[Implement of mixed reality navigation based on multimodal imaging in the resection of intracranial eloquent lesions].

Objective: To examine the clinical feasibility of mixed reality navigation (MRN) technology based on multimodal imaging for the resection of intracranial eloquent lesions. Methods: Fifteen patients with intracranial eloquent lesions admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, the First Medical Center, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. There were 7 males and 8 females, aged (50±16) years (range: 16 to 70 years). Postoperative pathological diagnosis included meningioma (n=7), metastatic carcinoma (n=3), cavernous hemangioma, glioma, ependymoma, aneurysmal changes and lymphoma (n=1, respectively). The open-source software was used to perform the three-dimensional visualization of preoperative images, and the self-developed MRN system was used to perform the fusion and interaction of multimodal images, so as to formulate the surgical plan and avoid damaging the eloquent white matter fiber tracts. Traditional navigation, intraoperative ultrasound and fluorescein sodium angiography were used to determine the extent of lesion resection. The intraoperative conditions of MRN-assisted surgery were analyzed, and the setup time and localization error of MRN system were measured. The changes of postoperative neurological function were recorded. Results: MRN based on multimodal imaging was achieved in all patients. The MRN system setup time (M(IQR)) was 36 (12) minutes (range: 20 to 44 minutes), and the localization error was 3.2 (2.0) mm (range: 2.6 to 6.7 mm). The reliability of eloquent white matter fiber tracts localization based on MRN was rated as "excellent" in 11 cases, "medium" in 3 cases, and "poor" in 1 case. There were no perioperative death and no new impairment in motor, language, or visual functions after operation. Transient limb numbness occurred in 1 patient after operation, and recovered to the preoperative state in 2 weeks after operation. Conclusion: The MRN system based on multimodal imaging can improve the surgical accuracy and safety, and reduce the incidence of iatrogenic neurological dysfunction.

[Application study of stool-based methylated SDC2 test in the screening of colorectal neoplasms for physical examination population].

Objective: To investigate the value of stool-based methylated SDC2 test in physical examination population for the screening of colorectal neoplasms. Methods: Using the prospective cohort study method, from December 2020 to November 2021, 2 107 participants from the First People's Hospital of Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province were enrolled, consisted of 1 012 males and 1 094 females, aged 20-90 years with the median age of 49 years old. Fresh stool samples were collected and SDC2 DNA methylation tests were carried out as the primary screening method. The participants with positive results were recommended to undergo colonoscopy, and those who were negative were followed up by telephone. The positive rate of screening, the compliance of colonoscopy, and the detection of colorectal lesions were analyzed by chi-square test. Combined the follow-up results of negative subjects, the value of SDC2 DNA methylation test for the screening of colorectal neoplasms was evaluated. Results: Among the 2 107 participants, 2 106 completed the SDC2 methylation test. 113 participants (5.4%) were positive. The positive rate of primary screening increased with age significantly (χ2=32.135, P<0.001). Out of 113 cases, 72 (63.7%) underwent colonoscopy examinations. Finally, 3 (4.2%) cases of colorectal cancer, 12 (16.7%) cases of advanced adenoma, 31 (43.1%) cases of non-advanced adenoma, and 16 (22.2%) cases of non-adenomatous polyp were detected. The positive predictive value (PPV) of stool-based SDC2 DNA methylation test for intestinal lesions and colorectal neoplasms were 86.1% and 63.9%, respectively. Among the 1 374 follow-up participants, the negative predictive value (NPV) of this test for intestinal lesions and colorectal neoplasms were 97.7% and 99.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Primary stool-based SDC2 DNA methylation test and subsequent colonoscopy examination can effectively find colorectal neoplasms. This strategy may be a potential tool for the screening of colorectal neoplasms in general risk population.

[Advances in Hippo signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common cancer that develops from oral epithelial cells, it has a high incidence, mortality and teratogenic rate, which poses a serious threat to people's life and health.The Hippo signaling pathway plays a key role in tumorigenesis, regulation of stem cell homeostasis, tissue regeneration, and organ size control. In OSCC, activation of Hippo signaling pathway can inhibit malignant biological behavior, epithelial mesenchymal transformation and distant metastasis of tumors, and improve the survival rate of patients. Considering the importance of the Hippo signaling pathway in the development of cancer, this paper summarized the composition and regulatory mechanism of Hippo pathway, elaborated the role of Hippo signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of OSCC.At the same time, make a simple generalization about the potential therapeutic approaches and strategies to reduce the risk of drug resistance for OSCC patients targeting this pathway.

