver (2.98±0.80) m/s and spleen (3.00±0.33) m/s of patients with biliary atresia was significantly higher than that of control group((1.10±0.16) m/s, (2.12±0.32) m/s), the differences had statistical significance (both P<0.01). Between group A and group B, the spleen ARFI value of group A(3.16±0.26) m/s was higher than group B(2.83±0.32) m/s, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.01), whereas there was no statistical difference of liver ARFI value between two group((2.93±0.65), (3.02±0.96) m/s)(P>0.05). The cut-off ARFI value of spleen to diagnose esophageal and gastric varices in biliary atresia was 3.02 m/s, and the biggest area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.81, 78.6% and 84.5%, respectively. Conclusion: ARFI can be used as a noninvasive method to predict the presence of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy.

A novel regulatory function for miR-29a in keloid fibrogenesis.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence has shown that microRNA-29 (miR-29) plays a central role in the progression of fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of miR-29 in keloid fibrogenesis remain unknown. AIM: To investigate the roles of miR-29 in dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of keloids. METHODS: Primary fibroblasts from 9 patients with keloid and 6 healthy controls (HCs) were cultured and pretreated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. Next, fibroblasts were transfected with precursor miRNA and anti-miR-29a miRNA. TGF-ß1-associated miR-29 alterations were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. Collagen I and collagen III protein levels were analysed by western blotting. RESULTS: miR-29a, miR-29b and miR-29c levels were significantly lower in keloid compared with healthy fibroblasts (P < 0.05), and in particular, miR-29a was especially markedly reduced (P < 0.001). Type I and type III collagen mRNA and protein levels were decreased in keloid fibroblasts transfected with pre-miR-29a (P < 0.05), whereas knockdown with anti-miR-29a increased type I and type III collagen mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05) in the fibroblasts. Interestingly, pretreatment of fibroblasts with TGF-ß1 significantly decreased miR-29a (P < 0.05), whereas miR-29b and miR-29c were reduced to a lesser extent, which was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that miR-29a exerts as a novel regulator in the fibrogenesis of keloid, suggesting that miR-29a might be a novel marker for keloid.

Altered circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with keloid.

Evidence has suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a crucial growth factor in regulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), plays a central role in keloid formation. However, the levels of circulating EPCs in patients with keloid have not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the number of circulating EPCs in patients with keloid. Circulating EPCs (defined as CD45- CD34+CD133+VEGFR2+cells) and VEGF levels from 39 patients with keloid and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. EPCs were detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with keloid. The number of circulating EPCs and the levels of plasma VEGF were significantly higher in patients with keloid than in HCs. However, no correlation was found between the number of circulating EPCs and the serum VEGF levels. This study provides the first evidence that EPCs are increased in the peripheral blood of patients with keloid. Understanding the roles of EPCs in keloid fromation may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for keloid.

Antisense expression of Gossypium hirsutum UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase in Arabidopsis leads to changes in cell wall components.

UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase (UDP-xylose synthase; UXS, EC 4.1.1.35) is an essential enzyme of the non-cellulosic polysaccharide biosynthetic pathway. In the present study, using transient expression of fluorescently labeled Gossypium hirsutum UXS (GhUXS3) protein in onion epidermal cells, we observed that this protein was distributed in the cytoplasm. The GhUXS3 cDNA of cotton was expressed in an antisense orientation in Arabidopsis thaliana by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Homozygous plants showing down-regulation of UXS were analyzed with northern blots. Compared to the untransformed control, transgenic plant showed shorter roots, earlier blossom formation, and delayed senescence. Biochemical analysis indicated that levels of rhamnose, mannose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and cellulose were reduced in some of the down-regulated antisense plants. These results suggest that GhUXS3 regulates the conversion of non-cellulosic polysaccharides and modulates their composition in plant cell walls. We also discuss a possible cellular function for GhUXS in determining the quality of cotton fibers.

