[Shenqi Chongcao Formula ameliorates inflammatory response in rats with pulmonary fibrosis by activating the ASS1/src/STAT3 signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shenqi Chongcao (SQCC) Formula on the ASS1/src/STAT3 signaling pathway in a rat model of lung fibrosis and explore its therapeutic mechanism. METHODS: A total of 120 male SD rats were divided equally into 5 groups, including a blank control group with saline treatment and 4 groups of rat models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. One day after modeling, the rat models were treated with daily gavage of 10 mL/kg saline, SQCC decoction (0.423 g/kg), pirfenidone (10 mL/kg), or intraperitoneal injection of arginine deiminase (ADI; 2.25 mg/kg, every 3 days) for 28 days. After the treatments, the lung tissues of the rats were collected for calculating the lung/body weight ratio, observing histopathology using HE and Masson staining, and analyzing the inflammatory cells in BALF using Giemsa staining. Serum chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels were measured with ELISA. The protein expressions of src, p-srcTry529, STAT3, and p-STAT3Try705 and the mRNA expressions of ASS1, src and STAT3 in the lung tissues were detected using Western blotting and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The neutrophil, macrophage and lymphocyte counts and serum levels of CCL2 and TGF-ß1 were significantly lower in SQCC, pirfenidone and ADI treatment groups than in the model group at each time point of measurement (P < 0.05). P-srcTry529 and p-STAT3Try705 protein expression levels and ASS1, src, and STAT3 mRNA in the lung tissues were also significantly lower in the 3 treatment groups than in the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SQCC Formula can alleviate lung fibrosis in rats possibly by activating the ASS1/src/STAT3 signaling pathway in the lung tissues.

[Effect of asiaticoside on systolic blood pressure and relaxation of isolated thoracic aorta of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of asiaticoside on blood pressure and relaxation of thoracic aorta in rats and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: SD rats treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg asiaticoside by daily gavage for 2 weeks were monitored for systolic blood pressure changes, and histological changes of the thoracic aorta were evaluated using HE staining. In isolated rat endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta rings, the effects of asiaticoside on relaxation of the aortic rings were tested at baseline and following norepinephrine (NE)- and KCl-induced constriction. The vascular relaxation effect of asiaticoside was further observed in NE-stimulated endothelium-intact rat aortic rings pretreated with L-nitroarginine methyl ester, indomethacin, zinc protoporphyrin Ⅸ, tetraethyl ammonium chloride, glibenclamide, barium chloride, Iberiotoxin, 4-aminopyridine, or TASK-1-IN-1. The aortic rings were treated with KCl and NE followed by increasing concentrations of CaCl2 to investigate the effect of asiaticoside on vasoconstriction induced by external calcium influx and internal calcium release. RESULTS: Asiaticoside at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rats without affecting the thoracic aorta histomorphology. While not obviously affecting resting aortic rings with intact endothelium, asiaticoside at 100 mg/kg induced significant relaxation of the rings constricted by KCl and NE, but its effects differed between endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings. In endothelium-intact aortic rings pretreated with indomethacin, ZnPP Ⅸ, barium chloride, glyburide, TASK-1-IN-1 and 4-aminopyridine, asiaticoside did not produce significant effect on NE-induced vasoconstriction, and tetraethylammonium, Iberiotoxin and L-nitroarginine methyl ester all inhibited the relaxation effect of asiaticoside. In KCland NE-treated rings, asiaticoside obviously inhibited CaCl2-induced vascular contraction. CONCLUSION: Asiaticoside induces thoracic aorta relaxation by mediating high-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel opening, promoting nitric oxide release from endothelial cells and regulating Ca2+ influx and outflow, thereby reducing systolic blood pressure in rats.

[Clinical study of 15 cases of primary non-immunodeficient central nervous system lymphoma in children].

Clinical data of 15 primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) children aged ≤18 years admitted to our hospital between May 2013 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Our goal was to summarize the clinical features of children and investigate the therapeutic effect of a high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based chemotherapy regimen on this disease. The male-to-female ratio was 2.7∶1, and the median age was 7.2 (2.3-16.4) years at diagnosis. The initial clinical symptoms were primarily cranial hypertension, with imaging findings revealing multiple lesions. Pediatric PCNSL with normal immune function has a favorable prognosis with HD-MTX-based chemotherapy. Patients with a stable disease can be treated with minimal or no maintenance. HD-MTX-based chemotherapy remains effective when the disease progresses or recurs after an initial course of non-HD-MTX-based chemotherapy.

