Multi-omics analysis reveals the association between elevated KIF18B expression and unfavorable prognosis, immune evasion, and regulatory T cell activation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in Southern China. The expression profile and functions of kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) remain unclear in NPC. Methods: Bulk and single-cell transcriptome data for NPC were downloaded. KIF18B expression differences in NPC and normal tissues and its prognostic value were validated by immunohistochemistry and Cox model. We performed multi-faceted functional enrichment analysis on KIF18B. Immune infiltration was analyzed comprehensively by the CIBERSORT, EPIC, and quanTIseq algorithms and the BisqueRNA package and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. The intercellular communication were investigated by the CellChat package. We explored the dynamics of KIF18B expression by pseudotime trajectory. M6A modification analysis rely on SRAMP platform. The treatment response were evaluated by Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score, immunophenoscore and IC50 value. Results: KIF18B overexpression in NPC led to unfavorable prognosis, and significantly associated with advanced T, N, and stage classifications. Functional analysis demonstrated that KIF18B was involved in immune suppression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and therapeutic responses. The deconvolution algorithm indicated that activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) had the strongest positive correlation with KIF18B among immune cells (R = 0.631). Validated by immunofluorescence assay, the high KIF18B expression group displayed a notable rise in Tregs infiltration, accompanied by a substantial decrease in the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and macrophages. In the intercellular communication network, malignant cells with high KIF18B expression implicated in more interactions, and activated and recruited Tregs by modulating cytokines, chemokines, and immune checkpoints. KIF18B was upregulated in more advanced malignant cells and influenced EMT by regulating ITGA6, VIM, and ZEB1/2. KIF18B expression was positively related to m6A "writer" and "reader" genes, and negatively related to "eraser" genes. The KIF18B high expression group exhibited a higher TIDE score and elevated IC50 values for the commonly used chemotherapy drugs, gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and 5-fluorouracil. Conclusion: KIF18B is a significant prognostic marker in NPC, and may modulate immune evasion and EMT. M6A modification may account for the aberrant overexpression of KIF18B in NPC. Furthermore, KIF18B may predict response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Necrosis at Different N Stages in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Background: Lymph node necrosis (LNN), including retropharyngeal nodal necrosis and cervical nodal necrosis, which is related to radiotherapy/ chemotherapy resistance, is a common phenomenon in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study was to assess the prognostic value of LNN at different N stages in NPC patients. Materials and Methods: In total, 1,665 newly diagnosed NPC patients at stage TxN1-3M0 from two centers were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate models were constructed to assess the association between LNN and long-term survival outcomes. The propensity score matching method was performed to balance treatment groups for baseline characteristics. Results: Of the 1,665, 540 patients (540/1665, 32.4%) were diagnosed with LNN, of which 54.1% (292/540) patients were at stage N1, 31.3% (169/540) at stage N2, and 14.6% (79/540) at stage N3. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated LNN as an independent predictor for progression­free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) in stage N1-3 patients (all P<0.001). When patients were analyzed according to stage, similar findings were observed for N1 patients (all P<0.001); for N2 patients, LNN independently predicted PFS (P=0.003), OS (P=0.011), and DMFS (P=0.004), and for stage N3, LNN only independently predicted LRRFS (P=0.019). 123 pairs of patients who received induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy or only concurrent chemoradiotherapy were matched, adding induction chemotherapy improved 5-year OS, PFS and LRFFS, but the results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: In NPC patients, LNN could independently predict poor prognosis at all N1-3 stages and at each N stage (N1 to N3). The value of adding induction chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with LNN still requires further prospective studies.

[Retracted] miR­663 promotes NPC cell proliferation by directly targeting CDKN2A.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell cycle assay data shown in Figs. 2D and 5C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [the original article was published in Molecular Medicine Reports 16: 4863­4870, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7129].

miR-663b promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through targeting TUSC2.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4608.].

