Airway necrosis and granulation tissue formation caused by Rhizopus oryzae leading to severe upper airway obstruction: a case report.

Pulmonary Mucormycosis is a fatal infectious disease with high mortality rate. The occurrence of Mucormycosis is commonly related to the fungal virulence and the host's immunological defenses against pathogens. Mucormycosis infection and granulation tissue formation occurred in the upper airway was rarely reported. This patient was a 60-year-old male with diabetes mellitus, who was admitted to hospital due to progressive cough, sputum and dyspnea. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and bronchoscopy revealed extensive tracheal mucosal necrosis, granulation tissue proliferation, and severe airway stenosis. The mucosal necrotic tissue was induced by the infection of Rhizopus Oryzae, confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in tissue biopsy. This patient was treated with the placement of a covered stent and local instillation of amphotericin B via bronchoscope. The tracheal mucosal necrosis was markedly alleviated, the symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, as well as exercise tolerance were significantly improved. The placement of airway stent and transbronchial microtube drip of amphotericin B could conduce to rapidly relieve the severe airway obstruction due to Mucormycosis infection.

Piperlongumine inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by triggering NRF2/ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis.

Pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is characterized by cell swelling with bubbles, and the release of inflammatory cell cytokines. Piperlongumine (PL) is a natural bioactive product extracted from Piper longum L, which can effectively exert anti-tumor activities in cancer. However, the effects and the exact molecular mechanisms of PL in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. This research aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of PL on ESCC in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the MTT results showed that the IC50 of PL in ESCC cells was 28.55 µM. Moreover, PL significantly suppressed malignant behavior by promoting pyroptosis of ESCC cells by inhibiting proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation of KYSE-30 cells, up-regulating expressions of ASC, Cleaved-caspase-1, NLRP3, and GSDMD, while inducing the generation of ROS. Further, NRF2 knockdown promoted TXNIP expression, while overexpression of NRF2 inhibited TXNIP expression. However, after PL treatment, this effect was reversed. In addition, PL significantly inhibited the malignant behavior of ESCC cells while the inhibitory effects were reversed by DMF (NRF2 activator) or NAC (ROS eliminator) treatment. Finally, PL markedly increased expressions of ASC, Cleaved-caspase-1, NLRP3, GSDMD, and the generation of ROS while the effects were reversed by TXNIP knockdown or RUS (TXNIP inhibitor) treatment. In vivo, the KYSE-30 xenograft model confirmed that PL inhibited the growth of ESCC transplanted tumors by promoting cell pyroptosis. In conclusion, the results suggested that PL inhibited the malignant behavior of ESCC cells in vitro and tumorigenesis of ESCC in vivo by inhibiting NRF2 and promoting ROS-TXNIP-NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.

Clinical application of endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy-a single center, large sample, real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (EBUS-TBNA) has been used for more than 10 years in China. Its clinical application and diagnostic value in different diseases with large sample was lack of report. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed about the application and diagnostic value of EBUS-TBNA in different disease of patients in Respiratory Intervention Center of Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health from January 2012 to July 2020. RESULTS: A total 5758 patients were included with 182 patients excluded for lack of information. Finally, data of 5576 patients (3798 males and 1778 females) were analyzed. For anesthetize, most patients were undergoing general anesthesia of intravenous with spontaneous breathing (69.4%), followed by general anesthesia of intravenous and inhalation with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (17.9%) and conscious sedation and analgesia (12.8%). Lymph nodes were the main sites of biopsy obtained (76.4%). Tumors accounted for the highest proportion of disease (66.4%), followed by infection diseases (9.9%), sarcoidosis (3.9%), lymphoma (1.1%), and others (18.7%). The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of tumor was 89.7%, and 40.8% for infection diseases. There were significant differences in the puncture site and proportions of diseases between male and females (both p < 0.05). Higher diagnostic value was found in male patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA has good diagnostic value for different mediastinal and central pulmonary space-occupying lesions diseases, with highest sensitivity for tumors. Higher diagnostic value was found in male patients.

