Analysis between macrophage-related genes with prognosis and tumor microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly morbid and fatal disease that exhibits individualized differences in prognosis and drug efficacy. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and progression of lung cancer can improve early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Macrophages are a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) due to their high plasticity and heterogeneity. They play a multifaceted role in tumor initiation and progression. In order to elucidate the pathogenesis of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) related genes in NSCLC, transcriptomic sequencing, univariate COX regression, LASSO regression and multivariate COX regression analyses were conducted to identify the 11 genes that have the most significant association with prognosis. These genes include FCRLA, LDHA, LMOD3, MAP3K8, NT5E, PDGFB, S100P, SFXN1, TDRD1, TFAP2A and TUBB6. The risk score (RS) was computed, and all samples were split into high- and low-risk groups based on the median RS. The correlation of RS and 11 genes with macrophages was verified by the CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm. These above results suggest that the risk score developed in this study can be utilized for predicting patients' prognosis and evaluating their immune infiltration status. This study can serve as a guide for subsequent tumor immunotherapy and gene targeting therapy.

Relationship between carotid artery stiffness and total serum homocysteine in coronary slow flow phenomenon: a high-resolution echo-tracking study.

Background: Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is not uncommon in conventional coronary angiography. A disorder of serum homocysteine (tHcy) metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of slow coronary flow. Moreover, elevated tHcy concentration is closely associated with atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between carotid artery stiffness and serum tHcy levels in patients with CSFP. Methods: This was a case-control study. The study population comprised 146 patients with newly diagnosed stable angina, including 73 patients with CSFP and 73 patients with normal coronary flow. All participants underwent conventional coronary angiography, carotid ultrasonography, and biochemical examination. Results: The carotid artery stiffness parameters of ß index (ß), pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep), and local pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the CSFP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (ß: 10.75±2.16 vs. 9.02±2.11, P=0.007; Ep: 147.41±41.22 vs. 116.21±39.21, P=0.004; PWV: 7.45±1.23 vs. 6.16±1.20, P=0.003), However, arterial compliance (AC) was lower in the CSFP group than the control group (0.52±0.11 vs. 0.69±0.24, P=0.008). The mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count and the tHcy concentration in the CSFP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (48.60±1.30 vs. 24.50±3.80, P=0.001; 19.95±4.00 vs. 9.12±2.72, P=0.009). The tHcy concentration was positively correlated with ß (R value =0.494, P<0.0001), Ep (R value =0.469, P<0.0001), and PWV (R value =0.436, P<0.0001), but negatively correlated with AC (R value =-0.230, P=0.022). The predictors of CSFP were tHcy concentration, left PWV, right PWV, left ß index, and right ß index. Among them, the left ß index and right ß index were the best indictors for predicting CSFP. The cutoff values of left ß index, right ß index, left PWV, and right PWV were 9.3, 9.3, 6.7, and 6.6, respectively. Conclusions: Our data showed that serum tHcy levels were elevated in patients with CSFP compared with the control group. Carotid artery stiffness parameters were correlated with tHcy. The best predictors of CSFP were left ß index and right ß index. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of systemic vascular disorders in patients with coronary slow flow, rather than simply attributing such disorders to a single and isolated lesion of the epicardial coronary artery.

PTPRH Alleviates Airway Obstruction and Th2 Inflammation in Asthma as a Protective Factor.

PURPOSE: PTPRH inhibits EGFR activity directly in cancer patients and activated EGFR induces goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion in asthma. However, the function of PTPRH in asthma remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to access the association of PTPRH with asthma and its underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined the PTPRH level in asthma patients (n = 108) and healthy controls (n = 35), and analyzed the correlations between PTPRH and asthma-related indicators. Human bronchial epithelial cell (HBECs) transfected with PTPRH and asthma mouse model were set up to investigate the function of PTPRH. RESULTS: The expression of PTPRH was significantly increased and correlated with pulmonary function parameters, including airway obstruction, and T-helper2 (Th2) associated markers in asthma patients. PTPRH increased in the house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthmatic mice, while Th2 airway inflammation and Muc5ac suppressed when treated with PTPRH. Accordingly, PTPRH expression was markedly increased in IL-13-stimulated HBECs but PTPRH over-expression suppressed MUC5AC. Moreover, HBECs transfected with over-expressed PTPRH inhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK1/2 and AKT, while induced against PTPRH in HBECs dephosphorylated of EGFR, ERK1/2 and AKT. CONCLUSION: PTPRH reduces MUC5AC secretion to alleviate airway obstruction in asthma via potential phosphorylating of EGFR/ERK1/2/AKT signaling pathway, which may provide possible therapeutic implications for asthma.

