Modeling directed weighted network based on event coincidence analysis and its application on spatial propagation characteristics.

The problem of synchronicity quantification, based on event occurrence time, has become the research focus in different fields. Methods of synchrony measurement provide an effective way to explore spatial propagation characteristics of extreme events. Using the synchrony measurement method of event coincidence analysis, we construct a directed weighted network and innovatively explore the direction of correlations between event sequences. Based on trigger event coincidence, the synchrony of traffic extreme events of base stations is measured. Analyzing topology characteristics of the network, we study the spatial propagation characteristics of traffic extreme events in the communication system, including the propagation area, propagation influence, and spatial aggregation. This study provides a framework of network modeling to quantify the propagation characteristics of extreme events, which is helpful for further research on the prediction of extreme events. In particular, our framework is effective for events that occurred in time aggregation. In addition, from the perspective of a directed network, we analyze differences between the precursor event coincidence and the trigger event coincidence and the impact of event aggregation on the synchrony measurement methods. The precursor event coincidence and the trigger event coincidence are consistent when identifying event synchronization, while there are differences when measuring the event synchronization extent. Our study can provide a reference for the analysis of extreme climatic events such as rainstorms, droughts, and others in the climate field.

Identifying the spatiotemporal organization of high-traffic events in a mobile communication system using event synchronization and complex networks.

In mobile communication systems, congestion is related to high-traffic events (HTEs) that occur in the coverage areas of base stations. Understanding, recognizing, and predicting these HTEs and researching their occurrence rules provides theoretical and decision-making support for preventing system congestion. Communication sectors are regarded as nodes, and if HTEs occur synchronously among sectors, then the corresponding nodes are connected. The total number of synchronous HTEs determines the edge weights. The mobile-communication spatiotemporal data are mapped to a weighted network, with the occurrence locations of HTEs as the basic elements. Network analysis provides a structure for representing the interaction of HTEs. By analyzing the topological features of the event synchronization network, the associations among the occurrence times of HTEs can be mined. We find that the event synchronization network is a small-world network, the cumulative strength distribution is exponential, and the edge weight obeys a power law. Moreover, the node clustering coefficient is negatively correlated with the node degree. A congestion coefficient based on several topological parameters is proposed, and the system congestion is visualized. The congestion coefficient contains information about the synchronous occurrence of HTEs between a sector and its neighbors and information about the synchronous occurrence of HTEs among its neighbors. For the mobile communication system considered in this study, the congestion coefficient of a large number of sectors is small and the risk of system congestion is low.

TNF-α differently regulates TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels in human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To investigate the influence of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α on transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily type 2 (TRPV2) and TRPV4 channels in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs), and explore the potential downstream signalling pathway mediating this process. METHODOLOGY: Immunofluorescence staining and ratiometric calcium imaging were used to confirm the expression and activation of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels. Different regulations of 1 and 10 ng mL-1 as well as short- and long-term TNF-α treatments to TRPV2 and TRPV4 response were examined by RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, flow cytometry and ratiometric calcium imaging. Functions of TNF receptor (TNFR)1 and p38 MAPK signalling pathways in this process were also detected by respective inhibitors. Immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) was used to examine long-term effect of TNF-α on TRPV2 expression at the subcellular level. Data were analysed statistically with t-test, and one-way analysis of variance was used with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels were activated by respective agonists in HDPCs. Neither TRPV2 nor TRPV4 channels were upregulated by 1 ng mL-1 TNF-α (P > 0.05). TRPV2, but not TRPV4, was upregulated by 10 ng mL-1 TNF-α (P < 0.05). Both short- and long-term treatments with 10 ng mL-1 TNF-α significantly enhanced TRPV2 responses, whereas only short-term treatment of TNF-α increased TRPV4 response (P < 0.05). Moreover, the inhibitors of TNFR and p38 both significantly decreased the TNF-α-induced up-regulation of TRPV channels (P < 0.05). At the subcellular level, prolonged TNF-α treatment significantly increased the functional expression of the TRPV2 channel especially in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS: Low and high concentrations, as well as short- and long-term TNF-α treatments regulated the activity of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels in HDPCs differently, and this effect might be mediated by TNFR1 and p38 MAPK signalling pathways. IEM was used to confirm that prolonged TNF-α treatment significantly increased the functional expression of the TRPV2 channel at a subcellular level.

