[Expression of DARS2 in colorectal cancer and its clinical significance].

Objective: To investigate the expression of DARS2 and its clinical significance in colorectal cancer. Methods: In this study, bioinformatics tools, especially gene expression profile interactive analysis 2 (GEPIA2), were used to conduct an in-depth analysis of DARS2 expression in colorectal cancer tissues. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out in 108 colorectal cancer specimens and 30 normal colorectal tissues obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116 and SW480) were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) and DARS2 overexpression plasmid to examine the effects of DARS2 knockdown and overexpression on cell function. To assess the effects on cell function, CCK8 and transwell migration assays were used to assess proliferation and cell motility, respectively. Additionally, protein immunoblotting was employed to scrutinize the expression of proteins associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells. Results: DARS2 exhibited a pronounced upregulation in expression within colorectal cancer tissues compared to their normal epithelial counterparts. Furthermore, DARS2 expression was higher in colorectal cancer of stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ than those of stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, exhibiting a significant correlation with N staging, M staging, and pathological staging (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed a decreased overall survival rate in colorectal cancer with DARS2 expression compared to those without DARS2 expression (P<0.05). In the siRNA transfection group, there was a significant reduction in cell proliferation and migration (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Conversely, the transfection of DARS2 overexpression plasmids substantially increased both cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Additionally, immunoblotting revealed that DARS2 knockdown led to an upregulation of E-cadherin expression and a downregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin expression. In contrast, DARS2 overexpression resulted in increased N-cadherin and vimentin expression, coupled with reduction in E-cadherin expression. Conclusions: There is a strong association between DARS2 expression and colorectal cancer progression. Silencing DARS2 inhibits cell proliferation and migration, exerting a discernible influence on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.

[Expression and significance of INSM1 and SOX11 in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and solid pseudopapillary neoplasm].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and significance of insulinoma associated protein 1 (INSM1) and SRY-related high-mobility group box 11 (SOX11) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) and solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN). METHODS: To detect the expression of INSM1, SOX11, Syn, CgA, CD56, ß-catenin, and CD99 in 56 cases of PNET, 42 cases of SPN, 16 cases of ductal adenocarcinoma (DACC) and 8 cases of acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) by immunohistochemistry. The application value of combination of INSM1 and SOX11 was compared with conventional markers (Syn, CgA, CD56, ß-catenin, and CD99) in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PNET and SPN. RESULTS: (1) In the 56 cases of PNET, the positive signals of INSM1 were located in the tumor and islet nucleus, the positive expression rate in the tumor tissues was 91.07% (51/56), whereas the signal was absent in 42 cases of SPN, 16 cases of DACC and 8 cases of ACC, and there were significant statistical difference between PNET with SPN, DACC, and ACC respectively (P < 0.001). (2) The positive signals of SOX11 were located in the tumor nucleus, with the positive expression rate was 92.86% (39/42) in SPN, however, the positive expression rate of SOX11 was 8.93% (5/56) in PNET, which included 3 cases of G1 and 2 cases of G3 types of PNET, the SOX11 positive signal was absent in 16 cases of DACC, 8 cases of ACC and peritumoral nomal pancreatic tissue, and the differences were statistically significant of positive rate between SPN with PNET, DACC and ACC, respectively (P < 0.001). (3) The sensitivity of INSM1(+)/SOX11(-) immunophenotype for PNET was 85.71%, vs. CD56 (57.14%), the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001); vs. Syn (80.36%) and CgA (71.43%), the difference was no statistically significant (P>0.05). The specificity of INSM1(+)/SOX11(-) for PNET was 100.00%, vs. Syn (42.86%) and CD56 (47.62%), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001); vs. CgA (92.86%), the difference was no statistically significant (P>0.05). The sensitivity of INSM1(-)/SOX11(+) immunophenotype for SPN was 92.86%, vs. ß-catenin (90.48%) and CD99 (85.71%), the difference was no statistically significant (P>0.05). The specificity of INSM1(-)/SOX11(+) for SPN was 96.43%, vs. CD99 (48.21%), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001); vs. ß-catenin (100.00%), the difference was no statistically significant (P>0.05). (4) The positive expression of INSM1 and SOX11 in PNET and SOX11 were not correlated with clinicopathological parameters (age, gender, tumor size, location, grade, and metastasis) (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The positive expression patterns of INSM1 and SOX11 in PNET and SPN respectively are conductive to distinguish the both tumors. The combination of both take precedence over some corresponding conventional immunohistochemical markers in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

[Analysis of complications and learning curve effects related to deep brain stimulation surgery in 822 Parkinson's disesase patients with the same surgeon].