[PCID2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and affects the prognosis by regulating cancer cell cycle and proliferation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of PCI Domain Containing 2 (PCID2) in gastric cancer, its effect on gastric cancer cell cycle and proliferation and the possible molecular mechanisms. METHODS: We examined PCID2 expression levels in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues from 100 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy in our hospital between January, 2012 and December, 2016, and analyzed the correlation of PCID2 expression level with cancer progression and postoperative 5-year survival rate of the patients. GO enrichment analysis was performed to identify the possible pathways that mediated the effect of PCID2 in gastric cancer progression. The effects of lentivirus-mediated PCID2 knockdown and overexpression on cell proliferation and cell cycle were analyzed in gastric cancer MGC-803 cells and in nude mice. RESULTS: PCID2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and positively correlated with peripheral blood levels of CA19-9 and CEA (P < 0.01). In gastric cancer patients, a high PCID2 expression was associated with a significantly lowered postoperative 5-year survival rate (P < 0.001) as an independent risk factor for postoperative survival (HR: 2.987, 95% CI: 1.616-5.519). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of PCID2 for predicting postoperative 5-year survival were 76.74%, 75.44%, and 0.755 (P < 0.001), respectively. GO enrichment analysis suggested that PCID2 was associated with gastric cancer cell cycle progression. PCID2 overexpression in MGC-803 cells significantly promoted cell proliferation, G1/S phase transition, expressions of cyclin D1 and CDK6, and the growth of transplanted xenograft in nude mice (P < 0.05). The expressions of p27 and p16 were significantly lowered in gastric cancer tissues, and their expression levels were negatively regulated by PCID2 expression in MGC-803 cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PCID2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues in close correlation with poor prognosis of the patients. High PCID2 expression promotes gastric cancer proliferation and cell cycle progression by inhibiting the expression of p27 and p16.

[Overexpression of BZW1 promotes invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression level of basic leucine zipper and W2 domain-containing protein 1 (BZW1) in gastric cancer, its impact on patient prognosis and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: TIMER, UALCAN and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were used for analyzing BZW1 expression level gastric cancer tissues and its correlation with tumor grade and stage and the patients' prognosis. We further analyzed BZW1 expressions, disease progression, and postoperative 5-year survival in 102 patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer at our hospital between January, 2014 and December, 2016. Gastric cancer MGC803 cells were examined for changes in migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) following lentivirus-mediated BZW1 overexpression or knockdown. RESULTS: The protein and mRNA expressions of BZW1 in gastric cancer tissues were 3.30 and 6.54 times of those in adjacent tissues, respectively (P < 0.01). BZW1 expression in gastric cancer tissues were positively correlated with peripheral blood CEA and CA199 levels (P < 0.01). A high BZW1 expression was an independent risk factor for 5-year survival of gastric cancer patients after radical surgery (P < 0.05, HR=2.070, 95%CI: 1.021-4.196). At the cut-off value of 3.61, BZW1 expression had a sensitivity of 75.56% and a specificity of 71.93% for predicting postoperative 5-year mortality (P < 0.01). In MGC803 cells, BZW1 overexpression obviously promoted cell migration and invasion (P < 0.05), enhanced cellular expressions of N-cadherin and vimentin (P < 0.05) and inhibited the expression of E-cadherin (P < 0.05). Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of BZW1 in the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Western blotting confirmed that BZW1 overexpression promoted while BZW1 knockdown inhibited the expressions of Wnt3a, ß-catenin and C-myc in MGC803 cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BZW1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues to affect the patient prognosis possibly by activation the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway to promote EMT of gastric cancer cells.