Prognostic influence of prevertebral space involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate how prevertebral space involvement (PSI) and degree of tumor extension within the space affects prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Data of patients with newly-diagnosed nonmetastatic NPC (n = 757) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were separated into groups according to presence or absence of PSI and degree of tumor spread. Overall survival (OS), failure-free survival (FFS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Prevalence of PSI, simple prevertebral muscle involvement (PMI), and behind prevertebral muscle involvement (BPMI) were 44.9% (340/757), 22.5% (170/757), and 22.5% (170/757), respectively. OS, FFS, LRFS, and DMFS for patients with and without PSI were 64% vs. 84.8%, 68% vs. 85.6%, 85.8% vs. 94.4%, and 78.5% vs. 92.8%, respectively (all P < 0.001). PSI was an independent predictor of OS, FFS, LRFS, and DMFS. OS, FFS, and DMFS for patients with simple PMI and with BPMI were 72.7% vs. 54.8% (P = 0.002), 75.8% vs. 59.8% (P = 0.003), and 85.5% vs. 71.2% (P = 0.002), respectively. Degree of PSI extension was related to OS, FFS, and DMFS. OS, FFS, LRFS, and DMFS were significantly poorer in patients with PSI in T2-3 stage than in patients without PSI in T3 stage (P < 0.05), but comparable to those in patients with T4 stage (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PSI predicts poor prognosis in NPC. Survival is poorer in patients with BPMI than in those with simple PMI. NPC with PSI should be classified as T4 stage.

Influence of tumor necrosis on treatment sensitivity and long-term survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of tumor necrosis on treatment sensitivity and long-term survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: In total, 757 patients with non-metastatic, histologically confirmed NPC were retrospectively examined. All patients were treated using IMRT; 93.7% patients with stage T3-T4/N1-N3 disease also received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. RESULTS: The incidence rates of tumor necrosis in primary tumor, retropharyngeal lymph nodes, neck lymph nodes, and total tumor were 2%, 17.7%, 21.5%, and 31.4%. Overall, 40.8% patients with necrosis of the total tumor achieved complete response (CR) and 54.7% patients without tumor necrosis achieved CR at the end of treatment (χ2 = 12.728, P < 0.001). The estimated 7-year overall survival (OS), failure-free survival (FFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and loco-regional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) for patients with tumor necrosis and without tumor necrosis of the total tumor were 68.5% vs. 88.4%, 70.5% vs. 88.1%, 77.6% vs. 90.6%, and 85.9% vs. 91.3%, respectively (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that necrosis of the total tumor was an independent predictor of OS, FFS, DMFS, and LRRFS. The impact of lymph node necrosis on long-term survival was similar to that of necrosis of the total tumor. ROC curves verified that inclusion of lymph node necrosis improved the predictive value of the current N classification criteria (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor necrosis served as a predictor of treatment sensitivity and poor prognosis for patients with NPC. Lymph node necrosis significantly improved the prognostic value of the current N classification criteria for NPC.

Association between lncRNA H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility based on a meta-analysis from 25 studies.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA H19 polymorphisms were reported to be related to cancer susceptibility. However, the results from individual studies have been controversial or inconsistent. To clarify the associations between H19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2107425, rs217727, rs2735971, rs2839698, rs3024270, and rs3741219) and the cancer susceptibility more accurately. METHODS: Relevant publications were searched from PubMed and EMBASE up to May 31, 2019, for studies in English only. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to find out the relationship between the H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. All of the data were analyzed using Stata 12.0. RESULTS: The results showed that rs2107425 polymorphisms was associated with an increasing cancer susceptibility in Asian (T vs C: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.28; TT + CT vs CC: OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.44; CT vs CC: OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.44) and decreasing risk in Caucasian (T vs C: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.97; TT + CT vs CC: OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94; CT vs CC: OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94). And rs217727 polymorphism was associated with an increasing cancer susceptibility in the Asian (A vs G: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17; AA + GA vs GG: OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.21; AA vs GG: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.36). Additionally, rs2839698 polymorphism was associated with an increasing risk overall (A vs G: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06-1.31), in breast cancer (A vs G: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.14-2.45; AA + AG vs GG: OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20-3.25; AG vs GG: OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.16-3.07), in Asian (A vs G: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.14; AA + AG vs GG: OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.21; AA vs AG + GG: OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.25; AA vs GG: OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.49; AG vs GG: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17), and in Caucasian (AA vs AG + GG: OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.25-2.61). CONCLUSION: H19 rs2107425, rs217727 and rs2839698 were associated with an increasing cancer susceptibility in Asian. Rs2107425 was associated with a decreasing risk and rs2839698 was associated with an increasing risk in Caucasian. No significant association was found in H19 rs2735971, rs3024270 and rs3741219 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as a complex disorder. The etiology of PCOS is multifactorial with a clear genetic component. Several human studies have been conducted to explore the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and PCOS susceptibility, but these provide inconsistent results and the combined result of A1298C remains vacant. Our aim is to examine whether MTHFR C677T or A1298C are related to PCOS. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between MTHFR C677T or A1298C polymorphisms and PCOS. Electronic database was searched, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Web of science and the reference lists of relevant articles for studies published from the inception to June 17, 2019. The included studies were assessed in the following genetic model: dominant model, recessive model, allelic model, homozygote model, Heterozygote model. RESULTS: 19 articles (21 studies) with 2383 patients of PCOS and 2492 controls were considered for MTHFR C677T, and 7 articles (8 studies) were employed for MTHFT A1298C in this meta-analysis. For MTHFR C677T and A1298C, significant association with PCOS was observed in the combined population and Asian population. None of the contrasts of genetic model yielded a significant finding in the Caucasian population. CONCLUSION: Our result based on previously published studies demonstrated that T allele in MTHFR C677T polymorphism might be a genetic risk factor for PCOS, especially in the Asian population. MTHFR A1298C might be contribute to PCOS susceptibility. More efforts and further studies with larger sample size will be required to validate the risk of PCOS.

[Effect of intensity modulated radiation therapy on oral mucosa and immune function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the potential effects of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on clinical efficacy, oral mucosa reaction and immunological foundation; and to explore the effect of immunological changes on clinical efficacy and oral mucosa reaction in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
 Methods: A total of 200 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, who came from First Department of Nasopharyngeal Radiotherapy, the First People's Hospital of Foshan from October 2008 to November 2011, were selected. The patients were treated with nasopharyngeal radiotherapy, and divided into an observation group and a control group (n=100 in each group). The control group underwent common conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy treatment, while the observation group underwent IMRT. The 5-year survival rates and recurrence rates were recorded at follow-up. After the radiotherapy, the oral mucosa in the patients were evaluated by the classification standard of acute radioactive mucositis by American Radiotherapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and the number of T lymphocyte subsets before and after treatment was detected.
 Results: There were significant difference in non-regional-recurrence survival rate, disease-free survival rate, local recurrence rate between the above 2 groups (all P<0.05), but no significant difference in the distant metastasis-free survival rate (P>0.05). The acute oral mucosa reactions of grade 1, 2, 3, 4 in the control group were 8.00%, 20.00%, 12.00%, 7.00%, respectively, and those were 7.00%, 22.00%, 15.00%, 1.00% respectively. There was no significant difference in the acute response of oral mucosa in grade 1, 2 and 3 in the 2 groups (all P>0.05), but there was significant difference in the grade 4 (P<0.05). There were significantly difference in CD8+, CD4+/ CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets before and after treatment in the above 2 groups (all P<0.01); there were also significantly difference after treatment between the observation group and the control group (all P<0.01).
 Conclusion: In the process of treatment in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the use of IMRT on the basis of chemotherapy is more effective than the conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy, which can reduce the proportion of grade 4 (severe) acute oral mucosa reaction. It may be related to the protective effect of IMRT on immune function in the patients.

Factors associated with disclosing men who have sex with men (MSM) sexual behaviors and HIV-positive status: A study based on a social network analysis in Nanjing, China.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the factors associated with disclosure of men who have with sex with men (MSM) behaviors and HIV-positive status among HIV-positive MSM in Nanjing, China. METHODS: Social network analysis and epidemiological methods were combined in this pilot study. Information about participants' (egos') characteristics and behaviors and their social network members (alters) were collected through interview-administered questionnaires. General estimating equation logistic regression analysis was applied in both univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-seven HIV-positive MSM participated. Their mean age was 35.9 ±13.81years. They were more likely to disclose their MSM behavior to their friends [adjust Odds Ratio (AOR) = 6.43, 95% confidence interval (CI):3.08-13.42] or to the social network members who were not heterosexual [AOR = 4.40, 95%CI: 2.17-8.91]. Being participants' friends [AOR = 5.16, 95%CI: 2.03-13.10] or family members [AOR = 6.22, 95%CI: 2.52-15.33] was significantly associated with HIV-positive status disclosure. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive MSM tended to disclose their MSM behaviors and HIV positive status to close friends, family members or other individuals who were HIV-positive, engaging in MSM behavior, or both. Consequently, it will be an effective way to implement HIV prevention and intervention strategies in both MSM population and their trusted social networks.

Trends of long noncoding RNA research from 2007 to 2016: a bibliometric analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the scientific output of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) research and construct a model to evaluate publications from the past decade qualitatively and quantitatively. METHODS: Publications from 2007 to 2016 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Microsoft Excel 2016 and CiteSpace IV software were used to analyze publication outputs, journals, countries, institutions, authors, citation counts, ESI top papers, H-index, and research frontiers. RESULTS: A total of 3,008 papers on lncRNA research were identified published by June 17, 2017. The journal, Oncotarget (IF2016, 5.168) ranked first in the number of publications. China had the largest number of publications (1,843), but the United States showed its dominant position in both citation frequency (45,120) and H-index (97). Zhang Y (72 publications) published the most papers, and Guttman M (1,556 citations) had the greatest co-citation counts. The keyword "database" ranked first in research frontiers. CONCLUSION: The annual number of publications rapidly increased in the past decade. China showed its significant progress in lncRNA research, but the United States was the actual leading country in this field. Many Chinese institutions engaged in lncRNA research but significant collaborations among them were not noted. Guttman M, Mercer TR, Rinn JL, and Gupta RA were identified as good candidates for research collaboration. "Database," "Xist RNA," and "Genome-wide association study" should be closely observed in this field.

miR-663 promotes NPC cell proliferation by directly targeting CDKN2A.

MicroRNAs (miRs) act as important regulators during the development and progression of human cancer; however, the regulatory mechanism of miR-663 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that serum miR­663 levels were significantly increased in patients with NPC compared with healthy controls. In addition, the serum levels of miR­663 were associated with the grade, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage of NPC. The expression of miR­663 was increased in NPC C666­1 cells, compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelial NP69 cells. The knockdown of miR­663 markedly decreased the proliferation of C666­1 cells through the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G1 stage. Cyclin­dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) was hypothesized to be a putative target of miR­663. Further investigation confirmed that miR­663 was able to directly bind to the 3' untranslated region of CDKN2A mRNA, and to negatively regulate CDKN2A protein expression in C666­1 cells. Inhibition of CDKN2A expression attenuated the suppressive effects of miR­663 knockdown on the proliferation and cell cycle progression of C666­1 cells. In addition, it was observed that the mRNA and protein levels of CDKN2A were decreased in C666­1 cells compared with NP69 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR­663 promoted the proliferation and cell cycle progression of NPC cells by directly targeting CDKN2A, suggesting that miR­663 may become a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NPC.

miR-663b promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through targeting TUSC2.

The authors' previous study revealed that the serum levels of microRNA (miR)-663b are significantly increased in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and are associated with NPC progression and poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of underlying NPC growth and metastasis remains unclear. In the present study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were performed to examine changes to mRNA and protein expression, respectively. MTT, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to examine cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to identify target genes of miR-663b. It was demonstrated that miR-663b was significantly upregulated in NPC tissue compared with non-tumor nasopharyngeal epithelial tissue samples. Furthermore, miR-663b expression gradually increased with advancing stages of NPC, with the highest expression being observed in the latest stage IV. The increased expression of miR-663b was associated with advanced clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. In addition, miR-663b expression was increased in NPC cell lines compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelial NP69 cells. Knockdown of miR-663b resulted in a significant reduction in the proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC CNE1 cells. Tumor suppressor candidate 2 (TUSC2) was identified as a novel target gene of miR-663b. It was further demonstrated that TUSC2 was significantly downregulated in NPC tissue samples and cell lines. miR-663b negatively regulated the expression of TUSC2 at the post-transcriptional level in CNE1 cells. Additionally, inhibition of TUSC2 expression attenuated the suppressive effects of miR-663b downregulation on the proliferation, migration and invasion of CNE1 cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that miR-663b, which is upregulated in NPC, promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells, partially through the inhibition of TUSC2 expression. Therefore, it is suggested that miR-663b is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with NPC.

Changing Epidemic of HIV and Syphilis Among Resident and Migrant Men Who Have Sex with Men in Jiangsu, China.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China face high rates of HIV and syphilis infection exacerbated by internal migration. Studies on the differences of HIV and syphilis epidemics changing trends in high-risk behaviors and geographic distribution between resident and migrant MSM in Jiangsu, China were conducted. MSM were recruited from 14 surveillance sites in the serial cross-sectional study. Data on demographics, sexual behaviors, HIV and syphilis prevalence were collected. Participants were classified as residents or migrants based on household registration. During 2010-2014, 19,750 MSM were investigated. Engaged in anal sex (76.3% to 80.2%, P < 0.01) as well as received HIV-related services (72.1% to 79.2%, P < 0.01) were increasing. In contrast, engaged in commercial anal sex with males (7.4% to 5.0%, P < 0.01) and drug use (1.6% to 0.8%, P < 0.01) were decreasing. HIV prevalence ranged between 8.6% to 9.6%, while syphilis prevalence decreased over time (13.4-6.8%, P < 0.01). Further, we found that migrant MSM were more likely to engage in condomless anal sex, also had a higher HIV and syphilis prevalence than resident. During the study period, while syphilis prevalence decreased, higher rates of risk behaviors among migrant MSM called for targeted intervention strategies to reduce the HIV transmission.

Increased Serum Level of MicroRNA-663 Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

MicroRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in the carcinogenesis and malignant progression of human cancers including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum miR-663 levels with the clinical factors and prognosis of NPC patients. Real-time PCR was performed to examine the amount of miR-663 in serum in NPC patients and healthy controls. Our data showed that the amount of miR-663 in serum was significantly higher in NPC patients than in healthy controls. Moreover, the serum levels of miR-663 were significantly correlated with the grade, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage of NPC. Furthermore, higher serum miR-663 levels were closely associated with worse 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with NPC, and the serum level of miR-663 was found to be an independent predicator for the prognosis of NPC. In addition, after receiving chemoradiotherapy, the serum levels of miR-663 were significantly reduced in NPC patients. In summary, miR-663 was upregulated in the serum of NPC patients, which was downregulated after chemoradiotherapy, and its increased levels were closely associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in NPC patients. Therefore, the amount of miR-663 in serum may become a potential predicator for the clinical outcome of NPC patients.

Cytotoxic and adhesion-associated response of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts to COOH-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

As novel, promising, man-made nanomaterials with extraordinary properties, carbon nanotubes have been attracting massive attention in regenerative medicine. However, published reports on their potential cytotoxic effects are not concordant and are even conflicting. In the current study, the cytotoxic effects of carboxyl-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs), as well as their influences on the cell adhesion of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, were thoroughly investigated. Live/dead cell viability assay and cell counting kit-8 assay both indicated that the viability of the NIH-3T3 cells exposed to COOH-MWCNTs in the culture medium was dependent on the latter's concentration. Cell viability increased at COOH-MWCNT concentrations below 50 µg ml(-1) and then decreased with increasing concentration. Scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescent staining of the NIH-3T3 cells revealed that the cells were well adherent to the substrate after exposure to the COOH-MWCNTs for 48 h. Western blot demonstrated that COOH-MWCNT exposure enhanced the expression of adhesion-associated proteins compared with normal cells, peaking at an intermediate concentration. Our study showed that the cytotoxicity of COOH-MWCNTs, as well as their effects on NIH-3T3 fibroblast adhesion, was dose dependent. Therefore, COOH-MWCNT concentrations in the cell culture medium should be considered in the biomedical application of COOH-MWCNTs.

[Association between CCND1 G870A polymorphism and radiotherapy response in high-risk human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with radiotherapy response in patients with high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) related cervical cancer.
 METHODS: A total of 273 patients with cervical cancer, who were confirmed by histopathology and hybrid capture 2 (HC-2) assay and treated by radiotherapy, were enrolled for this study. The correlation of CCND1 G870A polymorphism with tumor response in patients was assessed.
 RESULTS: Compared with patients with AA genotype, the patients with GG genotype and AA genotype showed lower sensitivity to radio-therapy treatment (adjusted ORGA=2.69, 95% CI 1.28-5.67 and adjusted ORGG=3.28, 95% CI 1.47-7.29, respectively), an increase in risks of recurrence/metastasis (adjusted ORGA=2.52, 95% CI 1.12-5.63 and adjusted ORGG=3.95, 95% CI 1.68-9.26, respectively), and shorter recurrence/metastasis-free survival (PGA=0.010 and PGG=0.045).
 CONCLUSION: G870A polymorphism is a frequent variation that could be used for evaluate the radio-sensitivity and prognosis for patients with HR-HPV related cervical cancer.

[Study of Mycoplasma pirum infection and related factors among male HIV/AIDS patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the infection status of Mycoplasma pirum among male HIV/AIDS patients in Jiangsu and analyze the risk factors. The genome sequencing of Mycoplasma pirum was completed for the first time. METHODS: Male HIV infected individuals and AIDS patients confirmed in Jiangsu province were enrolled for 4 repeated cross-sectional studies by means of detecting the first flow urine sample and venous blood sample collected and questionnaire survey after informed consent. Genome sequencing was conducted for Mycoplasma pirum by using Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencing platform. RESULTS: A total of 1 541 HIV/AIDS patients were surveyed in this study. The infection rates of Mycoplasma pirum was 15.4%. The patients who received no HAART had higher risk to be infected with Mycoplasma pirum (OR = 1.344, 95% CI: 1.008-1.792). Otherwise, high CD4⁺T counts was a protective factor for Mycoplasma pirum infection (OR = 0.600, 95% CI: 0.444-0.810). Based on the sequencing result, the genome size of Mycoplasma pirum was 850 704 bp, the GC content was 24.21% the genome contained 708 genes, the total length of genes was 734 085 bp, the average length was 1 037 bp, accounting for 86.29% of genome. CONCLUSION: More attention should be paid to the high infection rate of Mycoplasma pirum among male HIV/AIDS patients in the future AIDS prevention and control. The first genome sequencing of standard Mycoplasma pirum strain was completed in this study (registering serial number: AZHZ00000001), which can provide evidence for the further research of gene function and pathogenic mechanism of Mycoplasma pirum.

Potentiometric detection of chemical vapors using molecularly imprinted polymers as receptors.

Ion-selective electrode (ISE) based potentiometric gas sensors have shown to be promising analytical tools for detection of chemical vapors. However, such sensors are only capable of detecting those vapors which can be converted into ionic species in solution. This paper describes for the first time a polymer membrane ISE based potentiometric sensing system for sensitive and selective determination of neutral vapors in the gas phase. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is incorporated into the ISE membrane and used as the receptor for selective adsorption of the analyte vapor from the gas phase into the sensing membrane phase. An indicator ion with a structure similar to that of the vapor molecule is employed to indicate the change in the MIP binding sites in the membrane induced by the molecular recognition of the vapor. The toluene vapor is used as a model and benzoic acid is chosen as its indicator. Coupled to an apparatus manifold for preparation of vapor samples, the proposed ISE can be utilized to determine volatile toluene in the gas phase and allows potentiometric detection down to parts per million levels. This work demonstrates the possibility of developing a general sensing principle for detection of neutral vapors using ISEs.

[Value of FDG PET-CT associated with pathology in diagnosing residual tumor in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To find a rational way in early detecting the residual tumor in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. METHODS: A total of 47 NPC patients who were diagnosed residual tumor after radiotherapy and treated in our hospital from Dec 2009 to Aug 2012 were included in this study and their clinicopathological and follow-up data were reviewed and analyzed. The patients were checked by nasopharynx MRI, FDG PET-CT and were examined by biopsy of the residual tumors within two weeks after radiotherapy. The diagnosis of relapses was determined by pathological re-examination. RESULTS: All the 47 patients were followed up for 10-42 months. Three of them had nasopharynx relapse. The others had not tumor relapse and their residual tumors disappeared completely. The specificity of MRI, FDG PET-CT and pathological tumor response in diagnosing residual tumors were 9.1%, 77.3%, and 95.5% (P<0.001). Their accuracy rates were 14.9%, 78.9%, and 95.7%, respectively (P<0.001). The M of SUVmax in the team who had moderate and severe pathologic tumor response (team A) was 3.05 and that in the team who had mild pathologic tumor response (team B) was 4.68 (P=0.012). None of patients in the team A had nasopharynx relapse. Three patients in the team B who had SUVmax ≥4 had nasopharynx relapses, and in other 2 patients who had SUVmax <4, the residual tumors disappeared during the following-up. The specificity and accuracy in diagnosing residual tumors were increased when mild pathologic tumor response combined with SUVmax4 were used. CONCLUSION: PET-CT combined with pathologic tumor response is beneficial for early diagnosis of residual nasopharyngeal tumors after radiotherapy.