[Deep neck space infections: a retrospective cohort study of surgical risk factors].

Objective: To explore risk factors affecting treatment for deep neck space infections (DNSIs) so as to provide guidance for appropriate early managements. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on inpatients with DNSIs admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from March 2013 to February 2021. Patients were divided into surgical and non-surgical groups based on whether they had surgery or not. Information collected included demographic data, disease-related signs and symptoms, treatment history, systemic comorbidities, imaging data and laboratory indicators. Hypothesis testing, univariate Logistic regression and multivariate Logistic regression were used for data processing. Resuts A total of 61 patients were included, including 37 males and 24 females, aged 6-96 years. There were 35 cases (57.4%) in the surgical group and 26 cases (42.6%) in the non-surgical group. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for surgery as followings: neck dyskinesia (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.00-0.24), dysphagia (OR=0.10, 95%CI: 0.02-0.72), serum white blood cell count≥16.74×109/L (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.39) and interspace gas (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.00-0.30). Conclusion: Clinicians should be alert to these risk factors for surgery in the course of treatment and timely surgical treatment for patients who meet the conditions.

[Hsp90 participates in the necroptosis of mouse neural cells induced by aluminum through the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway].

Objective: To investigate whether heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) participates in the necroptosis of C57BL/6 mouse neurons and spatial memory impairment induced by Aluminum maltol [Al (mal) (3)] through RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. Methods: In March 2022, Thirty-two C57 mice were randomly divided into control group, Low dose group, a medium dose group, and a high-dose group, with 8 mice in each group, and injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline, 20, 40, and 80, respectivelyµmol/kgAl (mal) (3) was administered, it was injected 5 days a week and discontinued 2 days for 60 days. Morris water maze test was used to test the spatial learning and memory ability of mice. Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological changes of brain tissue. The protein expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and HSP90 in hippocampus were determined by Western blotting. Results: In the water maze experiment, compared with the control group, the number of mice crossing the platform decreased in each dose group, the difference was statistically significant (H=9.50, P=0.023), and the number of mice crossing the platform was statistically significant among each dose group (P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the number of hippocampal nerve cells in each dose group decreased, the arrangement was disordered, and the Nissellite bodies decreased. Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the expression level of RIP1 protein in the hippocampus of mice in high-dose group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The expression levels of RIP3, MLKL and HSP90 in hippocampal tissue of mice in medium and high dose groups were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After siRNA intervention decreased the expression of HSP90 protein, the expressions of HSP90, RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL in Al (mal) (3) groups were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Through RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, HSP90 is involved in neuronal programmed necrosis and spatial memory impairment induced by maltol aluminum in C57 mice.