[Correlation of serum ferredoxin 1 and lipoic acid levels with severity of coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation of copper death inducer ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and lipoic acid (LA) with the occurrence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis and explore their roles in coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: We analyzed the data of 226 patients undergoing coronary artery angiography (CAG) in our hospital between October, 2021 and October, 2022, including 47 patients with normal CAG findings (control group) and 179 patients with mild, moderate or severe coronary artery stenosis (CHD group). Serum FDX1 and LA levels were determined with ELISA for all the patients. We also examined pathological changes in the aorta of normal and ApoE-/- mice using HE staining and observed collagen fiber deposition with Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression and distribution of FDX1 and LA in the aorta, and RT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of FDX1, LIAS and ACO2 mRNAs in the myocardial tissues. RESULTS: Compared with the control patients, CHD patients had significantly lower serum FDX1 and LA levels, which decreased progressively as coronary artery stenosis worsened (P < 0.01) and as the number of involved coronary artery branches increased (P < 0.05). Serum FDX1 and LA levels were positively correlated (r=0.451, P < 0.01) and they both negatively correlated with the Gensini score (r=-0.241 and -0.273, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared with normal mice, ApoE-/- mice showed significantly increased lipid levels (P < 0.01) and atherosclerosis index, obvious thickening, lipid aggregation, and collagen fiber hyperplasia in the aorta, and significantly reduced expressions of FDX1, LA, LIAS, and ACO2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum FDX1 and LA levels decrease with worsening of coronary artery lesions, and theirs expressions are correlated with coronary artery lesions induced by hyperlipidemia.

Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis and Validation Identifies Immune Microenvironment-Related Potential Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, accompanied by cognitive and memory impairment, accounting for about 60% - 80% of dementia types. The pathogenesis of AD has not been clarified, and there is no effective therapy to prevent or treat AD. In this study, we aimed to identify the potential biomarkers involved in the brain immune microenvironment in AD. METHODS: AD datasets from GEO database were obtained to identify the differentially expressed disease-related genes (DEDRGs) in AD through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis. Functional Enrichment analysis was performed to explore the potential biological function of DEDRGs. The hub DEDRGs were identified through the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, the CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to bulk gene expression profiles of AD to depict the immune microenvironment characteristics in AD. Pearson's correlation analysis was utilized to depict the correlation between each of immune cells and hub DEDRGs. RESULTS: A total of 27 DEDRGs were identified through WGCNA and differential expression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis of 27 DEDRGs indicated that chemokine signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched KEGG pathway, response to biotic stimulus was the most significantly enriched GO term, and most of DEDRGs were enriched into urinary system cancer in DO analysis. 6 hub DEDRGs, ANGPT1, CCL2, CD44, CXCR4, GJA1 and VCAM1, were screened through PPI network and all of them were up-regulated in AD. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that there were higher infiltration levels of T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells gamma delta, NK cells resting and macrophages M0, and lower infiltration level of NK cell activated in AD, and macrophages M2 owned the highest positively association with VCAM1 and CXCR4, but VCAM1 was statistically and negatively correlated to T cells CD8. CONCLUSION: Our study identified 6 hub DEDRGs, ANGPT1, CCL2, CD44, CXCR4, GJA1 and VCAM1, were statistically associated with immune infiltrating cells, and were significantly related to the pathological development of AD, which may provide a theoretical basis for developing potential biomarkers and implementing effective therapies against AD.

Remnant cholesterol is associated with hip BMD and low bone mass in young and middle-aged men: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Remnant cholesterol (RC) is a contributor to cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, the specific relationship between RC and bone metabolism remains unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationships of RC with hip bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of low bone mass. METHODS: Physical examination data was collected from men aged < 60 years as part of the Kailuan Study between 2014 and 2018. The characteristics of the participants were compared between RC quartile groups. A generalized linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between RC and hip BMD and a logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for low bone mass. Additional analyses were performed after stratification by body mass index (BMI) (≥ or < 24 kg/m2). Sensitivity analyses were performed by excluding individuals who were taking lipid-lowering therapy or had cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes. RESULTS: Data from a total of 7,053 participants were included in the analysis. After adjustment for confounding factors, RC negatively correlated with hip BMD (ß = - 0.0079, 95% CI: - 0.0133, - 0.0025). The risk of low bone mass increased from the lowest to the highest RC quartile, with ORs of 1 (reference), 1.09 (95% CI: (0.82, 1.44), 1.35 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.77), and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.89) for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (P for trend = 0.004) in the fully adjusted model. Compared to RC < 0.80 mmol/l group, the risk of low bone mass increased 39% in RC ≥ 0.80 mmol/l group (P < 0.001). The correlation between RC and hip BMD was stronger in participants with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 group (ß = - 0.0159, 95% CI: - 0.0289, - 0.0029). The results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main results. CONCLUSION: We have identified a negative correlation between serum RC and hip BMD, and a higher RC concentration was found to be associated with a greater risk of low bone mass in young and middle-aged men.

