Reading the unique DNA methylation landscape of the brain: Non-CpG methylation,hydroxymethylation, and MeCP2

DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides is an important epigenetic regulator common to virtually all mammalian cell types, but recent evidence indicates that during early postnatal development neuronal genomes also accumulate uniquely high levels of two alternative forms of methylation, non-CpG methylation and hydroxymethylation. Here we discuss the distinct landscape of DNA methylation in neurons, how it is established, and how it might affect the binding and function of protein readers of DNA methylation. We review studies of one critical reader of DNA methylation in the brain, the Rett syndrome protein methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), and discuss how differential binding affinity of MeCP2 for non-CpG and hydroxymethylation may affect the function of this methyl-binding protein in the nervous system.     

Does a high Mandard score really define a poor response to chemotherapy in oesophageal adenocarcinoma?

Background A high Mandard score implies a non-response to chemotherapy in oesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, some patients exhibit tumour volume reduction and a nodal response despite a high score. This study examines survival and recurrence patterns in these patients.Methods Clinicopathological factors were analysed using multivariable Cox regression assessing time to death and recurrence. Computed tomography-estimated tumour volume change was examined in a subgroup of consecutive patients.Results Five hundred and fifty-five patients were included. Median survival was 55 months (Mandard 1–3) and 21 months (Mandard 4 and 5). In the Mandard 4 and 5 group (332 patients), comparison between complete nodal responders and persistent nodal disease showed improved survival (90 vs 18 months), recurrence rates (locoregional 14.75 vs 28.74%, systemic 24.59 vs 48.42%) and circumferential resection margin positivity (22.95 vs 68.11%). Complete nodal response independently predicted improved survival (hazard ratio 0.34 (0.16–0.74). Post-chemotherapy tumour volume reduction was greater in patients with a complete nodal response (−16.3 vs −7.7 cm³, p = 0.033) with no significant difference between Mandard groups.Conclusion Patients with a complete nodal response to chemotherapy have significantly improved outcomes despite a poor Mandard score. High Mandard score does not correspond with a non-response to chemotherapy in all cases and patients with nodal downstaging may still benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.Subject terms: Oesophageal cancer, Surgical oncology     

2010年-2018年甲状腺结节相关SCI论文知识图谱及数据可视化分析

目的:分析2010年至2018年甲状腺结节相关SCI论文，并建模进行定性与定量分析。方法:利用文献计量学中的引文分析、共被引分析、数据可视化、聚类分析等方法，使用CiteSpace分析工具，分析来源于Web of ScienceTM核心合集数据库中有关论文的出版情况、国家、机构、作者、知识基础与研究热点。结果:到2018年10月31日截止，研究了4 618篇论文。发表论文数:美国在国家/地区中排名第一，延世大学在研究机构中排名第一，Kwak JY在所有作者中排名第一。从2010年开始，每年发表的论文数量都在稳步增长，有相当多的论文发表在如《新英格兰杂志》、《THYROID》、《JAMA》、《CELL》等高影响因子的期刊上。甲状腺结节的SCI论文参考文献聚类为6类，分别是papillary-like nuclear feature、current statu、radiofrequency ablation、ultrasound elastography、goiter area、data system。代表研究前沿的关键词是meta-analysis、recommendation、thyroid carcinoma、shear wave elastography与bethesda system。结论:本文通过对国际上甲状腺结节的研究基础、研究热点的分析，阐述了甲状腺结节的研究趋势，为我国医学工作者的研究提供参考。     

Efficacy and Feasibility of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background

Refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) includes AML includes failure of disease to respond to standard induction chemotherapy, relapse within 6 months after first CR, and 2 or more relapses. The outcome of these patients is usually very poor; only a small proportion can be rescued by allogenic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of allo-HSCT in patients with refractory AML.