Search

Abstract Background According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), drugs supplementing the vital energy, Qi, can eliminate tumors by restoring host immunity. The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying immune mechanisms of anti‐tumor activity associated with Qi‐supplementing herbs, specifically the paired use of Huangqi and Danggui. Methods Analysis of compatibility regularity was conducted to screen the combination of Qi‐supplementing TCMs. Using the MTT assay and a transplanted tumor mice model, the anti‐tumor effects of combination TCMs were investigated in vitro and in vivo. High content analysis and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate cellular immunity, followed by network pharmacology and molecular docking to dissect the significant active compounds and potential mechanisms. Finally, the anti‐tumor activity and the mechanism of the active ingredients were verified by molecular experiments. Results There is an optimal combination of Huangqi and Danggui that, administered as an aqueous extract, can activate immunity to suppress tumor and is more effective than each drug on its own in vitro and in vivo. Based on network pharmacology analysis, PIK3R1 is the core target for the anti‐tumor immunity activity of combined Huangqi and Danggui. Molecular docking analysis shows 6 components of the combined Danggui and Huangqi extract (quercetin, jaranol, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, calycosin, and suchilactone) that bind to PIK3R1. Jaranol is the most important component against breast cancer. The suchilactone/jaranol combination and, especially, the suchilactone/kaempferol combination are key for immunity enhancement and the anti‐tumor effects of the extract. Conclusions The combination of Huangqi and Danggui can activate immunity to suppress breast cancer and is more effective than the individual drugs alone.

Ischemic heart disease refers to the imbalance between the supply and demand of myocardial blood; it has various causes and results in a class of clinical diseases characterized by myocardial ischemia (MI). In recent years, the incidence of cardiovascular disease has become higher and higher, and the number of patients with ischemic heart disease has also increased year by year. Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and surgical treatment, both of which have limitations. The former maybe develop risks of drug resistance and has more significant side effects, while the latter may damage blood vessels and risk infection. At this stage, a new cell-free treatment method needs to be explored. Many research results have shown that exosomes from different cell sources can protect the ischemic myocardium via intercellular action methods, such as promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis and pyroptosis, and providing a new basis for the treatment of MI. In this review, we briefly introduce the formation and consequences of myocardial ischemia and the biology of exosomes, and then focus on the role and mechanism of exosomes from different sources in MI. We also discuss the role and mechanism of exosomes pretreated with Chinese and Western medicines on myocardial ischemia. We also discuss the potential of exosomes as diagnostic markers and therapeutic drug for MI.

Objective: Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide and become a global health concern. Here, we report a familial cluster of six patients infected with severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a northern Chinese region and share our local experience with regard the control of COVID-19. Methods: The demographic data, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and epidemiological characteristics of enrolled cases were collected and analyzed. Two family members (Cases 1 and 2) had Hubei exposure history and were admitted to the hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; eight familial members who had contact with them during the incubation period underwent quarantine in a hospital.We closely followed up all the family members and analyzed their clinical outcome. Results: Case 3 had negative SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results but was suspected to have COVID-19 because of radiographic abnormalities. Cases 4 and 5 developed symptomatic COVID-19. Case 6 was considered an asymptomatic carrier as his SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result was positive. The other four family members with close contacts to COVID-19 patients had no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has infectivity during the incubation period and preventive quarantine is effective for controlling an outbreak of COVID-19 infection.

Objectives: Older antimicrobials such as fosfomycin are being considered as alternative agents in the treatment of drug-resistant organisms. However, there are limited data on the usefulness of fosfomycin against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance and associated mechanisms in CRKP. Methods: A total of 99 clinical CRKP isolates were collected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China) between January 2017 and June 2018. Fosfomycin susceptibility testing was performed by the agar dilution method. Carbapenemase and fosfomycin resistance genes were detected by PCR. Analysis of the murA, glpT, uhpT, uhpA, ptsI and cyaA genes was performed by PCR and sequencing of four fosfomycin-resistant fosA3-negative CRKP strains. Conjugation experiments were employed to determine the mobility of the fosA3 gene. Results: Of the 99 CRKP isolates, fosfomycin-non-susceptibility was detected in 48 (48.5%) isolates, among which the fosA3 gene was detected in 44. Among the four fosfomycin-resistant fosA3-negative CRKP isolates, one isolate possessed a single nucleotide insertion and deletion mutations as well as 219 nucleotide substitution mutations in murA, two isolates possessed deletion or mutation of large DNA fragments in glpT, and one isolate possessed a fragment insertion sequence in glpT. Transfection into Escherichia coli J53 via plasmid conjugation was successful for 19 (43.2%) of the 44 fosA3-positive CRKP isolates. Conclusion: The fosA3 gene is the primary mechanism of fosfomycin resistance in CRKP and can be transmitted widely by plasmid in hospitals. Mutations in murA and glpT were found in fosfomycin-resistant fosA3-negative CRKP.

