[Comparative analysis of intestinal microbiota distribution characteristics based on metagenomics in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis with or without ascites].

Objective: To use metagenomic sequencing to compare the differences in intestinal microbiota species and metabolic pathways in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis with or without ascites and further explore the correlation between the differential microbiota and clinical indicators and metabolic pathways. Methods: 20 hepatitis B cirrhosis cases [10 without ascites (HBLC-WOA), 10 with ascites (HBLC-WA), and 5 healthy controls (HC)] were selected from the previously studied 16S rRNA samples. Metagenome sequencing was performed on the intestinal microbiota samples. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Spearman test were used to identify and analyse differential intestinal microbiota populations, metabolic pathways, and their correlations. Results: (1) The overall structure of the intestinal microbiota differed significantly among the three groups (R = 0.19, P = 0.018). The HC group had the largest abundance of Firmicutes and the lowest abundance of Proteobacteria at the genus level. Firmicutes abundance was significantly decreased (P(fdr) < 0.01), while Proteobacteria abundance was significantly increased (P(fdr) < 0.01) in patients with cirrhosis accompanied by ascites; (2) LEfSe analysis revealed that 29 intestinal microbiota (18 in the HBLC-WA group and 11 in the HBLC-WOA group) played a significant role in the disease group. The unclassified Enterobacteriaceae and Klebsiella species in the HBLC-WA group and Enterobacteriaceae in the HBLC-WOA group were positively correlated with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio score and negatively correlated with albumin and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). Escherichia and Shigella in the HBLC-WA group were positively correlated with CTP scores (P < 0.05); (3) The correlation analysis results between the KEGG pathway and 29 specific intestinal microbiota revealed that Enterobacteriaceae and arachidonic acid, α-linolenic acid, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation were positively correlated in the lipid metabolism pathway, while most Enterobacteriaceae were positively correlated with branched-chain amino acid degradation and negatively correlated with aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in the amino acid metabolic pathway. Conclusion: A significant increment of Enterobacteriaceae in the intestines of HBLC-WA patients influenced hepatic reserve function and was associated with amino acid and lipid metabolic pathways. Therefore, attention should be paid to controlling the intestinal microbiota to prevent complications and improve the prognosis in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, especially in those with ascites.

[The effect of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of retinoblastoma cells by targeting miR-200b-5p].

Objective: To explore the effect of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of retinoblastoma cells and its possible mechanism. Methods: The tumor tissues of 31 patients with retinoblastoma admitted to Henan Provincial Eye Hospital from February to June 2020 and their corresponding normal tissues adjacent to the cancer were collected. The expression levels of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 and miR-200b-5p in retinoblastoma tissues and normal adjacent tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Human retinal epithelial cell ARPE-19, human retinoblastoma cell Y-79 and WERI-Rb-1 were cultured in vitro. The expression levels of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 and miR-200b-5p were detected by qRT-PCR. Y-79 cells were randomly divided into si-con group, si-lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 group, miR con group, miR-200b-5p group, si-lncRNA ADPGK-AS1+ anti-miR con group, and si-lncRNA ADPGK-AS1+ anti-miR-200b-5p group. The proliferation, cloning and apoptosis of cells in each group were detected by tetramethylazol blue method, plate cloning test and flow cytometry, respectively. The targeting relationship between lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 and miR-200b-5p was detected by double luciferase report test, and the expression level of cleaved-caspase-3 protein was detected by western blot. Results: Compared with the adjacent tissues, the expression of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 in retinoblastoma tissues was increased (P<0.05), while the expression of miR-200b-5p was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with ARPE-19 cells, the expression of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 in Y-79 and WERI-Rb-1 cells was increased (P<0.05), while the expression of miR-200b-5p was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the si-con group, the cell viability of the si-lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 group was reduced (1.06±0.09 vs 0.53±0.05, P<0.05), the number of cell clone formation was reduced (114.00±8.03 vs 57.00±4.13, P<0.05), while the apoptosis rate [(7.93±0.68)% vs (25.43±1.94)%] and the protein level of cleaved-caspase-3 were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the miR-con group, the cell viability of the miR-200b-5p group was decreased (1.05±0.08 vs 0.57±0.05, P<0.05), the number of cell clone formation was decreased (118.00±10.02 vs 64.00±5.13, P<0.05), while the apoptosis rate [(7.89±0.71)% vs (23.15±1.62)%] and the protein level of cleaved-caspase-3 were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 could target the expression of miR-200b-5p. Compared with the si-lncRNA ADPGK-AS1+ anti-miR-con group, cell viability of the si-lncRNA ADPGK-AS1+ anti-miR-200b-5p group was increased (0.53±0.04 vs 1.25±0.10, P<0.05), and the number of cell clones was increased (54.00±4.39 vs 125.00±10.03, P<0.05), while the rate of apoptosis [(25.38±1.53)% vs (9.76±0.71)%] and the protein level of cleaved-caspase-3 were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Interfering with the expression of lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 could inhibit the proliferation and clone formation and induce apoptosis of retinoblastoma cells by targeting the expression of miR-200b-5p.

