High expression of centromere protein A and its molecular mechanism and clinical significance in prostate cancer: A study based on data mining and immunohistochemistry.

The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) leads to poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of PCa is still not completely clear. This study aimed to elucidate the important role of centromere protein A (CENPA) in PCa. Large numbers of bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data and in-house immunohistochemistry data were used in analysing the expression level of CENPA in PCa and metastatic PCa (MPCa). Single-cell RNA-seq data was used to explore the expression status of CENPA in different prostate subpopulations. Enrichment analysis was employed to detect the function of CENPA in PCa. Clinicopathological parameters analysis was utilised in analysing the clinical value of CENPA. The results showed that CENPA was upregulated in PCa (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.83, p = 0.001) and MPCa (SMD = 0.61, p = 0.029). CENPA was overexpressed in prostate cancer stem cells (CSCs) with androgen receptor (AR) negative compared to epithelial cells with AR positive. CENPA may influence the development of PCa through affecting cell cycle. Patients with nodal metastasis had higher expression level of CENPA. And patients with high CENPA expression had poor disease-free survival. Taken together, Overexpression of CENPA may influence the development of PCa by regulating cell cycle and promoting metastasis.

Neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 Delta/Omicron variants and B cell response after inactivated vaccination among COVID-19 convalescents / 医学前沿

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have made COVID-19 convalescents susceptible to re-infection and have raised concern about the efficacy of inactivated vaccination in neutralization against emerging variants and antigen-specific B cell response. To this end, a study on a long-term cohort of 208 participants who have recovered from COVID-19 was conducted, and the participants were followed up at 3.3 (Visit 1), 9.2 (Visit 2), and 18.5 (Visit 3) months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. They were classified into three groups (no-vaccination (n = 54), one-dose (n = 62), and two-dose (n = 92) groups) on the basis of the administration of inactivated vaccination. The neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers against the wild-type virus continued to decrease in the no-vaccination group, but they rose significantly in the one-dose and two-dose groups, with the highest NAb titers being observed in the two-dose group at Visit 3. The NAb titers against the Delta variant for the no-vaccination, one-dose, and two-dose groups decreased by 3.3, 1.9, and 2.3 folds relative to the wild-type virus, respectively, and those against the Omicron variant decreased by 7.0, 4.0, and 3.8 folds, respectively. Similarly, the responses of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific B cells and memory B cells were boosted by the second vaccine dose. Results showed that the convalescents benefited from the administration of the inactivated vaccine (one or two doses), which enhanced neutralization against highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants and memory B cell responses. Two doses of inactivated vaccine among COVID-19 convalescents are therefore recommended for the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccination guidelines and policies need to be updated.

Neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 Delta/Omicron variants and B cell response after inactivated vaccination among COVID-19 convalescents / 医学前沿

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have made COVID-19 convalescents susceptible to re-infection and have raised concern about the efficacy of inactivated vaccination in neutralization against emerging variants and antigen-specific B cell response. To this end, a study on a long-term cohort of 208 participants who have recovered from COVID-19 was conducted, and the participants were followed up at 3.3 (Visit 1), 9.2 (Visit 2), and 18.5 (Visit 3) months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. They were classified into three groups (no-vaccination (n = 54), one-dose (n = 62), and two-dose (n = 92) groups) on the basis of the administration of inactivated vaccination. The neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers against the wild-type virus continued to decrease in the no-vaccination group, but they rose significantly in the one-dose and two-dose groups, with the highest NAb titers being observed in the two-dose group at Visit 3. The NAb titers against the Delta variant for the no-vaccination, one-dose, and two-dose groups decreased by 3.3, 1.9, and 2.3 folds relative to the wild-type virus, respectively, and those against the Omicron variant decreased by 7.0, 4.0, and 3.8 folds, respectively. Similarly, the responses of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific B cells and memory B cells were boosted by the second vaccine dose. Results showed that the convalescents benefited from the administration of the inactivated vaccine (one or two doses), which enhanced neutralization against highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants and memory B cell responses. Two doses of inactivated vaccine among COVID-19 convalescents are therefore recommended for the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccination guidelines and policies need to be updated.