[Correlation between hypertension label and self-rated health in adult residents in China].

Objective: To study the correlation between hypertension label and self-rated health (SRH) in adults aged ≥18 years in China. Methods: Data were from 2013 Chronic Non-communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance Project. The project collected the information through multi stage stratified cluster sampling, face-to-face questionnaire survey and on-site body measurement. The SRH status of the adults was inquired according to the recommendation of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in the United States. Blood pressure measurement was performed by using OMRON HBP-1300 electronic sphygmomanometer. Surveymeans and surveyfreq processes were used to describe the general characteristics of the sample population. The cumulative odds logit model was implemented by the processes of surveylogistic to analyze the association between hypertension label and self-rated health in adults in China. Results: A total of 173 008 subjects were included in this study. Hypertension was associated with poorer SRH (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.22-1.35, P<0.001), but this association was eliminated by adjustment for hypertension label (P=0.670). Hypertension label was associated with poorer SRH (OR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.96-2.23, P<0.001) and the association was still significant even after adjusting for actual hypertension status (OR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.94-2.23, P<0.001). In hypertension group, those with hypertension label had poorer SRH than those without hypertension label (OR=2.18, 95%CI: 2.02-2.36, P<0.001). In normal blood pressure group, those with hypertension label had poorer SRH than those without hypertension label (OR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.64-2.18, P<0.001). Men's SRH was more sensitive to hypertension label, especially in hypertension group (OR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.98-2.45, P<0.001). The results were all adjusted for demographic factors, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity and chronic diseases. Conclusions: Hypertension label is associated with self-rated health independently in adults in China. The diagnosis of hypertension should strictly follow the latest guidelines.

MiRNA-200a-3p suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer through targeting IRS2.

OBJECTIVE: To uncover the biological role of microRNA-200a-3p (miRNA-200a-3p) in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of miRNA-200a-3p and IRS2 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were examined through quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between the miRNA-200a-3p level and pathological characteristics of NSCLC patients was analyzed. The prognostic value of miRNA-200a-3p in NSCLC was assessed through the Kaplan-Meier method. The potential interaction between miRNA-200a-3p and IRS2 was explored through Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay and Spearman correlation test. The regulatory effects of miRNA-200a-3p/IRS2 on the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of NSCLC were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and the transwell assay. The protein levels of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes in NSCLC cells influenced by miRNA-200a-3p were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: MiRNA-200a-3p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The expression level of miRNA-200a-3p was related to tumor size, TNM staging, and lymphatic metastasis of NSCLC. The low level of miRNA-200a-3p predicted worse prognosis in NSCLC patients. The overexpression of miRNA-200a-3p inhibited A549 cells from proliferating, migrating, and invading. The protein levels of E-cadherin were upregulated, while N-cadherin and Vimentin were downregulated in A549 cells overexpressing miRNA-200a-3p. The Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay verified the binding between miRNA-200a-3p and IRS2. The level of IRS2 was negatively regulated by miRNA-200a-3p. Moreover, the overexpression of IRS2 could reverse the regulatory role of miRNA-200a-3p in the cellular behaviors of A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS: MiRNA-200a-3p suppresses the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of NSCLC by targeting IRS2, thus alleviating the progression of NSCLC.

Does the use of monopolar energy as the preferred mode of dissection effectively reduce seroma formation in laparoscopic total extra peritoneal hernioplasty? A prospective double-blinded randomized control trial.

