Complete genome sequence of Kosakonia pseudosacchari RX.G5M8, a putative methylotroph isolated from Hong Kong soil.

Kosakonia pseudosacchari RX.G5M8, a putative methylotroph, was isolated from garden soil in Hong Kong. Its complete genome, a single chromosome of 4,953,935 bp (GC content 53.91%), was established through hybrid assembly.

[Self-reported quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease and analysis of the associated factors].

Objective: To investigate the quality of life and associated factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 25 provinces and cities in China was performed from June to September 2020. A questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic and clinical information of patients with CHD, while the European Five-dimensional Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D) was used to assess the quality of life. Multiple linear regression model was performed to analyze the associated factors. Results: The median age of the 1 075 responders was 60 (52, 67) years, and 797 (74.1%) were men. The EQ-5D and EQ-VAS indices were 0.7 (0.5, 0.8) and 60.0 (40.0, 80.0). Among the five dimensions in the quality of life scale, the frequency of anxiety/depression was the highest (59.8%), while problems in self-care was the lowest (35.8%). In the multiple linear regression model, female, increasing age, obesity, comorbidity(ies), anxiety/depression, social media channels, and receiving the CABG therapy were associated with the lower EQ-5D index (all P<0.05). In addition, increasing age, obesity, comorbidity (ies), depression, anxiety and depression, social media channels, and receiving the CABG therapy were associated with lower EQ-VAS index (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Over half of the patients with CHD in China have a low quality of life, which is related to gender, age, obesity, treatment pathway, the presence or absence of comorbidity (ies), and psychological state. In addition to managing the adverse effects of traditional socio-demographic factors on the quality of life, clinical practices should pay attention to the psychological state of patients. Moreover, establishing a WeChat group for doctor-patient communication could improve the quality of life of CHD patients.

[Electromyographic signals and the starting threshold voltage of orbicularis oris muscle in healthy rhesus monkeys].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of electromyography (EMG) signals and the starting threshold voltages of the orbicularis oris muscles (OOM) in healthy rhesus monkeys under different muscle movement conditions. Methods: The EMG signals and the starting threshold voltages at different time points in 4 healthy rhesus monkeys were acquired and recorded with EMG device and evoked potentiometer. The voltage amplitude variation of EMG signals was analyzed, and the voltage amplitude range of EMG signals at the beginning of OOM contraction was established. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The EMG of OOM in healthy monkeys in the quiet, natural and continuous mouth-closed state was linear and relatively stable, and the absolute value fluctuated between 15 and 50 µV. The EMG waveform increased rapidly during the natural lip contraction movement, and its amplitude fluctuated greatly, with the highest absolute value of the peak value reaching hundreds of microvolts. The amplitude of EMG induced by continuous mouth closure was more than thousands of microvolts. There was no significant difference in EMG amplitudes of OOM in the healthy rhesus monkey under quiet and continuous lip closure at different time points (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in threshold voltages in the state of natural lip contraction of bilateral OOM at different time points (average range: 57.17-57.47 µV) in the healthy rhesus monkeys (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in threshold voltages of OOM induced by bilateral OOM at different time points(average range: 55.38-55.99 µV) in the healthy rhesus monkeys(P>0.05). There were significant differences in the absolute values of EMG amplitudes of OOM between the three lip movement modes: (30.67±8.72) µV in quiet and natural continuous lip closure (475.12±54.72) µV in natural lip contraction, and (921.22±312.79) µV in the induced persistent lip closure, with t values of -8.48, -9.35 and -5.01 respectively, all P<0.001. Conclusions: The EMG signals of OOM show different characteristics under different muscle movement conditions, which can be used as a basis for computer to judge and recognize the movement conditions of OOM. The upper limits of the EMG threshold voltage values of OOM under different motion states are 55-60 µV.

Complete Genome Sequence of Enterobacter roggenkampii RX.G5M56, a C1-Metabolizing Strain from a Freshwater Stream in Hong Kong.

The C1-metabolizing strain Enterobacter roggenkampii RX.G5M56 was isolated from a freshwater stream in Hong Kong. Its complete genome, a single chromosome of 4,772,201 bp (GC content of 56.05%), was established through hybrid assembly.

