Postpartum depression and partner support during the period of lactation: Correlation research and its influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) not only affects the psychological and physiological aspects of maternal health but can also affect neonatal growth and development. Partners who are in close contact with parturient women play a key role in communication and emotional support. This study explores the PPD support relationship with partners and its influencing factors, which is believed to establish psychological well-being and improve maternal partner support. AIM: To explore the correlation between PPD and partner support during breastfeeding and its influencing factors. METHODS: Convenience sampling was used to select lactating women (200 women) who underwent postpartum examinations at the Huzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from July 2022 to December 2022. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the basic information (general information questionnaire), depression level [edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS)], and partner support score [dyadic coping inventory (DCI)] of the selected subjects. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between PPD and DCI in lactating women. Factors affecting PPD levels during lactation were analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The total average score of EPDS in 200 lactating women was (9.52 ± 1.53), and the total average score of DCI was (115.78 ± 14.90). Dividing the EPDS, the dimension scores were: emotional loss (1.91 ± 0.52), anxiety (3.84 ± 1.05), and depression (3.76 ± 0.96). Each dimension of the DCI was subdivided into: Pressure communication (26.79±6.71), mutual support (39.76 ± 9.63), negative support (24.97 ± 6.68), agent support (6.87 ± 1.92), and joint support (17.39 ± 4.19). Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated that the total mean score and individual dimension scores of EPDS during breastfeeding were inversely correlated with the total score of partner support, stress communication, mutual support, and co-support (P < 0.05). The total mean score of the EPDS and its dimensions were positively correlated with negative support (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the main factors affecting PPD during breastfeeding were marital harmony, newborn health, stress communication, mutual support, negative support, co-support, and the total score of partner support (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PPD during breastfeeding was associated with marital harmony, newborn health, stress communication, mutual support, negative support, joint support, and the total DCI score.

rs66651343 and rs12909095 confer lung cancer risk by regulating CCNDBP1 expression.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high rates of mortality and shows significant hereditary predisposition. Previous genome-wide association studies suggest that rs748404, located at promoter of TGM5 (transglutaminase 5), is associated with lung carcinoma. By analysis of 1000 genomes project data for three representative populations in the world, another five SNPs are identified to be in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs748404, thus suggesting that they may also be associated with lung carcinoma risk. However, it is ambiguous about the actually causal SNP(s) and the mechanism for the association. Dual-luciferase assay indicates that the functional SNPs are not rs748404, rs12911132 or rs35535629 but another three SNPs (rs66651343, rs12909095 and rs17779494) in lung cell. By chromosome conformation capture, it is disclosed that the enhancer encompassing the two SNPs, rs66651343 and rs12909095, can interact with the promoter of CCNDBP1 (cyclin D1 binding protein 1). RNA-seq data analysis indicates that CCNDBP1 expression is dependent on the genotype of these two SNPs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay suggests that the fragments spanning rs66651343 and rs12909095 can bind with the transcription factors, cut like homeobox 1 and SRY-box transcription factor 9, respectively. Our results establish the connection between genetic variations at this locus and lung cancer susceptibility.

Genetic variants in XPD gene and glioma susceptibility in Chinese children: A multicenter case-control study.

Background: Glioma is one of the central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children, accounting for 80% of malignant brain tumors. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a vital pathway during DNA damage repair progression. Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) or excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2) is a critical factor in the NER pathway, playing an indispensable role in the DNA repair process. Therefore, the genetic variants in XPD may be associated with carcinogenesis induced by defects in DNA repair. Methods: We are the first to conduct a multi-center case-control study to investigate the correlation between XPD gene polymorphisms and pediatric glioma risk. We chose three single nucleotide polymorphisms and genotyped them using the TaqMan assay. Results: Although there is no significant association of these genetic variations with glioma susceptibility, the stratified analysis revealed that in the subtype of astrocytic tumors, the rs13181 TG/GG genotype enhanced glioma risk than the TT genotype, and carriers with two to three genotypes also elevated the tumor risk than 0-1 genotypes. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings provided an insight into the impact of XPD genetic variants on glioma risk.

