ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemical staining in differential diagnosis of primary endometrial and endocervical adenocarcinomas. Methods: Eighty-seven cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma and sixty-three cases of cervical adenocarcinoma were collected from May 2018 to November 2023 in the Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School and all the cases were subject to PRAME immunohistochemical staining. The difference of PRAME expression between endometrial and endocervical adenocarcinomas was analyzed. Results: In 87 cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma, patients' age ranged from 35 to 71 years (average 59 years, median 59 years); in 63 cases of cervical adenocarcinoma patients' age ranged from 28 to 80 years (average 49 years, median 47 years). Seventy-eight cases (78/87, 89.7%) of endometrial adenocarcinoma; 2 cases (2/63, 3.2%) of cervical adenocarcinoma showed positive PRAME staining, and both cases of cervical adenocarcinoma were clear cell carcinoma. The sensitivity and specificity of PRAME in distinguishing between endometrial and cervical adenocarcinoma in the cohort were 89.7% and 96.8%, while those in differentiating non-clear cell carcinoma of the uterus from that of the cervix reached up to 91% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Immunohistochemical staining for PRAME demonstrates statistically significant differences between endometrial and cervical carcinomas, making it a useful auxiliary diagnostic marker for differentiating cervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma, especially non-clear cell carcinoma.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Biomarkers, Tumor , Endometrial Neoplasms , Immunohistochemistry , Sensitivity and Specificity , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Endometrial Neoplasms/diagnosis , Endometrial Neoplasms/metabolism , Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Middle Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis , Adenocarcinoma/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism , Aged, 80 and overABSTRACT
In X-ray diffraction measurements, the angular resolution has a detection limit due to the receiving size of the detector. In many cases this detection limit is too large and must be breached to obtain the desired information. A novel method is proposed here by making the detector simultaneously measuring and moving. Using the deconvolution algorithm to remove the convolution effect, the pixel size limitation is finally broken. The algorithm used is not a common one, and suppresses signals at high frequencies, ensuring the reliability of the peak shape after restoration. The feasibility of this method is verified by successfully measuring the crystal truncation rod signal of SrTiO3 single crystal, and the resolution is nearly ten times higher than that of a single pixel. Moreover, this method greatly reduces the noise and improves the signal-to-noise ratio.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Lung Neoplasms , Mesothelioma, Malignant , Mesothelioma , Pleural Neoplasms , Humans , Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Mesothelioma/diagnosis , Mesothelioma/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor , Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis , Extracellular Matrix ProteinsABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of occupational lung diseases, to reduce the missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses of the diseases and to help standardize the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Methods: A total of 4 813 lung biopsy specimens (including 1 935 consultation cases) collected at the Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China from January 1st, 2017 to December 31th, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 126 cases of occupational lung diseases were confirmed with clinical-radiological-pathological diagnosis. Special staining, PCR and scanning electron microscopy were also used to rule out the major differential diagnoses. Results: The 126 patients with occupational lung diseases included 102 males and 24 females. All of them had a history of exposure to occupational risk factor(s). Morphologically, 68.3% (86/126) of the cases mainly showed pulmonary fibrotic nodules, dust plaque formation or carbon end deposition in pulmonary parenchyma. 16.7% (21/126) of the cases mainly showed welding smoke particle deposition in the alveolar cavity and lung interstitium while 15.1% (19/126) of the cases showed granulomas with fibrous tissue hyperplasia, alveolar protein deposition or giant cell interstitial pneumonia. The qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of residual dust components in the lung under scanning electron microscope were helpful for the diagnosis of welder's pneumoconiosis and hard metal lung disease. Conclusions: The morphological characteristics of lung biopsy tissue are important reference basis for the clinicopathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of occupational lung diseases. Recognizing the characteristic morphology and proper use of auxiliary examination are the key to an accurate diagnosis of occupational lung diseases on biopsy specimens.
Subject(s)
Pneumoconiosis , Pneumonia, Viral , Male , Female , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Pneumoconiosis/diagnosis , Pneumoconiosis/pathology , Lung/pathology , Dust , Pneumonia, Viral/pathology , BiopsyABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 6 children with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical manifestations, examinations, treatment and prognosis of 6 children with IIP who were hospitalized in Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to March 2020. Results: Of the 6 children, 2 were males and 4 were females, aged 4.8 to10.6 years. All children had a subacute onset, and presented with cough, shortness of breath and cyanosis. The lung high-resolution CT (HRCT) showed diffuse patchiness in bilateral lung fields in all the children and reticular pattern in 2 cases. Pulmonary function test found moderate to severe mixed defect in 5 children. Lung biopsy was performed in 4 children. All of the 6 children were treated with systemic glucocorticoids, of whom 2 cases had additional inhaled glucocorticoids. Four children were finally diagnosed as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), whose lung HRCT return to normal in 1-11 months. Two children were finally diagnosed as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), and had long-term residual fibrosis on lung HRCT. The 6 children were followed up for 1 year to 6 years and 5 months after discontinuation of systemic glucocorticoids, and all had no recurrence. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of IIP in children are subacute onset presented with cough, shortness of breath, cyanosis and diffuse patchiness in bilateral lungs on HRCT. The common subtypes of IIP in children are COP and NSIP. Systemic glucocorticoid is effective for IIP in children and there is a good prognosis overall.