[All-trans retinoic acid improves iodine uptake of thyroid cancer cells via repressing transcriptional activity of ß-catenin].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) could improve iodine uptake via repressing transcriptional activity of ß-catenin in thyroid cancer cells. METHODS: Three kinds of treatment models were firstly established with alcohol, ATRA, and transfection of ß-catenin shRNA in undifferentiated human thyroid cancer cell line-SW1736.Then the expressions of sodium iodide symporter (NIS), ß-catenin and its regulating factors, epithelial-mensechymal transition (EMT)-phenotype, invasion and metastasis associated proteins were further measured in above three cell models.After that, the influence of ATRA on the functional expression of NIS, iodine uptake potency, tumor growth curve and treatment effect inducing by radioactive iodine was comparatively analyzed in vitro and in vivo trials. RESULTS: After treated with ATRA, transcriptional activity of ß-catenin decreased by downregulating phosphorylation of ß-catenin Ser45, Y654 and GSK-3ß Ser9. Additionally, ATRA effectively upregulated the protein level of NIS, and reversed EMT phenotype in alcohol treated cells, with absence in epithelial expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 18, as well as abnormal expression of Vimentin, urinary plasminogen activator (uPA), uPAR and Fibronectin.Compared with alcohol-treated group, both in vitro proliferation and invasion potential of ATRA treated cells markedly decreased (all P<0.05), and iodine uptake in vitro increased about 3.5-folds (P=0.007). In ATRA-treated animal model, tumor growth potential and tumor mass were significantly inhibited by radio-iodine ((131)I) treatment (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ATRA can increase functional expression of NIS via downregulating transcriptional activity of ß-catenin and promote isotope sensitivity to radio-iodine in human undifferentiated thyroid cancer.

[Tracing hepatitis C virus transmission by using high-throughput sequencing technique].

OBJECTIVE: An approach for analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) quasispecies using Hiseq high-throughput sequencing (hereinafter referred to as Hiseq sequencing) technique was developed and then applied to investigate a possible case of HCV needle sharing transmission. METHODS: One case of HCV antibody seroconversion (P1) was found in a methadone clinic on January 15, 2015. Four HCV antibody positive injecting drug users (IDUs), P2 to P5, suspected to be involved in needle sharing transmission with P1 during the period (after March 24, 2014) that P1 may be infected with HCV were investigated, and another 28 HCV antibody positive IDUs were selected as controls (C1 to C28). These controls came from the same methadone clinic or lived in the same town with P1. The RNAs were extracted from the plasma specimens and then reverse-transcribed into cDNA. After HCV subtyping, Hiseq sequencing was performed to detect and sequence the HCV quasispecies (263 bp) in the specimens with the same subtype as P1. The frequency of quasispecies was counted and ranked. Intrapersonal and interpersonal genetic distance and phylogenetic tree were calculated. RESULTS: The HCV subtype of specimen P1 was 3b. All the other specimens with the same subtype were P2, C7, C12, C14, C15, C16, C19, C20 and C28. Hiseq sequencing was successfully performed in 9 out of these 10 specimens, and 249 753 to 1 086 333 (average 869 608) cleaned sequences representing 3 to 172 (average 48) unique HCV quasispecies were obtained. The medians (P50) of intrapersonal genetic diversities from the 9 specimens were 0.4% to 12.3%. The P50 (P25, P75) of genetic diversities between P1 and the other 8 specimens were 19.0% (18.4%, 19.8%), 10.4% (2.8%, 18.3%), 19.6% (17.8%, 21.4%),24.9% (23.8%, 26.1%), 19.8% (18.7%, 20.7%), 20.1% (18.9%, 21.2%), 20.6% (20.0%, 21.1%), 23.6% (22.4%, 24.8%). There were no significant difference between the genetic diversities of P1 and P2 and those of P1 and other 7 specimens (H=9.40, P=0.100). The genetic diversities between few HCV quasispecies from P1 and few ones from C7 were 0. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that there was no HCV transmission relationship between P1 and P2, but there was HCV transmission relationship between P1 and C7. CONCLUSION: With the feature of high-throughput, easier operation and lower cost, Hiseq sequencing technique has high practical value in tracing HCV transmission at the quasispecies level.

Capability of GaN based micro-light emitting diodes operated at an injection level of kA/cm².

Different size InGaN/GaN based micro-LEDs (µLEDs) are fabricated. An extremely high injection level above 16 kA/cm2 is achieved for 10 µm-diameter LED. The lateral current density and carrier distributions of the µLEDs are simulated by APSYS software. Streak camera time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) results show clear evidence that the band-gap renormalization (BGR) effect is weakened by strain relaxation in smaller size µLEDs. BGR affects the relaxation of free carriers on the conduction band bottom in multiple quantum wells (MQWs), and then indirectly affects the recombination rate of carriers. An energy band model based on BGR effect is made to explain the high-injection-level phenomenon for µLEDs.