Long-term efficacy and safety of the Dumon stent for treatment of benign airway stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term efficacy of the Dumon stent in the treatment of benign airway stenosis is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the Dumon stent in patients with benign airway stenosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign airway stenosis who were treated with a Dumon stent at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between March 2014 and October 2021. We included patients with successful removal of silicone stents after implantation. The clinical data and information on bronchoscopic interventional procedures and related complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with benign airway stenosis were included. The stent was placed mainly in the trachea (44.4%) and left main bronchus (43.4%). The main type of stenosis was post-tuberculosis bronchial stenosis (57.6%). The overall cure rate was 60.6%. Stent-related complications included retention of secretions (70.7%), granuloma formation (67.7%), stent angulation (21.2%), and stent migration (12.1%). The stent was less effective for left main bronchus stenosis (p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that stent placement for more than 13 months, a stent-intervention number of ⩽ 1 predicted a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of the Dumon stent for benign airway stenosis need improvement. The stent is less effective for left main bronchus stenosis; regular follow-up is required in such cases. Stent placement for > 13 months and no more than once stent intervention within a 6-month period were associated with a favorable outcome.

Hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping as a simple method for bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary nodule.

BACKGROUND: A feasible and economical bronchoscopic navigation method in guiding peripheral pulmonary nodule biopsy is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping for bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary nodules. METHODS: We developed a hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping for bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary nodules. Patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules were recruited and assigned to two groups in this retrospective study, subjects in VBN group received conventional bronchoscopy in conjunction with virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) for biopsy (VBN group), while HBN group underwent ultrathin bronchoscopy and RP-EBUS under the guidance of hand-drawn bronchoscopic navigation (HBN). The demographic characteristics, procedural time, operating cost and diagnostic yield were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with peripheral pulmonary nodule were enrolled in HBN group, while 42 in VBN group. There were no significant differences between VBN and HBN groups in terms of age, gender, lesion size, location and radiographic type. The time of planning pathway (1.32 vs. 9.79 min, P < 0.001) and total operation (23.63 vs. 28.02 min, P = 0.002), as well as operating cost (758.31 ± 125.21 vs.1327.70 ± 116.25 USD, P < 0.001) were markedly less in HBN group, compared with those in VBN group. The pathological diagnostic efficiency of benign and malignant disease in HBN group appeared similar with those in VBN group, irrespective of the size of pulmonary lesion (larger or smaller than 20 mm). The total diagnostic yield of HBN had no marked difference from that of VBN (75.00% vs. 61.90%, P = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping for bronchoscopic navigation could serve as a feasible and economical method for guiding peripheral pulmonary nodule biopsy, providing a comparable diagnostic yield in comparison with virtual bronchoscopic navigation.

Changes in Patellar Morphology Following Soft Tissue Surgical Correction of Recurrent Patellar Dislocation in Children with Low-Grade Trochlear Dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in patellar morphology following soft tissue surgical correction of recurrent patellar dislocation in children with low-grade trochlear dysplasia. METHODS: The prospective cohort study was performed between November 2007 and December 2012. Finally, 25 cases, with the mean age of 8.4 years (range from 7 to 10 years), were admitted to the study. All patients were diagnosed as bilateral recurrent patellar dislocation associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia. The knee that suffered injury or was dislocated was treated with medial patellar retinacular plasty (surgery group). The contralateral knee, which served as a control, was treated conservatively (conservative group). Axial CT scans were undertaken in all patients to assess the patellar morphological characteristics. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 60.8 months (range 48 to 75 months). Preoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences between the patellar morphology in the two groups (P > 0.05). Many radiological parameters of patellar morphology were significantly different between the two groups at the final follow-up, including well-known parameters, such as the mean patellar width (surgery group, 40.58 mm [SD 1.26]; conservative group, 36.41 mm [SD 1.17]; P < 0.05), the mean patellar thickness (surgery group, 11.59 mm [SD 0.74]; conservative group, 9.38 mm [SD 0.56]; P < 0.05) and the mean Wiberg index (surgery group, 0.54 [SD 0.06]; conservative group, 0.72 [SD 0.08]; P < 0.05). There are also little-known parameters, such as the ratio of length of lateral patella to medial patella (surgery group, 1.26 [SD 0.17]; conservative group, 1.69 [SD 0.21]; P < 0.05), which was a measurement of facet asymmetry. However, the Wiberg angle was not significantly different between the two groups (surgery group, 128.63° [SD 9.05]; conservative group, 125.47° [SD 13.96°]; P > 0.05) at the final follow-up. No complications were found. CONCLUSIONS: The patellar morphology can be significantly improved by early soft tissue surgical correction in children with patellar instability associated with low-grade femoral trochlear dysplasia.

CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram for Prediction of Progression-Free Survival in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We aimed to construct of a nomogram to predict progression-free survival (PFS) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) with risk stratification using computed tomography (CT) radiomics features and clinical factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 311 patients diagnosed with LA-NPC (stage III-IVa) at our hospital between 2010 and 2014 were included. The region of interest (ROI) of the primary nasopharyngeal mass was manually outlined. Independent sample t-test and LASSO-logistic regression were used for selecting the most predictive radiomics features of PFS, and to generate a radiomics signature. A nomogram was built with clinical factors and radiomics features, and the risk stratification model was tested accordingly. RESULTS: In total, 20 radiomics features most associated with prognosis were selected. The radiomics nomogram, which integrated the radiomics signature and significant clinical factors, showed excellent performance in predicting PFS, with C-index of 0.873 (95% CI: 0.803~0.943), which was better than that of the clinical nomogram (C-index, 0.729, 95% CI: 0.620~0.838) as well as of the TNM staging system (C-index, 0.689, 95% CI: 0.592-0.787) in validation cohort. The calibration curves and the decision curve analysis (DCA) plot obtained suggested satisfying accuracy and clinical utility of the model. The risk stratification tool was able to predict differences in prognosis of patients in different risk categories (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CT-based radiomics features, an in particular, radiomics nomograms, have the potential to become an accurate and reliable tool for assisting with prognosis prediction of LA-NPC.

Feasibility and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Guided by Bronchoscopic Transparenchymal Nodule Access in Canines.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of pulmonary malignancies remains a challenge. The efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of lung cancer are not well elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of RFA guided by bronchoscopic transparenchymal nodule access (BTPNA) in vivo. METHODS: In an attempt to determine the parameters of RFA, we first performed RFA in conjunction with automatic saline microperfusion in the lung in vitro with various ablation energy (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 W) and ablation times (3, 5, 8, and 10 min). The correlation between ablated area and RFA parameter was recorded and analyzed. Further, we conducted a canine study with RFA by BTPNA in vivo, observing the ablation effect and morphological changes in the lung assessed by chest CT and histopathologic examination at various follow-up time points (1 day, n = 3; 30 days, n = 4; 90 days, n = 4). The related complications were also observed and recorded. RESULTS: More ablation energy, but not ablation time, induced a greater range of ablation area in the lung. Ablation energy applied with 15 W for 3 min served as the appropriate setting for pulmonary lesions ≤1 cm. RFA guided by BTPNA was performed in 11 canines with 100% success rate. Inflammation, congestion, and coagulation necrosis were observed after ablation, which could be repaired within 7 days; subsequently, granulation and fibrotic scar tissue developed after 30 days. No procedure-related complication occurred during the operation or in the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: The novel RFA system and catheter in conjunction with automatic saline microperfusion present a safe and feasible modality in pulmonary parenchyma. RFA guided by BTPNA appears to be well established with an acceptable tolerance; it might further provide therapeutic benefit in pulmonary malignancies.

