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Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, which involves the axial joint and the distal interphalangeal joints. Its clinical features are varied, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Improved knowledge about disease mechanisms will catalyze the rapid development of effective targeted therapies for this disease. The perturbations in the gene co-expression network may not be detected by the differential expression analysis of the microarray. This study aims to identify key modules and hub genes in psoriatic arthritis-applied WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) on a microarray.This study downloaded the array data of GSE61281 from the gene expression overview (GEO) database, which includes 20 psoriatic arthritis samples and 12 healthy controls. The analysis was performed with the WGCNA package. Gene ontology (GO) annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on these key modules. Candidate hub genes were identified using GS and MM measures, Cytoscape, and the online database STRING.A total of 10 co-expression modules were constructed. The lightcyan module was identified as the key module. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were mainly enriched in dephosphorylation, regulation of small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, Ras signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Two hub genes, RHOH/TRAF1, were selected.This finding may indicate that RHOH/TRAF1 play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PsA. This is one of the first studies in PsA using WGCNA, which may provide a new research direction for further understanding of the molecular mechanism and clinical application of PsA. Key points • The WGCNA method was applied to the expression profile microarray of psoriatic arthritis and the co-expression module was constructed. • Identify the key modules by combining the onset time of psoriasis in patients with psoriatic arthritis. • Three screening methods are used to identify and verify hub genes of key modules.

The looseness of tires or even falling off from cars will lead to serious traffic accidents. Once it occurs, it will bring casualties and huge economic losses to society, seriously affecting the traffic safety. To mitigate such possible safety concerns, an early loosening warning system is developed in this article. The system consists of the tire monitoring module and the working control module. The tire monitoring module is installed on the tire and is designed with no power supply. The control module is installed in the vehicle body. Signal transmission between the two modules is achieved through wireless radio frequency. In the driving, once the tire is loosened, the monitoring device will send out the alarm signal automatically and wirelessly. After the driver gets the alarm signal, he can immediately perform the emergency processing, parking, and inspection, which can avoid traffic accidents caused by it. This article introduces the detailed structure, working principle, and operation process of the system. This early warning system has simple structure, high reliability, and is easy to use. It can be used in the common working environment of automobiles. Meanwhile, it is also the foundation of intelligent connected vehicle.

The database of BRCA1/2 mutations in Chinese population remains incomplete at present. Therefore, the present study aimed to report specific harmful BRCA1/2 mutations in the Chinese population and discuss the clinicopathological features in mutation carriers. BRCA1/2 germline mutation tests for 71 patients with breast cancer from a hereditarily high-risk Chinese population were performed using next-generation sequencing for identification of deleterious mutations. Furthermore, the clinicopathological features between BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers were compared. A total of 13/71 (18.3%) patients carried a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (7 BRCA1 and 6 BRCA2). The incidence of BRCA1/2 mutation in patients with bilateral breast cancer and patients with family history were 25, and 32.2%, respectively. Eleven pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations were identified in 13 patients, among the mutation sites 7 were never reported before in Asian populations. The age at diagnosis of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers was older compared with non-mutation carriers (44.73 vs. 35.39 years; P=0.001) in this cohort. BRCA1/2 deleterious mutation carriers had a significantly lower chance of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her-2) positive status (P=0.010), higher tumor grade at diagnosis (P=0.009), higher probability to have a family history (P=0.016) and older age at diagnosis. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status were significantly different between BRCA1, and BRCA2 mutation carriers (P=0.007). The current interpretation of BRCA1/2 status can only explain a small part of hereditary high-risk breast cancer. However, BRCA1/2 gene testing should still be recommended for women with a family history of breast cancer, as well as patients with breast cancer with specific pathologic types, which may be useful to make appropriate clinical decisions for treatment and prevention.

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD)，and part of SHPT patients need receive parathyroidectomy (PTX). However, as an important postoperative complication of SHPT, thyrotoxicosis has received little attention. Therefore, in this article, we aimed to study the status of transient thyrotoxicosis after PTX for SHPT patients with ESRD and normal thyroid function. Methods: A total of 36 SHPT patients with preoperative normal thyroid function, normal thyroglobulin(Tg) and normal thyroid antibodies receiving PTX were enrolled from the Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from January 2017 to January 2019. Tg, high sensitivity thyrotropin stimulating hormone(sTSH), triiodothyronine(T3), free triiodothyronine(fT3)，thyroxine(T4) and free thyroxine(fT4) were evaluated the day before PTX and on day 1, 3 and 5 after PTX. Besides, all enrolled patients were evaluated whether there are symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis. Results: Among the 36 SHPT patients, 3 case (8.3%), 14 cases (38.9%) and 24 cases (66.7%) had suffered thyrotoxicosis at the first, third and fifth day after surgery, respectively. Serum FT4 level increased significantly (＞1.5 times higher than the normal maximum) from pre-operation (0.66±0.14 ng/dl, normal range: 0.59-1.25ng/dl) to the third day after operation (2.13±2.16 ng/dl, p＜0.001) and then gradually decline, but still higher than the normal maximum on day 5 after surgery (1.40±0.59 ng/dl, p＜0.001). The frequencies of serum sTSH lower than the normal level gradually increased from the first day（11.1%） to fifth day （66.7%） after surgery. Serum Tg level increased significantly (＞4 times higher than the normal maximum) from pre-operation (8.43±6.26, normal range: 0.00-50.03ng/ml)to the first day after operation 213.07±157.69, p＜0.001) and then gradually decline, but still relatively higher than the normal maximum on day 5 after surgery (67.70±97.43ng/ml, p＜0.001). Conclusion: Transient thyrotoxicosis is a common postoperative complication of parathyroidectomy for SHPT patients with ESRD and normal thyroid function, and it is necessary for clinicians to evaluate the perioperative thyroid function to make early diagnosis and appropriate prevention and treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

To elucidate the complex molecular mechanisms of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of ATC were systematically explored. A total of 55 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from two mRNA expression datasets including 23 ATC samples and 24 paired normal samples. Gene expression levels of three randomly selected DEGs, VCAN, COL5A1 and KCNJ16, were examined using RT-PCR in 10 ATC samples. Notably, the ATC and normal samples were clearly classified into two groups based on their common DEGs. Moreover 23 common DEGs, such as TG, NKX2-1, KCNJ16 and CTHRC1, were predicted to be the potential targets of 17 identified miRNAs in ATC. Meanwhile, several miRNA target genes were associated with biological processes related to tumor progression such as angiogenesis, cell migration or growth and potassium channel regulation. In summary, the poor prognosis of ATC is possibly caused via complex biological processes. Firstly, angiogenesis was activated by the high expression of CTHRC1, VCAN and POSTN, providing necessary nutrition for tumor cells. Then tumor distant metastasis was induced via stimulation of cell migration and cell growth or regulation of cell-cell interaction. Moreover, intracellular potassium concentration changes promoted ATC progression indirectly. Hence, identification of these critical DEGs was valuable in understanding the molecular mechanisms of ATC.

Objective: Breast conservation therapy (BCT) for female patients with multifocal or multicentric (MF/MC) breast cancer remains controversial. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to explore whether BCT was feasible for female patients with MF/MC breast cancer and to compare the results of treatment with those of female patients with unifocal breast cancer who underwent BCT and female patients with MF/MC breast cancer who underwent mastectomy. Methods: Online databases, including PubMed and Embase, were independently searched from inception to January 2018 and reviewed by two authors. The present meta-analysis compared local relapse (LR) of BCT versus mastectomy for patients with MF/MC breast cancer and LR of patients with unifocal breast cancer versus patients with MF/MC breast cancer who underwent BCT. Ten studies comprising 19,272 patients were included. Results: The cumulative incidence of LR was 5.6% (65/1,163) for MF/MC disease treated with BCT, 4.2% (750/17,656) for unifocal disease treated with BCT, and 2.0% (9/453) for MF/MC disease treated with mastectomy. Thus, the cumulative incidence of LR for MF/MC patients treated with BCT was significantly higher than for mastectomy (p < 0.001). However, the forest plot analysis showed no significant differences in LR between BCT and mastectomy procedures (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.49–3.00, p = 0.67, I2 = 0%). Compared with the unifocal group treated with BCT, BCT for MF/MC breast cancer showed a significant difference in LR (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.48–3.42, p = 0.0001, I2 = 0%). Conclusion: The LR of BCT for patients with MF/MC breast cancer was higher than that of BCT for patients with unifocal breast cancer. However, no significant difference was found in the incidence of LR between the BCT group and the mastectomy group in patients with MF/MC breast cancer.

Protein-coding genes account for only 2% of the human genome, whereas the vast majority of transcripts are noncoding RNAs including long noncoding RNAs. LncRNAs are involved in the regulation of a diverse array of biological processes, including cancer progression. An evolutionarily conserved lncRNA TUNA, was found to be required for pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells. In this study, we found the human ortholog of TUNA, linc00617, was upregulated in breast cancer samples. Linc00617 promoted motility and invasion of breast cancer cells and induced epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), which was accompanied by generation of stem cell properties. Moreover, knockdown of linc00617 repressed lung metastasis in vivo. We demonstrated that linc00617 upregulated the expression of stemness factor Sox2 in breast cancer cells, which was shown to promote the oncogenic activity of breast cancer cells by stimulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and enhancing the tumor-initiating capacity. Thus, our data indicate that linc00617 functions as an important regulator of EMT and promotes breast cancer progression and metastasis via activating the transcription of Sox2. Together, it suggests that linc00617 may be a potential therapeutic target for aggressive breast cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

OBJECTIVE To explore the inhibitory effects of quercetin on angiogenesis of experimental mammary carcinoma. METHODS A 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced animal model of mammary carcinoma was established in rats. Seventy-nine female Sprague-Dawly rats were randomized into 4 groups namely, DMBA, DMBA with tamoxifen (TAM), DMBA with quercetin and control agents identified as group A, B, C and D respectively Treatment was for 28 weeks. Samples of breast tissues were collected for histopathological observation and microvessel density (MVD) estimation by light microscopy. The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the protein product of H-ras were examined by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS ① The mammary carcinoma occurrence rate and mean mammary tumor diameter of group A (76.2%, 2.37cm) were significantly higher than that in group B (40.9%, 1.82cm), C (45.5%, 1.71cm) and D (0%, 0cm) (P 0.05), which indicated that quercetin inhibited the incidence and growth of mammary carcinoma; ② MVD estimation and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF, bFGF and the H-ras protein product showed significant differences between groups A and B, as well as groups A and C (P 0.05). CONCLUSION Quercetin can reduce the DMBA- induced mammary carcinoma incidence and tumor growth.The following mechanisms may be responsibie for these results: ①Inhibition of the synthesis of the H-ras protein, causing inhibition of proliferation of the tumor cells and tumor angiogenesis. ② Inhibition of the expression of angiogenesis-related growth factors such as VEGF and bFGF, so that angiogenesis in the mammary carcinomas is suppressed, with decreased mammary MVD in the rats receiving quercetin treatment.

Protein-coding genes account for only 2% of the human genome, whereas the vast majority of transcripts are noncoding RNAs including long noncoding RNAs. LncRNAs are involved in the regulation of a diverse array of biological processes, including cancer progression. An evolutionarily conserved lncRNA TUNA, was found to be required for pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells. In this study, we found the human ortholog of TUNA, linc00617, was upregulated in breast cancer samples. Linc00617 promoted motility and invasion of breast cancer cells and induced epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), which was accompanied by generation of stem cell properties. Moreover, knockdown of linc00617 repressed lung metastasis in vivo. We demonstrated that linc00617 upregulated the expression of stemness factor Sox2 in breast cancer cells, which was shown to promote the oncogenic activity of breast cancer cells by stimulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and enhancing the tumor-initiating capacity. Thus, our data indicate that linc00617 functions as an important regulator of EMT and promotes breast cancer progression and metastasis via activating the transcription of Sox2. Together, it suggests that linc00617 may be a potential therapeutic target for aggressive breast cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

To investigate the effects of quercetin on tumour growth, cell proliferation and apoptosis in transplantation tumor of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in nude mice.MCF-7 cells were inoculated into the mammary fatty pad of nude mice to establish breast cancer model, then twenty-four BALB/c nude mice with xenograft tumor were randomized into four groups: Control group, Quercetin group, 5-Fu group and Quercetin + 5-Fu group. After 15 days treatment, samples of tumor were collected. The sections of tumor were observed under light microscope and electron microscope. Cell apoptosis in situ was examined by a Tunel assay, and the expressions of ki67 antigen and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) were detected by immunohistochemistry.1. The tumor weight of Control group was significantly higher than those of Quercetin group, 5-Fu group and Quercetin + 5-Fu group (P0.05). 2. Immunohistochemical staining of ki67 showed that the ki67 label index (ki67-LI) displayed significant difference between Control group and Quercetin group, 5-Fu group, Quercetin + 5-Fu group, and so did the staining of Bcl-2. 3. Detection of apoptosis in situ showed that apoptosis index (AI) was significantly higher in Quercetin group, 5-Fu group and Quercetin + 5-Fu group than in control group (P0.01), and higher AI was observed in Quercetin + 5-Fu group as compared with the AI in Quercetin group and 5-Fu group (P0.05).Quercetin can inhibit the growth of transplantation tumor of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in nude mice.

A case-control study of breast cancer (BC) was conducted from 1994 to 1996 in Chongqing, People's Republic of China, in order to explore the etiological role of passive smoking (PS, so-called second hand smoking) as well as other early life factors (weight, height, socioeconomic status and history of suffering from a disease resulting in hospitalization). These factors were reviewed both in childhood (age less than 10 years) and in the teenage years (youth: 10 to 16 years). One hundred and eighty six cases of newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed BC, aged 24 to 55 years, were individually matched by day (within six months) and age (within 2 years) at diagnosis as well as marital status to 186 controls selected from outpatients not suffering from cancer. All subjects, cases and controls were never-smokers. A standardized questionnaire was used for interview in a face-to-face situation. After adjustment for a wide range of covariates using multiple logistic regression analysis, PS was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for BC. This was found for exposure to PS in childhood [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.24 (1.07-1.43)], in youth [1.15 (0.90-1.47)] and in adulthood for either exposure at home [4.07 (2.21-7.50)] or at work [1.27 (1.04-1.55)]. For exposure to PS in childhood, a significant dose-response effect was evident (test for trend, p0.05) with the number of smokers in the home, as well as the perceived level of exposure to PS, and in adulthood with the number of smokers at work. Our study also found an increased risk of BC in those with a past history of suffering from a disease requiring hospitalization [2.41 (1.21-4.81)]. Subjects with a low body weight in childhood and with a poor economic status in youth were associated with increased risk of BC in their adulthood [1.54 (1.09-2.18) and 1.03 (1.00-1.06)]. Being overweight as an adult, however, was associated with a high risk of BC [1.76 (1.02-3.04)]. Age at menarche [0.83 (0.72-0.95)] was associated negatively with risk of BC. A history of benign breast disease [2.05 (1.01-4.16)] or a history of life stress [2.32 (1.54-3.48)] were both associated with increased risk of BC. Our results therefore indicate a small but definite effect associated with PS, the credibility of which is enhanced by a dose-response relationship to BC risk. The other early life factors, such as age at menarche, history of suffering from a disease requiring hospitalization, history of benign breast disease, being overweight as an adult and life stress are similar to those consistently found in other countries. The associations involving low body weight, low socioeconomic status in early life and subsequent high risk of BC require further study.