Marital Status as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with Glioblastoma: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to investigate the effects of marital status on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) and to develop nomograms for predicting prognosis in GBM patients. METHODS: All patients were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry program. We used propensity score matching to balance the baseline characteristics of married and unmarried patients. The effects of marital status on OS and CSS were then assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard regression, and the magnitude of each factor was visualized in the form of forest maps. The impact of marriage on the survival of GBM patients was further explored by stratifying several demographic factors. Finally, the nomograms were constructed and verified based on Cox proportional risk regression model. RESULTS: A total of 17,517 patients with GBM (11,818 married patients, 67.5%) were enrolled in the study cohort. After propensity score matching, there were 5699 patients in both the married and unmarried groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that both married and single patients had better OS (married: hazard ratio [HR] 0.824, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.788-0.862, P < 0.001; single: HR 0.764, 95% CI: 0.722-0.808, P < 0.001) and CSS (married: HR 0.833, 95% CI: 0.796-0.872, P < 0.001; single: HR 0.761, 95% CI: 0.718-0.806, P < 0.001) than divorced, separated, and widowed patients. CONCLUSIONS: Marital status was an independent prognostic factor in patients with GBM. The nomograms constructed in this study could help medical professionals to provide personalized prognostic assessment and treatment decisions for patients with GBM.

Integrated analysis reveals the potential of cluster of differentiation 86 as a key biomarker in high-grade glioma.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86) as a biomarker in high-grade glioma (HGG). The TCGA and TCIA databases were used to obtain the CD86 expression value, clinical data, and MRI images of HGG patients. Prognostic values were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method, Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Cox regression, logistic regression, and nomogram analyses. CD86-associated pathways were also explored. We found that CD86 was significantly upregulated in HGG compared with the normal group. Survival analysis showed a significant association between CD86 high expression and shorter overall survival time. Its independent prognostic value was also confirmed. These results suggested the possibility of CD86 as a biomarker in HGG. We also innovatively established 2 radiomics models with Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Logistic regression (LR) algorithms to predict the CD86 expression. The 2 models containing 5 optimal features by SVM and LR methods showed similar favorable performance in predicting CD86 expression in the training set, and their performance were also confirmed in validation set. These results indicated the successful construction of a radiomics model for non-invasively predicting biomarker in HGG. Finally, pathway analysis indicated that CD86 might be involved in the natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity in HGG progression.

Insights into Feruloylated Oligosaccharide Impact on Gel Properties of Oxidized Myofibrillar Proteins Based on the Changes in Their Spatial Structure.

Polyphenolic compounds can protect against myofibrillar protein (MP) oxidation in meat products. In this study, the inhibitory effect of feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) on MP oxidation was investigated, and the gel properties of MPs were further studied. The results showed that 50-100 µmol/g protein of FOs could effectively inhibit damage to amino acid side chains by reducing carbonyl contents by 60.5% and increasing sulfhydryl and free amine contents by 89.5% and 66%, which may protect the secondary and tertiary structures of MPs. Additionally, FOs at 50 µmol/g protein had better effects on the crosslinking of MPs, leading to effective improvements in the gel properties, which can be seen in the rheology properties, scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs, and the distribution of water in the MP gel. On the contrary, 150-200 µmol/g protein of FOs showed peroxidative effects on oxidatively stressed MPs, which were detrimental to MPs and contributed to their denaturation in the electrophoresis analysis and irregular aggregation in the SEM analysis. The concentration-dependent effects of FOs depended on MP-FOs interactions, indicating that an appropriate concentration of FOs has the potential to protect MPs from oxidation and enhance the gelation ability of pork meat during processing.

Transcriptome analysis of tumor-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells shows that CHST15 is a fibrosis regulator of retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

Background: Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) is a rare, biologically heterogeneous tumor with distinct clinical characteristics, such as frequent local recurrence, repeated relapse, and rare distant metastasis. No effective targeted therapy is available for RPLS. Here, we aim to determine the pathological functions and therapeutic potential of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) in RPLS. Methods: Tumor-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) and normal adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were obtained from patients with RPLS. MPCs and MSCs were isolated and characterized based on surface markers, proliferation, and differentiation using flow cytometry and molecular staining. Transcriptome analysis was performed to decipher expression profile of differentiation-related genes in 3 paired MSCs and MPCs. Further confirmation of genes were performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Plasmids overexpressing CHST15 were transfected into adipose MSCs to examine fibrosis-related gene expression at mRNA level by real-time PCR. Results: The tumor stromal-derived MPCs expressed CD105, CD73, and CD90, and exhibited osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The proliferation of tumor-derived MPCs was significantly lower than that of normal adipose-derived MSCs (P<0.001). Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of IL-7R, ALPL, PKNOX2, and CHST15 in tumor-derived MPCs. CHST15 was highly expressed in tumor-derived MPCs (P<0.001). CHST15 mediated fibrosis-related FGF2 gene expression in MSCs (P<0.05) and MPCs (P<0.001). Conclusions: CHST15 is upregulated in tumor-derived MPCs and regulates fibrosis in RPLS. This provides clues for development of novel therapeutic strategies by targeting CHST15-induced MPC activation in RPLS.

First-line contact aspiration versus first-line stent retriever for acute posterior circulation strokes: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Both stent retriever (SR) and contact aspiration (CA) are widely used as first-line strategies for acute posterior circulation strokes (PCS). However, it is still unclear how CA and SR compare as the first-line treatment of acute PCS. Several new studies have been published recently, so we aimed to perform an updated meta-analysis. METHODS: The meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) statement. Random-effects models were performed to pool the outcomes and the value of I2 was calculated to assess the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Ten observational studies with 1189 patients were included, among whom 492 received first-line CA and 697 received first-line SR. The pooled results revealed that first-line CA could achieve a significantly higher proportion of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3 (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.71, I2=0%), mTICI 3 (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.31, I2=59.6%), first-pass effect (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.51 to 5.58, I2=0%), lower incidence of new-territory embolic events (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.83, I2=0%), and shorter procedure time (mean difference -29.4 min, 95% CI -46.8 to -12.0 min, I2=62.8%) compared with first-line SR. At 90-day follow-up, patients subjected to first-line CA showed a higher functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2; OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.87, I2=23.5%) and a lower mortality (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.00, p=0.050, I2=0%) than those subjected to first-line SR. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that the first-line CA strategy could achieve better recanalization and clinical outcomes for acute PCS than first-line SR. Limited by the quality of included studies, this conclusion should be drawn with caution.

Lumican silencing alleviates tumor necrosis factor-α-induced nucleus pulposus cell inflammation and senescence by inhibiting apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1/p38 signaling pathway via inactivating Fas ligand expression.

A recent study has reported that lumican (LUM) is expressed at a high level in the nucleus pulposus specimens from herniated lumbar disc, without description of the specific mechanism. This study was designed to investigate the function and mechanism of LUM in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). In this study, human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs) cells were challenged with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α to establish the IDD in vitro model. After LUM silencing, cell viability was detected using CCK-8 kit, and the expression of inflammatory factors was evaluated using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Flow cytometry and ß-galactosidase staining were used to determine cell cycle and cell senescence. The expression of cycle and senescence-related proteins was evaluated with western blotting. Then, Fas ligand (FasL) was overexpressed and proteins in apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/p38 signaling were tested. Finally, GS-4997, an inhibitor of ASK1, was used to explore the regulatory effects of LUM on ASK1/p38 signaling in TNF-α-induced hNPCs. Results indicated that LUM expression was upregulated in TNF-α-challenged hNPCs. LUM gene interference mitigated TNF-α-induced inflammatory response, cell cycle arrest, and senescence of hNPCs. It was then found that LUM silencing could inhibit ASK1/p38 signaling in TNF-α-treated hNPCs, which was reversed by FasL overexpression. Additionally, ASK1/p38 participated in the mediation by LUM of TNF-α-induced inflammation, cell cycle arrest, and senescence of hNPCs. To conclude, interference with LUM effectively mitigated TNF-α-induced inflammatory response, cell cycle arrest, and cell senescence. Further experiments showed the involvement of ASK1/p38 pathway in LUM-mediated NP cell phenotypes through FasL.

miR-21-5p protects hippocampal neurons of epileptic rats via inhibiting STAT3 expression.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of miR-21-5p and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) expressions on the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in epileptic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We created a rat model of epilepsy and examined the relationship between miR-21-5p and STAT3 using a bioinformatics website and dual the luciferase reporter (DLR) assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the expression levels of miR-21-5p and STAT3 in hippocampal neurons as well as the protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2, which were related to apoptosis of hippocampal neuron. The apoptosis and survival of hippocampal neurons were detected using TUNEL and Nissl staining. Expressions of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: miR-21-5p can bind to STAT3. Compared with the miR-21-5p inhibitor negative control (NC) group, the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax were higher and the expression level of Bcl-2 was lower in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group, whereas the caspase-3 and Bax levels were lower and Bcl-2 level was higher in the si-STAT3 (interfering STAT3 gene expression by transfecting small interfering RNA) group (all p < 0.05). Treatment with miR-21-5p inhibitor can lead to significant loss and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, while interfering with STAT3 expression can reduce the loss and apoptosis of the neurons (all p < 0.05). Compared with the miR-21-5p inhibitor NC group, the level of IL-6 was lower in the si-STAT3 group and higher in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: miR-21-5p can inhibit STAT3 expression and reduce apoptosis and loss of hippocampal neurons and IL-6 level, thereby achieving protective effects on hippocampal neurons of epileptic rats.

Neuroprotective effect of berberine against learning and memory deficits in diffuse axonal injury.

The aim of the present study was to assess the neuroprotective effect of berberine against learning and memory deficits in diffuse axonal injury (DAI). DAI rats were orally gavaged with berberine at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight for 4 weeks. Behavioral tests were used to analyze the neuroprotective effect of berberine against DAI-induced learning and memory deficits. In the present study, treatment with berberine significantly protected against DAI-induced inhibition of learning and memory in rats. Notably, berberine significantly suppressed the levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1ß and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, as well as reduced the protein expression levels of nuclear factor-κB, Bcl-2-associated X protein and cytochrome c in DAI rats. In addition, berberine significantly suppressed the protein expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, activating transcription factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in DAI rats. These results suggested that berberine exhibited a neuroprotective effect against learning and memory deficits in severe DAI through the suppression of inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis in a rat model.

The value of ESWAN in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of prostate cancer: Preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of enhanced T2 star-weighted angiography (ESWAN) in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of prostate cancer by comparing the multiple indices of ESWAN in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa) and the normal peripheral zone (PZ). METHODS: Traditional MRI and ESWAN were performed on forty-nine clinically-diagnosed PCa patients, sixty BPH patients, and forty-six normal adult males. The ESWAN indices (magnitude value, phase value, R2* value and T2* value) measured on different regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to obtain the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off points of PCa and BPH, PCa and PZ respectively. RESULTS: The magnitude value, phase value, R2* value and T2* value of PZ were 1529.43±254.43, 0.0689±0.1619, 16.57±8.11, 82.75±53.87, respectively; the magnitude value, phase value, R2* value, and T2* value of PCa were 1540.18±338.62, -0.0176±0.0919, 26.93±11.31, and 45.99±17.43, respectively; the magnitude value, phase value, R2* value, and T2* value of BPH were 1579.49±285.28, 0.0209±0.0839, 20.69±3.95, and 51.56±8.90, respectively. Compared with normal PZ, phase value of PCa was lower (t=-3.302, P=0.001), R2* value higher (t=5.326, P=0.000), and T2* value lower (t=-4.570, P=0.000); compared with BPH, phase value of PCa was lower (t=-2.261, P=0.026), R2* value higher (t=3.988, P=0.000), and T2* value lower (t=-2.155, P=0.033). When PCa and PZ were distinguished, the AUC of magnitude value, phase value, R2* value, and T2* value were respectively 0.539 (P=0.510), 0.679 (P=0.0007), 0.811 (P<0.0001), and 0.762 (P<0.0001); the diagnosis efficiency of R2* value was higher than that of T2* value (P=0.037), while the diagnosis efficiency of T2* value was equivalent to phase value (P=0.256). When PCa was differentiated from BPH, the AUC of magnitude value, phase value, R2* value, and T2* value were 0.518 (P=0.752), 0.612 (P=0.039), 0.705 (P=0.0001), and 0.685 (P=0.0006), respectively; there was no statistical difference in the diagnostic efficiency of phase value, R2* value, and T2* value. CONCLUSIONS: The phase value, R2* value and T2* value can distinguish PCa and normal PZ, PCa and BPH, so they are valuable for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PCa, moreover, the diagnostic efficiency of R2* value is better than other indices.