[Analysis on late HIV diagnosis among newly reported human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases between 2009 and 2017 in medical institutions].

Objective: To analyze the proportion of late HIV diagnosis and the factors associated with late HIV diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases newly reported by medical institutions in China from 2009 to 2017. Methods: Data of adult HIV/AIDS cases newly reported by medical institutions in China from 2009 to 2017 were downloaded from the AIDS prevention and control information system of China's disease prevention and control information system. The basic information, sample source, transmission route, flow of HIV/AIDS patients and the first CD4(+) T lymphocyte count were analyzed in 293 187 cases who had been tested for CD4(+) T lymphocyte count within 91 days of diagnosis. The multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the late HIV diagnosis relevant factors. Results: A total of 293 187 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions were analyzed, and the mean age was (44.7±15.6) years. The proportion of late diagnosis in all cases was 68.4% (200 503 cases). From 2009 to 2017, the proportions of late diagnosis were 71.7% (6 263/8 737), 69.5% (8 283/11 917), 69.2% (13 230/19 116), 67.0% (17 186/25 669), 66.5% (21 833/32 834), 66.4% (26 541/39 944), 67.2% (31 257/46 536), 69.6% (35 920/51 646) and 70.4% (39 990/56 789) respectively. Compare with female cases, the OR (95%CI) of male cases with late diagnosis was 1.18 (1.15-1.20). Compared with the 18 to 29 years old group, the 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years and 60 years old and over groups have higher risk of late diagnosis with OR (95%CI) values about 1.65 (1.61-1.69), 2.13 (2.08-2.19), 2.25 (2.18-2.31) and 2.33 (2.26-2.39) respectively. Compared with the college education level and above group, OR (95% CI) values of junior middle school and below group was 1.11 (1.08-1.14); and OR (95%CI) values of senior high school and equal level education group was 1.08 (1.04-1.11). Compared with the migrant population, the resident population has higher risk of late diagnosis (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.04-1.08). Compared with other national minorities, Han nationality has higher risk of late diagnosis (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.30-1.36). Compared with divorce, widowed and other marital status, married spouse have higher risk of late diagnosis (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.06-1.10). Compared with patients receiving other testing services, the OR (95%CI) values of examination before blood transfusion or blood products, pregnancy and childbirth examination, STD clinic and preoperative examination were 1.16 (1.08-1.25), 0.52 (0.50-0.54), 0.63 (0.61-0.64), 0.66 (0.65-0.68) respectively. Conclusion: The proportion of late HIV diagnosis of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions in China was relatively high from 2009 to 2017 and the factors associated with late HIV diagnosis included male, Han nationality, old age group, low educational level, married spouse, other testing services and resident population.

The Effect and Mechanisms of Proliferative Inhibition of Crocin on Human Leukaemia Jurkat Cells.

Targeted therapy is a potentially useful approach for the treatment of T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This study aimed to find a highly effective, low toxic anti-tumour drug and further investigate its mechanisms. Jurkat cells were used as the object and were stimulated by different concentrations of crocin. By cell count, growth curve, MTT method for the detection of cell proliferation, annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) method for the apoptosis rates, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for bcl-2 and bax gene expression, the effect and mechanisms of proliferative inhibition of crocin on Jurkat cells were further explored. Crocin promoted Jurkat cell apoptosis and inhibited cell growth, in a dose-time-dependent manner. The mechanism might be related to the inhibition of bcl-2 gene expression and the promotion of bax gene expression. These results suggest that crocin can be used as a suitable clinical agent for the treatment of T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Torasemide reduces dilated cardiomyopathy, complication of arrhythmia, and progression to heart failure.

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and types of arrhythmia and their relationship with the severity and prognosis of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and to investigate the therapeutic effect of torasemide versus furosemide on CHF and incidence of arrhythmia. DCM patients with NYHA cardiac function II-IV were continuously monitored using a 24-h dynamic electrocardiogram (Holter), and arrhythmia incidence was analyzed by computer automatic analysis combined with manual assessment. In total, 125 participants were evenly divided into two groups: torasemide group which received 10 mg oral torasemide once daily) and regular anti-heart failure treatment (N=65), and furosemide group which received torasemide (20 mg once daily orally) and regular antiheart failure treatment (N=60). Another 60 normal healthy persons served as the normal control group. Incidence and severity of arrhythmia increased when degree of CHF was elevated. Size of left atrium was related to atrial fibrillation and size of left ventricle was related to malignant arrhythmia. At 3 months after treatment, cardiac function in both groups improved and incidence and severity of arrhythmia in both groups were reduced. However, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was higher in the torasemide group than in the furosemide group, while incidence of arrhythmia was lower in the torasemide group. Arrhythmias frequently occurred in patients with DCM and HF. Type of cardiac arrhythmia is closely related to ventricular enlargement and cardiac function grade. Torasemide is better for improving cardiac function to reduce arrhythmia and CHF compared to furosemide.

A cascade of anoxic and oxic fluidized bed biofilm reactors for treatment of synthetic municipal wastewater.

In this study, a cascade of anoxic and oxic fluidized bed biofilm reactors system was carried out to treat synthetic municipal wastewater. The parameters of the influent flow rates and C/N ratios were discussed. System performance was acceptable for chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, and total nitrogen removal. A decrease of ammonia and total nitrogen removal efficiencies, however, was observed when the influent flow rates increased to 5.04 and 6.12 1 h(-1). Total nitrogen removal decreased at the influent C/N ratio of 3:1. The measured ratios of COD reduction in the anoxic column to nitrogen removal through nitrification-denitrification were 3.7, 3.5, 3.3, and 3.1 g COD/g(-1) N on average when the influent C/N ratios changed from 6:1 to 3:1. The observed sludge yield (Yobs) was 0.169 g VSS g COD(-1) because of perfect denitrification in the anoxic column and the relatively long solids retention time.

[FNDC1 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and closely related with poor prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of fibronectin type Ⅲ domain containing 1(FNDC1) protein in lung adenocarcinoma and its prognostic significance. METHODS: The expression of FNDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma was predicted by analysis of data from GEO database and GEPIA, and the results were verified by immunohistochemical staining in 92 pairs of clinical specimens of lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissues.We further analyzed the correlation of FNDC1 expression with the clinicopathological features of the patients, and evaluated its prognostic value using Cox survival analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of the data form GEO database and GEPIA showed a significantly higher expression level of FNDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma than in matched normal tissues (P < 0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that a high expression of FNDC1 protein was associated with a significantly shorter overall survival time of the patients (P < 0.05).Immunohistochemistry of the clinical specimens also showed a significantly higher protein expression of FNDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than in paired adjacent tissues (P < 0.001).A high expression of FNDC1 protein was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage, T stage and N stage (P < 0.05).Cox univariate and multivariate regression survival analysis indicated that an increased expression of FNDC1 was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of the patients with lung adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FNDC1 protein is highly expressed in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and in closely related with the occurrence, progression and prognosis of the tumor, suggesting the value of FNDC1 protein as a potential biomarker for assessment of the survival and prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Efficacy and safety of etanercept in moderate-to-severe asthma: a randomised, controlled trial.

Increased tumour necrosis factor-α levels have been observed in bronchial biopsies and induced sputum from subjects with severe asthma. We investigated etanercept (ETN) as a therapeutic option for treating moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. In this 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, subjects (n=132) with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma received subcutaneous injections of 25 mg ETN or placebo twice weekly, and were evaluated at baseline, and at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12. The primary end-point was the change from baseline to week 12 in pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% predicted. Secondary end-points included morning peak expiratory flow, FEV1% pred, Asthma Control Questionnaire (5-item version), asthma exacerbations, provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% decrease in FEV1, and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. No significant differences were observed between ETN and placebo for any of the efficacy end-points. ETN treatment was well tolerated, with no unexpected safety findings observed during the study. Clinical efficacy of ETN was not shown in subjects with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma over 12 weeks. However, ETN treatment was a well-tolerated therapy. Studies in specific subsets of patients with asthma with longer-term follow-up may be needed to fully evaluate the clinical efficacy of ETN in this population.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus infections in HIV-positive Chinese patients.