Hybrid stenting with silicone Y stents and metallic stents in the management of severe malignant airway stenosis and fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Airway stenting is frequently used in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced tumor-induced airway stenosis and fistulas. However, there is paucity of studies regarding the use of airway stents in restoring patency. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of hybrid silicon Y stents and covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) and in reestablishing patency in airway stenoses and fistulas. METHODS: This retrospective study included 31 patients between January 2016 to December 2019 with inoperable complex malignant airway stenoses and fistulas, managed with Silicone Y stents, and covered SEMS. The clinical details, clinical outcomes and complications up to 6 months were extracted from medical records. The improvement of performance was assessed based on modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scores (t=6.892, P<0.001), Karnofsky Performance Scores (KPS) (t=-11.653, P<0.001), and performance status (PS) (t=3.503, P<0.001). RESULT: A total of 31 silicon Y stents and 35 covered SEMSs were inserted. Of the 31 patients (M:F 20:11; age: 54.64±9.57), 25/31 (80.6%) experienced immediate relief of symptoms following stent placement. Patients' mMRC dyspnea scores, KPS, and PS showed significant improvement following stenting. The mean duration of stent placement was 146.3±47.7 days, and 17/31 (55%) patients were alive at 6 months. No major complications related to hybrid stenting were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid stenting is a feasible and safe palliative treatment for malignant airway stenosis and fistulas to improve quality of life and can be performed without major complications.

Multidetector computed tomography three-dimensional and multiplanar reconstruction diagnosis of a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Anastomosis of the testicular vein with the superior mesenteric vein rarely causes severe gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, there have been few studies describing its appearance on medical imaging. Here, we present multidetector computed tomography three-dimensional and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images of a typical digital subtraction angiography showing proven ectopic bleeding and provide the first review of the image performance. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old man who had been rushed to the hospital with a four-day history of melena and fainting underwent multiple esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures that failed to identify the source of bleeding. We used MPR combined with three-dimensional reconstruction images, and found that the testicular vein had anastomosed with the superior mesenteric vein, and they clustered together in the jejunal vessel wall, which caused severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed the location of bleeding. After transfusion and embolization therapy, the patient's condition improved. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography-MPR combined with three-dimensional images offers significant value in the localization and qualitative assessment of rare gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The features of multiphase spiral scanning can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Nomogram For The Prediction Of Malignancy In Small (8-20 mm) Indeterminate Solid Solitary Pulmonary Nodules In Chinese Populations.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the malignancy of small (8-20 mm) solid indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) in a Chinese population by using routine clinical and computed tomography data. METHODS: The prediction model was developed using a retrospective cohort that comprised 493 consecutive patients with small indeterminate SPNs who were treated between December 2012 and December 2016. The model was independently validated using a second retrospective cohort comprising 216 consecutive patients treated between January 2017 and May 2018. The investigated variables included patient characteristics (e.g., age and smoking history), nodule parameters (e.g., marginal spiculation and significant enhancement), and tumor biomarker levels (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen). A prediction model was developed by using multivariable logistic regression analysis, and the model's performance was presented as a nomogram. The model was evaluated based on its discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical usefulness. RESULTS: The developed nomogram was ultimately based on age, marginal spiculation, significant enhancement, and pleural indentation. The Harrell concordance index values were 0.869 in the training cohort (95% confidence interval: 0.837-0.901) and 0.847 in the validation cohort (95% confidence interval: 0.792-0.902). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test revealed good calibration in each of the training and validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis confirmed that the nomogram was clinically useful (risk threshold from 0.10 to 0.85). CONCLUSION: Patient age, marginal spiculation, significant enhancement, and pleural indentation are independent predictors of malignancy in small indeterminate solid SPNs. The developed nomogram is easy-to-use and may allow the accurate prediction of malignancy in small indeterminate solid SPNs among Chinese patients.

Comparison of the Level of Free Hexafluoro-isopropanol in Adults' Blood and the Incidence of Emergence Agitation After Anesthesia With Different Concentrations of Sevoflurane in Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to compare the free hexafluoro-isopropanol (HFIP) concentration in adults' blood and the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) after inhaled different concentrations of sevoflurane. METHODS: Sixty adult patients planning to undergo laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Each group received sevoflurane as the volatile anesthetic at different concentrations: 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), 1.0 MAC, and 1.5 MAC. The use of sevoflurane was continued until the end of surgery. Venous blood samples were obtained at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after starting the use of sevoflurane and subsequently at 60, 180, and 300 minutes after discontinuation of volatile anesthetic administration. Blood concentrations of sevoflurane and free HFIP were determined using gas chromatography. The recovery time and the incidence of EA at different time points were evaluated among the 3 groups. FINDINGS: Changes in the blood concentrations of sevoflurane and free HFIP during and after the use of sevoflurane were similar in all 3 groups. The peak blood concentration of free HFIP occurred 60 minutes after onset of sevoflurane anesthesia in all 3 groups (P < 0.05). The lowest level of free HFIP and the longest recovery time were found in the 1.5-MAC group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of EA or moderate pain among the 3 groups during recovery. IMPLICATIONS: The generation of HFIP would be inhibited when the inhaled sevoflurane concentration increased to 1.5 MAC. However, the incidence of EA during recovery had nothing to do with the inhaled different sevoflurane concentrations (within 1.5 MAC) in adults. ChicCTR.org identifier: ChiCTR-IPD-17011558.

Improving in vitro and in vivo antibacterial functionality of Mg alloys through micro-alloying with Sr and Ga.

Despite of technical advancements in design and development of new biomaterials, device-related infections continue to occur and can be life-threatening. Differing from existing research work pertaining to introducing antibacterial function upon device surface, this study attempts to address such germ-infection issues through controlled release of antibacterial species from bulk gallium (Ga) and strontium (Sr) containing magnesium (Mg) alloys. To validate such a conceptual framework, Mg alloys containing micro-level concentrations of Ga and/or Sr (0.1 wt%) are employed as model materials, along with commercially pure Mg and titanium (Ti) as control groups. Biodegradation progress of such metal specimens is examined through pH and mass loss measurements, and inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) as a function of immersion time in Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) solution under physiological conditions. In vitro biocompatibility and antibacterial performance are characterised through MTT proliferation assay with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and the spread plate method with three representative bacterial strains, i.e. S. aureus (ATCC 43300), E. coli (ATCC 25922), and S. epidermidis (ATCC 35984). Animal tests are performed through implanting target metal rods into femurs of Sprague Dawley rats, accompanied with injection of S. aureus to build a model of osteomyelitis. Results demonstrate that such lean additions of Ga and/or Sr reduce the degradation kinetics of Mg matrix, and the release of Ga3+ ions plays a crucial role in disabling the viability of all selected bacterial strains. The histological tests confirm that the growth of fibrous tissue has been accelerated in the vicinity of Mg-based implants, in comparison to that of blank and c.p. Ti controls. It is also striking that the smallest number density of S. aureus bacteria on the surface of the retrieved Ga-containing Mg rod implants. Such a proof-of-concept study provides a new and feasible strategy to address the notorious device-infection issues associated with biomedical implants for bone fracture management.

Selective Laser Melting of Duplex Stainless Steel 2205: Effect of Post-Processing Heat Treatment on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing field of technology. In order to increase the variety of metal alloys applicable for AM, selective laser melting (SLM) of duplex stainless steel 2205 powder and the resulting microstructure, density, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance were investigated. An optimal set of processing parameters for producing high density (>99.9%) material was established. Various post-processing heat treatments were applied on the as-built predominantly ferritic material to achieve the desired dual-phase microstructure. Effects of annealing at temperatures of 950 °C, 1000 °C, 1050 °C, and 1100 °C on microstructure, crystallographic texture, and phase balance were examined. As a result of annealing, 40-46 vol.% of austenite phase was formed. Annealing decreased the high yield and tensile strength values of the as-built material, but significantly increased the ductility. Annealing also decreased the residual stresses in the material. Mechanical properties of the SLM-processed and heat-treated materials outperformed those of conventionally produced alloy counterparts. Using a scanning strategy with 66° rotation between layers decreased the strength of the crystallographic texture. Electrochemical cyclic potentiodynamic polarization testing in 0.6 M NaCl solution at room temperature showed that the heat treatment improved the pitting corrosion resistance of the as-built SLM-processed material.

