Identification of NR3C2 as a functional diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including the lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) subtypes, is a malignant tumor type with a poor 5-year survival rate. The identification of new powerful diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC is urgently required. Methods: The UCSC Xena, UALCAN, and GEO databases were used to screen and analyze differentially expressed genes, regulatory modes, and genetic/epigenetic alterations in NSCLC. The UCSC Xena database, GEO database, tissue microarray, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values. Gain-of-function assays were performed to examine the roles. The ESTIMATE, TIMER, Linked Omics, STRING, and DAVID algorithms were used to analyze potential molecular mechanisms. Results: NR3C2 was identified as a potentially important molecule in NSCLC. NR3C2 is expressed at low levels in NSCLC, LUAD, and LUSC tissues, which is significantly related to the clinical indexes of these patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggests that the altered NR3C2 expression patterns have diagnostic value in NSCLC, LUAD, and especially LUSC patients. Decreased NR3C2 expression levels can help predict poor prognosis in NSCLC and LUAD patients but not in LUSC patients. These results have been confirmed both with database analysis and real-world clinical samples on a tissue microarray. Copy number variation contributes to low NR3C2 expression levels in NSCLC and LUAD, while promoter DNA methylation is involved in its downregulation in LUSC. Two NR3C2 promoter methylation sites have high sensitivity and specificity for LUSC diagnosis with clinical application potential. NR3C2 may be a key participant in NSCLC development and progression and is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration. NR3C2 co-expressed genes are involved in many cancer-related signaling pathways, further supporting a potentially significant role of NR3C2 in NSCLC. Conclusions: NR3C2 is a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Association Between Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) Assessed by CT and Pathological Parameters and Short-Term Prognosis of Rectal Cancer.

Objective: The study aimed at explore the correlation between the CT-based Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) and pathological parameters of rectal cancer, as well as the correlation with short-term postoperative prognosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 198 rectal cancer patients treated in our institution from January 2017 to December 2022. Based on preoperative CT-PCI, patients were classified into a normal and low CT-PCI groups. Baseline characteristics and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Univariate and Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the independent risk factors for postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ Grade II) following neoadjuvant treatment and radical rectal cancer surgery. Results: There were significant statistical differences between the two groups regarding age, ASA score, and surgical method (P < .05). Variations in overall postoperative complications and complications of Grade II or higher among patients with differing preoperative CT-PCI were statistically significant (P < .05). No significant statistical difference was found in the time to first liquid intake post-surgery between the preoperative low CT-PCI group and the normal CT-PCI group (P > .05); however, differences in the time to first flatus, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and total hospital expenditure were statistically meaningful (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that CT-PCI (OR=2.254) was an influential factor for postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ Grade II) (P < .05). The ROC curve demonstrated an AUC of 0.854 for CT-PCI in predicting postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ Grade II). Conclusion: Preoperative CT-PCI may be utilized to evaluate the short-term prognosis of patients who undergo radical surgery for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy. This evaluation assists in guiding clinical diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, allowing for prompt interventions and enhancing short-term patient outcomes.

Multi-omics analyses of serum metabolome, urine metabolome and gut microbiome reveal dysregulated glycerophospholipid metabolism in subacute cadmium-exposed wistar rats.

Data is limited on intestinal microbiota and metabolites in healthy residents exposed to cadmium (Cd), a population uniquely susceptible to Cd toxicity through contaminated foods. In this study, the 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, serum metabolomics and urine metabolomics were performed to examine the alterations of gut microbiota and metabolomics profile of wistar rats exposed to Cd. These findings indicated that Cd exposure markedly altered the structure of gut microbial community, reduced significantly microbiome diversity, and identified 5 phyla and 6 genera with significant changes. Specifically, the levels of Pseudoxanthomonas and Anaerovibrio upregulated and that of Akkermansia, Brachyspira, Aggregatibacter and SMB53 reduced in rats treated with Cd. Metabolomics profiles of the urine and serum of Cd-treated rats revealed that the abundance of glycerophospholipid metabolites and their derivatives were markedly altered. Glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways that were markedly enriched in metabolomics in both samples was also significantly predicted in gut microbiota analysis. Further, interaction analysis predicted that there might be a relationship between the differential glycerophospholipid metabolites and affected bacteria genera induced by Cd. These results suggested that subacute Cd could disrupt the intestinal microecologica equilibrium and glycerophospholipid metabolic homeostasis, and also provided potential differential microbiota and glycerophospholipid biomarkers between subacute Cd-exposed rats and healthy rats.

Neoadjuvant ceritinib treatment in ALK-rearranged locally advanced adenosquamous carcinoma: A case report.

Here, we first report a case of neoadjuvant ceritinib for locally advanced lung adenosquamous carcinoma. In this study, a locally advanced adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) patient with EML4-ALK fusion who achieved a partial response with neoadjuvant ceritinib treatment after a cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not show significant efficacy. A complete surgical resection was performed with mild adhesions and a small amount of bleeding intraoperatively. The EML4-ALK fusion was detected by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in both pretreatment biopsy and the postoperative tissue specimens with a dramatic decrease in the allele frequency (26.2% [pre]-2.3% [post]). Pathological examination of the postoperative specimens indicated a diagnosis of ASC but the proportions of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cells in the primary lung tumor and metastatic lymph node site were different, suggesting the various responses to ceritinib. Thus, with the case presented here, we provide the clinical evidence for ALK-positive locally advanced ASC patients benefiting from neoadjuvant ceritinib treatment with a tolerable safety profile, whereas further cohort studies of the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant ceritinib in such patients are needed.

Development of a fluorescent probe for detecting Al3+ in cooked wheaten food based on phosphonic acid group functionalized polythiophene derivatives.

As an unnecessary trace element, the content of aluminium in biological systems should be strictly controlled. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a convenient method for detection of aluminium ions. In this study, a fluorescent probe based on polythiophene derivatives was developed and used to detect Al3+ in Chinese traditional pasta. The fluorescence of this probe showed a significant decrease in hexamethylenetetramine-HCl buffer solution (pH 5) when Al3+ was present. In addition, the probe exhibited good sensitivity and selectivity to Al3+ over other metal ions when EDTA was used as the masking agent. Fluorescence intensity had a good linear relationship with the Al3+ concentration in the range 0.1-10 µM and the limit of detection for Al3+ was 39 nM. Furthermore, the probe was successfully applied to detect Al3+ in food samples and the results were consistent with ICP-AES.

Detection of Pesticide Residues in Vegetables Sold in Changchun City, China.

ABSTRACT: We evaluated fresh vegetables for residues of 18 pesticides with different chemical structures, including organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides, carbamate pesticides, and pyrethroid pesticides and estimated that the potential health risks for consumers. A total of 313 samples were collected from 12 kinds of vegetables in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province, People's Republic of China. Pesticide residues were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the curves were highly linear at 0.01 to 1.00 µg/mL (R2 ≥ 0.99). The mean recovery rate of the pesticides was 62 to 110% (relative standard deviation of <5%). The limit of detection was 0.0001 to 0.0167 mg/kg, the limit of quantification was 0.0002 to 0.0556 mg/kg, and the overall detection rate was 28.43%. The prevalence of pesticides and of samples above the standard limit were highest in celery, the prevalence of pesticides was lowest in potatoes, and the prevalence of samples above the standard limit was lowest in cucumber. Three of the 18 pesticides were not detected: omethoate, chlorpyrifos, and fenvalerate. Among the 15 pesticides detected, the maximum risk factor of six (carbofuran, omethoate, phorate, dicofol, dimethoate, and dichlorvos) is >1, indicating possible harm to human health. Residues of a single pesticide may not adversely affect a person's health, but multiple pesticide residues could present a health risk.

Role of TG2 and TGF-ß1 in the pathogenesis of human breast cancer.

The present study analyzed the role of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and tissue transglutaminase (TG2) in breast cancer, as well as their protein levels in MCF-7 cells treated with cisplatin. In addition, the present study investigated the effects of TG2 and TGF-ß1 in MCF-7 cells following TGF-ß1 and TG2 inhibition or TGF-ß1 induction. The protein levels of TG2 and TGF-ß1 in breast cancer tissues and in MCF-7 cells treated with cisplatin, TG2 and TGF-ß1 inhibitors or 10 ng/ml TGF-ß1 were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence and western blotting. The results revealed that the expression levels of TG2 and TGF-ß1 in breast cancer tissues were significantly higher compared with those in paracancerous tissues. The fluorescence intensity of TG2 and TGF-ß1 in MCF-7 cells treated with cisplatin was lower compared with that in untreated MCF-7 cells. Using bioinformatics analysis, the present study predicted that TGF-ß1 may be associated with TG2. In addition, the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and TG2 in MCF-7 cells treated with inhibitors of TGF-ß1 and TG2 were lower compared with those in untreated MCF-7 cells. By contrast, the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and TG2 in MCF-7 cells treated with TGF-ß1 were higher compared with those in untreated MCF-7 cells. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that TGF-ß1 and TG2 may serve an important role in breast cancer tissues and in MCF-7 cells. In addition, it was revealed that TG2 and TGF-ß1 may have a synergistic role in MCF-7 cells.

Heavy Metals in Grains from Jilin Province, China, and Human Health Risk.

ABSTRACT: Heavy metals are an indispensable part of industrial and agricultural development. As the cradle of China's industry and an important province for agricultural production, Jilin Province has been an area of concern about heavy metal pollution in the local environment and grains. In this study, we focused on four heavy metals that are harmful to humans: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), methylmercury (MeHg), and inorganic arsenic (iAs). We determined the contents of these metals in 341 grain samples by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and liquid chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry and compared our results with the limit value of national standards. To evaluate the potential risk to human health, we determined the target hazard quotient and hazard index. Heavy metals were detected at these rates, from high to low: Cd (48%) > iAs (20.8%) > MeHg (4.6%) > Pb (3%). Most of these values are far below the limit of national standards. The target hazard quotient and hazard index were both smaller than 1; thus, we conclude that heavy metal pollution in grains in Jilin Province is not serious and that people are not at high risk from heavy metals in grains.

[Effects of Cyclin A1 on the Proliferation of SKM-1 Cells and Its Potential Role in Myelodysplastic Syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Cyclin A1 on the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and its underlying role in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). METHODS: Cyclin A1 was knocked down with its small interfering RNA (siRNA). The efficiency of siRNA transfection was measured by Western blot and RT-PCR. Then the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and the expression of CDK2,RUNX1 and SRSF2 with and without knockdown of Cyclin A1 recorded and analysed respectively. RESULTS: Cyclin A1 was knocked down by siRNA after transfected for 48 h. The kncokdown of Cyclin A1 inhibited the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and down-regulated the expression of CDK2, RUNX1 and SRSF2, and these effects were at least partially mediated through RUNX1 and SRSF2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Cyclin A1 plays an important role in the proliferation of SKM-1 cells. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of MDS, and it may be a potential target in the treatment of MDS.

A case of lower digestive tract hemorrhage caused by appendicitis in China.

In this case, we report a case of lower digestive tract hemorrhage caused by appendicitis in China. An 46-year-old Chinese male was sent to China-Japan union Hospital of Jilin University with abdominal pain in 2015. The patient was diagnosed with anemia. In this report, the appendix of patient was excised by laparoscopic surgery. The patient's colonoscopy results showed patient could be seen a large number of dark red blood and fresh blood in the intestinal cavity. The patient's colon position found focal mucosal shedding, shallow ulcer formation. As last, the patient was successfully performed and reduced the patient's pain by laparoscopic surgery.