INTRODUCTION: Seroma is a commonly encountered sequela after hernia repair. Tremendous effort has been spent to investigate the effective way to prevent this "complication" including the modification of surgical technique, use of per-peritoneal drainage, etc. There were debates about the use of monopolar diathermy versus blunt dissection in laparoscopic TEP in the prevention of seroma formation. This randomized study aims to compare the effects of using 2 techniques in laparoscopic TEP on pre-peritoneal drain output and seroma formation. METHOD: From 1.9.2018 to 30.9.2019, all male and female patients presented with the first occurrence, unilateral inguinal hernia anticipated for laparoscopic TEP were enrolled into the study after informed consent. Patients were randomized into "monopolar dissection preferred" (MDP) group and "blunt dissection-preferred" (BDP) group just before commencing of operation after general anesthesia. Surgeons were instructed to use monopolar energy as main dissection method for the whole operation if possible (MDP), whereas blunt dissection is the preferred choice in BDP group, but the use of monopolar energy was allowed if needed. Total energy time was measured by a specially designed homemade device attaching to the monopolar pedals as accurate as to millisecond (ms). Pre-peritoneal drains were inserted for drainage and removed 23 h after operation. Drainage output, total operating time, energy time, clinical and ultrasonic seroma sizes at day 1, day 6, 1-month post operations, recurrence are compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients where included. There was no significant difference in age, gender, co-morbidities, side of hernia, mean defect size, operating time, fixation adjuncts, or postoperative stay. The drain volume in BDP group is 71.13 ± 31.42 mL while it in MDP group is 56.36 ± 21.46 mL. The MDP group had significantly fewer drain output at 23 h post operation (p = 0.007) and lower seroma incidence on days 6 (p = 0.036). Overall incidence of seroma formation was 12% on postoperative day 1, 11% on postoperative day 7. No statistically differences in postoperative pain score or complications were observed at the first week, 1- and 3-months' post operation. There was no correlation with energy time to the drain output. No recurrence was found in subsequent follow-up. CONCLUSION: Pre-peritoneal drainage is clinically safe in laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal hernioplasty and can effectively reduce the size and incidence of seroma. The seroma formation can be further reduced by appropriate use of monopolar energy as preferred dissection approach in lap TEP. Due to limitation in measuring the actual energy time, the result should be further validated by randomized multi-centers trial on its potential benefit in hernia repair by a more accurate measuring device on energy used.

[The disease burden of pancreatic cancer in China in 1990 and 2017].

Objective: To analyze the disease burden of pancreatic cancer in China in 1990 and 2017. Methods: Province-specific data in China from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017 were used to describe the change of death status, disease burden of pancreatic cancer in Chinese population by specific province and age groups, including incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), years of life lost (YLL) due to premature mortality and years lived with disability (YLD) in 1990 and 2017. Meanwhile the incidence, mortality, DALY rate, YLL rate, YLD rate were standardized by the GBD global standard population in 2017. Results: In 2017, the new cases of pancreatic cancer, incidence and age-standardized incidence accounted for 83.6 thousand, 5.92/100 000 and 4.37/100 000 in China, with an increase of 230.94%, 180.45% and 49.88% compared with 1990, respectively. The total number of deaths, mortality and age-standardized mortality appeared as 85.1 thousand, 6.02/100 000, 4.48/100 000, with an increase of 236.08%, 184.80% and 47.51% respectively. The incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer increased with age and accelerated from the age of 55 to 59 both in 1990 and 2017. The highest incidence and mortality showed in 85-89 years old in 2017 and in 90-94 years old in 1990. The standardized DALY rate of pancreatic cancer increased from 71.00/100 000 in 1990 to 94.32/100 000 in 2017, increased by 32.84%. The standardized YLL rate increased from 70.39/100 000 to 93.42/100 000, increased by 32.72%. The standardized YLD rate increased from 0.62/100 000 to 0.90/100 000, increased by 45.80%. In terms of age distribution, DALY rate, YLL rate and YLD rate of pancreatic cancer basically showed an increasing trend with age in 1990 and 2017. In 2017, Jiangsu (7.61/100 000), Shanghai (7.52/100 000) and Liaoning (6.84/100 000) ranked the top three provinces in terms of standardized mortality. Compared with 1990, Henan (104.28%), Sichuan (94.02%) and Hebei (90.39%) saw the fastest increase in standardized mortality. Conclusions: The incidence, mortality and disease burden of pancreatic cancer in China increased significantly from 1990 to 2017. Prevention and control measures should be strengthened to reduce the disease burden of pancreatic cancer.

