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An-An Li,1,2 Yu Zhang,1,2 Wei-Lai Tong,1,2 Jiang-Wei Chen,1 Shan-Hu Huang,1 Jia-Ming Liu,1 Zhi-Li Liu1,2 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China; 2Medical Innovation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhi-Li Liu; Jia-Ming Liu, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-791-88693201, Email liuzhiliyfy@163.com; zgm7977@ncu.edu.cn; liujiamingdr@hotmail.comPurpose: Pyroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of many tumors; however, the specific mechanisms involved remain unknown. Here, we construct a pyroptosis-related gene signature that can be used to predict survival prognosis of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and provide guidance for clinical treatment.Methods: By integrating data from the two databases from the GTEx and TCGA, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from normal tissues and skin cutaneous tumor tissues were identified. The main signaling pathways and function enrichment of these differential genes were determined. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, and risk score analysis were used to construct a signature to assess its predictive value for overall survival. The mRNA expression of these five genes in melanoma cells was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The pRRophetic algorithm was used to estimate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of chemotherapy drugs in SKCM patients. The expression of multiple immune checkpoint genes also was evaluated.Results: Sixteen DEGs associated with pyroptosis in SKCM and normal skin tissues were identified. Of these, 12 pyroptosis-related DEGs were associated with the prognosis of SKCM. A five-gene signature (GSDMA, GSDMC, IL-1

Ming Zhang,1 Jingjing Tang,1 Jiafeng Yin,2 Xiaoying Wang,3 Xiangli Feng,1 Xia Yang,1 Hu Shan,1 Qiuhong Zhang,1 Jie Zhang,1 Yali Li1 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 2Department of Laboratory Examination, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 3Health Examination Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China Background: Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is a secreted molecule that is regulated by inflammatory stimuli. Although inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), little is known regarding the relationship between serum CyPA and COPD. Methods: Ninety-three COPD patients with acute exacerbation were enrolled in the study and were reassessed during the convalescence phase. Eighty-eight controls were matched for age, gender, body mass index, smoking index and comorbidity. The basic clinical information and pulmonary function of all participants were collected. Serum levels of CyPA and other inflammation indexes were further measured. Results: Serum CyPA was significantly increased in convalescent COPD patients compared to healthy controls, and further elevated in COPD patients with acute exacerbation. Serum CyPA positively correlated with serum interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in both the exacerbation and convalescence phases of COPD. Furthermore, it negatively correlated with percent value of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) predicted and FEV1/forced vital capacity in convalescent COPD patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that serum CyPA can be used as a potential inflammatory biomarker for COPD and assessment of serum CyPA may reflect the severity of inflammation in COPD. Keywords: cyclophilin A, chronic obs

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) constitutes a substantial fraction of fine particulate matter and has important impacts on climate and human health. The extent to which human activities alter SOA formation from biogenic emissions in the atmosphere is largely undetermined. Here, we present direct observational evidence on the magnitude of anthropogenic influence on biogenic SOA formation based on comprehensive ambient measurements in the southeastern United States (US). Multiple high-time-resolution mass spectrometry organic aerosol measurements were made during different seasons at various locations, including urban and rural sites in the greater Atlanta area and Centreville in rural Alabama. Our results provide a quantitative understanding of the roles of anthropogenic SO2 and NOx in ambient SOA formation. We show that isoprene-derived SOA is directly mediated by the abundance of sulfate, instead of the particle water content and/or particle acidity as suggested by prior laboratory studies. Anthropogenic NOx is shown to enhance nighttime SOA formation via nitrate radical oxidation of monoterpenes, resulting in the formation of condensable organic nitrates. Together, anthropogenic sulfate and NOx can mediate 43-70% of total measured organic aerosol (29-49% of submicron particulate matter, PM1) in the southeastern US during summer. These measurements imply that future reduction in SO2 and NOx emissions can considerably reduce the SOA burden in the southeastern US. Updating current modeling frameworks with these observational constraints will also lead to more accurate treatment of aerosol formation for regions with substantial anthropogenic-biogenic interactions and consequently improve air quality and climate simulations.

KD (Keshan disease) is an endemic cardiomyopathy occurring only in China. Its pathogenesis is unclear till now. In the study, gene expression profiles of the PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) derived respectively from KD patients and healthy in KD areas were compared. Total RNA was isolated, amplified, labeled and hybridized to Agilent 4 × 44 K Whole Human Genome Oligonucleotide Microarray. Significant canonical pathways were analyzed by IPA (ingenuity pathway analysis) to identify differently expressed genes and pathways involved in the cardiovascular system development and function. Quantitative RT-PCR was applied tofurther validate our microarray results. Eighty-three up-regulated (ratios ≥ 2.0) and nine down-regulated glycosyltransferase genes (ratios ≤ 0.5) in PBMC in KD patients were detected by significance analysis of microarrays. Two significant canonical pathways from glycosyltransferase gene expression profiles were screened by IPA. The results of qRT-PCR show that four up-regulated (BMP1/7/10 and FGF18) and one down-regulated (BMP2) genes are consistent with those in microarray experiment, confirming the validity of the microarray data. Based on the results of the study, it is suggested that bone morphogenetic proteins and fibroblast growth factors might play an important role in the pathogenesis of KD. This further helps us to understand the pathogenesis of KD, as well as dilated cardiomyopathy