Midterm Outcomes After Open Arthrolysis for Posttraumatic Elbow Stiffness in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Open arthrolysis is used for treating elbow stiffness in adults. This study evaluated the midterm outcomes after open arthrolysis in children and adolescents with posttraumatic elbow stiffness. METHODS: Data of 31 children and adolescents with posttraumatic elbow stiffness following open arthrolysis with or without hinged external fixation from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Their mean age was 15 (range: 6 to 19) years. At baseline and the follow-up (>4 y), we evaluated the outcomes (range of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Index) and postoperative complications (pain, ulnar nerve symptoms, infections, and instability) and analyzed the association between outcomes and clinical variables. RESULTS: The Mayo Elbow Performance Index improved from 67.9 (range: 35 to 95 points) to 93.7 points (range: 65 to 100 points; P<0.001). The elbow active flexion/extension arc increased significantly from 49 degrees (range: 0 to 120 degrees) to 108 degrees (range: 0 to 120 degrees; P<0.001), with a mean flexion of 123 degrees (range: 70 to 140 degrees; P<0.001) and mean extension of 15 degrees (range: 0 to 85 degrees; P<0.001) postoperatively. The increasing age at surgery was associated with improved elbow motions (P=0.004). Patients with increased preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase level demonstrated decreased arc of motion (P=0.015). Patients with extra-articular fractures had better outcomes than the other patients. At the final follow-up, 8 patients experienced recurrent contracture in the flexion arc with heterotopic ossification. Two patients had postoperative pain, 1 elbow instability, and 1 ulnar neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients showed satisfactory functional outcomes after arthrolysis, indicating that open release with or without hinged external fixation is an effective and maintained technique for children and adolescents with posttraumatic elbow stiffness. The age at surgery, preoperative alkaline phosphatase level, and injury type should be considered to achieve good outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

AURKA gene polymorphisms and central nervous system tumor susceptibility in Chinese children.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors comprise 15-20% of all malignancies occurring in childhood and adolescence. Previous researches have shown that overexpression and amplification of the AURKA gene could induce multiple human malignancies, with which the connection of CNS tumor susceptibility has not been extensively studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we assessed whether and to what extent AURKA gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1047972 C > T, rs2273535 T > A, rs8173 G > C) were associated with CNS tumor susceptibility, based on a case-control analysis in 191 CNS tumor patients and 248 controls. We determined this correlation using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: AURKA gene rs8173 G > C exhibited a crucial function to CNS tumor susceptibility fall-off (GC/CC vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.46-0.998, P = 0.049). In addition, the combined effect of lowering the risk of developing CNS tumors was more pronounced in carriers with 3 protective genotypes than others (adjusted OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.31-0.98, P = 0.044). Further stratification analysis illustrated that the existence of rs8173 GC/CC and three protective genotypes lowered CNS tumor risk in some subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggested that the AURKA gene rs8173 G > C could significantly reduce CNS tumor susceptibility in Chinese children. More functional experiments are needed to explore the role of the AURKA gene rs8173 G > C.

Clinical Characteristics of Transarterial Chemoembolization in Treatment of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated With Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and etiology of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in order to improve the early diagnosis rate and cure rate. METHODS: A total of 816 patients with primary HCC received 2,200 TACE treatments from January 2014 to May 2018. Among these patients, 6 patients developed ARDS after TACE. The clinical data, lesion characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment process and prognosis of 6 patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The longest lesion diameter ranged within 5.0-10.2 cm (mean: 6.6 cm) in the 6 patients with primary HCC. Among these patients, 4 patients had lesions mainly located in the left lateral lobe of the liver, while 5 patients had no hepatic arteriovenous fistula detected before TACE. Nedaplatin, epirubicin and iodinated oil suspension chemoembolization were used in all 6 patients during TACE, and all of them experienced ARDS symptoms within 24-48 hours after TACE. However, no clear pathogenic bacteria were incubated in the sputum culture after the onset of the disease. Diffused exudative changes of both lungs were found in the chest X-ray, and the oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was within 100-300 mmHg. The symptoms of 6 patients improved after 3-6 days of hormone therapy. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that although the incidence of ARDS after TACE was low in the treatment for HCC, the symptoms after onset were serious, and the early hormone therapy may be beneficial to improve the prognosis and reduce mortality. Further research with larger samples is still needed to confirm the pathogenesis of ARDS after TACE in the treatment for HCC.

Association Between Nitrite and Nitrate Intake and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Studies have shown inconsistent associations of nitrite and nitrate intake with the risk of gastric cancer or its associated mortality. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the correlation of nitrite and nitrate intake with the risk of gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS We searched for studies reporting effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of gastric cancer in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through November 2018. The summary results of the included studies were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS Eighteen case-control and 6 prospective cohort studies recruiting 800 321 participants were included in this study. The summary results indicated that the highest (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95%CI, 1.03-1.55; P=0.022) or moderate (OR: 1.12; 95%CI, 1.01-1.26; P=0.037) nitrite intake were associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer. However, we noted that high (OR, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.68-0.97; P=0.021) or moderate (OR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.75-0.99; P=0.036) nitrate intakes were associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer. These associations differed when stratified by publication year, study design, country, the percentage of male participants, assessment of exposure, adjusted model, and study quality. CONCLUSIONS High or moderate nitrite intake was associated with higher risk of gastric cancer, whereas high or moderate nitrate intake was correlated with lower risk of gastric cancer.

[Molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination suppression in plants].

Meiotic recombination not only ensures the stability of chromosome numbers during the sexual reproduction in eukaryotes, but also shuffles the maternal and paternal genetic materials to generate genetic diversity in the gametes. Therefore, meiotic recombination is an important pathway for genetic diversity, which has been considered as a major driving force for species evolution and biodiversity in nature. In most eukaryotes, meiotic recombination is strictly limited, despite the large variation of physical genome size and chromosome numbers among species, but the mechanisms suppressing meiotic recombination remain elusive. Recently, several suppressors have been identified through the forward genetics screen, and revealed the functions and regulation pathways of these suppressors. In this review, we summarize the breakthrough discovery of meiotic recombination suppressors in plants based on research in Arabidopsis, with particular focus on the gene function and its regulation network to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination suppression in plants.

Identification of Carassius auratus gibelio liver cell proteins interacting with the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit using a yeast two-hybrid system.

The γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor is an important pentameric inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor, and the γ2 subunit of this receptor plays a key role in potentiation of the GABAA response. We previously detected that the expression of GABAA receptor in the livers of Carassius auratus gibelio significantly increased after medication (avermectin and difloxacin treatment). In order to better understand the mechanism of action of the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in the livers of C. auratus gibelio, we constructed a C. auratus gibelio liver cDNA library (the titer value of 1.2 × 106 cfu/mL) and identified the proteins that interact with the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit by using a yeast two-hybrid assay. The yeast two-hybrid screening yielded seven positive clones, namely, prelid3b, cdc42, sgk1, spg21, proteasome, chia.5, and AP-3 complex subunit beta-1, all of which have been annotated by the NCBI database. The functions of these proteins are complex; therefore, additional studies are required to determine the specific interactions of these proteins with the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in the liver of C. auratus gibelio. Although the interactions identified by the yeast two-hybrid system should be considered as preliminary results, the findings of this study may provide further direction and a foundation for future research focusing on the mechanisms of the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in C. auratus gibelio livers.

Genome­wide profiling of lncRNA expression patterns in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia with differentiation therapy.

Long non­coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial factors in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell differentiation. However, their expression patterns and regulatory functions during all­trans­retinoic acid (ATRA)­induced APL differentiation remain to be fully elucidated. The profile of dysregulated lncRNAs between three bone marrow (BM) samples from patients with APL post­induction and three BM samples from untreated matched controls was examined with the Human Transcriptome Array 2.0. The dysregulated lncRNA expression of an additional 27 APL BM samples was validated by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) analysis. The lncRNA functions were predicted through co­expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) annotations. Co­expressed lncRNA­mRNA networks were constructed to analyze the functional pathways. In total, 825 lncRNAs and 1,218 mRNAs were dysregulated in the treated APL BM group, compared with the untreated APL BM group. The expression of 10 selected lncRNAs was verified by RT­qPCR analysis. During APL differentiation, NONHSAT076891 was the most upregulated lncRNA, whereas TCONS_00022632­XLOC_010933 was the most downregulated. Functional analysis revealed that several lncRNAs may exert activities in biological pathways associated with ATRA­induced APL differentiation through cis and/or trans regulation of mRNAs. The findings of the present study assist in explaining the contributions of lncRNAs in APL myeloid differentiation and improve current knowledge on the potential mechanisms regarding dysregulated lncRNA expression in ATRA­induced APL differentiation.

rs294775 is a cis-regulatory SNP for human UGT2B10.

UGT2B10 is an important metabolism enzyme in human body and its substrates include multiple amine-containing compounds, especially nicotine, tamoxifen and multiple antidepressants. Multiple common SNPs have been observed in its promoter region, but their role in expression regulation has never been investigated. In this preliminary study, we identified a novel cis-regulatory SNP, rs294775, for UGT2B10 by plasmid construction, mutagenesis, and luciferase assay, whose mechanism was also investigated. Our work provides a basis for further pharmacogenetics study.

Neuroprotection of Catalpol for Experimental Acute Focal Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms of Antioxidation, Anti-Inflammation, and Antiapoptosis.

Neuroprotection is defined as using a therapy that affects the brain tissue in the still-viable ischemic penumbra to salvage or delay the infarction. Catalpol, the main active principle of the root of Radix Rehmanniae, was reported to have pleiotropic neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases including ischemic stroke. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of catalpol in experimental acute ischemic stroke. Studies on catalpol in animal models of acute ischemic stroke were identified from 6 databases. Twenty-five studies involving 805 animals were included. Twelve comparisons showed significant effects of catalpol on decreasing infarct size according to 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining compared with the control (P < 0.05). One study reported significant effect of catalpol on reducing infarct size according to magnetic resonance imaging scan compared with the control (P < 0.05). Meta-analysis of these studies indicated that catalpol significantly improved the neurological function score according to Zea Longa score, Bederson score, balance beam-walking test, adhesive removal test, bar-grasping score, and corner test compared with the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, catalpol exerted neuroprotective effects for experimental acute focal ischemic stroke, largely through reducing oxidative reactions, inhibiting apoptosis, and repressing inflammatory reactions and autophagy. However, these apparently positive findings should be interpreted with caution because of the methodological flaws.

Effect of the Polymorphism of Folylpolyglutamate Synthetase on Treatment of High-Dose Methotrexate in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the polymorphism of folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) with the dynamic plasma concentration of methotrexate (MTX) in pediatric patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), as well as the prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS 57 ALL patients and 31 age and sex-matched children (control) were included in this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed for the analysis of the genotype of FPGS rs1544105 and high-performance liquid chromatography for measurement of MTX plasma concentration after 24-h and 44-h treatment. Overall survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS No differences were observed between patients and controls regarding the distribution frequency of genotype and alleles of rs1544105. Patients carrying AA genotype had a significantly higher plasma concentration of MTX after 24 h than those carrying GG or GA (P<0.05) and no differences were found after 44 h. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a longer median survival time in patients with AA than other genotypes with significant difference in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Polymorphism of FPGS rs1544105 might be used as an effective approach for prediction of the treatment outcome of MTX.

Quantitative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Parameters in Crohn Disease: Their Role in Disease Activity Determination With Ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of our study was to examine the association between contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) parameters and established gray-scale ultrasound with color Doppler imaging (CDI) for the determination of disease activity in patients with Crohn disease. Our secondary objective was to develop quantitative time-signal intensity curve thresholds for disease activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients with Crohn disease underwent ultrasound with CDI and CEUS. Reviewers graded wall thickness, inflammatory fat, and mural blood flow as showing remission or inflammation (mild, moderate, or severe). If both gray-scale ultrasound and CDI predicted equal levels of disease activity, the studies were considered concordant. If ultrasound images suggested active disease not supported by CDI findings, the ultrasound results for disease activity were indeterminate. Time-signal intensity curves from CEUS were acquired with calculation of peak enhancement (PE), and AUCs. Interobserver variation and associations between PE and ultrasound parameters were examined. Multiclass ROC analysis was used to develop CEUS thresholds for activity. RESULTS: Ninety-six (76%) studies were concordant, 19 of which showed severe disease, and 31 (24%) studies were indeterminate. Kappa analyses revealed good interobserver agreement on grades for CDI (κ = 0.76) and ultrasound (κ = 0.80) assessments. PE values on CEUS and wall thickness showed good association with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient for the entire population (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.01) and for the concordant group (ρ = 0.70, p < 0.01). Multiclass ROC analyses of the concordant group using wall thickness alone as the reference standard showed cutoff points of 18.2 dB for differentiating mild versus moderate activity (sensitivity, 89.0% and specificity, 87.0%) and 23.0 dB for differentiating moderate versus severe (sensitivity, 90% and specificity, 86.8%). Almost identical cutoff points were observed when using ultrasound global assessment as the reference standard: using 18.2 dB to differentiate mild versus moderate activity yielded sensitivity of 89.2% and specificity of 90.9% and using 22.9 dB to differentiate moderate versus severe activity yielded sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 83.1%. CONCLUSION: Quantitative CEUS parameters integrated into inflammatory assessments with ultrasound reduce indeterminate results and improve disease activity level determinations.

Award for outstanding contributions to the Chinese Journal of Cancer.

At the 4th Guangzhou International Symposium on Oncology, Rui-Hua Xu, Chao-Nan Qian, and Wei Zhang--the chairmen and editors of the Chinese Journal of Cancer--announced and presented awards to 14 authors in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the journal.