[Epidemiological investigation of allergic rhinitis in central cities and countrysides of Inner Mongolia region].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in 3 central cities (Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos) and the surrounding rural areas of Inner Mongolia region, and to look for possible risk factors related to the disease. Methods: From March to October of 2019, a multi-stage stratified random sampling epidemiological survey was conducted in Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos and rural areas. The AR-related factors of the population were obtained in the form of face-to-face questionnaire survey, and the skin prick test (SPT) was taken for the participants. AR disease was diagnosed according to the "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis (2015, Tianjin)". The daily airborne pollen situation in the three regions was monitored during the same period. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze all survey results. Results: A total of 6 818 questionnaires were recovered, with 6 393 valid questionnaires. The self-reported prevalence of AR was 27.72% (1 772/6 393) and the confirmed prevalence of AR was 17.10% (1 093/6 393). The prevalence of perennial AR was 1.83% (117/6 393) while the prevalence of seasonal AR was 15.27% (976/6 393). The prevalence of AR diagnosed in females was higher than that in males (19.19% vs 15.34%, χ²=16.594, P<0.001) and the prevalence of females in the two age groups of 36-45 years and 46-55 years was significantly higher than that of males (18.17% vs 9.73%, 14.13% vs 7.25%, χ2 value was 23.848, 18.772, respectively, all P<0.001). The prevalence of confirmed diagnoses in ethnic minorities was higher than that of Han nationality, and the prevalence of confirmed diagnoses in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas (23.13% vs 16.20%, 27.27% vs 9.71%, χ2 value was 24.516, 336.024, respectively, all P<0.001). The main nasal symptoms of AR patients were sneezing (91.31%), nasal congestion (85.91%) and nasal itching (85.00%). The most common concomitant disease of AR was allergic conjunctivitis (73.99%). Asthma (OR=6.629), food allergy (OR=3.236), drug allergy (OR=1.786), application of antibiotics (OR=1.553), recent home decoration (OR=2.307), and smoking (OR=1.322) were the AR related risk factors. The highest proportion of SPT positive reactions was Artemisia annua (80.15%). The peak period of clinical symptoms of AR patients in Inner Mongolia region was July to September, which was consistent with the second peak period of airborne pollen monitoring. Conclusions: The prevalence of AR in central cities and the surrounding rural areas of Inner Mongolia region is 17.10%, and Artemisia species is the most important pollen allergen in this area. History of asthma, food allergy, drug allergy, antibiotic use, home decoration and smoking history are the related risk factors for AR.

[The variation of serum uric acid levels among patients with myocardial infarction treated with ticagrelor and the association between serum uric acid and platelet reactivity].

Objectives: To compare the impact of ticagrelor or clopidogrel on serum uric acid levels among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and further evaluate the effects of variation of serum uric acid levels on platelet reactivity. Methods: STEMI patients who admitted to Fuwai Hospital from April 2017 to January 2020, and underwent primary PCI and discharged alive with aspirin and ticagrelor or clopidogrel were included in this study. Patients were divided into ticagrelor group and clopidogrel group. The baseline clinical data were collected. Serum uric acid and creatinine levels at baseline and 30 days post-PCI were measured. Light transmittance aggregometry was used to assess maximum aggregation rate induced by adenosine diphosphate and arachidonic acid. The changes of serum uric acid and creatinine were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate independent related factors for rise in the uric acid levels, and the effect of variation of serum uric acid level on platelet reactivity was analyzed. Results: A total of 967 patients were included, the age was (59.4±12.1) years, and 163 case were female. There were 550 cases in ticagrelor group (56.9%) and 417 cases in clopidogrel group (43.1%). Baseline serum uric acid and creatinine levels were similar between the 2 groups. At 30 days, the serum uric acid level [(347.2±96.5) mmol/L vs. (341.2±105.3) mmol/L, P=0.009] and absolute [46.4 (-2.4, 88.1) mmol/L vs. 25.0 (-21.9, 73.0) mmol/L, P=0.001] and percentage [13.2 (-0.01, 29.0) % vs. 7.9 (-5.7, 25.0) %, P=0.007] increase in the serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in ticagrelor group than in clopidogrel group. The level of serum creatinine at 30 days was significantly lower in ticagrelor group than in clopidogrel group [(89.7±21.3) µmol/L vs. (94.4±43.9) µmol/L, P<0.05], whereas there were no differences in absolute [8.0 (-1.4, 16.6) µmol/L vs. 7.8 (-2.0, 16.6) µmol/L] and percentage [10.5 (-1.7%, 22.6%) vs. 9.8 (-2.4%, 22.1%)] change in the serum creatinine between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for confounding factors, ticagrelor therapy was an independent related factor of serum uric acid elevation (OR=1.582, 95% CI:1.023-2.447, P=0.039). The variation of the serum uric acid levels did not affect platelet aggregation and the percentage of high platelet reactivity in both groups. Conclusions: Ticagrelor use is related to a significant increase in the serum uric acid levels at 30 days post-PCI in this patient cohort. The variations in the uric acid levels do not increase the percentage of high platelet reactivity in STEMI patients treated with ticagrelor or clopidogrel.

