NONHSAG028908.3 sponges miR­34a­5p to promote growth of colorectal cancer via targeting ALDOA.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive tumor, whose development is considered to be modulated by certain long non­coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA NONHSAG028908.3 on CRC. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that NONHSAG028908.3 was increased in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues (P<0.001). The results of reverse transcription­quantitative PCR indicated that NONHSAG028908.3 was upregulated in four types of CRC cells compared with that in NCM460, a normal colorectal cell line. MTT, BrdU, and flow cytometric assays were applied to evaluate CRC cell growth. The migratory and invasive abilities of CRC cells were detected using wound healing and Transwell assays. Silencing of NONHSAG028908.3 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. A dual­luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that NONHSAG028908.3 served as a sponge to combine with microRNA (miR)­34a­5p. MiR­34a­5p suppressed the aggressiveness of CRC cells. The effects induced by NONHSAG028908.3 knockdown were partly reversed by inhibition of miR­34a­5p. Furthermore, miR­34a­5p, a target of NONHSAG028908.3, modulated aldolase, fructose­bisphosphate A (ALDOA) expression in a negative feedback manner. Suppression of NONHSAG028908.3 notably decreased ALDOA expression, which was rescued via silencing of miR­34a­5p. Moreover, suppression of ALDOA revealed the inhibitory action on CRC cell growth and migration. In summary, the data of the present study indicate that NONHSAG028908.3 may positively regulate ALDOA via sponging miR­34a­5p, thereby promoting malignant activities in CRC.

Real-Time Monitoring and Modulation of Blood Pressure in a Rabbit Model of Ischemic Stroke.

Control of blood pressure, in terms of both absolute values and its variability, affects outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. However, it remains challenging to identify the mechanisms that lead to poor outcomes or evaluate measures by which these effects can be mitigated because of the prohibitive limitations inherent to human data. In such cases, animal models can be utilized to conduct rigorous and reproducible evaluations of diseases. Here we report refinement of a previously described model of ischemic stroke in rabbits that is augmented with continuous blood pressure recording to assess the impacts of modulation on blood pressure. Under general anesthesia, femoral arteries are exposed through surgical cutdowns to place arterial sheaths bilaterally. Under fluoroscopic visualization and roadmap guidance, a microcatheter is advanced into an artery of the posterior circulation of the brain. An angiogram is performed by injecting the contralateral vertebral artery to confirm occlusion of the target artery. With the occlusive catheter remaining in position for a fixed duration, blood pressure is continuously recorded to allow for tight titration of blood pressure manipulations, whether through mechanical or pharmacological means. At the completion of the occlusion interval, the microcatheter is removed, and the animal is maintained under general anesthesia for a prescribed length of reperfusion. For acute studies, the animal is then euthanized and decapitated. The brain is harvested and processed to measure the infarct volume under light microscopy and further assessed with various histopathological stains or spatial transcriptomic analysis. This protocol provides a reproducible model that can be utilized for more thorough preclinical studies on the effects of blood pressure parameters during ischemic stroke. It also facilitates effective preclinical evaluation of novel neuroprotective interventions that might improve care for ischemic stroke patients.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with healthcare-associated cholecystitis receiving percutaneous cholecystostomy.

PURPOSE: Acute cholecystitis occurring outside the hospital setting is categorized as community-acquired cholecystitis (CAC). In contrast, it would be classified as a healthcare-associated cholecystitis (HAC) when it is associated with healthcare risk factors. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of HAC to those of CAC and analyze their difference in prognosis after percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent PC between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, in our hospital. Patients with HAC and CAC were compared in terms of demographics, laboratory tests, isolated pathogens, treatment response after PC, mortality, complications, and subsequent management. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients with a mean age of 68 years were enrolled, among whom 131 patients (53.0%) were male. Twenty patients (8.1%) had HAC, and 227 patients (91.9%) had CAC. Patients with HAC were more likely to present with the following: fever (65.0% vs 35.7%; p = 0.010), acalculous cholecystitis (50.0% vs 20.3%; p = 0.002), and a history of malignancy (50.0% vs 15.4%; p < 0.001), poorer clinical responses to PC treatment (75.0% vs 93.0%; p = 0.006), longer length of stay (14.15 days vs 7.62 days; p < 0.001), and higher all-cause mortality (30.0% vs 9.7%; p = 0.006). In addition, a relatively small number of patients with HAC underwent cholecystectomy in subsequent management (35.0% vs 69.2%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, compared to patients with CAC, those with HAC had more atypical symptoms, poorer clinical response to PC, longer hospital stay, and higher all-cause mortality, which makes the acceptability of PC treatment questionable.

