MiR-497-5p ameliorates the oxyhemoglobin-induced subarachnoid hemorrhage injury in vitro by targeting orthodenticle homeobox protein 1 (Otx1) to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurological disorder that severely damages the brain and causes cognitive impairment. MicroRNAs are critical regulators in a variety of neurological diseases. MiR-497-5p has been found to be downregulated in the aneurysm vessel walls obtained from patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but its functions and mechanisms in SAH have not been reported. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of miR-497-5p and its related mechanisms in SAH. We established an in vitro SAH model by exposing PC12 cells to oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb). We found that miR-497-5p was downregulated in SAH serum and oxyHb-treated PC12 cells, and its overexpression inhibited the oxyHb-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress via activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Mechanistically, the targeting relationship between miR-497-5p and Otx1 was verified by luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, Otx1 upregulation abolished the protective effects of miR-497-5p upregulation against oxyHb-induced apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-497-5p could inhibit the oxyHb-induced SAH damage by targeting Otx1 to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which provides a potential therapeutic target for SAH treatment.

[The effect of tumor spread through air spaces on the prognosis of patients with stage Ⅰ non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effect of tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) on the prognosis of patients with stage Ⅰ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database and VIP were searched to collect papers related to NSCLC and STAS published from the establishment of aboves databases to November 2022. Papers were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of stage Ⅰ NSCLC patients with or without STAS were compared. HR(95%CI) was used as effective indicator to evaluate the impact of STAS positivity on the prognosis of NSCLC. The quality of each included study was assessed using the Newcast-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: A total of 24 papers concerning 29 studies were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and there was no significant heterogeneity among the included papers(all I2<50%). A total of 10 883 patients with stage Ⅰ NSCLC were included in the studies, of which 3 298 (30.3%) were STAS-positive. The 29 studies showed that STAS-positive patients had a higher risk of 5-year recurrence than STAS-negative patients with stage Ⅰ NSCLC [HR=1.94(95%CI:1.74-2.16)];and a meta-analysis of 17 of the studies showed that that STAS-positive patients had a higher risk of 5-year death [HR=2.09 (95%CI:1.80-2.43)]. Compared with stage Ⅰ NSCLC patients who underwent other surgeries, STAS-positive patients who underwent sublobar resection had a higher risk of 5-year recurrence than patients with other procedures (HR=3.44, 95%CI: 2.49-4.76) and a higher risk of 5-year death (HR=3.40, 95%CI:2.05-5.64); and patients with stage Ⅰ NSCLC who had the pathologic histologic type of squamous carcinoma had a higher risk of 5-year recurrence (HR=2.48,95%CI:1.71-3.60) and a higher risk of 5-year death (HR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.90-4.86) than other patients with the type of squamous lung cancer. Conclusion: STAS positivity is a risk factor of poor prognosis in patients with stage Ⅰ NSCLC, especially for patients underwent sublobar resection or with squamous lung cancer.

ACE2 Rescues Impaired Autophagic Flux Through the PI3K/AKT Pathway After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the life-threatening neurosurgical diseases in central nervous system. Autophagy has been previously demonstrated to exert vital roles in SAH development. Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been revealed as a regulator of autophagy in neurosurgical diseases. However, effect of ACE2 on autophagy in SAH progression has not been clarified. First, we explored the relationship between autophagy and SAH progression by establishing a mouse model of SAH under the administration of 3-MA (the autophagy inhibitor). Next, we examined ACE2 expression in the cerebral cortex of SAH mice ex vivo with RT-qPCR. Subsequently, we assessed the biological function of ACE2 on brain injury, the autophagic flux pathway and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling ex vivo via neurological scoring, TUNEL assay, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining assay. Finally, we carried out rescue assays under chloroquine (CQ, the autophagic flux inhibitor) and LY294002 (the PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor) administration. 3-MA mitigated brain injury after SAH, and ACE2 was downregulated in cerebral cortex of SAH mice. Moreover, ACE2 elevation alleviated cell apoptosis, cerebral edema, and neurological deficits, ameliorated the autophagic flux pathway and activated the PI3K/AKT signaling in SAH mice. Furthermore, CQ and LY294002 neutralized the effects of overexpressed ACE2 on neuronal apoptosis, cerebral edema, and neurological deficits in SAH mice. Overall, ACE2 lessened neuronal injury via the autophagic flux and PI3K/AKT pathways. This research might provide a potential novel direction for clinical treatment of SAH.

Baicalin suppresses autophagy-dependent ferroptosis in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Early brain injury, characterized by massive cell apoptosis or death, is identified as a critical pathophysiological process during subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Ferroptosis, a class of autophagy-dependent cell death discovered in 2012, is induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation accumulation. The present study was designed to study the role of baicalin in autophagy-dependent ferroptosis in early brain injury after SAH. Neurological scores and brain water content were measured to evaluate brain injury. Measurement of iron ion, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid reactive oxygen species was conducted for ferroptosis evaluation. Immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate autophagy and apoptosis. First, we observed that, compared with sham rats, SAH rats had lower neurobehavioral scores. Next, baicalin was proven to decrease the Fe²⁺, malondialdehyde, and ROS levels in the brain tissues of rats. Also, baicalin was confirmed to suppress the beclin1, LC3-II, and LC3-I protein levels in rat brain tissues. Moreover, we found that baicalin inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Finally, the effects of baicalin on brain injury in the SAH rats were verified. Overall, our results demonstrated that baicalin suppressed autophagy-dependent ferroptosis in EBI after SAH.

Suppression of MALAT1 alleviates neurocyte apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production through the miR-499-5p/SOX6 axis in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a common devastating cerebrovascular accident, is a great threat to human health and life. Exploration of the potential therapeutic target of SAH is urgently needed. Previous studies showed that long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) promotes cell apoptosis in various diseases, while its role in SAH remains unclear. In our study, we established a mouse model of SAH and used the oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) to induce neuronal injury in vitro. Interestingly, MALAT1 was found upregulated in brain tissues of SAH mice and OxyHb-stimulated neurons. In addition, knockdown of MALAT1 attenuated apoptosis and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in OxyHb-stimulated neurons. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that MALAT1 bound with miR-499-5p. Furthermore, our findings indicated that miR-499-5p bound to SOX6 3' untranslated region (UTR) and negatively regulated SOX6 mRNA and protein levels. Rescue assays suggested that SOX6 overexpression counteracted the effects of MALAT1 knockdown on neurocyte apoptosis, and ROS production in OxyHb-stimulated neurons. The in vivo assays indicated that knockdown of MALAT1 improved brain injury of SAH mice. Our study demonstrates that silencing of MALAT1 alleviates neurocyte apoptosis and reduces ROS production through the miR-499-5p/SOX6 axis after SAH injury.

[Incidence of unintended pregnancy within 2 years after delivery and its influencing factors in China]

Objective: To investigate the present situation of unintended pregnancy within two years postpartum and its influencing factors in China. Methods: Participants who delivered a live birth at 60 hospitals in 15 provinces in the eastern, central and western regions of China during July 2015 to June 2016 were interviewed by using structured questionnaire. Information on occurrence of unintended pregnancy within 2 years after delivery, postpartum contraceptive use, sexual resumption, breastfeeding, and women's socio-demographic characteristics, and so on, were collected. Life-table analysis, cluster log-rank tests and a 2-level Cox regression model were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 18 045 postpartum women were investigated. The cumulative 1- and 2-year unintended pregnancy rates after delivery were 5.3% (95%CI: 4.5%－6.1%) and 13.1% (95%CI: 11.3%－14.8%), respectively. Cox regression model analysis showed that the risk of unintended pregnancy within 2 years postpartum were increased in younger women, ethnic minorities, women with abortion history, and those who had a vaginal delivery with short lactation time and late postpartum contraceptive initiation (all P<0.01). The risk of postpartum unintended pregnancy was not associated with geographic regions and hospitals where women gave a birth (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In China, the risk of unintended pregnancy within 2 years after delivery is relatively high. Service institutions and service providers should improve the quality of postpartum family planning services, promote the use of high effect contraceptive methods, and educate women to use a method at the time of their sexual resumption or even before.

Characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of a critical illness polyneuromyopathy patient with positive anti-GM1 after severe traumatic brain injury: A case report

To investigate the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) who had positive anti-ganglioside GM1 (anti-GM1) antibody IgG. A case of CIPNM with positive anti-GM1 antibody IgG was retrospectively analysed and followed-up for 30 months. After 1 week of treatment with large dose of short-term glucocorticoid and human immunoglobulin, the muscle strength of both lower extremities was restored to grade 1. Three months later, the muscle strength and muscle tension of the patient's limbs returned to normal except for grade 3 of bilateral dorsal extensor muscle strength. In addition, the patient can walk alone with a waddling gait. After 30 months, there was no recurrence. The application of large dose of short-term glucocorticoid and human immunoglobulin to CIPNM that are positive for anti-GM1 antibodies may be an effective treatment.

In vivo live imaging of bone using shortwave infrared fluorescent quantum dots

Bone plays an increasingly critical role in human health and disease. More noninvasive multi-scale imaging techniques are urgently required for investigations on the substructures and biological functions of bones. Our results firstly revealed that SWIR QDs prepared by us acted as a bone-specific imaging contrast to achieve real-time observation of bone structures both in vivo and ex vivo. The major bone structures of both Balb/C nude mice and Balb/C mice including their skull, spine, pelvis, limbs, and sternum could be rapidly and gradually identified via blood circulation after QD injection in vivo. More importantly, the binding capability of our QDs mainly depended on the biological activities of bone tissues, suggesting that our technique is suitable for in vivo live imaging. In addition, the cell imaging results suggested that the potential mechanism of our bone imaging could be ascribed to the highly specific interaction between QDs and MC3T3-E1 cells. In a word, the skeletal structures and biological activities of bones are anticipated to be observed and monitored with this QD-guided SWIR imaging strategy, respectively. This radiation-free QD-guided SWIR live imaging of bone can add new insights into a comprehensive study of bones in vivo and provide a basis for early diagnosis of bone diseases.

Microanatomy of the lumbar vertebral bony endplate of rats using scanning electron microscopy

INTRODUCTION

The bony endplate of a vertebra is a porous structure containing a large number of capillaries. To date, not very much is known regarding the appearance of the bony endplate microstructure, or the distribution of foramina in the bony endplate.

HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to provide information on this microstructure based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The bony endplates of rats was observed by SEM scanning. The resulting SEM images were used to evaluate the structural characteristics of the bony endplates, such as the shape and the foramen distribution. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

A bony endplate resembled a concave lens and had a unique three-dimensional structure with a large number of surface and interior foramina. The anterior side of the bony endplate had a large number of heterogeneous foramina. The majority of the foramina were seen concentrated toward the center of the bony endplate, as the density decreased further away from the center with few foramina at the margins. The posterior side of the bony endplate had numerous, larger, and more evenly distributed foramina. The integral structure resembled a sponge, and most of the foramina contained capillary structures.

DISCUSSION

The spongy structure of the bony endplate is the structural basis of nutrient transport. Depending on the location of the bony endplate, capillaries can penetrate it and contact to the cartilage endplate, thus supporting nutritional transport. The findings provide a theoretical basis for future studies on intervertebral disc degeneration.

Treatment of a giant complicated distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm: A case report and literature review

Giant intracranial aneurysms, especially giant aneurysms of the distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), remain the most difficult and challenging cerebrovascular lesions for neurosurgeons to treat. The morbidity and mortality rates of microsurgical clipping are relatively high, and endovascular embolization is also associated with many complications. In the present report, the case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented with headache and dizziness for 3 years, which was aggravated and combined with limb weakness for 1 day, is presented. A CT scan showed a lesion occupying the fourth ventricle, with slight bleeding. A MR scan also revealed a lesion occupying the fourth ventricle and compressing the brainstem, and there was distortion of the cisterns around the brainstem. CT angiography examination showed a giant irregular aneurysm located in the PICA. After evaluation, the PICA aneurysm was removed, and the PICA was clipped via a microsurgical technique without ischemia or neurological sequelae. Long-term follow-up demonstrated that the symptoms of headache and dizziness disappeared without relapse. Based on a review of the literature, this method may represent an alternative strategy for the treatment of giant PICA aneurysms, especially for aneurysms not suitable for direct clipping or endovascular embolization.

Energy balance model of mass balance and its sensitivity to meteorological variability on Urumqi River Glacier No.1 in the Chinese Tien Shan

Energy exchanges between atmosphere and glacier surface control the net energy available for snow and ice melt. Based on the meteorological records in Urumqi River Glacier No.1 (URGN1) in the Chinese Tien Shan during the period of 2012–2015, an energy-mass balance model was run to assess the sensitivity of glacier mass balance to air temperature (T), precipitation (P), incoming shortwave radiation (S_in), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (u) in the URGN1, respectively. The results showed that the glacier melting was mainly controlled by the net shortwave radiation. The glacier mass balance was very sensitivity to albedo for snow and the time scale determining how long the snow albedo approaches the albedo for firn after a snowfall. The net annual mass balance of URGN1 was decreased by 0.44 m w.e. when increased by 1 K in air temperature, while it was increased 0.30 m w.e. when decreased by 1 K. The net total mass balance increased by 0.55 m w.e. when increased precipitation by 10%, while it was decreased by 0.61 m w.e. when decreased precipitation by 10%. We also found that the change in glacier mass balance was non-linear when increased or decreased input condition of climate change. The sensitivity of mass balance to increase in S_in, u, and RH were at −0.015 m w.e.%⁻¹, −0.020 m w.e.%⁻¹, and −0.018 m w.e.%⁻¹, respectively, while they were at 0.012 m w.e.%⁻¹, 0.027 m w.e.%⁻¹, and 0.017 m w.e.%⁻¹ when decreasing in those conditions, respectively. In addition, the simulations of coupled perturbation for temperature and precipitation indicated that the precipitation needed to increase by 23% could justly compensate to the additional mass loss due to increase by 1 K in air temperature. We also found that the sensitivities of glacier mass balance in response to climate change were different in different mountain ranges, which were mainly resulted from the discrepancies in the ratio of snowfall to precipitation during the ablation season, the amount of melt energy during the ablation season, and precipitation seasonality in the different local regions.

Cohort study to evaluate efficacy, safety and acceptability of a two-rod contraceptive implant during third, fourth and fifth year of product use in China

Objective

Sino-implant (II) is a contraceptive implant approved for 4 years of use in China. We evaluated the contraceptive efficacy during the third, fourth and fifth year, and assessed additional pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and acceptability endpoints.

Study design

We enrolled a cohort of 255 current Sino-Implant (II) users entering their third year and a second cohort of 243 users entering their fourth year. We followed these two cohorts for 12 and 24 months, respectively. To characterize PK endpoints (i.e. levonorgestrel (LNG), sex hormone binding globulin and free LNG index) over 5 years, we collected blood samples in a subset of 50 participants we followed during the third, fourth and fifth year. We also enrolled small cohorts (n = 20) of Sino-implant (II) users entering their sixth month and second year and followed them each for up to 6 months. Our primary efficacy measures were the pregnancy Pearl Indices during Year 3 and 4. Secondary objectives included assessments of PK, safety, acceptability and efficacy in the fifth year.

Results

We recorded four pregnancies, with a higher pregnancy rate during Year 3 [1.34 (95% CI: 0.28–3.93)] than Year 4 [0.44 (95% CI: 0.01–2.47)] or Year 5 [0.00 (95% CI: 0.00–2.02)]. The overall pregnancy rate for the third, fourth and fifth years of product use was 0.63 per 100 WY; 95% CI: (0.17–1.62). Mean LNG concentrations remained well above 200 pg/mL (Year 3 = 280.9; Year 4 = 233.6; Year 5 = 270.6). Most participants (93.7%) described their bleeding pattern as acceptable.

Conclusion

Sino-implant (II) is a highly effective contraceptive method in this population of Chinese women over 5 years.

Implications

Sino-implant (II) is a highly effective contraceptive method with an estimated Pearl Index of less than 1% over the third, fourth and fifth years of use in a population of Chinese women of reproductive age.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA NEAT1 inhibits glioma cell migration and invasion via modulation of SOX2 targeted by miR-132

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of the molecular mechanism involving lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network underlying glioma genesis is beneficial to the treatment of glioma. This study was designed to investigate the role of lncRNA NEAT1, miR-132 and SOX2 interaction in glioma.

METHODS

Microarray analysis was conducted to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs in glioma tissues. The expression levels of NEAT1, miR-132 and SOX2 were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Proliferation of glioma cells was detected by MTT assay, while migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. The target relationships were predicted by miRcode algorithm, and confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

NEAT1 was up-regulated in glioma. Knockdown of NEAT1 inhibited glioma cells' viability, migration and invasion. MiR-132 was down-regulated while SOX2 was up-regulated in glioma cells. NEAT1 negatively regulated the expression of miR-132 in glioma while miR-132 targeted SOX2 to down-regulate its expression.

CONCLUSION

NEAT1 promoted glioma development by promoting SOX2 expression through suppressing miR-132.

Next generation sequencing and molecular imaging identify EGFR mutation and amplification in a glioblastoma multiforme patient treated with an EGFR inhibitor: a case report

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and amplifications are frequently reported in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. In this case report, we utilize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and EGFR molecular imaging to investigate intratumoral heterogeneity in a male patient presenting with GBM. Further, we describe the patient's clinical course as well as outcomes of targeted EGFR therapy with erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). NGS demonstrated the presence of an EGFR mutation and amplification in our patient. Molecular imaging revealed a heterogeneous expression pattern of EGFR in the frontal and temporal lobes. This patient briefly responded to erlotinib therapy. However, the patient relapsed and died from progressive neurological deterioration. Partial response and acquired secondary resistance may be attributed to intratumoral heterogeneity. Combination of NGS and EGFR molecular imaging may be helpful in understanding intratumoral molecular heterogeneity and may aid in developing individualized GBM treatments, thereby improving outcomes.

Osteogenesis-promoting activity of composites SBA-15 mesoporous particles carrying oxytocin in vitro and in vivo

This study analyzes the performance of SBA-15 mesoporous particles carrying oxytocin (OT) in promoting osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The SBA-15 particles synthesized in the previous studies (about 30 μm in diameter and containing 10 nm deep pores) were loaded with the drug oxytocin and cultured with human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line in vitro. The influence of particles on cell proliferation was studied. The level of the osteogenic marker (alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen) was measured. For in vivo studies, the connectivity defects of rabbit skull were prepared, and SBA-15 suspensions were regularly injected at the defect sites. The changes in the defect site calcium salt deposition were measured, and morphological changes were observed by microscopy. The material had to promote effect on osteogenesis-related indicators such as alkaline phosphatase and collagen I in bone sarcoma cell line MG-63. In vivo, the calcium salt deposition in OT/SBA-15 group was significantly higher than in the blank group. SBA-15 carriers appeared to persist in the region of the defect after the injection and release the drugs slowly, thus playing a more distinct role in promoting bone repair of local bone defects. The results showed that SBA-15 particles with OT could slow the release drugs and could help in promoting osteogenesis.

Insights into the potential use of microRNAs as a novel class of biomarkers in esophageal cancer

MicroRNAs (abbreviated miRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in tumorigenesis and cancer development and proposed as promising biomarkers in cancer diagnosis. Numerous studies have observed the aberrant expression of miRNAs in esophageal cancer. However, there are some discrepant results. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to identify the overall accuracy of miRNAs in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and other databases using combinations of key words. The summary receiver operator characteristic curves were plotted to assess the overall diagnostic performance of miRNAs. Chi-squared and I(2) tests were used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. Additionally, we conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to analyze the potential sources of heterogeneity. In total, 33 studies from 12 articles were available in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR, NLR) diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve were 0.80, 0.80, 4.0, 0.25, 16, and 0.87, respectively. Subgroup analyses based on the sample types (saliva-, serum- and plasma-based) showed no differences in the diagnostic accuracy of each subgroup. An independent meta-analysis of eight articles was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.77, specificity of 0.83, PLR of 4.4, NLR of 0.27, diagnostic odds ratio of 16, and area under the curve of 0.87. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates the feasibility of using miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers to discriminate esophageal cancer from healthy controls. However, further high-quality studies on more clearly defined esophageal cancer patient are needed to confirm our conclusion.

Akt inhibition attenuates rasfonin-induced autophagy and apoptosis through the glycolytic pathway in renal cancer cells

Rasfonin is a fungal secondary metabolite with demonstrated antitumor effects. However, the underlying mechanism of the regulatory role in autophagy initiated by rasfonin is largely unknown. Moreover, the function of Akt to positively mediate the induced autophagy remains elusive. In the present study, we observed that rasfonin induced autophagy concomitant with the upregulation of Akt phosphorylation. Both the inhibition of Akt by small molecule inhibitors and genetic modification partially reduced rasfonin-dependent autophagic flux and PARP-1 cleavage. The overexpression of myrAkts (constant active form) promoted rasfonin-induced apoptosis and autophagy in a cell type- and Akt isoform-specific manner. Using quantitative PCR and immunoblotting, we observed that rasfonin increased the expression of glycolytic gene PFKFB3, and this increased expression can be suppressed in the presence of Akt inhibitor. The inhibition of PFKFB3 suppressed rasfonin-activated autophagy with enhanced PARP-1 cleavage. In the case of glucose uptake was disrupted, which mean the glycolytic pathway was fully blocked, the rasfonin-induced autophagy and PARP-1 cleavage were downregulated. Collectively, these results demonstrated that Akt positively regulated rasfonin-enhanced autophagy and caspase-dependent apoptosis primarily through affecting the glycolytic pathway.

Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Comparison of Surgery with Radiofrequency Ablation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nodular goiter is one of the most common benign lesions in thyroid nodule. The main treatment of the disease is still the traditional surgical resection, however there are many problems such as general anesthesia, surgical scar, postoperative thyroid or parathyroid function abnormalities, and high nodules recurrence rate in residual gland. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of 2 treatment methods, surgery and radiofrequency ablation, for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2012 to September 2013, 200 patients with nodular goiters who underwent surgery (group A) and 200 patients treated by radiofrequency ablation (group B) were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were the following: 1) cosmetic problem, 2) nodule-related symptoms, 3) hyperfunctioning nodules related to thyrotoxicosis, and 4) refusal of surgery (for group B). An internally cooled radiofrequency ablation system and an 18-ga internally cooled electrode were used. We compared the 2 groups in terms of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness during a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

After radiofrequency ablation, the nodule volume decreased significantly from 5.4 to 0.4 mL (P = .002) at the 12-month follow-up. The incidence of complications was significantly higher from surgery than from radiofrequency ablation (6.0% versus 1.0%, P = .002). Hypothyroidism was detected in 71.5% of patients after surgery but in none following radiofrequency ablation. The rate of residual nodules (11.9% versus 2.9%, P = .004) and hospitalization days was significantly greater after surgery (6.6 versus 2.1 days, P < .001), but the cost difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation are both effective treatments of nodular goiter. Compared with surgery, the advantages of radiofrequency ablation include fewer complications, preservation of thyroid function, and fewer hospitalization days. Therefore, radiofrequency ablation should be considered a first-line treatment for benign thyroid nodules.

The roles of mesenchymal stem cells in gastric lesion and regeneration: applications in gastric diseases

In recent years, many studies have focused on the roles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their contribution to tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis. However, the full profile of the roles of MSCs in gastric diseases has not been established. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on the roles of MSCs on cell lesion and regeneration in gastric diseases, including gastric ulcer, premalignant conditions and cancer. We will also discuss the mechanisms underlying the behaviors of MSCs in these diseases.

Ecology-based screen identifies new metabolites from a Cordyceps-colonizing fungus as cancer cell proliferation inhibitors and apoptosis inducers

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify new anti-cancer agents from Cordyceps-colonizing fungi, using an ecology-based approach. It also aims to explore their anti-cell proliferative mechanisms, and to evaluate their anti-tumour effects in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts from Cordyceps-colonizing fungi were tested on HeLa cells, and active extracts were separated to obtain anti-tumour metabolites; their structures were elucidated by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cell cycle analysis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Tumour formation assays were performed using C57BL/6J mice.

RESULTS

Based on ecological considerations, the selected extracts were subjected to initial anti-tumour screening. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the active extract afforded two new epipolythiodioxopiperazines, named gliocladicillins A (1) and B (2). (A) 1 and B (2) inhibited growth of HeLa, HepG2 and MCF-7 tumour cells. Further study demonstrated that both preparations arrested the cell cycle at G(2)/M phase in a dose-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis through up-regulation of expression of p53, p21, and cyclin B, and activation of caspases-8, -9 and -3. These data imply that gliocladicillins A (1) and B (2) induce tumour cell apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. In addition, in vivo studies showed that they displayed significant inhibitory effects on cell population growth of melanoma B16 cells implanted into immunodeficient mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Gliocladicillins A (1) and B (2) are effective anti-tumour agents in vitro and in vivo and should be further evaluated for their potential in clinical use.

