[Identification of potential pathogenic genes of intestinal metaplasia based on transcriptomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential pathogenic genes of intestinal metaplasia. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with intestinal metaplasia admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January, 2022 to June, 2022, and 21 healthy subjects undergoing gastroscopic examination during the same period were enrolled in this study. All the participants underwent gastroscopy and pathological examination, and gastric tissue samples were collected for transcriptome sequencing to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The biological functions of the DEGs were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis, and qRT-PCR was used to validate the results. RESULTS: Transcriptomic sequencing identified a total of 1373 DEGs, including 827 upregulated and 546 downregulated ones. The top 6 upregulated genes (AGMAT, CCL25, FABP1, CDX1, SPINK4, and MUC2), ranked based on their significance and average expression level, were selected for validation, and qRT-PCR showed significant upregulation of their mRNAs in the gastric tissues of patients with intestinal metaplasia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AGMAT, CCL25, FABP1, CDX1, SPINK4, and MUC2 participate in the occurrence and development of intestinal metaplasia, and may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing intestinal metaplasia.

Deep learning-based facial analysis for predicting difficult videolaryngoscopy: a feasibility study.

While videolaryngoscopy has resulted in better overall success rates of tracheal intubation, airway assessment is still an important prerequisite for safe airway management. This study aimed to create an artificial intelligence model to identify difficult videolaryngoscopy using a neural network. Baseline characteristics, medical history, bedside examination and seven facial images were included as predictor variables. ResNet-18 was introduced to recognise images and extract features. Different machine learning algorithms were utilised to develop predictive models. A videolaryngoscopy view of Cormack-Lehane grade of 1 or 2 was classified as 'non-difficult', while grade 3 or 4 was classified as 'difficult'. A total of 5849 patients were included, of whom 5335 had non-difficult and 514 had difficult videolaryngoscopy. The facial model (only including facial images) using the Light Gradient Boosting Machine algorithm showed the highest area under the curve (95%CI) of 0.779 (0.733-0.825) with a sensitivity (95%CI) of 0.757 (0.650-0.845) and specificity (95%CI) of 0.721 (0.626-0.794) in the test set. Compared with bedside examination and multivariate scores (El-Ganzouri and Wilson), the facial model had significantly higher predictive performance (p < 0.001). Artificial intelligence-based facial analysis is a feasible technique for predicting difficulty during videolaryngoscopy, and the model developed using neural networks has higher predictive performance than traditional methods.

The effects of gastric cancer interstitial fluid on tumors based on traditional Chinese medicine 'phlegm' theory and the investigation on the mechanism through microRNA-21 regulation.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of gastric cancer interstitial fluid (GCIF) on tumors and explore the possible mechanism of Xiaotan Sanjie decoction (XTSJ) on treatment of gastric cancer from the view of regulating microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression. The GCIF was extracted and identified by measuring the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and miR-21. The effects of GCIF on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and tumor growing were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and subcutaneously transplanted tumor-bearing nude mice model, respectively. Additionally, inhibition effect of XTSJ decoction on proliferation of SGC-7901 cells intervened by GCIF were assessed in vitro and anti-cancer effect of it was further assessed using orthotopic transplanted tumor-bearing nude mice model. The concentration of SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells were dependent on the concentration of the added GCIF. After 72 hours of continuous culture, the interstitial fluid had an obvious proliferative effect on the SGC-7901 tumor cells, which was the most significant in the high concentration group. XTSJ decoction could inhibit the growth-promoting effect (P < 0.01) of GCIF on gastric cancer cells. Intervention of the GCIF might promote the growth (P < 0.05) of the subcutaneously transplanted tumors in nude mice and decrease the net weight of the tumor-bearing nude mice (P < 0.05) after tumor removal. The GCIF was able to up-regulate the expression (P < 0.001) of miR-21 in the subcutaneously transplanted tumors. XTSJ decoction could downregulate the expression (P < 0.05) of miR-21 in SGC-7901 orthotopically transplanted tumors. XTSJ decoction can inhibit the multiplicative effect of GCIF on gastric cancer cells, growth of gastric tumor and promotion effect of GCIF on tumors, probably due to the down-regulating miR-21 expression in tumor tissues.

HLA common and well-documented alleles in China.

The American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics HLA common and well-documented (CWD) catalog, CWD 2.0.0 catalog and European Federation for Immunogenetics (EFI) CWD catalog have been published, which are useful for improving the accuracy of HLA genotyping in laboratories. Here, we studied the Chinese HLA CWD catalog. A total of 812 211 unrelated volunteer donors from the China Marrow Donor Program (CMDP) were analyzed. Six hundred seventy-six alleles at the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, and -DQB1 loci were defined as CWD alleles in the Chinese population, including 159 common and 517 well-documented alleles. The distribution of HLA alleles in the Chinese CWD catalog is different from that in the EFI CWD catalog. Thirty-two percent (215/676) of CWD alleles in the Chinese CWD catalog are shared with those in the EFI CWD catalog. Fifty-six percent (380/676) of alleles in the Chinese CWD catalog are not found in the EFI CWD catalog, while 655 alleles in the EFI CWD catalog are neither common nor well-documented alleles in the Chinese CWD catalog. The Chinese CWD catalog described in this study may help to improve high-resolution histocompatibility testing for CMDP-accredited laboratories in China. However, to accommodate an increasing number of HLA alleles, this Chinese CWD catalog should be regularly updated.

[Effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on the angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on the angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: BALB/c-nu mice were subcutaneously injected with HepG-2 cells and randomly divided into control and BH4 groups. The BH4 group and control group received 20 mg/kg BH4 or saline by intraperitoneal injection daily for two weeks, respectively. The level of BH4 was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the level of nitric oxide (NO) was measured by Griess test array, the transcriptional level of K-ras was measured by quantitative RT-PCR, and the protein expressions of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase Ⅰ(GTPCH), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-Akt and Akt were determined by Western blot. Results: BH4 level in the tumor tissues of BH4 group was (0.24±0.02) µg/ml, significantly higher than the (0.17±0.01) µg/ml in the control group (P<0.01). The level of NO in the tumor tissues of BH4 group was (51.44±2.90) mmol/L, significantly higher than the (24.77±0.54) mmol/L in the control group (P<0.01). The tumor volume of BH4 group was (191.05±8.70) mm3, significantly higher than the (103.10±5.03) mm3 in the control group (P<0.01). The expressions of CD34, K-ras, phospho-eNOS, phospho-Akt and GTPCH were significantly up-regulated in the tumor tissues of BH4 group when compared with those of the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions: BH4 recognized as an essential cofactor of eNOS can increase tumor-produced NO by activating the wild-type Ras-PI3K/Akt pathway, thus induces angiogenesis. This might provide a novel and promising way to control the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting BH4 synthesis pathway and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Aggravation of spinal cord compromise following new osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture prevented by teriparatide in patients with surgical contraindications.

Patients with spinal cord deficits following new unstable osteoporotic compression fracture and surgical contraindications were considered to receive conservative treatment. Teriparatide was better than alendronate at improving bone mineral density and bone turnover parameters, as well as preventing aggravation of spinal cord compromise. INTRODUCTION: This study compared the preventive effects of teriparatide and alendronate on aggravation of spinal cord compromise following new unstable osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in patients with surgical contraindications. METHODS: This was a 12-month, randomized, open-label study of teriparatide versus alendronate in 49 patients with new unstable OVCF and surgical contraindications. Neurological function was evaluated using modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score (11-point scale, the maximum score of 11 implies normalcy). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, kyphotic angles, anterior-border heights and diameters of the spinal canal of the fractured vertebrae, any incident of new OVCFs (onset of OVCF during follow-up), spine bone mineral density (BMD), and serum markers of bone resorption and bone formation were also examined at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of the medication regimen. RESULTS: At 12 months, mean mJOA score had improved in the teriparatide group and decreased in the alendronate group. Mean concentrations of bone formation and bone resorption biomarkers, mean spine BMD, and mean anterior-border height and spinal canal diameter of the fractured vertebrae were significantly greater in the teriparatide group than in the alendronate group. Mean VAS score, mean kyphotic angle of the fractured vertebrae, and incidence of new OVCFs were significantly smaller in the teriparatide group than in the alendronate group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with neurological deficits following new unstable OVCF and with surgical contraindications, teriparatide was better than alendronate at improving the BMD and the bone turnover parameters, as well as preventing aggravation of spinal cord compromise.

Associations of the IL-1F7 gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population.