To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in HIV-infected patients in China, an epidemiological serosurvey was conducted from May 2007 to September 2008 using a random cluster sampling design of infectious disease hospitals in seven high HIV-prevalent provinces (municipalities). Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to study the determinants of HIV and HBV and/or HCV co-infection. The overall prevalence was 41·83% (95% CI 40·36-43·30) for anti-HCV and 12·49% (95% CI 11·50-13·48) for HBsAg, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV and HBsAg varied according to the route of HIV transmission. Compared to those with sexually acquired HIV infection, intravenous drug users and blood donors/recipients had the greatest risk of carrying anti-HCV. Needle sharing and unprotected sexual exposures are important modes of transmission for HBV. Further interventions including health education and harm reduction strategies should be implemented in high-risk populations.

Excitons emissions and Raman scattering of ZnO nanoparticles embedded in BaF2 matrices by reactive magnetron sputtering.

ZnO nanoparticles embedded in BaF2 matrix were fabricated by rf magnetic sputtering technology. The optical properties of high quality ZnO nanoparticles, thermally post treated in a N2 atmosphere, were investigated by temperature-dependence photoluminescence measurement. Free exciton and localized exciton were observed at the low temperature. Free exciton peak was at 3.374 eV and localized exciton peak was at 3.420 eV, dominating the PL spectrum at 77 K. Free exciton transition was observed at 3.310 eV at room temperature, whereas the localized exciton transition was at 3.378 eV. The multiple-phonon Raman scattering spectrum showed that ZnO nanoparticles embedded in BaF2 matrix had a large deformation energy originated from lattice mismatch between ZnO and BaF2 matrix. Analysis of the fitting results from the temperature dependence of FWHM of ZnO exciton illustrated that the large value of gamma(ph) was good qualitative agreement with the large deformation potential.

[Analysis of inter-provincial movement and the effect of antiretroviral therapy of HIV/AIDS cases after first follow up in China, 2016-2018].

Objective: To analyze the interprovincial movement of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases after the first follow up in China and understand their movement characteristics and the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after adjustment of ART inclusion criteria. Methods: The data of HIV/AIDS cases, including the effects of ART, were extracted from the information system for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Descriptive analysis and χ2 test was used to explore the characteristics of the movement of HIV/AIDS cases and its relationship with ART effect and viral suppression. Results: In 289 218 HIV/AIDS cases, 22 426 (7.8%) cases experienced inter-provincial movement after the first follow up. Higher prevalence of inter-provincial movement was found in males (8.3%, 18 557/223 713), those with education level of senior high school (9.6%, 4 317/44 877) and college degree and above (9.5%, 4 792/45 858), the unmarried (11.5%, 10 538/91 572), those diagnosed in detention center (16.0%, 1 268/7 927) and those infected by homosexual behavior (11.4%, 9 069/79 735). The rates of ART initiation within 1 year of diagnosis and viral suppression were lower in HIV/AIDS cases with inter-provincial movement (77.1%, 17 296/22 426 and 70.7%, 15 858/22 426) than in those without inter-provincial movement (86.7%, 231 293/266 792 and 78.6%, 209 760/266 792). After the first follow-up, 41.4% (18 887/45 570) of HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in non-native provinces experienced inter-provincial movement, of which 92.9% (17 538/18 887) went back to native province. The top five provinces (municipalities) with outflows of HIV/AIDS cases were Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing and Sichuan. The top five provinces with inflows of HIV/AIDS cases were Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Anhui and Hunan. Conclusions: The inter-provincial movement affects ART effect and viral suppression of HIV/AIDS cases. It is necessary to pay more attention to the discovery and management of HIV/AIDS in floating population and eliminate policy barriers to ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of ART.

[Prevalence of Spirometra mansoni infections in hosts in Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Spirometra mansoni infections in hosts in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the scientific basis for the management of sparganosis mansoni. METHODS: From 2018 to 2019, nine counties (cities, districts) were randomly selected from Jiangsu Province as the survey sites, and 100 healthy individuals were randomly selected to perform the serological test of S. mansoni infections and the detection of S. mansoni eggs. The procercoids were detected in the intermediate host Cyclops, and the S. mansoni eggs were identified in the stool samples of the definitive hosts cats and dogs. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. mansoni human infections was 0 (0/900) in the 9 survey sites of Jiangsu Province, and the sero-prevalence of the specific IgG antibody against S. mansoni was 1.22% (11/900). The positive rate of procercoids was 0.33% (3/900) in Cyclops. In addition, the S. mansoni egg-positive rate was 1.48% (2/135) in cats and dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Sparganosis mansoni is prevalent in Jiangsu Province. Health education pertaining to the damages of sparganosis mansoni and the route of S. mansoni infections should be improved.

Haemorrhoidectomy by vessel sealing system under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting: preliminary experience.

AIM: This prospective study was designed to assess the feasibility of local anaesthesia for LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy in an outpatient setting. METHOD: From April 2006 to March 2007, 207 consecutive patients (median age 42, 126 males) with grade III (147) and grade IV (60) haemorrhoids, underwent Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure under local anaesthesia (lidocaine 1%, mean dose 27 +/- 1.7 ml) in an outpatient setting. Postoperative pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Two, three and four files were removed in 120, 51 and 36 patients. Mean operative time was 12 +/- 5.2 min and mean blood loss was 3.4 +/- 3.9 ml. The mean postoperative pain scores were 6.2 +/- 2.1 for the maximal pain intensity and 6.1 +/- 2.5 for the pain on defecation. All patients left hospital after surgery within 2 h and 33 (15.9%) required analgesics. They returned to normal daily activity after 12.2 +/- 7.9 days including work (12.1 +/- 7.8 days). The wounds had healed by 32.2 +/- 9.1 days. At a follow-up of at least 6 months, only six cases of major bleeding had occurred and 24 patients had skin tags. The median satisfaction score was +2 (-2 to +3). CONCLUSION: LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy under local anaesthesia in the outpatient setting is safe and effective.

The synthesis and optical properties of ZnO nanocombs.

The ZnO nanocombs were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition method, which the uniform and dense nanotips were along one side of the comb ribbon. The growth mechanism was described as free catalyst self-assembled and vapor-solid model. The optical properties related with the surface states were investigated by Raman and PL spectra. The large redshift of 1LO phonon peak was attributed to the surface and interface states. The normalized PL spectra showed that the deep-level emission decreased for the sample to be annealed in O2 ambient at 500 degrees C. On the contrary, the deep-level emission increased while for the annealed sample in O2 ambient at 600 degrees C. The deep-level emission was attributed to the transition from the shallow donor to the deep acceptor. The XPS analysis showed the existence of oxygen rich and Zn deficient in the ZnO nanocombs annealed at 600 degrees C. The abnormal temperature dependence of integrated PL intensity was attributed to the abundant surface states.

Sectional anatomy of the olfactory pathways.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to provide practical anatomic data for imaging diagnosis of olfactory pathways and operation of nasal cavity and anterior cranial fossae. METHODS: Sectional anatomy of olfactory pathways were investigated specially on 17 sets of Chinese adult cadavers and 9 sets of serial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of normal adult on serial transverse, sagittal and coronal sections respectively. RESULTS: We recognized olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, medial and lateral olfactory striae, olfactory trigone, anterior perforated substance and piriform lobe on transverse, sagittal and coronal sections respectively. On the 5-7 serial coronal sections from crista galli of ethmoid bone to the optic chiasm, the cusp ellipse olfactory bulb and the triangular tract were situated in the shallow part of the olfactory sulcus. CONCLUSION: The olfactory bulb and olfactory tract lay tightly on the ethmoidal cribriform plate and jugum sphenoidale, in the olfactory cistern of the shallow part of the olfactory sulcus, the ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus inferiorly.

[Clinical study of Chinese Medicine fumigation combined with "Zhuyuan Decoction" in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis].

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of "Zhuyuan soup" by combination with fumigation and oral administration on chronic rhinosinusitis（CRS）, further exploring effective Chinese medicine for the disease, and giving full play to the unique advantages of external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. Method:By using randomized and positive drug controlled methods, patients with moderate-to-severe chronic rhinosinusitis were randomly divided into western medicine group and traditional Chinese medicine group, 30 cases in each group. In the western medicine group, the nasal spray hormone Budesonide was used, and the patients in the traditional Chinese medicine group were treated with the traditional Chinese medicine prescription"Zhuyuan soup"by combination with fumigation and oral administration. All of the above patients were followed up for 2 weeks, and 1 course for 1 month. Visual analogue scores were taken at each follow-up, and CT and nasal endoscopy were performed before and after treatment. Result:The total effective of "Zhuyuan soup" group was 67.1%, which was higher than that of western medicine group（59.6%）, but there was no statistically significant difference（P>0.05）. After treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the symptom of nasal congestion, dizziness, facial pain or fullness, dysosmia, nasal discharge or postnasal drip, total sensation, total symptom score（P>0.05）. According to the total symptom score, the effect of the two groups of patients was not significantly correlated with the gender, age, course of disease, alcohol and tobacco hobbies, previous medication and surgery（P>0.05）. Based on the results of the study, we found that the Chinese medicine group is superior to the western medicine group in improving the total feeling of the disease, dizziness or headache, facial pain or fullness, and postnasal drip, olfactory disorder. Conclusion:Both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine are effective methods for treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Clinically, individualized comprehensive treatment should be carried out according to the patient's condition. The above methods may be applied alone or in combination with Chinese and Western medicine. Further optimization and improvement of the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in chronic sinusitis can help improve the clinical efficacy and satisfaction of patients, which deserves further study.

MiR-224-5p targets EGR2 to promote the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Various microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the role of miR-224-5p in PTC progression remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to illuminate the function of miR-224-5p in PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression of miR-224-5p and EGR2 was examined in PTC by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blot analysis was used to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The relationship between miR-224-5p and EGR2 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase assay. RESULTS: Upregulation of miR-224-5p and downregulation of EGR2 expression were detected in PTC tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR-224-5p was found to be associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, it also predicted poor prognosis in PTC patients. Functionally, upregulation of miR-224-5p promoted cell metastasis and EMT in PTC. In addition, miR-224-5p was detected to directly target EGR2. EGR2 expression was negatively correlated with EGR2 expression in PTC. Of note, overexpression of EGR2 attenuated the carcinogenic effects of miR-224-5p in PTC. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-224-5p promotes cell migration, invasion, and EMT in PTC by targeting EGR2.

Combination of the gamma-glutamyltransferase-to-prealbumin ratio and other indicators may be a novel marker for predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing locoregional ablative therapies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the serum γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT)-to-prealbumin ratio (GPR) and whether combining this ratio with other parameters can lead to an improved prognostic value for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with local ablation therapy. METHODS: A total of 235 HCC patients who were treated with combined therapies were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic data and clinicopathological data were collected. A fibrinogen (Fib)-GPR score of 2 was assigned to patients with elevated Fib and GPR values, and a score of 1 or 0 was assigned to patients with one or neither of these two markers, respectively. In addition, an N-score of 2 was assigned to patients with low neutrophil and high GPR values, and a score of 1 or 0 was assigned to patients with one or neither of these two markers, respectively. The optimal cutoff values and prognostic roles of GPR and other markers were identified according to the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's index. RESULTS: Multiple tumors, high levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and Fib, as well as a high GPR, were found to be independent risk factors in recurrent patients, while multiple tumors, a low neutrophil count, and a high GPR were associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC who received combined therapies. Patients with a Fib-GPR score of 2 and N-GPR score of 2 had poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fib-GPR and N-GPR scores may be helpful in predicting both recurrence and the prognosis of HCC patients, thereby assisting in the process to make a true clinical decision and optimize therapeutic options.