Functionalization and bestowing high values upon bioactive tea polysaccharides have been focused recently. For this purpose, the immune activation effect on RAW264.7 macrophages promoted by Lu’an Guapian polysaccharide (LGP-1, 2.35 × 105 Da) was investigated firstly. LGP-1 was obtained and characterized via DEAE 52 ion exchange column, high performance liquid chromatography and atomic force microscope. Immunological assay manifested a remarkable promotion effect on macrophages. LGP-1 could significantly stimulate the phagocytosis of macrophages, promote NO generation and trigger TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β release dose-dependently. Fluorescence labeling tests confirmed the production level of reactive oxygen species increased obviously. Western blot results demonstrated that the treated macrophages were able to increase PI3K expression and p65 nuclear translocation, indicated that LGP-1 enhanced macrophage immunity via PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, TLR4 was involved in the process. These results made clear that LGP-1 could be explored as a bioactive substance applied in functional foods.

Objective To analyze the correlation between the Kellgren–Lawrence (K‐L) score of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with different degrees and their urine concentration of C‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type II (CTX‐II) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and to further evaluate the diagnostic value of CTX‐II and IL‐1β during the pathological process by producing an experimental osteoarthritis (OA) model in rabbits. Methods From 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018, a total of 34 subjects (7 mild, 9 moderate, 9 severe arthritis patients, and 9 healthy individuals) comprising 16 men and 18 women were included in this study. Patients were diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. The urine of all subjects was collected to detect the concentration of CTX‐II and IL‐1β. The rabbits in the KOA group were subjected to protease (control group with saline) injection into the articular cavity of their right knees and immobilization with gypsum. We used radiological and histological examination to identify the KOA model. ELISA was applied to investigate the concentrations of CTX‐II and IL‐1β in urine and serum, and Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation. Results There was no significant difference in the mean ages and body mass index (BMI) between groups. The mean ages of mild, moderate, and severe arthritis patients and healthy individuals were 54.29 ± 5.76, 58.44 ± 6.44, 59.89 ± 6.75, and 56.67 ± 4.18 years, respectively. The mean BMI of mild, moderate, and severe arthritis patients and healthy individuals were 23.59 ± 1.56, 23.57 ± 2.06, 24.46 ± 1.64, and 23.42 ± 1.35 kg/m2, respectively. The Kellgren–Lawrence (K‐L) score was higher with the aggravation of KOA. The K‐L scores of mild, moderate, and severe KOA patients were 1.14 ± 0.38, 2.56 ± 0.53, and 3.63 ± 0.52, respectively. The KOA symptoms of patients became more severe, with not only increased K‐L scores but also elevated concentrations of CTX‐II and IL‐1β. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between CTX‐II and IL‐1β of all subjects (r = 0.974, P

