Detection of respiratory viruses and expression of inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Mongolia China

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was estimated to be the third cause of global mortality by 2020. Acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms and could be due to virus/bacterial infections and air pollution. Increased expression of inflammatory markers in patients with AECOPD is associated with viral infection. This study aimed to detect different viruses and analyze the expression of various inflammatory markers associated with AECOPD patients. Three hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD criteria were included in this study. Swab samples and blood were collected for the detection of viruses by RT-PCR and expression of inflammatory markers, respectively. Of the swab samples, 113 (32.6%) of samples were positive for virus detection. Of these, HRV (39.8%) was the predominant virus detected followed by FluB (27.4%) and FluA (22.1%). The presence of HRV was significantly higher (p=0.044) among the other detected viruses. When compared to healthy controls the expression levels of TNF-, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher (p 0.05) in virus-positive patients. The IL-6 and IL-8 were the next predominantly expressed in markers among the samples. The higher expression rate of IL-8 was significantly (p 0.05) associated with patients having COPD GOLD III severity level and smoking history. Although HRV was the predominant virus detected the combined prevalence of Influenza A and B surpassing the rate of HRV. The high-level expression of well known inflammatory markers of AECOPD, TNF-, IL-6 and IL-8 indicates a chronic severe illness. These markers play an important role and could be used as a marker for determining the severity of AECOPD.

Resumo Estima-se que a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) seja a terceira causa de mortalidade global em 2020. A exacerbação aguda DPOC (AECOPD) é um agravamento súbito dos sintomas da DPOC e pode ser devido a infecções por vírus/bactérias e poluição do ar. O aumento da expressão de marcadores inflamatórios em pacientes com AECOPD está associado à infecção viral. Este estudo teve como objetivo detectar diferentes vírus e analisar a expressão de vários marcadores inflamatórios associados a pacientes com AECOPD. Trezentos e quarenta e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC de acordo com os critérios GOLD foram incluídos neste estudo. Amostras de swab e sangue foram coletadas para detecção de vírus por RT-PCR e expressão de marcadores inflamatórios, respectivamente. Das amostras de esfregaço, 113 (32,6%) amostras foram positivas para detecção de vírus. Nestas, o HRV (39,8%) foi o vírus predominante detectado, seguido do FluB (27,4%) e do FluA (22,1%). A presença de VFC foi significativamente maior (p = 0,044) entre os demais vírus detectados. Quando comparados a controles saudáveis, os níveis de expressão de TNF-, IL-6 e IL-8 foram significativamente maiores (p 0,05) em pacientes com vírus positivo. A IL-6 e a IL-8 foram as próximas predominantemente expressas em marcadores entre as amostras. A maior taxa de expressão de IL-8 foi significativamente (p 0,05) associada a pacientes com grau de gravidade GOLD III da DPOC e história de tabagismo. Embora o HRV tenha sido o vírus predominante, a prevalência combinada de Influenza A e B ultrapassou a taxa de HRV. O alto nível de expressão de marcadores inflamatórios bem conhecidos de AECOPD, TNF-, IL-6 e IL-8 indica uma doença crônica grave. Esses marcadores desempenham um papel importante e podem ser usados como um marcador para determinar a gravidade da AECOPD.

Detection of respiratory viruses and expression of inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Mongolia China / Detecção de vírus respiratórios e expressão de citocinas inflamatórias em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica de exacerbação aguda na Mongólia, China

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was estimated to be the third cause of global mortality by 2020. Acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms and could be due to virus/bacterial infections and air pollution. Increased expression of inflammatory markers in patients with AECOPD is associated with viral infection. This study aimed to detect different viruses and analyze the expression of various inflammatory markers associated with AECOPD patients. Three hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD criteria were included in this study. Swab samples and blood were collected for the detection of viruses by RT-PCR and expression of inflammatory markers, respectively. Of the swab samples, 113 (32.6%) of samples were positive for virus detection. Of these, HRV (39.8%) was the predominant virus detected followed by FluB (27.4%) and FluA (22.1%). The presence of HRV was significantly higher (p=0.044) among the other detected viruses. When compared to healthy controls the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher (p<0.05) in virus-positive patients. The IL-6 and IL-8 were the next predominantly expressed in markers among the samples. The higher expression rate of IL-8 was significantly (p<0.05) associated with patients having COPD GOLD III severity level and smoking history. Although HRV was the predominant virus detected the combined prevalence of Influenza A and B surpassing the rate of HRV. The high-level expression of well known inflammatory markers of AECOPD, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 indicates a chronic severe illness. These markers play an important role and could be used as a marker for determining the severity of AECOPD.

Estima-se que a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) seja a terceira causa de mortalidade global em 2020. A exacerbação aguda DPOC (AECOPD) é um agravamento súbito dos sintomas da DPOC e pode ser devido a infecções por vírus/bactérias e poluição do ar. O aumento da expressão de marcadores inflamatórios em pacientes com AECOPD está associado à infecção viral. Este estudo teve como objetivo detectar diferentes vírus e analisar a expressão de vários marcadores inflamatórios associados a pacientes com AECOPD. Trezentos e quarenta e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC de acordo com os critérios GOLD foram incluídos neste estudo. Amostras de swab e sangue foram coletadas para detecção de vírus por RT-PCR e expressão de marcadores inflamatórios, respectivamente. Das amostras de esfregaço, 113 (32,6%) amostras foram positivas para detecção de vírus. Nestas, o HRV (39,8%) foi o vírus predominante detectado, seguido do FluB (27,4%) e do FluA (22,1%). A presença de VFC foi significativamente maior (p = 0,044) entre os demais vírus detectados. Quando comparados a controles saudáveis, os níveis de expressão de TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-8 foram significativamente maiores (p <0,05) em pacientes com vírus positivo. A IL-6 e a IL-8 foram as próximas predominantemente expressas em marcadores entre as amostras. A maior taxa de expressão de IL-8 foi significativamente (p <0,05) associada a pacientes com grau de gravidade GOLD III da DPOC e história de tabagismo. Embora o HRV tenha sido o vírus predominante, a prevalência combinada de Influenza A e B ultrapassou a taxa de HRV. O alto nível de expressão de marcadores inflamatórios bem conhecidos de AECOPD, TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-8 indica uma doença crônica grave. Esses marcadores desempenham um papel importante e podem ser usados como um marcador para determinar a gravidade da AECOPD.

COPB2: a transport protein with multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression.

The Coatomer protein complex subunit beta 2 (COPB2) is involved in the formation of the COPI coatomer protein complex and is responsible for the transport of vesicles between the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum. It plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of these cellular organelles, as well as in maintaining cell homeostasis. More importantly, COPB2 plays key roles in embryonic development and tumor progression. COPB2 is regarded as a vital oncogene in several cancer types and has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the roles of COPB2 in cancer development and progression in the context of the hallmarks of cancer.

Detection of respiratory viruses and expression of inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Mongolia China.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was estimated to be the third cause of global mortality by 2020. Acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms and could be due to virus/bacterial infections and air pollution. Increased expression of inflammatory markers in patients with AECOPD is associated with viral infection. This study aimed to detect different viruses and analyze the expression of various inflammatory markers associated with AECOPD patients. Three hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD criteria were included in this study. Swab samples and blood were collected for the detection of viruses by RT-PCR and expression of inflammatory markers, respectively. Of the swab samples, 113 (32.6%) of samples were positive for virus detection. Of these, HRV (39.8%) was the predominant virus detected followed by FluB (27.4%) and FluA (22.1%). The presence of HRV was significantly higher (p=0.044) among the other detected viruses. When compared to healthy controls the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher (p<0.05) in virus-positive patients. The IL-6 and IL-8 were the next predominantly expressed in markers among the samples. The higher expression rate of IL-8 was significantly (p<0.05) associated with patients having COPD GOLD III severity level and smoking history. Although HRV was the predominant virus detected the combined prevalence of Influenza A and B surpassing the rate of HRV. The high-level expression of well known inflammatory markers of AECOPD, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 indicates a chronic severe illness. These markers play an important role and could be used as a marker for determining the severity of AECOPD.