Objective: To analyze the complications related to deep brain stimulation(DBS) surgery in Parkinson's disease(PD) patients and to determine whether there is a learning curve effect in terms of complications. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the DBS surgical data of 822 PD patients performed by the same surgeon at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital) from December 2012 to December 2022. The complications related to DBS were evaluated and analyzed the complications of every 100 DBS surgery were further analyzed. Results: A total of 822 PD patients, 453 males and 369 females, aged 31-80 years old, were included. The minimum follow-up period after DBS surgery is 6 months. Surgical related complications occurred in 55 patients (6.69%), including 5 patients (0.61%) with slight bleeding around the electrode, 1 patient (0.12%) with cerebral infarction, 4 patients (0.49%) with postoperative epilepsy, 42 patients (5.11%) with postoperative delirium, 2 patients (0.24%) with respiratory distress, and 1 patient (0.12%) with acute cardiac insufficiency. There were 16 cases (1.94%) of hardware related complications in DBS, of which 4 cases (0.48%) had infection, 1 case (0.12%) had a broken angle at the connection between the pulse generator and the extension wire, 8 cases (0.97%) had an excessively tight extension wire, and 3 cases (0.36%) had an IPG bag hematoma. In the infected cases, 2 patients removed IPG and extension wires. There were 7 cases (0.85%) of stimulus related complications, including 4 cases (0.61%) with programmed sensory abnormalities, 1 case (0.12%) with postoperative abnormal movements and dance like movements, and 2 cases (0.24%) with psychiatric symptoms. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the above complications, among which 8 cases (0.97%) were relatively serious complications. After active treatment, satisfactory results were achieved, and none of them affected the patient's DBS treatment effect and no patients died. For every 100 cases of DBS surgery complications were analyzed, the percentage of complications decreased significantly from 14.50% (58 cases) in the first 400 cases to 4.73% (20 cases) in the last 400 cases (P<0.001). Conclusion: DBS surgery is safe and has an acceptable low incidence of complications. The incidence of complications also decreases with the accumulation of experience, showing a learning curve effect.

Intrinsic Spin Susceptibility and Pseudogaplike Behavior in Infinite-Layer LaNiO_{2}.

The recent discovery of superconductivity in doped infinite-layer nickelates has stimulated intensive interest, especially for similarities and differences compared to that in cuprate superconductors. In contrast to cuprates, although earlier magnetization measurement reveals a Curie-Weiss-like behavior in undoped infinite-layer nickelates, there is no magnetic ordering observed by elastic neutron scattering down to liquid helium temperature. Until now, the nature of the magnetic ground state in undoped infinite-layer nickelates was still elusive. Here, we perform a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment through ^{139}La nuclei to study the intrinsic spin susceptibility of infinite-layer LaNiO_{2}. First, the signature for magnetic ordering or freezing is absent in the ^{139}La NMR spectrum down to 0.24 K, which unambiguously confirms a paramagnetic ground state in LaNiO_{2}. Second, a pseudogaplike behavior instead of Curie-Weiss-like behavior is observed in both the temperature-dependent Knight shift and nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T_{1}), which is widely observed in both underdoped cuprates and iron-based superconductors. Furthermore, the scaling behavior between the Knight shift and 1/T_{1}T has also been discussed. Finally, the present results imply a considerable exchange interaction in infinite-layer nickelates, which sets a strong constraint for the proposed theoretical models.

[Emulation pulmonary nodules localization model:a novel non-invasive localization technique in resection of pulmonary nodules].

Objective: To explore the accuracy and efficiency of a novel 3D-printed emulation localization model of small pulmonary nodules in lung surgery. Methods: From April 2020 to April 2021, a total of 66 patients were selected in the study, who underwent localization and resection of pulmonary nodules with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) guided by the 3D-printed emulation localization model at Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University. There were 13 males and 53 females, aged from 25 to 79 (52.7±11.4) years. Of all patients, 24 (36.4%) had single pulmonary nodule, and 42 (63.6%) had synchronous multiple pulmonary nodules. The chest high-resolution CT image data were utilized for digital reconstruction and 3D printing to make a tailored life-size emulation pulmonary nodules localization model, which was used to navigate real-time intraoperative localization of nodules. Clinical data including operative parameters, localization information, resection types and pathological findings of nodules were analyzed. The pulmonary nodules that doctors planned to resect were categorized into two categories:major nodules and additional nodules, according to their presence of invasion and radiological risk factors. The accuracy of localization and resection efficiency of nodules were evaluated in accordance with the categories of the nodules respectively. Results: On the basis of preoperative evaluation, there were 71 major nodules with median maximal diameter of 0.9 (0.6-1.3) cm, and 77 additional nodules with median maximal diameter of 0.5 (0.4-0.7) cm. All patients underwent VATS surgery, 52 of them (78.8%) were treated with uniportal VATS and 14 (21.2%) with triportal VATS. Among the patients with single nodule, 18 segmentectomies and 6 wedge resections were performed; whereas among the patients with multiple nodules, 5 segmentectomies, 14 wedge resections, and 23 combined pulmonary resections (including 2 cases of lobectomy+segmentectomy, 7 cases of lobectomy+wedge resections, and 14 cases of segmentectomy+wedge resections) were achieved. The median operative time was 93 (45-240) min, and the median resection time for all nodules was 51.4 (6.7-147.0) min. All major nodules were successfully resected and visibly dissected after removal, and all additional nodules were successfully resected with 85.7%(66/77) nodules visibly dissected. The accuracy rate of localization of both types of nodules was 100%. All major nodules were malignant, and the malignancy rate of additional nodules was 21.2%(14/66). Conclusion: This novel 3D-printed emulation localization model of small pulmonary nodules proved to be a non-invasive, accurate and efficient technique. Not only that, it has a unique advantage in localization of synchronous multiple pulmonary nodules.

Identification of human temporomandibular joint fibrocartilage stem cells with distinct chondrogenic capacity.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to identify the residence of human fibrocartilage stem cells (hFCSCs), characterize their stem cell properties and investigate the functional mechanisms which regulate fibrocartilage stem cells (FCSCs) toward chondrogenic differentiation during cartilage homeostasis and repairing. METHODS: Cytological characteristics of hFCSCs and human orofacial mesenchymal stem cells (hOFMSCs) were analyzed. Chondrogenic potential of hFCSCs was compared with hOFMSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Regulatory role of SOX9 during FCSCs chondrogenesis was studied by shRNA interference in vitro, and by GFP+ FCSCs treatment in rat condylar cartilage defect model. SOX9 expression was also examined in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) patients' cartilage surface. RESULTS: hFCSCs exhibited typical mesenchymal stem cell characteristics, with significantly stronger chondrogenic capability compared to hOFMSCs. Moreover, hFCSCs showed remarkably increased expression of SOX9. During cartilage pellet culture, there was stronger SOX9 expression in hFCSCs than hOFMSCs. SOX9 shRNA interference downregulated chondrogenic capability of hFCSCs in vitro, as well as disrupting migration and chondrogenic differentiation of GFP+ FCSCs toward mature chondrocytes in rat condylar cartilage defect. Of note, SOX9 expression was also found suppressed in the condylar superficial zone of TMJOA patients. CONCLUSION: We found the existence of FCSCs in human TMJ cartilage, and characterized their distinct stem cell features. SOX9 is essential for hFCSCs chondrogenic differentiation, and a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory role of SOX9 in hFCSCs would be important for exploring potential intervention strategy of condylar cartilage degradation during TMJ disorders.

An energy efficient time-mode digit classification neural network implementation.