MicroRNA-203 promotes liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in cirrhotic rats.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection or partial hepatectomy (PH) is still the most commonly used therapeutic option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at present. However, the impaired regenerative ability induced by the accompanied liver cirrhosis is an important risk factor of posthepatectomy liver failure, and posthepatectomy liver failure is a feared complication that accounts for up to 75% of mortality after extensive liver resection. MicroRNA(miR)-203 is a tumor suppressor of HCC and may act as a positive intermediary in A20-enhanced interleukin (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pro-proliferative signals, which may promote liver regeneration after PH. However, its direct pro-proliferative effect on cirrhotic liver after hepatectomy is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50% CCl4-olive oil solution in adult male Wistar rat. Rats with liver cirrhosis received portal vein injection of physiological saline, miR-203 lentivirus, or control empty lentivirus, and then 70% PH was performed under ether anesthesia 7 d later. Liver samples were harvested at 0, 24, 36, and 72 h after 70% PH. Hepatic expressions of cyclin D1 and Ki67 were checked to evaluate the liver regenerative ability. Hepatic expressions of IL-6, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), and phospho-STAT3 were also tested to clarify the mechanisms of miR-203 in liver regeneration. RESULTS: The regeneration of miR-203 overexpression cirrhotic liver after 70% PH was enhanced and peaked at 24 and 36 h after 70% PH. The cyclin D1-positive liver cells/high-power field (HPF) in miR-203 overexpression liver markedly increased at 24 and 36 h after 70% PH compared with 0-h samples. When comparing with the control groups, cyclin D1-positive liver cells/HPF in miR-203 overexpression liver were also significantly increased at 24 and 36 h after 70% PH. A similar result of the Ki67-positive liver cells/HPF was achieved at 36 h after 70% PH. The hepatic expression of IL-6 showed a rising tendency after 70% PH, and the levels of IL-6 are significantly higher in miR-203 overexpression livers. Hepatic expression of SOCS3 was negatively expressed with hepatic miR-203 expression level, and the reduced expression of SOCS3 facilitated the phosphorylation of STAT3. CONCLUSIONS: By targeting SOCS3 and then enhancing proliferating IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, hepatic overexpression of miR-203 can facilitate the initiation of liver regeneration and enhance the potency of liver regeneration after 70% PH in cirrhotic rat. Together with the tumor suppressive effect on HCC, miR-203 would be an ideal candidate for promoting liver regeneration in HCC patients undergoing liver resection without the risk of tumorigenesis or cancer recurrence.

[Expression profile of miR-501-5p in lung adenocarcinoma patients from Xuanwei area].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between miR-501-5p expression and the clinicopathological factors in patients with lung adenocarcinoma in Xuanwei area. METHODS: Surgical specimens of lung adenocarcinoma and paired adjacent tissues from 24 patients with lung adenocarcinoma from Xuanwei area were examined for miR-501-5p expression using microRNA microarray technique and qPCR. Chi-square test was used to analyze the association of miR-501-5P expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyze the association of miR-501-5p expression with the patients' gender, age, tumor stage, and preoperative CEA level. RESULTS: MicroRNA microarray analysis and qPCR validation results revealed significantly upregulated expressions of miR-501-5p in patients with lung adenocarcinoma from Xuanwei area (Plt;0.01). The microarray data showed an up-regulation of miR-501-5p by 3.17 folds in lung adenocarcinoma tissue compared with the adjacent tissue (P=0.22376, FDR=0.071395). Chi-square test indicated that miR-501-5p expression level was associated with the patients' age (f=7.168, P=0.014), TNM stage (f=36.627, P<0.01), and preoperative serum CEA level (f=30.045, Plt;0.01), but not with the patients' gender (f=3.612, P=0.071). Multiple regression analysis revealed that miR-501-5p expression was positively correlated with the patients' age, TNM stage of the tumor, and serum CEA (Plt;0.05). CONCLUSION: miR-501-5p expression is up-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma with significant associations with the patients' age, TNM stages and serum CEA level in patients from Xuanwei area, suggesting its potential role in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma in Xuanwei area.

miR-203 inhibits augmented proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma residual in the promoted regenerating liver.