Clinical significance and potential regulatory mechanism of overexpression of pituitary tumor-transforming gene transcription factor in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary tumor transforming gene-1 (PTTG1) transcription factor is identified as carcinogenic and associated with tumor invasiveness, but its role in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains obscure. This research is intended to analyze the aberrant expression and clinical significance of PTTG1 in BLCA, explore the relationship between PTTG1 and tumor microenvironment characteristics and predict its potential transcriptional activity in BLCA tissue. METHODS: We compared the expression discrepancy of PTTG1 mRNA in BLCA and normal bladder tissue, using the BLCA transcriptomic datasets from GEO, ArrayExpress, TCGA, and GTEx. In-house immunohistochemical staining was implemented to determine the PTTG1 protein intensity. The prognostic value of PTTG1 was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. CRISPR screen data was utilized to estimate the effect PTTG1 interference has on BLCA cell lines. We predicted the abundance of the immune cells in the BLCA tumor microenvironment using the microenvironment cell populations-counter and ESTIMATE algorithms. Single-cell RNA sequencing data was applied to identify the major cell types in BLCA, and the dynamics of BLCA progression were revealed using pseudotime analysis. PTTG1 target genes were predicted by CistromeDB. RESULTS: The elevated expression level of PTTG1 was confirmed in 1037 BLCA samples compared with 127 non-BLCA samples, with a standardized mean difference value of 1.04. Higher PTTG1 expression status exhibited a poorer BLCA prognosis. Moreover, the PTTG1 Chronos genetic effect scores were negative, indicating that PTTG1 silence may inhibit the proliferation and survival of BLCA cells. With PTTG1 mRNA expression level increasing, higher natural killer, cytotoxic lymphocyte, and monocyte lineage cell infiltration levels were observed. A total of four candidate targets containing CHEK2, OCIAD2, UBE2L3, and ZNF367 were determined ultimately. CONCLUSIONS: PTTG1 mRNA over-expression may become a potential biomarker for BLCA prognosis. Additionally, PTTG1 may correlate with the BLCA tumor microenvironment and exert transcriptional activity by targeting CHEK2, OCIAD2, UBE2L3, and ZNF367 in BLCA tissue.

A cocktail containing two synergetic antibodies broadly neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its variants including Omicron BA.1 and BA.2

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) can prevent and treat infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, continuously emerging variants, such as Omicron, have significantly reduced the potency of most known NAbs. The selection of NAbs with broad neutralizing activities and the identification of conserved critical epitopes are still urgently needed. Here, we identified an extremely potent antibody (55A8) by single B-cell sorting from convalescent SARS-CoV-2-infected patients that recognized the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. 55A8 could bind to wild-type SARS-CoV-2, Omicron BA.1 and Omicron BA.2 simultaneously with 58G6, a NAb previously identified by our group. Importantly, an antibody cocktail containing 55A8 and 58G6 (2-cocktail) showed synergetic neutralizing activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the picomolar range in vitro and prophylactic efficacy in hamsters challenged with Omicron (BA.1) through intranasal delivery at an extraordinarily low dosage (25 g of each antibody daily) at 3 days post-infection. Structural analysis by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) revealed that 55A8 is a Class III NAb that recognizes a highly conserved epitope. It could block angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding to the RBD in the S protein trimer via steric hindrance. The epitopes in the RBD recognized by 55A8 and 58G6 were found to be different and complementary, which could explain the synergetic mechanism of these two NAbs. Our findings not only provide a potential antibody cocktail for clinical use against infection with current SARS-CoV-2 strains and future variants but also identify critical epitope information for the development of better antiviral agents.

Computation of Antigenicity Predicts SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Breakthrough Variants