Mild intrauterine hypoperfusion (MIUH) is a serious pathological event that affects the growth and development of fetuses and offspring. MIUH can lead to growth restriction, low birth weight, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other adverse clinical outcomes. To study the effects of MIUH on learning and memory function in offspring, a model of MIUH was established by placing a coil (length 2.5 mm, diameter 0.24 mm) on the uterine artery and ovarian uterine artery of Sprague-Dawley rats in the second trimester of pregnancy (day 17). Next, 120 mg/kg lithium chloride (the MIUH + Li group) or normal saline (the MIUH group) was injected intraperitoneally into these rats. In addition, 120 mg/kg lithium chloride (the Li group) or normal saline (the SHAM group) was injected intraperitoneally into pregnant rats without coil placement. The Morris water maze was used to detect changes in learning and memory ability in the offspring at 4 weeks after birth. In the MIUH group, the escape latency and journey length before reaching the platform were both increased, and the number of times that the platform was crossed and the activity time in the target quadrant within 90 seconds were both decreased compared with the SHAM group. Immunofluorescence double staining and western blot assays demonstrated that hippocampal nestin and Ki67 (both cell-proliferation-related proteins) expression was significantly downregulated in the MIUH group compared with the SHAM group. Furthermore, western blot assays were conducted to investigate changes in related signaling pathway proteins in the brains of offspring rats, and revealed that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) expression was upregulated and β-catenin expression was downregulated in the MIUH group compared with the SHAM group. In addition, compared with the MIUH group, the expression levels of p-GSK3β and β-catenin were upregulated in the MIUH + Li group. These results suggest that MIUH may affect learning and memory function in rat offspring by regulating the GSK3β signaling pathway. The experimental procedures were approved by Animal Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (approval No. 2018PS07K) in June 2018.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)and type 2 diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS:A total of 200 cases with type 2 diabetes mellitus were involved. All patients were divided into three groups according to the fundus examination: diabetes mellitus(DM, n=100), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR, n=62)and proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR, n=38). 100 healthy persons were selected as the normal control group(NCG, n=100). The related indicators, such as neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and platelet count were measured. RESULTS: The value of NLR was significantly higher in PDR group patients than in NC group(1.81), DM group(1.76)and NPDR group(1.85)(PPPCONCLUSION: The value of NLR and PLR increased in the PDR group, but it is not independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy.

Multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome 1 (MCAHS1) caused by phosphatidylinositol-glycan biosynthesis class N (PIGN) mutations is an autosomal recessive disease involving many systems of the body, such as the urogenital, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Here, compound heterozygous variants NM_012327.6:c.2427-2A > G and c.963G > A in PIGN were identified in a Chinese proband with MCAHS1. The features of the MCAHS1 family proband were evaluated to understand the mechanism of the PIGN mutation leading to the occurrence of MCAHS1. Ultrasound was conducted to examine the fetus, and his clinical manifestations were evaluated. Genetic testing was performed by whole-exome sequencing and the results were verified by Sanger sequencing of the proband and his parents. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed, and the products were subjected to Sanger sequencing. Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) was conducted to compare gene expression between the patient and wild-type subjects. The compound heterozygous mutation NM_012327.6:c.2427-2A > G and c.963G > A was identified by whole-exome sequencing and was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The NM_012327.6:c.2427-2A > G mutation led to skipping of exon 26, which resulted in a low expression level of the gene, as measured by Q-PCR. These findings provided a basis for genetic counseling and reproduction guidance in this family. Phenotype-genotype correlations may be defined by an expanded array of mutations.

Autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL) has a broad phenotypic spectrum which includes bilateral, symmetrical, and high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, that eventually progresses into hearing loss at all frequencies. Several genetic variations have been identified as causal factors underlying deafness, autosomal dominant 5 (DFNA5) gene-related hearing loss. Here, we report a novel mutation (c.991-1G > C) in DFNA5, which co-segregated with late-onset ADNSHL in a Chinese family and was identified via exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing of DNA from peripheral blood of the family members. Further sequencing of cDNA derived from peripheral blood mRNA revealed that the c.991-1G >C mutation led to the skipping of exon 8, which is a known pathogenic mechanism for DFNA5-related hearing loss.

Abstract Background In 2005, the FDA cautioned that exposure to paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of cardiac malformations. Since then, the association between maternal use of SSRIs during pregnancy and congenital malformations in infants has been the subject of much discussion and controversy. The aim of this study is to systematically review the associations between SSRIs use during early pregnancy and the risk of congenital malformations, with particular attention to the potential confounding by indication. Methods The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018088358). Cohort studies on congenital malformations in infants born to mothers with first-trimester exposure to SSRIs were identified via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases through 17 January 2018. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary relative risks (RRs). Results Twenty-nine cohort studies including 9,085,954 births were identified. Overall, use of SSRIs was associated with an increased risk of overall major congenital anomalies (MCAs, RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.19) and congenital heart defects (CHD, RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.37). No significantly increased risk was observed when restricted to women with a psychiatric diagnosis (MCAs, RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.13; CHD, RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.26). Similar significant associations were observed using maternal citalopram exposure (MCAs, RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.31; CHD, RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.51), fluoxetine (MCAs, RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.28; CHD, 1.30, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.53), and paroxetine (MCAs, RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.32; CHD, RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.41) and analyses restricted to using women with a psychiatric diagnosis were not statistically significant. Sertraline was associated with septal defects (RR 2.69, 95% CI 1.76 to 4.10), atrial septal defects (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.39), and respiratory system defects (RR 2.65, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.32). Conclusions The evidence suggests a generally small risk of congenital malformations and argues against a substantial teratogenic effect of SSRIs. Caution is advisable in making decisions about whether to continue or stop treatment with SSRIs during pregnancy.

Unintended pregnancy is a global issue, with approximately 85,000,000 women around the world having unintended pregnancy annually. The contents of clinical application of women's contraceptive methods are very wide, involving multiple areas. This consensus deeply discusses the specific contraceptive needs at different statuses, combined with gynecological diseases, postabortion contraception, and postpartum family planning, ensuring the correct use of contraceptive methods under the corresponding status. The top priority of the consensus is the specific contraception consensus section for women combined with gynecological diseases because medical treatment effect as well as side effects should be weighed carefully. The consensus is to make high-efficiency and individual contraceptive strategy for different groups based on multidisciplinary (gynecology, obstetrics, and family planning) and multidimensional aspects, which can provide uniform guidance for medical and health organizations under the condition as relevant global guidance or consensus is still lacking.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of low dose mitomycin C(MMC)to prevent haze in trans photorefractive keratectomy(TransPRK)with moderate and high myopia, and to observe the changes of corneal density.METHODS: Sixty-one patients underwent TransPRK with moderate and high myopia. Eyes were divided into research group(0.1g/L MMC for 40s)and control group(0.2g/L MMC for 40s)randomly. There were 21 patients in research group and 40 patients in control group. Cornea epithelial healing time, pain score, visual acuity, manifest refraction, haze and cornea density were analyzed.RESULTS: The epithelial healing time(0.1g/L group: 3.86±1.11d, 0.2g/L group: 4.23±1.27d)and pain score(0.1g/L group: 2.01±0.58, 0.2g/L group: 1.79±0.7)were no significant difference between two groups(P=0.667, P=0.582). It was similar in spherical equivalent at 1mo and 3mo post-operation(0.1g/L group: 0.28±0.25, 0.05±0.23D; 0.2g/L group: -0.13±0.17, 0.07±0.22D; P=0.178, P=0.490). The BCVA of control group decreased at 1mo and improved to the same level as pre-operation at 3mo(F=15.847, PF=3.038, P=0.093). There were also no significant difference in Haze between two groups post-operation(z=-0.709, P=0.479; z=-0.478, P=0.633).The change of cornea density was matched with the BCVA(0.1g/L group F=27.399, P=0.001; 0.2g/L group F=8.313, P=0.001)and it was similar between two groups. CONCLUSION: The using of low dose MMC to prevent haze in TransPRK with moderate and high myopia is safe and effective. It is therapeutic equivalence to regular dose(0.2g/L). Besides the slit lamp, we can use the corneal density to measure the corneal transparency.

Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare, well-recognized disorder characterized by growth restriction, including intrauterine and postnatal growth. Most SRS cases are caused by hypomethylation of the paternal imprinting center 1 (IC1) in chromosome 11p15.5 and maternal uniparental disomy in chromosome 7 (UPD7). Here, we report on a Chinese family with a 4 year old male proband presenting with low birth weight, growth retardation, short stature, a narrow chin, delayed bone age, and speech delays, as a result of a rare molecular etiology. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted, and a novel de novo IGF2 splicing variant, NM_000612.4: c.157+5G > A, was identified on the paternal allele. In vitro functional analysis by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that the variant leads to an aberrant RNA transcript lacking exon 2. Our results further confirm the IGF2 variant mediates SRS and expand the pathogenic variant and phenotypic spectrum of IGF2-mediated SRS. The results indicate that, beyond DNA methylation and UPD7 and CDKN1C variant tests, IGF2 gene screening should also be considered for SRS molecular diagnoses.