[Galectin-1 knockdown inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of galectin-1 on biological behaviors of lung adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The expression levels of galectin-1 mRNA were detected in 8 pairs of lung adenocarcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues and in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and H1299 and normal bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2b using qRT-PCR. The effect of galectin-1 knockdown by RNA interference on the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells were examined using CCK8 assay, Transwell assay, scratch assay and flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins BAX, BCL-2, and caspase-3 and the proteins involved in the AKT and ERK pathways. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of galectin-1 was significantly increased in lung cancer tissues and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (P < 0.05). In lung adenocarcinoma cells, galectin-1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and obviously increased cell apoptosis rate (P < 0.05), causing also significant reduction of the phosphorylation level of ERK signaling pathway (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Galectin-1 knockdown inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and this effect is mediated probably by inhibition of the phosphorylation levels of the ERK pathway.

[Effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on opioid consumption after thoracoscopic surgery].

Objective: To investigate the effect of continuous intravenous infusion of subanesthetic dose of esketamine intraoperatively on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 71 patients with elective thoracoscopic lung surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2020 to December 2021 were selected. Patients who were classified as grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and aged 18-70 years were included, including 32 males and 39 females, with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-30.0 kg/m2. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: (1) Control group (group C, n=24): continuous intravenous infusion of normal saline at the same rate during surgery; (2) Subanesthetic dose of esketamine 0.125 mg·kg-1·h-1 group (group ES1, n=23): continuous intravenous infusion of esketamine at a rate of 0.125 mg·kg-1·h-1 during surgery; (3) Subanesthetic dose of esketamine 0.250 mg·kg-1·h-1 group (group ES2, n=24): continuous intravenous infusion of esketamine at a rate of 0.250 mg·kg-1·h-1 during surgery. The main outcome measures were the total consumptions of hydromorphone of 3 groups within 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The secondary outcome measures were the extubation time, length of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, the time of first feeding, and the incidences of adverse effects within 24 h after surgery in 3 groups. Results: The 24 h postoperative consumption of hydromorphone in group C, ES1 and ES2 was (5.4±1.0) mg, (4.5±1.5) mg and (4.0±0.8) mg, respectively. Likewise, the 48 h postoperative consumption of hydromorphone was (9.7±2.2) mg, (9.0±3.0) mg and (7.7±1.8) mg, respectively. Compared with group C, the 24 h postoperative hydromorphone consumptions were significantly reduced in group ES1 and ES2 (both P<0.05). The extubation time, length of PACU stay and the time of first feeding after surgery in group C were (23±10) min,(70±12) min,(17±3) h,in group ES1 were (22±4) min,(69±11) min,(14±5) h,in group ES2 were (16±8) min,(58±12) min,(14±3) h, respectively. Compared with group C and group ES1, both of the extubation time and length of PACU stay were shortened in group ES2 (both P<0.05). Compared with group C, the first postoperative feeding time of group ES1 and ES2 was shortened (both P<0.05). There were no differences in the incidences of adverse effects at postoperative 24 h among 3 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Continuously intravenous infusion of subanesthetic esketamine at a rate of 0.250 mg·kg-1·h-1 can significantly reduce the postoperative opioid consumption and improve the patient's outcomes.

[Characteristics of fusion gene expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

Objective: To analyze the genetic landscape of 52 fusion genes in patients with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to investigate the characteristics of other laboratory results. Methods: The fusion gene expression was retrospectively analyzed in the 1 994 patients with de novo ALL diagnosed from September 2016 to December 2020. In addition, their mutational, immunophenotypical and karyotypical profiles were investigated. Results: In the 1 994 patients with ALL, the median age was 12 years (from 15 days to 89 years). In the panel of targeted genes, 15 different types of fusion genes were detected in 884 patients (44.33%) and demonstrated a Power law distribution. The frequency of detectable fusion genes in B-cell ALL was significantly higher than that in T-cell ALL (48.48% vs 18.71%), and fusion genes were almost exclusively expressed in B-cell ALL or T-cell ALL. The number of fusion genes showed peaks at<1 year, 3-5 years and 35-44 years, respectively. More fusion genes were identified in children than in adults. MLL-FG was most frequently seen in infants and TEL-AML1 was most commonly seen in children, while BCR-ABL1 was dominant in adults. The majority of fusion gene mutations involved signaling pathway and the most frequent mutations were observed in NRAS and KRAS genes. The expression of early-stage B-cell antigens varied in B-cell ALL patients. The complex karyotypes were more common in BCR-ABL1 positive patients than others. Conclusion: The distribution of fusion genes in ALL patients differs by ages and cell lineages. It also corresponds to various gene mutations, immunophenotypes, and karyotypes.

[Bimatoprost promotes hair growth of reconstructed hair follicles in mice through activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway].

Objective: To investigate effect of Bimatoprost (BimP) on growth of reconstructed hair follicles in recipient nude mice. Methods: Primary epidermal and dermal cells were isolated from newborn C57BL/6J mice (1-day-old) skins, and the reconstructed hair follicles was implanted in the dorsal skin of Balb/c-nu nude mice using a silicon chamber protocol, then, the 18 nude mice were randomly divided into control group, BimP group and minoxidil group, with 6 mice in each group. After 2 weeks, topical treatment was applied to the grafted area of the nude mice by 2% minoxidil 100 µl, 0.03% BimP 100 µl and saline 100 µl, respectively, once daily for 2 weeks. At day 14 after treatment, the mice were euthanized to measure the length of dorsal hair, and the number and hair cycle of the reconstructed follicles was observed histologically. The total mRNA and proteins expression of Wnt3a, LEF1, ß-catenin and Frizzled7 were determined by qPCR and Western Blotting. The distribution and expression of ß-catenin in the reconstructed follicles was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Results: As compared to the control group, the BimP group had thicker and longer hair [(0.57±0.07) vs (0.36±0.05) cm, P<0.01], no significant difference was seen between the BimP and minoxidil group. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a (2.73±0.17 vs 1.00±0.14, P<0.01)、LEF1(1.71±0.12 vs 1.00±0.19, P<0.01)、ß-catenin (2.37±0.21vs 1.00±0.11, P<0.01) and Frizzled7 (2.62±0.15vs 1.00±0.18, P<0.01) were significantly increased in BimP group compared with the control group. Western Blotting showed the same results, the protein expression levels of Wnt3a (1.44±0.21vs 1.00±0.13, P<0.05)、LEF1 (1.36±0.15 vs 1.00±0.09, P<0.05)、ß-catenin (1.60±0.13 vs 1.00±0.16, P<0.01) and Frizzled7 (1.52±0.15 vs 1.00±0.21, P<0.05) in BimP group were higher than those in control group, and the difference was statistically significant. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ß-catenin was strongly expressed in hair bulb cells and sebaceous gland cells of reconstructed hair follicles in BimP group and minoxidil group, whereas barely seen in the control group. Conclusion: BimP directly promotes growth of reconstructed hair follicles in mice by activating canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

A rapid sap-direct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method for detection of dendrobium viroid in Dendrobium plants.

Dendrobium viroid (DVd) was first reported in China in 2020, and it is the only viroid known to infect Orchidaceae family plants. In this study, we developed a simple reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for the rapid detection of DVd in Dendrobium plants. When extracting the sap template from the leaves, they are first clamped between two layers of plastic film, and the sap is pressed out and collected with a pipette. Using this sap, DVd was detected by dot-blot and RT-PCR methods and, the expected amplicons were confirmed by sequencing analysis. The batch analysis of field samples revealed that this method can be used to detect DVd rapidly. The detection method also reduces cross-contamination between different samples and minimizes false positives. Thus, this sap-direct RT-PCR method allows effective and rapid DVd detection in the study of Orchidaceae plants.