Spatially resolved transcriptomics for evaluation of intracranial vessels in a rabbit model: Proof of concept.

BACKGROUND: Better understanding of vessel biology and vascular pathophysiology is needed to improve understanding of cerebrovascular disorders. Tissue from diseased vessels can offer the best data. Rabbit models can be effective for studying intracranial vessels, filling gaps resulting from difficulties acquiring human tissue. Spatially-resolved transcriptomics (SRT) in particular hold promise for studying such models as they build on RNA sequencing methods, augmenting such data with histopathology. METHODS: Rabbit brains with intact arteries were flash frozen, cryosectioned, and stained with H&E to confirm adequate inclusion of intracranial vessels before proceeding with tissue optimization and gene expression analysis using the Visium SRT platform. SRT results were analyzed with k-means clustering analysis, and differential gene expression was examined, comparing arteries to veins. RESULTS: Cryosections were successfully mounted on Visium proprietary slides. Quality control thresholds were met. Optimum permeabilization was determined to be 24 min for the tissue optimization step. In analysis of SRT data, k-means clustering distinguished vascular tissue from parenchyma. When comparing gene expression traits, the most differentially expressed genes were those found in smooth muscle cells. These genes were more commonly expressed in arteries compared to veins. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial vessels from model rabbits can be processed and analyzed with the Visium SRT platform. Face validity is found in the ability of SRT data to distinguish vessels from parenchymal tissue and differential expression analysis accurately distinguishing arteries from veins. SRT should be considered for future animal model investigations into cerebrovascular diseases.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for In-Stent Restenosis in Femoropopliteal Artery Disease.

PURPOSE: The present meta-analysis evaluated the role of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in femoropopliteal artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed were searched without language restrictions from inception to May 10, 2020. The endpoints included target lesion revascularization (TLR), recurrent ISR, clinical improvement, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and death. There were 5 randomized controlled trials with 425 patients (218 with DCB angioplasty and 207 with plain old balloon angioplasty [POBA]) were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Compared with POBA, DCB angioplasty was associated with lower risk of TLR (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.49, P < .001 at 6 months and OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.08-0.30; P < .001 at 12 months) and recurrent ISR (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.13-0.38; P < .001 at 6 months and OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16-0.61; P < .001 at 12 months), and superior clinical improvement (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.07-3.65; P = .03 at 6 months and OR, 2.84; 95% CI: 1.50-5.35; P = .001 at 12 months). There were no significant differences between groups in ABI and death. Subgroup analysis for patients with DCB angioplasty showed similar rates of TLR, recurrent ISR, clinical improvement, and death between the short lesion (<15 cm) and long lesion group (≥15 cm) (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis suggests that DCB angioplasty is an improvement over POBA for femoropopliteal ISR. Future studies about the effect of lesion length on DCB performance are still needed.

LncRNA ILF3-AS1 promotes cell migration, invasion and EMT process in hepatocellular carcinoma via the miR-628-5p/MEIS2 axis to activate the Notch pathway.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential indicators for hepatocellular carcinoma. LncRNAs can exert the same functions as their antisense mRNAs. ILF3 is an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma. ILF3 divergent transcript (ILF3-AS1) is the antisense RNA of ILF3, and has been reported as an oncogene in various cancers. AIMS: To explore the role of lncRNA ILF3-AS1 in malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: RT-qPCR analysis revealed that ILF3-AS1 was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell viability was suppressed by silenced ILF3-AS1. Transwell and wound healing assays showed that ILF3-AS1 downregulation inhibited cell invasion and migration. The levels of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and the Notch pathway were detected by western blot analysis. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull down and RIP assays were used to investigate the relationship between ILF3-AS1 and downstream target genes. ILF3-AS1 competed with meis homeobox 2 (MEIS2) for miR-628-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ILF3-AS1 elevated the levels of key proteins on the Notch pathway. Rescue assays demonstrated that MEIS2 reversed the antitumor effects of silenced ILF3-AS1 on hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo assays demonstrated that ILF3-AS1 silencing inhibited the hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: ILF3-AS1 promoted hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the Notch pathway and miR-628-5p/MEIS2 axis.

Feasibility of low-dose contrast media in run-off CT angiography on dual-layer spectral detector CT.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of applying low-dose contrast media (CM), and to explore the optimal virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) in run-off computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) on dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT). METHODS: Forty patients were randomly assigned into a control group using routine volume CM (group A) and an experimental group using half-volume CM (group B). In groups A and B, 120 kVp polychromatic conventional images were generated via hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm defined as A1 and B1, respectively. Additionally, in group B, VMIs (range, 40-120 keV) were reconstructed via a spectral reconstruction algorithm defined as B2-B10. Vascular attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and radiation dose were evaluated. Subjective evaluation was performed using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: The patient demographics and radiation dose demonstrated no significant difference between groups A and B [dose length product (DLP): 1,823.45±512.68 vs. 2,014.40±453.25 mGy·cm, P=0.229; volume CT dose index: 14.92±3.40 vs. 16.26±2.85 mGy, P=0.208; the effective dose (ED): 10.82±3.02 vs. 11.88±2.67 mSv, P=0.229]. The mean vascular attenuation was higher in group B2 (40 keV) and was lower in group B3 (50 keV) in comparison with that in group A1 (487.07±154.21 vs. 414.35±71.66 HU, 329.90±100.25 vs. 414.35±71.66 HU, P>0.05). Compared with group A1, the mean noise was similar in group B2 (40 keV) and was lower in group B1 and groups B3-B10 (50-120 keV) (14.81±5.67 vs. 17.29±4.70 HU, P>0.05; 6.75±1.23-11.26±3.24 vs. 17.29±4.70 HU, P<0.05). The mean SNR and CNR in group B2 (40 keV), as well as the mean SNR in group B3 (50 keV), were significantly higher than those of group A1 (38.21±7.52 vs. 28.25±7.20, 32.70±7.79 vs. 24.54±6.60, 32.85±7.10 vs. 28.25±7.20, P<0.05), and the mean CNR in group B3 (50 keV) was similar to that in group A1 (26.66±7.32 vs. 24.54±6.60, P>0.05). Scores of subjective image quality (IQ) in group B2 (40 keV) and B3 (50 keV) were similar to those in group A1 {5 [4.25, 5] vs. 5 [4, 5], 5 [5, 5] vs. 5 [4, 5], P>0.05}, and showed a declining trend in group B4 (60 keV) {4 [4, 5] vs. 5 [4, 5], P>0.05}. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to perform run-off CTA using low-dose CM with VMI on SDCT. The VMIs at 40-50 keV were the optimal choice and did not compromise IQ.

Rabbit models of intracranial atherosclerotic disease for pathological validation of vessel wall MRI.

INTRODUCTION: Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging can improve the evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic disease. However, pathological validation is needed to improve vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Human pathology samples are not practical for such analysis, so an animal model is therefore needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits and apolipoprotein E knockout rabbits were evaluated against New Zealand white wild-type rabbits. Evaluation of intracranial arteries was performed with vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging and pathological analysis, rating the presence and severity of disease in each segment. Two-tailed t-tests were performed to compare disease occurrence and severity prevalence among rabbit subtypes. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Seventeen rabbits (five Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic, four apolipoprotein E knockout and eight New Zealand white) were analysed for a total of 51 artery segments. Eleven segments (five Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic and six apolipoprotein E knockout) demonstrated intracranial atherosclerotic disease on pathology. Disease model animals had lesions more frequently than New Zealand white animals (P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of intracranial atherosclerotic disease were 68.8% and 95.2%, respectively. When excluding mild cases to assess vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging accuracy for detecting moderate to severe intracranial atherosclerotic disease lesions, sensitivity improved to 100% with unchanged specificity. CONCLUSION: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease can be reliably produced and detected using 3T vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging-compatible Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic and ApoE rabbit models. Further analysis is needed to characterize better the development and progression of the disease to correlate tissue-validated animal findings with those in human vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging studies.

Assessment of Virtual Monoenergetic Images in Run-off Computed Tomography Angiography: A Comparison Study to Conventional Images From Spectral Detector Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate image quality of virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) compared with conventional images (CIs) from spectral detector CT (SDCT) and to explore the optimal energy level in run-off computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: The data sets of 35 patients who received run-off CTA on the SDCT were collected in this retrospective study. Conventional images were generated via iterative reconstruction algorithm and VMI series from 40 to 120 keV were generated via spectral reconstruction algorithm. The objective indices including vascular attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were compared. Two readers performed subjective evaluation using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: The attenuation showed higher values compared with CIs at 40 to 60 keV (P < 0.001). The noise was similar in 60- to 80-keV VMIs and significantly decreased in 90- to 120-keV VMIs (P < 0.001) in comparison with CIs. The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were improved in 40- to 60-keV VMIs compared with CIs (P < 0.05). The score of subjective assessment was higher than that of CIs in 50- to 70-keV VMIs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual monoenergetic images can provide improved image quality compared with CIs from SDCT in run-off CTA, and VMIs at 60 keV may be the best choice in evaluating lower extremity arteries.

Oncological outcomes and predictors of radiofrequency ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is considered the standard treatment option for long-term survival in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) patients, but only a small number of patients are suitable for resection following diagnosis. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an accepted alternative therapy for CRLM patients who are not suitable for resection. However, the relatively high rate of local tumor progression (LTP) is an obstacle to the more widespread use of RFA. AIM: To determine the oncological outcomes and predictors of RFA in CRLM patients. METHODS: A retrospective analyze was performed on the clinical data of 85 consecutive CRLM patients with a combined total of 138 liver metastases, who had received percutaneous RFA treatment at our institution from January 2013 to December 2018. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed the first month after RFA to assess the technique effectiveness of the RFA and to serve as a baseline for subsequent evaluations. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) and LTP-free survival (LTPFS). The log-rank test and Cox regression model were used for univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the predictors of the oncological outcomes. RESULTS: There were no RFA procedure-related deaths, and the technique effectiveness of the treatment was 89.1% (123/138). The median follow-up time was 30 mo. The LTP rate was 32.6% (45/138), and the median OS was 36 mo. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 90.6%, 45.6%, and 22.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size and ablative margin were the factors influencing LTPFS, while extrahepatic disease (EHD), tumor number, and tumor size were the factors influencing OS. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size larger than 3 cm and ablative margin of 5 mm or smaller were the independent predictors of shorter LTPFS, while tumor number greater than 1, size larger than 3 cm, and presence of EHD were the independent predictors of shorter OS. CONCLUSION: RFA is a safe and effective treatment method for CRLM. Tumor size and ablative margin are the important factors affecting LTPFS. Tumor number, tumor size, and EHD are also critical factors for OS.

Apolipoprotein E knockout rabbit model of intracranial atherosclerotic disease.

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. Poor understanding of the disease due to limited human data leads to imprecise treatment. Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-KO) rabbits were compared to an existing model, the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, and wild-type New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit controls. Intracranial artery samples were assessed on histopathology for the presence of ICAD. Logistic and ordinal regression analyses were performed to assess for disease presence and severity, respectively. Eighteen rabbits and 54 artery segments were analyzed. Univariate logistic analysis confirmed the presence of ICAD in model rabbits (P < .001), while no difference was found between WHHL and ApoE-KO rabbits (P = .178). In multivariate analysis, only classification as a model vs wild-type animal (P < .001) was associated with the presence of ICAD. Univariate ordinal regression analysis demonstrated an association between ICAD severity and model animals (P = .001), with no difference was noted between WHHL and ApoE-KO rabbits (P = .528). In multivariate ordinal regression analysis, only classification as a model retained significance (P < .001). ICAD can be reliably produced in ApoE-KO rabbits, developing the disease comparably to the older WHHL model. Further analysis is warranted to optimize accelerated development of ICAD in ApoE-KO rabbits to more efficiently study this disease.

MicroRNA-196b-5p promotes malignant progression of colorectal cancer by targeting ING5.

BACKGROUND: miR-196b-5p expression is deregulated in many malignant tumors. Although miR-196b-5p has been implicated in the malignant transformation of colorectal cancer, its role in this specific type of cancer has not been fully explored. Thus, the present study was aimed to examine the cellular function of miR-196b-5p and its role in malignant biological behavior in colorectal cancer. METHODS: miR-196b-5p expression was measured in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Transwell assay were used to detect proliferation, migration, and invasion in cell lines, whereas flow cytometry was applied to study apoptosis. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein levels. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to investigate the interaction between miR-196b-5p and ING5. Tumor formation was evaluated in mice. RESULTS: MiR-196b-5p was abundantly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, whereas ING5 was expressed at low levels. MiR-196b-5p was successfully overexpressed or knocked down in colorectal cancer cells. We found that miR-196b-5p overexpression significantly accelerated the proliferation, cell cycle, migration and invasion, while inhibited cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. However, miR-196b-5p inhibitor showed the opposite effects. Moreover, ING5 overexpression or knockdown was successfully performed in colorectal cancer cells. ING5 overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt as well as MEK, and promoted cell apoptosis, which could be reversed by ING5 knockdown. Additionally, ING5 was identified as a target of miR-196b-5p through bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase activity assay. Furthermore, ING5 knockdown could attenuate the decrease in proliferation, migration, invasion, and the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-MEK, which were induced by miRNA-196b-5p inhibitor. Besides, miR-196b-5p knockdown inhibited tumor growth, whereas ING5 knockdown elevated it in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, miR-196b-5p promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibits apoptosis in colorectal cancer by targeting ING5.

LncRNA-ATB promotes autophagy by activating Yes-associated protein and inducing autophagy-related protein 5 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is a metabolic pathway that facilitates cancer cell survival in response to stress. The relationship between autophagy and the lncRNA-activated by transforming growth factor beta (lncRNA-ATB) in HCC remains unknown. AIM: To explore the influence of lncRNA-ATB in regulating autophagy in HCC cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated lncRNA-ATB expression in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 72 HCC cases by real-time PCR. We evaluated the role of lncRNA-ATB in the proliferation and clonogenicity of HCC cells in vitro. The effect of lncRNA-ATB on autophagy was determined using a LC3-GFP reporter and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the mechanism by which lncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy was explored by immunofluorescence staining, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of lncRNA-ATB was higher in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues, and lncRNA-ATB expression was positively correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, and poorer survival of patients with HCC. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of lncRNA-ATB promoted cell proliferation and clonogenicnity of HCC cells in vitro. LncRNA-ATB promoted autophagy by activating Yes-associated protein (YAP). Moreover, lncRNA-ATB interacted with autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) mRNA and increased ATG5 expression. CONCLUSION: LncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy by activating YAP and increasing ATG5 expression. Our data demonstrate a novel function for lncRNA-ATB in autophagy and suggest that lncRNA-ATB plays an important role in HCC.

Directional Atherectomy with Antirestenotic Therapy for Femoropopliteal Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Systematic literature searches using Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for directional atherectomy with antirestenotic therapy (DAART) in femoropopliteal artery disease (FPAD) from January 2003 to February 2018 were conducted to evaluate clinical safety and effectiveness. A meta-analysis was conducted using Stata software for the event rate of technical success, bailout stent placement, primary patency, and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months. Five studies with 189 patients who received DAART were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled rates of technical success and bailout stent placement were 90.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.3%-94.6%) and 4.8% (95% CI 0.7%-8.9%), respectively. Primary patency and TLR at 12 months were 85.3% (95% CI 79.6%-91.1%) and 5.5% (95% CI 1.9%-9.1%), respectively. Meta-analysis of 3 comparative studies demonstrated that DAART was not superior in performance in clinical endpoints, including technical success, bailout stent placement, primary patency, and TLR at 12 months (relative risk [RR] 1.111, 95% CI 0.896-1.377, P = .337; RR 0.400, 95% CI 0.120-1.332, P = .135; RR 1.136, 95% CI 0.841-1.535, P = .405; and RR 0.722, 95% CI 0.291-1.789, P = .482). The data did not suggest that DAART was an improvement over paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty for FPAD. The theoretical advantages of DAART still require further confirmation.

miR-196a-5p promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer via targeting IκBα.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNA-196a-5p (miR-196a-5p) has been reported to be involved in the metastatic process of several cancers. In present work, we aimed to investigate the effects of miR-196a-5p and its potential target IκBα on migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. METHODS: CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and cell invasion assay were performed to evaluate the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo metastasis models were used to investigate the tumor metastasis ability. Real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining or western blot were utilized to detect the expression of miR-196a-5p, IκBα, p-IκBα, nuclear p65 and EMT markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and fibronectin. Dual luciferase reporter assay was carried out to determine whether there is a direct interaction between miR-196a-5p and IκBα mRNA. RESULTS: Using SW480 cell with miR-196-5p over-expressed plus SW620 and HCT116 cells with miR-196a-5p knockdown, we found that miR-196a-5p promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and facilitated liver metastasis in vivo. We also observed that miR-196a-5p knockdown or NF-κB pathway inhibition up-regulated E-cadherin while down-regulated N-cadherin and fibronectin. By contrast, miR-196a-5p over-expression promoted EMT process of CRC. Data of dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-196a-5p targeted the IκBα. Moreover, miR-196a-5p down-regulated IκBα expression while up-regulated nuclear p65 expression. Additionally, over-expression of IκBα in CRC cells attenuated the effects of miR-196a-5p on cell migration, invasion and EMT. CONCLUSIONS: miR-196a-5p may play a key role in EMT, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells via targeting the IκBα.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor: five case reports and literature review.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare tumor. Here, we present data regarding clinical presentations, diagnoses, management, and prognosis of five cases of hepatic PEComa between January 2002 and December 2008. Ultrasonography showed hyperechoic masses in all patients. Precontrast computed tomography (CT) showed that all lesions scanned were heterogeneous in density and were heterogeneously enhanced in arterial phase images. In two cases, magnetic resonance imaging showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. In enhanced scanning, lesions showed asymmetrical enhancement during arterial phase imaging. All tumors were composed of varying proportions of smooth muscle, adipose tissue, and thick-walled blood vessels, and showed positive immunohistochemical staining for Human Melanoma Black-45. All patients underwent hepatectomy, and there was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis during the follow-up period.

Retrievable Z-stents for the treatment of refractory corrosive esophageal strictures in children.

INTRODUCTION: The use of retrievable esophageal stents represents a new method to avoid multiple dilations for stenosis recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with a retrievable covered Z-stent for corrosive esophageal stenosis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 children were enrolled in this study. All patients had undergone balloon catheter dilatation (BCD) but without significant symptomatic improvement. A retrievable Z-stent was placed, and the dysphagia score was evaluated. After stent removal, healing was considered to have occurred if the score was 0 to 1 for at least 12 continuous months. RESULTS: Stents were placed in all children without complications and were later removed successfully. Stents remained in situ for 4 to 8 weeks (mean, 7.4 weeks). Dysphagia scores decreased from 3 to 4 to 0 to 1 in all patients while the stent was in place. During the 12-month follow-up period, seven patients remained free from dysphagia, but eight children had recurrent stenosis and required a subsequent BCD to alleviate symptoms from the stricture. Six of them required placement of a second stent. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a retrievable Z-stent is an effective method and may become the treatment of choice for corrosive esophageal stenosis in children.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor for recurrence of colorectal liver metastases following radiofrequency ablation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictive factor for recurrence of colorectal liver metastases following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 98 patients who received routine RFA treatment for colorectal liver metastases. Univariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of preoperative maximum tumor diameter, number of tumors, colon cancer staging, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and preoperative and postoperative NLRs on disease-free survival (DFS). Statistically significant factors were further analyzed using multivariate Cox regression models to identify independent factors that were predictive of tumor recurrence. The one-, three-, and five-year DFS rates for patient were 66.3, 28.6, and 17.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative NLR≥2.5 and postoperative increase in NLR were associated with decreased DFS rates. One-, three-, and five-year DFS rates for patients with preoperative NLR≥2.5 were 53.3, 20.0, and 11.1%, whereas patients with preoperative NLR<2.5 had DFS rates of 77.4, 35.8, and 22.6%, respectively (P=0.044). One-, three- and five-year DFS rates for patients with NLRs increased 1 month after RFA treatment were 52.3, 17.1, and 8.6%, while patients with no increased postoperative NLRs had DFS rates of 73.0, 34.9, and 22.2%, respectively (P=0.022). Cox regression analysis showed that postoperative NLR increase was an independent risk factor (P=0.029) for recurrence after RFA treatment in patients with colorectal liver metastases. The present study suggests that patients with preoperative NLRs≥2.5 or increased postoperative NLR are at an increased risk for recurrence after RFA treatment for colorectal liver metastases.