Our aim was to investigate whether genetic polymorphism of IL-1F7 (rs3811047) was involved in the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Chinese Han population. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL-1F7 gene (rs3811047) was analyzed in 184 unrelated Chinese Han patients with RA and 184 healthy controls by ligase detection reaction based on high temperature ligase detection reactions polymerase chain reaction (LDR-PCR). There were no statistically significant differences in the genetic polymorphism (genotypes and allele frequencies) of IL-1F7 (rs3811047) in the patients with RA compared with control. Although all of the clinical and laboratory measures were similar to each other among patients with different genotypes, RA patients carrying AA or AG genotypes had lower swollen joint count, swollen joint index, rest pain and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score than that in patients having GG genotype (P < 0.05). These findings show that no evidence for the involvement of a pro-inflammatory polymorphism in the IL-1F7 in the susceptibility to RA in China. Patients carrying A allele had less severe disease activity than those not carrying this allele, suggesting that the A allele of IL-1F7 gene (rs3811047) may have a protective effect on RA.

MicroRNA-149 inhibits proliferation and invasion of glioma cells via blockade of AKT1 signaling.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of gene expressions. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is implicated in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including the tumorigenesis of glioma (GM). Though the molecular mechanisms of protein kinase B (AKT) survival signal have been comprehensively explored, the role of miR-149 in glioblastoma (GBM) and its regulation on AKT signaling have not yet been ascertained. The present study aimed to elucidate the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-149 in U251 GM cells. Using a gain-of-function approach, we investigated the effects of lentivirus-mediated overexpression of miR-149 on the expression of phosphated-AKT1 (p-AKT1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2) and CyclinD1 in U251 cells and nude mice subcutaneous xenograft tumors by Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical assays. Proliferative activities indicated by MTT assay, invasive potential by Transwell and cycle distribution by flow cytometry were carried out for functional analysis of U251 cells after infection with miR-149 mimic. As a consequence, miR-149 inhibited the expression of p-AKT1, PCNA, CyclinD1 and MMP-2, reduced the proliferative activities and invasive potential, and induced cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase in U251 cells. In conclusion, our findings show that miR-149 as tumor suppressor may be involved in the proliferation and invasion of GM cells via blockade of the AKT1 signaling, and be considered as a candidate target for the treatment of cancer.

SU5416 is a potent inhibitor of hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) and blocks HGF-induced invasiveness of human HepG2 hepatoma cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: SU5416 is a potent inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases, including those of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, stem cell factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Because of the overwhelming evidence favoring the role of aberrant hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/Met signaling in the pathogenesis of various human cancers, various inhibitor strategies have been employed to therapeutically target this receptor. METHODS: Cell proliferation was determined by incorporation of [(3)H] thymidine. Invasiveness was assayed in Boyden Chambers with 8 microm Matrigel coated filters. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt by HGF stimulation was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: We found that SU5416 inhibited motility scattering and the invasive activity of a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 in vitro and growth in primary cultured hepatocytes induced by HGF. Consequently, tyrosine autophosphorylation of the c-met induced by HGF was inhibited in these cells by SU5416 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, the signaling events down-stream of c-met activation were reduced. Moreover, SU5416 caused reversion in NIH3T3 fibroblasts transformed by the oncogenic form of the receptor, Tpr-Met. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of various solid tumors growth and metastasis by SU5416 may be partially attributed to blocking activation of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor.

[Clinical application of sural nerve island flap pedicled with collateral vessels].

OBJECTIVE: To sum up the application experience of the sural nerve island flap pedicled with the collateral vessels. METHODS: From 1997, the retrograde-flow sural nerve island flaps pedicled with collateral vessels were performed to repair the soft tissues defects of the shank in 3 cases, ankle in 3 cases and foot in 8 cases. RESULTS: Twelve flaps were survived, one flap was partially necrosed and one flap was necrosed. Among them, 10 wounds healed by first intention, 3 cases were healed after changing dressing and the one necrosed flap was repaired by free flap transplantation. Nine cases were followed up for 3 to 21 months and had fine appearance and function. The flap texture was similar to normal skin, the sensation of flap partially recovered after 6 months. CONCLUSION: The flap has more reliable blood supply and great rotation arc, it is easy to resect with little injury. It is excellent for repairing the soft tissues defect in the anterior leg, ankle and proximal half of foot. It is more significant while the main blood vessels are damaged.

[An epidemiological investigation of eperythrozoon infection in human and animals (II)].

This paper reported an epidemiological investigation on human and animals infection of eperythrozoon in 1 provinces. The results showed that eperythrozoon infection appeared in human as well as in swines, sheep, cats, donkeis and chickens. Due to geographical variations, the infection rates showed a significant difference, both in human and animals. The infection rate was not associated with sex, age or occupation in human, but was associated with seasons in animals. High peak of infection rates in animals was in May, June, July and August.