Overexpression of ferroptosis-related genes FSP1 and CISD1 is related to prognosis and tumor immune infiltration in gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the highest incidence rate cancers worldwide and the search for new biomarkers remains urgent due to its relatively poor prognosis and limited treatment methods. Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) and iron sulfur domain 1 (CISD1) promoted malignant tumor progression as ferroptosis suppressors in a variety of tumors, but their study in GC remains to be explored. METHODS: In our study, FSP1 and CISD1 expression were predicted through different databases and confirmed by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Enrichment analyses were exploited to explore the potential functions of FSP1 and CISD1. Finally, their relationship with immune infiltration was determined by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and ssGSEA algorithm. RESULTS: The expression of FSP1 and CISD1 was higher in GC tissues. Their strongly positive immunostaining was associated with increased tumor size, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis in GC patients. Up-regulated FSP1 and CISD1 predicted poorer overall survival of patients with GC. Furthermore, FSP1 and CISD1 as ferroptosis inhibitors were predicted to be involved in GC immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that FSP1 and CISD1 acted as biomarkers of poor prognosis and promising immunotherapeutic targets for GC.

Whole bone subcutaneous transplantation as a strategy to study precisely the bone marrow niche.

Hematopoietic stem cells are maintained in a specialized microenvironment, known as the 'niche', within the bone marrow. Understanding the contribution of cellular and molecular components within the bone marrow niche for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells is crucial for the success of therapeutic applications. So far, the roles of crucial mechanisms within the bone marrow niche have been explored in transgenic animals in which genetic modifications are ubiquitously introduced in the whole body. The lack of precise tools to explore genetic alterations exclusively within the bone marrow prevents our determination of whether the observed outcomes result from confounding effects from other organs. Here, we developed a new method - 'whole bone subcutaneous transplantation'- to study the bone marrow niche in transgenic animals precisely. Using immunolabeling of CD45.1 (donor) vs. CD45.2 (recipient) hematopoeitic stem cells, we demonstrated that hematopoeitic stem cells from the host animals colonize the subcutaneously transplanted femurs after transplantation, while the hematopoietic stem cells from the donor disappear. Strikinlgy, the bone marrow niche of these subcutaneously transplanted femurs remain from the donor mice, enabling us to study specifically cells of the bone marrow niche using this model. We also showed that genetic ablation of peri-arteriolar cells specifically in donor femurs reduced the numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in these bones. This supports the use of this strategy as a model, in combination with genetic tools, to evaluate how bone marrow niche specific modifications may impact non-modified hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, this approach can be utilized for genetic manipulation in vivo of specific cell types only within the bone marrow. The combination of whole bone subcutaneous transplantation with rodent transgenic models will facilitate a more precise, complex and comprehensive understanding of existing problems in the study of the hematopoietic stem cell bone marrow niche.

Analysis and preventive measures for non-contact injuries in soccer / Análise e medidas preventivas de lesões sem contato no futebol / Análisis y medidas preventivas de las lesiones sin contacto en el fútbol

ABSTRACT Introduction: Soccer is characterized by high intensity and great competitiveness, and several sports injuries frequently occur; one of the main categories of injuries is the non-contact ones. Objective: Study the situation of non-contact injuries in soccer and analyze its preventive measures. Methods: The experimental group adopted the intermittent training method to strengthen the proprioception and coordination ability of the athletes. In contrast, the control group adopted mainly traditional aerobic training, with a 40-day duration. Results: Among non-contact injuries in soccer sports, lower limb sprain and joint injuries represented an eminently serious proportion. After preventive exercise, the total FMS test score of the experimental group was 16.75 points, an increase of 26.03%, and that of the control group was 14.14 points, an increase of 3.49%. The performance of the experimental group was significantly improved. Conclusion: The sports training mode proposed in this study significantly reduces the probability of non-contact injuries during sports. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O futebol caracteriza-se por alta intensidade e grande competitividade, havendo também diversas lesões esportivas que ocorrem com frequência, sendo uma das principais categorias de lesões as sem contato. Objetivo: Estudar a situação das lesões sem contato no futebol e analisar suas medidas preventivas. Métodos: O grupo experimental adotou o método de treinamento intermitente para fortalecer a propriocepção e a capacidade de coordenação dos atletas, enquanto o grupo de controle adotou principalmente o treinamento aeróbico tradicional, com duração de 40 dias. Resultados: Entre as lesões sem contato nos esportes futebolísticos, a distensão dos membros inferiores e as lesões articulares representaram uma proporção eminentemente grave. Após o exercício preventivo, a pontuação total do teste FMS do grupo experimental foi 16,75 pontos, incrementada em 26,03%, e a do grupo de controle foi 14,14 pontos, incrementada em 3,49%. O desempenho do grupo experimental foi significativamente aperfeiçoado. Conclusão: O modo de treinamento esportivo proposto neste trabalho permite reduzir significativamente a probabilidade de lesões sem contato durante o esporte. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El fútbol se caracteriza por alta intensidad y gran competitividad, teniendo también varias lesiones deportivas que ocurren con frecuencia, siendo una de las principales categorías de lesiones las de no contacto. Objetivo: Estudiar la situación de las lesiones sin contacto en el fútbol y analizar sus medidas preventivas. Métodos: El grupo experimental adoptó el método de entrenamiento intermitente para reforzar la propiocepción y la capacidad de coordinación de los atletas, mientras que el grupo de control adoptó principalmente el entrenamiento aeróbico tradicional, con una duración de 40 días. Resultados: Entre las lesiones sin contacto en los deportes de fútbol, los esguinces de miembros inferiores y las lesiones articulares representaron una proporción eminentemente grave. Tras el ejercicio preventivo, la puntuación total de la prueba FMS del grupo experimental fue de 16,75 puntos, con un aumento del 26,03%, y la del grupo de control fue de 14,14 puntos, con un aumento del 3,49%. El rendimiento del grupo experimental mejoró significativamente. Conclusión: El modo de entrenamiento deportivo propuesto en este estudio reduce significativamente la probabilidad de lesiones sin contacto durante la práctica deportiva. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes osteoclast formation and accelerates orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