Screening of parathyroid gland by high frequency ultrasound and the relationship between recurrent urinary calculi and primary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the value of high frequency ultrasound in the clinical screening of parathyroid gland, and to summarize the intrinsic relationship between primary hyperparathyroidism and recurrent urinary calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 98 cases of urinary calculi were randomly selected, and the patients were admitted to our hospital from March 2014 to August 2017. A total of 100 healthy subjects were selected as group B in the same period. High frequency color Doppler ultrasonography scan recorded the results. RESULTS: Among the subjects in group A, 67 (68.37%) showed parathyroid gland, 14 cases (14.29%) had tumor mass in the parathyroid system, 40 cases more than those in group B (40.00%) and 2 cases (2.00%), (p <0.05). There were 10 cases (10.20%) of primary hyperparathyroidism in group A and no cases of primary hyperparathyroidism in group B (p < 0.05). The occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism was 26.92% (7/26) in the number of cases, with 3 and more cases of urinary calculi, which was higher than that in the first recurrent cases (3/72), (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: One of the key causes of recurrent episodes of urinary calculi is primary hyperparathyroidism, which can be applied to high frequency ultrasonography to develop professional screening of parathyroid gland in cases of urinary calculi.

[MicroRNA-138 regulates cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance phenotype by targeting SGTA in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].

Objective: To analyze the effects of miR-138 on the expression of small glutamine-rich TPR-containing protein A (SGTA) and cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) phenotype in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: The adhesion model was constructed using fibronectin (FN) or bone marrow stromal cells HS-5. The effect of miR-138 on the expression of SGTA was analyzed by Western blotting and RQ-PCR. Dual-luciferase assays were performed to probe the effects of miR-138 on SGTA 3' UTR activities. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of miR-138 on cell cycle, adhesion ability and CAM-DR. Moreover, the correlation between miR-138 expression and therapeutic response was analyzed in 35 paraffin-embedded diffuse large B cell lymphoma samples. Results: Our data showed that adhesion of NHL cells to FN or HS-5 cells significantly increased miR-138 expression (P<0.05). Knockdown of miR-138 markedly increased the protein (all P<0.05) but not for mRNA (all P>0.05) levels of SGTA in NHL cell. The luciferase activity of SGTA 3' UTR was significantly suppressed by miR-138 transfected cells (0.73±0.03 vs 1.00±0.02, t=0.914, P=0.002). No change in terms of reporter activity was observed in SGTA 3'UTR mutant transfected cells (0.93±0.04 vs 1.00±0.02, t=1.375, P=0.241). Also we found that ectopic expression of miR-138 significantly induced cell cycle arrest at G(1) phase in both suspension and adherent cells (all P<0.05). Knockdown of miR-138 had no effect on cell adhesion ability (all P>0.05). More importantly, in suspension cells, knockdown of miR-138 significantly decreased the percentage of doxorubicin-induced cell death. However, knockdown of miR-138 dramatically increased the percentage of doxorubicin-induced cell death in FN/HS-5-adherent cells. Furthermore, the miR-138 expression was significantly higher in patients with progression of disease/stable disease than those experiencing complete response/partial response (9.72±1.11 vs 3.06±0.22, t=9.144, P<0.001). Conclusion: MiR-138 promoted CAM-DR phenotype through cell adhesion-mediated SGTA down-regulation and cell cycle arrest.

[Ryan index for detection of laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases].

