[Identification of oxidative stress-related biomarkers in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps using WGCNA combined with machine learning algorithms].

Objective: To identify diagnostic markers related to oxidative stress in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) by analyzing transcriptome sequencing data, and to investigate their roles in CRSwNP. Methods: Utilizing four CRSwNP sequencing datasets, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and three machine learning methods for Hub gene selection were performed in this study. Subsequent validation was carried out using external datasets, as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time qPCR), and immunofluorescence staining of clinical samples. Moreover, the diagnostic efficacy of the genes was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analysis, immune-related analysis, and cell population localization. Additionally, a competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network was constructed to predict potential drug targets. Statistical analysis and plotting were conducted using SPSS 26.0 and Graphpad Prism9 software. Results: Through data analysis and clinical validation, CP, SERPINF1 and GSTO2 were identified among 4 138 DEGs as oxidative stress markers related to CRSwNP. Specifically, the expression of CP and SERPINF1 increased in CRSwNP, whereas that of GSTO2 decreased, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Additionally, an area under the curve (AUC)>0.7 indicated their effectiveness as diagnostic indicators. Importantly, functional analysis indicated that these genes were mainly related to lipid metabolism, cell adhesion migration, and immunity. Single-cell data analysis revealed that SERPINF1 was mainly distributed in epithelial cells, stromal cells, and fibroblasts, while CP was primarily located in epithelial cells, and GSTO2 was minimally present in the epithelial cells and fibroblasts of nasal polyps. Consequently, a CeRNA regulatory network was constructed for the genes CP and GSTO2. This construction allowed for the prediction of potential drugs that could target CP. Conclusion: This study successfully identifies CP, SERPINF1 and GSTO2 as diagnostic and therapeutic markers related to oxidative stress in CRSwNP.

[Analysis for the breast cancer screening among urban population in Hebei province, 2018-2019].

From 2018 to 2019, 3 453 cases of high-risk population were screened by the Cancer Screening Program in Urban China (CanSPUC) in Hebei Province, with the age of (53.94±8.00). 147 and 686 cases of breast cancer positive and suspicious positive patients were found, with the positive rate and suspicious positive rate of 4.26% and 19.87% respectively. The suspicious positive rate of 45-49 years old age group was the highest (28.32%), and the positive rate of over 70 years old age group was the highest (7.32%). The positive detection rate of mammography combined with ultrasound was 5.16%, which was higher than that of ultrasound alone (2.46%) (χ²=30.28,P<0.001) or mammography alone (3.06%) (χ²=14.56,P<0.001).

Influence of Cilostazol on Changes in Cyclin D1 Expression in Cerebral Cortex of Rats with Chronic Cerebral Ischemia.

The influence of cilostazol on learning and memory, and cyclin D1 expression in the cerebral cortex of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia were investigated. A chronic cerebral ischemia model was established using the permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion method (2VO), learning and memory capacity was detected using the Morris water maze, and expression changes in apoptosis regulating gene cyclin D1 were tested by RT-PCR. Results of the Morris water maze indicated that significant extensions were found in the escape latent period and swimming path of rats in the ischemia group (2VO group), learning and memory results in the cilostazol group was obviously superior compared to the 2VO group (P<0.05), and the expression of cyclin D1 was observed to increase in both the ischemia and cilostazol intervention groups at the 9th week of ischemia. A significant difference was observed, compared with the sham operation group (P<0.05), the expression level decreased in the ischemia group compared with the cilostazol group, and a significant difference was identified compared with the ischemia group (P<0.05). Cilostazol can reduce nerve function impairment and improve learning and memory functions by affecting changes in apoptosis regulating genes.