It has been reported that multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs) including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) can reduce neutralisation by antibodies, resulting in vaccine breakthrough infections. Virus-antiserum neutralisation assays are typically performed to monitor potential vaccine breakthrough strains. However, such experimental-based methods are slow and cannot instantly validate whether newly emerging variants can break through current vaccines or therapeutic antibodies. To address this, we sought to establish a computational model to predict the antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants by sequence alone and in real time. In this study, we firstly identified the relationship between the antigenic difference transformed from the amino acid sequence and the antigenic distance from the neutralisation titres. Based on this correlation, we obtained a computational model for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein to predict the fold decrease in virus-antiserum neutralisation titres with high accuracy (~0.79). Our predicted results were comparable with experimental neutralisation titres of variants, including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.429 (Epsilon), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.526 (Iota), B.1.617.1 (Kappa), and C.37 (Lambda), as well as SARS-CoV. Here, we firstly predicted the fold of decrease of B.1.1.529 (Omicron) as 17.4-fold less susceptible to neutralisation. We visualised all 1521 SARS-CoV-2 lineages to indicate variants including B.1.621 (Mu), B.1.630, B.1.633, B.1.649, and C.1.2, which can induce vaccine breakthrough infections in addition to reported VOCs B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Our study offers a quick approach to predict the antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants as soon as they emerge. Furthermore, this approach can facilitate future vaccine updates to cover all major variants. An online version can be accessed at http://jdlab.online.

Risk factors and prognosis analysis of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection for inpatients in hepatobiliary surgery / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To explore the risk factors and prognosis of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infection for inpatients in hepatobiliary surgery. Methods:The clinical data of patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient with CRKP infection, two patients with non-carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (non-CRKP) infection were selected for matching. A total of 720 patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection were involved, including 444 males and 276 females, aged (58.0±11.6) years old. According to the infection conditions, they were divided into two groups: CRKP group ( n=240) and non-CRKP group ( n=480). The 240 CRKP patients were divided into two subgroups according to their prognosis: death group ( n=34) and survival group ( n=206). The general information, laboratory test results, antibiotic use and infection outcomes of patients were recorded to analyze the risk factors of infection and death after infection. Results:Acute pancreatitis ( OR=3.473, 95% CI: 1.844-6.541), chronic cardiovascular disease before infection ( OR=2.028, 95% CI: 1.228-3.347), chronic renal failure ( OR=1.873, 95% CI: 1.142-3.073), hypoalbuminemia ( OR=3.060, 95% CI: 1.869-5.010), use of carbapenems ( OR=3.882, 95% CI: 2.518-5.985), admission to intensive care unit ( OR=1.783, 95% CI: 1.034-3.075) and surgery within 30 days before infection ( OR=13.463, 95% CI: 7.482-24.223) were independent risk factors for CRKP infection inpatients in hepatobiliary surgery(all P<0.05). Chronic respiratory disease before infection ( OR=3.784, 95% CI: 1.420-10.089), mechanical ventilation ( OR=5.085, 95% CI: 1.436-18.011), disturbance of consciousness ( OR=40.710, 95% CI: 3.564-464.943), hormone therapy ( OR=14.977, 95% CI: 3.819-58.743) and treatment of quinolone antibiotics ( OR=4.102, 95% CI: 1.226-13.726) were independent risk factors for death of inpatients with CRKP infection in hepatobiliary surgery (all P<0.05). The resistance of amikacin, tobramycin, ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, co-sulfamethoxazole and piperacillin/tazobactamand in CRKP group were significantly different compared with non-CRKP group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The occurrence of CRKP infection for inpatients in hepatobiliary surgery is related to various factors such as underlying diseases, antibiotic use and self-barrier destruction, and these factors affect the infection outcome of patients.

Paeonol inhibits rheumatoid arthritis through formyl peptide receptors / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the pharmacological effects of paeonol as a formyl peptide receptor activator on rheumatoid arthritis (HA).Methods The target rlataset was obtained from the high throughput Gene Expression Database ( GEO) , and multiple data sets were combined by USING R language to explore three groups of macrophage differentially expressed genes ( DEGs) in untreated,lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treat¬ment and paeonol and LPS treatment, and their enrich-ment pathway was analyzed.Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed in the STRING data¬base anrl visualized in Cytoscape software.The inhibi¬tor}' effect of Hub gene formyl peptide receptor ( FPR) on RA inflammation was validated by TNF-cx stimula¬tion of fibroblast synovial cells ( FLS).Results Through bioinformatics analysis, 169 differential genes ( DEGs) related to inflammation and 275 DEGs related to the mechanism of paeonol action were obtained.Combined analysis of the two groups of DEGs showed that FPR played a key role in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of paeonol.Further studies on the mecha¬nism of paeonol showed that paeonol activated FPR, and the inhibitory effect of paeonol on FLS inflamma¬tion was rescued by TRP-ARg-TRP-TRP-TRP-TRP- TRP-TRP-NH2 (WRW4).Conclusion Paeonol can inhibit the inflammatory development of RA through the FPR pathway.

Long Noncoding RNA PVT1 Promotes Stemness and Temozolomide Resistance through miR-365/ELF4/SOX2 Axis in Glioma

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are a class of non-coding RNAs demonstrated to play pivotal roles in regulating tumor progression. Therefore, deciphering the regulatory role of lncRNA in the development of glioma may offer a promising therapeutic target for treatment of glioma. We performed RT-qPCR analysis on the expression of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) and miR-365 in glioma tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation and viability was assessed with CCK8 assay. Cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay. Transwell assay was used to assess cell invasion capacity. Expression of CD133+ cells was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to detection the expression of ELF4 and stemness-related protein SOX2, Oct4 and Nanog. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase assay were used to predict and validate the interaction between PVT1 and miR-365. Elevated PVT1 expression was observed in glioma tissues and cells. Knockdown of PVT1 and overexpression of miR-365 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted stemness and Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of glioma cells. PVT1 regulated ELF4 expression by competitively binds to miR-365. PVT1 regulated the stemness and sensitivity of TMZ of glioma cells through miR-365/ELF4/ SOX2 axis. This study identified that PVT1 promoted glioma stemness through miR-365/ELF4/SOX2 axis.

Long Noncoding RNA PVT1 Promotes Stemness and Temozolomide Resistance through miR-365/ELF4/SOX2 Axis in Glioma

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are a class of non-coding RNAs demonstrated to play pivotal roles in regulating tumor progression. Therefore, deciphering the regulatory role of lncRNA in the development of glioma may offer a promising therapeutic target for treatment of glioma. We performed RT-qPCR analysis on the expression of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) and miR-365 in glioma tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation and viability was assessed with CCK8 assay. Cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay. Transwell assay was used to assess cell invasion capacity. Expression of CD133+ cells was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to detection the expression of ELF4 and stemness-related protein SOX2, Oct4 and Nanog. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase assay were used to predict and validate the interaction between PVT1 and miR-365. Elevated PVT1 expression was observed in glioma tissues and cells. Knockdown of PVT1 and overexpression of miR-365 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted stemness and Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of glioma cells. PVT1 regulated ELF4 expression by competitively binds to miR-365. PVT1 regulated the stemness and sensitivity of TMZ of glioma cells through miR-365/ELF4/ SOX2 axis. This study identified that PVT1 promoted glioma stemness through miR-365/ELF4/SOX2 axis.

A potent neutralizing nanobody against SARS-CoV-2 with inhaled delivery potential

The outbreak of COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic. The unprecedented scale and severity call for rapid development of effective prophylactics or therapeutics. We here reported Nanobody (Nb) phage display libraries derived from four camels immunized with the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), from which 381 Nbs were identified to recognize SARS-CoV-2-RBD. Furthermore, seven Nbs were shown to block interaction of human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with SARS-CoV-2-RBD-variants, bat-SL-CoV-WIV1-RBD and SARS-CoV-1-RBD. Among the seven candidates, Nb11-59 exhibited the highest activity against authentic SARS-CoV-2 with ND50 of 0.55 g/mL. Nb11-59 can be produced on a large-scale in Pichia pastoris, with 20 g/L titer and 99.36% purity. It also showed good stability profile, and nebulization did not impact its stability. Overall, Nb11-59 might be a promising prophylactic and therapeutic molecule against COVID-19, especially through inhalation delivery. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=154 SRC="FIGDIR/small/242867v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (42K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e4434org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@9fee79org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e15bb1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4adb0c_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

Mapping the Immunodominance Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein for the Design of Vaccines against COVID-19

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious threat to global public health, and imposes severe burdens on the entire human society. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause severe respiratory illness and death. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs that can treat COVID-19. Several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are being actively developed by research groups around the world. The surface S (spike) protein and the highly expressed internal N (nucleocapsid) protein of SARS-CoV-2 are widely considered as promising candidates for vaccines. In order to guide the design of an effective vaccine, we need experimental data on these potential epitope candidates. In this study, we mapped the immunodominant (ID) sites of S protein using sera samples collected from recently discharged COVID-19 patients. The SARS-CoV-2 S protein-specific antibody levels in the sera of recovered COVID-19 patients were strongly correlated with the neutralising antibody titres. We used epitope mapping to determine the landscape of ID sites of S protein, which identified nine linearized B cell ID sites. Four out of the nine ID sites were found in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Further analysis showed that these ID sites are potential high-affinity SARS-CoV-2 antibody binding sites. Peptides containing two out of the nine sites were tested as vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2 in a mouse model. We detected epitope-specific antibodies and SARS-CoV-2-neutralising activity in the immunised mice. This study for the first time provides human serological data for the design of vaccines against COVID-19.

Immunoglobulin fragment F(ab')2 against RBD potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

COVID-19 caused by the emerging human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic, leading a serious threat to human health. So far, there is none vaccines or specific antiviral drugs approved for that. Therapeutic antibodies for SARS-CoV-2, was obtained from hyper immune equine plasma in this study. Herein, SARS-CoV-2 RBD with gram level were obtained through Chinese hamster ovary cells high-density fermentation. The binding of RBD to SARS-CoV-2 receptor, human ACE2, was verified and the efficacy of RBD in vivo was tested on mice and then on horses. As a result, RBD triggered high-titer neutralizing antibodies in vivo, and immunoglobulin fragment F(ab)2 was prepared from horse antisera through removing Fc. Neutralization test demonstrated that RBD-specific F(ab)2 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 with EC50 at 0.07 g/ml, showing a potent inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. These results highlights as RBD-specific F(ab)2 as therapeutic candidate for SARS-CoV-2.

Application effect of 5A nursing mode based on WeChat platform in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the application effect of 5A nursing model based on WeChat platform in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:A total of 82 patients with COPD were enrolled in our hospital from February 2018 to March 2019. According to the order of establishment, the patients were divided into study group and control group, with 41 cases in each group. The control group received routine care, and the study group adopted a 5A care model based on the WeChat platform on the basis of the control group. Pulmonary function before and after intervention in the two groups [1 second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC)], mood disorder [Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Depression Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS)], self-efficacy [General Self-Efficient Energy Meter (GSES)] supplements the Chinese name of this scale), quality of life [St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)] supplements the Chinese name of this scale) and nursing job satisfaction.Results:The FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC of the study group were (0.98±0.07)L, (1.59±0.22)L, (61.64±1.88)%, and the control group was (0.99±0.08)L, (1.61±0.20). L, (61.49±2.05)%; after 3 months of intervention, the study group was (1.45±0.18)L, (2.01±0.24)L, (72.14±1.49)%, and the control group was (1.21±0.12)L, (1.83±0.21) L, (66.12±1.75)%, there was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ( t value was 0.602, 0.431, 0.345, P>0.05), intervention 3 The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t value was 7.104, 3.614, 16.771, P<0.05). The SAS and SDS scores of the study group were 59.17±3.25 and 61.02±4.06; and 58.96±3.72, 60.75±3.84 in the control group; after 3 months of intervention, the study group scored 42.05±3.10, 44.26±3.25, and the control group scored 48.59±3.55, 49.97±3.41. There was no significant difference in the scores of SAS and SDS between the two groups before intervention ( t value was 0.272, 0.309, P>0.05). After 3 months of intervention, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t value was 8.885, 7.762, P<0.01); the GSES score of the study group was 22.19±3.11 before the intervention, and the control group scored 22.58±2.97. After 3 months of intervention, the study group scored 33.65±2.14. The scores of the group were 28.71±2.03. There was no significant difference in the GSES scores between the two groups before intervention ( t value was 0.581, P>0.05). After 3 months of intervention, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t value was 10.724, P<0.01). Conclusion:The 5A nursing model based on WeChat platform can significantly improve lung function, reduce mood disorder, enhance self-efficacy, improve quality of life, and patients showed high satisfaction with nursing work.

Clinical study of flexible ureteroscope with tubeless in the treatment of middle or upper calyx renal calculi / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of flexible ureteroscope with tubeless in the treatment of middle or upper calyx renal calculi.Methods The clinical data of 107 patients with renal calculi treated from January 2015 to October 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.Age ranged from 18 to 55 years,with mean of (32.1 ± 5.2) years.Calculi was single,locating in the middle or upper calyx,with the diameter less than 2.0 cm,the CT value ≤ 800 HU,and mild renal hydronephrosis.All patients were routinely indwelling double-J tube using cystoscopy 2 weeks preoperatively,and ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed.Fifty patients in group A were received tubeless treatment,and 57 patients in group B were given routinely indwelling double-J tube.The 50 patients in group A were (30.4 ± 5.9) years of age,including 33 males and 17 females,28 cases on the left and 22 cases on the right,24 cases locating in the upper calyx and 26 cases locating in the middle calyx,and calculi diameter of (1.3 ± 0.5) cm.The 57 patients in group B were (31.3 ± 5.4) years of age,including 35 males and 22 females,26 cases on the left and 31 cases on the right,27 cases locating in the upper calyx and 30 cases locating in the middle calyx,and diameter of (1.4 ± 0.4) cm.There were no significant difference in the demographics between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Results There were no obvious ureteral malformations,stenosis,polyps or tumors in the 107 cases intraoperatively,and the flexible ureteroscope sheath was placed smoothly.The operation time in group A [(48.2 ± 9.7) min] was significantly lower than that in group B [(51.7 ± 7.8) min,P ＜ 0.05].There was no significant difference in the calculi clearance rate between the two groups on the first day [92.0％ (46/50) vs.91.2％ (52/57)] and two weeks[96.0％ (48/50) vs.98.2％ (56/57)] after operation(P ＞ 0.05),and the calculi clearance rate reached 100％ at 1 month after operation.The incidence of hematuria in group A [24.0％ (12/50)] was significantly lower than that in group B [54.4％ (31/57),P =0.001].The incidence of bladder irritative symptoms in group A [14.0％ (7/50)] was significantly lower than that in group B [36.8％ (21/57),P =0.007].The incidence of lumbar and abdominal pain at 1 week,2 weeks and 1 month after operation was significantly lower in group A [32.0％ (16/50),8.0％ (4/50),2.0％ (1/50)] than that in group B [57.9％ (33/57),49.1％ (28/57),33.3％ (19/57),P ＜ 0.05].There was no significant difference between the two groups about the incidence of lumbar and abdominal pain at first day after operation [86.0％ (43/50) vs.84.2％ (48/57),P ＞ 0.05].Conclusions It was feasibility and safety to perform flexible ureteroscope with tubeless for the patients with renal primary and single calculi,ideal ureteral conditions (no malformations,stenosis,polyps or tumors),mild renal hydronephrosis,calculi,diameter ＜ 2.0 cm,CT value ≤ 800 HU,locating in the middle or upper calyx,and no history of urinary calculi.This procedure had not only similar calculi clearance rate compared with routinely indwelling double-J tube,but also has a lower incidence of complications (hematuria,bladder irritative symptoms,lumbar or abdominal pain).

SIRT6 Depletion Sensitizes Human Hepatoma Cells to Chemotherapeutics by Downregulating MDR1 Expression.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) due to overexpression of MDR1 is a major obstacle that hinders the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we explored the function and underlying molecular mechanism of SIRT6 in MDR of HCC. Chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, cisplatin, and sorafenib) treatment increased SIRT6 mRNA and protein level in two HCC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. SIRT6 depletion resulted in decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in HCC cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Mechanistically, SIRT6 depletion reduced MDR1 transcription by targeting its promoter in HCC cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Consistently, the protein level of MDR1 was also reduced in SIRT6-depleted HCC cells. Further studies indicated that SIRT6 depletion may suppress CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ß (C/EBPß), to act as a transcriptional activator of MDR1 in HCC cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Importantly, forced expression of MDR1 could attenuate the apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents in SIRT6-depleted cells. Taken together, these results indicated SIRT6 depletion enhanced chemosensitivity of human hepatoma cells by downregulating MDR1 expression through suppressing C/EBPß. SIRT6 may serve as a novel target to enhance chemosensitivity in HCC cells.