[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 of preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: We reviewed data on 40 patients (22 male cases, and 18 female cases) diagnosed with UPJO in Peking University First Hospital from May 2017 to April 2019. The median age was 26.5 years (IQR 23.25-38.75) years. There were 11 patients complicated with ectopic vessels, 14 patients with kidney stones, 3 patients with horseshoe kidney, and 6 patients with obstruction after pyeloplasty. All the patients underwent preoperative enhanced CT scan, and the CT data were reconstructed into three-dimensional image models. The obstruction position of ureteropelvic junction and the relationship between ureteropelvic junction and blood vessels and organs were observed by three-dimensional models to assist planning surgery. Thirty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty (including 3 cases combined with pyelolithotomy with flexible cystoscope, 1 case combined with pyelolithotomy by sun-style cystoscope, 1 case with laparoscopic ureter resection and anastomosis, 3 cases of laparoscopic pyeloplasty of horseshoe kidney), 2 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty, and 1 patient underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CT image clearly showed the relationship between the obstruction of ureteropelvic junction and blood vessels and organs after three-dimensional reconstruction. The type, diameter, position and direction of the ectopic vessels could be observed clearly before operation according to the three-dimensional reconstruction model, and the number, size, location and shape of renal calculi or other masses, the number of involved renal calyces and the anatomical distribution in the renal pelvis and calyces could be also evaluated preoperatively. After comprehensive analysis of the above information, individualized operation plans were performed on the patients, all the 40 cases were successfully completed with the surgery without any transfer to open surgery. The average operative time was (129.91±37.90) min (range: 75 to 273), the average blood loss was (48.1±78.0) mL (range: 10 to 400), the average hospitality was (5.04±1.99) d (range: 2 to 10), and the average postoperative drainage time was (3.8±1.4) d (range: 2 to 8). CONCLUSION: The preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction has a high clinical value in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and it is of great help to assist surgery planning and is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Upregulation of lncRNA DANCR functions as an oncogenic role in non-small lung cancer by regulating miR-214-5p/CIZ1 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer has an unfavorable prognosis due to the lack of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this study sought to figure out the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) DANCR on lung cancer progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LncRNA DANCR and miR-214-5p expressions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Function assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometric analysis were conducted to clarify the role of DANCR and miR-214-5p in the progression of NSCLC. Western blot, Dual-Luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism. RESULTS: LncRNA DANCR was upregulated in NSCLC. The knockdown of lncRNA DANCR inhibited cell proliferation and accelerated cell apoptosis in NSCLC. LncRNA DANCR interacted with miR-214-5p. MiR-214-5p over-expression partially reversed the regulatory effects of DANCR on proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC. In addition, CIZ1 was the downstream gene binding miR-214-5p. LncRNA DANCR could regulate the miR-214-5p/CIZ1 axis. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of lncRNA DANCR inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in NSCLC by regulating the miR-214-5p/CIZ1 axis. LncRNA DANCR may act as an oncogene and promote the progression of NSCLC.

Cine magnetic resonance urography for postoperative evaluation of reconstructive urinary tract after ileal ureter substitution: initial experience.

AIM: To report the initial experiences with functional cine magnetic resonance urography (cine MRU) and assess its usefulness as a novel postoperative evaluation method of ileal ureter substitution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 17 patients from who underwent cine MRU during June 2010 to December 2019 during their follow-up after ileal ureter substitution were collected. The cine MRU videos of reconstructive urinary tract were observed, and the luminal diameter, contraction ratio, peristaltic waves, and ureteral jets were measured. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent cine MRU after ileal ureter substitution during their follow-up. Based on their cine MRU videos assessing the morphology and the peristaltic motility of the reconstructive urinary tract, there was resolution of preoperative hydronephrosis, which matched their ameliorative renal function. Clearly, peristaltic motility of the ileal graft was observed in 14 patients with obvious peristaltic waves and ureteral jets. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to assess the clinical utility of functional cine MRU during the patient follow-up after ileal ureter substitution. Cine MRU is a radiation-free, non-invasive imaging method that can clearly show the morphology and the peristaltic motility of the ileal graft. Therefore, cine MRU, as a novel technique, will be extremely useful in the postoperative evaluation of patients after ileal ureter substitution.

Effect of fermented milk from Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris strain JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cells.

The process of fermentation contributes to the organoleptic properties, preservation, and nutritional benefits of food. Fermented food may interfere with pathogen infections through a variety of mechanisms, including competitive exclusion or improving intestinal barrier integrity. In this study, the effect of milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cell cultures was investigated. Epithelial cells (HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and cocultures of the 2) were treated for 1 h with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 fermented milk before infection with Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica Typhimurium. Treatment with fermented milk resulted in increased transepithelial electrical resistance, which remained constant for the duration of infection (up to 3 h), illustrating a protective effect. After gentamicin treatment to remove adhered bacterial cells, enumeration revealed a reduction in numbers of intracellular Salmonella. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR data indicated a downregulation of Salmonella virulence genes hilA, invA, and sopD after treatment with fermented milk. Fermented milk treatment of epithelial cells also exhibited an immunomodulatory effect reducing the production of proinflammatory IL-8. In contrast, chemically acidified milk (glucono delta-lactone) failed to show the same effect on monolayer integrity, Salmonella Typhimurium invasion, and gene expression as well as immune modulation. Furthermore, an oppA knockout mutant of Salmonella Typhimurium infecting treated epithelial cells did not show suppressed virulence gene expression. Collectively, these results suggest that milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. A functional OppA permease in Salmonella is required to obtain the antivirulence effect of fermented milk.