CircRNA_100395 protects breast carcinoma deterioration by targeting MAPK6.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to uncover the differential expression of circRNA_100395 in breast carcinoma specimens, and its regulatory effect on cancer cell phenotypes. The role of circRNA_100395 in affecting breast carcinoma progression and the molecular mechanism are explored as well. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CircRNA_100395 expressions in breast carcinoma and paracancerous tissues were detected. The influence of circRNA_100395 level on clinical indicators of breast carcinoma patients was analyzed. In vitro regulations of circRNA_100395 on phenotypes of breast carcinoma cells were examined by CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell assay. The interaction between circRNA_100395 and MAPK6 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay and rescue assays. RESULTS: CircRNA_100395 was downregulated in breast carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Its level was negatively correlated to tumor staging and tumor size of breast carcinoma. Overexpression of circRNA_100395 in SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 cells weakened proliferative and migratory abilities. MAPK6 was the target gene of circRNA_100395. Overexpression of MAPK6 reversed the anti-cancer effect of circRNA_100395 on breast carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: CircRNA_100395 serves as an anti-cancer gene in breast carcinoma progression by targeting MAPK6, and its level is negatively correlated to tumor staging and tumor size of breast carcinoma. CircRNA_100395 can be utilized as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target of breast carcinoma.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to investigate whether probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (pRBD) is associated with impulse control disorders (ICDs) in drug-naïve patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and whether baseline pRBD is associated with a higher incidence of ICDs during follow-up. METHODS: The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative is an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study to identify biomarkers of PD progression. In all, 423 drug-naïve patients with early-stage PD were included in the cross-sectional analysis, and 320 patients who screened negative for any ICDs or related behaviors at baseline were included in the longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: In the cross-sectional analysis, a significant correlation was found between pRBD and ICDs in drug-naïve patients whilst controlling for potential confounders [odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-4.76, P = 0.003]. In the longitudinal analysis, baseline pRBD was an independent predictor of ICD development over time [hazard ratio (HR) 1.648, 95% CI 1.054-2.576; P = 0.028]. Other significant predictors of ICDs included younger age of onset (HR = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.950-0.997; P = 0.026) and greater State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score (HR = 1.040, 95% CI = 1.020-1.061; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that identifying baseline pRBD in early-stage PD may help clinicians to choose a better therapeutic strategy so as to prevent or limit neuropsychiatric complications.

Treatment Response Prediction of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Histogram Analysis of Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prediction of treatment response is important in planning and modifying the chemoradiation therapy regimen. This study aimed to explore the quantitative histogram indices for treatment-response prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on diffusional kurtosis imaging compared with a standard ADC value (ADCstandard). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with an initial diagnosis of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and diffusional kurtosis imaging acquisitions before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Patients were divided into respond-versus-nonrespond groups after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and residual-versus-nonresidual groups after radiation therapy. Histogram parameters of diffusional kurtosis imaging-derived parameters (ADC, ADC coefficient corrected by the non-Gaussain model [D], apparent kurtosis coefficient without a unit [K]) were calculated. The ADCstandard was calculated on the basis of intravoxel incoherent movement data. The intraclass correlation coefficient, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed. RESULTS: Most of the parameters had good-to-excellent consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.675-0.998). The pre-ADCstandard, pre-ADC (10th, 25th, 50th percentiles), pre-D (10th, 25th, 50th percentiles), and pre-K50th were significantly different between the respond and nonrespond groups, while the pre-ADC10th, pre-K90th, post-ADC50th, post-K75th, post-K90th, and the percentage change of parameters before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (▵ADC50th%) were significantly different between the residual and nonresidual groups (all P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that setting pre-D50th = 0.875 × 10-3mm2/s as the cutoff value could result in optimal diagnostic performance for neoadjuvant chemotherapy response prediction (area under the curve = 0.814, sensitivity = 0.70, specificity = 0.92), while the post-K90th = 1.035 (area under the curve = 0.829, sensitivity = 0.78, specificity = 0.72), and▵ADC50th% = 0.253 (area under the curve = 0.833, sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.72) were optimal for radiation therapy response prediction. CONCLUSIONS: Histogram analysis of diffusional kurtosis imaging may potentially predict the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and short-term radiation therapy response in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, therefore providing evidence for modification of the treatment regimen.

[Research progress of terlipressin in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites-related complications].

Ascites is the most common clinical symptom in the decompensated stage of patients with liver cirrhosis, and its co-existence in complex conditions, such as refractory ascites, hyponatremia, hepatorenal syndrome and other complications may harm seriously. Splanchnic vasodilation is the key pathological link of cirrhotic ascites-related complications and the treatment of this link can help to eliminate the symptoms of ascites and prevent the further deterioration of decompensated cirrhosis. This paper summaries the pharmacological basis, clinical evidence and application characteristics of a vasocative drugs-terlipressin in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites-related complications, and further analyzes the problems existing in the current research, then proposes a prospect.

[Observation of the therapeutic and characteristic effects of terlipressin on refractory cirrhotic ascites].

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of terlipressin on refractory ascites (RA) in cirrhosis, and its role and impact on acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial data of 111 hospitalized cases of liver cirrhosis accompanied with RA was collected from Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital of Hubei Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, and People's Hospital of Pudong New Area of Shanghai between March 2015 and March 2017. 26 cases of conventional treatment group (control group) were divided into two subgroups: RA without AKI (RA-NAKI) and RA with AKI (RA-AKI), and each subgroup consisted 13 cases. Patients with bacterial infection were treated with diuretics, albumin supplementation and antibiotics. 85 cases were presented in terlipressin combined treatment group, of which 27 cases were of RA-NAKI and 58 cases were of RA-AKI. Control group was injected terlipressin 1mg of intravenous drip or static push (once q6 h ~ 12 h) for more than 5 days. The treatment duration lasted for 2 weeks with 4 weeks of follow-up. Body weight, 24-hour urine volume, abdominal circumference, mean arterial pressure (MAP), liver and kidney function, anterior hepatic ascites, deepest point of ascites, and ultrasonographic detection of ascites in supine position before treatment, one and two weeks after treatment and 4 weeks after follow-up were compared. Count data were tested by χ (2). Samples of four groups at baseline were compared. One-way analysis of variance was used for normal distribution data and Kruskal-Wallis H test for non-normal distribution data. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the difference in efficacy between different time points before and after treatment in the group. The LSD method of one-way ANOVA was used to compare the two groups. A t-test of independent samples was used to compare the efficacy of different time series between the two groups. Mann-Whitney rank- sum test was used to compare the data of non-normal distribution between the two groups. Results: (1) Baseline data were compared among 4 subgroups of terlipressin RA-NAKI and control RA-AKI. Control group age was higher than that of terlipressin group, and the serum creatinine (SCr) of the RA-AKI group was higher than RA-NAKI group, and there was no significant difference in the rest of the baseline data and the combined medication (P > 0.05). (2) An intra-group comparison between control and trelipressin before and after treatment showed that all patients had lower body mass, abdominal circumference and deepest ascites, and higher serum albumin (P < 0.05). 24-hour urine volume and MAP was significantly increased in the terlipressin group, while the pre-ascites, SCr and child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) scores were decreased. Body weight, abdominal circumference, pre-ascites, and deepest ascites of the terlipressin group were decreased, while MAP was increased during the treatment and follow-up periods. The differences were statistically significant when compared with the control group at the same time (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the increase of 24-h urine volume in the terlipressin group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The decrease in SCr and CTP in the terlipressin group after 2 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up was statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.05). (3) Among the two subgroups of RA-AKI and RA-NAKI in the terlipressin group, the baseline SCr value of the former was higher than that of the latter. After treatment, the body weight, abdominal circumference, pre-ascites, deepest ascites and CTP scores were decreased. In the RA-AKI group, 24-hour urine volume, MAP, SCr and serum albumin concentration were significantly increased. The difference between the two subgroups before and after treatment was compared, and the body weight of RA-AKI group at 1, 2 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up was significantly lower than RA-NAKI group, which were (- 2.3 ± 0.2 vs. - 1.5 ± 0.2) kg, (- 4.1 ± 0.2 vs. - 2.6 ± 0.2) kg, (- 4.2 ± 0.3 vs. - 2.4 ± 0.3) kg, respectively. RA-NAKI group urine volume was significantly increased at 2 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up, which was (468 ± 42 vs. 110 ± 131) ml, (272 ± 34 ml vs. 11 ± 112) ml, respectively. SCr reduction (18.3 ± 4.7 vs. 0.9 ± 2.4) µmol/l at 4 weeks of follow-up was apparent in RA-NAKI group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Addition of terlipressin to conventional treatment may significantly increase MAP, 24-h urine volume, improve renal function and promote ascites resolution in patients with refractory cirrhotic ascites. Moreover, its combination effect is more obvious in AKI patients, and adverse reactions are mild.

A combination of mRNA expression profile and miRNA expression profile identifies detection biomarkers in different tumor stages of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate microRNA (miRNA) target regulations during the disease progression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and identify biomarkers in different tumor stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA dataset GSE59102 and miRNA dataset GSE70289 were used in this study. After pretreatment, differentially expressed genes/miRNAs (DEGs/DEMs) in different tumor stages (beginning vs. margin, advanced vs. margin, and beginning vs. advanced) were selected on the basis of their limma package. Then, the enrichment analysis for these DEGs was conducted using ClueGO. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed on the basis of the BioGRID database. After prediction of target genes of DEMs according to three validated miRNA databases, an integrated miRNA target network and its pathways were drawn using the multiMiR package. RESULTS: Numerous DEGs were identified in different tumor stages of LSCC (beginning vs. margin, advanced vs. margin, and beginning vs. advanced), and a set of 18 DEMs was identified. Cell cycle was the most significantly enriched pathway of the DEGs. Four hub nodes (MCM2, EGFR, CDK2, and CDK1) were highlighted in the PPI network. In the integrated miRNA target network, 2 miRNAs were predominant: hsa-miR-331-3p (2 predicted targets, E2F1 and TNFRSF10B) and has-miR-375 (1 predicted target, TNNI3). These genes were tied up with cell cycle or apoptosis pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Several genes and miRNAs might be used as markers for LSCC in different tumor stages (e.g., MCM2, EGFR, CDK1, CDK2, hsa-miR-331-3p, hsa-miR-375). They might function through the involvement of the cell cycle pathway.

Pig identification and meat traceability by multiallelic amplification fragments with multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Compared with conventional identification methods, DNA-based genetic approaches such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and satellites are much more reliable for pig identification and meat traceability. In this study, multiallelic amplification fragments with multiple SNPs, incorporating the advantages of both SNPs and microsatellites, were explored for the first time for pig identification and meat traceability. Primer pairs for multiallelic fragments and their optimal SNPs were successfully selected and used for identification of individuals from Suzhong and Duroc populations. Meanwhile, the combined panel of the above mentioned primer pairs together with their optimal SNPs for Suzhong and/or Duroc pigs were validated for identification of the hybrids (Suzhong×Duroc). Therefore, we have successfully selected multiallelic amplification fragments with multiple SNPs to identify pigs and their meat samples from Suzhong, Duroc or their hybrids. Our study demonstrates that our method is more powerful for pig identification or meat traceability than SNPs or microsatellites.

[Correlation of liver stiffness measured by FibroTouch and FibroScan with Ishak fibrosis score in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

Objective: To investigate the correlation of liver stiffness measured by FibroTouch (FT) and FibroScan (FS) with Ishak fibrosis score in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: A total of 313 patients with chronic hepatitis B who visited Department of Liver Cirrhosis in Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2014 to May 2016 were enrolled. All the patients underwent liver biopsy, and FT and FS were used to determine liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Serum biochemical parameters were measured, and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in a multi-parameter model of liver fibrosis and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index were calculated. The consistency between the results of four noninvasive examinations and Ishak fibrosis score was compared. The t-test was used for comparison of LSM determined by FT and FS. Pearson correlation analysis was used investigate the correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS; Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and Knodell score with LSM determined by FT and FS; the correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS and fibrosis stage was analyzed by partial correlation analysis adjusted by Knodell score for liver inflammatory activity; Spearman correlation analysis was used for APRI, FIB-4, and fibrosis stage. Based on the Ishak fibrosis score, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the values of four noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Results: There was no significant difference in LSM measured by FT and FS in all patients (15.75±9.42 kPa vs 15.42±10.52 kPa, P > 0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between them (r = 0.858, P < 0.01); serum ALT and AST levels and liver inflammatory activity were correlated with LSM determined by FT and FS. There was a significant positive correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS and fibrosis stage (r = 0.501 and 0.526, both P < 0.001), and APRI and FIB-4 were also positively correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.236 and 0.218, both P < 0.001). Based on the Ishak fibrosis score, in the diagnosis of fibrosis stages F3, F4, F5, and F6, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.915/0.856/0.839/0.816 for FT, 0.933/0.883/0.849/0.856 for FS, 0.618/0.630/0.608/0.638 for APRI, and 0.614/0.624/0.595/0.649 for FIB-4, and FT and FS had a significantly larger areas under the ROC curve than APRI and FIB-4. Conclusion: LSM determined by FT or FS has a good correlation with the Ishak fibrosis score, so FT and FS have a significantly better diagnostic performance for liver fibrosis than APRI and FIB-4.

Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio predicts worse outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of the triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C) on clinical outcomes of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients is unclear. This study sought to determine whether the TG/HDL-C ratio in AIS patients is associated with worse outcomes at 3 months. METHODS: Acute ischaemic stroke patients who were admitted from 2011 to 2014 were enrolled in this study. TG, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were collected on admission. Three end-points were defined according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 3 months after symptom onset (excellent outcome, mRS 0-1; good outcome, mRS 0-2; and death, mRS 6). RESULTS: In all, 1006 patients were included (median age 68.5 years; 58.2% male). Higher TG, non-HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were strongly associated with the three end-points after adjustments: excellent [odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, OR 1.89 and OR 2.34, respectively] and good (OR 1.48, OR 2.90 and OR 4.12) outcomes, and death (OR 0.59, OR 0.29 and OR 0.26). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the best discriminating factor was a TG/HDL-C ≥ 0.87 for excellent outcomes [area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.596; sensitivity 73.3%; specificity 42.7%] and non-death (AUC 0.674; sensitivity 67.8%; specificity 60.6%) as well as a TG/HDL-C ≥ 1.01 for a good outcome (AUC 0.652; sensitivity 61.6%; specificity 63.2%). Patients with a TG/HDL-C < 0.87 had a 2.94-fold increased risk of death (95% confidence interval 1.89-4.55) compared with patients with a TG/HDL-C ≥ 0.87. CONCLUSIONS: A lower TG/HDL-C was independently associated with death and worse outcome at 3 months in AIS.

[Characterization of mutational pattern in patients with Ph negative myeloproliferative neoplasms].

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the molecular profile in patients with Ph negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) by exploring 49 gene mutations. METHODS: Targeted gene sequencing were performed to analyze 49 MPN-associated genes in 51 patients with Ph negative MPN, of which CARL (exon 9), NPM1 (exon 12) and CEBPA (TAD, BZIP domains) were investigated by using Sanger sequencing simultaneously, while FLT3-ITD was assessed by PCR method. RESULTS: Mutations were detected in 73.5% (36/49) of genes, and the mutational rates of JAK2-V617F, CALR (exon 9) and MPL were 60.8%(31/51), 7.8%(4/51) and 7.8%(4/51) respectively, whereas the mutational rates of ASXL1, SETBP1, and SF3B1 were around 10%. In addition, 96.1% (49/51) of patients harbored at least one mutation, and more than half of the patients (52.9%, 27/51) possessed 3 or 4 gene mutations. The amount of gene mutations was significantly higher in patients with JAK2-V617F mutation than those without JAK2-V617F or CALR (exon 9) mutation (P<0.05). The last finding was that there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of mutations among four MPN subtypes (PV, ET, PMF, and MPN-U). CONCLUSION: Most patients with Ph negative MPN possesses three or more gene mutations, with various mutational profiles.

A binary concrete crack self-healing system containing oxygen-releasing tablet and bacteria and its Ca2+-precipitation performance.

A strategy to supply molecular oxygen for microbial calcium precipitation was developed for the first time. Firstly, a controlled oxygen-releasing tablet (ORT) containing CaO2 and lactic acid with a suitable ratio of 9:1 was developed. It can provide a stable oxygen supply and maintain pH in the range of 9.5-11.0 for 45 days while contacting with water. In the presence of oxygen, a self-healing bacterium H4 spores germinated more effectively and maintained high metabolic activity. Furthermore, H4 vegetative cells induced 50 % more calcium precipitation than that obtained without oxygen supply. Finally, a binary self-healing system containing bacterial spores and ORT was established. The calcium precipitation experiments showed that H4 in the binary self-healing system precipitated 27.5 mM calcium with oxygen supply after 32 days and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the solution decreased from 15 to 4 mg l-1, while only 6.9 mM calcium precipitation was obtained without oxygen supply. This work can disclose the effect of oxygen on microbial calcium precipitation and further lay a foundation for the establishment of ternary self-healing system containing bacteria, ORT, and nutrients, which will be promising for the self-healing of cracks deep inside the concrete structure.