[Practical application of the Paris system for reporting urinary cytology]

Objective: To validate the diagnostic performance of the Paris system for reporting urinary cytology (TPS). Methods: A total of 7 046 urine cytology samples from 3 402 patients collected in the Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital, China from January 2020 to January 2022 were analyzed. 488 patients had a biopsy or resection specimen during the follow-up period of 6 months. The sensitivity, specificity, risk of malignancy (ROM) and risk of high-grade malignancy (ROHM) of the TPS were evaluated using histological diagnosis as the golden standard. Results: Among the 7 046 samples, high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) accounted for 5.7% (399/7 046), suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC) for 3.2% (227/7 046), atypical urothelial cells (AUC) for 8.4% (593/7 046), and negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC) for 72.9% (5 139/7 046) including low-grade urothelial neoplasm (LGUN) for 0.8% (59/7 046) and insufficient samples for 9.8% (688/7 046). 488 patients had a bladder biopsy or resection in the follow-up of six months, including 314 males and 174 females, aged 27 to 92 years (average, 66 years). The ROHM of TPS was 94.7% in HGUC, 83.3% in SHGUC, 41.3% in AUC and 18.8% in NHGUC. The sensitivity and specificity of urine cytology were 70.1% (169/241) and 97.0% (162/167), respectively. The negative predictive value of NHGUC was 69.2% (162/234). Conclusions: The study has shown that TPS classification has high sensitivity and specificity, high ROHM for HGUC and SHGUC, and high negative predictive value for NHGUC. The application of TPS reporting system can better interpret the clinical significance of cytology samples, improve the accuracy of urine cytopathology and ensure continuous diagnostic consistency.

[A case of acute inhalation dinitrogen tetroxide poisoning]

Dinitrogen tetroxide is often used as an oxidant in rocket propellant and has strong irritant and corrosive properties. This paper analyzes the clinical data of a patient with dinitrogen tetroxide poisoning admitted in the 63710 Army Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, so as to further explore the poisoning mechanism, clinical characteristics and key points of acute inhaled dinitrogen tetroxide poisoning.

Short-term effects of heatwaves on clinical and subclinical cardiovascular indicators in Chinese adults: A distributed lag analysis

AIMS

Previous studies have related heat waves to morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases; however, potential mechanisms remained limited. Our aims were to investigate the short-term effects of heat waves on a series of clinical/subclinical indicators associated with cardiovascular health.

METHODS

Our study used 80,574 health examination records from the Health Management Center of Nanjing Zhongda Hospital during the warm seasons of 2019-2021, including 62,128 participants. A total of 11 recognized indicators of cardiovascular risk or injury were assessed. Air pollution and meteorological data were obtained from the Nanjing Ecological Environment Bureau and the China Meteorological Data Network, respectively. Heat waves were defined as a daily average temperature over the 95th percentile for three or more consecutive days from May to September. We used a combination of linear mixed effects models and distributed lag nonlinear models to assess the lagged effects of heat waves on clinical and subclinical cardiovascular indicators. Stratified analyses based on individuals' characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and hypertension, were also performed.

RESULTS

Heat waves were related to significant changes in most indicators, with the magnitude of effects generally peaking at a lag of 0 to 3 days. Moreover, the cumulative percentage changes over lag 0-7 days were -0.82 % to -2.55 % in blood pressure, 1.32 % in heart rate, 0.20 % to 2.66 % in systemic inflammation markers, 0.36 % in a blood viscosity parameter, 9.36 % in homocysteine, and 1.35 % to 3.25 % in injuring myocardial enzymes. Interestingly, females and males showed distinct susceptibilities in different indicators. Stronger effects were also found in participants aged 50 years or over, individuals with abnormal BMI status, and patients with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Short-term exposure to heat waves could significantly alter clinical/subclinical cardiovascular indicator profiles, including blood pressure changes, increased heart rate, acute systemic inflammation, elevated blood viscosity, and myocardial injury.

Mucosal esophageal carcinoma following endoscopic submucosal dissection with giant gastric metastasis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Esophageal carcinoma is a highly aggressive digestive cancer responsible for a notable proportion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its elevated metastatic rate contributes to a poor prognosis in affected patients. In this case review, we aim to summarize the metastatic characteristics of intramural gastric metastasis (IGM) in mucosal esophageal squamous carcinoma.

CASE SUMMARY

A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of a dry cough with an esophageal sensation for one year. Endoscopic examination revealed a 2.0 cm 1.0 cm, superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and the patient underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Fifteen months after ESD, positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed that the metabolism of the stomach cardia wall had increased slightly. However, the mucosa of the gastric cardia was smooth under gastroendoscopy. Two years after ESD, endoscopic examination revealed a giant gastric cardia carcinoma, while the esophageal mucosa was smooth, and no advanced cancer was found. A biopsy of the gastric cardia indicated squamous-cell carcinoma. The patient received immunochemotherapy and radiotherapy for esophageal cancer for 8 mo and is currently under follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Early-stage esophageal carcinoma with IGM is rare. Despite the ESD of the primary lesion, IGM may still occur and should be closely monitored after ESD.

Correction: Multiple correlations between spin crossover and fluorescence in a dinuclear compound

Correction for 'Multiple correlations between spin crossover and fluorescence in a dinuclear compound' by Chun-Feng Wang et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 14322-14325, https://doi.org/10.1039/C6CC07810A.