MiR-888 promotes cell migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SMAD4.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of primary liver cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that dysfunction of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in human cancers. MicroRNA-888 (miR-888) has been reported to be upregulated in multiple cancers that have a high rate of metastasis. The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of miR-888 in HCC cell migration and invasion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were employed to measure the levels of miR-888 and SMAD4 in HCC tissues and cell lines. To analyse the tissues and cell lines' migratory and invasive abilities, Transwell assays were performed. To confirm that miR-888 regulates SMAD4 expression in HCC, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied. RESULTS: MiR-888 was upregulated, while SMAD4 was downregulated, in HCC tissues and cell lines, and miR-888 and SMAD4 mRNA levels had a negative correlation. MiR-888 promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro. SMAD4 was thus confirmed as a direct and functional target of miR-888, and it could partially reverse the function of miR-888. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-888 promoted cell migratory and invasive abilities and suppressed the expression of SMAD4 in HCC. The newly identified miR-888/SMAD4 axis provides novel insight into the progression of HCC and offers a promising target for HCC therapy.

Oltipraz attenuates the progression of heart failure in rats through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of oltipraz (OPZ) on isoproterenol-induced heart failure (HF) and heart function. We also explore the underlying molecular mechanism of OPZ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into four groups, including normal control group, isoproterenol (ISO) group, ISO +100 mg/kg OPZ group, and OPZ group. Hemodynamic parameters, such as left-ventricular systolic pressure, were statistically analyzed. Besides, plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant markers were assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, histopathological examination was applied to assess the degree of cardiac interstitial fibrosis. RESULTS: OPZ could statistically improve the hemodynamic parameters of the heart function, and could also obviously attenuate cardiac interstitial fibrosis in ISO-induced HF rats when compared with the ISO group. Besides, plasma level of BNP in ISO +100 mg/kg OPZ group dramatically decreased in comparison with that of ISO group. Moreover, compared with ISO group, OPZ treatment significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Moreover, OPZ treatment remarkably increased the levels of antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in ISO-induced HF rats. CONCLUSIONS: OPZ administration may provide experimental evidence for the possible effect of OPZ on isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats. Moreover, OPZ administration may have potential utility for the treatment of heart failure.

[Pediatric laryngeal clefts: an experience in the diagnosis and management of 13 cases].

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and management of laryngeal cleft. Method: The clinical data of 13 cases of laryngeal cleft treated between 2007 and 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. Results: The children with laryngeal cleft were classified according to the classification of Benjamin-Inglis, as type Ⅰ(11 cases), typeⅡ(1 case) and type Ⅲ(1 case). All patients were confirmed by microlaryngobronchoscopy under general anaesthetic. Eleven typeⅠ and 1 type Ⅱ clefts were managed conservatively, with which all type Ⅰ patients were successfully managed, while the type Ⅱ patient was resolved by surgical endoscopy. The type Ⅲ patient was treated by open repair but the results was poor. Conclusions: Patients who suffered with choking on feeding or recurrent aspiration pneumonia, especially coexisted with other congenital malformation, needed detailed evaluation for laryngeal cleft, although which was a rare congenital abnormality. Electronic laryngoscope could be the first step to screen the cleft, while microlaryngobronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of laryngeal cleft. The majority of children with lower type clefts can be managed conservatively. Surgical endoscopy has high success rate when strictly following the indication. Type Ⅲ and Ⅳ clefts have high mortality for usually combining with severe complications and abnormalities.

[Causes and management of pediatric spontaneous tonsillar haemorrhage].

Objective: To analyze the causes and management plan of pediatric spontaneous tonsillar haemorrhage(STH). Methods: According to the criteria of STH difined by Griffies, patients with STH from December 2013 to January 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Results: A total of 11 patients were reviewed. The etiological diagnosis included 3 pediatric Epstein-Barr virus associated infectious mononucleosis(EBV-IM), 3 suspected pediatric EBV-IM to 3 acute suppurative tonsillitis, 1 acute viral tonsillitis and 1 hemophilia A. The management strategies included antiviral, antibacteria, transfusion, surgical examination followed with bipolar coagulation hemostasis under general anesthesia. No patient treated with tosillectomy. Conclusions: STH is now a rare condition, the causes of which in child are more or less different from adult.This emergency can be treated in time if a detailed management plan for pediatric STH is formulated.

[Surveillance for HIV infection in MSM selected through respondent driven sampling in Beijing, 2005-2012].