A multicenter prospective registration study of iodixanol in the treatment of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and contrast-induced acute kidney injury, in Chinese patients with chronic kidrey disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the infl uence of iodixanol on Chinese patients who had chronic kidney disease(CKD) and received percutaneous coronary intervention complicated with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE) and contrast-induced acute kidney injury(CIAKI). Methods From 30th October 2013 to 7th October 2015, 3042 patients were enrolled in 30 centers in China. Patients were monitored in the hospital for 3 days and followed-up at 1 month. Patients were divided into chronic kidney disease group(n=105)and non chronic kidney disease group (n=2937) according to whether the patient has chronic nephropathy or not.The primary end point was the incidence rate of MACCE (re-revascularization of target lesions, stroke, stent thrombosis,cardiac death and myocardial infarction) and CIAKI in hospital 72 hours after PCI. The secondary end point was the incidence rate from 72 hours to 30 days post-PCI. Resuits (1)There were obvious differences between the two groups in baseline demographic date including age,BMI,comorbidities of hypertension,congestive heart failure, dyslipidemia,diabetes mellitus,peptic ulcer,ischemic stroke,previous use of antihypertensive drugs, diuretics,lipid-regulating drugs,hypoglycemic drugs,antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants(all P<0.05).(2) There were obvious differences the CKD and non-CKD groups in perioperative date including operative route,preoperative hydration volume,postoperative hydration volume,total hydration volume,degree of postoporation lesion stenosis, contrast media used and machine injection rate(all P<0.05).(3)There were signifi cant diff erences between the two groups in the percentage of prescription of β-blocker,lipid-regulating drugs and antiplatelet drugs after PCI(all P<0.05).(4)There was not statistical diff erences between two groups in MACCE incidence in hospital and from 72 hours to 30 days post-PCI(P>0.05). (5)There was not statistical diff erences between two the groups in CIAKI incidence in hospital (P>0.05). Conclusions Iodixanol had no signifi cant eff ect on the incidence of MACCE and CIAKI in Chinese chronic kidney disease patients and non-CKD patients who received PCI.

Effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on intestinal function in rabbits after cardiopulmonary resuscitation / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective To investigate the effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on intestinal mucosal barrier after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac arrest (CA) rabbits. Methods Forty-four male New Zealand rabbits were divided into sham operation group (Sham group, n = 12), post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) group (n = 16) and H2S intervention group (PCAS+NaHS, n = 16) according to random number table method. The rabbit model of PCAS was established by tracheal clamping and suffocation, and CPR was started at 5 minutes after CA. However, Sham group did not clamp the tracheal intubation after anesthesia, and the other operations were the same as those in PCAS group. In the PCAS+NaHS group, a bolus of NaHS (0.5 mg/kg), a H2S donor, was injected via era vein 1 minute before the start of CPR, followed by a continuous injection of NaHS (1.5 mg·kg-1·h-1) for 3 hours, while the rabbits in other group were intravenously injected with the same volume of normal saline (NaCl 0.9%). Intestinal and portal vein blood samples were collected 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The level of serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4) was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling method to reflect intestinal mucosal permeability. After hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of small intestine tissues, the morphological changes of mucosa were observed under light microscope, and the intestinal mucosa injury score was calculated. The expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in small intestinal tissue was determined by thiobarbituric acid chromogenic method, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was determined by xanthine oxidation method, and the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was determined by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to reflect the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction in small intestinal tissue. The expression of apoptosis protein (caspase-3) and autophagy related protein (Beclin-1, LC3) in small intestine tissue was detected by Western Blot. Results 12, 13 and 14 animals were successfully resuscitated in Sham group, PCAS group and PCAS+NaHS group respectively, while 12 animals in each group survived to the end of experiment. Compared with Sham group, the level of FD-4 in portal vein serum was significantly increased in PCAS group (mg/L: 11.95±0.59 vs. 1.43±0.48, P < 0.05), the pathological injury and inflammation infiltration were obviously aggravated under light microscope, the score of small intestine injury was significantly increased (4.21±0.37 vs. 0.36±0.18, P < 0.05), the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 in the intestine was visibly down-regulated detected by immunohistochemistry, MDA content and MPO activity were significantly increased [MDA (nmol/mg): 3.65±0.32 vs. 1.54±0.24, MPO (U/g): 362±35 vs. 134±18, both P < 0.05], while SOD activity was significantly decreased (U/mg:78.84±7.49 vs. 115.48±8.48, P < 0.05), the expression levels of cleaved capase-3, Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins in the intestine were significantly increased (caspase-3/β-actin: 1.11±0.08 vs. 0.21±0.02, Beclin-1/β-actin: 2.08±0.11 vs. 0.42±0.03, LC3/β-actin: 1.05±0.07 vs. 0.37±0.05, LC3-Ⅱ/ LC3-Ⅰ: 1.28±0.14 vs. 0.17±0.02, all P < 0.05). Compared with PCAS group, the portal vein serum FD-4 level in PCAS+NAHS group was significantly decreased (mg/L:5.59±0.48 vs. 11.95±0.59, P < 0.05), the intestinal mucosal pathological injury and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly decreased, the score of small intestine injury was significantly decreased (2.18±0.47 vs. 4.21±0.37, P <0.05), the expression of ZO-1 in intestine was significantly increased, MDA content and MPO activity in intestine were significantly decreased [MDA (nmol/mg): 2.65±0.31 vs. 3.65±0.32, MPO (U/g): 251±21 vs. 362±35, both P < 0.05], while SOD activity was significantly increased (U/mg: 96.86±7.52 vs. 78.84±7.49, P < 0.05), while the expression of activated caspase-3, Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins was significantly decreased (caspase-3/β-actin: 0.72±0.06 vs. 1.11±0.08, Beclin-1/β-actin: 0.96±0.08 vs. 2.08±0.11, LC3/β-actin: 0.72±0.06 vs. 1.05±0.07, LC3-Ⅱ/ LC3-Ⅰ:0.83±0.09 vs. 1.28±0.14, all P < 0.05). Conclusion H2S has a protective effect on intestinal mucosal injury induced by CA/CPR, which may be related to tight junction protein ZO-1 up-regulation, oxidative stress alleviation, inflammation reduction, apoptosis and autophagy inhibition.

Inhibitory effect of fenbendazole on proliferation of human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of fenbendazole (FBZ) on the proliferation of human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell line K562.METHODS:The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of FBZ on viability of the K562 cells and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).The cell growth was measured by the method of Trypan blue exclusion.The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry.The cell cycle-related proteins were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:The growth of K562 was significantly inhibited by FBZ.However, it elicited little cytotoxic effect on PBMC.Furthermore, FBZ induced G2/M phase arrest and mitotic catastrophe in the K562 cells based on the changes of nuclear morphology, DNA content, mitotic marker analysis and the number of polykaryocytes.CONCLUSION:Fenbendazole significantly inhibits the proliferation of K562 cells and induces cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase by the regulation of cell cycle-related proteins.

Prevalence of Hearing Disorders Based Whole Population in Jilin Province, China / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To investigate the prevalence, etiology, rehabilitation demands and service condition of hearing disorders based on the whole population in Jilin Province, China. Methods Using the probability proportion to size (PPS) sampling, 9246 (93.3%) out of 9909 residents sampled form 36 counties were targeted for investigation from August, 2014 to January, 2015, followed the WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol. The hearing loss and disability were classified as WHO recommended and Classification and Grading Criteria of Disability (GB/T 26341-2010). Results The standardized prevalence of hearing loss and disability was 16.41%and 4.78%, re-spectively. Age, sex, residence, occupation and marriage status, education level and household income were significantly associated with hearing loss prevalence, while nationality was not. The main etiologies included non-infectious disease (47.33%), ear disease (14.17%), un-known causation (13.89%), and noise (8.59%). Among all people with hearing loss, those who accepted intervention service accounted for 11.02%. Among all people with hearing disability, those who used hearing aids accounted for 5.58%, and 0.67%used artificial cochlea. Con-clusion Demographics and socioeconomic factors are significantly associated with the prevalence of hearing loss. The main etiology con-tains non-infectious disease, ear disease and noise. Both the rate of service utilization among people with hearing loss and the rate of adopt-ing hearing aids among people with hearing disability are low. It is needed to do more in prevention and rehabilitation of hearing impairment.