The diagnostic value of miR-21 combined with CT in patients with liver cancer.

PURPOSE: To explore the diagnostic value of miR-21 combined with computed tomography (CT) in patients with liver cancer. METHODS: A total of 112 patients in our hospital were confirmed liver cancer by examination, and were collected as cancer group. Another 100 patients with hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia in the same period were collected as control group. The diagnostic value of miR-21 and CT on liver cancer was observed. RESULTS: The level of miR-21 in cancer group was significantly higher than that in control group, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was tested. It was found that the AFP level in cancer group was significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.001). The correlation between AFP and miR-21 levels in liver cancer patients was detected. It turned out that AFP and miR-21 had correlation. According to receiver operating curve (ROC) calculation results, the best cut-off value for miR-21 diagnosis was 4.142. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosis of miR-21 alone were 64.29%, 87.00% and 75.00%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosis of CT alone were 91.07%, 62.00% and 77.36%, respectively. There were 108 cases of true positive and 80 cases of true negative after combined diagnosis in the two groups. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of combined diagnosis were 96.43%, 80.00% and 88.68%, respectively. Comparing the value of single diagnosis and combined diagnosis, we found that the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis were significantly higher than that of single diagnosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CT combined with miR-21 has great diagnostic value in liver cancer and may be a potential diagnostic indicator for liver cancer.

Bioactive metabolites in of Ginkgo biloba leaves: variations by seasonal, meteorological and soil / Metabólitos bioativos em folhas de Ginkgo biloba: variações sazonais, meteorológicas e do solo

Abstract Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that contribute to its notable bioactivities. Variations of seasonal, meteorological and planting soil on the phytochemicals contents in G. biloba leaves due to the effects of growth meteorological and soil parameters were investigated in this study. The leaves of G. biloba were collected from different months and place in Zhejiang province, the contents of flavones (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) method. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Comprehensive analysis suggested the proper harvest time for G. biloba was in October of Zhejiang province. The result of correlation analysis with meteorological factors shows that the temperature and precipitation have non-significant effect on the main components of G. biloba. In addition, the type and content (Mn and Zn) of the soil showed significantly effect on the content of flavonoids and terpene lactones. This study enriched the knowledge on the development and utilization value of the G. biloba leaves and was useful for determining the optimal harvest time and growing condition.

Resumo Ginkgo biloba é um fitoterápico tradicional da medicina chinesa que contém vários componentes que contribuem para suas notáveis bioatividades. Variações sazonais, meteorológicos e de plantio do solo sobre os teores fitoquímicos em folhas de G. biloba, devido aos efeitos do crescimento meteorológico e parâmetros do solo, foram investigadas neste estudo. As folhas de G. biloba foram coletadas em diferentes meses e na província de Zhejiang, os teores de flavonas (quercetina, kaempferol e isorhamnetina) e lactonas terpênicas (bilobalida, ginkgolídeos A, B e C) foram quantificados por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) e pelo método do detector de dispersão da luz por evaporação. Os métodos estabelecidos foram validados com boa linearidade, precisão, repetibilidade, estabilidade e recuperação. Uma análise abrangente sugeriu que o tempo de colheita adequado para G. biloba foi em outubro na província de Zhejiang. O resultado da análise de correlação com fatores meteorológicos mostra que a temperatura e a precipitação não têm efeito significativo sobre os principais componentes de G. biloba. Além disso, o tipo e composição (Mn e Zn) do solo apresentaram efeito significativo sobre o teor de flavonoides e lactonas terpênicas. Este estudo enriqueceu o conhecimento sobre o valor de desenvolvimento e utilização das folhas de G. biloba e foi útil para determinar o melhor tempo de colheita e condição de crescimento.

Bioactive metabolites in of Ginkgo biloba leaves: variations by seasonal, meteorological and soil / Metabólitos bioativos em folhas de Ginkgo biloba: variações sazonais, meteorológicas e do solo

Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that contribute to its notable bioactivities. Variations of seasonal, meteorological and planting soil on the phytochemicals contents in G. biloba leaves due to the effects of growth meteorological and soil parameters were investigated in this study. The leaves of G. biloba were collected from different months and place in Zhejiang province, the contents of flavones (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) method. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Comprehensive analysis suggested the proper harvest time for G. biloba was in October of Zhejiang province. The result of correlation analysis with meteorological factors shows that the temperature and precipitation have non-significant effect on the main components of G. biloba. In addition, the type and content (Mn and Zn) of the soil showed significantly effect on the content of flavonoids and terpene lactones. This study enriched the knowledge on the development and utilization value of the G. biloba leaves and was useful for determining the optimal harvest time and growing condition.(AU)

Ginkgo biloba é um fitoterápico tradicional da medicina chinesa que contém vários componentes que contribuem para suas notáveis bioatividades. Variações sazonais, meteorológicos e de plantio do solo sobre os teores fitoquímicos em folhas de G. biloba, devido aos efeitos do crescimento meteorológico e parâmetros do solo, foram investigadas neste estudo. As folhas de G. biloba foram coletadas em diferentes meses e na província de Zhejiang, os teores de flavonas (quercetina, kaempferol e isorhamnetina) e lactonas terpênicas (bilobalida, ginkgolídeos A, B e C) foram quantificados por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) e pelo método do detector de dispersão da luz por evaporação. Os métodos estabelecidos foram validados com boa linearidade, precisão, repetibilidade, estabilidade e recuperação. Uma análise abrangente sugeriu que o tempo de colheita adequado para G. biloba foi em outubro na província de Zhejiang. O resultado da análise de correlação com fatores meteorológicos mostra que a temperatura e a precipitação não têm efeito significativo sobre os principais componentes de G. biloba. Além disso, o tipo e composição (Mn e Zn) do solo apresentaram efeito significativo sobre o teor de flavonoides e lactonas terpênicas. Este estudo enriqueceu o conhecimento sobre o valor de desenvolvimento e utilização das folhas de G. biloba e foi útil para determinar o melhor tempo de colheita e condição de crescimento.(AU)

Bioactive metabolites in of Ginkgo biloba leaves: variations by seasonal, meteorological and soil.

Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that contribute to its notable bioactivities. Variations of seasonal, meteorological and planting soil on the phytochemicals contents in G. biloba leaves due to the effects of growth meteorological and soil parameters were investigated in this study. The leaves of G. biloba were collected from different months and place in Zhejiang province, the contents of flavones (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) method. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Comprehensive analysis suggested the proper harvest time for G. biloba was in October of Zhejiang province. The result of correlation analysis with meteorological factors shows that the temperature and precipitation have non-significant effect on the main components of G. biloba. In addition, the type and content (Mn and Zn) of the soil showed significantly effect on the content of flavonoids and terpene lactones. This study enriched the knowledge on the development and utilization value of the G. biloba leaves and was useful for determining the optimal harvest time and growing condition.

Human colorectal cancer derived-MSCs promote tumor cells escape from senescence via P53/P21 pathway.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of MSCs on CRC cell. METHODS: in this study the MSC was isolated from CRC tissue, its effect on CRC cells was investigated in vivo and vitro, and the underlying mechanism was investigated. RESULTS: In this study we found that MSC-CM could promote colorectal cancer cells escape from senescence both in vitro and in vivo. Further research we demonstrated that MSC-CM acted in colorectal cancer cells senescence through P53/P21 pathway. Next we found that MSC-CM regulate P53 via posttranscription method. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these results reveal that MSCs can help colorectal cancer cells defend against senescence through P53/P21 pathway, which may be a new strategy for colorectal cancer therapy.

