Construction and Bioinformatics Analysis of ceRNA Regulatory Networks in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive form of pulmonary fibrosis of unknown etiology. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no cure for this disease. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks in IPF development. Therefore, this study investigated the ceRNA network associated with IPF pathogenesis. We obtained gene expression datasets (GSE32538, GSE32537, GSE47460, and GSE24206) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed them using bioinformatics tools to identify differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs), microRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNA). For DEmRNAs, we conducted an enrichment analysis, constructed protein-protein interaction networks, and identified hub genes. Additionally, we predicted the target genes of differentially expressed mRNAs and their interacting long non-coding RNAs using various databases. Subsequently, we screened RNA molecules with ceRNA regulatory relations in the lncACTdb database based on the screening results. Furthermore, we performed disease and functional enrichment analyses and pathway prediction for miRNAs in the ceRNA network. We also validated the expression levels of candidate DEmRNAs through quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and analyzed the correlation between the expression of these candidate DEmRNAs and the percent predicted pre-bronchodilator forced vital capacity [%predicted FVC (pre-bd)]. We found that three ceRNA regulatory axes, specifically KCNQ1OT1/XIST/NEAT1-miR-20a-5p-ITGB8, XIST-miR-146b-5p/miR-31-5p- MMP16, and NEAT1-miR-31-5p-MMP16, have the potential to significantly affect IPF progression. Further examination of the underlying regulatory mechanisms within this network enhances our understanding of IPF pathogenesis and may aid in the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Advances in fluorescent probe development for bioimaging of potential Parkinson's biomarkers.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. The clinical symptoms of PD are usually related to motor symptoms, including postural instability, rigidity, bradykinesia, and resting tremors. At present, the pathology of PD is not yet clear. Therefore, revealing the underlying pathological mechanism of PD is of great significance. A variety of bioactive molecules are produced during the onset of Parkinson's, and these bioactive molecules may be a key factor in the development of Parkinson's. The emerging fluorescence imaging technology has good sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio, making it possible to deeply understand the pathogenesis of PD through these bioactive molecules. Currently, fluorescent probes targeting PD biomarkers are widely developed and applied. This article categorizes and summarizes fluorescent probes based on different PD biomarkers, systematically introduces their applications in the pathological process of PD, and finally briefly elaborates on the challenges and prospects of these probes. We hope that this review will provide in-depth reference insights for designing fluorescent probes, and contribute to study of the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of PD.

Controlled Release of Growth Factor from Heparin Embedded Poly(aldehyde guluronate) Hydrogels and Its Effect on Vascularization.

To deliver growth factors controllably for tissue regeneration, poly(aldehyde guluronate) (PAG) was obtained from alginate and covalently cross-linked with aminated gelatin (AG) to form PAG/AG hydrogel as a growth factors carrier. The prepared hydrogel exhibits a slow degradation rate and excellent cytocompatibility. Heparin was conjugated with gelatin and embedded into the hydrogel to reserve and stabilize growth factors. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was immobilized into the hydrogel and performed sustained release as the hydrogel degraded. The bFGF loaded hydrogel can improve vascularization effectively in a rat dorsal sac model. To summarize, heparin embedded PAG/AG hydrogels would serve as a promising biodegradable vehicle for the controlled delivery of growth factors and promoting vascularization in regenerative medicine.

Clinical presentations and surgical approach of acute intussusception caused by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disease characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentations and gastrointestinal polyps. The polyps are located predominantly in the small intestine and usually cause intussusceptions. Adult intussusception caused by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome occurs very rarely. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics, preoperative diagnosis, and surgical management of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome associated with acute intussusception in adult patients. DISCUSSION: Consecutive patients with the postoperative diagnosis of acute intussusception caused by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively for this study. Data concerning clinical considerations, morphological examinations, and surgical procedure were analyzed. Different clinical manifestations were presented in patients with intussusception due to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Computed tomography associated or not with ultrasonography may be the most accurate examination for acute intussusceptions caused by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Surgical intervention is the first choice regimen in acute intussusceptions caused by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Prophylaxis and polypectomy of the entire small bowel is a worthy way in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients to reduce the frequency of laparotomies.

[The value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in evaluating disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) is more appropriate in measuring the disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: We studied 126 consecutive patients with AS. The external criteria for disease activity were Cowling clinical assessment of disease activity and the Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI). In each measure we defined 3 levels of disease activity i.e. no activity, ambiguous activity and definite activity. The patients with AS were divided into 2 groups: those with spinal involvement only and those with peripheral arthritis as well. For each criterion of disease activity, the patients without activity and with definite activity were included in receiver operating characteristic curve, which was used to determine cutoff values with the highest sensitivity and specificity. We also calculated Spearman correlation. RESULTS: The median ESR and CRP were 25.3 mm/1 h and 11.1 mg/L in the spinal group and 30.0 mm/1 h and 15.0 mg/L in the peripheral group. In both groups the Spearman correlation coefficients between ESR and CRP were around 0.30. There was no correlation between ESR, CRP, and the 2 disease activity variables (0.027-0.282). Sensitivity for both ESR and CRP was between 39.4 %and 81.3% for Cowling assessment of disease activity and the BASDAI, while specificity was between 40.0% and 86.7% for all disease activity measures. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that neither ESR nor CRP is superior for assessing disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis.