The role of let-7b in the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation by rSjP40.

Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the main cell types involved in liver fibrosis induced by many factors, including schistosomes. Previous studies in our lab have shown that recombinant P40 protein from Schistosoma japonicum (rSjP40) can inhibit HSC activation in vitro. Let-7b is a member of the let-7 microRNA family and plays an inhibitory role in a variety of diseases and inflammatory conditions.

DFseq: Distribution-Free Method to Detect Differential Gene Expression for RNA-Sequencing Data.

Many current RNA-sequencing data analysis methods compare expressions one gene at a time, taking little consideration of the correlations among genes. In this study, we propose a method to convert such an one-dimensional comparison approach into a two-dimensional evaluation of the ratio of standard deviations (SD) of two constructed random variables. This method allows the identification of differentially expressed genes while controlling a preset significance level conditional on the read count mean-variance relationship.

Prior non-irradiative focal therapies do not compromise the efficacy of delayed episcleral plaque brachytherapy in retinoblastoma.

Background/aims: Non-irradiative local therapies have shown promise in delaying or supplanting external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and enucleation in patients with retinoblastoma. We hypothesised that prior focal therapy does not compromise the efficacy of delayed episcleral plaque brachytherapy (epBRT).

Methods: We performed an institutional review board-approved medical record review of patients with retinoblastoma who were treated with I-125 epBRT prior to (primary) or following chemoreduction (delayed), alone and in combination with non-irradiative focal therapy.