Resection of liver metastases from breast cancer: a multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is becoming more practical and effective than conservative treatment in improving the poor outcomes of patients with breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM). However, there is no generally acknowledged set of standards for identifying BCLM candidates who will benefit from surgery. METHODS: Between January 2011 and September 2018, 67 female BCLM patients who underwent partial hepatectomy were selected for analysis in the present study. Prognostic factors after hepatectomy were determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of overall survival (OS) and intrahepatic recurrence-free survival (IHRFS). RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS of patients treated with surgery was 93.5%, 73.7% and 32.2%, respectively, with a median survival time of 57.59 months. The Pringle manoeuvre [hazard radio (HR) = 0.117, 95% CI0.015-0.942, p = 0.044] and an increased interval between breast surgery and BCLM diagnosis (HR0.178, 95% CI 0.037-0.869, p = 0.033) independently predicted improved overall survival for BCLM patients. The 1-, 2- and 3-year IHRFS of patients who underwent surgery was 62.8, 32.6% and 10.9%, respectively, with a median intrahepatic recurrence-free survival time of 13.47 months. Moderately differentiated tumours (HR 0.259, 95% CI 0.078-0.857, p = 0.027) and the development of liver metastasis more than 2 years after breast surgery (HR 0.270, 95% CI 0.108-0.675, p = 0.005) might be predictors of increased IHRFS. CONCLUSIONS: An interval of more than 2 years between breast cancer surgery and liver metastasis seems to be an indication of liver surgery in BCLM patients. The Pringle manoeuvre and moderately differentiated tumours are potential predictors associated with OS and IHRFS, respectively, as benefits from liver resection. Studies with increased sample sizes are warranted to validate our results.

Bioactive metabolites in of Ginkgo biloba leaves: variations by seasonal, meteorological and soil

Abstract Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that contribute to its notable bioactivities. Variations of seasonal, meteorological and planting soil on the phytochemicals contents in G. biloba leaves due to the effects of growth meteorological and soil parameters were investigated in this study. The leaves of G. biloba were collected from different months and place in Zhejiang province, the contents of flavones (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) method. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Comprehensive analysis suggested the proper harvest time for G. biloba was in October of Zhejiang province. The result of correlation analysis with meteorological factors shows that the temperature and precipitation have non-significant effect on the main components of G. biloba. In addition, the type and content (Mn and Zn) of the soil showed significantly effect on the content of flavonoids and terpene lactones. This study enriched the knowledge on the development and utilization value of the G. biloba leaves and was useful for determining the optimal harvest time and growing condition.

Resumo Ginkgo biloba é um fitoterápico tradicional da medicina chinesa que contém vários componentes que contribuem para suas notáveis bioatividades. Variações sazonais, meteorológicos e de plantio do solo sobre os teores fitoquímicos em folhas de G. biloba, devido aos efeitos do crescimento meteorológico e parâmetros do solo, foram investigadas neste estudo. As folhas de G. biloba foram coletadas em diferentes meses e na província de Zhejiang, os teores de flavonas (quercetina, kaempferol e isorhamnetina) e lactonas terpênicas (bilobalida, ginkgolídeos A, B e C) foram quantificados por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) e pelo método do detector de dispersão da luz por evaporação. Os métodos estabelecidos foram validados com boa linearidade, precisão, repetibilidade, estabilidade e recuperação. Uma análise abrangente sugeriu que o tempo de colheita adequado para G. biloba foi em outubro na província de Zhejiang. O resultado da análise de correlação com fatores meteorológicos mostra que a temperatura e a precipitação não têm efeito significativo sobre os principais componentes de G. biloba. Além disso, o tipo e composição (Mn e Zn) do solo apresentaram efeito significativo sobre o teor de flavonoides e lactonas terpênicas. Este estudo enriqueceu o conhecimento sobre o valor de desenvolvimento e utilização das folhas de G. biloba e foi útil para determinar o melhor tempo de colheita e condição de crescimento.

Predictive factors of trastuzumab-based chemotherapy in HER2 positive advanced gastric cancer: a single-center prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Trastuzumab plus chemotherapy is an effective therapy in HER2 positive advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, the clinicopathologic factors that predict the outcome of routine trastuzumab therapy remain unclear. METHODS: The outcome and safety profile of trastuzumab therapy in untreated HER2 positive AGC was evaluated in this prospective observational study. Clinical and pathological data including demographics, treatment profiles, expression level of HER2 were analyzed to identify predictive factors of trastuzumab-based first-line therapy for their progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Overall, 107 patients were eligible. The median number of treatment cycles was 9 (range 1-44), the median PFS and median overall survival (OS) were 7.7 months (95% CI 6.5-8.9) and 16.0 months (95% CI 13.2-18.8), respectively. The confirmed response rate was 58.9%, and the disease control rate was 82.2%. Patients with liver metastasis (HR 1.616) and poor performance status (PS, HR 2.518) were independently associated with a worse PFS, while the other clinicopathological factors including demographics, treatment profiles and some other clinical characteristics did not predict the survival. CONCLUSIONS: In routine clinical practice, the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy was effective and safe in real-world setting in Chinese patients with HER2 positive AGC, regardless of most of the clinicopathological factors. Further studies are needed to improve the prognosis of HER2 positive patients with liver metastasis or poor PS. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03024450.

Association between interleukin-17 gene polymorphisms and the risk of laryngeal cancer in a Chinese population.

IL-17 is associated with the occurrence and development of laryngeal cancer. However, no study has reported the association between IL-17 polymorphisms and laryngeal cancer susceptibility. Therefore, we analyzed the association of three polymorphism loci (rs2275913, 197 G/A; rs3748067, 383 A/G; and rs763780, 7488 T/C) of IL-17A and IL-17F with laryngeal cancer in the Chinese population. A case-control study was performed with 325 patients and 325 controls. Polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. SPSS17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Allele and genotype frequencies of IL-17A rs2275913 were significantly different between patients and controls (P < 0.05). Frequencies of rs2275913 (197 G/A) AA and GA+AA genotypes compared to the GG genotype were significantly higher in patients than in controls, indicating the association of these genes with laryngeal cancer susceptibility; adjusted OR values were 2.54 (1.50-4.23) and 1.62 (1.19-2.17), respectively. Furthermore, individuals with the GA+AA genotype, compared to the GG genotype, aged ≤60 years, with smoking and alcohol consumption habits, and without a family history of cancer showed a higher cancer risk (OR = 2.74, 95%CI = 1.41-5.23; OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.21-3.55; OR = 1.91, 95%CI = 1.02-3.70; OR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.08-3.39, respectively). In conclusion, the rs2275913 IL-17A (197 G/A) is associated with the incidence and development of laryngeal cancer in the Chinese population, and the AA and GA+AA genotypes harbor a high laryngeal cancer risk.

Overexpression of ezrin and galectin-3 as predictors of poor prognosis of cervical cancer.