[One case of atypical septic shock with acute pulmonary edema in a patient with extensive burn].

A 25-year-old man with extensive burn due to industrial dust explosion was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University on 16th October, 2018. Four days after the first skin grafting and vacuum sealing drainage surgery, the patient developed signs of uncontrolled severe inflammation and shock. However, several atypical manifestations interfered the diagnosis of septic shock. After giving emergency treatment including fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and administration of vasopressor agents, the patient's condition was alleviated, but quickly relapsed and deteriorated, with acute pulmonary edema appeared in the evening of the same day. Finally, the condition was reversed by completely removing the negative pressure devices on upper limbs and thorough dressing change. This case suggests that the diagnosis and treatment of infection in patients with extensive burn need comprehensive analysis. Timely intervention of the wound is the key to control the exacerbation of sepsis. In addition, the possibility of pulmonary edema in patients with sepsis should be on high alert.

[Study on the matching feature of current parameters for inducing contraction of orbicularis oris muscle by artificial facial nerve in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis].

Objective: To explore the optimal matching of the current parameters about artificial facial nerve (AFN) for inducing contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis. Methods: According to the combinations of different stimulus parameters, at different time points, we used AFN to induce contraction of the affected side OOM of the paralyzed rabbit in waking state. We recorded the current amplitudes of the threshold stimulation and peak stimulation under each combination, then compared the total charge of the stimulus consumption under different combinations. Results: Compared the total stimulus charge consumption of the AFN threshold stimulation and that in the peak stimulation respectively under different stimulus frequency and pulse width matching combinations, we found that the frequency, the pulse width and the interaction of the frequency and pulse width among different groups could affect the total charge, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: When AFN stimulus frequency is 60 Hz and the stimulus pulse width is 100 µs, the output current intensity is relatively lowest and the total consumed charge is the lowest under the premise of effectively inducing the paralytic side OOM contraction. Thus we recommend this stimulus parametric combination as the optimal combination for meeting the low power consumption of AFN.

[Restoration of orbicularis oculi muscle function with totally implanted artificial facial nerve].

Objective: To investigate the effect of the artificial facial nerve on the restoration of orbicularis oculi muscle function for unilateral peripheral facial paralysis in rabbit. Methods: Artificial facial nerve was implanted into the rabbit with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis between January 2018 and May 2019. At different time points after operation, the affected orbicularis oculi muscles' stimulation closure threshold and the synchronism about the motion of the two sides of orbicularis oculi muscles were monitored. T test was used with SPSS 13.0 software. Results: There was no significant difference in the closure threshold of the orbicularis oculi muscle on the 7th and 28th days after artificial facial nerve implantation (P>0.05). The synchronism of the normal side eye closing movement triggered the affected orbicular oculi muscle movement with the artificial facial nerve was up 19/20 to 20/20 at different times. Conclusions: The artificial facial nerve system had the features of stable working condition and high synchronizing effect for stimulating movement. It could restore the closed eye function in animals with peripheral facial paralysis animals and had great clinical application prospects.

[Comparison of heart failure and COVID-19 in chest CT features and clinical characteristics].