BACKGROUND: IGF-1 may be an important factor in bone remodeling, but its mechanism of action on osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth movement is complex and unclear. METHODOLOGY: The closed-coil spring was placed between the left maxillary first molar and upper incisors with a force of 50 g to establish an orthodontic movement model. Eighty SD rats were randomized to receive phosphate buffer saline or 400 ng rhIGF-1 in the lateral buccal mucosa of the left maxillary first molar every two days. Tissue sections were stained for tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), the number of TRAP-positive cells was estimated and tooth movement measured. RESULTS: The rhIGF-1 group exhibited evidential bone resorption and lacuna appeared on the alveolar bone compared to the control group. Moreover, the number of osteoclasts in compression side of the periodontal ligament in the rhIGF-1 group peaked at day 4 (11.37±0.95 compared to 5.28±0.47 in the control group) after the orthodontic force was applied and was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the distance of tooth movement in the rhIGF-1 group was significantly larger than that of the control group from day 4 to day 14 (p<0.01), suggesting that rhIGF-1 accelerated orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSION: Our study has showed that rhIGF-1 could stimulate the formation of osteoclasts in the periodontal ligament, and accelerate bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement.

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes osteoclast formation and accelerates orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Abstract Background: IGF-1 may be an important factor in bone remodeling, but its mechanism of action on osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth movement is complex and unclear. Methodology: The closed-coil spring was placed between the left maxillary first molar and upper incisors with a force of 50 g to establish an orthodontic movement model. Eighty SD rats were randomized to receive phosphate buffer saline or 400 ng rhIGF-1 in the lateral buccal mucosa of the left maxillary first molar every two days. Tissue sections were stained for tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), the number of TRAP-positive cells was estimated and tooth movement measured. Results: The rhIGF-1 group exhibited evidential bone resorption and lacuna appeared on the alveolar bone compared to the control group. Moreover, the number of osteoclasts in compression side of the periodontal ligament in the rhIGF-1 group peaked at day 4 (11.37±0.95 compared to 5.28±0.47 in the control group) after the orthodontic force was applied and was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the distance of tooth movement in the rhIGF-1 group was significantly larger than that of the control group from day 4 to day 14 (p<0.01), suggesting that rhIGF-1 accelerated orthodontic tooth movement. Conclusion: Our study has showed that rhIGF-1 could stimulate the formation of osteoclasts in the periodontal ligament, and accelerate bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement.

Hyaluronic acid versus dexamethasone for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in children: efficacy and safety analysis.

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) topical gel and dexamethasone topical ointment in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) in children. This retrospective observational study included 104 patients who had more than two episodes of oral aphthous ulcers per year and were treated with HA (n=52) or dexamethasone (n=52) from August 15, 2014 to September 3, 2018. Therapy efficacy was evaluated based on the ulcer size and pain score before versus 7 days after either therapy. The paired t-test, chi-squared test, and independent t-test were utilized for statistical analyses. There was no significant difference in ulcer size or pain score between the HA and dexamethasone groups, on day 1 or day 7. Both treatments were tolerated well and no side effects were reported. No significant differences in body temperature, respiration rate, pulse, or systolic/diastolic blood pressure were observed between the start (day 1) and end of treatment (day 7), for either treatment. HA and dexamethasone showed similar efficacy in reducing ulcer size and pain scores, and were tolerated equally well in children with RAU. Future high-quality studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

Hyaluronic acid versus dexamethasone for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in children: efficacy and safety analysis

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) topical gel and dexamethasone topical ointment in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) in children. This retrospective observational study included 104 patients who had more than two episodes of oral aphthous ulcers per year and were treated with HA (n=52) or dexamethasone (n=52) from August 15, 2014 to September 3, 2018. Therapy efficacy was evaluated based on the ulcer size and pain score before versus 7 days after either therapy. The paired t-test, chi-squared test, and independent t-test were utilized for statistical analyses. There was no significant difference in ulcer size or pain score between the HA and dexamethasone groups, on day 1 or day 7. Both treatments were tolerated well and no side effects were reported. No significant differences in body temperature, respiration rate, pulse, or systolic/diastolic blood pressure were observed between the start (day 1) and end of treatment (day 7), for either treatment. HA and dexamethasone showed similar efficacy in reducing ulcer size and pain scores, and were tolerated equally well in children with RAU. Future high-quality studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

Apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury 1.

PURPOSE: To investigate the apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: A total of 40 rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group (A, n=10) and an experimental group (EXP, n=30). Explosion-induced chest-ALI models were prepared and sampled at different time points (4, 12, and 24h after modeling, T1-T3) to test the lung dry weight/wet weight ratio (W/D) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), apoptosis of lung tissue by the TUNEL assay, and Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, lung tissue was sampled to observe pathological morphology by microscopy. RESULTS: Under a light microscope, Group EXP exhibited obvious edema in the pulmonary interstitial substance and alveoli, a large number of red blood cells, inflammatory cells, and serous exudation in the alveolar cavity, as well as thickening of the pulmonary interstitial fluid. Compared to Group A, the W/D ratio was significantly increased in Group EXP (P<0.01), while PaO2 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The apoptosis index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels were increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute lung injury in rabbits by participating in lung injury and promoting the progression of ALI.

Apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury

Purpose: To investigate the apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: A total of 40 rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group (A, n=10) and an experimental group (EXP, n=30). Explosion-induced chest-ALI models were prepared and sampled at different time points (4, 12, and 24h after modeling, T1-T3) to test the lung dry weight/wet weight ratio (W/D) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), apoptosis of lung tissue by the TUNEL assay, and Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, lung tissue was sampled to observe pathological morphology by microscopy. Results: Under a light microscope, Group EXP exhibited obvious edema in the pulmonary interstitial substance and alveoli, a large number of red blood cells, inflammatory cells, and serous exudation in the alveolar cavity, as well as thickening of the pulmonary interstitial fluid. Compared to Group A, the W/D ratio was significantly increased in Group EXP (P 0.01), while PaO2 was significantly reduced (P 0.01). The apoptosis index was significantly increased (P 0.01), and caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels were increased (P 0.01). Conclusion: Apoptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute lung injury in rabbits by participating in lung injury and promoting the progression of ALI.(AU)

Apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: A total of 40 rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group (A, n=10) and an experimental group (EXP, n=30). Explosion-induced chest-ALI models were prepared and sampled at different time points (4, 12, and 24h after modeling, T1-T3) to test the lung dry weight/wet weight ratio (W/D) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), apoptosis of lung tissue by the TUNEL assay, and Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, lung tissue was sampled to observe pathological morphology by microscopy. Results: Under a light microscope, Group EXP exhibited obvious edema in the pulmonary interstitial substance and alveoli, a large number of red blood cells, inflammatory cells, and serous exudation in the alveolar cavity, as well as thickening of the pulmonary interstitial fluid. Compared to Group A, the W/D ratio was significantly increased in Group EXP (P<0.01), while PaO2 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The apoptosis index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels were increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Apoptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute lung injury in rabbits by participating in lung injury and promoting the progression of ALI.

Neurotization of free gracilis transfer with the brachialis branch of the musculocutaneous nerve to restore finger and thumb flexion in lower trunk brachial plexus injury: an anatomical study and case report.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of using free gracilis muscle transfer along with the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve to restore finger and thumb flexion in lower trunk brachial plexus injury according to an anatomical study and a case report. METHODS: Thirty formalin-fixed upper extremities from 15 adult cadavers were used in this study. The distance from the point at which the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve originates to the midpoint of the humeral condylar was measured, as well as the length, diameter, course and branch type of the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve. An 18-year-old male who sustained an injury to the left brachial plexus underwent free gracilis transfer using the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve as the donor nerve to restore finger and thumb flexion. Elbow flexion power and hand grip strength were recorded according to British Medical Research Council standards. Postoperative measures of the total active motion of the fingers were obtained monthly. RESULTS: The mean length and diameter of the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve were 52.66±6.45 and 1.39±0.09 mm, respectively, and three branching types were observed. For the patient, the first gracilis contraction occurred during the 4th month. A noticeable improvement was observed in digit flexion one year later; the muscle power was M4, and the total active motion of the fingers was 209°. CONCLUSIONS: Repairing injury to the lower trunk of the brachial plexus by transferring the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve to the anterior branch of the obturator nerve using a tension-free direct suture is technically feasible, and the clinical outcome was satisfactory in a single surgical patient.

Neurotization of free gracilis transfer with the brachialis branch of the musculocutaneous nerve to restore finger and thumb flexion in lower trunk brachial plexus injury: an anatomical study and case report

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of using free gracilis muscle transfer along with the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve to restore finger and thumb flexion in lower trunk brachial plexus injury according to an anatomical study and a case report. METHODS: Thirty formalin-fixed upper extremities from 15 adult cadavers were used in this study. The distance from the point at which the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve originates to the midpoint of the humeral condylar was measured, as well as the length, diameter, course and branch type of the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve. An 18-year-old male who sustained an injury to the left brachial plexus underwent free gracilis transfer using the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve as the donor nerve to restore finger and thumb flexion. Elbow flexion power and hand grip strength were recorded according to British Medical Research Council standards. Postoperative measures of the total active motion of the fingers were obtained monthly. RESULTS: The mean length and diameter of the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve were 52.66±6.45 and 1.39±0.09 mm, respectively, and three branching types were observed. For the patient, the first gracilis contraction occurred during the 4th month. A noticeable improvement was observed in digit flexion one year later; the muscle power was M4, and the total active motion of the fingers was 209°. CONCLUSIONS: Repairing injury to the lower trunk of the brachial plexus by transferring the brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve to the anterior branch of the obturator nerve using a tension-free direct suture is technically feasible, and the clinical outcome was satisfactory in a single surgical patient.

Design of signal peptide bombyxin and its effect on secretory expression efficiency and levels of Helicobacter pylori urease subunit B in silkworm cells and larvae

This study employed a Bac-to-Bac/Bombyx mori bioreactor to mass-produce immunogenic urease subunit B (UreB) from Helicobacter pylori. The signal peptide bombyxin from B. mori was used to promote secretory expression to improve expression levels and was designed and integrated into the UreB gene to generate the Bacmid/BmNPV/(signal peptide)-UreB baculovirus expression system. To determine whether the bombyxin signal peptide resulted in secretory expression of recombinant UreB (rUreB) and to determine the secretory efficiency, we tested the secretory expression level of rUreB in Bm5 cells using ELISA. To further investigate whether secretory expression affected cell viability, cells were evaluated using 0.4% trypan blue staining, and Bacmid/BmNPV/UreB without the signal peptide served as a control. The above recombinant bacmid constructs were injected to silkworm larvae, and the secretory expression level of rUreB was detected using SDS-PAGE and semi-quantitative western blot analysis. The results indicated that the bombyxin signal peptide directed the secretory expression of rUreB and that this expression improved the viability of Bm5 cells. Moreover, the results showed that the expression level of rUreB was 1.5 times higher with the Bacmid/BmNPV constructs containing the bombyxin signal sequence than those without the signal sequence. These results demonstrate that secretory expression can enhance rUreB expression levels and is likely to aid in the large-scale expression and yield of rUreB in silkworm larvae.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter -1607 1G/2G polymorphism and chronic periodontitis susceptibility: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter -1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) polymorphism have been shown to confer genetic susceptibility to chronic periodontitis (CP), but the results are inconsistent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to accomplish a more precise estimation of the relationship. RESULTS: Pooled estimates revealed that there was no significant association between this polymorphism and CP risk in Caucasian and Asian populations. In addition, it was reported by three Brazilian studies that no significant association was found for this polymorphism with CP risk in a Brazilian mixed population. Besides, there was no significant association of this polymorphism with mild to moderate and severe CP risk in both Caucasian and Asian populations. Moreover, both non-smokers and smokers did not have a significant association between this polymorphism and susceptibility to CP in Caucasian population. CONCLUSIONS: Matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter -1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) polymorphism may have no effect on the disease susceptibility of CP in Caucasian, Asian and Brazilian mixed populations. Besides, this polymorphism may not play a direct role in severity of CP among both Caucasian and Asian populations, and between this polymorphism and smoking there may be no interactions to be associated with CP risk in Caucasian population.