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of ezrin and galectin-3 expressions with prognosis in cervical cancer. The immunohistochemical method was applied to detect ezrin and galectin-3 expressions in normal cervix tissues (n=30), cervicitis tissues (n=28), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) tissues (classified as I-III, n=89), and cervical carcinoma tissues (n=84). Follow-up was conducted for 5 to 78 months to analyze the correlation of protein expressions with prognosis. Ezrin and galectin-3 expressions in cervical cancer were significantly higher than in normal cervix, cervicitis and CIN (all P<0.05), and expressions in CIN were significantly higher than in normal cervix and cervicitis (both P<0.05). The expressions of ezrin and galectin-3 were both related with histological grade, deep myometrial invasion and lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). Spearman analysis showed that ezrin expression was positively correlated with galectin-3 expression in cervical cancer (r=0.355, P<0.05). The survival rate of patients with high expressions of ezrin and galectin-3 was significantly lower than those with low expressions of proteins (both P<0.05). The expressions of ezrin and galectin-3, histological grade, depth of stromal invasion, and lymph node metastasis are risk factors affecting the survival rate of patients with cervical cancer. The expressions of ezrin and galectin-3 were correlated with the development of cervical cancer, and overexpressions of those proteins were indicative of poor prognosis in patients with cervical cancer.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Solen grandis using Illumina sequencing approach.

Solen grandis is an important economic and overexploited bivalve species. In order to perform its fine-scale genetic analyses, 105 pairs of microsatellites with polymorphism were identified through Illumina Hiseq platform and bioinformatic assembly technology in this study. The estimated fragment size ranged from 100 to 268 bp and the number of alleles per locus varied between 2 and 23. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.0667 to 1.0000 and 0.0966 to 0.9492, respectively. Fourteen loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. These microsatellite markers developed in this study would be helpful for future genetic studies on S. grandis and closely related species.

Bioactive metabolites in of Ginkgo biloba leaves: variations by seasonal, meteorological and soil

Abstract Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that contribute to its notable bioactivities. Variations of seasonal, meteorological and planting soil on the phytochemicals contents in G. biloba leaves due to the effects of growth meteorological and soil parameters were investigated in this study. The leaves of G. biloba were collected from different months and place in Zhejiang province, the contents of flavones (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) method. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Comprehensive analysis suggested the proper harvest time for G. biloba was in October of Zhejiang province. The result of correlation analysis with meteorological factors shows that the temperature and precipitation have non-significant effect on the main components of G. biloba. In addition, the type and content (Mn and Zn) of the soil showed significantly effect on the content of flavonoids and terpene lactones. This study enriched the knowledge on the development and utilization value of the G. biloba leaves and was useful for determining the optimal harvest time and growing condition.

Resumo Ginkgo biloba é um fitoterápico tradicional da medicina chinesa que contém vários componentes que contribuem para suas notáveis bioatividades. Variações sazonais, meteorológicos e de plantio do solo sobre os teores fitoquímicos em folhas de G. biloba, devido aos efeitos do crescimento meteorológico e parâmetros do solo, foram investigadas neste estudo. As folhas de G. biloba foram coletadas em diferentes meses e na província de Zhejiang, os teores de flavonas (quercetina, kaempferol e isorhamnetina) e lactonas terpênicas (bilobalida, ginkgolídeos A, B e C) foram quantificados por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) e pelo método do detector de dispersão da luz por evaporação. Os métodos estabelecidos foram validados com boa linearidade, precisão, repetibilidade, estabilidade e recuperação. Uma análise abrangente sugeriu que o tempo de colheita adequado para G. biloba foi em outubro na província de Zhejiang. O resultado da análise de correlação com fatores meteorológicos mostra que a temperatura e a precipitação não têm efeito significativo sobre os principais componentes de G. biloba. Além disso, o tipo e composição (Mn e Zn) do solo apresentaram efeito significativo sobre o teor de flavonoides e lactonas terpênicas. Este estudo enriqueceu o conhecimento sobre o valor de desenvolvimento e utilização das folhas de G. biloba e foi útil para determinar o melhor tempo de colheita e condição de crescimento.

Sequencing of Gag/Env association with HIV genotyping resolution and HIV-related epidemiologic studies of HIV in China.

