Significance of pyroptosis-related gene in the diagnosis and classification of rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, is often characterized by persistent morning stiffness, joint pain, and swelling. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of RA can effectively delay the progression of the condition and significantly reduce the incidence of disability. In the study, we explored the function of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in the diagnosis and classification of rheumatoid arthritis based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Method: We downloaded the GSE93272 dataset from the GEO database, which contains 35 healthy controls and 67 RA patients. Firstly, the GSE93272 was normalized by the R software "limma" package. Then, we screened PRGs by SVM-RFE, LASSO, and RF algorithms. To further investigate the prevalence of RA, we established a nomogram model. Besides, we grouped gene expression profiles into two clusters and explored their relationship with infiltrating immune cells. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between the two clusters and the cytokines. Result: CHMP3, TP53, AIM2, NLRP1, and PLCG1 were identified as PRGs. The nomogram model revealed that decision-making based on established model might be beneficial for RA patients, and the predictive power of the nomogram model was significant. In addition, we identified two different pyroptosis patterns (pyroptosis clusters A and B) based on the 5 PRGs. We found that eosinophil, gamma delta T cell, macrophage, natural killer cell, regulatory T cell, type 17 T helper cell, and type 2 T helper cell were significant high expressed in cluster B. And, we identified gene clusters A and B based on 56 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between pyroptosis cluster A and B. And we calculated the pyroptosis score for each sample to quantify the different patterns. The patients in pyroptosis cluster B or gene cluster B had higher pyroptosis scores than those in pyroptosis cluster A or gene cluster A. Conclusion: In summary, PRGs play vital roles in the development and occurrence of RA. Our findings might provide novel views for the immunotherapy strategies with RA.

High-Throughput Preparation and High-Throughput Detection of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals Based on Ink-Jet Printing and Grayscale Value Analysis.

In this paper, based on high-throughput technology, polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) composed of pentaerythritol tetra (2-mercaptoacetic acid) (PETMP), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGD 600) were investigated in detail. A total of 125 PDLC samples with different ratios were quickly prepared using ink-jet printing. Based on the method of machine vision to identify the grayscale level of samples, as far as we know, it is the first time to realize high-throughput detection of the electro-optical performance of PDLC samples, which can quickly screen out the lowest saturation voltage of batch samples. Additionally, we compared the electro-optical test results of manual and high-throughput preparation PDLC samples and discovered that they had very similar electro-optical characteristics and morphologies. This demonstrated the viability of PDLC sample high-throughput preparation and detection, as well as promising application prospects, and significantly increased the efficiency of PDLC sample preparation and detection. The results of this study will contribute to the research and application of PDLC composites in the future.

Typing characteristics of metabolism-related genes in osteoporosis.

Objective: Osteoporosis is a common musculoskeletal disease. Fractures caused by osteoporosis place a huge burden on global healthcare. At present, the mechanism of metabolic-related etiological heterogeneity of osteoporosis has not been explored, and no research has been conducted to analyze the metabolic-related phenotype of osteoporosis. This study aimed to identify different types of osteoporosis metabolic correlates associated with underlying pathogenesis by machine learning. Methods: In this study, the gene expression profiles GSE56814 and GSE56815 of osteoporosis patients were downloaded from the GEO database, and unsupervised clustering analysis was used to identify osteoporosis metabolic gene subtypes and machine learning to screen osteoporosis metabolism-related characteristic genes. Meanwhile, multi-omics enrichment was performed using the online Proteomaps tool, and the results were validated using external datasets GSE35959 and GSE7429. Finally, the immune and stromal cell types of the signature genes were inferred by the xCell method. Results: Based on unsupervised cluster analysis, osteoporosis metabolic genotyping can be divided into three distinct subtypes: lipid and steroid metabolism subtypes, glycolysis-related subtypes, and polysaccharide subtypes. In addition, machine learning SVM identified 10 potentially metabolically related genes, GPR31, GATM, DDB2, ARMCX1, RPS6, BTBD3, ADAMTSL4, COQ6, B3GNT2, and CD9. Conclusion: Based on the clustering analysis of gene expression in patients with osteoporosis and machine learning, we identified different metabolism-related subtypes and characteristic genes of osteoporosis, which will help to provide new ideas for the metabolism-related pathogenesis of osteoporosis and provide a new direction for follow-up research.