Subject(s)
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia , Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias , Child , Cough/etiology , Cyanosis/pathology , Dyspnea/pathology , Female , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias/diagnosis , Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias/pathology , Lung/pathology , Male , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Propionibacterium acnes plays a major role in acne vulgaris. In the pre-experiment, the growth of P. acnes was inhibited effectively using surfactin; however, the antibacterial mechanism has not been described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity and analyse the mechanism of surfactin against P. acnes. Minimum inhibitory concentration, time-killing kinetics and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the activity of surfactin against P. acnes, which showed that 128 µg ml-1 effectively inhibited growth. Cell wall permeability was evaluated by detecting the extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity, which increased to 1·83- and 2·32-fold after incubating with 128 and 256 µg ml-1 of surfactin for 10 h, respectively. Propidium iodide fluorescence, leakage of nucleic acid, protein, K+ , and Ca2+ , membrane potential and the leakage of calcein from small unilamellar vesicles all increased after incubation with surfactin, indicating that its strong biological activities act mainly by altering membrane integrity. In a mouse model of acne, surfactin significantly reduced P. acnes-induced epidermal swelling and erythema. These results indicate that surfactin effectively inhibited the growth of P. acnes by destroying the cell wall and membrane, and is a potential candidate for acne treatment.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Propionibacterium acnes , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Cell Wall , Mice , Microbial Sensitivity TestsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation of serum placental growth factor (PLGF), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and disease severity in patients with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Altogether 88 pregnant women with hypertensive disorder who underwent prenatal examination and delivery in our hospital from March 2017 to February 2019 were selected and included as the research group (n=88), and 62 healthy pregnant women who underwent prenatal examination during the same period were included as the normal control group (n=62). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of PAPP-A and PLGF in the serum of the two groups. The correlation of the expression levels of PAPP-A and PLGF with the severity of HDP was analyzed. The occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the two groups was compared, and the relationship of the expression levels of PAPP-A and PLGF with adverse pregnancy outcomes was compared. RESULTS: PAPP-A expression level in serum of pregnant women in the research group was significantly higher than that in the control group, while PLGF expression level was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.001). PAPP-A expression level was positively correlated with HDF severity (r=0.753, p<0.001), while PLGF expression level was negatively correlated with HDP severity (r=-0.929, p<0.001). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the research group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The serum PAPP-A level of patients in the group with adverse pregnancy outcomes was significantly higher than that in the group without adverse pregnancy outcomes, while PLGF level was significantly lower than that in the group without adverse pregnancy outcomes (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the expression levels of PAPP-A and PLGF in serum were closely related to the severity of HDP and could be used as indicators for disease monitoring.
Subject(s)
Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/blood , Placenta Growth Factor/blood , Pregnancy Complications/blood , Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A/analysis , Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) frequently causes serious disabilities and correlates with certain neurological processes. Some studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert a neuroprotective effect by modulating the inflammatory process in CIR. However, the biofunction and the mechanism of miR-130b in CIR need to be fully elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model was constructed using SH-SY5Y cell line to analyze the function of miR-130b in CIR. Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression levels of miR-130b and IRF1. Western blot was performed to detect the protein levels of IRF1, Bax, and Bcl-2. Cell viability was determined using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays. Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target gene of miR-130b. RESULTS: In this study, we found that miR-130b level was prominently decreased after treatment with OGD/R. Through gain and loss assays, we concluded that miR-130b restoration promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in OGD/R-treated cells. Moreover, we also identified IRF1 as an important target of miR-130b. Additionally, IRF1 knockdown remarkably abrogated the protection mediated by miR-130b against the injuries in OGD/R-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results suggested that miR-130b facilitated cell viability and suppressed cell apoptosis of CIR via negatively regulating of IRF1.
Subject(s)
Interferon Regulatory Factor-1/metabolism , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Reperfusion Injury/metabolism , Apoptosis , Humans , Interferon Regulatory Factor-1/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , Reperfusion Injury/pathology , Tumor Cells, CulturedSubject(s)
Asthma , Cough , Asthma/complications , Child , Chronic Disease , Cough/etiology , Humans , Lung/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate miR-524-5p expression in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and the regulatory mechanism of miR-524-5p on biological behaviors of GC cell lines, such as proliferation, cell apoptosis and cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of miR-524-5p was detected in 48 paired of GC tissue samples and matched adjacent tissues, and also detected in GC cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Using miR-524-5p mimics, we analyzed the effects of overexpressed miR-524-5p on cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cycle. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase activity assay and Western blot were recruited to validate the potential target gene of miR-524-5p. RESULTS: The expression of miR-524-5p was significantly decreased in GC tissue samples and cell lines. Increased miR-524-5p in GC cells significantly decreased cell proliferation capacity, promoted cell apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, while decreased miR-524-5p exerted the opposite effects. Dual-luciferase, qRT-PCR and Western blot confirmed CASP3 as a target gene of miR-524-5p. Furthermore, recovery of CASP3 expression attenuated the suppressive effect of miR-524-5p on cell growth. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-524-5p participates in the development of GC via regulating CASP3, which might provide a new prospect for GC diagnosis and therapy.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis/genetics , Carcinoma/genetics , Caspase 3/genetics , Cell Proliferation/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , Stomach Neoplasms/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Carcinoma/pathology , Caspase 3/metabolism , Cell Cycle Checkpoints/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Humans , Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism , Stomach Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
The ion migration during electrochemical process is a fundamental scientific issue for phase transition behavior and of technical importance for various functional devices, where cations or anions are active under electrical bias. Usually only one type of functional ion, O2- or Li+, is activated due to their different migration energy barriers, cooperated by the valence change of other immobile ions in the host lattice matrix, e.g., Co2+/Co3+ and Mn3+/Mn4+ redox couples, owing to the charge neutralization. Here we select spinel Li4Ti5O12 as anode and construct an all-solid-state battery under a transmission electron microscope; a synergistic transportation of O2- and Li+ driven by an electrical bias was directly observed at the atomic scale. A small amount of oxygen anions was extracted firstly as a result of its lowest vacancy formation energy under 2.2 V, leading to the vertical displacement of oxygen. Up to 2.7 V, an ordered phase with both Li- and O- deficiency formed. The Li+ and O2- ions are simultaneously extracted out from the [LiO4] tetrahedra due to the electroneutrality principle. The migration paths of O and Li have been proposed and verified by first-principles calculations. These results reveal a brand new synergistic ion migration manner and may provide up-to-date insights on the transportation process of lithium ion conductors.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) expression and clinical pathology, computed tomography (CT) characteristics and prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 76 NSCLC patients treated in our hospital from July 2012 to March 2015 were enrolled. The paired NSCLC and para-carcinoma tissues, as well as their CT image data were collected. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels of BMP4 in NSCLC were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The association between BMP4 level and clinicopathological indexes of NSCLC patients was analyzed. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier method was introduced for analyzing the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients with high-level or low-level BMP4. The correlation between CT manifestations and BMP4 level in NSCLC patients was analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The mRNA level of BMP4 in NSCLC tissues was 2.15 times higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues (p<0.05). IHC results revealed 59.21% (45/76) of BMP4-positive NSCLC tissues and 40.79% (31/76) in para-carcinoma tissues. BMP4 level was higher in NSCLC patients with lymph node metastasis and those in clinical stage III and IV than those without lymph node metastasis and in clinical stage I and II (p<0.05). Besides, BMP4 level was not correlated to the gender, age and differentiation degree of NSCLC patients (p>0.05). According to the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, both PFS and OS were significantly shortened in NSCLC patients with high level of BMP4 compared with patients with low level of BMP4 (PFS: 13.28 months vs. 19.34 months, Log-rank test, p=0.016; OS: 15.14 months vs. 22.08 months, Log-rank test, p=0.027). BMP4 level was associated with lobulation sign, spinous process sign, tumor diameter and mediastinal lymph node metastasis in CT findings (p<0.05), rather than spiculation sign, ground glass sign, calcification lesion and CT enhancement value of lung cancer (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BMP4 overexpression is closely associated with the occurrence and development of NSCLC and CT signs. Detection of BMP4 is helpful for evaluating the malignant degree and prognosis of NSCLC.
Subject(s)
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4/metabolism , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnostic imaging , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Aged , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Chi-Square Distribution , Female , Humans , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the value of preventive flap placement of terminal ileostomy in laparoscopic radical resection of low rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in the patients (n=63) who received preventive terminal ileostomy in laparoscopic radical resection of low rectal cancer in our institution from April 2016 to March 2018, including 33 patients who underwent ileostomy with flap-placement (flap group), and 30 patients who underwent ileostomy with stent (stent group). Clinical data were collected from both groups and statistically analyzed. Results: All patients were successfully completed laparoscopic radical resection with preventive ileostomy. All patients of stent group received stoma-closure surgery one month later after rectal resection. There were significantly statistical differences in operating time of ileostomy (28.9±4.3 vs 36.3±2.3, t=11.73, P<0.001) and overall stoma-related complications (1 vs 7, χ(2)=4.155, P=0.042), but no difference in anastomosis leakage, operating time of stoma-reversal, parastomal infection, parastomal hernia and parastomal prolapse. Conclusions: Preventive flap placement of terminal ileostomy represents a secure and feasible approach to laparoscopic low rectal cancer resection. Patients can be released from the discomfort of removing the stent and may suffer fewer stoma-related complications.
Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Rectal Neoplasms , Anastomosis, Surgical , Humans , Ileostomy , Postoperative Complications , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the clinical and histological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of myofibroma/myofibromatosis. Methods: The clinical data and pathology features of nine cases of myofibroma/myofibromatosis were collected from August 2011 to November 2016 in Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School and Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Immunohistochemistry(IHC), PDGFRB molecular analysis and ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion were performed and relevant literature reviewed. Results: There were 7 males and 2 females, with age ranging from 3 days to 18 years (mean 5 years). The tumors were located in head and neck (eight cases) and trunk (one case). Clinically, the tumors presented as freely movable nodules. Microscopically, they appeared biphasic with alternating light- and dark-staining areas. The light-staining area consisted mainly of plump myoid spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm arranged in nodules, short fascicles, or whorls.The dark-staining area was composed of round or polygonal cells with slightly hyperchromatic nuclei or small spindle cells arranged around a distinct hemangiopericytoma-like vascular pattern. IHC showed the tumor cells in the light-staining area were strongly positive for vimentin and SMA, while cells in dark-staining area were strongly positive for vimentin, and weakly for SMA. Tumor cells were negative for desmin, S-100 protein, h-Caldesmon, CD34 and STAT6. Analysis of PDGFRB mutations was performed in seven cases. Two cases showed 12 exon point mutation c. 1681 c>T(p.R561C), one case showed 14 exon point mutation c. 1998C>G (p.N666K). ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion was not detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in four patients under three years old. All cases were followed for 6 to 68 months, with two recurrences. Conclusions: Myofibroma/myofibromatosis is an uncommon benign myofibroblastic tumor of infancy and childhood. The tumor can appear biphasic, and may show PDGFRB point mutation which is of potential diagnostic value.
Subject(s)
Myofibroma , Myofibromatosis , Adolescent , Antigens, CD34/analysis , Calmodulin-Binding Proteins/analysis , Child , Child, Preschool , Desmin/analysis , Diagnosis, Differential , Exons , Female , Hemangiopericytoma/blood supply , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Male , Mutation , Myofibroma/diagnosis , Myofibroma/genetics , Myofibroma/pathology , Myofibromatosis/diagnosis , Myofibromatosis/genetics , Myofibromatosis/pathology , Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta/analysis , Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta/genetics , S100 Proteins/analysis , STAT6 Transcription Factor/analysis , Vimentin/analysisABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the optimal strategy for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in bone metastasis specimens from breast cancer. Methods: Twenty-eight bone metastases specimens from breast cancers were divided into three groups and subjected to different decalcifying agents (group A-10% nitrate, group B-EDTA decalcification, and group C-imported decalcifying solution RapidCal). The effects of those on HE and IHC staining for Ki-67, ER, PR, GATA3, RANK, RANKL, HER2 and HER2 FISH results were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences among three groups in HE morphology and IHC staining. Antigen content in the RapidCal group were all intact; the EDTA group showed a similar staining rate, which was better than the nitrate group (P<0.05). Nitrate group showed marked reduction in nuclear Ki-67 staining, but the loss of cytoplasmic antigens (RANK, RANKL) was less than cell membrane antigen (HER2). For FISH, the RapidCal group and EDTA group showed same results, concordant with IHC staining results. The expression of HER2 protein in the nitric acid group was significantly decreased and chromosome 17 labelling was lost (P<0.05). Conclusions: RapidCal treated bone metastases specimens from breast cancer show excellent sample quality in morphological, IHC and FISH results compared with traditional decalcifying agents. Owing to the longer time of EDTA decalcification, the new decalcifying agent RapidCal plays an important role in quality control and clinical application.