Terahertz beam with radial or orthogonal to laser polarization from a single-color femtosecond filament.

At the selected frequencies from 0.3 to 10 THz we measured the two-dimensional (2D) distributions of fluence and polarization of terahertz (THz) emission from a single-color femtosecond filament. At the majority of frequencies studied, the THz beam has a donut-like shape with azimuthal modulations and radial polarization. At the maximal modulation, THz beam takes the form of the two lobes and polarization of the THz field degenerates into orthogonal to the laser pulse polarization direction. Violation of the radially polarized donut beam shape is due to destructive interference of THz waves driven by light pressure directed along the laser beam propagation axis and ponderomotive force parallel to the laser polarization.

[Application value of arousal threshold in obstructive sleep apnea].

The pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) includes anatomical and non-anatomical factors, and the arousal threshold (ArTH) is one of the important non-anatomical factors. At present, the main method is to assess the increased respiratory effort due to arousal to determine the arousal threshold, and invasive epiglottic or esophageal manometry is the gold standard, while the non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) method and polysomnography (PSG) ventilation signal conversion method are also widely used. Arousal threshold is expected to serve as an important evaluation index and potential target for drug therapy in OSA, which is of great importance for realization of precise treatment of OSA. This article focused on the method and clinical significance of OSA arousal threshold.

Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on anticoagulants and aspirin for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

OBJECTIVE: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a common manifestation of cardiac arrhythmia, whose significance is heightened in the context of an aging global population and changing lifestyles, leading to an increased incidence. Stroke prevention in NVAF is a complex challenge that requires a comprehensive exploration of interventions. The emergence of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) is a potential treatment, necessitating a  thorough evaluation of their safety and efficacy. As the quest for the best strategy for thrombotic risk in these patients continues, the interaction between DOAC and aspirin has become the focus of research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With a rigorous methodological approach, we conducted a thorough search of scientific databases up to August 2023. The methodology involved meticulous screening, careful data extraction, and rigorous assessment of trial quality, all conducted by two independent investigators. The results were synthesized through standardized mean differences, accompanied by 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: DOACs demonstrated significant enhancements in stroke prevention for NVAF, which was indicated by favorable outcomes in bleeding (RR = 4.04, 95% CI: 3.96, 4.12), coronary artery disease (RR = 2.45, 95% CI: 2.42, 2.48), mortality (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.56), myocardial infarction (RR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.81, 1.88), and stroke (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.47, 1.54). Notably, DOACs demonstrated optimal efficacy for NVAF patients with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: DOACs may be potentially effective for preventing stroke after NVAF.

[Epidemiological investigation of constipation in urban areas of Hangzhou, China].