Previous studies investigating the relationship between passive maternal smoking and preterm birth reveal inconsistent results. We conducted the current meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the relationship between passive maternal smoking and preterm birth. We identified relevant studies by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases. We used random-effects models to estimate summary odds ratios (SORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for aforementioned association. For the analysis, we included 24 studies that involved a total of 5607 women who experienced preterm birth. Overall, the SORs of preterm birth for women who were ever exposed to passive smoking versus women who had never been exposed to passive smoking at any place and at home were 1.20 (95%CI = 1.07-1.34,I(2) = 36.1%) and 1.16 (95%CI = 1.04-1.30,I(2) = 4.4%), respectively. When we conducted a stratified analysis according to study design, the risk estimate was slightly weaker in cohort studies (SOR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.00-1.21,n = 16) than in cross-sectional studies (SOR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.23-1.74,n = 5). Additionally, the associations between passive maternal smoking and preterm birth were statistically significant for studies conducted in Asia (SOR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.05-1.52), for studies including more than 100 cases of preterm birth (SOR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.05-1.41), and for studies adjusted for maternal age (SOR = 1.27,95%CI = 1.09-1.47), socioeconomic status and/or education (SOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.10-1.49), body mass index (SOR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.04-1.71), and parity (SOR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.13-1.43). Our findings demonstrate that passive maternal smoking is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Future prospective cohort studies are warranted to provide more detailed results stratified by passive maternal smoking during different trimesters of pregnancy and by different types and causes of preterm birth.

BACKGROUND: Association between parity and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk has been investigated by several epidemiological studies but results are controversial, yet a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of this association has not been reported so far. METHODS: Relevant published studies of parity and CRC were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases through end of April 2013. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. Eleven prospective studies reported relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CRC risk associated with parity. We pooled the RR from individual studies using fixed- or random-effects models and carried out heterogeneity and publication bias analyses. RESULTS: The summary RR for the ever parity vs. nulliparous was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88-1.02), with no heterogeneity (Q = 9.04, P = 0.443, I (2) = 0.5%). Likewise, no significant association was yielded for the highest vs. lowest parity number (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.89-1.17), with moderate heterogeneity (Q = 17.48, P = 0.094, I (2) = 37.1%). Dose-response analysis still indicated no effect of parity on CRC risk and the summary RR of per one livebirth was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96-1.02), with moderate of heterogeneity (Q = 16.50, P

Adhesion molecules play important roles in airway hyperresponsiveness or airway inflammation. Our previous study indicated catenin alpha-like 1 (CTNNAL1), an alpha-catenin-related protein, was downregulated in asthma patients and animal model. In this study, we observed that the expression of CTNNAL1 was increased in lung tissue of the ozone-stressed Balb/c mice model and in acute ozone stressed human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). In order to identify the possible DNA-binding proteins regulating the transcription of CTNNAL1 gene in HBEC, we designed 8 oligo- nucleotide probes corresponding to various regions of the CTNNAL1 promoter in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). We detected 5 putative transcription factors binding sites within CTNNAL1 promoter region that can recruit LEF-1, AP-2α and CREB respectively by EMSA and antibody supershift assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay verified that AP-2 α and LEF-1 could be recruited to the CTNNAL1 promoter. Therefore we further analyzed the functions of putative AP-2 and LEF-1 sites within CTNNAL1 promoter by site-directed mutagenesis of those sites within pGL3/FR/luc. We observed a reduction in human CTNNAL1 promoter activity of mutants of both AP-2α and LEF-1 sites. Pre-treatment with ASOs targeting LEF-1and AP-2α yielded significant reduction of ozone-stress-induced CTNNAL1 expression. The activation of AP-2α and LEF-1, followed by CTNNAL1 expression, showed a correlation during a 16-hour time course. Our data suggest that a robust transcriptional CTNNAL1 up-regulation occurs during acute ozone-induced stress and is mediated at least in part by ozone-induced recruitments of LEF-1 and AP-2α to the human CTNNAL1 promoter.