Objective: To explore the utility of pharyngeal pH monitoring which positive standard is Ryan index in diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Methods: In a retrospective study, clinical data of 590 patients who had symptoms laryngopharyngeal reflux disease from February 2016 to March 2017 were analyzed. All patients were received electronic laryngoscopy, assessment of reflux symptom index(RSI) and reflux finding score(RFS), and pharyngeal pH monitoring. SPSS 19.0 software was used to analyze the date. Results: There were 94 patients whose Ryan index were positive(15.93%). Among the 94 patients, 70 were positive during upright, 12 during supine and 12 during both upright and supine. There were 40 patients(6.78%)with pH decline events related to symptoms, while those Ryan index were normal. There were 536(90.85%), 417(70.68%), 233(39.49%) and 117(19.83%) patients with pH<6.5, pH<6.0, pH<5.5 and pH<5.0 events respectively. The positive rate of RSI, RFS, RSI and RFS, RSI or RFS were 44.24%, 16.78%, 7.12%, 53.90% respectively. The RFS score in Ryan index positive group was higher than that in Ryan index negative group[(8.2±2.4) vs (4.0±2.9), u=5.424, P<0.05], while the RSI score in Ryan index positive group was not statistically different from that in Ryan index negative group[(11.3±6.2) vs (12.7±5.8), t=1.247, P=0.167]. Conclusions: Pharyngeal pH monitoring is an objective and non-invasive method which can reflect laryngopharyngeal reflux directly. However, with the Ryan index as a criterion for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, partial patients may be missed. Further studies are needed to obtain more accurate and objective laryngopharyngeal pH statistical index for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

miR-590-3p promotes colon cancer cell proliferation via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway by inhibiting WIF1 and DKK1.

OBJECTIVE: Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of gastrointestinal tumor. Despite progressive treatments, the patient prognosis has not been improved effectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of miRNA and mRNA were tested by Realtime PCR. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell spheroid formation was determined by colony assay. Wnt signaling pathway activity was evaluated by TOP/FOP ratio. Protein expression was tested using Western blot. ß-catenin binding ability was detected by ChIP assay. miRNA target gene was confirmed by luciferase assay. RESULTS: miR-590-3p was found to be overexpressed in both glioma tissues and cell lines. miR-590-3p is upregulated in colon cancer cells and tissues compared to non-tumorigenic colon cells and normal colon tissues. miR-590-3p positively regulated cell proliferation, spheroid formation, and cell cycle in LS174T cells. Conversely, inhibition of miR-590-3p reduced these effects. We confirmed that WIF1 and DKK1 are targets of miR-590-3p. Overexpression of miR-590-3p promoted TOP flash luciferase activity, enhanced nuclear ß-catenin levels and increased target genes expression of Wnt signaling pathway. The results indicated that miR-590-3p activates the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that miR-590-3p regulates colon cancer progression via WIF1 and DKK1, which suggests that miR-590-3p may be a promising candidate for therapeutic applications in colon cancer treatment.

Kaempferol inhibited VEGF and PGF expression and in vitro angiogenesis of HRECs under diabetic-like environment.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common and specific microvascular complications of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of kaempferol and explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. The mRNA expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PGF) and the concentrations of secreted VEGF and PGF were measured by qTR-PCR and ELISA assay, respectively. Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) proliferation, migration, and sprouting were measured by CCK-8 and transwell, scratching wound, and tube formation assays, respectively. Protein levels were determined by western blot. High glucose (25 mM) increased the mRNA expression levels of VEGF and PGF as well as the concentrations of secreted VEGF and PGF in HRECs, which can be antagonized by kaempferol (25 µM). Kaempferol (5-25 µM) significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, migration distance and sprouting of HRECs under high glucose condition. The anti-angiogenic effect of kaempferol was mediated via downregulating the expression of PI3K and inhibiting the activation of Erk1/2, Src, and Akt1. This study indicates that kaempferol suppressed angiogenesis of HRECs via targeting VEGF and PGF to inhibit the activation of Src-Akt1-Erk1/2 signaling pathway. The results suggest that kaempferol may be a potential drug for better management of DR.

[Prevalence of hearing disorders in China: a population-based survey in four provinces of China].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, severity of hearing disorders and demographics of people with hearing disorders based on the whole population in Jilin, Guangdong, Shannxi and Gansu provinces in China. Methods: According to " WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol" , 144 clusters were chosen with probability proportional sampling(PPS) method from the four provinces covering 194, 688, 061 residents. Audiological test, otological examination and questionnaire surveying were conducted for all samples from August, 2014 to September, 2015. The hearing disorders were classified according to WHO criteria and classification. Results: Among 47 511 targeted residents, 45, 052 individuals (94.82% response rate) participated in the survey. The standardized prevalence rates of hearing disorders and disabling hearing disorders were 15.84 % and 5.17 % respectively. Almost 50% of people with hearing disorders had no awareness of it or its starting time. There was significant difference in the prevalence among people of different ages, genders, occupations, provinces, marital status and education levels. The prevalence of hearing disorders increased significantly as age grew. People above 60 years old occupied 55.31% of the total hearing disorders. The prevalence of hearing disorders among male, people of low education and those who lost husband or wife, as well as workers and farmers was relatively higher. Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing disorders is high, and hearing disorders are " invisible" . Demographics and socioeconomic factors significantly influence the prevalence of hearing disorders.

