BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 induced coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has posed a great challenge to public health worldwide and also increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer(CRC).N...BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 induced coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has posed a great challenge to public health worldwide and also increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer(CRC).Natural killer(NK)cells serve as the first line of defense in the host’s innate immune system,performing natural killing functions and mediating cytotoxicity against tumors and viruses.Therefore,a better understanding of NK cell cytotoxicity may facilitate the development of treatment strategies for CRC-associated with COVID-19.AIM To investigate the cytotoxic killing function of peripheral NK cells in patients with CRC and severe COVID-19(CRC+patients).METHODS The percentages of circulating NK and NKT cells in CRC+and age-matched patients with CRC were analyzed using flow cytometry.NK cell cytotoxic activity(NKCA)and corresponding NK cytotoxic factor(NKCF)activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated using a Real-Time Cell Analyzer.RESULTS The numbers and percentage of peripheral NK and NKT cells in patients with CRC+were lower than those in patients with CRC.Additionally,compared to patients with CRC,those with CRC+had lower levels of NKCA and NKCF activity in lysed K562 cells.Positive correlations were observed between NKCA and NK cell numbers,NKCA and NK cell percentages,NKCF activity,and NK cell percentages in patients with CRC+.Furthermore,a negative correlation was observed between NKCA and the severity of COVID-19 in patients with CRC.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for NKCA was greater than those for the other indices.CONCLUSION CRC+is associated with lower levels of peripheral NK cells and impaired natural cytotoxicity,contributing to the immunopathogenesis of severe COVID-19 rather than immune control.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the diagnostic value of glypican-3(GPC3) and its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation.METHODS:HCC tissue samples(n = 31) obtained from patients who ...AIM:To investigate the diagnostic value of glypican-3(GPC3) and its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation.METHODS:HCC tissue samples(n = 31) obtained from patients who had undergone liver transplantation were analyzed.GPC3 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by TaqMan real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.Correlation between the GPC3 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed.The potential prognostic value of GPC3 was investigated by comparing recurrence-free survival between HCC patients with and without GPC3 expression.RESULTS:Using a cutoff value of 3.5 × 10-2,20 of 31 cancerous tissues had expression values of > 3.5 × 10-2,whereas 3 of 31 adjacent non-neoplastic parenchyma and 0 of 20 control liver tissues had expression values of > 3.5 × 10-2(P < 0.001).GPC3 protein was immunoexpressed in 68% of cancerous tissues,but not in adjacent non-neoplastic parenchyma and control liver tissues.Vascular invasion was significantly related to GPC3 expression(P < 0.05).Recurrence-free survival was significantly longer for patients without GPC3 mRNA overexpression(> 3.5 × 10-2) and those without vascular invasion(P < 0.05 for both).CONCLUSION:GPC3 expression may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for HCC.GPC3 mRNA overexpression may be an adverse indicator for HCC patients after liver transplantation.展开更多
Objective:To explore the influence of artificial luminous environment and preventive function of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention based on "Theory of yin-yang clock" on myopia.Methods:A total o...Objective:To explore the influence of artificial luminous environment and preventive function of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention based on "Theory of yin-yang clock" on myopia.Methods:A total of 45 New Zealand young rabbits were randomly divided into 5groups,9 for each group.Control group was exposed in natural light.Fluorescent group and full spectrum group were exposed in fluorescent light and full spectrum light,on which basis fluorescent TCM group and full spectrum TCM group were added with "Rizhong Yinyang Formulas",respectively.Optical parameters were measured and the influence of different lights on the serum and retinal dopamine(DA) levels as well as the retinal histopathological tissues was observed.Results:The spectrum of fluorescent light mainly focused at 420-490 nm with the peak value of wavelength near 450 nm,whereas that of full spectrum was wider(400-800 nm) with the peak value near 600 nm.After 4 and 12 weeks,fluorescent group was evidently lower in serum and retinal DA levels(P<0.01).and there was no significant difference among full spectrum group,fluorescent TCM group and full spectrum TCM group(P>0.05).Histopathological observation showed that there was significant difference in pigment epithelium layer,photoreceptor and nerve fiber layer between fluorescent group and control group,but the difference among the test groups was not significant.Conclusions:Fluorescent light has certain influence on retinal histological construction and visual performance.However,TCM intervention may have some degree of protective function on retina.展开更多
AIM:To investigate whether the axial length(AL)/total corneal refractive power(TCRP)ratio is a sensitive and simple factor that can be used for the early diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome(MFS)in children.METHODS:The rel...AIM:To investigate whether the axial length(AL)/total corneal refractive power(TCRP)ratio is a sensitive and simple factor that can be used for the early diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome(MFS)in children.METHODS:The relationship between the AL/TCRP ratio and the diagnosis of MFS for 192 eyes in 97 children were evaluate.The biological characteristics,including age,sex,AL,and TCRP,were collected from medical records.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to investigate whether the AL/TCRP ratio effectively distinguishes MFS from other subjects.The Youden index was used to re-divide the whole population into two groups according to an AL/TCRP ratio of 0.59.RESULTS:Of 96 subjects(mean age 7.46±3.28 y)evaluated,56(110 eyes)had a definite diagnosis of MFS in childhood based on the revised Ghent criteria,41(82 eyes)with diagnosis of congenital ectopia lentis(EL)were included as a control group.AL was negatively correlated with TCRP,with a linear regression coefficient of-0.36(R2=0.08).A significant correlation was found between age and the AL/TCRP ratio(P=0.023).ROC curve analysis showed that the AL/TCRP ratio distinguished MFS from the other patients at a threshold of 0.59.MFS patients were present in 24/58(41.38%)patients with an AL/TCRP ratio of≤0.59 and in 34/39(87.18%)patients with an AL/TCRP ratio of>0.59.CONCLUSION:An AL/TCRP ratio of>0.59 is significantly associated with the risk of MFS.The AL/TCRP ratio should be measured as a promising marker for the prognosis of children MFS.Changes in the AL/TCRP ratio should be monitored over time.展开更多
Quasi-classical trajectory(QCT)calculations are reported for the H+LiH(v=0-2,j=0)→Li+H2 reaction on a new ground electronic state global potential energy surface(PES)of the LiH2 system.Reaction probability and integr...Quasi-classical trajectory(QCT)calculations are reported for the H+LiH(v=0-2,j=0)→Li+H2 reaction on a new ground electronic state global potential energy surface(PES)of the LiH2 system.Reaction probability and integral cross sections(ICSs)are calculated for collision energies in the range of 0 eV-0.5 eV.Reasonable agreement is found in the comparison between present results and previous available theoretical results.We carried out statistical analyses with all the trajectories and found two main distinct reaction mechanisms in the collision process,in which the stripping mechanism(i.e.,without roaming process)is dominated over the collision energy range.The polarization dependent differential cross sections(PDDCSs)indicate that forward scattering dominates the reaction due to the dominated mechanism.Furthermore,the reactant vibration leads to a reduction of the reactivity because of the barrierless and attractive features of PES and mass combination of the system.展开更多
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has shown that adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADSCs)are an effective therapeutic approach for managing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19);however,further elucidation is ...BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has shown that adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADSCs)are an effective therapeutic approach for managing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19);however,further elucidation is required to determine their underlying immunomodulatory effect on the mRNA expression of T helper cell-related transcription factors(TFs)and cytokine release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).AIM To investigate the impact of ADSCs on the mRNA expression of TFs and cytokine release in PBMCs from colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with severe COVID-19(CRC^(+)patients).METHODS PBMCs from CRC^(+)patients(PBMCs-C+)and age-matched CRC patients(PBMCs-C)were stimulated and cultured in the presence/absence of ADSCs.The mRNA levels of T-box TF TBX21(T-bet),GATA binding protein 3(GATA-3),RAR-related orphan receptor C(RORC),and forkhead box P3(FoxP3)in the PBMCs were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.Culture supernatants were evaluated for levels of interferon gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin 4(IL-4),IL-17A,and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS Compared with PBMCs-C,PBMCs-C+exhibited higher mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC,and increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A.Additionally,a significant decrease in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β1,as well as an increase in Tbet/GATA-3,RORC/FoxP3,IFN-γ/IL-4,and IL-17A/TGF-β1 ratios were observed in PBMCs-C+.Furthermore,ADSCs significantly induced a functional regulatory T cell(Treg)subset,as evidenced by an increase in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β1 release levels.This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC,release of IFN-γ and IL-17A,and T-bet/GATA-3,RORC/FoxP3,IFN-γ/IL-4,and IL-17A/TGF-β1 ratios,compared with the PBMCs-C+alone.CONCLUSION The present in vitro studies showed that ADSCs contributed to the immunosuppressive effects on PBMCs-C+,favoring Treg responses.Thus,ADSC-based cell therapy could be a beneficial approach for patients with severe COVID-19 who fail to respond to conventional therapies.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To analyze the expression and levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）, and interleukin （IL）-6 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, who recei...OBJECTIVE To analyze the expression and levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）, and interleukin （IL）-6 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, who received orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT）.METHODS The blood samples of 20 consecutive HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation were detected and analyzed for the clinical serum biochemical parameters, TNF-α and IL-6.Blood samples were drawn from the radial artery at planned time points： preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.Levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 were detected with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.RESULTS The levels of serum TNF-αand IL-6 increased significantly at reperfusion phase compared with those detected preoperatively （P 〈 0.01）, and the level of serum IL-6 remained significantly higher until the third day after the liver transplantation. There was a significant correlation between TNF-αand IL-6 （P〈0.001）.CONCLUSION This research into the effects of the proinflammatory cytokines on liver transplantation has provided new insights into the mechanisms of ischemia and reperfusion injury to OLT.展开更多
Background： Treatment of myoclonic seizures in myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers （MERRFs） has been empirical and ineffective. Guideline on this disease is not available. Additional trials must be conducted ...Background： Treatment of myoclonic seizures in myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers （MERRFs） has been empirical and ineffective. Guideline on this disease is not available. Additional trials must be conducted to find more suitable treatments for it. In this study, the antimyoclonic effects ofmonotherapies, including levetiracetam （LEV）, clonazepam （CZP）, valproic acid （VPA）, and topiramate （TPM） compared to combination therapy group with LEV and CZP on MERRF, were evaluated to find a more advantageous approach on the treatment of myoclonic seizures. Methods： Treatments of myoclonic seizures with VPA, LEV, CZP, and TPM were reported as monotherapies in 17 MERRF patients from Qilu Hospital between 2003 and 2016, who were diagnosed through clinical data and genetic testing. After 1-4 months oflbllow-up （mean： 82.9 ± 28.1 days）, 12 patients that exhibited poor responses to monotherapy were given a combined treatment consisting of LEV and CZP subsequently. The lbllow-up period was 4-144 months （mean： 66.3 ± 45.3 months）, the effective rates of monotherapy group （17 patients） and combination therapy group （12 patients） were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results： The m.8344 A〉G mutation was detected in all patients. There were lbur patients with partial response （4/17, two in the CZP group and two in the LEV group）, ten patients with stable disease （10/17, six in the CZP group, three in the LEV group, and one in the TPM group）, and three patients with progressive disease （3/18, two in the VPA group and one in the TPM group）. Twelve of the patients with LEV combined with CZP showed a positive effect and good tolerance （12/12）, eight of them demonstrated improved cognition and coordination. There was a significant difference between the monotherapy group and combination therapy gToup in the efficacy ofantimyoclonic seizures （χ^2 = 13.7, P 〈 0.001 ）. Conclusions： LEV in combination with CZP is an efficient and sale treatment for myoclonic seizures in patients with this disease exhibiting the m.8344A〉G mutation.展开更多
To the Editor：Diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma （D-HCC）,also known as cirrhosis-like HCC,is a rare and peculiar type of HCC.[1] The World Health Organization （WHO） defines D-HCC as follows：small tumor nodules dis...To the Editor：Diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma （D-HCC）,also known as cirrhosis-like HCC,is a rare and peculiar type of HCC.[1] The World Health Organization （WHO） defines D-HCC as follows：small tumor nodules distributed diffusely all over the liver presents like cirrhotic-associated regenerative nodules.[2] Surgical resection,radiotherapy,and medication cannot bring good results for D-HCC,and the prognosis of D-HCC is poor.展开更多
The widespread use of chemical products inevitably brings many side effects as environmental pollutants.Toxicological assessment of compounds to aquatic life plays an important role in protecting the environment from ...The widespread use of chemical products inevitably brings many side effects as environmental pollutants.Toxicological assessment of compounds to aquatic life plays an important role in protecting the environment from their hazards.However,in vivo animal testing approaches for aquatic toxicity evaluation are timeconsuming,expensive,and ethically limited,especially when there are a great number of compounds.In silico modeling methods can effectively improve the toxicity evaluation efficiency and save costs.Here,we present a web-based server,AquaticTox,which incorporates a series of ensemble models to predict acute toxicity of organic compounds in aquatic organisms,covering Oncorhynchus mykiss,Pimephales promelas,Daphnia magna,Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata,and Tetrahymena pyriformis.The predictive models are built through ensemble learning algorithms based on six base learners.These ensemble models outperform all corresponding single models,achieving area under the curve(AUC)scores of 0.75−0.92.Compared to the best single models,the average precisions of the ensemble models have been increased by 12−22%.Additionally,a self-built knowledge base of the structure-aquatic toxic mode of action(MOA)relationship was integrated into AquaticTox for toxicity mechanism analysis.Hopefully,the user-friendly tool(https://chemyang.ccnu.edu.cn/ccb/server/AquaticTox);could facilitate the identification of aquatic toxic chemicals and the design of green molecules.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 induced coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has posed a great challenge to public health worldwide and also increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer(CRC).Natural killer(NK)cells serve as the first line of defense in the host’s innate immune system,performing natural killing functions and mediating cytotoxicity against tumors and viruses.Therefore,a better understanding of NK cell cytotoxicity may facilitate the development of treatment strategies for CRC-associated with COVID-19.AIM To investigate the cytotoxic killing function of peripheral NK cells in patients with CRC and severe COVID-19(CRC+patients).METHODS The percentages of circulating NK and NKT cells in CRC+and age-matched patients with CRC were analyzed using flow cytometry.NK cell cytotoxic activity(NKCA)and corresponding NK cytotoxic factor(NKCF)activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated using a Real-Time Cell Analyzer.RESULTS The numbers and percentage of peripheral NK and NKT cells in patients with CRC+were lower than those in patients with CRC.Additionally,compared to patients with CRC,those with CRC+had lower levels of NKCA and NKCF activity in lysed K562 cells.Positive correlations were observed between NKCA and NK cell numbers,NKCA and NK cell percentages,NKCF activity,and NK cell percentages in patients with CRC+.Furthermore,a negative correlation was observed between NKCA and the severity of COVID-19 in patients with CRC.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for NKCA was greater than those for the other indices.CONCLUSION CRC+is associated with lower levels of peripheral NK cells and impaired natural cytotoxicity,contributing to the immunopathogenesis of severe COVID-19 rather than immune control.
基金Supported by Tianjin Municipal Health Bureau Key Project for Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine Development
文摘AIM:To investigate the diagnostic value of glypican-3(GPC3) and its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation.METHODS:HCC tissue samples(n = 31) obtained from patients who had undergone liver transplantation were analyzed.GPC3 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by TaqMan real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.Correlation between the GPC3 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed.The potential prognostic value of GPC3 was investigated by comparing recurrence-free survival between HCC patients with and without GPC3 expression.RESULTS:Using a cutoff value of 3.5 × 10-2,20 of 31 cancerous tissues had expression values of > 3.5 × 10-2,whereas 3 of 31 adjacent non-neoplastic parenchyma and 0 of 20 control liver tissues had expression values of > 3.5 × 10-2(P < 0.001).GPC3 protein was immunoexpressed in 68% of cancerous tissues,but not in adjacent non-neoplastic parenchyma and control liver tissues.Vascular invasion was significantly related to GPC3 expression(P < 0.05).Recurrence-free survival was significantly longer for patients without GPC3 mRNA overexpression(> 3.5 × 10-2) and those without vascular invasion(P < 0.05 for both).CONCLUSION:GPC3 expression may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for HCC.GPC3 mRNA overexpression may be an adverse indicator for HCC patients after liver transplantation.
基金financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81373696)
文摘Objective:To explore the influence of artificial luminous environment and preventive function of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention based on "Theory of yin-yang clock" on myopia.Methods:A total of 45 New Zealand young rabbits were randomly divided into 5groups,9 for each group.Control group was exposed in natural light.Fluorescent group and full spectrum group were exposed in fluorescent light and full spectrum light,on which basis fluorescent TCM group and full spectrum TCM group were added with "Rizhong Yinyang Formulas",respectively.Optical parameters were measured and the influence of different lights on the serum and retinal dopamine(DA) levels as well as the retinal histopathological tissues was observed.Results:The spectrum of fluorescent light mainly focused at 420-490 nm with the peak value of wavelength near 450 nm,whereas that of full spectrum was wider(400-800 nm) with the peak value near 600 nm.After 4 and 12 weeks,fluorescent group was evidently lower in serum and retinal DA levels(P<0.01).and there was no significant difference among full spectrum group,fluorescent TCM group and full spectrum TCM group(P>0.05).Histopathological observation showed that there was significant difference in pigment epithelium layer,photoreceptor and nerve fiber layer between fluorescent group and control group,but the difference among the test groups was not significant.Conclusions:Fluorescent light has certain influence on retinal histological construction and visual performance.However,TCM intervention may have some degree of protective function on retina.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81770908)the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission(Scientific Innovation Project,No.20Y11911000)。
文摘AIM:To investigate whether the axial length(AL)/total corneal refractive power(TCRP)ratio is a sensitive and simple factor that can be used for the early diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome(MFS)in children.METHODS:The relationship between the AL/TCRP ratio and the diagnosis of MFS for 192 eyes in 97 children were evaluate.The biological characteristics,including age,sex,AL,and TCRP,were collected from medical records.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to investigate whether the AL/TCRP ratio effectively distinguishes MFS from other subjects.The Youden index was used to re-divide the whole population into two groups according to an AL/TCRP ratio of 0.59.RESULTS:Of 96 subjects(mean age 7.46±3.28 y)evaluated,56(110 eyes)had a definite diagnosis of MFS in childhood based on the revised Ghent criteria,41(82 eyes)with diagnosis of congenital ectopia lentis(EL)were included as a control group.AL was negatively correlated with TCRP,with a linear regression coefficient of-0.36(R2=0.08).A significant correlation was found between age and the AL/TCRP ratio(P=0.023).ROC curve analysis showed that the AL/TCRP ratio distinguished MFS from the other patients at a threshold of 0.59.MFS patients were present in 24/58(41.38%)patients with an AL/TCRP ratio of≤0.59 and in 34/39(87.18%)patients with an AL/TCRP ratio of>0.59.CONCLUSION:An AL/TCRP ratio of>0.59 is significantly associated with the risk of MFS.The AL/TCRP ratio should be measured as a promising marker for the prognosis of children MFS.Changes in the AL/TCRP ratio should be monitored over time.
文摘Quasi-classical trajectory(QCT)calculations are reported for the H+LiH(v=0-2,j=0)→Li+H2 reaction on a new ground electronic state global potential energy surface(PES)of the LiH2 system.Reaction probability and integral cross sections(ICSs)are calculated for collision energies in the range of 0 eV-0.5 eV.Reasonable agreement is found in the comparison between present results and previous available theoretical results.We carried out statistical analyses with all the trajectories and found two main distinct reaction mechanisms in the collision process,in which the stripping mechanism(i.e.,without roaming process)is dominated over the collision energy range.The polarization dependent differential cross sections(PDDCSs)indicate that forward scattering dominates the reaction due to the dominated mechanism.Furthermore,the reactant vibration leads to a reduction of the reactivity because of the barrierless and attractive features of PES and mass combination of the system.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81470982.
文摘BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has shown that adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADSCs)are an effective therapeutic approach for managing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19);however,further elucidation is required to determine their underlying immunomodulatory effect on the mRNA expression of T helper cell-related transcription factors(TFs)and cytokine release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).AIM To investigate the impact of ADSCs on the mRNA expression of TFs and cytokine release in PBMCs from colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with severe COVID-19(CRC^(+)patients).METHODS PBMCs from CRC^(+)patients(PBMCs-C+)and age-matched CRC patients(PBMCs-C)were stimulated and cultured in the presence/absence of ADSCs.The mRNA levels of T-box TF TBX21(T-bet),GATA binding protein 3(GATA-3),RAR-related orphan receptor C(RORC),and forkhead box P3(FoxP3)in the PBMCs were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.Culture supernatants were evaluated for levels of interferon gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin 4(IL-4),IL-17A,and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS Compared with PBMCs-C,PBMCs-C+exhibited higher mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC,and increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A.Additionally,a significant decrease in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β1,as well as an increase in Tbet/GATA-3,RORC/FoxP3,IFN-γ/IL-4,and IL-17A/TGF-β1 ratios were observed in PBMCs-C+.Furthermore,ADSCs significantly induced a functional regulatory T cell(Treg)subset,as evidenced by an increase in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β1 release levels.This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC,release of IFN-γ and IL-17A,and T-bet/GATA-3,RORC/FoxP3,IFN-γ/IL-4,and IL-17A/TGF-β1 ratios,compared with the PBMCs-C+alone.CONCLUSION The present in vitro studies showed that ADSCs contributed to the immunosuppressive effects on PBMCs-C+,favoring Treg responses.Thus,ADSC-based cell therapy could be a beneficial approach for patients with severe COVID-19 who fail to respond to conventional therapies.
文摘OBJECTIVE To analyze the expression and levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）, and interleukin （IL）-6 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, who received orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT）.METHODS The blood samples of 20 consecutive HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation were detected and analyzed for the clinical serum biochemical parameters, TNF-α and IL-6.Blood samples were drawn from the radial artery at planned time points： preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.Levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 were detected with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.RESULTS The levels of serum TNF-αand IL-6 increased significantly at reperfusion phase compared with those detected preoperatively （P 〈 0.01）, and the level of serum IL-6 remained significantly higher until the third day after the liver transplantation. There was a significant correlation between TNF-αand IL-6 （P〈0.001）.CONCLUSION This research into the effects of the proinflammatory cytokines on liver transplantation has provided new insights into the mechanisms of ischemia and reperfusion injury to OLT.
基金This study wassupported partly by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81873786）, Programs for Science and Technology Development of Jinan （No. 201704102）, Lateral Chimerism Project of Shandong University （No. 12671731）, and the Programs for Science and Technology Development of Binzhou （No. 2014ZC0136）.
文摘Background： Treatment of myoclonic seizures in myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers （MERRFs） has been empirical and ineffective. Guideline on this disease is not available. Additional trials must be conducted to find more suitable treatments for it. In this study, the antimyoclonic effects ofmonotherapies, including levetiracetam （LEV）, clonazepam （CZP）, valproic acid （VPA）, and topiramate （TPM） compared to combination therapy group with LEV and CZP on MERRF, were evaluated to find a more advantageous approach on the treatment of myoclonic seizures. Methods： Treatments of myoclonic seizures with VPA, LEV, CZP, and TPM were reported as monotherapies in 17 MERRF patients from Qilu Hospital between 2003 and 2016, who were diagnosed through clinical data and genetic testing. After 1-4 months oflbllow-up （mean： 82.9 ± 28.1 days）, 12 patients that exhibited poor responses to monotherapy were given a combined treatment consisting of LEV and CZP subsequently. The lbllow-up period was 4-144 months （mean： 66.3 ± 45.3 months）, the effective rates of monotherapy group （17 patients） and combination therapy group （12 patients） were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results： The m.8344 A〉G mutation was detected in all patients. There were lbur patients with partial response （4/17, two in the CZP group and two in the LEV group）, ten patients with stable disease （10/17, six in the CZP group, three in the LEV group, and one in the TPM group）, and three patients with progressive disease （3/18, two in the VPA group and one in the TPM group）. Twelve of the patients with LEV combined with CZP showed a positive effect and good tolerance （12/12）, eight of them demonstrated improved cognition and coordination. There was a significant difference between the monotherapy group and combination therapy gToup in the efficacy ofantimyoclonic seizures （χ^2 = 13.7, P 〈 0.001 ）. Conclusions： LEV in combination with CZP is an efficient and sale treatment for myoclonic seizures in patients with this disease exhibiting the m.8344A〉G mutation.
文摘To the Editor：Diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma （D-HCC）,also known as cirrhosis-like HCC,is a rare and peculiar type of HCC.[1] The World Health Organization （WHO） defines D-HCC as follows：small tumor nodules distributed diffusely all over the liver presents like cirrhotic-associated regenerative nodules.[2] Surgical resection,radiotherapy,and medication cannot bring good results for D-HCC,and the prognosis of D-HCC is poor.
基金supported the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1700500)National Natural Science Foundation of China(21907036)Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF(No.GZB20230198).
文摘The widespread use of chemical products inevitably brings many side effects as environmental pollutants.Toxicological assessment of compounds to aquatic life plays an important role in protecting the environment from their hazards.However,in vivo animal testing approaches for aquatic toxicity evaluation are timeconsuming,expensive,and ethically limited,especially when there are a great number of compounds.In silico modeling methods can effectively improve the toxicity evaluation efficiency and save costs.Here,we present a web-based server,AquaticTox,which incorporates a series of ensemble models to predict acute toxicity of organic compounds in aquatic organisms,covering Oncorhynchus mykiss,Pimephales promelas,Daphnia magna,Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata,and Tetrahymena pyriformis.The predictive models are built through ensemble learning algorithms based on six base learners.These ensemble models outperform all corresponding single models,achieving area under the curve(AUC)scores of 0.75−0.92.Compared to the best single models,the average precisions of the ensemble models have been increased by 12−22%.Additionally,a self-built knowledge base of the structure-aquatic toxic mode of action(MOA)relationship was integrated into AquaticTox for toxicity mechanism analysis.Hopefully,the user-friendly tool(https://chemyang.ccnu.edu.cn/ccb/server/AquaticTox);could facilitate the identification of aquatic toxic chemicals and the design of green molecules.
