The Effect of Rifapentine and Rifampicin on Serum Voriconazole Levels Persist for 5 Days and 7 Days or More After Discontinuation in Tuberculosis Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

Purpose: Voriconazole, a first-line therapeutic agent for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, is metabolized by the cytochrome 450 enzymes, specifically CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Rifampicin and rifapentine act as inducers of the cytochrome P450 enzyme. The current study explored the potential drug interactions arising from the co-administration of voriconazole with either rifampicin or rifapentine, as well as the duration of this effect on serum voriconazole levels after discontinuation of rifampicin or rifapentine. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in tuberculosis patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. These patients underwent a combination therapy involving voriconazole and rifampicin or rifapentine, or they were treated with voriconazole after discontinuation of rifampicin or rifapentine. The serum concentrations of voriconazole at steady-state were monitored. Data on demographic characteristics and the serum voriconazole levels were used for statistical analyses. Results: A total of 124 serum voriconazole concentrations from 109 patients were included in the study. The average serum concentration of voriconazole fell below the effective therapeutic range in patients treated with both voriconazole and rifampicin or rifapentine. Notably the co-administration of rifapentine led to a substantial (>70%) decrease in serum voriconazole levels in two patients. Moreover, this interfering effect persisted for at least 7 days following rifampicin discontinuation, while it endured for 5 days or more after discontinuation of rifapentine. Conclusion: Concomitant use of voriconazole and rifampicin or rifapentine should be avoided, and it is not recommended to initiate voriconazole therapy within 5 or 7 days after discontinuation of rifapentine or rifampicin. Therapeutic drug monitoring not only provides a basis for the adjustment of clinical dose, but also serves as a valuable tool for identifying drug interactions.

A four-gene signature predicts overall survival of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Thus, this study aimed to identify a prognostic molecular signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with EAC. Methods: The mRNA microarray data sets GSE13898 and GSE26886 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. RNA sequencing profile and clinical data of EAC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EAC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were obtained using R software. DEGs associated with prognosis of OS were assessed by univariate Cox analysis, and a prognostic signature was built using stepwise multivariate Cox analysis. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and stratification analysis were conducted to evaluate its predictive performance. Functional enrichment analysis was performed for genes co-expressed with the signature to explore its biological functions in EAC. Results: A total of 336 genes were identified to be differentially expressed between EAC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. After univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, four genes (ALAD, ABLIM3, IL17RB and IFI6) were screened out to construct a prognostic signature. According to this signature, patients could be assigned into high-risk and low-risk group with significantly different OS (P=4.92e-05<0.0001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that the four-gene signature served as an independent factor in OS prediction. In the time-dependent ROC analysis, the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.804, 0.792 and 0.695 for 1-, 3- and 5-year survival prediction, respectively, suggesting a good performance. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the signature was mainly clustered in cell proliferation related biological processes or pathways. Conclusions: The four-gene signature identified in the current study may be a potential prognostic factor for predicting OS of EAC patients.

Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Berberine and Low-Temperature Plasma on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells via PI3K-AKT-Driven Signaling Axis.

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) is an emerging biomedical technique that has been proposed as a potential approach for cancer therapy. Meanwhile, berberine (BER), an active ingredient extracted from various medical herbs, such as Coptischinesis, has been proven antitumor effects in a broad spectrum of cancer cells. In this study, we seek to develop a novel dual cancer therapeutic method by integrating pre-administration of BER and LTP exposure and evaluating its comprehensive antitumor effect on the human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549 and H1299) in vitro. Cell viability, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and intracellular and extracellular ROS were investigated. The results showed that cotreatment of BER and LTP significantly decreased the cell viability, arrested the cell cycle in the S phase, promoted cell apoptosis, and increased intracellular and extracellular ROS. Additionally, RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to explore potential mechanisms. The differentially expressed genes among different treatment groups of NSCLC cells were analyzed and were mainly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Moreover, cotreatment of BER and LTP notably depressed the total protein expression level of PI3K and AKT with immunoblotting. In conclusion, BER and LTP have a synergistic inhibitory effect on NSCLC cells via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which could provide a promising strategy for supplementary therapy in the anti-NSCLC battle.

Increased circulating sclerostin levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sclerostin, a regulator of bone metabolism and vascular calcification involved in regulating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, current results regarding the circulating sclerostin level of RA patients are debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the circulating level of sclerostin in RA patients and briefly summarize its role. METHOD: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched till May 27, 2021, for eligible articles. Useful data from all qualified papers were systematically extracted and analyzed using Stata 12.0 software (Stata Corp LP, College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS: Overall, 13 qualifying studies including 1030 cases and 561 normal controls were analyzed in this updated meta-analysis. Forest plot of this meta-analysis showed that RA patients had higher circulating sclerostin levels (P < 0.001, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.916, 95% CI: 0.235-1.597) compared to normal controls. Subgroup analyses implied that age, region, and assay method were associated with sclerostin level in RA patients. CONCLUSION: RA patients have higher circulating sclerostin levels, and these was influenced by age, region, and assay method.

ALKBH5 Expression could Affect the Function of T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is widespread in eukaryotic mRNA, regulated by m6A demethylase, AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). However, the role of m6A in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still obscure. We explored ALKBH5 expression in SLE patients and its effects on T cells. METHODS: 100 SLE patients and 110 healthy controls were recruited to investigate the expression of ALKBH5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). An additional 32 SLE patients and 32 health controls were enrolled to explore the expression of ALKBH5 in T cells. Then we explored the function of ALKBH5 in T cells by lentivirus. RESULTS: The expressions of ALKBH5 were downregulated in both PBMCs and T cells in SLE patients (all P<0.05). In PBMCs: ALKBH5 mRNA levels were associated with a complement C4 level in plasma (P<0.05). In T cells: ALKBH5 mRNA levels were downregulated in SLE patients with low complement levels, high antidsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, and proteinuria compared with those without, respectively (all P<0.05); ALKBH5 mRNA levels were negatively related with SLE disease activity index score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and anti-dsDNA levels (all P<0.05), and positively correlated with complement C3 and C4 level (all P<0.05). Functionally, the overexpression of ALKBH5 promoted apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of T cells (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: ALKBH5 expression is downregulated in SLE patients and could affect the apoptosis and proliferation of T cells, but the exact mechanism still needs to be further explored.

Global Public Interest and Seasonal Variations in Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence From Google Trends.

Background: As the world's population ages, Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common neurodegenerative disease, is a major challenge to human health in the future. Understanding the information needs on AD of the global public can contribute to the prevention and control of AD. The purpose of this study was to explore global public interest and seasonal variations in AD using Google Trends (GT). Methods: GT was used to obtain relative search volume (RSV) of the keyword "Alzheimer's disease" in six English-speaking countries (Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Ireland) and the world from January 2004 to December 2020. Cosinor analysis was applied to detect the seasonality of AD-related RSV. Time series plot was used to observe the trend of annual mean AD-related RSV. Globally, hot topics and top rising topics related to AD were also analyzed. In addition, we also explored the geographical distribution characteristics of AD-related RSV. Results: AD-related RSV declined steadily from January 2004 to December 2013 and rose steadily from January 2014 to December 2020. Search popularity of AD is low in the southern hemisphere, compared to the northern hemisphere. Cosinor analysis showed that there were significant seasonal variations in AD-related RSV in six English-speaking countries (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, regardless of the hemisphere, peaks were observed in the winter months and trough in the summer months. Topics related to the characteristics and etiology of AD, early onset AD, AD-related associations, care of AD patients, and diseases that can easily be confused with AD had received special attention. Conclusions: There is increasing global public interest for AD and a significant seasonal variation in AD. A better understanding of the seasonal variations and public interest of AD by governments, health workers and patients can contribute to the prevention, management, and treatment of AD.

Association of MALAT-1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Abnormal expression and function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility and clinical characteristics of SLE patients. Methods: A case-control study including 489 SLE patients and 492 healthy controls was conducted. Four MALAT-1 SNPs (rs4102217, rs591291, rs11227209, and rs619586) were genotyped in all subjects, their correlation with SLE susceptibility and clinical characteristics were also analyzed. Results: Results showed that the rs4102217 locus was associated with the risk of SLE. In recessive models, the GG+CG genotype of rs4102217 was associated with the decreased risk of SLE compared to CC (p = 0.036, OR = 0.348, 95% CI: 0.124-0.975). In additive models, the GG genotype of rs4102217 was associated with the decreased risk of SLE compared to CC (p = 0.040, OR = 0.355, 95% CI: 0.127-0.996). However, no association was found between MALAT-1 gene polymorphism and clinical manifestations of SLE (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, MALAT-1 rs4102217 is associated with susceptibility to SLE, suggesting that MALAT-1 may play a role in SLE.

Association between ambient air pollution and multiple sclerosis: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the effects of air pollutants on autoimmune diseases. The results of relationship between ambient air pollution and multiple sclerosis (MS) showed a variety of differences. Thus, the purpose of this study is to further clarify and quantify the relationship between ambient air pollutants and MS through meta-analysis. Through electronic literature search, literature related to our research topic was collected in Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed till August 18, 2020, according to certain criteria. Pooled risk estimate and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated by random-effect model analysis. After removing copies, browsing titles and abstracts, and reading full text, 6 studies were finally included. The results showed that only particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 (PM10) was related to MS (pooled HR = 1.058, 95% CI = 1.050-1.066), and no correlation was found between PM with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), benzene (C6H6), major road < 50 m, and MS. There was no publication bias, and the heterogeneity analysis results were stable. PM10 is correlated with the disease MS, while other pollution is not connected with MS. Therefore, it is important for MS patients to take personal protection against particulate pollution and avoid exposure to higher levels of PM.

Association of PER2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus.

The circadian clock plays a crucial role in the progress of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we performed a case-control study to explore the association between Period 2 (PER2) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 492 SLE patients and 493 healthy controls were included. The improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) was used for genotyping. The correlations between four SNPs of PER2 (rs10929273, rs11894491, rs36124720, rs934945) and the genetic susceptibility and clinical manifestations of SLE were analyzed. Significant differences were observed in the distributions of allele frequencies and genotype under dominant model in rs11894491 between SLE patients and controls (p = 0.030, p = 022, respectively). We hypothesized that PER2 gene SNPs was related to the genetic susceptibility and clinical manifestations, implying the potential role of PER2 in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Using internet search data to explore the global public concerns in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the changes of global public interest in internet search of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on Google Trends (GT) data, in order to reflect the characteristics of AS itself. METHODS: GT was used to obtain the search popularity scores of the term 'AS' on a global scale, between January 2004 and December 2018, under the 'health' classification. Based on the global search data of AS provided by GT, the cosinor analysis was used to test whether there was seasonality in AS. RESULTS: In general, AS related search volume demonstrated a decreasing trend from January 2004 to December 2014 and then remain stable from January 2015 to December 2018. No obvious seasonal variations were detected in AS related search volume (amplitude=1.54; phase: month=3.9; low point: month=9.9; p>0.025), which peaked in April and bottomed out in October. The top 17 rising topics were adalimumab, spondylolisthesis, Morbus, Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev, autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosis, HLA- B27 positive, Crohn's disease, rheumatology, spondylosis, arthritis, uveitis, rheumatism, sacroiliac, psoriatic arthritis and spondylitis. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, there is no significant seasonal variation in GT for AS. The top fast-growing topics related to AS may be beneficial for doctors to provide targeted health education of the disease to patients and their families.

Association between traffic-related air pollution and hospital readmissions for rheumatoid arthritis in Hefei, China: A time-series study.

Air pollution is an important risk factor for autoimmune diseases, but its association with the recurrence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear so far. This study aimed to investigate the short-term association between traffic-related air pollutants and hospital readmissions for RA in Hefei, China. Data on daily hospital readmissions for RA and traffic-related air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), from 2014 to 2018 were retrieved. A time-series approach using generalized linear regression model was employed. The analysis was further stratified by sex, age and season. A total of 1153 readmissions for RA were reported during the study period. A significant association between high-concentration PM2.5 (90th percentile) and RA readmissions was observed on lag1 (relative risk (RR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.19) and lasted until lag3 (RR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.12). From lag2 to lag5, high-concentration NO2 (90th percentile) was associated with increased risk of RA readmissions, with the highest RR observed at lag 4 (1.11, 95%CI: 1.05-1.17). Stratified analyses indicated that females and the elderly appeared to be more vulnerable to high-concentration PM2.5 and NO2 exposure. High-concentration PM2.5 and NO2 in cold seasons were consistently significantly associated with increased risk of RA readmissions. Exposure to high-concentration PM2.5 and NO2 was associated with increased risk of RA readmissions. Protective measures against the exposure to high-concentration PM2.5 and NO2 should be taken to reduce the recurrence risk in RA patients, especially in females, the elderly and during cold seasons.

Low ambient temperature increases hospital re-admissions for systemic lupus erythematosus in humid subtropical region: a time series study.

Currently, the correlation between ambient temperature and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) hospital admissions remains not determined. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between ambient temperature and SLE hospital admissions in Hefei City, China. An ecological study design was adopted. Daily data on SLE hospital admissions in Hefei City, from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, were obtained from the two largest tertiary hospitals in Hefei, and the daily meteorological data at the same period were retrieved from China Meteorological Data Network. The generalized additive model (GAM) combined with distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) with Poisson link was applied to evaluate the influence of ambient temperature on SLE hospital admissions after controlling for potential confounding factors, including seasonality, relative humidity, day of week, and long-term trend. There were 1658 SLE hospital admissions from 2007 to 2017, including 370 first admissions and 1192 re-admissions (there were 96 admissions with admission status not stated). No correlation was observed between ambient temperature and SLE first admissions, but a correlation was found between low ambient temperature and SLE re-admissions (RR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.77) (3.5 °C vs 21 °C). The effect of ambient temperature on SLE re-admissions remained for 2 weeks but disappeared in 3 weeks. Exposure to low ambient temperature may increase hospital re-admissions for SLE, and thus it is important for SLE patients to maintain a warm living environment and avoid exposure to lower ambient temperature.

Influencing factors for substandard physiques among residents aged 20-69 years in Anhui Province / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the influencing factors for the 20-69-year-old residents in Anhui Province with substandard physiques, so as to provide a basis for improving the physiques of population. @*Methods @#The 2014 physical fitness survey data of residents aged 20-69 years in Anhui Province were collected, including demographic information, physical exercise status and physical indicators ( height, weight, vital capacity, blood pressure and so on ). The physiques of residents was rated according to the "National Fitness Standards" ( 2003 edition ) . The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for substandard physiques in different age groups. @*Results@#Among 39 803 residents recruited, 5 081 were rated as substandard physiques and the rate was 12.77%. The rates of substandard physiques in the residents aged 20-<40, 40-<60 and 60-69 years were 11.08%, 13.11% and 16.74%, respectively. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, household registration, education level, occupation and time spent each exercise were the influencing factors for substandard physiques among the residents aged 20-<40 years ( P<0.05 ); age, household registration, education level, occupation and physical exercise were the influencing factors for substandard physiques among the residents aged 40-<60 years ( P<0.05 ); age, gender, education level, occupation, physical exercise and time spent each exercise were the influencing factors for substandard physiques among the residents aged 60-69 years ( P<0.05 ).@*Conclusions@#The residents aged 20-69 years in Anhui Province have higher rate of substandard physiques in the 2014 survey. Age, education level, occupation and physical exercise may affect physical fitness and vary in different age groups, thus interventions should be carried out according to age.

Elevated Urinary and Blood Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 as Potential Biomarkers for Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the inconsistent results of current studies on the association between urinary and blood vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity, we conducted this study and analyzed its influencing factors. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted from eligible studies to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics were used to examine heterogeneity. The sources of heterogeneity were assessed through sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 473 active SLE patients and 674 inactive SLE patients. The random effects model was used for data analysis. In both urine and blood samples, VCAM- 1 level in active SLE patients was significantly higher than those in inactive SLE patients (urine: SMD: 0.769; 95% CI: 0.260-1.278; blood: SMD=0.655, 95% CI: 0.084-1.226). No publication bias was found in this study. CONCLUSION: Compared with inactive SLE patients, patients with active SLE have higher levels of VCAM-1 in both urine and blood. VCAM-1 may be a potential indicator of SLE disease activity.

Mortality and Disease Burden of Injuries from 2008 to 2017 in Anhui Province, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the temporal trends in mortality and disease burden of injuries in Anhui province from 2008 to 2017, so as to provide reference for injury control and prevention. METHODS: Data of mortality were collected from 9 national surveillance points in Anhui province during 2008-2017 in the Information System for Death Cause Register and Management. The surveillance data were analyzed by using crude mortality, standardized mortality rate (SMR), potential year of life lost (PYLL), PYLL rate (PYLLR), and average of year life lost (AYLL). RESULTS: There were a total of 44855 people died from injury, accounted for 9.44% of the all-cause mortality, ranked as the fifth leading cause of deaths in the whole population, and denoted the first leading cause of deaths in the 0-44 year's group. The leading causes of injury deaths were road traffic accidents, suicide, accidental falls, drowning, and poisoning. Road traffic accidents was the primary cause of injury deaths among the male population, while suicide was the dominate cause of injury deaths among the female population. Drowning, traffic accidents, and suicide accounted for the most injury deaths among the population aged 0-14 years, 15-64 years, and above 60 years, respectively. The road traffic accidents accounted for the largest proportion of injury PYLL and PYLLR, and drowning caused the highest AYLL among injury deaths. CONCLUSION: In Anhui province, road traffic accidents, suicide, accidental falls, drowning, and poisoning were the top five causes of injury deaths that harm the health of local residents; corresponding injury prevention strategies should be formulated.

Prevalence and influential factors of thrombocytopaenia in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a retrospective analysis of 3140 cases in a Chinese population.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and influential factors of thrombocytopaenia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients among the Chinese population in order to provide evidence for improving the treatment and nursing of SLE patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 3140 SLE patients admitted to two large tertiary hospitals was conducted in Anhui, China, from 2011 to 2018. In addition, the influential factors related to SLE with thrombocytopaenia were analysed through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 804 SLE patients had thrombocytopaenia (25.6%). The top 5 clinical manifestations of SLE inpatients were proteinuria (51.0%), lupus nephritis (45.9%), new rash (38.4%), haematuria (36.7%) and pyuria (32.2%). The incidence of neurological manifestations, oral mucosal ulceration, pleurisy, pericarditis, hyperglycaemia, leucocytopaenia, urinary casts, haematuria, pyuria and high disease activity in the thrombocytopaenia group were higher than those in the non-thrombocytopaenia group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.009, p = 0.005), neurological manifestations (OR = 1.373, p = 0.048), pericarditis (OR = 1.394, p = 0.048), hyperglycaemia (OR = 1.717, p < 0.001), leucocytopaenia (OR = 2.551, p < 0.001), haematuria (OR = 1.582, p < 0.001), serum C3 level <0.85 g/L (OR = 1.525, p = 0.001), serum C4 concentration <0.10 g/L (OR = 1.287, p = 0.020), serum CRP concentration <8 ng/L (OR = 1.314, p = 0.005), prothrombin time >15.30 seconds (OR = 1.479, p = 0.032), activated partial thromboplatin time >45 seconds (OR = 1.924, p < 0.001) and thrombin time >21 seconds (OR = 1.629, p = 0.015) were associated with thrombocytopaenia. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopaenia has a high prevalence in SLE patients and is related to some baseline, clinical and laboratory characteristics, affecting multiple organs and systems.

Increased circulating basic fibroblast growth factor levels in acute myeloid leukemia: a meta-analysis.

Background: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Whether the levels of circulating bFGF are increased or not in untreated AML patients is still not clear. In order to acquire a more definite evaluation, a meta-analysis was performed.Material and methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP databases for possible eligible articles. Forest plot was used to present the combined effect values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) through the random-effect model. Subgroup analysis was performed based on sample size, sample type, and region. All statistical analysis was performed in STATA12.0 software.Results: After excluding the articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 11 studies that met the inclusion conditions were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, AML patients probably had higher circulating levels of bFGF (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.35-1.94). The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were stable. Moreover, the trim and fill analysis showed that publication bias had little effect and the results were relatively robust. In addition, AML patients with N < 30 group, serum group, and Asia group (all P < 0.05) had higher circulating bFGF levels, whereas other subgroups showed no significant change.Conclusion: The results of current meta-analysis revealed that AML patients had higher circulating bFGF levels, and it was associated with sample type, sample size, and region. Considering the possible pathogenic role of bFGF in AML, drug development targeting bFGF is very promising for AML patients.

Association of Midkine and Pleiotrophin Gene Polymorphisms With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility in Chinese Han Population.

In a previous study, we have reported an increased plasma midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) concentrations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the increase in MK and PTN associated with inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-17 level and some clinical manifestations, suggesting the underlying association of MK and PTN with SLE. This study was conducted to investigate the association between common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MK and PTN gene and SLE susceptibility. A total of 989 subjects (496 SLE patients and 493 healthy controls) were included and genotyped for three MK SNPs and seven PTN SNPs in using improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR). Results have demonstrated no significant differences for genotype and allele frequencies in all 10 SNPs between SLE patients and healthy controls. Case-only analysis in SLE revealed that, in MK gene, the genotype frequency of AA/AG (rs35324223) was significantly lower in patients with photosensitivity than those without; the allele frequency of A/G (rs20542) was significantly higher in patients without serositis. In PTN gene, the A/G allele frequency (rs322236), C/T allele frequency, and TT/CT genotype frequency (rs6970141) showed significantly increased results in patients with immunological disorder compared to those without. Furthermore, no significant differences in plasma MK and PTN concentrations with its SNPs genotypes were found. MK and PTN SNPs showed no associations with SLE genetic susceptibility, but it may be associated with the course of this disease; further studies are needed to focus on the mechanism of MK and PTN genes in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Seasonality and global public interest in psoriasis: an infodemiology study.

OBJECTIVE: Although patients with psoriasis frequently report seasonal changes in their symptoms, the seasonality of psoriasis has rarely been explored. This study aims to investigate the seasonal pattern of and global public interest in psoriasis using Google search data. METHODS: Internet search data were collected from Google Trends. Data on the relative search volume (RSV) from January 2004 to December 2018 were retrieved using the term psoriasis. Cosinor analyses were conducted to examine the seasonality of psoriasis using data from two southern hemisphere countries (Australia and New Zealand) and four northern hemisphere countries (USA, Canada, UK and Ireland). RESULTS: Overall, searches for psoriasis steadily decreased between 2004 and 2010, and then rose from 2011 to 2018. On cosinor analyses, RSV of 'psoriasis' displayed a significant seasonal variation worldwide (p<0.025). Further analyses confirmed the seasonality of psoriasis-related RSV in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK and Ireland (p<0.025 for all), with peaks in the late winter/early spring months and troughs in the late summer/early autumn months. The top 11 rising topics were calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate, ustekinumab, apremilast, shampoo, eczema, guttate psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis and arthritis. CONCLUSION: There was a significant seasonal pattern for psoriasis, with peaks in the late winter/early spring and troughs in the late summer/early autumn. Further studies are warranted to confirm the seasonal pattern of psoriasis using clinical data and to explore the underlying mechanisms.