It is often challenging to diagnose acute myocardial infarction(AMI)in patients with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)before observing a significant rise and/or fall in hs-cTnT.The current study ai...It is often challenging to diagnose acute myocardial infarction(AMI)in patients with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)before observing a significant rise and/or fall in hs-cTnT.The current study aimed to identify an optimal cut-off to rule in AMI.A total of 76411 patients with elevated hs-cTnT were included.The predictive cut-off values for diagnosing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)and non-STsegment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC).Among the patients,50466(66.0%)had non-cardiac diseases,25945(34.0%)had cardiac diseases,and 15502(20.3%)had AMI,including 816(1.1%)with STEMI and 14686(19.2%)with NSTEMI.The median hs-cTnT level was 3788.0 ng/L in STEMI patients and 67.2 ng/L in NSTEMI patients.The optimal cut-off for diagnosing STEMI was 251.9 ng/L,with a sensitivity of 90.7%,specificity of 86.5%,and an AUC of 0.942;the optimal cut-off for diagnosing NSTEMI was 130.5 ng/L,with a sensitivity of 40.9%,specificity of 83.8%,and an AUC of 0.638.Collectively,optimizing the cut-off values for diagnosing STEMI and NSTEMI to 251.9 ng/L and 130.5 ng/L,respectively,demonstrated high accuracy in a large cohort of Chinese patients with elevated hs-cTnT.展开更多
AIM:To examine the efficacy of glycyrrhizin preparation(GL-p) in the treatment of a rat model of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:Experimental colitis was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate.Rats wi...AIM:To examine the efficacy of glycyrrhizin preparation(GL-p) in the treatment of a rat model of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:Experimental colitis was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate.Rats with colitis were intrarectally administered GL-p or saline.The extent of colitis was evaluated based on body weight gain,colon wet weight,and macroscopic damage score.The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the inflamed mucosa were measured by cytokine antibody array analysis.The effect of GL-p on myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity in the inflamed mucosa and purified enzyme was assayed.RESULTS:GL-p treatment significantly ameliorated the extent of colitis compared to sham treatment with saline.Cytokine antibody array analysis showed that GL-p treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines,including interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2,and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the inflamed mucosa.Furthermore,GL-p inhibited the oxidative activity of mucosal and purified MPO.CONCLUSION:GL-p enema has a therapeutic effect on experimental colitis in rats and may be useful in the treatment of UC.展开更多
In this study,an image binarization optimization algorithm,based on local threshold algorithms,is proposed because global and traditional local threshold segmentation algorithms cannot effectively address the problems...In this study,an image binarization optimization algorithm,based on local threshold algorithms,is proposed because global and traditional local threshold segmentation algorithms cannot effectively address the problems of nonuniform backgrounds of wood defect images.The proposed algorithm calculates the threshold by the mean,standard deviation and the extreme value of the window.The results indicate that this modified algorithm enhances the image segmentation for wood defect images on a complex background,which is much superior to the global threshold algorithm and the Bernsen algorithm,and slightly better than the Niblack algorithm and Sauvola algorithm.Compared with similar models,the algorithm proposed in this paper has higher segmentation accuracy,as high as 92.6%for wood defect images with a complex background.展开更多
BACKGROUND： The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular car- cinoma （HCC） is a multi-factorial, multi-step and complex process. Early diagnosis and effective treatments are of utmost importance. This review summarized the...BACKGROUND： The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular car- cinoma （HCC） is a multi-factorial, multi-step and complex process. Early diagnosis and effective treatments are of utmost importance. This review summarized the recent studies of on- cofetal glypican-3 （GPC-3）, a membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. DATA SOURCES： English-language reports published from Iune 2001 to September 2014 were searched from MEDLINE. The key words searched included： GPC-3, biomarker, target and HCC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were extracted, and the effect of GPC-3 tar- geted therapy on HCC was also evaluated. RESULTS： GPC-3 plays a crucial role in HCC cell prolifera- tion and metastasis. It mediates oncogenesis involving signal- ing pathways during hepatocyte malignant transformation. GPC-3 expression is increased in atypical hyperplasia and cancerous tissues. GPC-3 levels in HCC patients are related to HBV infection, TNM stage, periportal cancerous embolus, and extrahepatic metastasis. The diagnostic accuracy of the combination of serum GPC-3 and alpha-fetoprotein in HCC is up to 94.3%. Down-regulation of GPC-3 with specific siRNA or anti-GPC-3 antibody alters cell migration, metastasis and invasion behaviors. The nude mice xenograft tumor growth is inhibited by silencing GPC-3 gene transcription.CONCLUSION： Oncofetal GPC-3 is a highly specific biomark- er for the diagnosis of HCC and a promising target molecule for HCC gene therapy.展开更多
AIM To explore the relationship between dynamic expression of high mobility group box-3(HMGB3) and malignant transformation of hepatocytes.METHODS Expression of HMGB family proteins were observed in rat hepatocarcinog...AIM To explore the relationship between dynamic expression of high mobility group box-3(HMGB3) and malignant transformation of hepatocytes.METHODS Expression of HMGB family proteins were observed in rat hepatocarcinogenesis models induced with 2-acetylaminofluorene. Alterations of HMGB3 were analyzed at the m RNA level by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR) and at the protein level by immunohistochemistry or Western blotting. HMGB3 in human liver cancer tissues were evaluated using bioinformatics databases from GEO, TCGA, and Oncomine. A specific HMGB3-sh RNA was used to knockdown HMGB3 expression in order to investigate its effects on proliferation and cell cycle in vitro and in vivo.RESULTS Elevated HMGB3 levels were first reported in hepatocarcinogenesis, with increasing expression from normal liver to cancer. Bioinformatic databases showed that HMGB3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissues. Higher HMGB3 expression was discovered in liver cancer cells compared with LO2 cells in vitro. According to gene set enrichment analysis, HMGB3 m RNA levels were correlated with cell cycle and DNA replication pathways. Knocking down HMGB3 by specific sh RNA significantly inhibited proliferation of Hep G2 cells by cell cycle arrest and downregulating DNA replication related genes(cyclin B1, FEN1, and PCNA) at the m RNA and protein level. Furthermore, silencing HMGB3 significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth(measured by Ki67) in vivo.CONCLUSION HMGB3 is involved in malignant transformation of hepatocytes and could be a useful biomarker for diagnosis and a potential target for therapy of liver cancer.展开更多