Effects of different remifentanil target concentrations on MAC BAR of sevoflurane in gynaecological patients with CO2 pneumoperitoneum stimulus.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of different target plasma remifentanil concentrations on the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane (MAC) for blocking adrenergic response (BAR) during laparoscopic gynaecological surgery with carbon dioxide insufflation. METHODS: Seventy-five gynaecological patients with ASA I-II undergoing laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to three groups. Anaesthesia was induced by sevoflurane, and 0.1 mg kg(-1) of vecuronium i.v. was injected to facilitate tracheal intubation. After intubation the target plasma concentrations of remifentanil in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were adjusted to 0, 1, and 2 ng ml(-1), respectively. The changes in haemodynamics were observed before and after the creation of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. The MAC BAR of sevoflurane in each group was determined by using an up-and-down sequential-allocation technique, and blood samples were collected at corresponding time points to determine the concentrations of remifentanil, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. RESULTS: In Groups 1, 2 and 3, the MAC BAR of sevoflurane was 4.6% (CI 95%: 4.3-4.9%), 2.4% (CI 95%: 2.2-2.6%), and 1.7% (CI 95%: 1.4-2.1%), respectively. No significant differences were found in the increase of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and mean arterial pressure after compared with before insufflation of pneumoperitoneum among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil can effectively decrease the sevoflurane concentration to block sympathetic adrenergic response to CO2 pneumoperitoneum stimulus. At similar MAC BAR the haemodynamic and adrenergic response is not affected by the infused remifentanil concentration. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The number of this clinical trial registry is ChiCTR-TRC-13004005, and the Universal Trial Number is U1111-1151-5630.

Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting viable tumour and predicting prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of combined PET/CT in the detection of viable tumour in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The correlation between 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake during PET and prognosis was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with 91 HCCs who had undergone TACE with lipiodol before (18)F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed. The pattern of lipiodol deposition in the tumour was divided into three groups: grade I, lipiodol remaining in ≥60% of the tumour; grade II, 20-60%; and grade III, ≤20%. The performance of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in evaluating the viability of HCC was assessed and compared with that of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). The predictive value of maximal tumoural standardized uptake value (SUV) to mean liver SUV (TSUVmax/LSUVmean) ratio was tested. RESULTS: Comparing the receiver-operating characteristic area, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT was found to be superior to CECT for the detection of viable tumour in patients with HCC after TACE (p = 0.04). A high SUV ratio (TSUVmax/LSUVmean ≥1.65) correlated significantly with tumour size (p = 0.0096), the grade of lipiodol deposition (p = 0.0387) and serum α-foetoprotein (AFP) level (p = 0.0142), but did not correlate with pathological grade (p = 0.2626). The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the low SUV ratio (TSUVmax/LSUVmean<1.65) group (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG-PET/CT is efficient in assessing the viability of HCC after TACE and is superior to CECT in grades I and II, and similar in grade III. It provides valuable information for prediction of prognosis and may aid decisions regarding treatment strategy.

Cloning and characterization of the nicotianamine synthase gene in Eruca vesicaria subsp sativa.

Nicotianamine (NA) is a ubiquitous metabolite in plants that bind heavy metals, is crucial for metal homeostasis, and is also an important metal chelator that facilitates long-distance metal transport and sequestration. NA synthesis is catalyzed by the enzyme nicotianamine synthase (NAS). Eruca vesicaria subsp sativa is highly tolerant to Ni, Pb, and Zn. In this study, a gene encoding EvNAS was cloned and characterized in E. vesicaria subsp sativa. The full-length EvNAS cDNA sequence contained a 111-bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 155-bp 3'-UTR, and a 966-bp open reading frame encoding 322-amino acid residues. The EvNAS genomic sequence contained no introns, which is similar to previously reported NAS genes. The deduced translation of EvNAS contained a well-conserved NAS domain (1-279 amino acids) and an LIKI-CGEAEG box identical to some Brassica NAS and to the LIRL-box in most plant NAS, which is essential for DNA binding. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that EvNAS was most closely related to Brassica rapa NAS3 within the Cruciferae, followed by Thlaspi NAS1, Camelina NAS3, and Arabidopsis NAS3. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that EvNAS expression was greatest in the leaves, followed by the flower buds and hypocotyls. EvNAS was moderately expressed in the roots.