Mechanism of ELL-associated factor 2 and vasohibin 1 regulating invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

As a novel endogenous anti-angiogenic molecule, vasohibin 1 (VASH1) is not only expressed in tumor stroma, but also in tumor tissue. Moreover, studies have shown that VASH1 may be a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). Knockdown of VASH1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 pathway activity and type I/III collagen production. Our previous findings suggest that ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2) may play a tumor suppressor and protective role in the development and progression of CRC by regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/TGF-β1 signaling pathway. However, the functional role and mechanism of VASH1-mediated TGF-β1 related pathway in CRC has not been elucidated.

AIM

To investigate the expression of VASH1 in CRC and its correlation with the expression of EAF2. Furthermore, we studied the functional role and mechanism of VASH1 involved in the regulation and protection of EAF2 in CRC cells in vitro.

METHODS

We collected colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent tissues to investigate the clinical expression of EAF2 protein and VASH1 protein in patients with advanced CRC. Following, we investigated the effect and mechanism of EAF2 and VASH1 on the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro using plasmid transfection.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that EAF2 was down-regulated and VASH1 was up-regulated in advanced CRC tissue compared to normal colorectal tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the higher EAF2 Level group and the lower VASH1 Level group had a higher survival rate. Overexpression of EAF2 might inhibit the activity of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway by up-regulating the expression of VASH1, and then weaken the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that EAF2 and VASH1 may serve as new diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC, and provide a clinical basis for exploring new biomarkers for CRC. This study complements the mechanism of EAF2 in CRC cells, enriches the role and mechanism of CRC cell-derived VASH1, and provides a new possible subtype of CRC as a therapeutic target of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway.

Endoscopic and pathological characteristics of de novo colorectal cancer: Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopy has rapidly developed in recent years and has enabled further investigation into the origin and features of intestinal tumors. The small size and concealed position of these tumors make it difficult to distinguish them from nonneoplastic polyps and carcinoma in adenoma (CIA). The invasive depth and metastatic potential determine the operation regimen, which in turn affects the overall survival and distant prognosis. The previous studies have confirmed the malignant features and clinicopathological features of de novo colorectal cancer (CRC).

AIM

To provide assistance for diagnosis and treatment, but the lack of a summary of endoscopic features and assessment of risk factors that differ from the CIA prompted us to conduct this retrospective study.

METHODS

In total, 167 patients with small-sized CRCs diagnosed by endoscopy were reviewed. The patients diagnosed as advanced CRCs and other malignant cancers or chronic diseases that could affect distant outcomes were excluded. After screening, 63 cases were excluded, including 33 de novo and 30 CIA cases. Patient information, including their follow-up information, was obtained from an electronic His-system. The characteristics between two group and risk factors for invasion depth were analyzed with SPSS 25.0 software.

RESULTS

Nearly half of the de novo CRCs were smaller than 1 cm (n = 16, 48.5%) and the majority were located in the distal colon (n = 26, 78.8%). The IIc type was the most common macroscopic type of de novo CRC. In a Pearson analysis, the differential degree, Sano, JNET, and Kudo types, surrounding mucosa, and chicken skin mucosa (CSM) were correlated with the invasion depth (P < 0.001). CSM was a significant risk factor for deep invasion and disturbed judgment of endoscopic ultrasound. A high degree of tumor budding and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are accompanied by malignancy. Finally, de novo CRCs have worse outcomes than CIA CRCs.

CONCLUSION

This is the first comprehensive study to analyze the features of de novo CRCs to distinguish them from nonneoplastic polyps. It is also the first study paying attention to CSM invasive depth measurement. This study emphasizes the high metastatic potential of de novo CRCs and highlights the need for more research on this tumor type.

Overexpression of ELL-associated factor 2 suppresses invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The androgen responsive gene, ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2), expressed in benign prostate tissues, has been shown to play an important role in tumor suppression in a variety of malignant tumors. In addition, some scholars found that EAF2 frameshift mutations are associated with intratumor heterogeneity in colorectal cancer (CRC) and inactivation of EAF2 in microsatellite instability-high CRC. However, the molecular mechanism by which EAF2 is involved in CRC invasion and metastasis remains unclear.

AIM

To determine the clinical value of expression of EAF2 protein in CRC, and to study the effects of EAF2 on the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro.

METHODS

In this study, we collected colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent tissues to investigate the clinical expression of EAF2 protein in patients with advanced CRC. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of EAF2 on the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro using plasmid transfection.

RESULTS

EAF2 protein was lowly expressed in cancer tissues of patients with advanced CRC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival rate of the high EAF2 level group was higher than that of the low EAF2 level group.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that EAF2, as a tumor suppressor, may inhibit the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of CRC cells by regulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/transforming growth factor-β1 crosstalk pathway, and play a cancer suppressive and protective role in the occurrence and development of CRC. Our findings are of great significance to provide a new idea and theoretical basis for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Clinical and prognostic significance of expression of phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 and Parkin in advanced colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Drugs targeting mitochondria can induce mitophagy and restrain proliferation in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) activates serine/threonine PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitophagy. However, there are few studies on the clinical and prognostic significance of expression of PGAM5 protein and mitophagy-related protein Parkin in patients.

AIM

To assess the clinical significance of PGAM5 and Parkin proteins, as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, by studying their expression in advanced CRC tissues and their association with clinicopathological parameters.