Gastric cancer remains the third leading cause of mortality from cancer worldwide and carries a poor prognosis,due largely to late diagnosis.The importance of the interaction between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infec...Gastric cancer remains the third leading cause of mortality from cancer worldwide and carries a poor prognosis,due largely to late diagnosis.The importance of the interaction between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,the main risk factor,and host-related genetic factors has been studied intensively in recent years.The genetic predisposition for non-hereditary gastric cancer is difficult to assess,as neither the real prevalence of premalignant gastric lesions in various populations nor the environmental risk factors for cancer progression are clearly defined.For non-cardiac intestinal-type cancer,identifying the factors that modulate the progression from inflammation toward cancer is crucial in order to develop preventive strategies.The role of cytokines and their gene variants has been questioned in regard to non-self-limiting H.pylori gastritis and its evolution to gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia;the literature now includes various and non-conclusive results on this topic.The influence of the majority of cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms has been investigated for gastric cancer but not for preneoplastic gastric lesions.Among the investigated gene variants onlyIL10T-819C,IL-8-251,IL-18RAP917997,IL-22 rs1179251,IL1-B-511,IL1-B-3954,IL4R-398 and IL1RN were identified as predictors for premalignant gastric lesions risk.One of the most important limiting factors is the inhomogeneity of the studies(e.g.,the lack of data on concomitant H.pylori infection,methods used to assess preneoplastic lesions,and source population).Testing the modifying effect of H.pylori infection upon the relationship between cytokine gene variants and premalignant gastric lesions,or even testing the interaction between H.pylori and cytokine gene variants in multivariable models adjusted for potential covariates,could increase generalizability of results.展开更多
AIM： To predict the visual outcome in patients undergoing macular hole surgery by two novel three-dimensional morphological parameters on optical coherence tomography （OCT）： area ratio factor （ARF） and volume ra...AIM： To predict the visual outcome in patients undergoing macular hole surgery by two novel three-dimensional morphological parameters on optical coherence tomography （OCT）： area ratio factor （ARF） and volume ratio factor （VRF）. METHODS： A clinical case series was conducted, including 54 eyes of 54 patients with an idiopathic macular hole （IMH）. Each patient had an OCT examination before and after surgery. Morphological parameters of the macular hole, such as minimum diameter, base diameter, and height were measured. Then, the macular hole index （Mill）, tractional hole index （THI）, and hole form factor （HFF） were calculated. Meanwhile, novel postoperative macular hole （MH） factors, ARF and VRF were calculated by three-dimensional morphology. Bivariate correlations were performed to acquire asymptotic significance values between the steady best corrected visual acuity （BCVA） after surgery and 2D/3D arguments of MH by the Pearson method with two-tailed test. All significant factors were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis of SPSS software which were responsible for vision recovery. ROC curves analyses were performed to further discuss the different parameters on the prediction of visual outcome. RESULTS： The mean and standard deviation values of patients＇ age, symptoms duration, and follow-up time were 64.8＋8.9y （range： 28-81）, 18.6＋11.5d （range： 2-60）, and 11.4＋0.4mo （range： 6-24）, respectively. Steady-post-BCVA analyzed with bivariate correlations was found to be significantly correlated with base diameter （r＇0.521, P〈0.001）, minimum diameter （r=0.514, P〈0.001）, MHI （r -0.531, P〈0.001）, THI （r=-0.386, P=-0.004）, HFF （r=-0.508, P〈0.001）, and ARF （r=-0.532, P〈0.001）. Other characteristic parameters such as age, duration of surgery, height, diameter hole index, and VRF were not statistically significant with steady-post-BCVA. According to area under the curve （AUC） values, values of ARF, MHI, HFF, minimum diameter, THI, and base diameter are 0.806, 0.772, 0.750, 0.705, 0.690, and 0.686, respectively. However, Steady-post-BCVA analysis with bivariate correlations for VRF was no statistical significance. Results of ROC curve analysis indicated that the MHI value, HFF, and ARF was greater than 0.427, 1.027 and 1.558 respectively which could correlate with better visual acuity. CONCLUSION： Compared with MHI and HFF, ARF could effectively express three-dimensional characteristics of macular hole and achieve better sensitivity and specificity. Thus, ARF could be the most effective parameter to predict the visual outcome in macular hole surgery.展开更多
Backgroud： Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5a （Wnt5a） is involved in carcinogenesis.However, little data are available in Wnt5a signaling with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. In thepresent study...Backgroud： Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5a （Wnt5a） is involved in carcinogenesis.However, little data are available in Wnt5a signaling with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. In thepresent study, we investigated the expression of hepatic Wnt5a in HCC and the role of Wnt5a in HCCprogression and outcome.展开更多
AIM: To interfere with the activation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) with metformin and explore its effect in reversing multidrug resistance(MDR) of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.METHODS: Expression of P-glycopro...AIM: To interfere with the activation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) with metformin and explore its effect in reversing multidrug resistance(MDR) of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.METHODS: Expression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp) and NF-κB in human HepG 2 or HepG 2/adriamycin(ADM) cells treated with pC MV-NF-κB-small interference RNA(siR NA) with or without metformin, was analyzed by Western blot or fluorescence quantitative PCR. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and Annexin-V-PE/7-AnnexinV apoptosis detection double staining assay, respectively. RESULTS: P-gp overexpression in HepG 2 and HepG 2/ADM cells was closely related to mdr1 mR NA(3.310 ± 0.154) and NF-κB mR NA(2.580 ± 0.040) expression. NF-κB gene transcription was inhibited by specific siR NA with significant down-regulation of P-gp and enhanced HCC cell chemosensitivity to doxorubicin. After pretreatment with metformin, Hep G2/ADM cells were sensitized to doxorubicin and P-gp was decreased through the NF-κB signaling pathway. The synergistic effect of metformin and NF-κB siR NA were found in HepG 2/ADM cells with regard to proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest and inducing cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Metformin via silencing NF-κB signaling could effectively reverse MDR of HCC cells by downregulating MDR1/P-gp expression.展开更多