Objective: To identify the characteristics including clinical features and pulmonary computed tomography (CT) features of heart failure and COVID-19. Methods: This study was a retrospective study. A total of 7 patients with heart failure and 12 patients with COVID-19 in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 1, 2019 and February 15, 2020 were enrolled. The baseline clinical and imaging features of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in age and sex between the two groups(both P>0.05), but the incidence of epidemiological contact history, fever or respiratory symptoms in the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that in the heart failure group (12/12 vs. 0, P<0.001; 12/12 vs. 4/7, P=0.013). While the proportion of cardiovascular diseases and impaired cardiac function was significantly less than that of the heart failure group(2/12 vs.7/7, P<0.001；0 vs.7/7, P<0.001). For imaging features, both groups had ground-glass opacity and thickening of interlobular septum, but the ratio of central and gradient distribution was higher in patients with heart failure than that in patients with COVID-19 (4/7 vs. 1/12, P=0.04). In heart failure group, the ratio of the expansion of pulmonary veins was also higher (3/7 vs. 0，P=0.013), and the lung lesions can be significantly improved after effective anti-heart failure treatment. Besides, there were more cases with rounded morphology in COVID-19 group（9/12 vs. 2/7, P=0.048）. Conclusions: More patients with COVID-19 have epidemiological history and fever or respiratory symptoms. There are significant differences in chest CT features, such as enlargement of pulmonary veins, lesions distribution and morphology between heart failure and COVID-19.

[Study on the method of microelectrodes implantation of artificial facial nerve prosthesis in closed mouth of orbicularis oris muscle in monkeys with facial nerve paralysis].

Objective: To explore the optimal method of microelectrode implantation that can produce efficient mouth closure with microelectrode for orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rhesus monkeys with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis (UPFP) in order to provide basis for the research and development of artificial facial nerve prosthesis (AFNP). Methods: Right lateral peripheral facial paralysis model on four healthy rhesus monkeys (two males and two femles, aged 5-6 years, weighed 2.0-3.0 kg) were prepared. AFNP electric stimulation was used to induce closed-mouth reaction of the affected OOM with a one-way rectangular pulse, 50 Hz frequency and 0.2 ms pulse width in vitro. Around the affected lateral OOM, four stimulus electrodes implantation positions were selected at the upper lip (position A), the lower lip (position B), the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus (position C), and the horizontal line of the mouth angle (position D). According to the different implantation positions of three stimulation electrodes on the stimulation side of AFNP and the results of our previous study, six groups of microelectrode implantation methods were designed. In Group A, two microelectrodes were implanted at position A and one microelectrode was implanted at position B; in Group B, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and C respectively; in Group C, one microelectrode was implanted at position A and two microelectrodes were implanted at position B; in Group D, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and D respectively; in Group E, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, C and D respectively; in Group F, one microelectrode was implanted at position B, C and D respectively. The minimum stimulating current (threshold current) required for effective mouth closure were recorded. The threshold and peak current values were compared using one-way ANOVA and LSD-t multiple comparisons. Results: The microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulating side in Group E and F failed to induce a smooth mouth closure. The microelectrodes in A, B, C and D group induced smooth mouth closure. The threshold current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the Group A, B, C, and D were (1.35±0.05), (1.02±0.04), (1.40±0.04) and (1.10±0.02) mA, respectively (F=295.302, P<0.001), with the lowest value in Group B and there was significant difference between the current value in Group B and those in the other groups (all P<0.05). The peak current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the four groups were (3.95±0.02), (2.95±0.03), (3.99±0.05) and (3.51±0.01) mA, respectively (F=1 014.985, P<0.001). Group B showed the best lip-closure morphology observed with naked eyes. Conclusions: When three output microelectrode of the AFNP stimulated side are separately imbedded into the upper lip, the lower lip and the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus, AFNP can sufficiently induce closed-mouth reaction. These positions are suitable as priority options microelectrodes implantation positions for the microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulated side.

[Comparison of machine learning method and logistic regression model in prediction of acute kidney injury in severely burned patients].