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in Hangzhou urban areas by analyzing data from a recent epidemiological survey. Methods: From August 2022 to June 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 43 communities on eight streets in suburbs of Hangzhou, including Wangjiang, Sijiqing, Puyan, Changhe, Ziyang, Xiaoshanchengxiang, Zhuantang, and Banshan. Written questionnaires were filled out face to face by community doctors. The prevalence of constipation was investigated using a combination of the Bristol stool typing method and the Rome IV criteria. The risk factors for constipation were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The study cohort comprised 10,479 participants, 5551 of whom were male (53.0%) and 4928 female (47.0%). The overall prevalence of constipation was 10.6% (1107/10,479). The prevalence was 11.0% (613/5551) for male and 10.0% (494/4928) for female participants; this difference is not statistically significant (P>0.05).There were no significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different categories of body mass index (P>0.05). The prevalence of constipation was highest in individuals aged 70 years and above, accounting for 15.4% (264/1717) of all cases. There were significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different occupations, marital statuses, and educational levels (P<0.001). Patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of constipation than those without these conditions, those who had been taking long-term medication had a higher prevalence of constipation than those who did not, parents of children with constipation had a higher prevalence of constipation than those with children who did not have constipation, and there were other significant differences in various variables (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of modifiable factors revealed that eating less fruit (OR=1.284, 95%CI: 1.061-1.553, P=0.010), liking spicy and salty food (OR=1.234, 95%CI: 1.039-1.466, P=0.016), sleeping for too long (OR=1.644, 95%CI: 1.260-2.144, P<0.001), irregular sleep patterns (OR=1.370, 95%CI: 1.127-1.665, P=0.002) and minimal exercise (OR=1.388, 95% CI: 1.168-1.649, P<0.001) were all risk factors for constipation; whereas mix diets (OR=0.709,95%CI:0.608-0.826, P<0.001), meat diets (OR=0.604,95%CI: 0.495-0.736, P<0.001), moderate alcohol consumption (OR=0.659, 95% CI: 0.534-0.812, P<0.001), less or no drinking (OR=0.523, 95% CI: 0.428-0.638, P<0.001), and non-smoking (OR=0.819, 95%CI:0.674-0.995, P<0.001) protected against constipation. We found no association between dietary preferences and the risk of constipation (refined grains: OR=1.147, 95%CI:0.944-1.393, P=0.167; no specific preference: OR=0.935, 95%CI:0.783-1.117, P=0.459). The rate of agreement between self-evaluation of constipation by the respondents and objective criteria was higher for negatives (95.8%) than for positives (38.0%). Conclusion: The prevalence of constipation is relatively high in the urban population of Hangzhou. A good lifestyle and diet can significantly reduce its incidence. There should be more emphasis on preventive education, promotion of prevention of constipation, and advocacy for a healthy lifestyle.

[Associations between risk factor control and survival among cancer patients].

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the number of cardiovascular risk factor goals achieved with all-cause mortality, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD)-related mortality, and cancer-related mortality amongst cancer patients. Methods: From 2006 to 2020, a total of 2 079 individuals with newly diagnosed cancer, free of ASCVD, were enrolled in this study from the Kailuan cohort. Patients were classified into three groups (group 1,≤1 risk factor at goal, n=407; group 2, 2 risk factors at goal, n=865; group 3,≥3 risk factors at goal, n=807) according to the control status of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, using health checkup results of the latest survey after cancer diagnosis. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between the number of risk factors at goals with all-cause mortality, ASCVD-related mortality, and cancer-related mortality. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was (60.4±10.4) years, and 71.2% were male. During a median follow-up of 2.95 (1.38, 5.12) years, 600 cases of all-cause mortality, 63 cases of ASCVD-related mortality, and 314 cases of cancer-related mortality were observed. After adjusting for age, gender, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, salt intake, physical activity, body mass index, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, family history of cardiovascular diseases, antihypertensive drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, and anti-cancer medications, compared with cancer patients achieving ≤1 risk factor goal, those achieving ≥3 risk factor goals showed significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality, ASCVD mortality, and cancer mortality, with HR (95%CI) of 0.68 (0.54-0.86), 0.35 (0.16-0.77), and 0.60 (0.43-0.82), respectively (all P values <0.05). Significant relationships between the number of risk factor goals achieved and decreased mortality of all kinds were observed (all P values for trend<0.05). Results of the subgroup analyses suggested that the associations between the number of risk factor goals achieved and lower mortality of all kinds were more prominent among individuals who were ≥60 years, male, and those with respiratory and reproductive cancers (all P values <0.05). Conclusions: This study suggested a significant association between the number of cardiovascular risk factor goals achieved and survival in cancer patients, especially amongst those who were older, male, with respiratory cancers and reproductive cancers.

[High expression of RAB7A is associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer by promoting tumor invasion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression level of Ras-related protein 7A (RAB7A) in gastric cancer and its prognostic implications. METHODS: Based on data from public databases and a cohort of 104 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our hospital, we analyzed RAB7A expression level in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues and its association with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of the patients. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to predict the pathways of RAB7A to affect gastric cancer invasion. In gastric cancer MGC803 cells with lentivirus-mediated interference or overexpression of RAB7A, the changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and cell migration and invasion were analyzed using immunoblotting, wound healing assay and Transwell experiments. RESULTS: The data from public cancer databases and clinical samples showed a significantly higher expression of RAB7A in gastric cancer tissues than in normal or adjacent tissues (P<0.01) with a close correlation with a poorer patient survival (P<0.01) and a positive correlation with serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that a high RAB7A expression was an independent risk factor affecting the 5-year survival rate of gastric cancer patients (HR: 2.882; 95% CI: 1.459-5.693). ROC curve analysis showed that at the cut-off value of 2.625, RAB7A expression level had a sensitivity of 84.62% and a specificity of 71.15% for predicting postoperative 5-year mortality of the patients. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that RAB7A was involved in ECM degradation and activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in gastric cancer. MGC803 cells with RAB7A overexpression showed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (P<0.01) with enhanced expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P<0.01) and cell migration and invasion capacities (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: RAB7A is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and affects the patients' prognosis possibly by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and enhancing ECM degradation to promote tumor invasion.

