Comparison of anal function and quality of life after conformal sphincter preservation operation and intersphincteric resection of very low rectal cancer: a multicenter, retrospective, case-control analysis.

PURPOSE: Conformal sphincter preservation operation (CSPO) is a sphincter preservation operation for very low rectal cancers. Compared to intersphincteric resection (ISR), CSPO retains more dentate line and distal rectal wall, and also avoids damaging the nerves in the intersphincteric space. This study aimed to compare the postoperative anal function and quality of life between the CSPO and ISR. METHOD: Patients with low rectal cancer undergoing CSPO (n = 117) and ISR (n = 66) were included from Changhai and Huashan Hospital, respectively, between 2011 and 2020. A visual analog scale (range 0-10) was utilized to evaluate satisfaction with anal function and quality of life. The anal function was evaluated with Wexner scores and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38. RESULTS: The CSPO group had more male patients (65.8% vs. 50%, p = 0.042), more preoperative chemoradiotherapy (33.3% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001), lower tumor position (3.45 ± 1.13 vs. 4.24 ± 0.86 cm, p < 0.001), and more postoperative chemotherapy (65% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001) compared to the ISR group. In addition, CSPO patients had shorter postoperative stay (6.63 ± 2.53 vs. 7.85 ± 4.73 days, p = 0.003) and comparable stoma reversal rates within 1 year after surgery (92.16% vs. 96.97%, p = 0.318). Multivariable analysis showed that CSPO significantly contributed to higher satisfaction with anal function (beta = 1.752, 95% CI 0.776-2.728) and with quality of life (beta = 1.219, 95% CI 0.374-2.064), but not to Wexner, LARS score, or EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38. CONCLUSION: CSPO improved the satisfaction with anal function and quality of life but utilized more preoperative chemoradiotherapy. CSPO may be an alternative choice for patients with very low rectal cancers in better physical health and with higher requirements for anal function and quality of life.

The association between sociodemographic status and COPD and asthma mortality, DALY and YLD in southern China, 2005-2015.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the disease burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in southern China. METHOD: We calculated the mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALY), years lived with disability (YLD) and years of life lost (YLL) for COPD and asthma in Guangdong province between 2005 and 2015. We examined the significance of trends of mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rates for COPD and asthma with the Cochran-Armitage trend test. We also analyzed their association with sociodemographic factors by negative binomial models. RESULT: The age-standardized mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rates of COPD and asthma decreased significantly in Guangdong, except for an increase of 11.3% in the age-standardized YLD rate of COPD between 2005 and 2015 (all P < 0.05). Compared with females, the respective adjusted mortality rate ratio of males was 2.11 for COPD, and 0.74 for asthma. Compared with other regions, the richest region, Pearl River Delta, had the lowest mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rate ratios (RR) of COPD and asthma (all P < 0.05). COPD and asthma mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rates increased substantially with age. Specifically, when compared with the 25-49 years age group, the respective adjusted DALY RR of asthma was 1.91, 2.02 and 22.21 for 0-24, 50-74 and ≥75 years age group; the respective adjusted YLD RR was 2.27, 1.33 and 7.17 for 0-24, 50-74 and ≥75 years age group. CONCLUSIONS: Disease burden of COPD and asthma decreased in Guangdong province in southern China between 2005 and 2015; however, a disproportionate burden of COPD and asthma in terms of age, sex and regions was observed. The relatively high disease burden and high rate of impaired public health from the less developed regions highlight the need for focused policy making to address the problem.

[Clinical research progress and implications of therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions: a qualitative systematic review].

Objective: To systematically summarize and analyze the clinical research progress of therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer or precancerous lesions. Methods: English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Proquest, and ClinicalTrails.gov) and Chinese databases (SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP Database) were systematically searched to collect literature on therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer or precancerous lesions from inception to February 18, 2021. After screening, we evaluated the risk of bias of included studies, and combed the basic information of the literature, research designs, information of vaccines, study patients, outcome indicators and so on, qualitatively summarized the clinical research progress. Results: A total of 71 studies were included in this systematic review, including 14 random controlled trials, 15 quasi-random controlled trials, 4 cohort studies, 1 case-control study, 34 case series studies and 3 case reports. The study patients included women aged 15~79 with cervical cancer or precancerous lesions in 18 countries from 1989 to 2021. On the one hand, there were 40 studies on therapeutic vaccines for cervical precancerous lesions (22 867 participants), involving 21 kinds of vaccines in 6 categories. Results showed 3 marketed vaccines (Cervarix, Gardasil, Gardasil 9) as adjuvant immunotherapies were significant effective in preventing the recurrence of precancerous lesions compared with the conization only. In addition, MVA E2 vaccine had been in phase Ⅲ clinical trials as a specific therapeutic vaccine, with relative literature showing it could eliminate most high-grade precancerous lesions. Therapeutic vaccines for precancerous lesions all showed good safety. On the other hand, there were 31 studies on therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer (781 participants), involving 19 kinds of vaccines in 7categories, with none had been marketed. 25 studies were with no control group, showing the vaccines could effectively eliminate solid tumors, prevent recurrence, and prolong the median survival time. However, the vaccines effectiveness couldn't be statistically calculated due to the lack of a control group. As for the safety of therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer, 9 studies showed that patients experienced serious adverse events after treatments, where 7 studies reported that serious adverse events occurred in patients couldn't be ruled out as the results of therapeutic vaccines. Conclusions: The literature review shows that the literature evidence for the therapeutic vaccines for cervical precancerous lesions is relatively mature compared with the therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer. The four kinds of vaccines on the market are all therapeutic vaccines for precancerous lesions, but they are generally used as vaginal infection treatments or adjuvant immunotherapies for cervical precancerous lesions, not used for the specific treatments of cervical precancerous lesions. Other specific therapeutic vaccines are in the early stage of clinical trials, mainly phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ clinical trials with small sample size. The effectiveness and safety data are limited, and further research is still needed.

5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine may regulate the inflammatory response of human odontoblast-like cells through the NF-κB pathway.

AIM: To explore the role of DNA methylation in the innate immunity of the dental pulp, this study investigated the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA) on lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced cytokine production and related intracellular signalling pathways in human odontoblast-like cells (hOBs). METHODOLOGY: hOBs were cultured and differentiated from human dental pulp tissue, and the odontoblastic phenotype of the cells was detected using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. hOBs were pretreated with AZA and then stimulated with 10 µg mL-1 LTA. The levels of 42 cytokines related to immunity and inflammation were examined using a cytokine antibody array and verified using qRT-PCR and ELISA. The effect of AZA on the LTA-induced NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways was explored using Western blotting. The cells were treated with the specific NF-κB inhibitor PDTC and MAPK inhibitors (the ERK inhibitor U0126, the p38 inhibitor SB203580, and the JNK inhibitor SP600125) to further confirm the role of the signalling pathways in LTA-treated hOBs. DNA immunoprecipitation-PCR was used to examine the dynamic methylation status of the gene promoters of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in the LTA-induced hOBs. Statistical analyses of the differences between two groups were performed using Student's t-test. One-way analysis of variance (anova) or repeated-measures anova with a post hoc Dunnett's test was used to assess the differences between multiple sets of data. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The odontoblastic markers were significantly higher in hOBs than those in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) (P < 0.05). According to the cytokine antibody array results, hOBs pretreated with AZA had significantly increased production of several inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05), in which the expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were the most dramatically increased upon LTA stimulation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, AZA resulted in the significant upregulation of p-IKKα/ß, p-IκBα, p-p65, p-p38 and p-ERK in LTA-stimulated hOBs (P < 0.01). Treatment with the NF-κB pathway inhibitor suppressed both IL-6 and IL-8 expression (P < 0.05), whereas inhibitors of the MAPK pathway (SB203580 and SP600125) did not. In LTA-treated hOBs, AZA significantly increased the expression levels of TRAF6 and MyD88 (P < 0.05). AZA induced MyD88 promoter hypomethylation but did not affect TRAF6 methylation. CONCLUSION: AZA regulated the LTA-induced inflammatory response through the NF-κB signal pathway in hOBs. This study highlights the important role of DNA methylation in the immunity defence of odontoblasts during the dental pulp immunity response to caries.

Retrospective study of the functional and oncological outcomes of conformal sphincter preservation operation in the treatment of very low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Conformal sphincter preservation operation (CSPO) is a new surgical procedure for very low rectal cancers (within 4-5 cm from the anal verge). CSPO preserves more of the dentate line and distal rectal wall and also avoids injuring nerves in the intersphincteric space, resulting in satisfactory anal function after resection. The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term surgical results and long-term oncological and functional outcomes of CSPO. METHODS: Consecutive patients with very low rectal cancer, who had CSPO between January 2011 and October 2018 at Changhai Hospital, Shanghai were included. Patient demographics, clinicopathological features, oncological outcomes and anal function were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients (67 men) with a mean age of 56.9 ± 10.8 years were included. The median distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 3 (IQR, 3-4) cm. Thirty-five patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). The median distal resection margin (DRM) was 0.5 (IQR, 0.3-0.8) cm. One patient had a positive DRM. All circumferential margins were negative. There was no perioperative mortality. The postoperative complication rate was 19.6%. The median duration of follow-up was 28 (IQR, 12-45.5) months. The local recurrence rate was 2% and distant metastasis rate was 10.8%. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 100% and 83.9%, respectively. The mean Wexner incontinence and low anterior resection syndrome scores 12 months after ileostomy reversal were 5.9 ± 4.3, and 29.2 ± 6.9, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with very low rectal cancers, fecal continence can be preserved with CSPO without compromising oncological results.

[Application of a new solid adsorbent tube for the determination of three kinds of epoxy eompounds in air].

Objective: To develop a new solid sorbent tube for simultaneously capturing ethylene oxide (EO) , propylene oxide (PO) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) in air, and establish a complete set of method. Methods: In June 2018, EO, PO and ECH in air were captured by the new solid sorbent tube filled with carbon aerogel adsorbent, desorbed with solution of 5% (V/V) methanol-methylene chloride, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear ranges of EO, PO and ECH were 0.24-960.00, 0.60-2384.00 and 0.12-472.40 mg/L respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.99995-0.99997. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the group were 1.66%-4.09%, 1.36%-4.43%, and 1.99%-5.65%, respectively, and the RSD between the group were 2.69%-4.95%, 2.77%-5.30%, and 3.27%-6.67%, respectively. The average desorption efficiencies were 88.25%-94.50%, 98.17%-98.60%, and 97.79%-101.04%, respectively. The samples could be stored at 4 ℃ refrigerator for at least 27 days. Conclusion: The newly developed solid sorbent tube filled with carbon aerogel adsorbent and its complete set of gas chromatography method could be used for sampling and quantitative detection of EO, PO and ECH in workplace air.

Circ-ITCH regulates triple-negative breast cancer progression through the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Recent studies indicate that circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in tumorigenesis, but its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of circ-ITCH in TNBC and found that circ-ITCH was significantly down-regulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines and closely associated with poor prognosis. We therefore constructed the MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 TNBC cell lines stably expressing circ-ITCH by lentiviral vectors to determine its underlying mechanisms in TNBC progression. Most importantly, over-expression of circ-ITCH remarkably inhibited TNBC proliferation, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that circ-ITCH acts as a sponge for miR-214 and miR-17 to increase expression of its ITCH linear isoform, thereby inactivating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Our combined results show for the first time that circ-ITCH is a tumor suppressor, a promising prognostic biomarker in TNBC and that its restoration could well be a successful strategy in TNBC.

Self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students: a pathway through perceived stress.

OBJECTIVES: Nursing students report high levels of anxiety and depression, which requires urgent attention. A growing amount of evidence indicates that self-compassion may indirectly (through perceived stress) and directly influence anxiety and depression, yet the research to date has not fully examined the reasons for this association. The present study examines the effects of self-compassion on anxiety and depression through perceived stress and may thus provide an innovative starting point for developing effective interventions for affected nursing students. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we estimated the strength of the pathways between self-compassion, perceived stress and anxiety and depression among 1453 nursing students in Ningbo, China. The measurements included demographics, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Nursing students had an average score of 4.50 ± 2.44 on the Goldberg Anxiety Scale (GAS) and 3.58 ± 2.34 on the Goldberg Depression Scale (GDS), indicating high levels of anxiety and depression. The GAS and GDS scores were significantly different by the academic year, part-time employment and career prospects. The average scores for self-compassion and perceived stress were 38.99 ± 4.55 and 0.40 ± 0.14, respectively. The SEM results suggested that self-compassion was negatively associated with anxiety and depression (-0.44, P < 0.001). Perceived stress was positively associated with anxiety and depression (0.64, P < 0.001). Self-compassion was negatively associated with perceived stress (-0.65, P < 0.001). Self-compassion had no significant correlation with anxiety and depression in the effect of perceived stress (-0.14, P = 0.127). Thus, self-compassion indirectly influences anxiety and depression through perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS: Self-compassion might reduce nursing students' anxiety and depression through perceived stress. Interventionists can consider using self-compassion training to alleviate perceived stress, anxiety and depression in nursing students.

Different trends in colorectal cancer mortality between age groups in China: an age-period-cohort and joinpoint analysis.

OBJECTIVES: China is undergoing a rapid aging transition. The trends in age-specific mortality rates from colorectal cancer remain unknown, and a number of studies have not distinguished the age, period, and cohort effects simultaneously. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study was implemented with a joinpoint regression analysis and age-period-cohort (APC) model based on the intrinsic estimator (IE). METHODS: Age-specific mortality rates of colorectal cancer (1987-2016) were collected by gender (men/women) and region (urban/rural). The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and relative risks in the trend were identified using joinpoint Poisson regression and APC model (IE), respectively. RESULTS: Joinpoint regression analysis revealed that the rates decreased in the younger (men aged <45 years and women aged <75 years) but increased in the older (men aged >75 years and women aged >80 years) age groups. The APC model (IE) showed that the rates increased with age and time period but decreased with birth cohorts. But from 2000 to 2005, the period effects showed a substantial decline among urban residents. From the 1910-1914 to the 1915-1919 birth cohort, mortality increased among men, and from the 1925-1929 to the 1930-1934 birth cohort, mortality increased among rural residents. CONCLUSIONS: The trends in colorectal cancer mortality are different between age groups. The younger age groups show a decreasing trend, whereas the older age groups an increasing trend. Cost-effective prevention and control should be implemented more in the elderly and for older cohorts at high risk.

[Cancer incidence and mortality in Pearl River Delta Area, 2009-2013].

Objective: To estimate the incidence, mortality and characteristics of cancer in Pearl River Delta Area of Guangdong Province between 2009-2013. Methods: Based on five population-based cancer registration data from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Sihui spanning from 2009 to 2013, along with those corresponding population data, the incidence and mortality rates were estimated by gender and age groups. Chinese standard population derived from the 2000 Population Census and Segi's standard population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: Between 2009 and 2013, the crude cancer incidence rate was 262.50/100 000, 274.76/100 000 in male and 249.49/100 000 in female. After adjusting for Chinese and Segi's standard population, the age-standardized incidence rates were 225.63/100 000 and 219.88/100 000, respectively. The crude mortality rate was 175.51/100 000, 222.92/100 000 in male and 127.46/100 000 in female, respectively. After adjusting for Chinese and Segi's standard population, the age-standardized mortality rates were 116.02 /100 000 and 114.31/100 000, respectively. The incidence rates were at low levels in the population less than 40 years old, thereafter went up rapidly with age especially in male, and then reached the peak in the population aged 80 and above. As with incidence, the mortality rates kept at low levels in the population before their 50 s and then rose up steadily with age until peaking in the 85+ age group. The most common cancers were female breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer with descending incidence rate. Lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, female breast cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer were the top five cancer-attributable causes of death. Conclusions: Currently, Pearl River Delta Area were faced with huge cancer burden. Lung cancer, colorectal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, female breast cancer and male liver cancer are predominant cancers and more efforts should be made to fight against them.

[Scoping review of active surveillance systems for vaccine safety world-wide].

Objective: To identify post-marketing active surveillance systems for vaccine safety around the world and understand their features and mechanisms, in order to provide guidance for vaccine administration activities in China. Methods: Following the steps of scoping review, literature about active surveillance system for vaccine safety and published by 30 June 2018 were identified by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Grey literature were also sought by exploring relevant websites. Identified literature were screened according to eligibility criteria, and informative data from included literature were then charted. Framework Synthesis and Thematic Analysis were performed to integrate the charted data. Results: 97 pieces of literature were included for review, and 11 active surveillance systems for vaccine safety were identified, mostly located in developed countries. These systems were constructed by 3 types of organizations: administration departments, academic or research institutions, and health care providers. Their data sources included immunization registries, electronic medical records, claims data, case reports of adverse events following immunization electronic questionnaires, and epidemiologic study data. According to their operation procedures, these systems were grouped into 4 modes of active surveillance: Data Linkage, Investigator Network, Automatic Follow-up System, Studies Consortium. Conclusion: Practice of active surveillance for vaccine safety greatly varies across countries, with different conditions and advantages. It is suggested that developing countries should choose suitable mode of active surveillance considering their local situations.

[Simultaneous determination of four kinds methyl acrylate compounds in workplace air].

Objective: To develop a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for simultaneous determination of methyl methacrylate (MMA) , ethyl methacrylate (EMA) , n-propyl methacrylate (PMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) in workplace air. Methods: MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air were captured by charcoal tubes and desorbed with carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear ranges of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA were 0-8 305.00 mg/L, 0-9 080.50 mg/L, 0-8 899.00 mg/L and 0-8 371.00 mg/L respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.999 96-0.999 98. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the group were 0.56%-1.71%, 0.45%-1.65%, 0.51%-1.49% and 0.45%-1.50% respectively, and the RSD between the group were 1.14%-2.79%, 0.79%-2.13%, 0.93%-2.30% and 1.09%-2.84% respectively. The average desorption efficiencies were 95.76%-99.58%, 97.82%-102.28%, 98.55%-102.28%and 98.70%-102.40% respectively. The minimum quantification concentrations were 0.12 mg/m(3), 0.10 mg/m(3), 0.07 mg/m(3) and 0.07 mg/m(3) respectively (3.00 L sample) . The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days. Conclusion: This method could be used for monitoring of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air.

Intracranial hypertension induced by internal jugular vein stenosis can be resolved by stenting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by abnormally elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) without identifiable etiology. Recently, however, a subset of patients with presumed IIH have been found with isolated internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis in the absence of intracranial abnormalities. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients were screened from 46 patients suspected as IIH and were finally confirmed as isolated IJV stenosis. The stenotic IJV was corrected with stenting when the trans-stenotic mean pressure gradient (∆MPG) was equal to or higher than 5.44 cmH2 O. Dynamic magnetic resonance venography, computed tomographic venography and digital subtraction angiography of the IJV, ∆MPG, ICP, Headache Impact Test 6 and the Frisén papilledema grade score before and after stenting were compared. RESULTS: All the stenotic IJVs were corrected by stenting. ∆MPG decreased and the abnormal collateral veins disappeared or shrank immediately. Headache, tinnitus, papilledema and ICP were significantly ameliorated at 14 ± 3 days of follow-up (all P < 0.01). At 12 ± 5.6 months of outpatient follow-up, headache disappeared in 14 out of 15 patients (93.3%), visual impairments were recovered in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%) and tinnitus resolved in 10 out of 11 patients (90.9%). In 12 out of 15 cases, the Frisén papilledema grade scores declined to 1 (0-2). The stented IJVs in all 15 patients kept to sufficient blood flows on computed tomographic venography follow-up without stenting-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Non-thrombotic IJV stenosis may be a potential etiology of IIH. Stenting seems to be a promising option to address the issue of intracranial hypertension from the etiological level, particularly after medical treatment failure.

miR-129-5p suppresses breast cancer proliferation by targeting CBX4.

Deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is closely related to cancer development and progression. Our previous study identified that miR-129-5p suppresses proliferation and metastasis in breast cancer cells. Herein, we determined that CBX4 is a miR-129-5p target gene. CBX4 is up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and while its over-expression promotes cell proliferation, its knockdown suppresses cell proliferation in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, CBX4 mediates miR-129-5p-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and negatively correlates with the expression of miR-129-5p expression. These combined results suggest that CBX4 is an oncogene in breast cancer cells, and that it may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.

A Novel, Dynamic Statistical Model for Predicting Patient Satisfaction with Fundoplication Based on Pre-Operative Symptom Patterns.

BACKGROUND: Fundoplication provides excellent control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), but there remain a number of unsatisfied patients who have proven difficult to identify pre-operatively. We hypothesised that pre-operative symptom patterns can predict of the risk of post-operative dissatisfaction. METHODS: Pre-operative symptoms and post-operative satisfaction were measured using standardised questionnaires along with routine investigations. These data were used to calculate our novel pre-operative risk of dissatisfaction (PROD) score. Potential pre-operative prognostic markers were tested against the post-operative satisfaction data, including the objective investigations and the PROD score. The prognostic utility of the PROD score and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) guideline was tested using receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: An association was found between our PROD score and each of the satisfaction measures (n = 225, p < 0.001) which is likely to be of prognostic utility (AUC = 0.67-0.79). No such association was found between the routine investigations and post-operative satisfaction. The PROD score was found to be of greater prognostic utility than the SAGES guideline (n = 166, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PROD score is a novel, easy-to-use test that can predict individual patient satisfaction with fundoplication.

[Determination of glycidyl methacrylate in the air of workplace captured adsorbent tube by gas chromatography].

Objective: To develop a new solid sorbent tube for capturing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in workplace air, and establish a complete set of method. Methods: GMA in workplace air was captured by the new solid sorbent tube filled with carbon aerogel adsorbent, desorbed with solution of 50% (V/V) dimethylformamide-carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear range of GMA was 0.38-604.80 mg/L, and the related coefficient was 0.999 82. The within-run and the between-run precision were 1.11%-2.80% and 2.53%-4.84% respectively. The average desorption efficiency was 93.20%-94.97%. The minimum quantification concentration and The minimum quantification concentration were 0.02 and 0.07 mg/m(3) respectively (3.00 L sample) . Samples could be stored for at least 8 days at room temperature. Conclusion: The newly developed solid sorbent tube and its complete set of gas chromatography method is simple, and has high sensitivity and precision, so it can be used for sampling and quantitative detection of GMA in workplace air.

Inhibition effect of tea tree oil on Listeria monocytogenes growth and exotoxin proteins listeriolysin O and p60 secretion.

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes infections in humans. In this study, the effects of tea tree oil (TTO) at subinhibitory concentrations on L. monocytogenes growth and two important exotoxin proteins secreted by L. monocytogenes were researched. Treatment with half of minimal inhibitory concentration of TTO demonstrated very little or no reduction in numbers of viable ATCC 19115 cells. Listeriolysin O (LLO) and p60, were investigated. A listeriolysin assay was used to investigate the hemolytic activities of L. monocytogenes exposed to TTO, and the secretion of LLO and p60 was detected by immunoblot analysis. Additionally, real-time RT-PCR was used to analyse the influence of TTO on the transcription of LLO and p60 encoded genes hly and iap respectively. According to our experimental results, we propose that TTO could be used as a promising natural compound against L. monocytogenes and its virulence factors. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report on the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of tea tree oil (TTO) on the secretion of listeriolysin O (LLO) and p60, the critical virulence factors involved in Listeria pathogenesis. The results showed that TTO at 0·25 mg ml-1 reduced the secretion of LLO and p60 to 10 and 34·9% respectively, in addtion, the transcription of hly and iap was reduced to 10 and 4·3% at 0·5 mg ml-1 respectively. We propose that TTO could be used as a promising antimicrobial compound and virulence inhibitor against L. monocytogenes.

[The underlying mechanisms of overcoming EGFR-TKIs resistance by casein kinase 2 inhibitor].

Nowadays, EGFR-TKIs are important treatment strategy in lung cancer, but the resistance to EGFR-TKIs remains an unsolved issue preventing the patients from further benefits. Recent studies have shown that casein kinase (CK2) plays an important role in carcinogenesis and development of cancer. CK2 inhibitor has also demonstrated anti-tumor effects. Here we reviewed the mechanism of EGFR-TKIs and the potential reasons of resistance. Interestingly, there is a crosstalk between CK2 and EGFR downstream signaling pathways, therefore, it may be possible that CK2 inhibitor can overcome the EGFR-TKIs resistance.

[The CK2 inhibitor quninalizarin enhances the anti-proliferative effect of icotinib on EGFR-TKIs-resistant cell lines and its underlying mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether quninalizarin, an specific inhibitor of protein kinase CK2, could sensitize icotinib in EGFR-TKIs (epithelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor)-resistant cell lines and uncover the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: MTT assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of quninalizarin, icotinib or the combination of both on cell proliferation in several lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Western blot assay was used to assess if combined inhibition of EGFR and protein kinase CK2 by icotinib and quninalizarin, exerts effect on the expression and phosphorylation of major proteins of EGFR signaling pathways. RESULTS: The IC50 of HCC827, H1650, H1975 and A549 cells for icotinib were (8.07±2.00)µmol/L, (66.01±6.64)µmol/L, (265.60±9.47)µmol/L and (87.88±6.8)µmol/L, respectively, indicating that HCC827 cells are sensitive to icotinib, and the H1650, H1975 and A549 cells are relatively resistant to icotinib. When treated with both quninalizarin and icotinib in the concentration of 50 µmol/L, the viability of H1650, H1975 and A549 cells was (40.64±3.73)%, (65.74±3.27)% and (44.96±0.48)%, respectively, significantly lower than that of H1650, H1975 and A549 cells treated with 50 µmol/L icotinib alone (55.05±1.22)%, (71.98±1.60)% and (61.74±6.18)%, respectively (P<0.01 for all). When treated with both 100 µmol/L quninalizarin and 100 µmol/L icotinib, the viability of H1650, H1975 and A549 ells were (23.35±0.81)%, (55.70±1.03)%, (33.42±1.33)%, respectively, significantly lower than the viability of H1650, H1975 and A549 cells treated with 100 µmol/L icotinib alone (40.57±2.65)%, (62.40±2.05)% and (44.97±8.20)%, respectively, (P<0.01 for all). The two-way ANOVA analysis showed that compared with the viability of EGFR-TKIs-resistant cells (H1650, H1975, A549) treated with 50 µmol/L and 100 µmol/L icotinib alone, the viability of cells treated with icotinib and quinalizarin were significantly suppressed, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). In addition, the phosphorylation form of Akt and ERK (namely p-Akt and p-ERK) were significantly down-regulated by treating with quninalizarin and icotinib together in the H1650 cells while the expression of Akt and ERK changed little. CONCLUSIONS: Quinalizarin, as a specific CK2 inhibitor, may overcome icotinib resistance by inhibiting proliferation mediated by Akt and ERK in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and enhances the suppressive effect of icotinib on the proliferation of EGFR-TKIs-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells.