[Bioinformatics-based identification of the key genes associated with prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the key genes associated with the pathogenesis of PCa using the bioinformatics approach for a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of PCa. METHODS: The microarray datasets GSE70770, GSE32571 and GSE46602 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the normal prostate tissue and PCa were identified with the GEO2R tool, followed by functional enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed by STRING and visualized with the Cytoscape software. RESULTS: A total of 235 DEGs were identified, including 61 up-regulated and 174 down-regulated genes, which were mainly enriched in focal adhesion kinase (FAK), ECM-receptor interaction, and other signaling pathways. From the PPI network were screened out 12 highly connected hub genes, including MYH11, TPM1, TPM2, SMTN, MYL9, VCL, ACTG1, CNN1, CALD1, ACTC1, MYLK and SORBS1, which were shown by hierarchical cluster analysis to be capable of distinguishing prostate cancer from non-cancer tissue. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 235 DEGs and 12 hub genes were identified in this study, which may contribute to a further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the development and progression of PCa, and provide new candidate targets for the diagnosis and treatment of the malignancy.

Design of Friction Stir Spot Welding Tools by Using a Novel Thermal-Mechanical Approach.

A simple thermal-mechanical model for friction stir spot welding (FSSW) was developed to obtain similar weld performance for different weld tools. Use of the thermal-mechanical model and a combined approach enabled the design of weld tools for various sizes but similar qualities. Three weld tools for weld radii of 4, 5, and 6 mm were made to join 6061-T6 aluminum sheets. Performance evaluations of the three weld tools compared fracture behavior, microstructure, micro-hardness distribution, and welding temperature of welds in lap-shear specimens. For welds made by the three weld tools under identical processing conditions, failure loads were approximately proportional to tool size. Failure modes, microstructures, and micro-hardness distributions were similar. Welding temperatures correlated with frictional heat generation rate densities. Because the three weld tools sufficiently met all design objectives, the proposed approach is considered a simple and feasible guideline for preliminary tool design.

New integrated strategy emphasizing infection source control to curb Schistosomiasis japonica in a marshland area of Hubei Province, China: findings from an eight-year longitudinal survey.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in China. The major endemic foci are the lake and marshland regions of southern China, particularly the regions along the middle and lower reach of the Yangtze River in four provinces (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Anhui). The purpose of our study is to assess the effect of a new integrated strategy emphasizing infection source control to curb schistosomiasis in marshland regions. METHODS: In a longitudinal study, we implemented an integrated control strategy emphasizing infection source control in 16 villages from 2005 through 2012 in marshland regions of Hubei province. The interventions included removing cattle from snail-infested grasslands, providing farmers with mechanized farm equipment, improving sanitation by supplying tap water, building lavatories and latrines, praziquantel chemotherapy, controlling snails, and environmental modification. RESULTS: Following the integrated control strategy designed to reduce the role of bovines and humans as sources of Schistosoma japonicum infection, the prevalence of human S. japonicum infection declined from 1.7% in 2005 to 0.4% in 2012 (P<0.001). Reductions were also observed in both sexes, across all age groups, and among high risk occupations. Moreover, the prevalence of bovine S. japonicum infection decreased from 11.7% in 2005 to 0.6% in 2012 (P<0.001). In addition, all the 16 villages achieved the national criteria of infection control in 2008. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the integrated strategy was likely effective in controlling the transmission of S. japonicum in marshland regions in China.

[Discussion of indoor quality control method of MPAIA antibody test of Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the scientific and effective indoor quality control method to ensure the results of Magnetic Particle Antibody Immunoassay (MPAIA) antibody test of Schistosoma japonicum reliable. METHODS: The MPAIA antibody test indoor quality control work was performed with the combination of the crubbs method, Z-scores figure and Westgard multi-rules quality control method. RESULTS: The crubbs test entered the quality control condition state from the third times, after 20 times, the test switched to Z-scores conventional quality control, and the Westgard multi-rules quality control method could help analyze the type of errors. From the third to fortieth test, 186 samples were completed and the tests of 9 samples among 2 batches needed to be re-done because of the failure of quality control. The test results of other 177 samples were acceptable. CONCLUSION: The combination of the crubbs method, Z-scores figure and Westgard multi-rules quality control method can effectively accomplish the indoor quality control of MPAIA antibody test of Schistosoma japonicum.

[Surveillance and forecast for schistosome infectivity of Yangtze River and Hanbeihe River during flooding in Hubei Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the schistosome infectivity of the water body of the Yangtze River and Hanbeihe River during flooding in Hubei Province. METHODS: The Oncomelania snail status was investigated in 17 sites of the Yangtze River and Hanbei River, and the infectivity of schistosome in sentinel mice was also determined. RESULTS: In the Yangtze River and Hanbei River, the average densities of living snails were 0.35 snails/0.1 m2 and 0.67 snails/0.1 m2 respectively, and the average infection rates of snails were 0.33% and 0.05%, respectively. The sentinel mouse surveillances were carried out twice in 10 sites of the Yangtze River. During the first surveillance the infection rate was 5.5% with 4 positive environment sites, and that was 5.5% with 7 positive environment sites in the second surveillance. The sentinel mouse surveillance was carried out once in 7 sites of the Hanbeihe River, and the infection rate was 11.9% with 4 positive environment sites. CONCLUSIONS: By monitoring schistosome infection of the water body, we can understand the threat of environment and provide warning information to prevent from the outbreak and spread of acute schistosomiasis. We can also indirectly get many messages about the quality of snail investigation and the effect of mollusciciding.

[Surveillance of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province in 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in surveillance sites of Hubei Province in 2010. METHODS: According to The Scheme of Schistosomiasis Surveillance in Hubei Province, 207 endemic villages were selected as surveillance sites, where the surveys of residents, livestock and Oncomelania snails were carried out. RESULTS: In the 207 surveillance sites, the infection rates of residents and cattle were 1.01% and 1.14%, respectively, the densities of living snails and infected snails were 0.50 and 0.000 4 snails/0.1 m2, respectively, and the infection rate of snails was 0.08%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with that in 2009, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province in 2010 has decreased obviously, but as the repeatability of the disease, the control of infectious sources and the management of cattle should be strengthened, as well as the snail control.