High-Throughput Preparation and Machine Learning Screening of a Blue-Phase Liquid Crystal Based on Inkjet Printing.

Blue-phase liquid crystal (BPLC) is considered as the next-generation liquid crystal display material, but its practical application is seriously affected by a narrow temperature range and a long research period. In this paper, we used inkjet printing technology to prepare BPLC materials with high throughput, and try to use machine vision technology to test BPLC with high throughput. The "standard curve method" for establishing each printing channel and the "vector matching method" for searching the chromaticity value of the minimum distance were proposed to improve the accuracy of inkjet printing BPLC materials. For a large number of sample-phase images, we propose a machine learning method to identify the liquid crystal phase. In this paper, for the first time, the high-throughput preparation and high-throughput detection of 1080 BPLC samples with five common components by a comprehensive experimental method has been successfully realized. The results are helpful to improve the research efficiency of blue-phase materials and provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for rapid screening of multi-component BPLC materials.

Spatial Patterning of Fluorescent Liquid Crystal Ink Based on Inkjet Printing.

Fluorescent cholesteric liquid crystal materials (FCLC) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties can effectively solve the contradiction between aggregation-induced quenching (ACQ) and liquid crystal self-assembly when light-emitting materials are aggregated, and they have great application value in the fields of anti-counterfeit detection and information hiding. However, generating a visually appealing design, logo, or image in the application typically requires an intricate fabrication process, such as the use of prefabricated molds and photomasks, which greatly limits the practical application of FCLC materials. Herein is reported a new method for spatially patterned liquid crystal (LC) microdroplet arrays using drop-on-demand inkjet printing technology. Through rational composition design, a spatial array composed of different liquid crystal microdroplets was established, and the array contains two entirely distinct but intact patterns at the same time, which can be reversibly switched under the irradiation of UV and natural light. This study provides a new method for the integrated preparation of different component liquid crystal materials.

Acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation patients treated with titanium cable insertion under a homemade guider.

BACKGROUNDS: To describe a new technique for implanting a double-bundle titanium cable to treat acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation via the new guider, and evaluate clinic outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated for acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation from June 2016 to January 2020 in our trauma center, twenty patients with AC joint dislocation were managed with double-bundle titanium cable. It includes the following steps: (1) Put the guider under the coracoid close to the cortical; (2) drill proximal clavicle; (3) place the titanium cable; (4) perforate distal clavicle, (5) reset the acromioclavicular joint and lock titanium cable; and (6) suture the acromioclavicular ligament. An independent reviewer conducted functional testing of these patients, including the use of coracoclavicular distance (CCD), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and Constant-Murley scores (CMS). RESULTS: All patients are presented following at a median duration of 15 months (12-24months) after the surgery. All patients based on X-ray evaluation and clinic evaluation. The median CCD was 7.5 (6-14) mm, the VAS score was 0.55 (0-2), the CMS score was 95.5 (92-99). One patient had subluxation again at the final follow-up based on X-ray examination. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the AC joint fixation anatomically with double-bundle titanium, acquired excellent outcomes in terms of the recovery of shoulder joint function and radiographic outcomes. It has a low complication rate and need not remove the hardware.

Treatment of distal clavicle fracture of Neer type II with locking plate in combination with titanium cable under the guide.