Induced abortion and duration of third stage labour in a subsequent pregnancy

We set out to evaluate the impact of first trimester induced abortion on the duration of third stage labour and related complications in a subsequent pregnancy. The study was conducted in Shanghai city at 15 general hospitals (or maternity and infant health institutes) from November 1993 to March 1998. We identified all nulliparae who came for antenatal care within the first 63 days of pregnancy (2953); the women were divided into two cohorts according to their previous history of first trimester induced abortion. After enrollment, the women were interviewed five times from recruitment until 42 days after delivery. We included in the study all 1363 women who had a singleton vaginal live birth. Of these women, 703 were primigravida (non-exposed), 534 had had one previous first trimester induced abortion, and 126 women had had two or more first trimester induced abortions. The duration of third stage labour in minutes was longer in women with one or more previous induced abortions (mean=7.32 minutes) compared with primigravid women (mean=6.79 minutes). Prolonged third stage labour (>30 minutes) following one or more induced abortions was seen for 3.4% versus 1.0% in primigravid women. After adjusting for a number of potential confounders, women with one or more previous first trimester induced abortions had an odds ratio of prolonged third stage labour of 2.59 (95%C.I.=1.06-6.37) compared with primigravida, especially after an interpregnancy interval of more than 6 months (OR=3.24, 95%C.I.=1.29-8.13). The odds ratio of prolonged third stage labour was 3.14 (95%C.I.=1.22-8.09) if gestational age at the time of the induced abortion exceeded 49 days. Women with a first trimester induced abortion had no significantly increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage or retained placenta. It was concluded that a history of one or more first trimester induced abortions was related to an increased risk of prolonged third stage labour in the following pregnancy, particularly if the induced abortion was performed after 49 days of gestation.

RhoA, encoding a Rho GTPase, is associated with smoking initiation

We used microarray analysis of acute nicotine responses in mouse brain to choose rationale candidates for human association studies on tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence (ND). Microarray studies on the time-course of acute response to nicotine in mouse brain identified 95 genes regulated in ventral tegmental area. Among these, 30 genes were part of a gene network, with functions relevant to neural plasticity. On this basis and their known roles in drug abuse or synaptic plasticity, we chose the genes RhoA and Ywhag as candidates for human association studies. A synteny search identified human orthologs and we investigated their role in tobacco smoking and ND in a human case-control association study. We genotyped five and three single nucleotide polymorphisms from the RhoA and Ywhag genes, respectively. Both single marker and haplotype analyses were negative for the Ywhag gene. For the RhoA gene, rs2878298 showed highly significant genotypic association with both smoking initiation (SI) and ND (P = 0.00005 for SI and P = 0.0007 for ND). In the allelic analyses, rs2878298 was only significant for SI. In the multimarker haplotype analyses, significant association with SI was found for the RhoA gene (empirical global P values ranged from 9 x 10(-5) to 10(-5)). In all multimarker combinations analyzed, with or without inclusion of the single most significant marker rs2878298, identical risk and protective haplotypes were identified. Our results indicated that the RhoA gene is likely involved in initiation of tobacco smoking and ND. Replication and future model system studies will be needed to validate the role of RhoA gene in SI and ND.

Morphological alteration and biological properties of hepatocytes not related to tumorigenesis following transfection with HCV core protein

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is supposed to play a critical role in HCV-mediated human liver disease with its capabilities to regulate the growth rate of hepatocytes and to partially contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in association with cellular oncogenes. In this study, to analyse the possible pathological mechanism of the HCV core protein, human primary embryo hepatocytes transfected with HCV core were monitored by immunofluorescence, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The morphological changes and biological properties of the transfected hepatocytes were also studied. The results showed that the HCV core gene integrated in the cellular genome and the protein expressed in the transfected hepatocyte, could be detected following serial passage at both the mRNA and protein level. The proliferation assays indicated that hepatocytes transfected with the HCV core gene alone did not exhibit any tumorigenic tendency. Meanwhile, the morphological alterations of these cells demonstrated obvious changes in size, and large vacuolar degeneration. In conclusion, the hepatocytes transfected with the HCV core gene revealed that the core protein expressed induced pathological changes of degeneration, probably related indirectly to tumorigenicity.

[Investigation on genotype constitution of different Plasmodium vivax isolates and its geographical distribution in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the population constitution and geographical distribution of Plasmodium vivax in China using molecular technique.

METHODS

Blood-spot filter paper samples with related epidemiological data were collected from vivax malaria patients living in malarious area of 10 provinces (autonomous region) in China. Semi-nested- or nested-allelic-specific PCR genotyping method was used to identify CSP genotypes, families and types of Plasmodium vivax of each isolate from these patients.

RESULTS

Of 384 field isolates of Plasmodium vivax, 258 temperate zone family strains were identified, including 14 allelic variant genotypes spreading among 10 sampling provinces; allelic variants sized less than 731 bp were only seen in 5 provinces in southern China; 79 tropical zone family strains including 5 genotypes were also distributed in 5 provinces of southern China south to 25 degrees N. lat; and 14 PV Type-2 strains including 2 genotypes were found in some areas of Hainan and Yunnan Provinces. In addition, 33 isolates from genotype-mixed infections were revealed.

CONCLUSION

At present, area north to 25 degrees N. lat. of the country is the sole area prevalent for Plasmodium vivax family strains of temperate zone; there is overlapping distribution of P. v. of temperate zone family and tropical zone family of this parasite in the southern China south to 25 degrees N. lat; where the most complex isolate constitution is in Yunnan and Hainan Provinces, and PV Type-2 strains have been found in some areas of the two provinces. Besides, there were 2 groups of genotype with distinct geographic distribution feature within the temperate zone family.

Identification of a novel human sand family protein in human fibroblasts induced by herpes simplex virus 1 binding

Studies on interaction between Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and human fibroblasts KMB-17 have demonstrated that HSV-1 binding to the cell surface could induce a specific gene response. In this study, the HSV-1 stimulation-related gene 1 (HSRG1), a new so far unknown gene function of cellular response induced by a specific stimulation with HSV-1, was cloned from the cDNA library established from mRNA of early gene response of KMB-17 cells. The gene product consisted of 547 amino acids and had a significant homology, in six eukaryotic species. On the basis of its structure it was identified as a member of the SAND protein family. The HSRG1 protein was fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) and expressed in Escherichia coli DHPalpha strain under the control of T7 promoter. An antibody to HSRG1 raised in mice was used to detect expression of the HSRG1 protein in KMB-17 cells stimulated by HSV-1 by an immunoprecipitation assay. It was found that the HSRG1 protein was induced in these cells by HSV-1 at high level.

[Studies on identification of circumsporozoite protein genotyping of Plasmodium vivax]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new method of genotyping circumsporozoite protein (CSP) gene for identification of field isolates of Plasmodium vivax.

METHODS

Improved Chelex-100 ion-exchange method was used to extract DNA from blood filter paper samples, nested PCR and allele-specific PCR techniques, agarose gel electrophoresis analysis and dot/southern blotting-probe hybridization were employed for amplification, resolution and identification of the diagnostic fragments.

RESULTS

Using the nest-allele-specific PCR assay reported here, small amounts of DNA extracted from a piece of blood filter paper sample were amplified which produced three different size ranges of diagnostic bands: 650-770 bp PV-species-specific band, 170-230 bp diagnostic band for temperate zone family and 588 bp band for PV type-2. The sizes and patterns of the bands produced by the reference strains were consistent with those of designed target sequences. Of 59 examined isolates from 6 provinces of China, 42 temperate zone family strains, 15 tropical zone family strains and two PV type-2 strains were identified.

CONCLUSION

1, Three genotype strains of P. vivax mentioned above could be identified by this method with only two rounds of PCR and without probe hybridization. 2, The preliminary results showed that PV type-1 including temperate zone family strains and tropical zone family strains as well as PV type-2 strains are present in China. In addition, another CSP genotype with both sequence characteristics of temperate zone and tropical zone family might also be present in China.

Infertility in Shanghai: prevalence, treatment seeking and impact

To assess the level of treatment seeking and impact on marriage of infertility among newly married couples of Shanghai, China, a total of 7872 newly married couples, enrolled between 1987 and 1988, were followed-up for 5 years. The prevalence of infertility (no fertile conception after 24 months of unprotected intercourse) was found to be 5.1%. Couples' age at marriage, education, prior induced abortion, miscarriage, use of IUD or hormonal contraceptives and medical problems of both partners were associated significantly with infertility. About 57% of infertile couples sought infertility treatment and subsequently had a higher probability of childbirth (42%) than non-seekers (28%). Husband's education, induced abortion and both partner's previous medical problems were associated significantly with infertility treatment seeking. Moreover, infertile couples were 2.2 times more likely to divorce than their counterparts (95% CI 1.52-3.18). We conclude that infertility in Shanghai is modest, but a substantial number of infertile couples would not like to seek infertility treatment. Further research is needed on this subject.

Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in poultry samples using an enzyme-linked immunoassay coupled with an enzyme electrode

An enzyme-linked immunoassay coupled with a tyrosinase modified enzyme electrode was used for rapid detection of Campylobacter jejuni. The immunomagnetic separation (IMS) method was investigated to achieve optimal isolation of C. jejuni cells. Eight types of beads with three different sizes and function groups were coated with anti-C. jejuni to isolate C. jejuni from the sample solution. Bead size and coating methods were found to be major factors that influenced the capture efficacy. Streptavidin-labeled beads (2.8 microm) provided the greatest capture ability. Three blocking reagents were tested to minimize non-specific binding. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed the best blocking capability. Two IMS formats were tested. Competitive immunoassay cut the detection time to 1.5 h, but the detection limit was relatively high (10(6) CFU/ml). This system was evaluated using C. jejuni pure culture and poultry samples inoculated with C. jejuni. This detection method for C. jejuni could be completed within 2.5 h and had a detection limit of 2.1 x 10(4) CFU/ml. No significant difference was found between pure culture samples and poultry samples (P>0.01). A linear relationship was found between C. jejuni cell numbers and the peak current ratio in a range of 10(2)-10(7) CFU/ml (R(2)=0.94).

Delayed induction of p38 MAPKs in reactive astrocytes in the brain of mice after KA-induced seizure

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) has been implicated in pathological changes in inflammatory and apoptotic processes in various cell types including neurons. Here we report the delayed induction of p38 MAPKs in the brain of mice following kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure. The immunoreactivities of p38alpha and p38beta MAPKs were markedly increased in the brain 4 days after KA administration, especially in the areas undergoing selective neuronal loss. In particular, p38beta was dramatically increased in reactive astrocytes of CA3 and CA1 regions of hippocampus with its enriched localization in the nucleus of astrocytes. The induction of p38beta was sustained for more than 10 days after KA-treatment. Pre-administration of the selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), which suppressed the delayed neuronal death as well as astrogliosis in hippocampus of seizure-experienced animals, dramatically repressed the delayed induction of p38beta MAPK in astrocytes. The repression was reversed by the co-injection with L-arginine (L-arg), a substrate for NOS, which coincided with the aggravation of neuronal death. Together, these data suggested a role of p38 MAPK signal pathway in delayed neuronal death and/or in reactive gliosis in mice with KA-induced seizure.

Delayed induction of alpha B-crystallin in activated glia cells of hippocampus in kainic acid-treated mouse brain

Small heat shock proteins have been implicated in playing a role in various cellular processes, including stress-induced cell death. In kainic acid (KA)-treated rat brain, the immunoreactivity of heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27) was markedly increased in glia cells of the limbic system. In the present study, we demonstrated that alpha B-crystallin, a member of the small heat-shock protein family, was strongly induced in reactive astrocytes in hippocampus after KA-induced seizure. The induction was localized mainly in the CA3 region of hippocampus, where massive neuronal loss occurred. We also demonstrated that the delayed induction of alpha B-crystallin and HSP27 immunoreactivities in the hippocampus of epileptic animals was repressed to the levels seen in control animals with preadministration of the selective nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI). This repression was reversed by coinjection of L-arginine, a substrate of NOS. Together, these data suggest a role for alpha B-crystallin and HSP27 in reactive gliosis and/or in delayed neuronal death proceeded after KA-induced seizure.

Pseudodestruxins A and B: new cyclic depsipeptides from the coprophilous fungus Nigrosabulum globosum

Pseudodestruxins A (1) and B (2), two new cyclic peptides, have been isolated from cultures of the coprophilous fungus Nigrosabulum globosum. The structure of pseudodestruxin A (1) was elucidated using 2D NMR techniques and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure of 2 was assigned by comparing its NMR and FABMS data with those of compound 1. The known compounds ascochlorin and 5-chlorocollectorin B were also isolated from N. globosum. Although 1 and 2 display antibacterial effects, ascochlorin was found to be responsible for the antifungal activity of the crude extract.

Induced abortion and prematurity in a subsequent pregnancy: a study from Shanghai

To evaluate the impact of a first trimester induced abortion on the risks of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy we conducted a pregnancy-based cohort study in Shanghai, China with recruitment from 15 general hospitals (or maternity and infant health institutes) from November 1993 to March 1998. Pregnant women with a history of induced abortion entered the abortion cohort and a reference cohort was established among women without such a history. All the subjects were enrolled before 64 days of gestation and interviewed five times until 42 days after delivery. Only singleton live births were analysed in this study. A total of 2953 pregnant women were enrolled and 2707 gave birth to live singletons. The overall incidence of LBW was 1.7%, 2.0% in the abortion cohort and 1.4% in the reference cohort. After controlling the potential confounders using logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratios were 1.7 (95% CI: 0.8-3.3) for LBW, 2.0 (95% CI: 0.9-4.7) for term LBW and 1.0 (95% CI: 0.6-1.5) for preterm birth, following an induced abortion pregnancy. Birth weight in the abortion cohort was 38.5 g higher than that of the reference cohort after adjustment for calendar year at recruitment, couples' occupation, education, age, infant sex, maternal body mass index at recruitment, contraceptive use and gestation age. Previous first trimester induced abortion did not significantly increase the risk of LBW or preterm birth. The study was performed in a low-risk population and results may not be applicable to other settings.

Single-pulse ultraviolet laser recording of periodically poled structures in polymer thin films

A simple fabrication technique for nonlinear polymeric optical waveguide patterns is introduced based on the two-beam interference method. We determined that the second-order nonlinearity of poled polymer films is erased by single-pulse ultraviolet (UV) laser irradiation. The erasure mechanism for second-order nonlinearity is discussed. To form a periodic structure in an optical polymer waveguide, two types of optical configuration of two-beam interference were arranged, and a single-pulse UV laser was exposed directly onto poled films. We prove that this method provides a simple way to fabricate volume-type and ridge-type periodically poled structures, i.e., chi(2) gratings, from the submicrometer to the millimeter range.