Can Hisense computer-assisted surgery system (Hisense CAS) improve anatomy teaching in pediatric liver surgery?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Hisense computer-assisted surgery system (CAS) in teaching pediatric liver surgical anatomy. METHODS: The research subjects were residents who underwent standardized training at the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College from May 2022 to May 2023. RESULTS: The study recruited a total of 62 students, with 31 students assigned to the Hisense CAS group (12 males and 19 females) and the remaining 31 students serving as controls (Control group, 15 males and 16 females). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics observed between the two groups. This study found that the average scores of the Hisense CAS teaching group in the liver surgery evaluations were higher than those of the control group. Specifically, the Hisense CAS group had an average score of 84.25 ± 5.70 points in the liver surgery knowledge test, 77.10 ± 8.12 points in the image reading test, and 70.58 ± 8.79 points in the surgical simulation test, while the traditional teaching group had average scores of 73.45 ± 6.12 points, 69.81 ± 6.05 points, and 66.42 ± 6.61 points, respectively; the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this study also found that the Hisense CAS teaching model resulted in significantly better teaching satisfaction on the part of the residents in terms of standardized teaching for physicians in pediatric liver surgical anatomy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrated greater satisfaction of the residents with the use of 3D reconstruction added to traditional teaching sessions and better performance during the posttraining evaluation.

Quantitative fingerprint and antioxidative properties of Artemisia argyi leaves combined with chemometrics.

Quantitative fingerprint and differences of Artemisia argyi from different varieties, picking time, aging year, and origins were analyzed combing with chemometrics. The antioxidant activity was determined and antioxidant markers of Artemisia argyi were screened. Variety WA3 was significantly different from that of the other varieties. Fingerprint peak response and antioxidant activity of A. argyi picked in December were lower than samples collected in May and August. Fresh A. argyi leaves were significantly superior to withered leaves and stems. Artemisia argyi aging 1-5 years presented a classification trend. Antioxidant activity of A. argyi produced in Nanyang was generally superior to others origins. Peak 9, isochlorogenic acid A, and 6-methoxyluteolin contributed greatly for classification of A. argyi from different variety, picking time, aging year, and origin. Isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, 6-methoxyluteolin, and chlorogenic acid were selected as antioxidant marker of A. argyi. The method based on quantitative fingerprint, antioxidant activity evaluation, and chemometrics was reliable to analyze the differences of A. argyi samples from different sources.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes prevent sepsis-induced myocardial injury by a CircRTN4/miR-497-5p/MG53 pathway.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ function dysfunction featured by stimulated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, in which about 40%-60% of sepsis patients are accompanied with cardiac dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes exert critical roles in the treatment of multiple diseases through transferring non-coding RNAs. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel form of functional RNAs that involves in the progression of multiple cardiac pathological condition. Nevertheless, the function of MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 in sepsis-induced myocardial injury is still obscure. Significantly, FISH assay demonstrated the location of circRTN4 in cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes. The expression of circRTN4 was reduced in the cardiac tissues from caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rats and LPS-treated cardiomyocytes. CircRTN4 could be delivered to cardiomyocytes cells via MSCs-derived exosomes. The cardiac injury and apoptosis were induced in the CLP rats and the treatment of MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 relieved the phenotypes. MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 notably suppressed the upregulated ROS level in the CLP rats. The activity of SOD and GSH was repressed in CLP rats, in which MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 rescued the activity in the rats. The upregulated IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in CLP rats were reduced by the treatment of MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4. MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 improved cell survival and suppressed apoptosis of LPS-treated cardiomyocytes. CircRTN4 direct interact with miR-497-5p to upregulate MG53 expression in cardiomyocytes. MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 relieves LPS-stimulated cardiomyocyte damage via targeting miR-497-5p/MG53 axis. Therefore, we determine that MSCs-derived exosomes prevent sepsis-induced myocardial injury by a circRTN4/miR-497-5p/MG53 pathway. Our data provides novel insight into the regulatory mechanism by which MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 regulates sepsis-induced myocardial injury. MSCs-derived exosomal circRTN4 may be applied as a promising therapeutic approach for sepsis-induced myocardial injury.

[Effects of cigarette smoke on chromatin configuration, DNA methylation and expression of related genes in mice oocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of cigarette smoke on chromatin configuration, DNA methylation and expression of related genes in mice oocytes. METHODS: The clean grade ICR female mice were divided into 3 groups, control group, low dose group and high dose group. Animals were placed inside a perspex chamber( 18L) filled up with the smoke produced by 0, 1, 2 cigarettes, one hour a time, twice daily for 4weeks. Nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342, to observe the quality of oocyte and chromatin configuration. Analysis of the DNA methylation patterns by indirect immunofluorescence. The expressions of DNA methyltransferases( DNMT) 1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b mRNA were detected by quantitative real time PCR. RESULTS: With the increase of smoke concentration, the diameter of oocytes was significantly decreased( P <0. 05), the percentage of non surrounded nucleolus( NSN) chromatin configuration was significantly increased( P < 0. 05). In high dose group, the level of DNA methylation wassignificantly lower than that of control group( P < 0. 05). The expression of DNMT1 decreased with the increase of smoke concentration, but the expression level of DNMT3b was significantly decreased( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoke exposure may alter oocyte chromatin configuration, decrease the expression level of DNMTs, resulted in oocytes DNA methylation decreased, so as to decrease the quality of oocytes.

Exosomes-mediated drug delivery for the treatment of myocardial injury.

Cardiovascular disease has become a major cause of death worldwide. Myocardial injury (MI) caused by myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and drug overdose can lead to impaired cardiac function, culminating in serious consequences such as angina pectoris, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Exosomes exhibit high biocompatibility and target specificity, rendering them an important non-cellular therapy for improving MI. Exosomes are diminutive vesicles that encapsulate nucleic acids and proteins. Exosomes derived from cardiac stem cells themselves have therapeutic effects, and they can also serve as carriers to deliver therapeutic drugs to recipient cells, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect. The molecules within exosomes are encapsulated in a lipid bilayer, allowing them to stably exist in body fluids without being affected by nucleases. Therefore, the utilization of exosomes as drug delivery systems (DDS) for disease treatment has been extensively investigated and is currently undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of exosomes on MI and provides an overview of current research progress on their use as DDS in MI.

Digital medicine and minimally invasive surgery in pediatric hepatoblastoma: An update.

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver malignancy in children, accounting for approximately 60 % of liver tumors in this population. However, the exact cause of HB remains unclear. The combination of surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy has significantly improved the overall survival rate of children with HB, increasing it from 40 % in the past to over 70 %. The concept of precise hepatectomy, which aims to achieve the best rehabilitation outcomes with minimal trauma and maximum liver protection, has been widely accepted by hepatobiliary surgeons. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in surgical treatment of HB, focusing on digital surgery and minimally invasive techniques.

The role of OIP5 in the carcinogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Opa interacting protein 5 (OIP5), which is a cancer/testis-specific gene, plays a cancer-promoting role in various types of human cancer. However, the role of OIP5 in the carcinogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer remains unknown. METHODS: We first analyzed the expression of OIP5 in ovarian cancer and various human tumors with the Sangerbox online analysis tool. GSE12470, GSE14407 and GSE54388 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and GEO2R was used to screen differentially expressed genes in ovarian cancer tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was used to explore the related biological processes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate the predictive ability of OIP5 for ovarian cancer. Next, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were utilized to evaluate the expression of OIP5 in ovarian cancer. CCK8, EdU proliferation assays and colony formation assays were used to measure cell proliferation, cell cycle progression was examined by PI staining and flow cytometry, and cell apoptosis was examined by Caspase3/7 activity assays. The effect of OIP5 on the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells was analyzed with Transwell assays. RESULTS: We found that OIP5 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer through bioinformatics analysis, and importantly, OIP5 may be an important biomarker for the prognosis and diagnosis of ovarian cancer. RT-PCR assays, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were also used to confirm the high expression of OIP5 in ovarian cancer. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the proliferation and migration of the ovarian cancer cell line A2780 were significantly inhibited after OIP5 gene silencing, apoptosis was increased and cell cycle progression was arrested at the G1 phase. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that OIP5 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer and that downregulation of OIP5 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted cell apoptosis. Therefore, OIP5 may be an important biomarker for the early diagnosis and potential target for treatment of ovarian cancer.

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy versus traditional three-hole laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children by senior pediatric surgeons: a multicenter study from China.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of single-incision laparoscopy appendectomy (SILA) and traditional three-hole laparoscopy appendectomy (THLA) for the treatment of acute appendicitis in children. Methods: The clinical data of children (<14 years old) who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Hubei Provincial Maternal Health Hospital and Qingdao Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the operation method, the patients were assigned to the SILA group or the THLA group. The clinical data, including the efficacy, and the surgical details, including the complications, of the two surgical methods were compared. The personal information of the children and the time of disease onset were recorded. Results: In this study, the data of 588 patients, including 385 patients in the THLA group and 203 patients in the SILA group were collected. The baseline characteristics between the two groups of patients before surgery were comparable. There was no significant difference in the average operation time between the THLA group and the SILA group (56.31 ± 1.83 min vs. 57.48 ± 1.15 min, P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the average length of hospital stay between the THLA group and the SILA group (6.91 ± 0.24 days vs. 7.16 ± 0.36 days, P > 0.05). However, the FLACC scores of the SILA group (3.71 ± 0.78) were significantly lower than those of the THLA group (3.99 ± 0.56) on the second postoperative day, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The score of the questionnaire evaluating cosmetic appearance of the postoperative abdomen was significantly higher in the SILA group (15.81 ± 0.36) than in the THLA group (13.10 ± 0.24) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SILA is more advantageous in terms of postoperative FLACC scores and cosmetic appearance in children than THLA. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications or other aspects between the two surgical methods.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits the progression of liver fibrosis in rats via modulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) has previously reported anti-hepatic fibrosis effects, though it is not clear if it can inhibit hepatic fibrosis by regulating the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and mechanism of Sal B in preventing and treating liver fibrosis in rats. The study also aimed to determine the role of the Hh signaling pathway in this process. A rat model of liver fibrosis was induced through the subcutaneous injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride, followed by treatment with Sal B. After gavage, blood was collected to detect serum markers of liver injury. The degree of liver fibrosis and tissue damage was assessed using histopathological analysis. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and Hh signaling pathway-related genes, including Sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein, membrane protein receptor protein patched homolog 1 (Ptch1), membrane protein receptor Smoothened (Smo) and transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1). Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels were decreased, whilst levels of albumin were increased in rats with liver fibrosis that were treated with Sal B (P<0.05). Additionally, significant increases in TGF-ß1, Shh, Ptch1, Smo, Gli1 and α-smooth muscle actin expression levels were observed in the liver tissues of rats with hepatic fibrosis (P<0.05). However, Sal B treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of these proteins (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that the Hh signaling pathway may be activated during the process of rat liver fibrosis. Thus, Sal B may exert its anti-hepatic fibrosis effects, at least in part, by inhibiting the activation of the Hh signaling pathway.

[Practice and research into multi-unit teaching of Medical Genetics.].

In order to fully arise the enthusiasm of students in active learning and promote their development, we attempted such multiple class teaching methods in teaching medical science of genetics as elaboration of the basic theory of genetics, synopsis on the advance of this field, application of multimedia teaching, case-based teaching, role-play change in class teaching, instructions on writing of reviewing articles and academic assessment by diverse examination. The results suggest that multiple teaching methods can greatly enhance the efficiency of class teaching and comprehensively cultivate the academic ability of the students as well as improve the quality of teachers. Compared with the conventional class teaching, students are much interested in giving lessons by case-based study, CAI teaching and role change of teachers and students in class teaching, which resulted in improvement of self-disciplined study of students, problem settlement, class performance, awareness of the importance of scientific research and reinforcement of team work.

[miR-449a/b negatively regulates E2F1 to suppress proliferation of gastric cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible role of miR-449a/b in the occurrence of gastric cancer. METHODS: The expression of miR-449a/b and E2F1 mRNA in gastric cancer cells BGC-823 and gastric mucosal cells GES-1 were detected with qRT-PCR. miR-449a/b mimics or a negative control was transiently transfected into BGC-823 cells, and the changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration ability were assessed using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. Western blotting was used to observe the effects of miR-449a/b upregulation on its target gene expression. The effects of transfection with an E2F1-over-expressing plasmid or an empty plasmid were analyzed on the expression level of miR-449a/b in BGC-823 cells using qRT-PCR and digital PCR. RESULTS: The gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 showed significantly a lowered expression of miR-449a/b compared with the normal gastric mucosal cell line GES-1 (P < 0.01). Overexpression of miR-449a/b obviously inhibited the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis of BGC-823 cells (P < 0.05). Overexpression E2F1 in the cells resulted in significantly up-regulated expression of miR-449a/b (P < 0.001). Upregulation of miR-449a/b caused significant down-regulation of its direct target genes CDK4 and CDK6 and also of the expression of E2F1 protein via the CDKs-pRb-E2F1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The low expression of miR-449a/b and the high expression of E2F1 are both involved in the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer, and miR-449a/b negatively regulates E2F1 to inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.

Expression of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin ß1 in endometriosis and their clinical significance.

To investigate the expression and clinical significance of nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (nm23-H1), p53, and integrin ß1 in endometriosis, normal and ectopic endometrial tissues were collected and the levels of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin ß1 proteins were detected by western blotting. We also measured the mRNA expression of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin ß1 in endometrial epithelial cells by droplet digital PCR, based on endometrial tissues using laser capture microdissection. Moreover, primary stromal cells from normal and ectopic endometrial tissues were also cultured and treated with different concentrations of estrogen. We assessed the mRNA levels of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin ß1 by quantitative PCR. Compared with normal endometrial tissue, the levels of nm23-H1 and p53 proteins were significantly downregulated in ectopic endometrial tissues, while integrin ß1 protein was upregulated. The same expression trend in the mRNA levels of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin ß1 was also observed in both endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells. In addition, with increasing estrogen concentration, nm23-H1 and p53 mRNA levels gradually decreased, while integrin ß1 mRNA expression increased. Nm23-H1 and p53 may inhibit the progression of endometriosis, while integrin ß1 has a promoting effect, and estrogen is involved in this process.

[Prediction and evolution of B cell epitopes of hemagglutinin in human-infecting H6N1 avian influenza virus].

OBJECTIVE: To predict B cell epitopes of hemagglutinin (HA) of human-infecting H6N1 avian influenza virus and analyze their evolutionary characteristics. METHODS: The dataset was downloaded from GISAID and GenBank databases. And the linear and conformational B cell epitopes of HA were predicted separately by various bioinformatic software. Furthermore, the conservation, adaptation and other evolutionary characteristics were also analyzed by some bioinformatic means. RESULTS: Four linear epitopes (A, B, C and D) and two conformational epitopes (E and F) were obtained after consideration of multiple factors. And the C epitope and sites ( 41, 157, 186, 187) mutated easily, but the other epitopes were very conservative and the D epitope was the most conservative. Interestingly, the site 157 was identified under positive selection, suggesting that it may be a particularly important site to make the virus evade the attack from the host immune system. CONCLUSION: The HA of human-infecting H6N1 avian influenza virus has five conservative B cell epitopes (three linear and two conformational) and one site under positive selection. The findings would facilitate the vaccine development, virus control and pathogenesis understanding.

Metabolic changes in acute cerebral infarction: Findings from proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical role of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction. Using databases available at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou, China), the medical records of 47 patients with acute cerebral infarction treated between April 2010 and March 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and multiple-voxel 1H-MRS examination within 12 h after the onset of stroke. The patients then received normal medical treatment for 2 weeks and underwent follow-up 1H-MRS examination at 1-2 months after stroke. The concentrations of the main metabolites [N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho) and lactate (Lac)] in the infarct center, the infarction border region and the contralateral brain areas (control) were analyzed. The 47 patients experienced changes in NAA, Cho and Lac levels at different stages after stroke. In the infarction center, the NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios decreased, while the Lac/Cr ratio increased within 12 h compared with those in the contralateral side. Within 6-12 h after stroke, the Lac/Cr ratio increased and the NAA/Cho ratio decreased compared with those <6 h after stroke. During the 1-2 months post-stroke, significant reductions in the NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho, Cho/Cr and Lac/Cr ratios were observed in the infarction center. In the infarction border region, the Lac/Cr ratio increased significantly at 12 h and decreased during the 1-2 months after stroke. The NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho and Cho/Cr ratios were significantly increased in the infarction border regions of patients who received thrombolytic therapy for 1-2 months compared with those in patients who did not undergo thrombolysis. Our results highlight the usefulness of 1H-MRS-based metabolomics as a feasible and efficient prognostic tool for assessing the treatment effect of acute cerebral infarction.

Diverse reactivity of an isolable dialkylsilylene toward imines.

The reactions of isolable dialkylsilylene 10 with various aldimines proceed smoothly at low temperatures to give diverse products depending on the substituents on the imine. The reactions of 10 with 4-XC(6)H(4)CH=NPh [X = H (11a), MeO (11b), and Cl (11c)] give the corresponding silaaziridines 12a-12c in high yields, which are thermally very stable and remain intact in the air and moisture for a long time. In contrast, the reactions of 10 with 4-F(3)CC(6)H(4)CH=NPh (11d) and 3,5-(F(3)C)(2)C(6)H(3)CH=NPh (11e) having strong electron-withdrawing aryl substituents on imine carbon are accompanied by 1,2-trimethylsilyl migration rather unexpectedly to give silaazetidines 13d-13e incorporated into a bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane ring. The reaction of 10 with N-benzylbenzaldimine 11f affords the corresponding (dibenzylamino)silane 14f in a moderate yield. Molecular structures of 12a-12c, 13d-13e and 14f were determined by X-ray crystallography. All these reactions are proposed to occur via the initial formation of the corresponding imine silaylides, while the subsequent reactions leading to the final products are controlled by the electronic structure of the ylide depending on the substituents. N-phenylbenzophenimine 11g does not react with 10.