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Meiju Deng, Na Chen, Xiaojie Lao, Xiaolei Wang, Jiantao Fu, Lulu Xing, Hongxin Zhao Clinical Center for HIV/AIDS, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hongxin Zhao, Clinical Center for HIV/AIDS, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, Jingshun Dongjie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China, Email drzhao66@ccmu.edu.cnPurpose: The study aimed to explore the reasons, efficacy, and safety of switching to dolutegravir (DTG) based regimens in virologically suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH) in tertiary hospitals in China. Therefore, the study could provide a valuable reference for the rational clinical use of DTG.Methods: PLWH’s basic information, treatment details, and reasons for switching were collected, through the electrical clinical medical record system and telephone follow-up. Data included the proportion of PLWH with HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL, changes in immunological indicators, and metabolic metrics at week 48 and week 96.Results: 319 PLWH were included in the analysis. The three major reasons for switching were neurological toxicity (16.30%), simplification (13.79%), and renal toxicity (11.29%). Our study showed high rates of virologic suppression in the per-protocol analysis (week 48: 99.69%; week 96: 99.29%) after switching to DTG-based regimens. The median CD4+ T cell count increased from 579 cells/μL (IQR 420.5– 758) to 642 cells/μL (IQR 466.5– 854) at week 96 (p< 0.0001). An improvement was observed in liver function (ALT: p< 0.0001; AST: p< 0.0001) and fasting glucose (p< 0.0001). However, there was an elevation in creatinine (Cr) (p< 0.0001) and a slight decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p< 0.0001). Regarding lipid profile, triglyceride (TG) levels declined, while total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased. Further analysis revealed that the increase in TC and LDL-C was associated with the withdrawal of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). This observed increase in lipid parameters only concerned the PLWH who switched from a TDF-containing regimen to a non-TDF regimen.Conclusion: This study confirmed the virologic efficacy of switching to DTG-based regimens in virologically suppressed PLWH over a 96-week period. The findings also expanded the evidence of immune reconstitution and metabolic safety associated with this switch.Keywords: HIV, dolutegravir, switching, virologically suppressed, lipids profile

Meiju Deng,1,2,&ast; Yongqin Zeng,2,3,&ast; Ying Liu,2 Xiaolei Wang,1,2 Na Chen,1,2 Mengyuan Zhang,1,4– 6 Meiqing Jiang,1,4– 6 Hongxin Zhao,2 Juan Du1,4– 6 1Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 2Clinical Center for HIV/AIDS, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, People’s Republic of China; 4Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 5National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 6National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Juan Du; Hongxin Zhao, Email duj656@ccmu.edu.cn; Drzhao66@ccmu.edu.cnBackground: The aging of the immune system is associated with various diseases. It is worth exploring the changes of the immune system in aging. Previous studies have shown that aged T cells have enhanced expression of co-inhibitory molecules. However, it remains unclear whether aged NK cells exhibit similar characteristics to aged T cells. The objective of our research was to clarify this aspect.Patients and Methods: This study included 98 adults aged 24– 90 years (50 males and 48 females). We detected the subset of peripheral blood NK cells and the expression of various receptors on NK cells among donors of different age groups by flow cytometry. Immune subsets were initially defined by forward and side-scatter characteristics and then staining with the appropriate marker.Results: The absolute number and subset distribution of NK cells were not associated with age. However, CD57 expression and CD69 expression were correlated with age. Furthermore, we found that PD-1 was up-regulated on NK cells in older people, associated with aging, while no such change was observed in other co-inhibitory molecules, including 2B4, CTLA-4, TIM-3, BTLA, CD70, CD39, CD160, and TIGIT. PD-1+ NK cells expressed high levels of CD57 and CD69, indicating PD-1+ NK cells displayed a phenotype of over-activation and aging.Discussion: This study indicated that PD-1+ NK cells were one of the characteristics of NK cells in older people.Conclusion: This study indicated that PD-1+ NK cells were one of the characteristics of NK cells in older people. Those findings provided new ideas to explore the underlying drivers of NK aging.Keywords: PD-1, NK cell, aging, co-inhibitory molecules

Xiaomei Chen,1,2 Xunhu Dong,3 Jia Liu,1 Xiao Liu,1 Menghui Deng,1 Yanni Yang1 1School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Nursing Department, Qionglai Medical Center Hospital, Qionglai, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yanni Yang, School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Email yangyanni@tmmu.edu.cnPurpose: The rural–urban gap in sociodemographic, lifestyle, and disease-related characteristics among COPD patients is prevalent. These differences may influence the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and determinants of MCI between rural and urban areas among COPD patients.Patients and Methods: The cross-sectional study sample comprised 372 COPD patients from China. We evaluated the cognitive function and lung function, collected sociodemographic, lifestyle, and disease-related information, to compare the prevalence of MCI in rural and urban areas. Using multivariate regression analysis to examine the effects of variables to MCI.Results: The prevalence of MCI in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas (65.4% vs 47.9%, P=0.001). The prevalence in farm laborers was almost twice as high as that of non-farm laborers in urban areas (82.6% vs 43.1%), but no significant difference in rural areas (P=0.066). However, the data were lower in subjects who insisted on long-term home oxygen therapy (39.7%, CI:27.8– 51.6, P< 0.001), and who with higher monthly household income (49.6%, CI:40.2– 58.9) in rural areas, but no significant difference in urban areas (P=0.985 and 0.502). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that participants aged 71 years and above, former smokers were at a high risk of MCI in both urban and rural areas. However, participants who slept for 6– 8 hours a day, shopping frequently, or exercised for more than 2 hours a day had a lower risk of MCI in urban areas. But rural participants who insisted on long-term home oxygen therapy had a lower probability of developing MCI.Conclusion: This study revealed that there were significant differences in MCI among COPD patients in rural and urban areas, especially in exercise, sleeping, shopping, and long-term home oxygen therapy. Medical staff should give health guidance according to the actual situation of patients with COPD.Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mild cognitive impairment, urban, rural

Ye Lu,1 Mingming Deng,2– 5 Yan Yin,6 Gang Hou,2– 5 Xiaoming Zhou7 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Respirology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Gang Hou, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-10-84205729, Email hougangcmu@163.com Xiaoming Zhou, Department of Respirology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email zhouxmcmu@163.comPurpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation, where macrophages from the innate immune system may exert a pivotal influence. Our study aimed to summarize the present state of knowledge and to identify the focal points and emerging developments regarding macrophages associated with COPD through bibliometrics.Methods: Publications regarding research on macrophages associated with COPD from January 1, 2011, to January 1, 2022, were retrieved from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) which is part of the Web of Science database. In total, 1521 publications were analyzed using bibliometric methodology. VOSviewer was used to analyze the annual publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and research hotspots.Results: Based on the bibliometric analysis, publications relating to macrophages associated with COPD tended to increase from 2011 to 2022. The United States was the largest producer and most influential country in this field. Research during the past decade has focused on inflammation in the lungs. Most previous studies have mainly focused on the mechanisms that promote the initiation and progression of COPD. Macrophage-related oxidative stress and immunity, communication between macrophages and epithelial cells, and interventions for acute exacerbations have become the focus of more recent studies and will become a hot topic in the future.Conclusion: Global research on macrophage-associated COPD has been growing rapidly in the past decade. The hot topics in this field gradually tended to shift focus from “inflammation” to “oxidative stress”, “epithelial-cells”, and “exacerbations”. The significance of macrophages in coordinating immune responses, interacting with other cells, and exhibiting dysregulated capacities has attracted increasing attention to COPD pathogenesis. The adoption of new technologies may provide a more promising and comprehensive understanding of the specific role of macrophages in COPD in the future.Keywords: macrophages, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, VOSviewer, research hotspots, bibliometrix

Jingxin Yan,1,2,&ast; Yonghao Wen,1,3,&ast; Manjun Deng,1,2 Bin Ye,4 Xinlian Liu,5 Lushun Zhang5 1Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, People’s Republic of China; 2Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Hydatid Disease Research, Xining, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Postgraduate, Qinghai University, Xining, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of General Surgery, Rongxian People’s Hospital, Zigong, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xinlian Liu; Lushun Zhang, Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, Email 504080342@qq.com; zhangls2012@cmc.edu.cnBackground: Sorafenib is the standard treatment for most cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on Western and Eastern clinical guidelines. Thus, an increasing number of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib combination therapies have been used in clinical practice. In addition, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have explored the efficacy and safety of the combination of TACE and sorafenib. Therefore, we performed an umbrella review to summarize and evaluate these evidence-based studies.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched up to June 1, 2023. All meta-analyses that evaluated the effect of TACE plus sorafenib on HCC were considered eligible. The quality of the included meta-analyses was evaluated by AMSTAR2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). The quality of evidence per association provided in the meta-analyses was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). This study was registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023420417).Results: We included 12 meta-analyses, including randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and observational studies. A total of 44 associations with overall survival, survival rate, time to disease progression, overall response rate, disease control rate, and adverse events were evaluated in this umbrella review. The quality of most associations ranged from low to very low, indicating that flaws were significant in the current meta-analyses.Conclusion: This umbrella review identified beneficial associations between TACE and sorafenib combination therapy in advanced HCC. However, owing to the low certainty of the evidence, clinicians should interpret our results with caution when applying them in clinical practice, and high-quality studies are required in the future to confirm our results.Keywords: umbrella review, meta-analysis, systematic review, sorafenib, hepatocellular carcinoma, transarterial chemoembolization

Kejia Ma,1,2 Xuejie Chen,1,2 Xin Xiang,3 Xueyi Mao,3 Ningxin Zhu,1,2 Tianyu Wang,1,2 Shuyu Ye,1,2 Xiaoyan Wang,1,2,&ast; Minzi Deng1,2,&ast; 1Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 3Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xiaoyan Wang; Minzi Deng, Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 139 7488 9301 ; +86 137 8615 2169, Email wangxiaoyan@csu.edu.cn; dengmz@csu.edu.cnPurpose: This study aimed to investigate the willingness of Chinese adults aged 40 years and older to undergo gastroscopy for gastric cancer (GC) screening during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The secondary purpose was to identify factors influencing willingness to undergo gastroscopy.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in selected cities and counties from nine provinces in China using a multi-stage sampling approach. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the independent predictors of willingness to undergo gastroscopy.Results: This study included 1900 participants, and 1462 (76.95%) responded that they would undergo gastroscopy for GC screening. Participants of younger age, from the eastern region, living in an urban area, with higher educational levels, with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, or with precancerous stomach lesions, were more willing to undergo gastroscopy. The top four reasons to reject gastroscopy were fear of pain or discomfort, worry about a possible devastating test result, no symptoms in self-feeling, and concern about the high expense. Of all those who would reject gastroscopy for GC screening, 36.76% (161/438) would be willing to accept painless gastroscopy, while 24.89% (109/438) would be willing to undergo gastroscopy screening if higher medical reimbursement rates were available. Participants considered that gastroscopy was a relatively fearful and unknown procedure, accompanied by high risks and benefits compared to all other life events.Conclusion: In general, 76.95% of participants over 40 years old were willing to undergo gastroscopy for GC screening in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants’ willingness to undergo GC screening increased due to medical resource constraints and increased interest in their health. Individuals with H. pylori infection are more likely to undergo gastroscopy, whereas old age individuals, those with lower educational levels, and those living in rural areas are more likely to reject gastroscopy.Keywords: gastrointestinal tumors, endoscopy, public health, early screening, questionnaire

Yijie Chen,1,&ast; Jingjing Yu,2,&ast; Lan Shi,1 Shuyang Han,1 Jun Chen,1 Zhumei Sheng,3 Miao Deng,3 Xuejing Jin,1,3 Zhifen Zhang1,3 1The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of the Reproductive Endocrinology Division, Hangzhou Women’s Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhifen Zhang; Xuejing Jin, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People’s Republic of China, Email zhangzf@zju.edu.cn; jxj20210928@163.comObjective: The aim of this research was to determine whether systemic inflammatory indicators, including aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), neutrophils lymphocyte to platelet ratio (NLPR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), are related to bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.Methods: One hundred and eighty-one perimenopausal and 390 postmenopausal women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Continuous variables by analysis of variance and Kruskal Wallis test for comparing the clinical characteristics. Linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between inflammatory indicators with BMD. The comparison between the subgroups was performed using the nonparametric test and the T-test.Results: AISI, NLPR, SII, and SIRI quartile values were inversely associated with BMD in menopausal women (P = 0.021; P = 0.047; P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for confounding factors, four inflammatory indicators remained significantly associated with BMD (all P for trend < 0.001). Analysis according to menopausal status demonstrated that AISI, SII, and SIRI were significantly correlated with mean femoral neck BMD in postmenopausal women (P for trend = 0.015, 0.004, and 0.001), but not significantly associated with BMD in perimenopausal women (P for trend = 0.248, 0.054, and 0.352) after adjustment for covariates.Conclusion: The quartile values of AISI, SII, and SIRI were inversely associated with BMD in postmenopausal women, following adjustment for individual variables, hormone profiles and glucolipid metabolism profiles. AISI, SII, and SIRI have potential to be important tools for screening and prevention of bone loss in menopausal women in future clinical practice.Keywords: menopause, female, femur neck, cross-sectional studies, regression analysis, inflammation

Mianlin Deng,1 Wendian Shi,1 Hejia Chen,1 Xiao Li1,2 1Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Society & Culture, Party School of Ningxia Committee of C.P.C, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wendian Shi, Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, No. 100 Guilin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200234, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 021 64323104, Email swd_nx@163.comPurpose: Previous studies on consumer decision strategies have focused on the process or outcomes of decision-making using different decision strategies. Relatively little is known about the factors (especially decision makers’ characteristics) influencing the use of different decision strategies. This study examined the effects of power on consumer decision strategies and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Studies 1 (N = 128) and 2 (N = 130) examined multiple- and binary-option situations, respectively. Participants’ power was manipulated with a writing task and their consumer decision strategies were assessed through the selection tasks of restaurants and beach resorts. Study 3 (N = 326) further explored the mediator of approach-inhibition tendency and the moderator of gender in the relationship between power and consumer decision strategies. Participants’ chronic sense of power, approach-inhibition tendency, and purchasing strategies were measured using questionnaires.Results: Powerful (vs powerless) individuals prefer to use a direct selection (vs exclusion) strategy, regardless of whether they face multiple or binary choices. An increased approach (vs inhibition) tendency explains why elevated power promotes the use of the direct selection strategy. Moreover, gender plays a moderating role. Specifically, the mediation effect of approach (vs inhibition) tendency on the relationship between power and the preference for the direct selection (vs exclusion) strategy is stronger for males than for females.Conclusion: This study extends previous research on power and consumer decision strategies by clarifying that the effects of power on consumer decision strategies are primarily driven by high power (but not by low power). Furthermore, by examining the mediator of approach-inhibition tendency and the moderator of gender, this study promotes a deeper understanding of how power affects consumer decision strategies and for whom the effect is more salient. Besides, the present research has contributions to the approach-inhibition theory of power and the literature on gender differences in consumer behavior, and has practical implications for business marketing.Keywords: power, consumer decision strategy, decision-making strategy, behavioral approach, behavioral inhibition, gender difference

Mingming Deng1– 4&ast;, Liming Yan5 &ast;, Run Tong1– 4&ast;, Joseph Zhao,6 Yanxia Li,7 Yan Yin,8 Qin Zhang,8 Jinghan Gao,8 Qiuyue Wang,8 Gang Hou,1– 4 Xiaoming Zhou9,10 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China; 6Sage Hill High School, Newport Coast, CA, USA; 7Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China; 9Respiratory Department, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 10Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Gang Hou, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Centre of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email hougangcmu@163.com Xiaoming Zhou, Respiratory Department, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email zhouxmcmu@163.comPurpose: Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is frequent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is linked to a poor prognosis. The diagnosis of sarcopenia requires specific equipment and is inconvenient to introduce into clinical practice. Ultrasound is an innovative method to assess muscle quantity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of ultrasound for prospectively screening for sarcopenia in COPD patients.Patients and Methods: A total of 235 stable patients with COPD were included in this observational study and divided into development and validation sets. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia standards were used to define sarcopenia. The thickness (RFthick) and cross-sectional area (RFcsa) of the rectus femoris were measured using ultrasound. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of RFthick and RFcsa was used to predict sarcopenia. Nomogram models were constructed based on RFthick, RFcsa, age and body mass index to identify sarcopenia.Results: Sarcopenia was present in 83 (35.32%) patients. Patients with sarcopenia had advanced age, decreased pulmonary function, decreased physical function and poor clinical outcomes. RFthick and RFcsa showed good predictive ability for sarcopenia in the development and validation sets. The nomogram based on RFthick and RFcsa could detect sarcopenia in COPD patients, and all had significant predictive performance in the development and validation sets. The calibration plot showed good agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations.Conclusion: The ultrasound measurement of the rectus femoris has potential for the clinical assessment of sarcopenia in patients with COPD.Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcopenia, ultrasound, rectus femoris, nomogram

Xiao Li,1,2 Jing Ye,1 Mianlin Deng,1 Xudong Zhao,1 Wendian Shi1 1Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Society & Culture, Party School of Ningxia Committee of C.P.C, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wendian Shi, Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, No. 100 Guilin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200234, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 21 64323104, Email swd_nx@163.comPurpose: Extensive research has shown that reversible decisions yield lower post-decision satisfaction than irreversible decisions. However, to date, little is known about how decision reversibility affects post-decision satisfaction. Based on regret theory, this study aimed to examine the mediating role of counterfactual thinking and anticipated regret in the association between decision reversibility and satisfaction.Methods: In this study (130 participants), participants were randomly assigned to two personnel decision situations with reversible and irreversible decision outcomes, and all participants completed questionnaires during the process of completing the decision task. The questionnaires used included the Counterfactual Thinking for Negative Events Scale, Anticipated Regret Scale, and satisfaction questionnaire. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed using the base package in R and PROCESS 3.5.Results: The results show that (1) Compared to irreversible decisions, reversible decisions have a significant negative impact on satisfaction. (2) Counterfactual thinking plays a mediating role between decision reversibility and satisfaction. (3) Compared with irreversible decisions, reversible decisions further lowered the level of post-decision satisfaction through the chain mediating effects of counterfactual thinking and anticipated regret.Conclusion: People’s lowered levels of post-decision satisfaction in the reversible decision condition relate to increased levels of counterfactual thinking and anticipated regret. In addition, counterfactual thinking can play a mediating role alone, indicating that this variable may be critical in understanding the mechanisms by which decision reversibility affects satisfaction. This knowledge may be used to help people optimize their decision-making behavior.Keywords: decision reversibility, satisfaction, regret theory, counterfactual thinking, anticipated regret

Yating Peng,1– 3 Wei Cheng,1– 3 Jiaxi Duan,1– 3 Yiyang Zhao,1– 3 Zijing Zhou,1– 3 Aiyuan Zhou,1– 3 Minhua Deng,1– 4 Hong Peng,1– 3 Ruoyun Ouyang,1– 3 Yan Chen,1– 3 Ping Chen1– 3 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiang Ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People’s Republic of China; 3Hunan Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Respiratory, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, 100088, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ping Chen, Email pingchen0731@csu.edu.cnBackground: Prohibitin has been identified to play roles in cell survival and apoptosis. Here, this study aimed to clarify the role of prohibitin in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.Methods: The protein level of prohibitin was assessed by Western blot in lung tissues from emphysema and control mice. CSE-induced human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (hPMECs) were applied to mimic smoke-related cell apoptosis in vitro. Prohibitin was overexpressed in hPMECs with or without CSE. Mitochondrial function was analyzed by JC-1 staining and ATP assay kits. Oxidative stress was assessed by flow cytometry, fluorescence staining and immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, Western blot and caspase-3 activity assays. In addition, the expression of inflammatory markers was assessed by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The secretion of inflammatory cytokines was measured by ELISA.Results: Prohibitin was downregulated in emphysema mouse tissues compared with control experiments. Consistently, CSE inhibited both the protein and RNA levels of prohibitin in hPMECs in a dose-dependent manner. Gain-of-function experiments indicated that CSE induced collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and loss of ATP, while prohibitin improved mitochondrial function. CSE induced robust ROS production and oxidative DNA damage, while prohibitin decreased this damage. Upregulation of prohibitin protected the apoptosis of hPMECs from CSE. Overexpression of prohibitin significantly reduced the levels of the main proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, prohibitin inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 accumulation and IκBα degradation induced by CSE.Conclusion: The current findings suggest that CSE-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and inflammation in hPMECs were reduced by overexpression of prohibitin. We identified prohibitin as a novel regulator of endothelial cell apoptosis and survival in the context of CSE exposure.Keywords: prohibitin, hPMECs, CSE, apoptosis, mitochondrial, inflammation

Yunqing Chen,1,2 Dahai Wei,1– 3 Min Deng1– 3 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Hepatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Dahai Wei; Min DengDepartment of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, 1882 South Zhonghuan Road, Jiaxing, 314001, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86-573-89975669Email weidahai3166@hotmail.com; milixiaozhu@163.comPurpose: In clinical practice, the clinicopathological profiles and outcomes of patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are different between genotypes B and C. However, little is known about the potential mechanism and differences in specific biological pathways associated with the different genotype. This study aimed to compare the serum protein profile between patients infected with HBV genotype B and those infected with HBV genotype C.Patients and Methods: A total of 54 serum samples from patients with chronic HBV genotype B infection and those with chronic HBV genotype C infection, and healthy controls were used for the proteomic analysis (n = 18 samples in per group). Serum proteomic profiles were analyzed using data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify differentially expressed proteins (up- or downregulation of at least 1.5-fold) between serum samples from HBV patients infected with HBV genotype B and those infected with genotype C.Results: We identified 1010 proteins, 53 of which were differentially expressed between the serum samples of the healthy controls and those of HBV genotype B infected patients, and 59 that were differentially expressed between the samples of the healthy controls and those of HBV genotype C infected patients. Furthermore, our results indicated that two proteins identified as being differentially expressed (VWF and C8B) have potential as biomarkers for distinguishing genotype B infected HBV patients from those infected with genotype C.Conclusion: The results of our DIA-based quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that HBV genotypes B and C are associated with different molecular profiles and may provide fundamental information for further detailed investigations of the molecular mechanism underlying these differences.Keywords: serum protein profiles, complement and coagulation cascade, von Willebrand factor, complement C8 beta chain

Yating Peng,1– 3 Jiaxi Duan,1– 3 Xin Li,4 Yuqin Zeng,1– 3 Zijing Zhou,1– 3 Minghua Deng,1– 3,5 Ruoyun Ouyang,1– 3 Yan Chen,1– 3 Shan Cai,1– 3 Ping Chen1– 3 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 3Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 4Division of Occupational Lung Disease, Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Respiratory, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ping Chen Email pingchen0731@csu.edu.cnBackground: Pneumoconiosis has high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory morbidity, and mortality.Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine patient characteristics and adherence to inhaled therapy among pneumoconiosis with COPD in a real-world clinical setting.Methods: A cohort of pneumoconiosis patients with COPD prescript with at least one type of long-acting inhaled drug was followed for adherence for 2 years. Demographic and COPD-related characteristics were collected in baseline.Results: In baseline, after adjusting for age, dust exposure duration positively correlated with number of acute exacerbation (AE) frequency in the last year. There were close associations among COPD Assessment Tool (CAT) score, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) grade, number of AE, and pre-FEV1 value. Of 296 participants originally recruited, 213 participants finished the 2-year follow-up for adherence. 122 (57.28%) were non-adherent to inhaled therapy. The most common reason for non-adherence was “relief of symptoms after short-term controller medication use” (53.28%). Patients who were non-adherent reported higher body mass index (BMI), less AE events in the last year, higher pre-FEV1 value, higher post-FEV1 value and low CAT, mMRC scores compared to adherent in baseline. High pre-FEV1 value (OR = 1.04, CI = 1.018– 1.064) and low mMRC scores (OR = 0.406, CI = 0.214– 0.771) were risk factors found associated with non-adherence.Conclusion: A majority of pneumoconiosis patients complicated with COPD have suboptimal inhaled therapy adherence. Evidence-based, adherence-enhancing interventions should be targeted on less severe subjects.Keywords: adherence, inhaled therapy, pneumoconiosis, COPD

Tianxing Dai,1,&ast; Jing Li,2,&ast; Xu Lu,3,&ast; Linsen Ye,1 Haoyuan Yu,1 Lele Zhang,1 Mingbin Deng,1 Shuguang Zhu,1 Wei Liu,3 Guoying Wang,4 Yang Yang1 1Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Program, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Guoying WangDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-020-83062703Fax +86-020-83395651Email wanggy3@126.comYang YangDepartment of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Program, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-020-85252177Fax +86-020-85252276Email yysysu@163.comPurpose: Ferroptosis, as a novel regulated cell death form, has a close interaction with metabolism, which is largely unknown in cancer. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis-related metabolic genes to delineate the metabolic signatures induced by ferroptosis and evaluate its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: The ferroptosis-related metabolic genes (Fer-MRGs) were identified by correlation analyses with transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. Then, univariate and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis was used to establish a novel risk score model. Univariate and multivariate COX analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) of HCC, and a nomogram was developed. The Fer-MRGs’ expression was further evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in HCC.Results: A total of 77 metabolic genes were identified as Fer-MRGs, and 26 were found with prognostic values for OS of HCC. Then, a novel nine-gene (AKR1C3, ATIC, G6PD, GMPS, GNPDA1, IMPDH1, PRIM1, RRM2, and TXNRD1) risk score model was constructed. Survival analyses showed worse OS in high-risk patients both in the training and validation groups. The model was also identified as an independent prognostic factor for HCC, and a prognostic nomogram for OS was further established with superior discriminative capacity and prediction accuracy. Notably, close correlations were also identified between the risk score and the expression of immune checkpoint genes, immune subtypes of tumor, and susceptibility of HCC to chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, elevated expression of eight Fer-MRGs (except for IMPDH1) was further verified in 16 pairs of HCC tumor and adjacent tissues.Conclusion: These results indicated the intense interaction between ferroptosis and metabolism, the significant role of ferroptosis-related MRGs, and the great potential of the novel risk score model for prognosis prediction in HCC.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, ferroptosis, metabolism, gene signature, prognosis

Tianxing Dai,1,2 Linsen Ye,1,2 Haoyuan Yu,1,2 Kun Li,1,2 Jing Li,3 Rongqiang Liu,4 Xu Lu,1,2 Mingbin Deng,1,2 Rong Li,1,2 Wei Liu,2 Yang Yang,1 Guoying Wang4 1Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Program, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yang YangDepartment of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Program, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-020-85252177Fax +86-020-85252276Email yysysu@163.comGuoying WangDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-020-83062703Fax +86-020-83395651Email wanggy3@126.comPurpose: The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily members have been proposed with multiple roles in various tumors. Here, a comprehensive analysis on the integral role of AKR genes was conducted to evaluate the expression profile, regulation network, and prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and Methods: Transcriptome datasets of HCC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to build a novel risk score model, and then were further used to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) of HCC. A prognostic nomogram was developed and validated. The expression of these critical AKR members was also evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in HCC specimens.Results: Eight differentially expressed AKR genes were identified in HCC. The dysregulation of most AKR genes was negatively correlated with DNA methylation, and a regulation network with transcription factors (TFs) was also established. Then, three critical AKR genes (AKR1B10, AKR1D1, and AKR7A3) were screened out to build a novel risk score model. Worse OS was observed in high-risk patients. Besides, a prognostic nomogram based on the model was further established and validated in both the TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts, which showed superior performance in predicting the OS of HCC patients. Notably, close correlations were identified between the risk score and tumor immune microenvironment, somatic mutation profiles, and drug susceptibilities of HCC. Finally, the upregulated AKR1B10 and downregulated AKR1D1 and AKR7A3 were further verified in HCC tumor and adjacent tissues from our institution.Conclusion: The dysregulated AKR genes could be mediated by DNA methylation and TFs in HCC. The risk model established with superior prognostic performance further suggested the significant role of AKR genes involved in the progression of HCC.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, aldo-keto reductase, AKR, risk score model, nomogram, prognosis

Yan Sun,1 Ming Deng,2 Xiao Ke,2 Xiangyang Lei,3 Hao Ju,3 Zhiming Liu,3 Xiaosu Bai3,4 1Department of Endocrinology, Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen Sun Yat-Sen Cardiovascular Hospital, Shenzhen, 518057, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Longhua People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of General Practice; Affiliated Longhua People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiaosu BaiAffiliated Longhua People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Longhua People’s Hospital, No. 2, Jianshe East Road, Bao’an District, Shenzhen, 518109, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-755-27741585Email bxsllb@163.comAim: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious health problem worldwide. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has suggested as a potential biomarker for the progression of chronic kidney disease. In this study, we examined the effects of EGF on the high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: The cell proliferation, toxicity, and cell apoptosis of podocytes were determined by CCK-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase release assay, and flow cytometry, respectively, and protein levels in the podocytes were determined by Western blot assay. Mechanistically, DNA methylation analysis, bioinformatic analysis, methylation‑specific PCR and quantitative real-time PCR were used to analyze functional pathways in differentially methylated genes and the expression of the key methylated genes in the podocytes after different interventions.Results: EGF treatment significantly increased the protein expression level of LC3 and decreased the protein level of P62 in HG-stimulated podocytes, which was attenuated by autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine. EGF increased the cell proliferation and the protein expression levels of nephrin and synaptopodin, but reduced cell toxicity and cell apoptosis and protein expression level of cleaved caspase-3, which was partially antagonized by 3-methyladenine. DNA methylation expression profiles revealed the differential hypermethylation sites and hypomethylation sites among podocytes treated with normal glucose, HG and HG+EGF. GO enrichment analysis showed that DNA methylation was significantly enriched in negative regulation of phosphorylation, cell-cell junction and GTPase binding. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in PI3K-Akt, Hippo and autophagy pathways. Further validation studies revealed that six hub genes (ITGB1, GRB2, FN1, ITGB3, FZD10 and FGFR1) may be associated with the protective effects of EGF on the HG-induced podocyte injury.Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrated that EGF exerted protective effects on HG-induced podocytes injury via enhancing cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies implied that EGF-mediated protective effects in HG-stimulated podocytes may be associated with modulation of autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Keywords: diabetic nephropathy, epidermal growth factor, podocyte injury, autophagy, DNA methylation, PI3K/AKT/mTOR

Yuan He,1,2,* Zhaona Fan,1,2,* Lihong He,1,2 Chi Zhang,1,2 Fan Ping,1,2 Miao Deng,1,2 Suyang Liu,1,2 Yanting Wang,1,2 Bin Cheng,1,2 Juan Xia1,2 1Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Bin Cheng; Juan XiaGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 55 Linyuan Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +862083741891Fax +86 20 83822807Email chengbin@mail.sysu.edu.cn; xiajuan@mail.sysu.edu.cnBackground: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common epithelial malignant neoplasm in the head and neck, characterizes with local infiltration and metastasis of lymph nodes. The five-year survival rate of OSCC remains low despite the advances in clinical methods. Thus, it is necessary to develop a new effective therapeutic scheme for OSCC. Our previous results showed that metformin and 4SC-202 synergistically promoted the intrinsic apoptosis of OSCC in vitro and in vivo, but the effects on invasion and migration remained unclear.Methods: Human OSCC cell lines HSC6 and CAL33 were cultured with metformin (16 mM) or/and 4SC-202 (0.4 μM) for 72 h. STAT3 inhibitor S31-201 was applied at concentration of 60 μM for 48 h. Wound-healing assays and transwell assays were used to determine the invasion and migration ability of OSCC. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect mRNA levels and protein levels.Results: Metformin or/and 4SC-202 suppressed the migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Importantly, the expression of TWIST1 was suppressed by metformin and 4SC-202, while the invasion and migration inhibitory effects of metformin and 4SC-202 were countered by the overexpression of TWIST1. In addition, the phosphorylation level of STAT3 decreased after the administration of metformin or/and 4SC-202. Furthermore, inhibition of STAT3 by S31-201 suppressed the expression of TWIST1 and led to a decline in migration and invasion of OSCC, while overexpression of TWIST1 attenuated these effects.Conclusion: Metformin and 4SC-202 suppressed the invasion and migration of OSCC through inhibition of STAT3/TWIST1, and this scheme can serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for OSCC.Keywords: oral squamous cell carcinoma, metformin, 4SC-202, invasion, migration

Zhibing Ou,1,* Hua Zhong,2,* Liang Zhang,2,3 Minghua Deng,2 Wenfeng Zhang,2 Jingyuan Wang,2 Huaguo Feng,2 Jianping Gong,2 Chunmu Miao,2 Zhujun Yi2 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan 410000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 40000, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 40000, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhujun Yi; Chunmu MiaoDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 40000, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-15803630430Email 792937539@qq.com; luckmum@163.comPurpose: To investigate the effect and mechanism of macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles (M-NPs) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) caused by orthotopic liver transplantation. In addition, the advantages of TLR4+/M-NPs compared to M-NPs are discussed.Materials and Methods: We prepared biomimetic M-NPs and identified their characteristics. M-NPs were injected into an SD rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation, and the anti-inflammatory and anti-I/RI activities of M-NPs were studied in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we overexpressed macrophage membrane Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in vitro and prepared TLR4+/M-NPs. Then, we assessed the characteristics and advantages of TLR4+/M-NPs.Results: The M-NPs neutralized endotoxin, inhibited the overactivation of Kupffer cells (KCs) and suppressed the secretion of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the endotoxin-mediated TLR4/MyD88/IRAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway. In an orthotopic liver transplantation model in SD rats, M-NPs showed significant therapeutic efficacy by neutralizing endotoxin and suppressing the secretion of inflammatory factors. Moreover, overexpression of TLR4 on the macrophage membrane by using a TLR4+-plasmid in vitro effectively reduced the amount of M-NPs needed to neutralize an equivalent dose of endotoxin, reducing the potential risks of NP overuse.Conclusion: This study indicates that M-NPs can effectively alleviate I/RI induced by liver transplantation.Keywords: biomimetic nanoparticle, endotoxin, Kupffer cell, liver transplantation, ischemia reperfusion injury

Chuang Zhang,1,2,* Ruoxi Yu,1,2,* Zhi Li,1,2 Huicong Song,1,2 Dan Zang,1,2 Mingming Deng,1 Yibo Fan,1,2 Yunpeng Liu,1,2 Ye Zhang,1,2 Xiujuan Qu1,21Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: The chr1p/19q co-deletion is a favorable prognostic factor in patients with lower grade glioma. The aim of this study was to reveal key genes for prognosis and establish prognostic gene signatures based on genes encoded by chr1p/19q.Materials and methods: The data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between lower grade glioma tissue and normal brain were identified. The univariate COX regression, robust likelihood-base survival analysis (rbsurv) and multivariate COX regression analysis were used to establish the 4-gene-signature based on the DEGs. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Kaplan-Mere curve were used to verify the prediction accuracy of the signature. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were also performed to explore the reasons for good prognosis in patients with chr1p/19q deletion.Results: A total of 1346 DEGs were identified between lower grade glioma samples and normal brain samples in GSE16011, including 56 up-regulated mRNAs located on chr1p and 20 up-regulated mRNAs located on chr19q. We established a 4-gene-signature that was significantly associated with survival based on the 76 gene. The AUC of the 4-gene-signature for 5-year OS in TCGA and CGGA was 0.837 and 0.876, respectively, which was superior compared to other parameters such as chr1p/19q co-deletion, IDH mutant, WHO grade and histology type, especially in chr1p/19q non-co-deletion patients. GSEA and KEGG analysis suggested that the prolongation of chr1p/19q in patients could be associated with cell cycle and DNA mismatch repairing.Conclusions: We established a robust 4-gene-signature based on the chr1p/19q and we explored the potential function of these newly identified survival-associated genes by bioinformatics analysis. The 4-gene from the signature are promising molecular targets to be used in the future.Keywords: lower grade glioma, prognostic signature, 1p/19q co-deletion, rbsurv

Min Deng,1 Xiao-Dong Lv,2 Zhi-Xian Fang,2 Xin-Sheng Xie,1 Wen-Yu Chen2 1Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, China; 2Department of Respiration, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, China Background: Although the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has dropped substantially, it still is a serious threat to human health. And in recent years, the emergence of resistant bacilli and inadequate disease control and prevention has led to a significant rise in the global TB epidemic. It is known that the cause of TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. But it is not clear why some infected patients are active while others are latent.Methods: We analyzed the blood gene expression profiles of 69 latent TB patients and 54 active pulmonary TB patients from GEO (Transcript Expression Omnibus) database.Results: By applying minimal redundancy maximal relevance and incremental feature selection, we identified 24 signature genes which can predict the TB activation. The support vector machine predictor based on these 24 genes had a sensitivity of 0.907, specificity of 0.913, and accuracy of 0.911, respectively. Although they need to be validated in a large independent dataset, the biological analysis of these 24 genes showed great promise.Conclusion: We found that cytokine production was a key process during TB activation and genes like CYBB, TSPO, CD36, and STAT1 worth further investigation. Keywords: tuberculosis, blood gene expression, support vector machine, minimal redundancy maximal relevance, incremental feature selection

Min Deng,1 Yiyu Qin,2 Xiaodong Chen,3 Qizhi Wang,1 Jianchao Wang1 1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, People’s Republic of China; 2Clinical Medical College, Research Centre of Biomedical Technology, Yancheng Institute of Health Sciences, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224005, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, People’s Republic of China Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the post-transcriptional level of gene expression. It has been documented that downregulation of miR-206 is significant in human gastric cancer (GC), whereas its role in GC cell biological behaviors, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, has not been thoroughly investigated. MiR-206 levels have a negative association with lymph node metastasis and tumor invasion, and patients with higher miR-206 expression have better prognoses. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-206 overexpression significantly suppresses GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis in vitro. Materials and methods: MiR-206 and MUC1 were determined by RNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and luciferase reporter gene assays. The viability of GC cells was tested using the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Transwell invasion and migration assays detected GC cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze apoptotic cells. FACS analysis was applied to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells. Western blotting assay determined protein levels. Results: The luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that miR-206 might directly bind to the 3'UTR of the MUC1 gene and suppress MUC1 expression. Furthermore, MUCI expression was upregulated and inversely associated with miR-206 levels in GC tissues. More importantly, the miR-206-mediated suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion, and the induction of apoptosis, were abrogated by MUC1 overexpression. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that miR-206 may exert antitumor activities through inhibiting the expression of MUC1, which may serve as an effective and potential target for GC treatment. Keywords: miR-206, MUC1, gastric cancer, metastasis