METHODS

The expression of PGAM5 and Parkin in CRC tissues from 100 patients was determined by immunohistochemistry. Each case was evaluated by using a combined scoring method based on signal intensity staining (scored 0-3) and the proportion of positively stained cancer cells (scored 0-4). The final staining score was calculated as the intensity score multiplied by the proportion score. Specimens were categorized as either high or low expression according to the Youden index, and the association between the expression of PGAM5 or Parkin and clinicopathological factors was ascertained. Additionally, we employed western blot to measure PGAM5 and Parkin protein expression in six matched pairs of CRC and adjacent non-tumor tissues.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical and western blot findings showed that both PGAM5 and Parkin protein expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in the adjacent tissues: PGAM5 and Parkin were mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of colonic epithelial cells. PGAM5 and Parkin protein levels were significantly positively correlated in advanced CRC tissues. Moreover, reduced Parkin protein expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival in CRC patients as evinced by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The expression of PGAM5 protein and mitophagy-related protein Parkin has diagnostic significance for CRC and may become new biomarkers. Parkin may be a potential marker for the survival of CRC patients.

Optimal Range of Fecal Calprotectin for Predicting Mucosal Healing in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a promising marker for assessment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity. However, the utility of FC for predicting mucosal healing (MH) of IBD patients has yet to be clearly demonstrated. The objective of our study was to perform a meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of FC in predicting MH of IBD patients.

Methods

We systematically searched the databases for studies from inception to April 2020 that evaluated MH in IBD. The methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies checklist. The extracted data were pooled using a summary receiver operating characteristic curve model. Random-effects model was used to summarize the diagnostic odds ratio, sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio.

Results

Sixteen studies comprising 1,682 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 4 studies comprising 221 Crohn's disease (CD) patients were included. The best performance of FC for predicting MH in UC was at cut-off range of 60-75 μg/g with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 and pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.87 and 0.79, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values of cutoff range 180-250 μg/g for predicting MH in CD were 0.67 and 0.76, respectively. The AUC of 0.79 also revealed improved discrimination for identifying MH in CD with FC concentration.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis has found that FC is a simple, reliable noninvasive marker for predicting MH in IBD patients. FC cutoff range 60-75 μg/g appears to have the best overall accuracy in UC patients.

Bacteriological and molecular typing of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated in retail beef in Beijing, China

Clostridium perfringens is an important zoonotic pathogen. This study was designed to explore the prevalence and toxin types of C. perfringens in retail beef collected from Beijing, China. Among 221 beef samples collected, 53 samples were positive for C. perfringens, resulting in the average prevalence as 23.98%. By toxin gene-based typing, the most C. perfringens strains belong to type A (96.23%, 51/53), only 2 strains were identified as type D. By a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST)-based analysis, a total of 36 sequence types (STs) were detected, and the most STs (n=30) represented just a single strain. These finding suggested that the prevalence of C. perfringens in retail beef in Beijing was considerably high and these bacteria displayed extreme diversity in genetics.

The efficacy and safety of infliximab and calcineurin inhibitors in steroid-refractory UC patients: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infliximab (IFX) and calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine [CYS] and tacrolimus [TAC]) were considered as rescue therapy in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). The objective of our study was to perform a meta-analysis evaluating the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of IFX and calcineurin inhibitors in steroid-refractory UC.

METHODS

We systematically searched the databases from inception to September 2020 that evaluated IFX, CYS, and TAC in steroid-refractory UC. The primary outcome was the response rates, remission rates, mucosal healing rates, and colectomy rates after therapy initiation. The secondary outcomes were the rates of adverse events (AE), serious adverse events (SAE), and mortality. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies comprising 1323 Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) patients were included in the meta-analysis. Among the non-randomized studies, a significantly higher therapeutic response rate was seen with IFX treatment, with a pooled OR of 3.15 (95% CI 2.26-4.40). Among non-randomized studies, IFX was associated with a significantly lower first-year OR (0.46 [95% CI 0.27-0.79]), second-year (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.28-0.97]), third-year (OR 0.43 [95% CI 0.24-0.75]) colectomy rate. But the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not suggest any difference between IFX and CYS as rescue therapies for steroid-refractory UC. There were no significant differences among IFX, CYS, and TAC in the rates of AE, SAE, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis suggested a better treatment response rate and lower risk of colectomy in the first, second and third year, with IFX, compared with CYS in steroid-refractory UC patients. There was no significant difference among IFX and calcineurin inhibitors in AE, SAE, and mortality.

Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for colorectal cancer after surgery

BACKGROUND

A nomogram is a diagram that aggregates various predictive factors through multivariate regression analysis, which can be used to predict patient outcomes intuitively. Lymph node (LN) metastasis and tumor deposit (TD) conditions are two critical factors that affect the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) after surgery. At present, few effective tools have been established to predict the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients after surgery.

AIM

To screen out suitable risk factors and to develop a nomogram that predicts the postoperative OS of CRC patients.

METHODS

Data from a total of 3139 patients diagnosed with CRC who underwent surgical removal of tumors and LN resection from 2010 to 2015 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The data were divided into a training set (n = 2092) and a validation set (n = 1047) at random. The Harrell concordance index (C-index), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the predictive performance of the N stage from the American Joint Committee Cancer tumor-node-metastasis classification, LN ratio (LNR), and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to screen out the risk factors significantly correlating with OS. The construction of the nomogram was based on Cox regression analysis. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and calibration curve were employed to evaluate the discrimination and prediction abilities of the model. The likelihood ratio test was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the final model to the model with the N stage alone to evaluate LN metastasis.

RESULTS

The predictive efficacy of the LODDS was better than that of the LNR based on the C-index, AIC values, and AUC values of the ROC curve. Seven independent predictive factors, namely, race, age at diagnosis, T stage, M stage, LODDS, TD condition, and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level, were included in the nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram for OS prediction was 0.8002 (95%CI: 0.7839-0.8165) in the training set and 0.7864 (95%CI: 0.7604-0.8124) in the validation set. The AUC values of the ROC curve predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 0.846, 0.841, and 0.825, respectively, in the training set and 0.823, 0.817, and 0.835, respectively, in the validation test. Great consistency between the predicted and actual observed OS for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in the training set and validation set was shown in the calibration curves. The final nomogram showed a better sensitivity and specificity than the nomogram with N stage alone for evaluating LN metastasis in both the training set (-4668.0 vs -4688.3, P < 0.001) and the validation set (-1919.5 vs -1919.8, P < 0.001) through the likelihood ratio test.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram incorporating LODDS, TD, and other risk factors showed great predictive accuracy and better sensitivity and specificity and represents a potential tool for therapeutic decision-making.

Eosinophilic pancreatitis: a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Eosinophilic pancreatitis (EP) is an extremely rare disease caused by purely eosinophilic infiltration of the pancreas. EP is prone to being misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer, causing unnecessary economic and physical harm to the patient. We report three cases of EP that were cured by steroids without relapse from 2017 to now. The clinical data of the three patients, including clinical manifestations, serological manifestations, imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI), pathological diagnosis and treatment, and telephone follow-up of all patients, were retrospectively analysed. In addition, a literature search was conducted on the Web of Science and PubMed databases using key terms related to EP, considering case reports with no restrictions on the date of publication or language. In conclusion, we analysed 19 cases and determined the diagnostic criteria for EP. The diagnostic algorithm for EP can be used to diagnose EP easily. We hope that our standards and algorithm can reduce the rate of misdiagnosis and contribute to clinical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we expect to evaluate more EP cases to test our diagnostic criteria and design a systematic diagnostic flow chart.

Distinctive gut microbial dysbiosis between chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in mice

The gut microbiota, which may affect normal physiological and biochemical functions, has an important role in the development of human liver diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in the gut microbiota between chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). AFLD was induced by chronic alcohol administration and MAFLD was induced by a Western-style diet in C57BL/6 mice. After 8 weeks, the levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-10 were assessed and H&E staining of mouse liver tissue was performed. High-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA from the intestinal contents was used to analyze the different effects of AFLD and MAFLD on the gut microbiota. Differences in the gut microbiota composition were assessed by the t-test. The results revealed increases in LPS, ALT, AST, TG, IL-1β and TNF-α in the AFLD group. Compared with those in the MAFLD control group, the MAFLD group exhibited increased plasma ALT, TG, TC, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels and decreased plasma IL-10 levels. In addition, the α- and β-diversities revealed that the AFLD and MAFLD groups exhibited obvious changes in the gut structure (with an increase in abundance in the AFLD group and a decrease in abundance in the MAFLD group). In comparison to the AFLD control group, Enterococcaceae were the most abundant bacteria at the family level and Enterococcus and Streptococcus were the most abundant bacteria at the genus level in the AFLD group. However, in the MAFLD group, Lachnospiraceae was the most abundant at the family level, with increases in Erysipelatoclostridium, Gordonibacter and Streptococcus at the genus level and a decrease in the genus Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that the AFLD and MAFLD groups harbored differences in the gut microbiota. The marked differences in the gut microbiota at the family and genus levels may contribute to the development process of FLD.

The Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Abnormal Liver Function, Digestive System Disease and Liver Disease in COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 infected millions of people. Some patients had gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, abnormal liver function, digestive system disease and liver disease.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of GI symptoms, abnormal liver function, digestive system disease and liver disease in patients with COVID-19 by a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Ovid Embase, Medline, and 2 Chinese databases. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of GI symptoms, abnormal liver function, digestive system disease, and liver disease. Different studies were included in different subset analysis. These outcomes were estimated with proportions, odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value by Stata SE 15.1.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies involving 4682 patients were included. The most significant GI symptoms were diarrhea (0.08, 95% CI: 0.06-0.11) and anorexia (0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.27). The most significant abnormal liver function was increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (0.25, 95% CI: 0.16-0.33). A total of 5% of the patients had digestive system disease (95% CI: 0.02-0.08). A total of 3% of the patients had liver disease (95% CI: 0.02-0.05). The prevalence of nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal liver function, digestive system disease, and liver disease was higher in Wuhan group. The prevalence of diarrhea was higher in non-China group. Patients in severe/intensive care unit group were more likely to have diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased ALT.

CONCLUSION

The most significant GI symptoms were anorexia and diarrhea. The most significant abnormal liver function was increased ALT. Severe patients were more likely to have GI symptoms and abnormal liver function.

[The malignant phenotype of calcineurin B homologous protein 2 in gastric cancer and its clinical significance]

Objective: To study the expression and clinical significance of calcineurin B homologous protein 2 (CHP2) in gastric cancer (GC) and its effect on malignant phenotype of GC cells. Methods: The protein expression of CHP2 in 297 GC tissue and 198 normal gastric tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the expression of CHP2 and clinicopathologic parameters of GC were analyzed. CHP2-overexpression plasmids and CHP2-interference plasmids were transfected into GC cell lines respectively. Wound healing assay and Transwell experiment was used to detect the invasion and migration ability of GC cells, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the proliferation ability of GC cells. Results: The positive expression rate of CHP2 in GC was 68.7% (204/297), which was higher in benign margin (34.1%) (31/91), chronic gastritis (59.1%) (13/22), intestinal metaplasia (34.2%) (13/38), low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (40.0%) (12/30) and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (41.2%)(7/17). The positive expression of CHP2 was correlated with tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis (all P<0.05), but not with gender, age, Laurén classification, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) levels, depth of invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and CEA 19-9 level (all P>0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that high expression of CHP2 and TNM stage were both independent parameters for predicting GC patient prognosis (both P<0.05). Interference of CHP2 expression in HGC-27 cells suppressed proliferation and migration significantly (P<0.05). However, over-expression CHP2 in AGS cells promoted proliferation, and migration significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: CHP2 plays an important role in the development of GC, which is expected to be a molecular marker for patient prognosis and a potential target of targeted therapy for GC patients.

Nonclostridium difficile enteric infection and the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disorder. Some studies have investigated the association between non-Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) enteric infection and the risk of developing IBD with conflicting conclusions. The objective of our study was to perform a meta-analysis of available studies evaluating the possible association between non-CDI enteric infection and the risk of developing IBD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search of multiple online electronic databases. Inclusion criteria entailed studies about non-CDI enteric infection and IBD; A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of combined studies for the association between non-CDI enteric infection and the risk of developing IBD. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot analysis.

RESULTS

Eight studies comprising 345,490 enteric infected patients, 3223 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and 2133 CD patients were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed a significantly higher risk of UC in patients with enteric infection compared with noninfected patients (RR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.85-2.8) (I2 = 91.3%, P < 0.001). It also showed a significantly higher risk of CD in patients with enteric infection compared with noninfected patients (RR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.66-2.14) (I2 = 49%, P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis has found that patients with non-CDI enteric infection were associated with an increased risk of IBD. Future studies are needed to determine the association between non-CDI enteric infection and the risk of developing IBD and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms.

Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gynecologic tract: A preliminary report of ten years follow-up

e18001

Background: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gynecologic tract (NECGT). Methods: Patients with NECGT diagnosed during 2010 to 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical parameters were calculated, including age, childbearing history, initial symptoms, blood indexs, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages, treatment modalities and survival data. The cut-off values of parameters were screened by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their significance was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: We indentified forty five NECGT patients available with the median follow-up time of 5.5 months (9.7±1.98 months). 42 cases (93.3%) originated from cervix uteri, 2 cases (4.4%) from vagina and 1 case (2.2%) from fallopian tube. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the most frequent symptom at the first visit accounting for 75.6%. FIGO stages I to IV distributions were 16 (35.6%), 15 (33.3%), 6 (13.3%), and 8 patients (17.8%). Squamous carcinoma (16.7%) and adenocarcinoma (11.9%) were the common mixed pathological types. 66.7% patients underwent radical surgery, almost all of which received 4-6 cycles adjuvant chemotherapy and half followed by radiation therapy. While data analysis showed that adjuvant radiotherapy could not bring additional survival benefits (p = 0.523). The median PFS of enrolled patients was 14 months (1-78months). Pelvic recurrence (66.7%) and lymphatic metastasis (52.6%) were the main failure patterns. In multivariate analysis, leukocyte count (HR = 0.068, 95%CI: 0.007-0.673, p = 0.021), neutrophil-to-leukocyte ratio (HR = 0.151, 95%CI: 0.024-0.95, p = 0.044), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (HR = 6.632, 95%CI: 1.31-33.569, p = 0.022) and carbohydrate antigen-ca 125 (CA-125) (HR = 7.173, 95%CI: 1.25-41.06, p = 0.027) were the independent prognostic factors of PFS. In addition, age at natural menopause (ANM) later than 51.5years (p = 0.009) and an optimal maximum diameter > 62.1mm (p = 0.002) were closely related with poor survival. Conclusions: NECGT is a rare malignant tumor of female genital system. Surgery combined with chemotherapy is the essential treatment, addition of adjuvant radiotherapy did not improve survival. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to provide powerful evidence.

Protein expression trends of DNMT1 in gastrointestinal diseases: From benign to precancerous lesions to cancer

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in China has increased annually. Early detection and appropriate therapy are considered to be the key to treat GI cancer. DNMT1 takes an active part in the advancement of GI cancer, which will change as the disease progresses. But its expression characteristics in the dynamic variations of GI carcinogenesis are still unclear.

AIM

To investigate the expression characteristics of DNMT1 in different GI diseases.

METHODS

We detected the expression of DNMT1 in 650 cases of different GI diseases by immunohistochemistry, including 90 cases of chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), 72 cases of atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia (AG/GIM), 54 cases of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (GLIN), 66 cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (GHIN), 71 cases of early gastric cancer (EGC), 90 cases of normal intestinal mucosa (NIM), 54 cases of intestinal low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (ILIN), 71 cases of intestinal high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (IHIN), and 82 cases of early colorectal cancer (ECRC).

RESULTS

In the CSG group, all cases showed weakly positive or negative expression of DNMT1. However, in other four groups (AG/GIM, GLIN, GHIN, and EGC), the positive expression rate gradually increased with the severity of the diseases; the negative or weakly positive cases accounted for 55.56% (40/72), 38.89% (21/54), 1.52% (1/66), and 1.41% (1/71), respectively. Besides, the moderately positive cases were 44.44% (32/72), 57.41% (31/54), 80.30% (53/66), and 43.66% (31/71), respectively. The strongly positive cases only existed in the GLIN (3.70%, 2/54), GHIN (18.18%, 12/66), and EGC (54.93%, 39/71) groups. The differences between any two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, in the NIM group, cases with weakly positive expression of DNMT1 were predominant (91.11%, 82/90), and the rest were moderately positive cases (8.89%, 8/90). In the ILIN, IHIN, and ECRC groups, the rates of cases with weak or negative expression of DNMT1 were 46.30% (25/54), 12.68% (9/71), and 4.88% (4/82), respectively; with moderately positive expression were 53.70% (29/54), 71.83% (51/71), and 34.15% (28/82), respectively; and with strongly positive expression were 0.00% (0/54), 15.49% (11/71), and 60.98% (50/82), respectively. The differences between any two groups were also statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The overexpression of DNMT1 protein could effectively predict early GI cancers and severe precancerous lesions, which may have potential clinical application value.

Identification of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network associated with gastric cancer via integrated bioinformatics analysis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA regulatory network in gastric cancer (GC) using bioinformatics analysis. Two mRNA gene expression profiles, GSE79973 and GSE54129, and two miRNA expression profiles, GSE93415 and GSE78091, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMis) were merged separately. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed and the 10 top hub genes in the network were analyzed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were visualized using Cytoscape software. As a result, 158 shared DEMs (40 upregulated and 118 downregulated) were identified from two mRNA datasets. A total of 30 upregulated miRNAs and 1 downregulated miRNA functioned as DEMis. The PPI network consisted of 129 nodes and 572 interactions. The 10 top hub genes were selected by degree using Cytohubba, including Jun proto-oncogene, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)3, transforming growth factor-β1, Fos proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit, interleukin (IL)-8, MAPK1, RELA proto-oncogene nuclear factor-κB subunit, interferon regulatory factor 7, ubiquitin like modifier and vascular endothelial growth factor A. In the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, a total of 1,215 regulatory associations were constructed using Cytoscape. In conclusion, the present study provides a novel perspective of the molecular mechanisms underlying GC by identifying the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network via bioinformatics analysis.

[Protective effects of berberine against exhaustion exercise induced myocardial injury in rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of berberine (Ber) on myocardial injury induced by exhaustion exercise (Ee). Methods: Forty healthy male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random unit group design method: control group, Ee group and Ee plus Ber group (low: 50 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), medium: 100 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) and high dose: 150 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), n=8 each). Ber (1.5 ml) or equal volume saline was given per gavage for 14 days. Rats assigned to Ee groups underwent Ee swimming once daily and rats in control group remain sedentary. After 14 days, echocardiographic measurements were performed and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular systolic diameter (LVIDs) were obtained. The morphological structure of heart was detected by HE and Masson staining. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method. The protein expression of myocardial hypertrophy marker protein B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and apoptotic marker protein (Bcl-2, Bax) in rat myocardial tissue was detected by Western blot. Results: (1) Both LVFS and LVEF were significantly lower, and LVIDs and LVIDd were significantly larger in Ee group than those in control group (all P<0.01). The LVFS and LVEF in medium dose of Ber and high-dose Ber groups were significantly higher, and the LVIDs and LVIDd were significantly smaller than those in Ee group (all P<0.01). (2) The results of HE staining showed that the myocardial cells in control group were closely arranged, regular, normal in morphology, clear in structure, and uniform in staining. The myocardial cells of rats in Ee group were disarranged, cell staining was uneven, and vacuoles appeared in the cytoplasm. The disorder of myocardial cell arrangement and unequal staining in the medium dose of Ber were attenuated than in Ee group. The Masson staining results showed that the myocardial cells in control group were closely arranged, regular, normal in shape, clear in structure, and rarely blue-stained (fibrosis). Myocardial cells in rats in Ee group showed obvious fibrosis. The myocardial cell fibrosis in rats with medium dose of Ber was significantly reduced than exercise group. (3) MDA content in myocardial tissue of rats in Ee group was significantly higher than that of control group, and MDA content in myocardial tissue of rats in medium dose of Ber group was significantly lower than in Ee group (P<0.01). The SOD activity of myocardial tissue in rats was significantly lower than that of control group, while that of rats with medium dose of Ber was significantly higher than that of rats in Ee group (P<0.01). (4) TUNEL staining results showed that only a small amount of apoptosis myocardial cells were seen in control group, and a large number of apoptosis myocardial cells were seen in rats in Ee group. However, the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes in medium dose of Ber was significantly lower than that in Ee group. The AI of rat cardiomyocytes was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.01), and the AI of rat cardiomyocytes in median dose of Ber group was significantly lower than in Ee group (P<0.01). (5) BNP and Bax protein expression in the myocardial tissues of rats in Ee group were significantly higher than in control group (P<0.01). BNP and Bax protein expression in the myocardial tissues in median dose of Ber group were significantly lower than that of Ee group (P<0.01). The myocardial protein expression level of Bax was significantly higher, and the myocardial protein level of Bcl-2 was significantly lower in Ee group than in control group (both P<0.01), treatment with median dose of Ber could partly reverse above changes (both P<0.01). Conclusion: Ber can attenuate exhaustion exercise induced myocardial injury and remodeling in rats, and the beneficial effects of Ber might possibly be mediated by reducing free radical release and cardiomyocytes apoptosis.

IL-17A Promotes Initiation and Development of Intestinal Fibrosis Through EMT

BACKGROUND

Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Its exact mechanism is still unclear, and effective treatments to control or reverse the fibrosis process are unavailable. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may promote intestinal fibrosis by increasing deposition of extracellular matrix protein. IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and it has been shown as a profibrotic factor as its association with fibrosis of multiple organs was reported.

AIMS

To assess the roles of IL-17A and EMT in the initiation and development of intestinal fibrosis and to verify the potential inductive effect of IL-17A on EMT.

METHODS

In this study, we evaluated the expression of IL-17A and EMT-related genes in colonic mucosal biopsy tissues of CD patients and control individuals. Then, we examined the changes of EMT-related genes and fibrosis-related genes of IEC-6 cells which cultured for 72 h under increasing concentrations of IL-17A or with TGF-β1, to verify the potential inductive effect of IL-17A on EMT in vitro. We blocked the IL-17A of the mouse model of TNBS-induced experimental intestinal colitis and fibrosis to further verify the potential inductive effect of IL-17A on EMT in vivo.

RESULTS

We found the occurrence of EMT and high-level expression of IL-17A in intestinal mucosa of CD patients. Using IEC-6 cells, we showed that IL-17A may induce EMT in intestinal epithelial cells that come with reduced E-cadherin expression and increased expression of vimentin, snail, and α-SMA. We further found that anti-IL-17A treatment alleviated intestinal fibrosis through reducing EMT in mouse intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed the involvement of IL-17A in the development of intestinal fibrosis through inducing EMT.

Mechanism and therapeutic effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on experimental colitis in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of chronic inflammatory disturbance that affects a number of individuals worldwide; the precise mechanism is unclear and treatment is frequently insufficient to maintain patients in remission. Saccharomyces boulardii is a thermophilic, non‑pathogenic yeast that may be administered for prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diarrheal diseases. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that it may have a role in IBD; however, the mechanism of action is unclear. The hypoxia‑inducible factors (HIFs) are ubiquitously expressed regulators of cellular adaptation to hypoxia and are central to the adaptive and inflammatory responses of cells of the intestinal mucosa in patients with IBD. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of S. boulardii on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‑induced colitis in mice and the effects of S. boulardii on HIFs. Mice were divided into five groups (n=10 mice/group): i) Control; ii) DSS; iii) S. boulardii (Sb) + DSS; iv) normal saline (NS) + DSS; and v) Sb. For 14 consecutive days, mice from the Sb+DSS and Sb groups were given S. boulardii suspension in saline (150 mg/kg/day; final volume 0.2 ml) by oral gavage. The NS+DSS group received the same volume of NS by gavage. The Control mice received water only. From day 8 to day 14, 3.5% DSS was added to the drinking water of the DSS, Sb+DSS and NS+DSS groups to induce acute colitis. Body weight decreased and disease activity index and histological score increased in mice with DSS‑induced colitis. Oral administration of S. boulardii reduced DSS‑induced weight loss, ameliorated the histological damage and protected the colon barrier in mice with DSS‑induced colitis. The expression of HIF‑1α and HIF‑2α in colon tissues was measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The increase in HIFs in the colon induced by DSS was significantly inhibited by S. boulardii treatment. The expression levels of several epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that are regulated by HIFs were measured. S. boulardii reduced EMT and decreased expression of VEGF that was induced by DSS treatment. These results indicated that treatment with S. boulardii ameliorated DSS‑induced colitis, partly through downregulation of HIF‑1α and HIF‑2α.

Stabilization of planar tetra-coordinate silicon in a 2D-layered extended system and design of a high-capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries

Stabilization of planar tetra-coordinate silicon (ptSi) was achieved in compounds and 2D-layered extended systems, in which single molecular ptSi in C₁₂H₈Si captures four additional electrons to maintain a stable planar structure while the extending conjugate interactions are responsible for the stabilization of ptSi in the 2D sheet. Based on the ptSi SiC₁₂ building block, a SiC₈ siligraphene 2D sheet was constructed, and each of its ptSi could accommodate six lithium atoms. The electronic and lithium-storage properties of the ptSi 2D network were explored using first-principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. The newly designed 2D SiC₈ sheet has high thermal and dynamic stability, good electronic conductivity, strong lithium-storage ability, a large theoretical capacity of 1297 mA h g^-1, and facile surface diffusion of Li and Li⁺. The predicted relatively high average cell voltages from 2.24 to 2.47 V are fairly stable as the lithium content varies. These unique properties of the 2D SiC₈ sheet with ptSi make it quite appealing as a novel anode material for high-performance Li-ion batteries (LIBs).

Fecal immunochemical test for predicting mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a promising marker for assessment of inflammatory bowel disease activity. However, the utility of FIT for predicting mucosal healing (MH) of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients has yet to be clearly demonstrated. The objective of our study was to perform a diagnostic test accuracy test meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of FIT in predicting MH of UC patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched the databases from inception to November 2017 that evaluated MH in UC. The methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies checklist. The extracted data were pooled using a summary receiver operating characteristic curve model. Random-effects model was used to summarize the diagnostic odds ratio, sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio.

RESULTS

Six studies comprising 625 UC patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values for predicting MH in UC were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.81) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.76-0.85), respectively. The FIT level had a high rule-in value (positive likelihood ratio, 3.79; 95% CI, 2.85-5.03) and a moderate rule-out value (negative likelihood ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.16-0.43) for predicting MH in UC. The results of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve, 0.88; standard error of the mean, 0.02) and diagnostic odds ratio (18.08; 95% CI, 9.57-34.13) also revealed improved discrimination for identifying MH in UC with FIT concentration.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis has found that FIT is a simple, reliable non-invasive marker for predicting MH in UC patients.

Impact of preprocedure simethicone on adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy: a multicenter, endoscopist-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Ideal bowel preparation for colonoscopy requires complete removal of fluid and foam from the colon. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used for bowel preparation, with antifoaming agents such as simethicone commonly used in combination with PEG. Data on the effect of simethicone on the adenoma detection rate (ADR) were limited. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether preprocedure simethicone could increase the ADR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, endoscopist-blinded randomized controlled trial involving consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy in six centers in China. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: PEG plus simethicone or PEG alone. The primary outcome was ADR; secondary outcomes were quality of bowel preparation, measured by the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) and bubble scores.

RESULTS

583 patients were included. More adenomas were detected in the PEG plus simethicone group than in the PEG alone group (ADR 21.0 % vs. 14.3 %, P = 0.04; advanced ADR 9.0 % vs. 7.0 %, P = 0.38). The mean number of adenomas detected was 2.20 ± 1.36 vs. 1.63 ± 0.89 (P = 0.02). Patients in the PEG plus simethicone group showed better bowel cleansing efficacy: BBPS ≥ 6 in 88.3 % vs. 75.2 % (P < 0.001) and bubble scores of 1.00 ± 1.26 vs. 3.98 ± 2.50 (P < 0.001). Abdominal bloating was reported less frequently in the PEG plus simethicone group (7.8 % vs. 19.7 %, P < 0.001) than in the PEG alone group.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of PEG and simethicone is associated with a significantly increased ADR in a Chinese population.

Enamel matrix proteins regulate hypoxia-induced cellular biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells

Hypoxia is a crucial microenvironment for inflamed periodontal tissue and periodontal wound healing. Enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) potentially can promote the formation of new periodontium. The effects of EMPs on periodontal ligament cells under hypoxia, however, remain unclear. We investigated the effects of EMPs on cellular biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under hypoxia. Under cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced hypoxia, cellular biobehavior of hPDLCs, including proliferation, attachment, spreading, and migration with or without EMPs, was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell counting, spreading area measurement and wound scratch assay. The osteogenic activity of hPDLCs was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S staining (ARS). The expressions of osteogenic genes including runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen type I (Col-I) were detected using real time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry assays. The biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs were inhibited significantly under hypoxia. EMPs have no effect on cell proliferation under mimicked hypoxia. EMPs partly reversed the inhibitory effects of hypoxia, however, for other cellular biobehavior including attachment, spreading and migration, and markedly up-regulated osteogenic differentiation activities including ALP, mineralization ability and the expressions of osteogenic genes such as Runx2, ALP, osteocalcin, and collagen type I in hPDLCs under hypoxia. EMPs attenuate the hypoxic injury to cellular biobehavior and osteogenic differentiation in hPDLCs under hypoxia.

Multiple correlations between spin crossover and fluorescence in a dinuclear compound

Multiple correlations between spin crossover and fluorescence are established in a dinuclear compound with fluorescence from d(Fe) + π(SCN) to π*(ligand) charge transfer and correlation originated from ligand to Fe(ii) energy transfer.

[Mechanism of alpha-lipoic acid in treating TNBS-induced colitis in mice]

Objective: To investigate whether α-lipoic acid (ALA) regulates autophagy in the pathogenesis of colitis through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Methods: Balb/c mouse colitis model was induced with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Male Balb/c mice (22-25 g) were divided into four groups: control group, ALA group, colitis group, and ALA treatment group, with 10 mice in each group. ALA was administered at a dose of 80 mg/kg once a day for 7 days. The colon weight index, the disease activity index (DAI) and the histologic degeneration score (HDS) of colon tissue in each group were calculated. The autophagy gene Beclin-1 mRNA level was detected by RT-PCR. The levels of mTOR, phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), and Beclin-1 proteins were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, there was no statistically significant difference in colon weight index in the ALA group[(9.21±0.57)vs(8.91±0.91)g/kg, P>0.05], but increased in the colitis group [(12.65±1.33)g/kg, P<0.05] and decreased in the ALA treatment group [(10.04±1.02)g/kg, P<0.05]; there were no significant differences in DAI or HDS in the ALA group, but significantly increased in the colitis group, and decreased in the ALA treatment group (all P<0.05). The Beclin-1 mRNA and protein levels showed no significant differences between the control and the ALA groups (1.00±0.12 vs 1.05±0.05, 1.00±0.11 vs 1.00±0.06). However, the expression of Beclin-1 was significantly decreased in the colitis group compared to the control group (0.51±0.07 vs 1.00±0.12, 0.52±0.07 vs 1.00±0.11, both P<0.05), but significantly increased in the ALA treatment group compared to the colitis group (1.75±0.09 vs 0.51±0.07, 1.82±0.14 vs 0.52±0.07, both P<0.05). The mTOR total protein levels were not significantly different among the four groups, but the p-mTOR level was significantly higher in the colitis group than in the control group (3.07±0.20 vs 1.00±0.07), and reduced in the ALA treatment group than in the colitis group (1.49±0.11 vs 3.07±0.20) (all P<0.05). Conclusion: ALA may improve the TNBS-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR to promote autophagy.