Repairing effect of Schwann cells combined with mesenchymal stem cells on optic nerve injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and the underlying mechanisms of combined transplantation of Schwann cells (Scs) and Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on optic nerve injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 normal healthy adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: optic nerve injury group, optic nerve injury + Sc transplantation group, optic nerve injury + MSC transplantation group and optic nerve injury + Sc + MSC transplantation group. The optic nerve in the left eye of each rat was damaged via clamping to establish a model of optic nerve injury, and the right eye was used as self-control. Scs + MSCs, Scs alone, MSCs alone and normal saline were injected into the vitreous space, respectively. After the treatment, the optic nerve tissues were collected and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Next, the morphologic and pathological changes of rats in each group were observed. Retrograde labeling was utilized to count the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the optic nerve tissues. The apoptosis of RGCs was detected using flow cytometry. Western blot was carried out to measure the protein expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). The expression and distribution of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in the optic nerve of rats in each group were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Transplantation of Scs and MSCs could maintain the morphological structures of the retina and optic nerve of rats, increase the amount of RGCs in optic nerve tissues, reduce the apoptosis of RGCs, promote the expression of the Bcl-2 protein and decrease the expression of Bax protein. In addition, our joint transplantation strategy also showed an important role in repairing optic nerve injury by clearly promoting the secretion and expression of BDNF and GAP-43, which indicated a better curative effect than that of separate application of Scs or MSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with combined use of Scs and MSCs has a significant therapeutic effect in repairing optic nerve injury.

[Impact of interval between noeadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery on short and long-term outcomes of patients with rectal cancer].

Objective: To explore the best surgical timing after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for advanced rectal cancer patients. Methods: According to the time interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery, 117 patients with advanced rectal cancer were divided into short interval group (≤7 weeks, n=54) and long interval group (>7 weeks, n=64). The endpoints included postoperative pathology, short-term efficacy, tumor recurrence and patient survival between the two groups. Results: There were 8 cases PCR in short interval group and 20 cases in long interval group(P=0.415). There were 23 cases of T downgrade in short interval group and 40 cases in the long interval group, which has significant difference (P=0.039). There were 21 cases of N downgrade in short interval group and 38 cases in long interval group, which has significant different (P=0.033). The short-term group was effective in 28 cases, stable in 20 cases, and progressed in 5 cases. In short term efficacy comparison, the cases of complete response, stable disease and progressive disease in short interval group was 28 cases, 20 and 5, long interval group was 47 cases, 14 cases and 3 cases, which has no significant difference(P=0.068). The 3-year local recurrence rate of short interval group and long interval group was 17.0% and 4.7%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.029). The incidence of recurrence in 3 years of short interval group and long interval group was 64.2% and 79.7%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (P=0.061). The highest PCR rate was reached in the 10th and 11th week after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Of the 12 and 8 patients who underwent surgery, 3 (25.0%) and 2 (25.0%) achieved PCR, respectively. Conclusion: PCR and local recurrence rate might be improved by time interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery was more than 7 weeks.

[Timeless promotes the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by reprogramming of glucose metabolism].