[Curative effects of medial plantar free flap in reconstructing electric burn wound and scar contracture in the palm].

Objective: To explore the curative effects of medial plantar free flap in reconstructing electric burn wound and scar contracture in the palm. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2023, 6 patients with electric burn wounds or scar contracture in the palm who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 5 males and 1 female, aged 35 to 55 years. The wound area was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm-8.0 cm×7.0 cm after the debridement of electric burn wounds or resection of scar in the palm. The medial plantar free flap anastomosed with cutaneous nerve was used for wound reconstruction, with flap area of 5.5 cm×3.5 cm-8.5 cm×7.5 cm. The wound in the donor site was repaired with transplantation of abdominal full-thickness skin graft. After surgery, the survival of flaps and skin grafts were observed, the shape and texture of flap and the recovery of donor site of flap were observed, and the holding function of the affected hand was assessed. At the last follow-up, the two-point discrimination distance of flap was measured, the sensory recovery of flap was evaluated with the trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, and the function recovery of flap was evaluated by post-surgery flap function evaluation scale. Results: After surgery, 5 flaps survived well, while the distal part of 1 flap was partially necrotic, which was repaired by medium-thickness skin graft from lateral thigh after debridement. All the skin grafts at the donor sites survived well. During follow-up of 3 to 24 months, the flap was not bloated, the texture and color were good, the match with the surrounding tissue was high, with no obvious scar contracture occurred at the donor site. The affected hand had good holding function. At the last follow-up, the two-point discrimination distance of flap was 6-8 mm, the flap sensation recovery was as follows: 5 flaps recovered to grade S3+, 1 flap recovered to grade S3, and the functional evaluation of flaps was excellent in 5 cases and good in 1 case. The patients basically returned to normal life and work. Conclusions: The medial plantar free flap with cutaneous nerve anastomosis has many advantages, such as high matching degree of appearance, good sensory recovery, and holding function of the affected hand. It is an ideal choice for the reconstruction of the electric burn wound and scar contracture in the palm.

[Quercetin improves pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats by regulating the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism through which quercetin improves pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS: Rat models of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension were established by exposure to hypoxia for 8-10 h each day (6 days a week for 4 weeks), and before each hypoxic exposure, the rats were given intragastric administration of 100 mg/kg quercetin or saline. After the treatments, the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure of the rats were recorded. The right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was measured to evaluate right ventricular hypertrophy. HE staining was used to observe the remodeling of the pulmonary arterioles. The right cardiac function of the rats was evaluated by ultrasound. The protein levels of HMGB1, RAGE, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 in the lung tissue of the rats were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the rats maintained in normoxia, the rats with chronic hypoxic exposure showed significantly increased RVHI and RVSP (P<0.01), which were obviously lowered by quercetin treatment (P<0.01). HE staining showed significant pulmonary artery wall thickening with reduced lumen diameter in hypoxia group, and quercetin treatment effectively improved pulmonary vascular remodeling. Ultrasound examination revealed a significantly increased RVFW and a lowered PAT/PET ratio in hypoxia group (P<0.01), and such changes were ameliorated by quercetin treatment (P<0.01). Chronic hypoxia significantly increased the protein expressions of HMGB1 (P<0.01), RAGE, NF-κB and Bcl-2 (P<0.01) and lowered the protein expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.01); Quercetin treatment obviously lowered the protein expressions of HMGB1, NF-κB (P<0.05), RAGE (P<0.01) and (P<0.05) and increased the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the rat models (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Quercetin improves pulmonary hypertension in rats possibly by promoting apoptosis through the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway.