Nomogram predicting the cardiovascular disease mortality for older patients with colorectal cancer: A real-world population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Cardio-oncology has received increasing attention especially among older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality is the second-most frequent cause of death. The risk factors for CVD-specific mortality among older patients with CRC are still poorly understood. AIM: To identify the prognostic factors and construct a nomogram-based model to predict the CVD-specific mortality among older patients with CRC. METHODS: The data on older patients diagnosed with CRC were retrieved from The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2015. The prognostic factors and a nomogram-based model predicting the CVD-specific mortality were assessed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 141251 eligible patients with CRC were enrolled, of which 41459 patients died of CRC and 12651 patients died of CVD. The age at diagnosis, sex, marital status, year of diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors associated with CVD-specific mortality among older patients with CRC. We used these variables to develop a model to predict CVD-specific mortality. The calibration curves for CVD-specific mortality probabilities showed that the model was in good agreement with actual observations. The C-index value of the model in the training cohort and testing cohort for predicting CVD-specific mortality was 0.728 and 0.734, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed nomogram-based model for CVD-specific mortality can be used for accurate prognostic prediction among older patients with CRC. This model is a potentially useful tool for clinicians to identify high-risk patients and develop personalized treatment plans.

Effectiveness of mHealth-based psychosocial interventions for breast cancer patients and their caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer causes significant distress in patient-caregiver dyads. While psychosocial and/or mHealth-based interventions have shown efficacy in improving their psychosocial well-being, no reviews have synthesised the effectiveness of such interventions delivered specifically to the breast cancer patient-caregiver dyad. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise available evidence examining the effectiveness of mHealth-based psychosocial interventions among breast cancer patient-caregiver dyads in improving their psychosocial well-being (primary outcomes: dyadic adjustment, depression and anxiety; secondary outcomes: stress, symptom distress, social well-being and relationship quality), compared to active or non-active controls. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were comprehensively searched from seven electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science), ongoing trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP) and grey literature (ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) from inception of databases till 23 December 2022. Studies involving breast cancer patient-caregiver dyads participating in mHealth-based psychosocial interventions, compared to active or non-active controls, were included. Exclusion criteria were terminally ill patients and/or participants with psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment and interventions collecting symptomatic data, promoting breast cancer screening or involving only physical activities. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal of studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 1 and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist were used to appraise the randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, respectively. Meta-analyses using Review Manager 5.4.1 synthesised the effects of outcomes of interest. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. The GRADE approach appraised the overall evidence quality. RESULTS: Twelve trials involving 1204 breast cancer patient-caregiver dyads were included. Meta-analyses found statistically significant increase in caregiver anxiety (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.09, 0.77], Z = 2.47, p = 0.01), involving 479 caregivers in 5 studies, and stress (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI [0.05, 0.45], Z = 2.44, p = 0.01), involving 387 caregivers in 4 studies post-intervention, favouring control groups. The intervention effects on the remaining outcomes were statistically insignificant. Beneficial effects of such interventions remain uncertain. The overall quality of evidence was very low for all primary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the effectiveness of mHealth-based psychosocial interventions on the psychosocial well-being of breast cancer patient-caregiver dyads are inconclusive. The high heterogeneity shown in the meta-analyses and very-low overall quality of evidence imply the need for cautious interpretation of findings. Higher-quality studies are needed to assess the effects of psychosocial interventions on dyadic outcomes and determine optimal intervention regimes.

Screening and verification of proteins that interact with HSPC238.

HSPC238 is a recently identified tumor suppressor and demonstrates ubiquitin ligase E3 enzyme activity. HSPC238 was found to be significantly downregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo and to inhibit the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells in vitro; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study, we screened for and identified proteins that physically interact with HSPC238. A bait vector for yeast two-hybrid was constructed with human HSPC238 gene cDNA. Yeast two-hybrid screening was performed using a human fetal liver cDNA library. Multiple reporter gene assays, DNA sequencing and BLAST comparison analysis were performed on positive clones. Protein interaction of screened candidates with HSPC238 was further validated by confocal microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays. Yeast two-hybrid screening demonstrated 124 positive clones. Multiple reporter gene assays with LacZ, HIS and ADE2 selective media identified 12 genes. Further co-localization, co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays demonstrated that HMOX1, RPS27A, ubiquitinB and MT2A interacted with HSPC238. These four proteins are involved in tumor development and progression, and are associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Our results suggest that HSPC238 may play a tumor suppressor role and interact with these proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The identification and validation of proteins interacting with HSP238 may lead to the discovery of novel mechanisms through which HSPC238 suppresses tumorigenesis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

PSMA7 inhibits the tumorigenicity of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

The gene for proteasome subunit alpha type-7 (PSMA7) is located in chromosomal 20q13.33, a region frequently amplified in tumor. In this study, we employed A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and showed that PSMA7 inhibits the proliferation, tumorigenicity and invasion of A549 cells in vitro. Moreover, both gain and loss of function studies demonstrated that PSMA7 modulates the tumorigenicity of A549 cells in a xenograft nude mice model. In conclusion, these results identify inhibitory effects associated with PSMA7 that affect the tumorigenicity of A549 cells, suggesting PSMA7 as a potential tumor biomarker.

Association of TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 gene polymerphisms with asthma in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common respiratory disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. It has been suggested that TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 play important roles in asthma. OBJECTIVES: We attempted to confirm the roles of TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 polymorphisms in asthma in a Chinese population. METHODS: Five SNPs (rs1800469, rs2241712, rs2070874, rs20541 and rs1800925) in TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 were genotyped using the MassArray SNP genotyping system. Allelic and genotypic associations between these SNPs and asthma were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The CT genotype of rs1800469 and T allele of rs20541 were significantly associated with asthma. Among atopic subjects, the CT genotype of rs1800469 and GA genotype of rs2241712 decreased the risk of asthma, while the CC genotype of rs2070874 showed a decreasing trend of asthma risk with a borderline significance. No significant association was found between rs1800925 and asthma. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we confirmed the association of rs1800469 in TGF-beta1 and rs20541 in IL-13 with asthma and found a trend toward association between rs2241712 in TGF-beta1 and rs2070874 in IL-4 with asthma among atopic subjects, suggesting TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 may be associated with the susceptibility and development of asthma in this Chinese population.

[Effect of UBE2C overexpression on the proliferation of 293T cell line].

AIM: To establish a 293T cell line with stable expression of UBE2C and to investigate the effect of UBE2C overexpression on the proliferation of 293T cells. METHODS: Recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(-)/UBE2C successfully constructed in previous time was transfected into 293T cells by lipofectamine 2000. After screened with G418 for 4 weeks, Western blot was used to detect the protein level of UBE2C and MTT assay to detect the proliferation of 293T cells. RESULTS: Compared with pcDNA3.1(-) transfected group, Western blot analysis demonstrated that the level of UBE2C was significantly increased in pcDNA3.1(-)/UBE2C transfected group (P < 0.05). MTT assay showed that 293T cells overexpressing UBE2C proliferated faster than control 293T cells. CONCLUSION: A 293T cell line with UBE2C stable expression is successfully established and UBE2C promoted the proliferation of 293T cells.

[Construction of recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed1-C3/XAPC7 and cellular localization of XAPC7 protein in different cell lines].

AIM: To construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed1-C3/XAPC7 and to investigate the cellular localization of XAPC7 protein in 786-O and 293T and Chang liver cell lines. METHODS: The cDNA of XAPC7 was amplified from HBE135-E6E7 cell line by RT-PCR method. The aim gene fragment XAPC7 from pMD18-T/XAPC7 was subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed1-C3. The recombinant plasmid pDsRed1-C3/XAPC7 was identificated by BamH I/Xho I double digestion and sequence analysis, and then transfected into786-O and 293T and Chang liver cell lines by lipofectamine 2000. The expression and cellular localization of XAPC7 protein were detected by fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: The construction of the recombinant plasmid pDsRed1-C3/XAPC7 was proved successfully by restriction enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing. Red fluorescent protein pDsRed1-C3/XAPC7 was distributed granularly in transfected cell lines. Our researches showed that XAPC7 protein was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of 786-O cell line, rare in its nucleus, evenly distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of 293T cell line, and mainly located in the cytoplasm of Chang liver cell line, few in its nucleus. CONCLUSION: The eukaryotic expression plasmid pDsRed1-C3/XAPC7 has been successfully constructed and expressed in the 786-O and 293T and Chang liver cell lines, but there was obvious difference in different cell lines. Our researches will help further studies on the function of human gene XAPC7.

[Association of the C3 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to adult asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the complement component 3 gene (C3) and adult asthma of Hans in southern China. METHODS: A case-control study was performed. Four hundred and eighty-four adult asthma patients diagnosed in Nanfang Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, and 553 healthy subjects were collected from 2006 to 2010 for the study. MassARRAY-IPLEX and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) techniques was used to determine the genotypes of the rs10402876 and rs366510 loci of C3 gene. RESULTS: Genotypes GG, GT and TT in the rs366510 locus, and genotypes GG, GT and TT in the rs10402876 locus were detected. A total of 98.94 percent of samples were genotyped. There were no significant differences in genotype frequencies (chi-square =0.346,P=0.841) and allele frequencies (chi-square =0.101,P=0.751) of rs10402876 between the two groups. However, genotype and allele frequencies of the rs366510 locus were significantly different (chi-square =9.759, P=0.008, Bonferroni correction, P=0.016; chi-square =5.294,P=0.021, Bonferroni correction, P=0.042, respectively). Compared with genotypes GG+GT, genotype TT of rs366510 significantly increased the risk of asthma, with the odds ratio of 1.471 (95% confidence interval 1.125-1.923). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that C3 gene could be associated with adult asthma of Han population in southern China.

[Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of MD-1 gene with asthma in adults of Han Nationality in Southern China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between MD-1 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and bronchial asthma in adults of the Han nationality in Southern China as well as their lung functions. METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, 332 adult asthmatic patients of the Han nationality diagnosed in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, and 276 healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. The SNPs of MD-1 gene loci rs2233128 and rs7740529 were genotyped by using MassARRAY-IPLEX technology and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry platform (MALDI-TOF-MS). In addition, the lung function of 105 cases initially diagnosed with asthma was measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in sex (χ(2) = 0.50, P = 0.824) and age (t = 0.930, P = 0.357) between the asthma and the healthy groups. Genotypes AG and GG were detected in MD-1 gene at rs2233128 locus and genotypes CC, CT and TT at rs7740529 locus in this Han population at Southern China. Genotyping success rate was 94.74%. The rs2233128 genotype distribution (χ(2) = 0.030, P = 0.863) and allele (χ(2) = 0.029, P = 0.865) showed no significant difference between the asthma and the control groups. However, the rs7740529 genotype distribution (χ(2) = 8.681, P = 0.013) and allele (χ(2) = 8.005, P = 0.005) were significantly different in the asthma group as compared to the control group. Compared with the TT genotype, the rs7740529 of the CC and CC + CT genotypes could dramatically increase the risk of asthma, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) being 2.451 (1.299 - 4.9626) and 2.172 (1.173 - 4.020), respectively. In the 105 patients initially diagnosed with asthma, FVC% and FEV(1)% were significantly different among the 3 different genotypes (CC, CT and TT) of the rs7740529 locus (F = 18.405, P = 0.000 and F = 25.700, P = 0.000). The percentages of predicted value of FVC and FEV(1) were decreased [(65 ± 12)%, (64 ± 11)%] in the CC genotype as compared to the TT genotypes [(86 ± 9)%, (88 ± 8)%], P < 0.05. There was no significant difference of genotype distribution of rs7740529 in different grades of severity of newly diagnosed asthma (χ(2) = 5.017, P = 0.081). CONCLUSIONS: MD-1 may be a susceptible gene for adult asthma in a Southern Han population in China. Genotype distribution of rs7740529 locus in newly diagnosed patients with asthma may be related to their lung function changes.

[Construction of recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed1-C3/LOC51255 and subcellular localization of LOC51255 protein in HePG2 cell line].

AIM: To construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed1-C3/LOC51255 and investigate the subcellular localization of LOC51255 protein in HePG2 cell line. METHODS: The cDNA of LOC51255 was amplified from the recombinant plasmid pET28b/LOC51255 by PCR. The aim gene fragment LOC51255 from pMD18-T/LOC51255 was subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed1-C3. The recombinant plasmid pDsRed1-C3/LOC51255 was identificated by BamH I/Xho I double digestion and sequence analysis, and then transfected into HePG2 cell line by lipofectamine 2000. The expression of LOC51255 protein and its subcellular localization were detected by fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: The construction of the recombinant plasmid pDsRed1-C3/LOC51255 was proved by restriction enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing. Its red fluorescent protein was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of HePG2 cell line. CONCLUSION: The eukaryotic expression plasmid pDsRed1-C3/LOC51255 has been successfully constructed and expressed in the HepG2 cell line. LOC51255 protein has been proved to be located in the cytoplasm of HePG2 cell line. Our research will help further studies on the function of human gene LOC51255.

[Molecular epidemiology of human caliciviruses diarrhea among infants and young children in Lanzhou from December 2001 to June 2004].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of human caliciviruses (HuCV) diarrhea among infants and young children with acute diarrhea in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China by using molecular epidemiologic techniques. METHODS: Stool specimens were collected from both outpatients and inpatients with acute diarrhea in Lanzhou. Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was used to detect rotavirus antigen (RVA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) were used to detect HuCV in stool specimens of RV ELISA (-). RESULTS: Of the stool specimens collected from 515 cases in Lanzhou from December 2001 to June 2004, 264 were RVA ELISA (+) and 251 were RVA ELISA (-). Among all cases who were RVA ELISA (-), 25 (9.96%) were found positive for HuCV. HuCV was detected in 12 of 133 cases (9.02%) from December 2001 to November 2002, no genotyping was performed for these cases. From July 2003 to June 2004 13 of 118 cases (11.02%) were found positive for HuCV, of whom 11 cases had Norwalk-like virus GII (NLV GII) infection and 2 cases had Sapporo-like virus infection (one case had combined infection with astrovirus) and no NLV GI was found. HuCV infection mainly occurred in children under 2 years of age and no seasonal cluster was found. CONCLUSION: HuCV is one of the major etiological agents of viral diarrhea among infants and young children in Lanzhou. NLV GII maybe the predominant genotype.