This paper presents the design of an ultra-low energy neural network that uses time-mode signal processing). Handwritten digit classification using a single-layer artificial neural network (ANN) with a Softmin-based activation function is described as an implementation example. To realize time-mode operation, the presented design makes use of monostable multivibrator-based multiplying analogue-to-time converters, fixed-width pulse generators and basic digital gates. The time-mode digit classification ANN was designed in a standard CMOS 0.18 µm IC process and operates from a supply voltage of 0.6 V. The system operates on the MNIST database of handwritten digits with quantized neuron weights and has a classification accuracy of 88%, which is typical for single-layer ANNs, while dissipating 65.74 pJ per classification with a speed of 2.37 k classifications per second. This article is part of the theme issue 'Harmonizing energy-autonomous computing and intelligence'.

Differential expression of sonic hedgehog in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Overexpression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is associated with progression of several cancers. The expression of Shh in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been reported with inconsistent results. Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) are two major subtypes of NSCLC, which have different genetic genotypes and clinical therapeutic options. The expression of Shh in specimen of patients with NSCLC has yet to be comprehensively determined according to histological subtypes. Shh expression level was determined in 167 NSCLC patients (56 LAC patients and 111 LSCC patients) by immunohistochemical assay (IHC) and disease-free survival and overall survival of patients were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Shh protein level in pleural effusion from patients with pneumonia or pleural empyema, tuberculosis, LAC and LSCC was measured with enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). We found that Shh expression is increased in tumor tissues from both LAC and LSCC patients compared with the paired adjacent tissues, while Shh level is negatively correlated with tumor differentiation only in LSCC, LSCC patients containing higher-Shh expression have a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, Shh level is elevated in pleural effusion from LSCC patients compared with that of parapneumonic and LAC pleural effusion. Shh expression in tumor tissues or pleural effusion may represent a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker of LSCC patients, pleural effusion Shh may assist to distinguish between LAC and LSCC.

First Observation of P-odd γ Asymmetry in Polarized Neutron Capture on Hydrogen.

We report the first observation of the parity-violating gamma-ray asymmetry A_{γ}^{np} in neutron-proton capture using polarized cold neutrons incident on a liquid parahydrogen target at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A_{γ}^{np} isolates the ΔI=1, ^{3}S_{1}→^{3}P_{1} component of the weak nucleon-nucleon interaction, which is dominated by pion exchange and can be directly related to a single coupling constant in either the DDH meson exchange model or pionless effective field theory. We measured A_{γ}^{np}=[-3.0±1.4(stat)±0.2(syst)]×10^{-8}, which implies a DDH weak πNN coupling of h_{π}^{1}=[2.6±1.2(stat)±0.2(syst)]×10^{-7} and a pionless EFT constant of C^{^{3}S_{1}→^{3}P_{1}}/C_{0}=[-7.4±3.5(stat)±0.5(syst)]×10^{-11} MeV^{-1}. We describe the experiment, data analysis, systematic uncertainties, and implications of the result.

Targeting RAD50 increases sensitivity to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer cells.

Radiotherapy resistance remains the major factor limiting the radiotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer. The Mre11-RAD50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex is known to play a critical role in the DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) repair pathways and thus facilitates radioresistance. Targeting MRN function can sensitize cancer cells to irradiation in some malignancies. In this study, we stably knocked down RAD50 protein in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, HCT116 and DLD1, and evaluated their response to irradiation as well as the DSB repair dynamics. We observed that downregulation of RAD50 sensitized CRC cells to irradiation with reduction in DSB repair efficiency after exposure to irradiation. In addition, RAD50 was found to be upregulated in CRC cancerous tissue samples compared to non-cancerous adjacent tissues (NATs) and in patients who were resistant to RT. Elevated RAD50 expression was associated with poor patient survival in CRC. In conclusion, targeting RAD50 can serve as an efficient strategy to sensitize CRC cells to irradiation. RAD50 protein may be used as a biomarker for patient survival in CRC.

[A survey on the current development of thoracic surgery in tertiary hospitals of China].