Objective: To understand the HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and discuss the feasibility of respondent driven sampling (RDS) as a tool to conduct long term HIV surveillance in MSM in Beijing. Methods: From 2005 to 2012 RDS was used to recruit MSM for face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire to collect their demographic characteristics and HIV risk-related behavior. Blood samples were collected from them for HIV test. Results: A total of 427, 540, 607, 614, 616, 602, 579 and 600 MSM were surveyed, respectively, from 2005 to 2012. The HIV infection prevalence increased from 4.2%(95%CI: 1.9-7.0) in 2005 to 10.1% (95%CI: 7.2-13.2) in 2012 (P=0.02). Meanwhile, HIV prevalence substantially increased among MSM aged >25 years, in floating population and with lower education level (≤high school), from 6.4%(95%CI: 2.2-9.5), 3.3%(95%CI: 1.8-5.4) and 5.5% (95%CI: 2.2-8.9) in 2005 to 7.6% (95%CI: 5.4-10.3, P=0.04), 10.7% (95% CI: 7.8-14.6, P=0.04) and 10.4% (95% CI:7.2-14.3, P=0.04) in 2012, respectively. Moreover, the HIV infection prevalence in MSM aged ≤25 years old and with higher education level (>high school) increased from 1.7%(95%CI: 0.4-3.1) in 2009 and 1.1%(95%CI: 0.2-1.7) in 2007 to 13.7%(95%CI: 7.2-20.4) and 9.1%(95%CI: 4.7-13.8) in 2012, respectively, the differences were not significant. Furthermore, the HIV infection prevalence in MSM who had 2-9 male sex partners in the last six months increased from 4.0% (95% CI: 1.0-8.0) in 2005 to 12.6% (95% CI: 8.7-16.7) in 2012 (P=0.02). Conclusions: Studies have shown that RDS is an effective and feasible sampling method for long term HIV surveillance in MSM. The HIV infection prevalence in MSM in Beijing increased from 2005 to 2012, especially among those with older age, in floating population and with lower educational level. More attention should be paid to MSM with younger age and with higher educational level.

Curative effect of mechanical heart valve replacement and anticoagulant therapy after surgery.

This study was carried out to determine the curative effect of low-intensity anticoagulant therapy by observing the oral administration of warfarin (anticoagulant therapy) on patients who had undergone mechanical heart valve replacement (MHVR) surgery with subsequent anticoagulation complications. Fifty patients who underwent MHVR in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and 52 patients in the Cardiovascular Surgery of Daqing Oilfield General Hospital between January 2013 and January 2016 were selected (63 males and 39 females, ages 26-77 years). They took warfarin after treatment and were followed-up by means of outpatient review and telephone after leaving the hospital. The effect of warfarin and the occurrence of anticoagulation complications were analyzed. The operations lasted 230±106 min, extracorporeal circulation for 110±50 min and aorta occlusion for 82±23 min. During post-operation 3 patients developed skin purpura and one patient died. During follow-up we found 3 cases of anemia caused by excessive menstruation, 4 cases of hematuresis, 3 cases of peated epistaxis, 1 case of gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 case of cerebral hemorrhage, 1 case of embolism in the lower limbs and 1 case of cerebral infarction, although they all improved or were totally cured. Therefore, the incidence of complications can be reduced significantly by the correct administration of warfarin as well as timely monitoring of interference factors after MHVR.

[Genetic Polymorphisms of SNP Located in the 5' Region of VEGF Gene in Han Population in Guangdong].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genetic polymorphism of SNP located in the 5' region of the vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） gene in Han population in Guangdong and provide basic data for forensic application and population genetics research. METHODS: The genetic polymorphisms of 4 SNP loci （rs699947, rs1570360, rs833061, rs2010963） within 5' region of VEGF gene of 184 unrelated individuals in Han population in Guangdong were analyzed by DNA micro sequencing technology SNaPshot. The statistical analysis was carried out by PowerMarker v3.25 software. RESULTS: The genotype distributions of the 4 SNP loci within 5' region of VEGF gene of 184 unrelated individuals in Han population in Guangdong were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05） and 3 kinds of genotypes were detected from each loci. There was high linkage disequilibrium between the rs833061 and rs699947 SNP loci. Six haplotypes were observed, while the frequency of C-G-T-C, C-G-T-G, A-A-C-G and A-G-C-G were more than 10%, which were the main haplotypes. The discrimination probabilities （DP） of rs699947, rs833061, and rs2010963 loci were between 0.583 and 0.634, with the power of exclusion （PE） between 0.133 and 0.144. The DP and PE of haplotypes of 4 SNP were 0.868 and 0.438, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are great polymorphisms in the 5' region of VEGF gene in Han population in Guangdong, which could be used as genetic indexes for individual identification and paternity testing, as well as association analysis of the related diseases.

Relative bioavailability of iron proteinate for broilers fed a casein-dextrose diet.

An experiment was carried out to determine the bioavailability of organic Fe as Fe proteinate (Alltech, Nicholasville, KY) relative to inorganic Fe source (FeSO4•7H2O) for broiler chicks fed a casein-dextrose diet. A total of 448 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 8 replicate cages (8 chicks per cage) for each of 7 treatments in a completely randomized design involving a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 Fe sources (Fe proteinate and Fe sulfate) and 3 levels of added Fe (10, 20, or 40 mg of Fe/kg) plus a Fe-unsupplemented control diet containing 4.56 mg of Fe/kg by analysis. Feed and distilled-deionized water were available ad libitum for an experimental phase of 14 d. At 14 d of age, blood samples were collected for testing hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit, and calculating total body Hb Fe, whereas liver and kidney samples were excised for Fe analyses. The results showed that ADG, ADFI, blood Hb, hematocrit, and total body Hb Fe and Fe concentrations in liver and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.0001), whereas mortality decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) as dietary Fe level increased. However, only blood Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe differed (P < 0.004) between the 2 Fe sources. Based on slope ratios from the multiple linear regression of Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe on daily intake of analyzed dietary Fe, the bioavailability of Fe proteinate relative to FeSO4•7H2O (100%) was 117 and 114%, respectively (P < 0.009). The results indicated that blood Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe were sensitive indices in reflecting differences in bioavailability among different Fe sources, and Fe proteinate was significantly more available to broilers than inorganic Fe sulfate in enhancing Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe.

Photochemically crosslinked collagen annulus plug: a potential solution solving the leakage problem of cell-based therapies for disc degeneration.

Intra-disc injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat disc degeneration may lead to unfavorable complications, particularly osteophyte formation. Development of an effective method to block the injection portal, prevent the leakage of injected cells and materials and, hence, prevent osteophyte formation is of the utmost importance before MSC-based therapies can be applied in a clinical setting. Here we seek to alleviate the cell leakage problem and the associated complication osteophyte formation by developing an injectable annulus plug to block the injection portal during intra-disc delivery. Specifically, we fabricated a needle-shaped collagen plug by photochemical crosslinking and successfully delivered it intra-discally, in association with MSCs in collagen microsphere carriers, using a custom-made delivery device. The mechanical performance of the plug and its effectiveness in reducing cell leakage were evaluated ex vivo under compression and in torsion push-out tests. The results demonstrate that the plug survived physiologically relevant loadings and significantly reduced leakage and enhanced retention of the injected materials. Finally, a pilot in vivo study in rabbits was conducted to evaluate the performance of the plug. Microcomputed tomography imaging and histology revealed that the plug significantly reduced osteophyte formation. This work suggests the potential of the annulus plug as an adjunct or annulus closure device for intra-disc delivery of cells and materials.

CT-guided percutaneous chemoablation using an ethanol-ethiodol-doxorubicin emulsion for the treatment of metastatic lymph node carcinoma: a comparative study.

Current therapies for metastatic lymph node (LN) are a major burden on health-care systems. Alternative such as percutaneous chemoablation using interstitial injection of ethanol or ethanol-ethiodol-drug(s) mixture (EEM) has been successfully applied to solid tumor ablation of the liver, adrenal glands, lymph nodes and others. However, EEM chemoablation efficacy on two most frequent clinical lymph node presentation, isolated or confluent, has not yet been determined. This study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of CT-guided percutaneous EEM injection (PEEMI) on patients presenting with single or multiple confluent metastatic LN localizations from various carcinoma. Thirty six patients with metastatic LN carcinoma at various anatomical regions were enrolled from 2009 to 2010 over a nine month period. They were separated into two groups: group A includes 24 single isolated metastatic lymph nodes and group B includes 12 multiple and confluent nodes. The primary end point was the ablative efficacy of PEEMI. The intratumoral (IT) EEM distribution and the occurrence of reflux were recorded. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy was administered after the procedure. Contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed during procedure and follow-up. Six patients were tested for Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) fixation before and after the procedure. For group A the EEM IT distribution-to-tumor ratio was 100% vs. 50% to 80% for group B (t = 11.5, p < 0.05). The reflux frequency was 80% for group A versus 30% for group B. For group A, a complete response (CR) rates of 45.8%, 70.8%, 91.7% and a partial response (PR) rates of 54.2%, 29.2%, 8.3% were obtained at 3, 6 and 12 months after therapy. Regarding group B, a CR rate of 0%, 0%, 0% and PR rate of 16.7%, 50%, 58.3% were observed at similar period of time. Standardized rate by direct method was performed and the CR rate (74.5%) for group A was higher than for group B. The tumor FDG uptake was lower 6 months after PEEMII compared with the preoperative images. Five patients presenting with concomitant lung metastasis, had a good local response-node size reduction on postoperative CT scanning, but no response on lung nodules that were progressing. No serious adverse events were observed. A few patients had mild pain during the procedure, which resolved with peritumor injection of local anesthetic. No needle tract seeding or infection occurred. CT-guided PEEMI treatment is a simple, fast and predictable procedure that has better effectiveness on single, well circumscribed metastatic lymph node than on multiple and confluent ones. Technical improvements are expected to bring better results on large nodes that should be confirmed on larger group of patients.

CXCL12 G801A polymorphism contributes to cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis.

CXCL12 is an important alpha-chemokine that regulates many essential biological processes including tumor development and metastasis. The CXCL12 G801A polymorphism is associated with multiple kinds of malignant cancer, but the associations are inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we conducted a meta-analysis of 16 publications with 2,888 cases and 3,611 controls. We used the odds ratio (OR) corresponding to 95% confidence interval (CI) to estimate the strength of association. The increased risk of overall cancer was found in the homozygote comparison (AA vs. GG, OR=1.43, 95℅CI=1.07-1.91), the recessive model (AA vs. GG+GA, OR=1.26, 95℅CI=1.03-1.54), and the dominant model (GA+AA vs. GG, OR=1.35, 95℅CI=1.15-1.58). In the stratified analyses, the associations were significant in breast cancer, Asians and hospital-based controls. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the CXCL12 G801A polymorphism may be a risk factor of cancer, especially in the subgroups of breast cancer, Asians and hospital-based controls.

Gender disparities in dietary status and its risk factors in underserved populations.

OBJECTIVES: To examine dietary status and its risk factors among adults aged 40-74 years at high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in an economically and medically underserved population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey in 2007. METHODS: A survey was conducted among a random sample (n = 1844) nested in a screening cohort of a rural population in Jiashan County, China. Information about diet, family history of CRC and other factors was collected by questionnaire. The primary outcome was dietary status, assessed by consumption (servings/week) of plant-based food and unhealthy food. Linear or multinomial logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors for dietary status. RESULTS: On average, individuals with a family history of CRC ate 2.25 fewer servings of plant-based food each week compared with individuals without a family history of CRC. Individuals who smoked and drank alcohol ate less plant-based food. After stratification by gender, there were multiple determinants for consumption of plant-based food for men, including family history of CRC, smoking, alcohol consumption and income. For women, the only association was found for income. Consumption of unhealthy food was positively associated with high income and high body mass index. Determinants for an unhealthy diet were the same in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: There are gender disparities in the consumption of plant-based food and the risk factors for CRC in medically and economically underserved populations. Men's insufficient consumption of plant-based food and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and drinking, may explain, in part, why men have a higher risk of CRC than women.