Analysis of the effect of rutin on GSK-3ß and TNF-α expression in lung cancer.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of rutin treatment on the expression of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. The A549 cells were divided into control, cisplatin and rutin (low, middle and high) groups. ELISA and western blot analysis of TNF-α expression, 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and GSK-3ß immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the effect of rutin in the human lung carcinoma cells, using cisplatin as a positive control. TNF-α expression was significantly higher in the rutin and cisplatin groups compared with the control group. Additionally, DAPI staining revealed that the number of apoptotic cells was higher in the rutin and cisplatin groups compared with the control group, and immunofluorescence showed that the expression of GSK-3ß in the cisplatin and rutin groups was significantly higher compared with that in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that rutin promotes the TNF-α-induced apoptosis of A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Furthermore, rutin may be able to regulate the expression of GSK-3ß protein in these cells.

Rutin suppresses high glucose-induced ACTA2 and p38 protein expression in diabetic nephropathy.

The present study investigated the effect of rutin on high glucose-induced actin, α2, smooth muscle, aorta (ACTA2) and p38 protein expression in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Human mesangial cells were divided into a control group, high glucose-induced mesangial cell group, high glucose + captopril group, and high glucose + rutin group (low, middle and high doses of rutin). Cell viability, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) content, cell cycle, and ACTA2 and p38 protein expression were examined using MTT assay, ATP assay kit, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining in cultured human mesangial cells, respectively. Cell viability, ATP content, and ACTA2 and p38 expression increased significantly in high glucose-induced mesangial cells (P<0.05). However, at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 µmol/l rutin was able to inhibit high glucose-induced human mesangial cell viability, ATP content, and ACTA2 and p38 expression and improve the cell cycle progression of mesangial cells. In conclusion, ACTA2 and p38 proteins may have important roles in DN. Rutin may inhibit the expression of ACTA2 and p38 and may be utilized in the prevention and treatment of DN.

A case of abdominal enteric cyst in China.

To investigate a case of abdominal enteric cyst in China. The patient was admitted to the china-Japan Friendship Hospital of Jilin University, which was due to intermittent pain in the left side for the last 4 months. In this surgery, CT was used to diagnose the basic condition of the patient. Surgery was used for Treatment of patients with diseases. As soon as patients have been successfully operated by laparoscopic surgery.

A case of IV degree on acute radiation dermatitis in China.

This report investigates the nursing procedure of a case of adjuvant therapy of rectal cancer on IV degree of acute radiation dermatitis patients in the penis and scrotum junction. The lesion degree gradually increased. Fixation of the dressing was difficult in the penis and scrotum junction. The concept of wet healing with new dressings was used in patient. The silver ion dressings were used in inhibiting infection, and the wound was covered by the rimmed foam dressings. When it comes to the shaping period, water gel transparent paste was applied instead to cover the wound. The patient was just into the surgical treatment in the wound healed after six days.

A case of obturator hernia leading to right thigh abscess in China.

The purpose of this case is to investigate a case of obturator hernia leading to right thigh abscess on 68-year-old woman of China. A 68-year-old Chinese woman was referred to China-Japan Friendship Hospital of Jilin University with abdominal pain, bloating, exhaust, stop defecation in 2011. She had chronic bronchitis, emphysema with a history of 20 years. This patient did not have any bad habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, etc. In this surgery, CT was used to diagnose the basic condition of the patient. Surgery was used for treatment of patients with diseases. In addition, this operation was performed by the china-Japan Friendship Hospital of Jilin University. The results of this case showed that the cervix of rectal right anterior wall can hit a funicular neoplasm, toughening, smooth, with tenderness, considering for the external pressure bowel loops. The inside of the right thigh showed obvious swelling, skin slightly bruising, and tenderness. Chest radiographs showed that patients had emphysema, multiple planes of fluid and air in the abdomen. Patients had been successfully operated, but she died because of severe infection.

Two Rare Cases Involving the Spread of Tuberculosis: A Tuberculous Abscess of the Chest Wall Invading the Liver by Way of the Diaphragm.

We herein report two separate cases in which a tuberculous abscess of the chest wall invaded the liver by penetrating through the diaphragm. After confirming the presence of tuberculous lesions in the chest wall and liver, both patients received preoperative anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications for two weeks; after which, the lesions were surgically removed. Following surgery, both patients fully recovered and were asymptomatic, but continued to receive routine postoperative care involving anti-TB medications. Neither patient showed recurrence of TB during a 15-month follow-up period.

Role of tissue transglutaminase in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the intervention effect of rutin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and the intervention effect of rutin. DCM was induced in rats by the injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 25 mg/kg). After a preliminary examination, the rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (n=8), STZ-induced DCM (n=8), STZ + positive drug (captopril; n=6) and STZ + rutin (n=8) groups. The DCM model was evaluated using blood sugar values, serum enzyme levels, hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's staining, ex vivo. The protein and mRNA expression of tTG was assessed with immunohistochemistry, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The rat model of DCM was successfully established by STZ administration, and the expression levels of tTG were significantly increased in the DCM model. Following the injection of captopril or rutin, the blood sugar values, collagen content and expression levels of tTG were gradually reduced and serum enzyme levels were increased, as compared with those in the STZ-induced DCM group. In conclusion, tTG plays an important role in STZ-induced DCM. In addition, rutin may inhibit the expression of tTG and regulate myocardial injury in STZ-induced DCM.

Role of TGF-ß1 in human colorectal cancer and effects after cantharidinate intervention.

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) were investigated in human colorectal cancer, and the influence of cantharidinate in inhibiting TGF-ß1 expression was explored. Relationships among TGF-ß1 and sex, age, tumor size, tumor location, tumor stage were also analyzed. H and E and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to assess colorectal cancer and TGF-ß1 expression, respectively. Then, HCT-116 CRC cells were randomly divided into four groups, controls, no serum-treated, chemotherapy and cantharidinate-treated. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were employed to assess the expression of TGF-ß1 in CRC cells. Our data showed that the expression of TGF-ß1 might be associated with tumor size and tumor location (P<0.05). The expression of TGF-ß1 in CRC groups was higher than in adjacent groups (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of TGF-ß1 in cantharidinate-treated group was much lower than in CRC group (P<0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that TGF-ß1 plays an important role in CRC development. Cantharidinate might inhibit the expression of TGF-ß1 and control the development of colorectal cancer.

Role of S100A3 in human colorectal cancer and the anticancer effect of cantharidinate.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The early diagnosis and treatment of CRC is the key to improving the survival of patients who may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. In the present study, the protein expression of S100A3 was observed in a cohort of 20 patients with cancer, which indicated that S100A3 activation was involved in tumorigenesis. In addition, the anticancer activity of cantharidinate was investigated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The protein expression of S100A3 was observed to increase by 2.4-fold in human CRC cells compared with the expression level in normal control cells (P<0.01). Cantharidinate inhibited the protein and gene expression of S100A3 in UCT-116 human CRC cells in vitro. These results suggested that S100A3 is important in human CRC. Cantharidinate has the potential to be considered as a novel adjuvant drug for controlling the expression of S100A3 in human CRC as it exhibits preventive effects.

Role of tissue transglutaminase and effect of cantharidinate in human colorectal cancer.

The role of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in cancer development remains an important field of study. The aim of the current study was to understand the involvement of tTG in cancer and the inhibitory effect of cantharidinate on the expression of tTG in human colorectal cancer (CRC) using immunohistochemical and PCR analysis. The results showed that the expression of tTG increased in human CRC and cantharidinate inhibited the expression of tTG. These results suggested that tTG is significant in human CRC and that tTG may be an important target for tumor chemoprevention and treatment. Cantharidinate may be considered as a novel co­therapy for controlling tTG expression in human CRC.