[The impact of cigarette cessation intervention on mental state of patients with coronary heart disease].

Objective: This study was designed to observe the impact of cigarette cessation on anxiety and depression in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 690 cigarette smoking patients with CHD identified by coronary angiography (CAG) were included and analyzed in the study.The mental state were scored with Hamilton anxiety (HAMA) and depression (HAMD) scale both on admission and at 6-month follow-up.The patients were divided into two groups based on the cigarette cessation.The score of mental state between the two groups were compared.The patients were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or medicine therapy (MT). Results: The clinic data and score of mental state were similar at the time of admission (HAMA: 10.66±5.53 vs 11.09±5.61, P=0.311; HAMD: 29.81±10.13 vs 28.94±10.22, P=0.266 4) between the two groups.After 6 months, the proportions of subjects in smoking cession group with anxiety (24.2% vs 32.3%, P<0.05), depression (18.0% vs 27.5%, P<0.05), and anxiety and depression (7.0% vs 16.2%, P<0.001) decreased significantly compared with those in smoking group irrespective of the treatment strategy.Both the HAMA and HAMD scores were lower in smoking cessation group (HAMA: 9.83±3.40; HAMD: 24.91±7.90) than in smoking group (HAMA: 10.98±4.87; HAMD: 27.70±11.16) (all P<0.001). Conclusions: Smoking cessation is good for the relief of anxiety and depression in CHD patient.

Microarray analysis of microRNA deregulation and angiogenesis-related proteins in endometriosis.

We examined the aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression profile responsible for the changes in angiogenesis observed in endometriotic lesions. This study revealed characteristic miRNA expression profiles associated with endometriosis in endometrial tissue and endometriotic lesions from the same patient, and their correlation with the most important angiogenic and fibrinolytic factors. miRNA expression was quantified using a microRNA array and reverse-transcription microRNA polymerase chain reaction. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (EGFR2), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The endometrial tissue showed significantly lower levels of miR-200b, miR-15a-5p, miR-19b-1-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-200c, and higher levels of miR-16-5p, miR-106b-5p, and miR-145-5p. VEGFA was significantly upregulated, whereas EGFR2, PTEN, and CXCR4 were markedly downregulated, in the endometriotic tissues compared to that in the normal endometrial tissues. In conclusion, differences in the miRNA levels could modulate the expression of VEGFA, EGFR2, PTEN, and CXCR4, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The higher angiogenic and proteolytic activities observed in the eutopic endometrium might facilitate the implantation of endometrial cells at ectopic sites.

The FIB-4 score predicts postoperative short-term outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma fulfilling the milan criteria.

BACKGROUND: The fibrosis score 4 (FIB-4) score is a useful tool to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are well-known predictors of postoperative complications after hepatectomy. This study examined the impact of FIB-4 on postoperative short-term outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Three hundred and fifty patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC between 2008 and 2013 were enrolled. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff value of the FIB-4. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors. The correlation of the preoperative FIB-4 value with clinicopathological parameters was examined. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were observed in 202 (57.7%) patients. The optimal cutoff value of the FIB-4 was set at 2.88 and 3.85 for postoperative complications and intraoperative blood loss respectively. It was also an independent prognostic factor for postoperative complications (hazard ratio [HR], 1.202; 95% CI, 1.076-1.344; P = 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (HR, 1.196; 95% CI, 1.091-1.343; P < 0.001) by multivariate analysis. The FIB-4 was significantly correlated with age, liver function, coagulation function, blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative FIB-4 is a useful index to predict postoperative outcomes in patients with HCC. The FIB-4 should be assessed routinely for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Role of pericytes in angiogenesis: focus on cancer angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy.

Pericytes, a kind of mural cells for microcirculation, are critical for vascular development and function. Although current studies indicate that PDGF/PDGFR-ß, Ang/Tie2, TGF-ß involve in the regulation of pericytes recruitment, the mechanisms governing pericytes migration and regulating angiogenesis, especially in cancers, have not been fully clear. Many evidences have showed that cancer vessels are characterized by abnormal pericyte coverage and altered pericytes-endothelial cells interactions, which contribute to the metastasis and progress of cancers. Therefore pericyte-targeting tend to be a promising anticancer therapy. Here we discuss the roles of pericytes in vasculatures and the effects of pericyte-targeting in anticancer treatment.

Aerosol synthesis of phase-controlled iron-graphene nanohybrids through FeOOH nanorod intermediates.

Iron-based nanoparticles form the basis for a host of sustainable alternative technologies based on this earth-abundant, low-toxicity element that can adopt a variety of oxidation states, crystal phases, and functions. Control of size, shape, and phase stability is a challenge for many nano-iron-based technologies, especially those involving Fe0 that is susceptible to oxidation under ambient conditions. This article presents a continuous method for hybridizing Fe-based nanoparticles with carbon in the form of graphene-encapsulated Fe-based particles with core-shell symmetry that allows flexible control of iron particle size, shape, and phase stability. The method uses FeOOH nanorods and graphene oxide as precursors, and subjects them to an aerosol-phase microdroplet drying and annealing process to yield a range of Fe/C nanohybrids whose structure can be controlled through adjustment of aerosol process temperature and post-synthesis thermal treatment conditions. We demonstrate that FeOOH nanorods can be successfully encapsulated in graphene, and transform during annealing into encapsulated Fe3O4 or Fe0 nanoparticles by reductive fragmentation, where the graphene nanosack acts as a carbothermic reductant. The hybrids are characterized by vibrating sample magnetometry and Cr(VI) reduction rates in aqueous media. The Fe0-graphene hybrids show high activity, good stability, and good recyclability in aqueous Cr(VI) removal due to the effect of graphene encapsulation. The present work suggests this rapid and continuous synthesis method can produce stable Fe-based materials, and can be extended to other metal systems, where graphene encapsulation can induce in situ reduction of metal oxide precursors into zero-valent metal-graphene hybrids.

Ultrasound Findings of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm in Bile Duct and the Added Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To investigate the imaging features of intraductal papillary neoplasm in bile duct (IPNB) on baseline ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging features on baseline ultrasound and CEUS in 16 pathologically proven IPNB lesions in 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Real-time contrast specific modes and contrast agent of SonoVue were used for CEUS. RESULTS: Bile duct dilation was present in all patients. The mean lengths for the intraductal papillary adenomas and adenocarcinomas were 2.5 ± 1.1 (range, 1.2 - 4.2 cm) and 5.6 ±â€Š2.0 cm (range, 3.3 - 9.8 cm) (P = 0.004). Three imaging types of IPNB on ultrasound were depicted: bile duct dilation with intraductal mass (n = 8), bile duct dilation without intraductal mass (n = 3), and cystic-solid mixed type (n = 5). On CEUS, solid components of 13 lesions appeared hyper- (n = 12) or iso-enhancement (n = 1) in the arterial phase whereas all showed hypo-enhancement in the portal and late phases. For 3 lesions of bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, CEUS showed non-enhancement during all phases. Pre-surgical CEUS and conventional ultrasound made correct diagnoses in 12 (75.0 %) and 5(31.3 %) of 16 IPNBs respectively (P = 0.04). For CECT, correct diagnosis was also achieved in 12 (75.0 %) of 16 lesions (P = 1.00, in comparison with CEUS). CONCLUSIONS: IPNB should be taken into consideration when intraductal mass or cystic-solid mass with bile duct dilation, or remarkable bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, are found on US. Intraductal mass length > 3.0 cm is more commonly found in malignant IPNB. CEUS might facilitate the diagnosis of IPNB by easily excluding the possibility of commonly found sludge, nonshadowing stones, or blood clots.