Objective: To build risk prediction models for acute kidney injury (AKI) in severely burned patients, and to compare the prediction performance of machine learning method and logistic regression model. Methods: The clinical data of 157 severely burned patients in August 2nd Kunshan factory aluminum dust explosion accident conforming to the inclusion criteria were collected. Patients suffering AKI within 90 days after admission were enrolled in group AKI, while the others were enrolled in non-AKI group. Single factor analysis was used to choose independent factors associated with AKI, including sex, age, admission time, features of basic injuries, initial score on admission, treatment condition, and mortality on post injury days 30, 60, and 90. Data were processed with Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Variables with P<0.1 in single factor analysis and those with possible clinical significance were brought into the establishment of prediction model. Logistic regression and XGBoost machine learning algorithm were used to build the prediction model of AKI. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated, and the sensitivity and specificity for optimal threshold value were also calculated for each model. Nonparametric resampling test was used to compare the significance of difference of AUC of the two models. Results: (1) Eighty-nine (56.7%) patients developed AKI within 90 days from admission. Compared with 68 patients in non-AKI group, 89 patients in group AKI were older (Z=-2.203, P<0.05), with larger total burn area and full-thickness burn area (Z=-5.200, -6.297, P<0.01), worse acute physical and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, abbreviated burn severity index score, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on admission (Z=-7.485, -4.739, -4.590, P<0.01), higher occurrence rate of sepsis (χ(2)=33.087, P<0.01), higher rates of accepting tracheotomy, mechanical ventilation, and continuous renal replacement therapy (χ(2)=12.373, 17.201, 43.763, P<0.01), larger first excision area (Z=-2.191, P<0.05), and higher mortality on post injury days 30, 60, and 90 (χ(2)=7.483, 37.259, 45.533, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in sex, open decompression, admission time, 24-hour fluid volume after admission, 48-hour fluid volume after admission, the first 24-hour urine volume, the second 24 hour urine volume, the first excision time, and inhalation injury (χ(2)=0.529, 3.318, Z=-1.746, -0.016, -1.199, -1.824, -0.625, -1.747, P>0.05). The rates of deep vein catheterization of patients in the two groups were both 100%. (2) There were twenty possible prediction variables for preliminary establishment of model according to the difference results of single factor analysis and clinical significance of variables. (3) The logistic regression prediction model had three variables: APACHE Ⅱ score [odds ratio (OR)=1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.20-1.53, P<0.001], sepsis (OR=2.63, 95% CI=0.90-7.66, P>0.05), and the first 24-hour urine volume (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.50-1.01, P>0.05). The AUC of the logistic regression prediction model was 0.875 (95% CI=0.821-0.930), with the specificity and sensitivity of optimal threshold value 84.4% and 77.7%, respectively. (4) XGBoost machine learning model had seven main predictive variables: APACHE Ⅱ score, full-thickness burn area, 24-hour fluid volume after admission, sepsis, the first 24-hour urine volume, SOFA score, and 48-hour fluid volume after admission. The AUC of machine learning model was 0.920 (95% CI=0.879-0.962), higher than that of logistic regression model (P<0.001), with the specificity and sensitivity of optimal threshold value 89.7% and 82.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Sepsis and fluid resuscitation are two important predictive variables that can be intervened for AKI in severely burned patients. Machine learning method has a better performance and can provide more accurate prediction for individuals than logistic regression prediction model, and therefore has good clinical application prospect.

[The clinical significance of EBV DNA analysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening].

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the value of EBV DNA monitor in high risk population of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Method:A total of 366 cases of NPC at high risk were screened for 15 864 cases by ELISA, and 262 cases were randomly selected from low-risk groups. Fifty-eight nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were also involved. EBV DNA was detected by PCR in 366 NPC high risk patients and followed up for 1 year. The clinical significance of EBV-DNA in screening NPC was compared. Result:The positive rate of EBV-DNA test was 12.0% in primary screening, EBV-DNA test in primary screening was 3.4% in low-risk population, and EBV-DNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma was 91.4%, The positive rate of the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.01); After one year follow-up, a total of 267 cases returned visit. Positive rate of group A with continuous high risk was significantly higher than group B who was high risk at the first time of visit and non high risk at returned visit (P＜0.05). Conclusion:Quantitative analysis of plasma EBV DNA in high risk population can supply serological risk assessment. It can elevate the efficiency of screening and has significant application value for NPC high risk population.