Objective: To study the current development of thoracic surgery in China. Methods: Chinese Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and Chinese Association for Thoracic Surgeons jointly conducted a network survey to directors of thoracic surgery departments in the tertiary hospitals in China from November to December 2018. The contents of the survey included the basic information of the hospital and the status of thoracic surgery department in the hospital. Rank sum test was used to compare the data between different regional hospitals Results: A total of 636 tertiary hospitals participated in the survey. The total number of beds for thoracic surgery departments was 30 646, with M(Q(R)) of 40(20) (range: 3 to 393) for each hospital. The total number of thoracic surgeons was 6 747, with M(Q(R)) of 9(6) (range: 1 to 75) in each hospital. In 2015, a total of 312 425 operations were performed in the 636 hospitals, with M(Q(R)) of 268(484.5) (range: 4 to 8 320) for each hospital. The total number of lung cancer surgeries was 146 601 in 2015, with M(Q(R)) of 100(216) (range: 0 to 6 911) operations in each hospital. The total number of esophageal cancer operations was 67 076, with M(Q(R)) of 40(95) (range: 0 to 1 550) in each hospital. Minimal invasive thoracic surgery was performed in 94.3% (601/636) of the hospitals, with 86.6% (551/636) of hospitals carried out video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy. Among the hospitals performing VATS lobectomy, 89.3% (492/551) of them started to perform the technique after 2006, and 93.1% (513/551) of them do single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy. A total of 403 640 VATS lobectomies had been performed until 2015, including 163 682 cases of single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy. In 2015, 73.74% (108 116/146 601) lung cancer operations and 37.44% (25 110/67 076) of esophageal cancer resections were performed by minimally invasive technique. The development level of hospitals among eastern, middle and Western China was different significantly on number of doctors, number of total operations, number of lung cancer surgeries, proportion of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery, number of esophageal cancer surgeries, and proportion of minimally invasive esophageal cancer surgery (χ(2)∶7.65 to 60.8, all P<0.05). Conclusions: The discipline of thoracic surgery, especially the minimally invasive thoracic surgery in China is now experiencing a rapid development. The proportion of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery is higher than that of in the developed countries. However, unbalanced development among different regions is still a great challenge in China.

[Clinical results of Mei mini maze procedure for atrial fibrillation patients with previously failed catheter ablation].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Mei mini maze procedure for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with previously failed catheter ablation. Methods: Between August 2010 and May 2016, 48 AF (8 proximal AF, 15 persistent AF and 25 long-standing persistent AF) patients (29 males, 19 females, mean age: (62.5±7.3) years old) with previously 1-3 failed catheter ablation results were treated with Mei mini maze procedure in our department. Under thoracoscopic assistance, the procedure was performed through three ports on left chest wall, pulmonary vein isolation and ablations of the roof and posterior wall of left atrium was made by bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Ganglionic plexus ablation was made by the ablation pen. Left atrial appendage was excluded. Patients were followed at outpatient clinic and per telephone. Electrocardiogram, CT and echocardiography examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post operation. The success rate of the procedure was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves and evaluated by the log-rank test. Results: Mean AF history was (8.1±6.3) years and left atria dimension was (44.1±6.2) mm in this patient cohort. All procedures were performed successfully in these 48 patients. Pericardial adhesions were dissected in 21 patients. Durations of the procedures were (142.3±35.6) minutes.There were no serious complications. The hospital stay was (9.3±1.8) days. Sinus rhythm was documented in 44 patients (91.7%) at discharge. The mean follow-up duration was (28.0±17.2) months. Thirty-eight patients (82.6%) were in sinus rhythm. There was no stroke, thrombus in the left atrium and stenosis of pulmonary vein during the follow-up. Sinus rhythm was achieved in 7 out of 8 paroxysmal AF patients, in 31 out of 38 non-paroxysmal AF patients, and in 13 out of 15 persistent AF patients. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the success rate in the long-standing persistent AF group was lower than in the other two groups, but there was no statistical difference. Conclusions: Mei mini maze procedure has a high success rate for AF patients with previously failed catheter ablation history, which could completely isolate the bilateral pulmonary vein and left atrial posterior wall with good quality and integrity of ablation line, and left atrial appendage is also resected during the procedure.