Objective: To explore the function and molecular mechanism of Timeless in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth. Methods: The expression of Timeless in HCC and paracancer tissues were analyzed by using the public data of HCC. Timeless was overexpressed in MHCC97L cells and silenced in MHCC97H cells, respectively, and the expression of Timeless and its downstream molecules were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The effects of Timeless on cell glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and proliferation were detected by the glucose uptake experiment, lactic acid detection experiment, the extracellular fluid pH detection experiment, cell oxygen consumption test and cell viability assay, respectively. Results: The level of Timeless in HCC tissue was significantly higher than that of paracancer tissue (P<0.05). The relative cellular glucose uptake levels in the groups of Timeless knockdown, including siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 0.510±0.119 and 0.508±0.099, respectively, significantly different from that of control group (P<0.05); The relative cellular uptake level of Timeless overexpressed group was 1.953±0.324, significantly different from that of vector transfected group (P<0.05). The relative levels of lactic acid production in the siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 0.579±0.096 and 0.550±0.120, respectively, significantly different from that of control group (P<0.05); The relative production level of lactic acid in the Timeless overexpressed group was 1.463±0.179, significantly different that of vector transfected group (P<0.05). The extracellular pH values of siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 7.390±0.035 and 7.370±0.060, respectively, significantly different from that of control group (P<0.05); the extracellular pH value of Timeless overexpressed group was 7.130±0.031, significantly different than vector transfected group (P<0.05). Oxygen consumption rate of siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 3.686±0.389 and 3.955±0.431, respectively, significantly higher than 1.690±0.297 of control group (P<0.05); Oxygen consumption rate of Timeless overexpressed group was 1.302±0.336, significantly lower than 3.185±0.262 of vector transfected group (P<0.05) Timeless inhibited the expression of p53. The cell glucose uptake, lactic acid production, the pH of extracellular culture medium and cell oxygen consumption of control group were not significantly different from that of Timeless and p53 co-silenced group [(si-Timeless+sip53) group] (P>0.05); the glucose uptake, the production of lactic acid, the pH of the extracellular culture medium and the oxygen consumption of Timeless co-transfected with p53 (Timeless+p53) group were not significantly different from those of vector transfected group (P>0.05). Timeless promoted the proliferation of HCC cells through inhibiting the expression of p53. Conclusion: Timeless promotes reprogramming of glucose metabolism and proliferation of HCC cells by inhibiting the p53-dependent signaling pathway.

[Implement of multimodal navigation-based virtual reality in the needle biopsy of intracranial eloquent lesions].

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of multimodal navigation-based virtual reality (MNVR) in the needle biopsy of intracranial eloquent lesions. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2017, 20 patients with intracranial deep-seated lesions involving eloquent brain areas underwent MNVR-aided needle biopsy at Department of Neurosurgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital. Preoperatively, MNVR was used to propose and revise the biopsy planning. Intraoperatively, navigation helped trajectory avoid the eloquent structures. Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) was performed to prove the biopsy accuracy and detect the intraoperative complications. Perioperative neurological status, iMRI findings, intraoprative complications, surgical outcome and pathological diagnosis were recorded. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was conducted to compare the preoperative and postoperative neurological scores. Results: MNVR helped revised 45%(9/20) initial biopsy trajectories, which would probably injury the nearby eloquent structures. Navigation helped biopsy trajectories spare the eloquent structures during the operation. No statistical difference was found between postoperative and preoperative neurological status, despite all the lesions were adjacent to eloquent areas. Additionally, 20 patients totally received 21 iMRI scanning. iMRI helped revise incorrect biopsy site in one case and detected intraoperative hemorrhage in another case, both of cases were treated immediately and effectively. No MNVR related adverse events and complications occurred. Conclusions: MNVR-aided needle biopsy of intracranial eloquent lesions is a safe, novel and efficient biopsy modality. This technique is helpful to reduce the incidence of surgery related neurological deficits.

An algorithmic approach to diagnose haematolymphoid neoplasms in effusion by combining morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular cytogenetics.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited studies of cytology diagnosis of haematopoietic and lymphoid tumours in serosal effusion except for occasional case reports. We would like to demonstrate an algorithmic approach for accurate diagnosis, especially in patients without previous history. METHODS: We reviewed 36 cases of lymphoma diagnosed in serosal effusion following an algorithmic approach. Suspected tumour cells were classified into small, intermediate and large sizes and two characteristic forms of plasmacytoid and Reed Sternberg-like on smears (step 1), followed by utilising panels of immunohistochemical markers and Epstein-Barr encoding region in situ hybridisation on cell blocks (step 2). A panel of CD3, CD20 and Ki-67 formed the basic workup, followed by pertinent batteries of immunostaining. Molecular tests were applied in 22 selected cases by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (step 3). RESULTS: There were 15 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas; 12 plasma cell myelomas; two mantle cell lymphomas; one anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALK +; one small lymphocytic lymphoma; one plasmablastic lymphoma; one peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, one extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type and two T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas. 14 cases with previous history had complete concordance in immunophenotype between cytology and histology. Another 14 cases were primarily diagnosed in patients with initial symptom of effusion based on immunophenotyping and cytogenetic test in selected cases. Eight cases were diagnosed based on morphology alone. CONCLUSION: An algorithmic approach based on morphology and immunohistochemistry is the key to making an accurate diagnosis of haematopoietic and lymphoid tumours in effusion. A molecular test is also important for confirmation and prognostic prediction. We reviewed 36 haematolymphoid neoplasms diagnosed in effusion including 14 cases primarily diagnosed in patients without previous history following an algorithmic approach by combining morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular cytogenetics.

[Implementation of multimodal navigation combined with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in the frameless stereotactic biopsy of intracranial lesions].

Objective: To investigate the impact and value of multimodal navigation and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) on the biopsy of intracranial lesions. Methods: From February, 2009 to December, 2016, this study enrolled 156 patients, who underwent multimodal navigation and iMRI-guided brain biopsy in the Neurosurgery Department of PLA General Hospital. Metabolic information was used for biopsy target selection. Intraoperative guidance helped biopsy trajectory avoid the eloquent structures. iMRI was performed to prove the biopsy accuracy and to revise the incorrect biopsy. Diagnostic rate, perioperative neurological status, surgical parameter, and surgical outcome were recorded. Results: The first iMRI helped to revise 7 (4.5%) incorrect biopsy sites, and final iMRI confirmed biopsy accuracy in all cases. Postoperative diagnostic rate was 96.8% (151/156). No statistical difference was found between postoperative and preoperative neurological statuses, despite 86 (55.1%) lesions were adjacent to eloquent areas. Additionally, iMRI detected 6 (3.8%) intraoperative hematomas that were treated immediately. Conclusions: Brian biopsy with iMRI and multimodal navigation is a safe, accurate and efficient biopsy modality. This technique may help increase the biopsy accuracy with low morbidity and mortality.

[The comparation of establishing the allergic rhinitis model between Kunming mice and BALB/c mice].

Objective: To discusses the feasibility of establishing the allergic rhinitis (AR) model in Kunming mice. Methods: Kunming mice (n=20) and BALB/c mice (n=20) were sensitized and motivated by ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide. The symptoms rating scale (symptoms score>5 as successful model) was used to evaluate AR symptoms of two kinds of mice after the AR model were set up. The differences of OVA serum specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) and the levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) in Kunming mice model group and Kunming mice blank group were evaluated, the symptom scores, OVA serum specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) and the levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) of successful model of Kunming mice and BALB/c mice were compared, and the difference between two kinds of animal models. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis was analysed. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Results: During the experiment, 2 mice died in BALB/c mouse model group, and no mouse died in Kunming mouse model group. Kunming model group gained a certain incease of weight. The clinical symptom scores, OVA - sIgE levels, serum IL - 4 levels of Kunming mouse model group were significantly higher than those of blank control group. The difference was statistically significant [(6.100±0.568) vs (2.700±0.823), (29.083±10.470) ng/ml vs (3.908±1.984) ng/ml, (219.250±30.821) pg/ml vs (140.056±27.684) pg/ml, all P<0.05]. Compared with BALB/c mice model group, the symptom score and serum level of IL-4 of Kunming mice model group had no statistically significant differences (6.100±0.568) vs (6.313±0.704), (219.250±30.821) pg/ml vs (253.294±53.953) pg/ml, all P>0.05), and the difference of serum level of OVA-sIgE was statistically significant ((29.083±10.470) ng/ml vs (76.277±25.724) ng/ml, P<0.05). Conclusions: Kunming mice are able to obtain a clinically significant AR model through OVA modeling, with a significant increase in serum OVA-SIgE and IL-4. Kunming mice AR model shows good tolerance, and could reduce the losses in animal experiment.

Higher RABEX-5 mRNA predicts unfavourable survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to clarify the expression pattern and prognostic role of RABEX-5 mRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RABEX-5 mRNA levels in 187 CRC were examined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Then, the association of RABEX-5 mRNA levels with clinicopathological features was analyzed. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences in survival rates were analyzed using the log-rank test. The influence of each variable on survival was examined by the Cox multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: RABEX-5 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with the adjacent noncancerous tissues (p < 0.01). By statistical analyses, high RABEX-5 mRNA expression was observed to be closely correlated with histology/differentiation (p = 0.010), N classification (p = 0.004), and TNM stage (p = 0.004). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with high RABEX-5 mRNA expression showed unfavorable overall survival (OS) than the low RABEX-5 mRNA expression group (p < 0.001). Finally, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that RABEX-5 mRNA expression was an independent predictor of overall survival (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RABEX-5 mRNA may be a promising biomarker for the detection and prognosis evaluation of CRC.

SAR and QSAR study on the bioactivities of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) inhibitors.

In this paper, structure-activity relationship (SAR, classification) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models have been established to predict the bioactivity of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) inhibitors. For the SAR study, we established six SAR (or classification) models to distinguish highly and weakly active HER2 inhibitors. The dataset contained 868 HER2 inhibitors, which was split into a training set including 580 inhibitors and a test set including 288 inhibitors by a Kohonen's self-organizing map (SOM), or a random method. The SAR models were performed using support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) methods. Among the six models, SVM models obtained superior results compared with other models. The prediction accuracy of the best model (model 1A) was 90.27% and the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) was 0.80 on the test set. For the QSAR study, we chose 286 HER2 inhibitors to establish six quantitative prediction models using MLR, SVM and MLP methods. The correlation coefficient (r) of the best model (model 4B) was 0.92 on the test set. The descriptors analysis showed that HAccN, lone pair electronegativity and π electronegativity were closely related to the bioactivity of HER2 inhibitors.

[Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of thyroid: a case report].

A elderly woman patient，with a unclear boundary,solid,smooth surface,moderately active mass that estimated 0.4 cm at its greatest diameter in the left lobe of thyroid. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass in the left lobe and Computed Tomography showed a 38 mm×25 mm×23 mm oval lesion with uniform density in the left lobe also. The surgical findings revealed tumor located in the inner side of left thyroid lobe near the isthmus,with unclear boundary. Pathological examination showed unclear boundaries between thyroid and tumor,the tumor cells attack into the muscle tissue,braided/ fascicles spindle shaped or star shaped myofibroblasts cells in the tumor area with myxedema inflammatory background and the lesion did not have any mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the spindle cells were positive for Vim,ACT,SMA,Bcl2 and ClyD1,and focal lesion histiocytes showed focal positive for CD68,CK and S-100,but negative for DES,Mgo,CD99,CD34,CD117,IgG4,ALK-1.The pathological diagnosis supports inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of thyroid. Imaging and immunohistochemistry and others are useful in differential diagnosis.

Association of serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels and cerebral microbleeds in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The association between the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated. METHODS: Consecutive AD patients who underwent magnetic resonance examination with susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) were prospectively examined. The presence of CMBs on SWI was independently interpreted. The number and location of microbleeds were assessed. Demographics including age, sex and risk factors were obtained. Serum VEGF levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Of the 146 AD patients included, 47 (32.2%) patients had CMBs on SWI. The CMBs were most commonly located in strictly lobar locations (29/47, 61.7%). The mean VEGF levels were higher in the patients with CMBs than in those without (336.72 ± 15.18 vs. 192.37 ± 11.34 pg/ml). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that, for each 10 pg/ml increase of VEGF levels, there was a significant increase in the presence of CMBs after adjusting for age and sex, and after additional adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, silent lacunar infarction and white matter hyperintensity in patients with AD (odds ratio 2.37; 95% confidence interval 1.53-4.02, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Serum VEGF levels are associated with the presence of CMBs in patients with AD.