[Positions of the implanted stimulating electrodes for artificial facial nerve for inducing contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis].

Objective: To explore the optimal positions of the implanted stimulating eletrodes for artificial facial nerve (AFN) for inducing contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis. Methods: According to the four microelectrodes of the AFN stimulating side, four modes of the implanted positions were divided. In line with different modes, the electrodes were implanted into the affected OOM of the rabbits with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis. AFN output electric stimulation to induce contraction of the affected OOM with uniform stimulating frequency and pulse length in vitro. Then compared the stimulus threshold amplitude and the peak amplitude separately among different modes by SAS 9.3 version statistical software. Results: The differences of the stimulus threshold amplitude and the peak amplitude had no statistically significant separately between the first mode and the second mode (P>0.05), but there were statistically significant differences between the third mode and the fourth mode (P<0.05). Both kinds of the amplitudes were approximated between the first mode and the second mode respectively, and higher than those in the third mode or the fourth mode. Furthermore, both kinds of the amplitudes in the fourth mode were higher than those in the third mode. Conclusions: The microelectrodes of the AFN stimulating lateral are implanted into the upper lip with a public microelectrode and an output microelectrode, into the lower lip with an output microelectrode, and into the way, which is located to the angle 40° to 45° about the line joining between the midpoint of the ipsilateral auricle root and the corner of the mouth with an output microelectrode. This is the third positional mode which requires lowest effective stimulus current intensity. Thus the mode is suitable as the optimal placement programme.

CHD1 loss sensitizes prostate cancer to DNA damaging therapy by promoting error-prone double-strand break repair.

BACKGROUND: Deletion of the chromatin remodeler chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (CHD1) is a common genomic alteration found in human prostate cancers (PCas). CHD1 loss represents a distinct PCa subtype characterized by SPOP mutation and higher genomic instability. However, the role of CHD1 in PCa development in vivo and its clinical utility remain unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To study the role of CHD1 in PCa development and its loss in clinical management, we generated a genetically engineered mouse model with prostate-specific deletion of murine Chd1 as well as isogenic CHD1 wild-type and homozygous deleted human benign and PCa lines. We also developed patient-derived organoid cultures and screened patients with metastatic PCa for CHD1 loss. RESULTS: We demonstrate that CHD1 loss sensitizes cells to DNA damage and causes a synthetic lethal response to DNA damaging therapy in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in patient-derived organoid cultures and in a patient with metastatic PCa. Mechanistically, CHD1 regulates 53BP1 stability and CHD1 loss leads to decreased error-free homologous recombination (HR) repair, which is compensated by increased error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first in vivo and in patient evidence supporting the role of CHD1 in DSB repair and in response to DNA damaging therapy. We uncover mechanistic insights that CHD1 modulates the choice between HR and NHEJ DSB repair and suggest that CHD1 loss may contribute to the genomic instability seen in this subset of PCas.

IL-6 induced lncRNA MALAT1 enhances TNF-α expression in LPS-induced septic cardiomyocytes via activation of SAA3.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the expression of MALAT1 and its correlation with TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiomyocytes. Then, the effect of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is further studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hub genes in cell response to LPS treatments was analyzed by using Affymetrix gene profiling data downloaded from GEO dataset (GSE3140). Mice model of sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. HL-1 cells were used as the in vitro cell model. MALAT1 and serum amyloid antigen 3 (SAA3) expression were measured by the qRT-PCR analysis. IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA3 concentrations were quantified by the ELISA assay. Flow cytometric analysis and TUNEL assay were performed to detect cell apoptosis. RESULTS: IL-6 is a hub gene in cell response to LPS treatment and induces MALAT1 upregulation in cardiomyocytes. MALAT1 siRNA had an inhibitive effect, while MALAT1 overexpression showed enhancing effect on LPS induced TNF-α elevation. HL-1 cells treated with LPS had significantly elevated SAA3 expression. Inhibition of SAA during LPS treatment significantly reduced the TNF-α expression, while the addition of apo SAA significantly abrogated the suppressive effect of MALAT1 siRNA on TNF-α expression. HL-1 cells transfected with MALAT1 siRNA were less susceptible to LPS-induced cell apoptosis and with a lower apoptosis rate than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 induced MALAT1 upregulation in cardiomyocytes in response to LPS treatment. MALAT1 can enhance TNF-α expression at least partly via SAA3 in LPS-treated cardiomyocytes. MALAT1 upregulation is a mechanism of cardiomyocyte death in response to the LPS stimulation.

Significance of Ebp1 and p53 protein expression in cervical cancer.

In this study, the ErbB3-binding protein (Ebp1) and p53 protein expression in cervical cancer tissues, and its significance in the prognosis of the disease was investigated. Ebp1 and p53 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical analysis in cervical cancer tissues (N = 60) and normal tissues adjacent to the cancer tissues (N = 60). The rates of positive Ebp1 and p53 protein expression were 35.0 and 60.0%, respectively. Ebp1 and p53 were overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues, compared to normal tissues (P < 0.05). Ebp1 and p53 protein expression was not correlated with age, tumor size, or family tumor history (P > 0.05). However, high levels of expression of Ebp1 and p53 were positively correlated with the TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis in cervical cancer patients (P < 0.05). The combined determination of Ebp1 and p53 expression levels in cervical cancer patients could support the effective prediction of metastatic potential and patient prognosis.

Ebp1 protein expression in cervical cancer tissue and its significance.

The objectives of this study were to observe the changes in expression of ErbB-3 binding protein (Ebp1) in cervical cancer and to investigate their clinic significance. We detected the expression level of Ebp1 in cancerous and adjacent tissues from 56 patients with cervical cancer. We identified 21 Ebp1 positive samples (37.5%) from among the 56 cervical cancer tissue samples and 5 Ebp1 positive samples (8.9%) in the corresponding adjacent tissues; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No statistically significant (P > 0.05) differences in the rates of positive Ebp1 expression were found between patients under 60 years of age and those equal to or over this age. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between patients whose tumor diameters were under 5 cm and those with tumor diameters over 5 cm. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in the Ebp1 positive rates were found among the cervical cancer samples when stratified by grade (I, II, or III). Together, these results demonstrate that Ebp1 protein expression is upregulated in cervical cancer tissues but is not related to clinical pathologic factors such as patient age or tumor size or differentiation level, suggesting that Ebp1 plays an important role in the genesis and growth process of cervical cancer.

Study on the ERCC1 gene polymorphism response to chemotherapy and prognosis of gastric cancer.

We conducted a cohort study to investigate the role of 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the excision repair cross-complimentary group 1 (ERCC1) gene polymorphism in response to chemotherapy and clinical outcomes of gastric cancer. A total of 231 patients with newly diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed primary gastric cancer participated in the study. ERCC1 rs11615 and rs3212986 were genotyped. Individuals with the ERCC1 rs11615 TT genotype and the T allele showed a significant poorer response to chemotherapy compared to the wild-type genotype. Patients carrying the rs11615 TT genotype (22.8 months) and the T allele (24.2 months) showed a significantly shorter median survival time when compared with the GG genotype (33.7 months). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that adjusted hazard ratios of overall survival in those carrying the rs11615 TT genotype and the T allele were 2.79 (1.15-7.26) and 1.84 (1.19-2.87) when using the wild-type genotype as a reference variable. In conclusion, this study reports that the ERCC1 rs11615 TT polymorphism can be used as a prognostic marker to determine the clinical outcome of gastric cancer patients treated with 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.

Immunohistochemical localisation of endothelin receptor subtypes in the cochlear lateral wall.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelin has many biological activities, including regulation of the functions of the cochlear lateral wall. The present study aimed to analyse the expression of endothelin receptors in the cochlear lateral wall, and to investigate the significance of such receptors in maintaining the homeostatic environment of the cochlea. METHODS: The cochleae of healthy guinea pigs were fixed, decalcified, embedded in paraffin and serially sectioned. Expression of the endothelin receptor subunits A and B in the cochlear lateral wall was examined using an immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: Different degrees of endothelin receptor subunit A and endothelin receptor subunit B like activity were found distributed in the cells of the cochlear lateral wall. CONCLUSION: These findings support the theory that endothelin, via its receptors, plays an important role in maintaining the homeostatic environment of the cochlea.