Background: This study explores the development status, research hotspots, and frontiers of lung cancer home management through visual analysis of lung cancer home management literature, providing reference for subsequent research. Methods: The relevant literatures about home management of lung cancer included in Web of Science from 2000 to 2022 were searched by computer. CiteSpace (6.1.R3) was used to draw the research country, co-cited articles, keyword co-occurrence and time axis of co-cited clustering map of lung cancer home management literature. Results: 171 articles were included. The countries with more documents are the United States, China and Japan. The cooperation between countries is centered on the United States. The intermediary role of the United States is obvious. The co-cited articles show that the reliability and validity of the scale, aerobic exercise training and natural radon gas have an important impact on the research of home management of lung cancer. The research keywords focus on lung cancer, exercise, quality of life, etc. Conclusion: There are few researches on home management of lung cancer. In the future research, more attention should be paid to the research related to home management of lung cancer. Nurse managers need to be more aware of the new era of directing nursing care into home care. So as to improve the quality of life of lung cancer patients at home and promote their rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. CD24 is a marker of tumor stem cells that plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Hsp70 is an important molecular chaperone. However, the co-expression and interaction of CD24 and Hsp70, as well as the significance for the prognosis of lung cancer are still unclear. The expression levels of CD24 and Hsp70 were detected by immunohistochemistry and their correlation was analyzed. The expression levels of CD24 mRNA and protein were examined using qRT-PCR and western blotting in SPCA1, A549, H1975, and H1650 cell lines. A CD24-overexpressing cell model was established. The interaction between CD24 and Hsp70 was verified by co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting. CD24 and Hsp70 expression were significantly higher in lung cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues (CD24: p=0.008; Hsp70: p<0.001). CD24 protein expression showed a positive correlation with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and vascular cancer thrombus. Hsp70 protein expression showed a positive correlation with differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. CD24 and Hsp70 high expression were also correlated with poor survival. The positive co-expression rate of CD24 and Hsp70 in lung cancer tissues was 52.7% (49/93). CD24 and Hsp70 expression in lung cancer were positively correlated (r=0.368, p<0.001), and co-immunoprecipitation was verified that both endogenous and exogenous CD24 co-precipitated with Hsp70 directly or indirectly. When Hsp70 inhibitor VER15508 was added to A549 cells, Hsp70 and CD24 protein expression were significantly decreased. The present study demonstrated that CD24 and Hsp70 were highly expressed in lung cancer tissues, and associated with invasion, metastasis, and poor survival. Hsp70 may regulate CD24 expression. Co-expression of CD24 and Hsp70 may be a prognostic biomarker for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms in microRNA (miR) genes and their target sites are a distinct classification of variation in the human genome, which are rapidly being identified and investigated in human cancer. A polymorphism in the miR-196a-2 locus has demonstrated significant associations with various types of cancer, including lung, breast, esophageal and gastric tumors. However, miR-196a-2 has not been fully explored in ovarian cancer, which shares similar biological characteristics with other types of cancer. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the mature sequence of miR-196a-2 (rs11614913, T/C) and the clinical features of 479 Chinese patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In addition, the biological significance of this polymorphism was investigated in the OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cell line. Risk association was evaluated in 479 cases of EOC patients and 431 controls. SNPs were analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. miR-196a expression was evaluated with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The influence of miR-196a-2 rs11614913 T/C on EOC cell migration and invasion ability was further investigated in vitro. The results revealed significant differences in the homozygous CC genotype distribution in patients with EOC (n=479), compared with that of the control subjects (n=431; P=0.026). Analysis of the association between genotype and the risk of EOC revealed that individuals who carried the homozygous CC genotype were 1.34-fold more susceptible to EOC, compared with those carrying the wild-type TT and heterozygous CT genotypes [odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.17; P=0.023]. In addition, the role of this polymorphism in the production of mature miR-196a was investigated. Significantly enhanced production of mature miR-196a was revealed in the C-allelic compared with that of the T-allelic miR-196a-2 precursor (P<0.05). Further examination indicated that miR-196a significantly promoted cell migration and invasion ability in the human OVCAR3 ovarian cell line (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results indicated that the miR-196a-2 rs11614913 CC genotype may increase the risks of ovarian cancer by affecting the expression of mature miR-196a and enhancing cell migration/invasion. The current results provided evidence that the T>C polymorphism in the miR-196a-2 precursor may influence tumorigenesis and metastasis in EOC, and suggested that the functional SNP rs11614913 in the promoter region of pri-miR-196a-2 may be a potential indicator of EOC susceptibility in the population analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of pregnancy on the clinical course of acute hepatitis B (AHB) is still largely unclear, mainly because most studies have not included matched controls. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical features and outcome of AHB in pregnancy using matched controls. Methods: Consecutive AHB inpatients who were admitted to Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Jinan, between January 2006 and December 2010 were evaluated and followed. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and results of laboratory tests were compared between pregnant patients and age and sex matched non-pregnant patients at admission, discharge, and final follow-up. Results: A total of 618 AHB inpatients were identified during the study period. 22 pregnant patients and 87 age and sex matched non-pregnant patients were enrolled in this study. Prodromal fever was less common (0% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.02), serum alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower, and HBsAg > 250 IU/mL rate and serum bilirubin levels were significantly higher in pregnant patients than in non-pregnant patients. After a mean (range) of 7(5.2-8.3) months follow-up, 18.2% pregnant patients and 4.6% non-pregnant patients were still HBsAg positive (P = 0.03). For pregnant patients, the relative risk (95% confidence interval) of HBsAg positive at the end of follow-up was 4.6 (1.1-20.2). The median (95% confidence interval) days of HBsAg seroclearance form disease onset in pregnant and non-pregnant patients were 145.0 (110.5-179.5) and 80.0 (62.6-97.4), respectively. Conclusions: The HBsAg loss and seroconversion were delayed and lower in pregnant patients. Pregnancy might be a possible risk of chronicity following acute HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  To deal with the challenges of both computation-complexity and algorithm-scalability posed to the design of an IPSec engine, we develop PAC (parallel algorithm core), called PAC, employed in an IPSec engine, which can meet requirements of both exploiting parallelism existing in IPSec packets and offering scalability in both the scales and types of cryptographic algorithms. With three kinds of parallelism and two kinds of transparency defined, a novel hierarchy of the specifically-designed parallel structure for PAC is presented, followed by corresponding mechanisms. With a simulation, the scalability of PAC is examined. For the purpose of performance evaluation, a Quasi Birth-and-Death (QBD) process is then established to model a simplified version of the proposed PAC. Performance evaluation of PAC in terms of two representative measures, throughput and mean packet waiting time, is numerically investigated. A comparison study is done on a simulation basis. Conclusions are finally drawn for providing a helpful guideline for both the design and implementation of our proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  In this paper, the results of the dynamic pull-in voltage characteristics of a micro-mirror using electrostatic actuation are analyzed. Based on torsional dynamic theory, appropriate equations are developed that allowed to give insight into the actuating voltage, switching time and other dynamic parameters. The analytical results are discussed in detail without and with considering air squeeze film damping, respectively. This is equivalent to assuming the mirror is operated in vacuum or at ambient pressure. When the effect of the damping is considered, the movement trajectory of the cantilever beam is changed, and the calculated results of the pull-in voltage and switching time are considerably different compared to those without considering damping. Therefore, the effect of the air squeeze film damping is an important factor in the design and fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical systems. Finally, the experimental results in the air environment are discussed and compared to the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-period fiber grating (LPG) with trapezoid index modulation is presented as a novel grating. The influence of the difference between the top width and the bottom width (simplified to d in the following text) of the trapezoid index modulation on the transmission characteristics is analyzed. Calculated results show that the resonance location displaces to the long wavelength when the d increases. Compared with the long-period fiber grating with rectangle index modulation, the advantage of this novel grating is that it needs a smaller refractive index change. When d is zero, this model can be used to simulate the LPG with a rectangular index modulation, and the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]