Liver resection is still the most commonly used therapeutic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver regeneration promotes HCC growth in the regenerating liver. The high recurrence/metastasis of HCC is the main cause of death for HCC patients after liver resection. However, how the augmented growth and metastasis of residual HCC induced by the promoted liver regeneration following liver resection can be abolished remains unclear. In this study, a rat model with liver cirrhosis and diffused HCC was established by administration of diethylnitrosamine. Recombinant miR-203 adenovirus was administered to induce hepatic miR-203 overexpression and 30% partial hepatectomy (PH) followed. The effect of miR-203 on the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of the residual HCC in the remnant cirrhotic liver with promoted regeneration was investigated. We found that the basic spontaneous regeneration of the non-tumorous liver by 30% PH promoted proliferation, invasion and lung metastasis of the hepatic residual HCC. miR-203 overexpression further promoted the regeneration of the non-tumorous liver by upregulating Ki67 expression and enhancing IL-6/SOCS3/STAT3 pro-proliferative signals. Importantly, miR-203 overexpression markedly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of hepatic residual HCC through suppressing expression of Ki67, CAPNS1 and lung metastasis. Moreover, it was found that miR-203 overexpression reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by hepatectomy through targeting IL-1ß, Snail1 and Twist1. In conclusion, our results suggested that miR-203 overexpression inhibited the augmented proliferation and lung metastasis of the residual HCC induced by the promoted liver regeneration following PH partly by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Measuring Airway Remodeling in Patients With Different COPD Staging Using Endobronchial Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Although FEV1 remains the gold standard for staging COPD, the association between airway remodeling and airflow limitation remains unclear. Endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) was performed to assess the association between disorders of large and medium to small airways and COPD staging. We also evaluated small airway architecture in heavy smokers with normal FEV1 (SNL) and healthy never-smokers. METHODS: We recruited 48 patients with COPD (stage I, n = 14; stage II, n = 15; stage, III-IV, n = 19), 21 SNL, and 17 healthy never-smokers. A smoking history inquiry, as well as spirometry, chest CT, bronchoscopy, and EB-OCT were performed. Mean luminal diameter (Dmean), inner luminal area (Ai), and airway wall area (Aw) of third- to ninth-generation bronchi were measured using EB-OCT. RESULTS: Patients with more advanced COPD demonstrated greater abnormality of airway architecture in both large and medium to small airways, followed by SNL and never-smokers. Abnormality of airway architecture and EB-OCT parameters in SNL were comparable to those in stage I COPD. FEV1% predicted correlated with Dmean and Ai of seventh- to ninth-generation bronchi in COPD; however, neither Dmean nor Ai of third- to sixth-generation bronchi correlated with FEV1% in stage I and stage II COPD and in SNL. CONCLUSIONS: FEV1-based COPD staging partially correlates with small airway disorders in stage II-IV COPD. Small airway abnormalities detected by EB-OCT correlate with FEV1-based staging in COPD and identify early pathologic changes in healthy heavy smokers.

[Specific microRNA expression profiles of lung adenocarcinoma in Xuanwei region and bioinformatic analysis for predicting their target genes and related signaling pathways].

OBJECTIVE: To identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) related to lung adenocarcinoma in Xuanwei region and predict their target genes and related signaling pathways based on bioinformatic analysis. METHODS: High-throughput microarray assay was performed to detect miRNA expression profiles in 34 paired human lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal tissues (including 24 cases in Xuanwei region and 10 in other regions). Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses were used to predict the target genes and the regulatory signaling pathways. RESULTS: Thirty-four miRNAs were differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues in cases in Xuanwei region as compared with cases in other regions, including 23 upregulated and 11 downregulated miRNAs. The predicted target genes included GF, RTK, SOS, IRS1, BCAP, CYTOKINSR, ECM, ITGB, FAK and Gbeta;Y involving the PI3K/Alt, WNT and MAPK pathways. CONCLUSION: The specific microRNA expression profiles of lung adenocarcinoma in cases found in Xuanwei region allow for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma in Xuanwei. The predicted target genes may involve the PI3K/Alt, WNT and MAPK pathways.