To observe and compare the curative effect of a locking plate plus titanium cable under the Guide device and clavicular hook plate in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures. A prospective cohort study was conducted to analyse the clinical data of 36 patients with distal clavicle fractures from January 2016 to January 2019. The results were analysed. According to the random number method, the patients were divided into two groups: the titanium cable group (fixed with a titanium cable in combination with a locking plate) and hook plate group (fixed with a clavicular hook plate only). Under the guidance of a special device (for which a patent was obtained), in the titanium cable group, the coracoclavicular ligament was fixed with tension reduction, and then the distal clavicular fracture was fixed with a locking plate. In the hook plate group, the distal clavicle fracture was fixed with a hook plate. The incision length, operation time, bleeding volume and VAS score before, 1 week after and 1 year after the operation were compared between the two groups. The effect of the operation was evaluated by the Constant-Murley score before and 1 year after the operation. X-ray films were taken 2 days, 3 months, half a year and 1 year after the operation to observe the reduction and healing of fractures. At the same time, complications were recorded. The amount of bleeding was the same in the two groups. The operation time in the hook plate group was relatively short, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The VAS score in the titanium cable group was significantly lower than that in the hook plate group one year after the operation. The Constant-Murley score in the titanium cable group and hook plate group was significantly higher 1 year after the operation. The number of postoperative complications in the titanium cable group was significantly lower than that in the hook plate group. The treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures with a titanium cable plus a locking plate has a good curative effect, few complications and good postoperative recovery and thus is worth popularizing.

[Treatment of severe acromioclavicular joint dislocation with double strand titanium cable and clavicular hook plate guided by self-made guide device].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of titanium cable biomimetic reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament and clavicular hook plate in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. METHODS: The clinical data of 39 patients with severe acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation from January 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, 19 patients in double strand titanium cable group, including 13 males and 6 females, aged from 26 to 67 years old; Rockwood classification:10 cases of type Ⅲ, 4 cases of type Ⅳ and 5 cases of type Ⅴ;8 cases of traffic injury and 11 cases of fall injury;the time from injury to operation was 3 to 6 days. There were 20 patients in steel plate group, including 15 males and 5 females, aged from 25 to 71 years old. Rockwood classification:11 cases of type Ⅲ, 4 cases of typeⅣ, 5 cases of type Ⅴ;7 cases of traffic injury, 13 cases of fall injury;the time from injury to operation was 2 to 7 days. The length of incision, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, cost, VAS score before and after operation, and Constant-Murley score before and after operation were compared between two groups. Postoperative X-ray films were taken to observe the reduction and maintenance of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were followed up for 12 to 14 months. The amount of intraoperative blood loss in the two groups was basically the same. The operation incision in double strand titanium cable group was shorter, the operation time in steel plate group was shorter, and the operation cost in double strand titanium cable group was less. One week and one year after operation, the pain of double strand titanium cable group was less than that of steel plate group. One year after operation, the Constant-Murley score of double strand titanium cable group was higher than that of steel plate group. The postoperative X-ray showed that the acromioclavicular joint in double strand titanium cable group was well reduced, and there was 1 case with slight reduction loss. In the plate group, there was no reduction loss after removal of the clavicular hook plate, and 8 patients had distal clavicular bone atrophy or acromion bone resorption. In steel plate group, 4 cases had long-term postoperative pain, postoperative dysfunction and other complications. CONCLUSION: The clinical effect of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with double strand titanium cable is better than that of clavicular hook plate in the treatment of severe acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation, with less trauma (no secondary operation) and lower cost.

Claudin-4 is required for vasculogenic mimicry formation in human breast cancer cells.

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique capability of aggressive tumor cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenic networks. Claudins are aberrantly expressed in aggressive breast cancer. However, the relationship between claudins and VM formation is not clear. We examined VM in two human breast cancer cell lines with different aggressive capabilities (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells) and one human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC). Both HUVEC and MDA-MB-231 cells formed vascular channels in Matrigel cultures, while MCF-7 cells did not. Western blot analysis revealed a possible correlation between claudin-4 and -6 expression in breast cancer cell lines and tumor aggressiveness, with protein levels correlating with the ability to form vascular channels. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cells with claudin-4 monoclonal antibodies completely inhibited the ability of cells to form vascular channels. Moreover, knockdown of claudin-4 by short hairpin RNA completely inhibited tubule formation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Overexpression of claudin-4 in MCF-7 cells induced formation of vascular channels. Immunocytochemistry revealed that membranous claudin-4 protein was significantly associated with vascular channel formation. Collectively, these results indicate that claudin-4 may play a critical role in VM in human breast cancer cells, opening new opportunities to improve aggressive breast cancer therapy.

Deferoxamine promotes MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion through increased ROS-dependent HIF-1α accumulation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, has been reported to induce hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression. HIF-1α plays a critical role in promoting tumor metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying induction of HIF-1α in breast cancer cells remain unknown. Our aim was to ascertain whether DFO enhanced cancer metastasis in MDA-MB-231 cells. METHODS: Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by flow cytometry. Cell migration was determined by wound healing and transwell assays. Protein and mRNA expression were detected by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: DFO treatment enhanced cell migration and invasion, while HIF-1α expression was significantly up-regulated at the post-transcriptional level. However, treatment with a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), strongly inhibited ROS generation and HIF-1α expression, as well as cell migration and invasion. Notably, DFO treatment increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of ROS production with DPI attenuated DFO-induced ERK1/2 activation. Moreover, a MEK1 inhibitor, PD98059, suppressed DFO-induced cell migration and invasion. CONCLUSION: DFO-induced HIF-1α expression involves a cascade of signaling events including ROS generation, activation of ERK signaling, and subsequent promotion of cell migration and invasion. These findings indicate a risk associated with DFO and other iron chelators for treatment of tumors with invasive potential.

[Clinical observation on influence of vertebral fixation through or across the affected vertebra on vertebral morphology].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term influence of vertebral fixation through or across the affected vertebra on vertebral morphology. METHODS: Clinical data of 48 patients with simple thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures who were admitted between Jan. 2008 and Dec. 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them 36 cases (28 males and 8 females) were fixed through the injured vertebra (group A) and 12 cases (8 males and 4 females) were fixed across the injured vertebra (group B). All patients were followed up for 6-36 months (mean 11.5 months). The vertebral body height, endplate angle and neurofunction were compared between the two groups before surgery, a week after surgery and at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in vertebral body height,endplate angle and neurofunction before operation between group A and B (P > 0.05). Vertebral body height and endplate angle improved in both groups a week after operation and at the end of the follow-up period as compared with those before operation (P < 0.05), and the efficacy in group B was significantly better than that in group A (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in neurofunction between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The fixation method through the injured vertebra had a better reduction effect, more stable fixation, and a better long-term effect on vertebral morphology than that across the injured vertebra in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.

Application of trichloroacetic acid-acetone precipitation method for protein extraction in bone tissue / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the feasibility and efficiency of extracting protein from bone tissue using trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-acetone precipitation method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Hydrochloric acid (HCL) decalcification method and TCA-acetone precipitation method were separately used for bone protein extraction. The efficiencies of these two methods were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TCA-acetone precipitation method had significantly higher extraction efficiency. Compared with HCL decalcification method, it had less pollution from bone marrow hematopoietic tissue. Protein band distribution was similar between these two methods.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TCA-acetone precipitation method is useful for bone proteomics research.</p>

[Misunderstanding about the tension band principle in the treatment of patella fractures].

Kirschner's wire tension band was the first choice in the treatment of patella fracture. But the principle of tension band had been misunderstood for long time. In the traditional principle, it was believed that tension band could change the separating force between fracture fragments into compressing stress when exercising. Eccentric fixation and articular surface cracking were disadvantageous. These could make the fracture fragments separate either at resting or exercising, which cause the gaps without pressure. Thus excercising could not change the separating force into compressing stress.