HIV genotyping has led to conflicting results between laboratories. Therefore, identifying the most accurate gene combinations to sequence remains a priority. Datasets of Chinese HIV subtypes based on several markers and deposited in PubMed, Metstr, CNKI, and VIP databases between 2000 and 2015 were studied. In total, 9177 cases of amplification-positive samples from 26 provinces of China were collected and used to classify HIV subtypes based on eight individual genes or a combination thereof. CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC and B were the prevalent HIV subtypes in China, accounting for 84.07% of all genotypes. Gag/Env sequencing classified a greater number of HIV subtypes compared to other genes or combination of gene fragments. The geographical distribution of Gag and Gag/Env genotypes was similar to that observed with all genetic markers. Further principal component analysis showed a significantly different geographical distribution pattern of HIV in China for HIV genotypes detected with Gag/Env, which was in line with the distribution of all HIV genotypes in China. Gag/Env sequences had the highest diversity of the eight markers studied, followed by Gag and Gag/Pol/Env; Pol/Env polymorphisms were the least divergent. Gag/Env can serve as a high-resolution marker for HIV genotyping.

Association between IL-10 genetic variations and cervical cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population.

We conducted an investigation into the role of the IL-10 polymorphisms -592A/C (rs1800872), -819C/T (rs1800871), and -1082A/G (rs1800896) in cervical cancer risk in a Chinese population. A case-control study was carried out, including 165 newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients and 165 control subjects. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to genotype the three IL-10 variant loci. Using conditional logistic regression analysis, we observed that homozygous IL-10 -819C/T TT carriers were at significantly increased risk of cervical cancer compared to homozygous CC individuals, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.23 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.16-4.30. Moreover, the CT+TT genotype was significantly associated with cervical cancer in comparison to the wild-type variant (OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.04-2.76; P = 0.03). In conclusion, our study suggests that the IL-10 -819C/T genetic variation may contribute to cervical cancer risk in the Chinese population examined.

Rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of auraptene in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study in rats.

A simple, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of auraptene, a constituent isolated from Fructus aurantii with potential to combat Alzheimer's disease, in rat plasma. Rat plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol. The analytes were separated by a Waters Sun Fire C18 column (50 mm x 2 mm, 5 µm) and eluted with 1:1000 methanol and formic acid/water (v/v) mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Multiple reaction monitoring was used to monitor the transition of the deprotonated auraptene molecule with an m/z of 299.3 [M+H](+), to the product ion with an m/z of 162.9 [M+H](+). Progesterone, with an m/z of 315.2→ 96.9 was used as an internal standard. The limits of detection and of quantification of auraptene in the rat plasma were 1 and 5 ng/mL, respectively. The method was linear in the concentration range of 20- 2000 ng/mL with coefficient correlation of 0.9956. After auraptene (100 mg/kg, p.o.) administration, the maximum plasma concentration and the time taken to reach maximum concentration were 1719.5 ± 384.3 g/mL and 108.0 ± 25.3 min, respectively. The elimination half-life was 108.0 ± 25.3 for auraptene (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and 3.0 ± 0 min for auraptene (2 mg/kg, i.v.). The oral bioavailability was about 8.5%.

Association between XPG gene polymorphisms and development of gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population.

We conducted a case-control study to investigate the role of three common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group G (XPG) gene (rs2094258, rs751402 and rs17655) in the development of gastric cancer in a Chinese population. Between January 2012 and December 2014, samples from a total of 177 patients with gastric cancer and 237 control subjects were collected from the Ankang City Central Hospital. XPG rs2094258, rs751402 and rs17655 polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using logistic regression analysis, we found that the CC genotype of rs17655 was associated with an elevated risk of gastric cancer, and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were 1.91 and 1.07-3.41, respectively. Moreover, individuals carrying the GC + CC genotype of rs17655 had an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer (OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.03-2.54). However, we did not observe a significant association between XPG rs2094258 and rs751402 polymorphisms and development of gastric cancer. In conclusion, our study suggests that the rs17655 polymorphism in XPG is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The results of our findings should be further validated by further large sample size studies.