Negative pressure wound therapy inhibits inflammation and upregulates activating transcription factor-3 and downregulates nuclear factor-κB in diabetic patients with foot ulcerations.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one of the most important treatments for diabetic foot, but the underlying mechanisms of its benefits still remain elusive. This study aims to evaluate the inflammatory signals involved in the effects of negative pressure therapy on diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: We enrolled 22 patients with diabetic foot ulceration, 11 treated with NPWT and the other 11 treated with traditional debridement. All patients were treated and observed for 1 week. Granulation tissues were harvested and analyzed in both groups, and then were histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, Ik B-α, and activating transcription factor-3 (ATF-3). RESULTS: After 7 days of treatment, NPWT could obviously promote diabetic wound healing because of the mild inflammation and the dense cell-deposited matrix. Meanwhile, NPWT significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS (all P < .05). The result of Western blotting and real-time PCR indicated that NPWT obviously decreased the level of Ik B-α and NF-κB p65, and increased the level of ATF-3 (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: NPWT exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, possibly through the suppression of proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines resulting from Ik B-α inhibition and ATF-3 activation, which may prevent the activation of the NF-κB pathway in human diabetic foot wounds.

[Effect of two different acellular lung matrices on α-SMA expression in A549 cells].

Objective: To explore the effect of acellular normal and fibrotic lung matrices on alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Methods: Twenty adult SD rats were randomly divided into normal group and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)group (n=10 each). The pulmonary fibrosis was induced by Bleomycin. Normal and fibrotic decellularized lungs were made, then sections with 500 µm thick were cut by a standard Vibratome. None scaffold was set as control group. A549 cells were seeded dropwise into different slices (normal and fibrotic scaffolds), and cultured for one week in vitro. The expression of α-SMA was measured by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: In control group, the expression of α-SMA protein was positive in A549 cells by immunofluorescence staining. However, it expressed weakly both in normal and fibrotic scaffold group, and the fluorescence intensity in fibrotic scaffold group was significant lower than that in normal group (P<0.05). The relative expression amount of α-SMA mRNA in normal and fibrotic scaffold group were (0.70±0.11) and (0.55±0.12), which were significant lower than that of control group (1.28±0.21) (P<0.05). Moreover, the relative expression of α-SMA mRNA in fibrotic scaffold group was decreased compared to that in normal scaffold group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Acellular normal and fibrotic lung scaffold can downregulate the expression of α-SMA in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. It may inhibit the movement of A549 cells in acellular normal and fibrotic lung matrices, especially in acellular fibrotic lung scaffold.

[Expression and mechanism of Twist2 in glioma].

Objective: To investigate the significance of Twist2 in glioma and whether it is involved in the malignant transformation of glioma by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: Using immunohistochemical method detected the expression level of Twist2 in 60 cases of gliomas (including WHO grades Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ, each for 20 cases) and 20 cases of non-tumor brain tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression level of Twist2 mRNA and protein in 61 cases of fresh glioma tissue (WHO grade Ⅱ 16 cases, Ⅲ 21 cases, Ⅳ 24 cases) and 12 cases of adjacent tissues, and the expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin were also investigated in fresh glioma tissue. Results: Immunohistochemistry results showed that the percentages of Twist2 expression in glioma was 90%(54/60) compared with 30%(6/20) in non-tumor brain tissues(P<0.01). The percentages of Twist2 expression were 75% (15/20), 95% (19/20), and 100% (20/20) in the WHO gradesⅡ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ gliomas, respectively. WHO grades Ⅳ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than that of WHO grade Ⅱ (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between WHO grade Ⅳand WHO Ⅲ glioma (P>0.05). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot showed that the expression level of Twist 2 in gliomas was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (P<0.01), and those in WHO grades Ⅳ and Ⅲ gliomas were significantly higher than that in WHO grade Ⅱ glioma (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between WHO grade Ⅳand grade Ⅲ glioma (P>0.05). Detection of key protein expression in EMT by Western blot displayed that the expression of E-cadherin was negatively associated with Twist2 in glioma (r=-0.972, P<0.01). The expression of N-cadherin and vimentin was positively associated with Twist2 in glioma(r=0.971, P<0.01; r=0.968, P<0.01). Conclusions: The expression of Twist2 in human glioma is positively correlated with the malignant grade of glioma, which may be involved in the malignant progression of glioma by EMT.

[Strategies for the prevention and control of bleeding due to vascular injury in thoracoscopic lung surgery].

The technique of thoracoscopic lung surgery has gradually matured. Nowadays, thoracoscope is recommended as the most preferred approach for surgical treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer in different guidelines. However, there are still some cases of accidential major bleeding due to vascular injury during thoracoscopic lung surgery. The wall of the hilum vessels is relatively thin. These vessels often involve a great portion of the cardiac output blood flow. Once the injury happened, the emergent condition may be life-threatening due to massive blood loss. Therefore, this became an important factor which hindered the development of thoracoscopic lung surgery. In this review, details of the vascular injury in thoracoscopic lung surgery were summarized, including the incidence of vascular injury, commonly injured sites and reasons of the injuries. Among all the cases of thoracoscopic major pulmonary resection, 2.9% to 9.2% may suffer from vascular injury during the operation. The most commonly injuried sites are pulmonary artery and the branches, and this is also the most critical situation during thoracoscopic lung surgery. Hilum adhesion is the most important risk factor for vascular injury. On the one hand, the suction-compressing angiorrhaphy technique was developed for bleeding control and angioplasty. On the other hand, the strategies like pre-control of the pulmonary, cut the bronchus in advance, and fire the bronchus and pulmonary artery together may decrease the incidence of vascular injury in patients with risk factors.

[Role of ash2 (absent, small, or homeotic)-like and Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 on histone methylation of interferon-gamma gene and their associations with vascular damage of Kawasaki disease].

Objective: To investigate the impacts of ash2 (absent, small, or homeotic)-like (Ash2L) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (Jmjd3) on histone methylation of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) gene and association with vascular damage of Kawasaki disease (KD) in acute phase. Methods: This study was performed among 36 children with KD in acute phase (KD group) and 28 age-matched health children (control group), who were treated or underwent physical examination in our hospital between February 2015 and June 2016. Patients were further divided into KD groups with or without coronary artery lesions (KD-CAL(+) , 16 cases; KD-CAL(-), 20 cases). All KD patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. The proportion of type 1 helper T(Th1) cells and protein levels of IFN-γ, T-box expressed in T cells(T-bet), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(pSTAT1) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 4(pSTAT4) were analyzed by flow cytometry.Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to determine histone methylation (histone H3 tri-methyl K4(H3K4me3), histone H3 tri-methyl K27(H3K27me3)) and binding levels of Ash2L, Jmjd3 and Ezh2 associated with IFN-γ in CD4(+) T cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine mRNA levels of IFN-γ, interferon γ receptor 1(IFN-γR1), interferon γ receptor 2(IFN-γR2), interleukin 12 receptor subunit beta 1(IL-12Rß1), interleukin 12 receptor subunit beta 2(IL-12Rß2), interleukin 18 receptor subunit beta α(IL-18Rα), interleukin 18 receptor subunit beta ß(IL-18Rß), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1), toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1(RIP-1) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88) in CD4(+) T cells. Plasma concentrations of IFN-γ, interleukin 12(IL-12), interleukin 18(IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay. Results: (1)The proportion of Th1 and its protein level of IFN-γ were significantly higher in KD group than those in control group and higher in KD-CAL(+) group than in KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05), and lower after treatment than before treatment (all P<0.05). (2)Compared with control group, mRNA level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-associating H3K4me3 was increased, while level of IFN-γ associating H3K27me3 in CD4(+) T cells was reduced in KD group (all P<0.05), which resulted in a higher rate of H3K4me3/H3K27me3 (P<0.05) in KD group, which was positively correlated with IFN-γ mRNA in KD group(r=0.55, P<0.05). Similar results were found between KD-CAL(+) group and KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05). Level of IFN-γ associating H3K27me3 was increased, and mRNA level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ associating H3K4me3 was decreased after treatment than before treatment (all P<0.05). (3)Expression of T-bet protein and binding levels of Ash2L and Jmjd3 with IFN-γ gene were significantly higher in KD group than those in control group(all P<0.05), higher in KD-CAL(+) group than those in KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05). These parameters were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (all P<0.05). Binding level of Ezh2 with IFN-γ gene was similar among various groups (all P>0.05). (4)In comparison with control or after treatment, surface receptors(IFN-γR1/2, IL-12Rß1/2, IL-18Rα/ß, TNFR1 and TLR4) and its downstream molecules(pSTAT1, pSTAT4, RIP(1) and MyD88) in CD4(+) T cells, and plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α) were found to be higher in KD group(all P<0.05). These parameters were also higher in KD-CAL(+) group than in KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Aberrant histone methylation of IFN-γ associating H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 caused by over-binding of Ash2L and Jmjd3 might be involved in immune dysfunction and vascular damage in KD in the acute phase.

Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Trauma Patients: Prevalence and Management of Thrombus Within the Filter.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of thrombus was investigated within retrievable filters placed in trauma patients with confirmed DVT at the time of retrieval and the optimal treatment for this clinical scenario was assessed. A technique called "filter retrieval with manual negative pressure aspiration thrombectomy" for management of filter thrombus was introduced and assessed. METHODS: The retrievable filters referred for retrieval between January 2008 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence of filter thrombus on a pre-retrieval cavogram. The clinical outcomes of different managements for thrombus within filters were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study 764 patients having Aegisy Filters implanted were referred for filter removal, from which 236 cases (134 male patients, mean age 50.2 years) of thrombus within the filter were observed on initial pre-retrieval IVC venogram 12-39 days after insertion (average 16.9 days). The incidence of infra-filter thrombus was 30.9%, and complete occlusion of the filter bearing IVC was seen in 2.4% (18) of cases. Retrieval was attempted in all 121 cases with small clots using a regular snare and sheath technique, and was successful in 120. A total of 116 cases with massive thrombus and IVC occlusion by thrombus were treated by CDT and/or the new retrieval technique. Overall, 213 cases (90.3%) of thrombus in the filter were removed successfully without PE. CONCLUSIONS: A small thrombus within the filter can be safely removed without additional management. CDT for reduction of the clot burden in filters was effective and safe. Filter retrieval with manual negative pressure aspiration thrombectomy seemed reasonable and valuable for management of massive thrombus within filters in some patients. Full assessment of the value and safety of this technique requires additional studies.

Association between ERCC5 gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population.

We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to investigate the association between 3 common SNPs in the ERCC5 gene (rs1047768, rs751402, and rs17655) and the risk of developing gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and December 2014, samples were collected from 216 gastric cancer patients and 216 control subjects. ERCC5 rs1047768, rs751402, and rs17655 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. By conditional logistic regression analysis, the GG genotype of rs17655 was found to be associated with an elevated risk of gastric cancer in a codominant model, and the adjusted OR (95%CI) was 1.96 (1.10-3.50). Moreover, in a dominant model, the CG + GG genotype of rs17655 was correlated with an increased risk of gastric cancer compared to the CC genotype (OR = 1.48; 95%CI = 1.00-2.22). rs1047768 and rs751402 were not significantly correlated with an increased or decreased gastric cancer risk.

Association between the pre-miR-196a2 rs11614913 polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population.

We did a case-control study to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the association of the pre-miR-196a2 rs11614913 polymorphism with gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and December 2014, 182 patients newly diagnosed with primary gastric cancer and 182 control subjects were recruited at Zhengzhou People's Hospital. For SNP genotyping, we used the Assay Designer 3.1 to design the primers of polymerase chain reaction. Using the chi-square test, we found that patients with gastric cancer were more likely to be alcohol drinkers (χ(2) = 4.4, P = 0.04), to have a family history of cancer in the first relatives (χ(2) = 5.29, P = 0.02), and to be infected with Helicobacter pylori (χ(2) = 23.39, P < 0.001). A significant difference in the genotype distributions of rs11614913 was observed in our study (χ(2) = 6.66, P = 0.04). By logistic regression analysis, we found that the CC genotype of rs11614913 was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in a codominant model (OR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.17-6.44). By stratification analysis, we found that the CC genotype was associated with a strongly increased risk of gastric cancer in drinkers when compared with the TT+TC genotype (OR = 5.63, 95%CI = 1.54-30.76). In conclusion, the results of our study suggest an association between the rs11614913 gene polymorphism and an elevated risk of gastric cancer, especially in drinkers.