Combined molybdenum target X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging examinations improve breast cancer diagnostic efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Early-stage breast cancer patients often lack specific clinical manifestations, making diagnosis difficult. Molybdenum target X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations both have their own advantages. Thus, a combined examination methodology may improve early breast cancer diagnoses. AIM: To explore the combined diagnostic efficacy of molybdenum target X-ray and MRI examinations in breast cancer. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer at our hospital from March 2019 to April 2021 were recruited, as were the same number of patients during the same period with benign breast tumors. Both groups underwent molybdenum target X-ray and MRI examinations, and diagnoses were given based on each exam. The single (i.e., X-ray or MRI) and combined (i.e., using both methods) diagnoses were counted, and the MRI-related examination parameters (e.g., T-wave peak, peak and early enhancement rates, and apparent diffusion coefficient) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In total, 63 breast cancer patients and 63 benign breast tumor patients were recruited. MRI detected 53 breast cancer cases and 61 benign breast tumor cases. Molybdenum target X-ray detected 50 breast cancer cases and 60 benign breast tumor cases. The combined methodology detected 61 breast cancer cases and 61 benign breast tumor cases. The sensitivity (96.83%) and accuracy (96.83%) of the combined methodology were higher than single-method MRI (84.13% and 90.48%, respectively) and molybdenum target X-ray (79.37% and 87.30%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The combined methodology specificity (96.83%) did not differ from single-method MRI (96.83%) or molybdenum target X-ray (95.24%) (P > 0.05). The T-wave peak (169.43 ± 32.05) and apparent diffusion coefficient (1.01 ± 0.23) were lower in the breast cancer group than in the benign tumor group (228.86 ± 46.51 and 1.41 ± 0.35, respectively). However, the peak enhancement rate (1.08 ± 0.24) and early enhancement rate (1.07 ± 0.26) were significantly higher in the breast cancer group than in the benign tumor group (0.83 ± 0.19 and 0.75 ± 0.19, respectively) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined molybdenum target X-ray and MRI examinations for diagnosing breast cancer improved the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, minimizing the missed- and misdiagnoses risks and promoting timely treatment intervention.

Theoretical basis and clinical practice for FUE megasession hair transplantation in the treatment of large area androgenic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Large area androgenic alopecia patients seeking hair transplantation treatment has become common. FUE Megasession has become a choice for more and more people. Long-term in vitro preservation of hair follicles during FUE Megasession has become a new challenge. OBJECTIVE: To explore optimal in vitro preservation condition according to FUE Megasession long-period surgery time and to perform clinical practice to confirm the feasibility. METHODS: Human follicles were obtained from informed patients by FUE Megasession and preserved under different conditions. Live and dead staining with DAPI was used to assess the survival rate of cells. Hair follicles were preserved in vitro for 7 days under different conditions, and the extension of the hair shaft was observed. We also performed some clinical procedures to illustrate the effectiveness of these methods. RESULTS: Under the condition of 4℃ Ringer's solution, the death rate of hair follicle cells was lower than that of the rest. 4℃ Ringer's solution supported superior growth of the hair follicle unit according to organ culture. 8-h preservation in 4℃ Ringer's solution was kept as high survival rate as the traditional hair transplantation surgery（P > .05）. Clinical procedures confirmed the feasibility of FUE Megasession hair transplantation surgery. CONCLUSION: 4℃ Ringer's solution in vitro preservation is optimal for clinical FUE Megasession surgery which ensures the hair follicle survival rate and postoperative results.

Long noncoding RNA DNAH17-AS1 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via regulating miR-877-5p/CCNA2 pathway.

A growing number of studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as important oncogenes or tumor suppressors. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of lncRNA DNAH17 antisense RNA 1 (DNAH17-AS1) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We observed that the expression of DNAH17-AS1 and CCNA2 mRNA was distinctly upregulated in NSCLC specimens and cell lines, while miR-877-5p expression was significantly decreased. DNAH17-AS1 could be used to distinguish NSCLC specimens from adjacent non-tumor tissues. Clinical assays revealed that high DNAH17-AS1 was associated with TNM stage, distant metastasis and shorter overall survival and disease-free survival. Functional assays indicated that knockdown of DNAH17-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of H1299 and 95D cells, and promoted apoptosis. Mechanically, DNAH17-AS1 served as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-877-5p to positively recover CCNA2. Overall, we identified a novel NSCLC-related lncRNA, DNAH17-AS1 which may exert an oncogenic function via serving as a sponge for miR-877-5p to upregulate CCNA2. Our study presents novel insights into NSCLC progression and provided a prospective therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Banxia Xiexin Decoction Ameliorates t-BHP-Induced Apoptosis in Pancreatic Beta Cells by Activating the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXXD) reportedly regulates glycolipid metabolism and inhibits pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis. This study is aimed at investigating the protective effect of BXXD on tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced apoptosis in MIN6 cells and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: MIN6 cells were preincubated with BXXD or liraglutide (Li) with or without PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (LY) for 12 h, following which t-BHP was added to induce MIN6 cell apoptosis. The protective effects of BXXD on MIN6 cells were evaluated by detecting cell viability and proliferation and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). The antiapoptotic effects were evaluated by Hoechst 33342 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL). Malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase content and superoxide dismutase activity were measured using commercial kits. The expression of PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway-related signal molecules, and that of apoptotic indicators Bax, P27, and Caspase-3, was quantified using western blotting. RESULTS: Preincubation with BXXD significantly improved t-BHP-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis and enhanced GSIS. t-BHP induced the generation of reactive oxygen species and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes, which could be neutralized by pretreatment with BXXD. BXXD promoted the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO1 in t-BHP-induced MIN6 cells. Moreover, BXXD attenuated the expression of related apoptotic indicators Bax, P27, and Caspase-3. LY abolished these effects of BXXD. CONCLUSION: BXXD protected MIN6 cells against t-BHP-induced apoptosis and improved insulin secretory function through modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and the downstream FOXO1, thus suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Sheng Mai San protects H9C2 cells against hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Sheng Mai San (SMS) has been proven to exhibit cardio-protective effects. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of SMS on hyperglycaemia (HG)-induced apoptosis in H9C2 cells. METHODS: HG-induced H9C2 cells were established as the experimental model, and then treated with SMS at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL. H9C2 cell viability and apoptosis were quantified using MTT and Annexin V-FITC assays, respectively. Furthermore, Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathway protein expression and Fas and FasL gene expression levels were quantified using western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: SMS treatments at 25, 50, 100 µg/mL significantly improved H9C2 cell viability and inhibited H9C2 cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). Compared to the HG group, SMS treatment at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL significantly downregulated p53 and Bax expression and upregulated Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.05). Moreover, SMS treatment at 100 µg/mL significantly downregulated Fas and FasL expression level (p < 0.05) when compared to the HG group. CONCLUSION: SMS protects H9C2 cells from HG-induced apoptosis probably by downregulating p53 expression and upregulating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. It may also be associated with the inhibition of the Fas/FasL signalling pathway.

Comparison of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity of explosion-puffed and sun-dried jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.).

The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of explosion puffing and sun-drying on individual phenolic acids in four forms (free, esters, glycosides, and insoluble-bound), flavonoids, total phenolic content (TPC), and their antioxidant activity on jujube samples. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant capacity of jujube samples was evaluated by 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity and total reducing power. The results showed that all samples significantly differed in their phenolic contents, phenolic acid and flavonoid composition, and antioxidant activities. The explosion-puffed jujubes had the highest total gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic acids, and rutin contents. Also, explosion-puffed jujubes contained a higher level of total phenolics and antioxidant activity than their counterparts. Among phenolic acid fractions in four forms, each form of phenolic acids in explosion-puffed jujubes had the most abundant content, followed by fresh and sun-dried jujubes. The glycosided and insoluble-bound phenolic acid fractions for each sample represented the highest TPC and the strongest antioxidant activity. The results indicated explosion puffing was a good choice for jujube processing.

[Analysis on prognosis and correlative factors of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia].

To analyze the prognosis and risk factors of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), 94 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia were enrolled in this study, while survival rate and risk factors of prognosis were analyzed. The results indicated that the complete remission (CR) ratio was 51.1%. Overall survival and event-free survival rates of month 6, 12, 18, 24 were 68.6%, 55.8%, 53.8%, 46.4%, 21.3% and 57.9%, 38.6%, 33.3%, 31.6%, 0% respectively. The factors such as age<40 years, WBC<10.0x10(9)/L before chemotherapy, WBC in the period of bone marrow suppression<1.0x10(9)/L, chemotherapy within 1 month after occurrence of leukemia, blood transfusion before chemotherapy of APL had favourable influence on remission and survival rates of ANLL patients. CR1, the time to get CR, length of CR and relapse significantly correlated with prognosis (p<0.05). It is concluded that the individualized therapy concerning the risk factors should be applied to ANLL patients for improving the remission, survival rate and prognosis.

[Prognosis and related factors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

In order to analyze the prognosis and related factors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 53 newly diagnosed ALL patients were enrolled in this study. The therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of 53 cases of ALL were analyzed, the remission, relapse, overall survival and event-free survival were studied, and relation between different factors and prognosis of ALL were investigated by comparison of cases in same stage. The results showed that the complete remission was achieved in 36 out of 53 patients, the total remission rate was 67.9%, the total relapse rate was 37.7%, the median relapse duration was 6 months after remission. Median overall survival (OS) and median event-free survival (EFS) time were 4 and 1 months after remission respectively, OS and EFS rate of 18 month was 35.1% and 14.2%. The patients with different gender had significantly different EFS. Age was an independent risk factor of CR rate. White blood cell count and hemoglobin level of newly diagnosed patients were significantly correlated with OS and EFS. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at the end of the induction chemotherapy was an independent related factor of OS, the higher ANC, the lower risk of death. The patients with or without chemotherapy related infection had different relapse rate. The patients with bleeding after chemotherapy had lower OS when compared with those without bleeding. Serum glucose level was a significant negative prognostic factor. It is concluded that there is higher relapse rate, poor prognosis in adult ALL in comparison with children. In order to decrease the relapse rate and prolong the EFS, individual therapeutical regimens and prophylaxis of complicating diseases should be applied to ALL patients.

[Clinical trial of rectocele repair with longitudinal incision and transverse suture on the vaginal posterior wall].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of rectocele repair with longitudinal incision and transverse suture on the vaginal posterior wall. METHODS: One hundred and forty-six patients with rectocele were enrolled in our study from August 1999 to August 2003. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, and received traditional repair with longitudinal incision and longitudinal suture (control group, n=74) or repair with longitudinal incision and transverse suture on the vaginal posterior wall (study group, n=72). The efficacy and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the study group,only one case (1.4%) had no effect, and the total effective rate was 98.7%. The mean course of treatment was (11.0+/- 1.9) days. Only two cases (2.7%) had postoperative complication. In the control group, 8 cases (11.1%) had no effect, and the total effective rate was 88.9%. The mean course of treatment was (17.4+/- 1.6) days. Twenty-nine cases (40.3%) had postoperative complications. There were significant differences in the efficacy and complications between the two groups (both P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: The refined rectocele repair with longitudinal incision and transverse suture on the vaginal posterior wall has good efficacy with shorter curative period and less complications.