AIM To elucidate the prevalence and risk of mortality of nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis(LC) patients with coronary artery disease(CAD).METHODS The study cohort included newly diagnosed nonalcoholic LC patients age ≥ 40...AIM To elucidate the prevalence and risk of mortality of nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis(LC) patients with coronary artery disease(CAD).METHODS The study cohort included newly diagnosed nonalcoholic LC patients age ≥ 40 years old without a diagnosis of CAD from 2006 until 2011 from a longitudinal health insurance database. The mean follow-up period for the study cohort was 1152 ± 633 d. The control cohort was matched by sex, age, residence, and index date. Hazard ratios(HRs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS After exclusion, a total of 3409 newly diagnosed nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients were identified from one million samples from the health insurance database. We found that CAD(5.1% vs 17.4%) and hyperlipidemia(20.6% vs 24.1%) were less prevalent in nonalcoholic LC patients than in normal subjects(all P < 0.001), whereas other comorbidities exhibited an increased prevalence. Among the comorbidities, chronic kidney disease exhibited the highest risk for mortality(adjusted HR(AHR) = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.55-2.00, P < 0.001). Ascites or peritonitis exhibited the highest risk of mortality among nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients(AHR = 2.34; 95%CI: 2.06-2.65, P < 0.001). Finally, a total of 170 patients developed CAD after a diagnosis of nonalcoholic LC. The AHR of CAD in nonalcoholic LC patients was 0.56(95%CI: 0.43-0.74, P < 0.001). The six-year survival rates for nonalcoholic LC patients with and without CAD were 52% and 50%, respectively(P = 0.012). CONCLUSION We conclude that CAD was less prevalent and associated with a reduced risk of mortality in nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients.展开更多
In this study, biotinylated dextran amine （BDA） was microinjected into the left cortical motor area of the canine brain. Fluorescence microscopy results showed that a large amount of BDA-labeled pyramidal cells were...In this study, biotinylated dextran amine （BDA） was microinjected into the left cortical motor area of the canine brain. Fluorescence microscopy results showed that a large amount of BDA-labeled pyramidal cells were visible in the left cortical motor area after injection. In the left medulla oblongata, the BDA-labeled corticospinal tract was evenly distributed, with green fluorescence that had a clear boundary with the surrounding tissue. The BDA-positive corticospinal tract entered into the right lateral funiculus of the spinal cord and descended into the posterior part of the right lateral funiculus, close to the posterior horn, from cervical to sacral segments. There was a small amount of green fluorescence in the sacral segment. The distribution of BDA labeling in the canine central nervous system was consistent with the course of the corticospinal tract. Fluorescence labeling for BDA gradually diminished with time after injection. Our findings indicate that the BDA anterograde tracing technique can be used to visualize the localization and trajectory of the corticospinal tract in the canine central nervous system.展开更多
BACKGROUND Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is rapidly increasing,and NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide.With abnormal CD44 activation,the severe form of NAFLD...BACKGROUND Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is rapidly increasing,and NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide.With abnormal CD44 activation,the severe form of NAFLD can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Thus,the molecular mechanism of CD44 in NAFLD needs to be identified.AIM To investigate the relationship between CD44 activation and malignant transformation of rat hepatocytes under nonalcoholic lipid accumulation.METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat(HF)for 12 wk to entice NAFLD and then with HF plus 2-fluorenylacetamide(0.05%)to induce HCC.Rats were sacrificed every 2 wk,and subsequently divided into the groups based on liver pathological examination(hematoxylin and eosin staining):NAFLD,denaturation,precancerosis,HCC,and control.Liver CD44 mRNA was detected by OneArray.Liver fat as assessed by Oil red O staining or CD44 by immunohistochemical assay was compared with their integral optic density.Serum CD44,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,triglyceride,total cholesterol,and AFP levels were quantitatively tested.RESULTS Elevated CD44 was first reported in hepatocarcinogenesis,with increasing expression from NAFLD to HCC at the protein or mRNA level.The CD44 integral optic density values were significantly different between the control group and the NAFLD(t=25.433,P<0.001),denaturation(t=48.822,P<0.001),precancerosis(t=27.751,P<0.001),and HCC(t=16.239,P<0.001)groups,respectively.Hepatic CD44 can be secreted into the blood,and serum CD44 levels in HCC or precancerous rats were significantly higher(P<0.001)than those in any of the other rats.Positive correlations were found between liver CD44 and CD44 mRNA(rs=0.373,P=0.043)and serum CD44(rs=0.541,P=0.002)and between liver CD44 mRNA and serum CD44(rs=0.507,P=0.004).Moreover,significant correlations were found between liver CD44 and liver AFP(rs=0.572,P=0.001),between serum CD44 and serum AFP(rs=0.608,P<0.001),and between CD44 mRNA and AFP mRNA(rs=0.370,P=0.044).CONCLUSION The data suggested that increasing CD44 expression is associated with the malignant transformation of hepatocytes in NAFLD.展开更多
Background:Hepatic Golgi protein-73(GP73)expression is related to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)progression.The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic expression of GP73 mRNA and protein during hepatocytes ma...Background:Hepatic Golgi protein-73(GP73)expression is related to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)progression.The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic expression of GP73 mRNA and protein during hepatocytes malignant transformation.Methods:Human GP73 expressions in 88 HCC tissues and their self-control surrounding tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry,and survival time of HCC patients was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method.HCC model of Sprague-Dawley rats was made by diet containing 2-fluorenylacetamide.The rats were divided into the control,hepatocyte degeneration,precanceration,and HCC groups to observe GP73 protein and mRNA alterations during hepatocytes malignant transformation.Results:The GP73 expression was significantly higher in the cancerous tissues than that in the surrounding tissues,with shorter survival time,and the positive rates of GP73 protein in human HCC tissues were 53.3%at stage I,84.0%at stage II,84.6%at stage III,and 60.0%at stage IV,respectively.The positive rates of hepatic GP73 protein and mRNA in the rat models were none in the control group,66.7%and 44.4%in the hepatocytes degeneration group,88.9%and 77.8%in the hepatocytes precanceration group,and 100%in the HCC group,respectively.There was a positive correlation(r=0.91,P<0.01)between hepatic GP73 and serum GP73 during rat hepatocytes malignant transformation.Conclusions:Abnormal GP73 expression may be a sensitive and valuable biomarker in hepatocarcinogensis.展开更多
BACKGROUND： The main components of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Nao Yikang have been shown to possibly alleviate neural damage. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of Nao Yikang on expression of choline a...BACKGROUND： The main components of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Nao Yikang have been shown to possibly alleviate neural damage. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of Nao Yikang on expression of choline acetyltransferase （CHAT） and caspase-3 in the rat brains of an experimental Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） model, and to investigate the mechanisms of potential neuroprotective effects. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Nantong University between November 2006 and December 2007. MATERIALS： The main active components of Nao Yikang were as follows： prepared polygonum multiflorum, Rhizoma anemarrhenae, and Rhizoma acori tatarinowii. Nao Yikang granules were prepared by Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ibotenic acid （IBO） was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, USA, ChAT goat anti-rat antibody from Chemicon, USA, and cleaved caspase-3 rabbit anti-rat （Asp175） （5A1） antibody from Cell Signaling, USA. METHODS： A total of 60 male, Sprague Dawley rats （2 months old） were randomly assigned to 6 groups： sham-surgery, model, Nao Yikang 1.73, 3.45, 6.90 g/kg per day, and piracetam, with 10 rats in each group. Bilateral infusions of 5 pg IBO into the nucleus basalis of Meynert were performed with Hamilton syringe and stereotaxic apparatus for AD model establishment. For the sham-surgery group, rats received 1 μL saline in the identical stereotaxic position. From the second day, Nao Yikang groups were administrated 1.73, 3.45, and 6.90 g/kg per day Nao Yikang, respectively, while the piracetam group received 0.04 g/mL piracetam, the model group received 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and the sham-surgery group received normal saline. Rats were intragastrically administered 1 mL/100 g daily for 28 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Following treatment of the various solutions for 28 days, Western blot was utilized to observe ChAT expression in the frontal cortex of AD rats, and immunohistochemistry was applied to quantify caspase-3-positive cells in the frontal cortex. RESULTS： ChAT protein expression significantly decreased in the model group （P 〈 0.01）, however caspase-3 expression was significantly elevated （P 〈 0.01） compared with the sham-surgery group. Compared with the model group, ChAT protein expression increased in the Nao Yikang 1.73 g/kg per day, 3.45 g/kg per day, 6.90 g/kg per day groups, and the piracetam group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01） and the number of caspase-3-positive cells decreased in the Nao Yikang 3.45 g/kg per day and 6.90 g/kg per day groups （P 〈 0.01）. However, there was no change in the number of caspase-3-positive cells in the 3.45 g/kg per day group. CONCLUSION： The traditional Chinese medicine compound Nao Yikang increased ChAT protein expression and suppressed caspase-3 expression in the frontal cortex in a dose-dependent manner.展开更多
Quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion by myocardial blush grade(MBG) is an angiographic computer-assisted method to assess myocardial tissue-level reperfusion in patients with acute coronary syndromes and mi...Quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion by myocardial blush grade(MBG) is an angiographic computer-assisted method to assess myocardial tissue-level reperfusion in patients with acute coronary syndromes and microvascular integrity in heart transplant recipients with suspected cardiac allograft vasculopathy. This review describes the ability of quantitative MBG as a simple, fast and cost effective modality for the prompt diagnosis of impaired microvascular integrity during routine cardiac catheterization. Herein, we summarize the existing evidence, its usefulness in the clinical routine, and compare this method to other techniques which can be used for the assessment of myocardial perfusion.展开更多
Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare but important cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that may be over-looked during diagnostic endoscopy. Mortality rates are similar to those of other causes for gastrointest...Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare but important cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that may be over-looked during diagnostic endoscopy. Mortality rates are similar to those of other causes for gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis by upper endoscopy is the modal-ity of choice during acute bleeding. In the absence of active bleeding, the lesion resembles a raised nipple or visible vessel. There are no guidelines regarding effective selective therapy for DL, when diagnosed, en-doscopist experience is the major determinant of the treatment strategy. Following our strategy, an expert endoscopist with a skilled assistant should have a high rate of successful DL diagnosis when an obscured gas-trointestinal lesion is suspected. Cyanoacryltes com-pounds have been used successfully in management of Gastric varices and DLs. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports regarding use of isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate (AMCRYLATE ; Concord Drugs Ltd.,Hyderabad, India) as an effective therapy for gastric DL without serious complications. In our case study, Isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate (AMCRYLATE) was effective and safe for treating DL. Surgical wedge resection of the lesion should be considered as a therapeutic option if endoscopic therapy fails.展开更多
BACKGROUND The response to axial physiological pressure due to load transfer to the lumbar spine structures is among the various back pain mechanisms.Understanding the spine adaptation to cumulative compressive forces...BACKGROUND The response to axial physiological pressure due to load transfer to the lumbar spine structures is among the various back pain mechanisms.Understanding the spine adaptation to cumulative compressive forces can influence the choice of personalized treatment strategies.AIM To analyze the impact of axial load on the spinal canal’s size,intervertebral foramina,ligamenta flava and lumbosacral alignment.METHODS We assessed 90 patients using three-dimensional isotropic magnetic resonance imaging acquisition in a supine position with or without applying an axial compression load.Anatomical structures were measured in the lumbosacral region from L1 to S1 in lying and axially-loaded magnetic resonance images.A paired t test atα=0.05 was used to calculate the observed differences.RESULTS After axial loading,the dural sac area decreased significantly,by 5.2%on average(4.1%,6.2%,P<0.001).The intervertebral foramina decreased by 3.4%(2.7%,4.1%,P<0.001),except for L5-S1.Ligamenta flava increased by 3.8%(2.5%,5.2%,P<0.001),and the lumbosacral angle increased.CONCLUSION Axial load exacerbates the narrowing of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramina from L1-L2 to L4-L5.Cumulative compressive forces thicken ligamenta flava and exaggerate lumbar lordosis.展开更多
AIM:To investigate perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)as a potential technique for appendectomy.METHODS:One hundred patients undergoing endoscopy and 100 physicians were given a questi...AIM:To investigate perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)as a potential technique for appendectomy.METHODS:One hundred patients undergoing endoscopy and 100 physicians were given a questionnaire describing in detail the techniques of NOTES and laparoscopic appendectomy.They were asked about the reasons for their preference,choice of orifice,and extent of complication risk they were willing to accept.RESULTS:Fifty patients(50%)and only 21 physicians(21%)preferred NOTES(P<0.001).Patients had previously heard of NOTES less frequently(7%vs73%,P<0.001)and had undergone endoscopy more frequently(88%vs 36%,P<0.001)than physicians.Absence of hernia was the most common reason for NOTES preference in physicians(80%vs 44%,P= 0.003),whereas reduced pain was the most common reason in patients(66%vs 52%).Physicians were more likely to refuse NOTES as a novel and unsure technique(P<0.001)and having an increased risk of infection(P<0.001).The preferred access site in both groups was colon followed by stomach,with vagina being rarely preferred.In multivariable modeling,those with high-school education[odds ratio(OR):2.68,95% confidence interval(CI):1.23-5.83]and prior colonoscopy(OR:2.10,95%CI:1.05-4.19)were more likely to prefer NOTES over laparoscopic appendectomy.There was a steep decline in NOTES preference with increased rate of procedural complications.Male patients were more likely to consent to their wives vaginal NOTES appendectomy than male physicians(P=0.02).CONCLUSION:The preference of NOTES for appendectomy was greater in patients than physicians and was related to reduced pain and absence of hernia rather than lack of scarring.展开更多
The national lockdown policies have drastically disrupted socioeconomic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in China,which provides a unique opportunity to investigate the air quality response to such anthropogeni...The national lockdown policies have drastically disrupted socioeconomic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in China,which provides a unique opportunity to investigate the air quality response to such anthropogenic disruptions.And it is meaningful to evaluate the potential health impacts of air quality changes during the lockdown,especially for PM_(2.5) with adverse health effects.In this study,by using PM_(2.5) observations from 1388 monitor-ing stations nationwide in China,we examine the PM_(2.5) variations between the COVID-19 lockdown(February and March in 2020)and the same period in 2015-2019,and find that the national average of PM_(2.5) decreases by 18 μg/m^(3),and mean PM_(2.5) for most sites(about 75%)decrease by 30%-60%.The anthropogenic and meteorological contributions to these PM_(2.5) variations are also determined by using a stepwise multiple linear regression(MLR)model combined with the Kolmogorov-Zurbenko filter.Our results show that the change of anthropogenic emissions is a leading contributor to those widespread PM_(2.5) reductions,and meteorological conditions have the negative influence on PM_(2.5) reductions for some re-gions,such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei(BTH).Additionally,the avoided premature death due to PM_(2.5) reduction is estimated as a predicted number based on a log-linear concentration-response function.The total avoided premature death is 9952 in China,with dominant con-tribution(94%)from anthropogenic emission changes.For BTH,Yangtze River Delta,Pearl River Delta and Hubei regions,the reductions of PM_(2.5) are 24.1,24.3,13.5 and 29.5 μg/m^(3),with the avoided premature deaths of 1066,1963,454 and 583,respectively.展开更多
基金funded in part by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFC2402404)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82170351 and 82370342)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Grant Nos.BK20222002 and BK20231145)the Clinical Capacity Enhancement Project of Jiangsu Province Hospital(the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University)(Grant No.J SPH-MA-2022-3)。
文摘It is often challenging to diagnose acute myocardial infarction(AMI)in patients with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)before observing a significant rise and/or fall in hs-cTnT.The current study aimed to identify an optimal cut-off to rule in AMI.A total of 76411 patients with elevated hs-cTnT were included.The predictive cut-off values for diagnosing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)and non-STsegment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC).Among the patients,50466(66.0%)had non-cardiac diseases,25945(34.0%)had cardiac diseases,and 15502(20.3%)had AMI,including 816(1.1%)with STEMI and 14686(19.2%)with NSTEMI.The median hs-cTnT level was 3788.0 ng/L in STEMI patients and 67.2 ng/L in NSTEMI patients.The optimal cut-off for diagnosing STEMI was 251.9 ng/L,with a sensitivity of 90.7%,specificity of 86.5%,and an AUC of 0.942;the optimal cut-off for diagnosing NSTEMI was 130.5 ng/L,with a sensitivity of 40.9%,specificity of 83.8%,and an AUC of 0.638.Collectively,optimizing the cut-off values for diagnosing STEMI and NSTEMI to 251.9 ng/L and 130.5 ng/L,respectively,demonstrated high accuracy in a large cohort of Chinese patients with elevated hs-cTnT.
文摘AIM:To examine the efficacy of glycyrrhizin preparation(GL-p) in the treatment of a rat model of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS:Experimental colitis was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate.Rats with colitis were intrarectally administered GL-p or saline.The extent of colitis was evaluated based on body weight gain,colon wet weight,and macroscopic damage score.The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the inflamed mucosa were measured by cytokine antibody array analysis.The effect of GL-p on myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity in the inflamed mucosa and purified enzyme was assayed.RESULTS:GL-p treatment significantly ameliorated the extent of colitis compared to sham treatment with saline.Cytokine antibody array analysis showed that GL-p treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines,including interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2,and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the inflamed mucosa.Furthermore,GL-p inhibited the oxidative activity of mucosal and purified MPO.CONCLUSION:GL-p enema has a therapeutic effect on experimental colitis in rats and may be useful in the treatment of UC.
基金supported by National Forestry Public Welfare Industry Scientific Research Special Subsidy Project(201304502)
文摘In this study,an image binarization optimization algorithm,based on local threshold algorithms,is proposed because global and traditional local threshold segmentation algorithms cannot effectively address the problems of nonuniform backgrounds of wood defect images.The proposed algorithm calculates the threshold by the mean,standard deviation and the extreme value of the window.The results indicate that this modified algorithm enhances the image segmentation for wood defect images on a complex background,which is much superior to the global threshold algorithm and the Bernsen algorithm,and slightly better than the Niblack algorithm and Sauvola algorithm.Compared with similar models,the algorithm proposed in this paper has higher segmentation accuracy,as high as 92.6%for wood defect images with a complex background.
基金supported in part by the grants from the Projects of Jiangsu Medical Science(2013-WSW-011,2014-YY-028 and HK201102)the Qinglan and PAPD of Jiangsu Higher Education+1 种基金the Nantong Undertaking and Technological Innovation(H2014078)the International S&T Cooperation Program(2013DFA32150)of China
文摘BACKGROUND： The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular car- cinoma （HCC） is a multi-factorial, multi-step and complex process. Early diagnosis and effective treatments are of utmost importance. This review summarized the recent studies of on- cofetal glypican-3 （GPC-3）, a membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. DATA SOURCES： English-language reports published from Iune 2001 to September 2014 were searched from MEDLINE. The key words searched included： GPC-3, biomarker, target and HCC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were extracted, and the effect of GPC-3 tar- geted therapy on HCC was also evaluated. RESULTS： GPC-3 plays a crucial role in HCC cell prolifera- tion and metastasis. It mediates oncogenesis involving signal- ing pathways during hepatocyte malignant transformation. GPC-3 expression is increased in atypical hyperplasia and cancerous tissues. GPC-3 levels in HCC patients are related to HBV infection, TNM stage, periportal cancerous embolus, and extrahepatic metastasis. The diagnostic accuracy of the combination of serum GPC-3 and alpha-fetoprotein in HCC is up to 94.3%. Down-regulation of GPC-3 with specific siRNA or anti-GPC-3 antibody alters cell migration, metastasis and invasion behaviors. The nude mice xenograft tumor growth is inhibited by silencing GPC-3 gene transcription.CONCLUSION： Oncofetal GPC-3 is a highly specific biomark- er for the diagnosis of HCC and a promising target molecule for HCC gene therapy.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81673241 and No.81702419Projects of Jiangsu MedicalScience,No.BE2016698+2 种基金Jiangsu Graduate Innovation,No.KYCX17_1934Nantong Health and Family Planning Commission,No.WQ2016083National Int S&T Cooperation Program,No.2013DFA32150
文摘AIM To explore the relationship between dynamic expression of high mobility group box-3(HMGB3) and malignant transformation of hepatocytes.METHODS Expression of HMGB family proteins were observed in rat hepatocarcinogenesis models induced with 2-acetylaminofluorene. Alterations of HMGB3 were analyzed at the m RNA level by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR) and at the protein level by immunohistochemistry or Western blotting. HMGB3 in human liver cancer tissues were evaluated using bioinformatics databases from GEO, TCGA, and Oncomine. A specific HMGB3-sh RNA was used to knockdown HMGB3 expression in order to investigate its effects on proliferation and cell cycle in vitro and in vivo.RESULTS Elevated HMGB3 levels were first reported in hepatocarcinogenesis, with increasing expression from normal liver to cancer. Bioinformatic databases showed that HMGB3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissues. Higher HMGB3 expression was discovered in liver cancer cells compared with LO2 cells in vitro. According to gene set enrichment analysis, HMGB3 m RNA levels were correlated with cell cycle and DNA replication pathways. Knocking down HMGB3 by specific sh RNA significantly inhibited proliferation of Hep G2 cells by cell cycle arrest and downregulating DNA replication related genes(cyclin B1, FEN1, and PCNA) at the m RNA and protein level. Furthermore, silencing HMGB3 significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth(measured by Ki67) in vivo.CONCLUSION HMGB3 is involved in malignant transformation of hepatocytes and could be a useful biomarker for diagnosis and a potential target for therapy of liver cancer.
基金Supported by an Internal Research Grant from the University of Medicine,Pharmacy,Sciences and Technology of Targu Mure,No.615/12/17.01.2019
文摘Gastric cancer remains the third leading cause of mortality from cancer worldwide and carries a poor prognosis,due largely to late diagnosis.The importance of the interaction between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,the main risk factor,and host-related genetic factors has been studied intensively in recent years.The genetic predisposition for non-hereditary gastric cancer is difficult to assess,as neither the real prevalence of premalignant gastric lesions in various populations nor the environmental risk factors for cancer progression are clearly defined.For non-cardiac intestinal-type cancer,identifying the factors that modulate the progression from inflammation toward cancer is crucial in order to develop preventive strategies.The role of cytokines and their gene variants has been questioned in regard to non-self-limiting H.pylori gastritis and its evolution to gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia;the literature now includes various and non-conclusive results on this topic.The influence of the majority of cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms has been investigated for gastric cancer but not for preneoplastic gastric lesions.Among the investigated gene variants onlyIL10T-819C,IL-8-251,IL-18RAP917997,IL-22 rs1179251,IL1-B-511,IL1-B-3954,IL4R-398 and IL1RN were identified as predictors for premalignant gastric lesions risk.One of the most important limiting factors is the inhomogeneity of the studies(e.g.,the lack of data on concomitant H.pylori infection,methods used to assess preneoplastic lesions,and source population).Testing the modifying effect of H.pylori infection upon the relationship between cytokine gene variants and premalignant gastric lesions,or even testing the interaction between H.pylori and cytokine gene variants in multivariable models adjusted for potential covariates,could increase generalizability of results.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61675124No.81501559)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Jiangsu Province,China(No.15KJB310015)Science and Technology Foundation of Nantong Technology Bureau(No.MS12015180)
文摘AIM： To predict the visual outcome in patients undergoing macular hole surgery by two novel three-dimensional morphological parameters on optical coherence tomography （OCT）： area ratio factor （ARF） and volume ratio factor （VRF）. METHODS： A clinical case series was conducted, including 54 eyes of 54 patients with an idiopathic macular hole （IMH）. Each patient had an OCT examination before and after surgery. Morphological parameters of the macular hole, such as minimum diameter, base diameter, and height were measured. Then, the macular hole index （Mill）, tractional hole index （THI）, and hole form factor （HFF） were calculated. Meanwhile, novel postoperative macular hole （MH） factors, ARF and VRF were calculated by three-dimensional morphology. Bivariate correlations were performed to acquire asymptotic significance values between the steady best corrected visual acuity （BCVA） after surgery and 2D/3D arguments of MH by the Pearson method with two-tailed test. All significant factors were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis of SPSS software which were responsible for vision recovery. ROC curves analyses were performed to further discuss the different parameters on the prediction of visual outcome. RESULTS： The mean and standard deviation values of patients＇ age, symptoms duration, and follow-up time were 64.8＋8.9y （range： 28-81）, 18.6＋11.5d （range： 2-60）, and 11.4＋0.4mo （range： 6-24）, respectively. Steady-post-BCVA analyzed with bivariate correlations was found to be significantly correlated with base diameter （r＇0.521, P〈0.001）, minimum diameter （r=0.514, P〈0.001）, MHI （r -0.531, P〈0.001）, THI （r=-0.386, P=-0.004）, HFF （r=-0.508, P〈0.001）, and ARF （r=-0.532, P〈0.001）. Other characteristic parameters such as age, duration of surgery, height, diameter hole index, and VRF were not statistically significant with steady-post-BCVA. According to area under the curve （AUC） values, values of ARF, MHI, HFF, minimum diameter, THI, and base diameter are 0.806, 0.772, 0.750, 0.705, 0.690, and 0.686, respectively. However, Steady-post-BCVA analysis with bivariate correlations for VRF was no statistical significance. Results of ROC curve analysis indicated that the MHI value, HFF, and ARF was greater than 0.427, 1.027 and 1.558 respectively which could correlate with better visual acuity. CONCLUSION： Compared with MHI and HFF, ARF could effectively express three-dimensional characteristics of macular hole and achieve better sensitivity and specificity. Thus, ARF could be the most effective parameter to predict the visual outcome in macular hole surgery.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81673241,81401988 and 81702419)Jiangsu Medical Science(BE2016698)+2 种基金Jiangsu Government Scholarship for Overseas Studies(JS-2014-209 and JS-2014-208)Projects of Nantong Health and Family Planning Commission Fund(WQ2016083)Jiangsu Graduate Innovation of China(KYCX17_1934)
文摘Backgroud： Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5a （Wnt5a） is involved in carcinogenesis.However, little data are available in Wnt5a signaling with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. In thepresent study, we investigated the expression of hepatic Wnt5a in HCC and the role of Wnt5a in HCCprogression and outcome.
基金Supported by Projects of Jiangsu Elitist Peak in Six Fields,Nos.2013-WSN-078,2013-WSW-011,and 2014-YY-028the QingL an Program of Jiangsu Higher Education,the Youth Science Foundation of Nantong Health Department,No.WQ2014005the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program,No.2013DFA32150
文摘AIM: To interfere with the activation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) with metformin and explore its effect in reversing multidrug resistance(MDR) of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.METHODS: Expression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp) and NF-κB in human HepG 2 or HepG 2/adriamycin(ADM) cells treated with pC MV-NF-κB-small interference RNA(siR NA) with or without metformin, was analyzed by Western blot or fluorescence quantitative PCR. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and Annexin-V-PE/7-AnnexinV apoptosis detection double staining assay, respectively. RESULTS: P-gp overexpression in HepG 2 and HepG 2/ADM cells was closely related to mdr1 mR NA(3.310 ± 0.154) and NF-κB mR NA(2.580 ± 0.040) expression. NF-κB gene transcription was inhibited by specific siR NA with significant down-regulation of P-gp and enhanced HCC cell chemosensitivity to doxorubicin. After pretreatment with metformin, Hep G2/ADM cells were sensitized to doxorubicin and P-gp was decreased through the NF-κB signaling pathway. The synergistic effect of metformin and NF-κB siR NA were found in HepG 2/ADM cells with regard to proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest and inducing cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Metformin via silencing NF-κB signaling could effectively reverse MDR of HCC cells by downregulating MDR1/P-gp expression.
基金Supported by Chung Shan Medical University Hospital,Taichung,Taiwan,No.CSH-2013-C-032
文摘AIM To elucidate the prevalence and risk of mortality of nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis(LC) patients with coronary artery disease(CAD).METHODS The study cohort included newly diagnosed nonalcoholic LC patients age ≥ 40 years old without a diagnosis of CAD from 2006 until 2011 from a longitudinal health insurance database. The mean follow-up period for the study cohort was 1152 ± 633 d. The control cohort was matched by sex, age, residence, and index date. Hazard ratios(HRs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS After exclusion, a total of 3409 newly diagnosed nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients were identified from one million samples from the health insurance database. We found that CAD(5.1% vs 17.4%) and hyperlipidemia(20.6% vs 24.1%) were less prevalent in nonalcoholic LC patients than in normal subjects(all P < 0.001), whereas other comorbidities exhibited an increased prevalence. Among the comorbidities, chronic kidney disease exhibited the highest risk for mortality(adjusted HR(AHR) = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.55-2.00, P < 0.001). Ascites or peritonitis exhibited the highest risk of mortality among nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients(AHR = 2.34; 95%CI: 2.06-2.65, P < 0.001). Finally, a total of 170 patients developed CAD after a diagnosis of nonalcoholic LC. The AHR of CAD in nonalcoholic LC patients was 0.56(95%CI: 0.43-0.74, P < 0.001). The six-year survival rates for nonalcoholic LC patients with and without CAD were 52% and 50%, respectively(P = 0.012). CONCLUSION We conclude that CAD was less prevalent and associated with a reduced risk of mortality in nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients.
基金Fsupported by the Priority Academic Development Program of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions
文摘In this study, biotinylated dextran amine （BDA） was microinjected into the left cortical motor area of the canine brain. Fluorescence microscopy results showed that a large amount of BDA-labeled pyramidal cells were visible in the left cortical motor area after injection. In the left medulla oblongata, the BDA-labeled corticospinal tract was evenly distributed, with green fluorescence that had a clear boundary with the surrounding tissue. The BDA-positive corticospinal tract entered into the right lateral funiculus of the spinal cord and descended into the posterior part of the right lateral funiculus, close to the posterior horn, from cervical to sacral segments. There was a small amount of green fluorescence in the sacral segment. The distribution of BDA labeling in the canine central nervous system was consistent with the course of the corticospinal tract. Fluorescence labeling for BDA gradually diminished with time after injection. Our findings indicate that the BDA anterograde tracing technique can be used to visualize the localization and trajectory of the corticospinal tract in the canine central nervous system.
基金Supported by the Projects of the Ministry of S.and T.National Key Research and Development Program,No.2018YFC0116902the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31872738+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81673241the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81702419the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81873915the Jiangsu Medical Science of China,No.BE2016698
文摘BACKGROUND Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is rapidly increasing,and NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide.With abnormal CD44 activation,the severe form of NAFLD can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Thus,the molecular mechanism of CD44 in NAFLD needs to be identified.AIM To investigate the relationship between CD44 activation and malignant transformation of rat hepatocytes under nonalcoholic lipid accumulation.METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat(HF)for 12 wk to entice NAFLD and then with HF plus 2-fluorenylacetamide(0.05%)to induce HCC.Rats were sacrificed every 2 wk,and subsequently divided into the groups based on liver pathological examination(hematoxylin and eosin staining):NAFLD,denaturation,precancerosis,HCC,and control.Liver CD44 mRNA was detected by OneArray.Liver fat as assessed by Oil red O staining or CD44 by immunohistochemical assay was compared with their integral optic density.Serum CD44,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,triglyceride,total cholesterol,and AFP levels were quantitatively tested.RESULTS Elevated CD44 was first reported in hepatocarcinogenesis,with increasing expression from NAFLD to HCC at the protein or mRNA level.The CD44 integral optic density values were significantly different between the control group and the NAFLD(t=25.433,P<0.001),denaturation(t=48.822,P<0.001),precancerosis(t=27.751,P<0.001),and HCC(t=16.239,P<0.001)groups,respectively.Hepatic CD44 can be secreted into the blood,and serum CD44 levels in HCC or precancerous rats were significantly higher(P<0.001)than those in any of the other rats.Positive correlations were found between liver CD44 and CD44 mRNA(rs=0.373,P=0.043)and serum CD44(rs=0.541,P=0.002)and between liver CD44 mRNA and serum CD44(rs=0.507,P=0.004).Moreover,significant correlations were found between liver CD44 and liver AFP(rs=0.572,P=0.001),between serum CD44 and serum AFP(rs=0.608,P<0.001),and between CD44 mRNA and AFP mRNA(rs=0.370,P=0.044).CONCLUSION The data suggested that increasing CD44 expression is associated with the malignant transformation of hepatocytes in NAFLD.
基金This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of S&T National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC0116902)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81673241,81702419,31872738,81873915)and Project of Jiangsu Medical Science(BE2016698).
文摘Background:Hepatic Golgi protein-73(GP73)expression is related to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)progression.The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic expression of GP73 mRNA and protein during hepatocytes malignant transformation.Methods:Human GP73 expressions in 88 HCC tissues and their self-control surrounding tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry,and survival time of HCC patients was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method.HCC model of Sprague-Dawley rats was made by diet containing 2-fluorenylacetamide.The rats were divided into the control,hepatocyte degeneration,precanceration,and HCC groups to observe GP73 protein and mRNA alterations during hepatocytes malignant transformation.Results:The GP73 expression was significantly higher in the cancerous tissues than that in the surrounding tissues,with shorter survival time,and the positive rates of GP73 protein in human HCC tissues were 53.3%at stage I,84.0%at stage II,84.6%at stage III,and 60.0%at stage IV,respectively.The positive rates of hepatic GP73 protein and mRNA in the rat models were none in the control group,66.7%and 44.4%in the hepatocytes degeneration group,88.9%and 77.8%in the hepatocytes precanceration group,and 100%in the HCC group,respectively.There was a positive correlation(r=0.91,P<0.01)between hepatic GP73 and serum GP73 during rat hepatocytes malignant transformation.Conclusions:Abnormal GP73 expression may be a sensitive and valuable biomarker in hepatocarcinogensis.
基金Supported by: the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, No. BK2004048Social Development and Technology Plan of Nantong City, No. K2008009
文摘BACKGROUND： The main components of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Nao Yikang have been shown to possibly alleviate neural damage. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of Nao Yikang on expression of choline acetyltransferase （CHAT） and caspase-3 in the rat brains of an experimental Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） model, and to investigate the mechanisms of potential neuroprotective effects. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Nantong University between November 2006 and December 2007. MATERIALS： The main active components of Nao Yikang were as follows： prepared polygonum multiflorum, Rhizoma anemarrhenae, and Rhizoma acori tatarinowii. Nao Yikang granules were prepared by Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ibotenic acid （IBO） was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, USA, ChAT goat anti-rat antibody from Chemicon, USA, and cleaved caspase-3 rabbit anti-rat （Asp175） （5A1） antibody from Cell Signaling, USA. METHODS： A total of 60 male, Sprague Dawley rats （2 months old） were randomly assigned to 6 groups： sham-surgery, model, Nao Yikang 1.73, 3.45, 6.90 g/kg per day, and piracetam, with 10 rats in each group. Bilateral infusions of 5 pg IBO into the nucleus basalis of Meynert were performed with Hamilton syringe and stereotaxic apparatus for AD model establishment. For the sham-surgery group, rats received 1 μL saline in the identical stereotaxic position. From the second day, Nao Yikang groups were administrated 1.73, 3.45, and 6.90 g/kg per day Nao Yikang, respectively, while the piracetam group received 0.04 g/mL piracetam, the model group received 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and the sham-surgery group received normal saline. Rats were intragastrically administered 1 mL/100 g daily for 28 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Following treatment of the various solutions for 28 days, Western blot was utilized to observe ChAT expression in the frontal cortex of AD rats, and immunohistochemistry was applied to quantify caspase-3-positive cells in the frontal cortex. RESULTS： ChAT protein expression significantly decreased in the model group （P 〈 0.01）, however caspase-3 expression was significantly elevated （P 〈 0.01） compared with the sham-surgery group. Compared with the model group, ChAT protein expression increased in the Nao Yikang 1.73 g/kg per day, 3.45 g/kg per day, 6.90 g/kg per day groups, and the piracetam group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01） and the number of caspase-3-positive cells decreased in the Nao Yikang 3.45 g/kg per day and 6.90 g/kg per day groups （P 〈 0.01）. However, there was no change in the number of caspase-3-positive cells in the 3.45 g/kg per day group. CONCLUSION： The traditional Chinese medicine compound Nao Yikang increased ChAT protein expression and suppressed caspase-3 expression in the frontal cortex in a dose-dependent manner.
文摘Quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion by myocardial blush grade(MBG) is an angiographic computer-assisted method to assess myocardial tissue-level reperfusion in patients with acute coronary syndromes and microvascular integrity in heart transplant recipients with suspected cardiac allograft vasculopathy. This review describes the ability of quantitative MBG as a simple, fast and cost effective modality for the prompt diagnosis of impaired microvascular integrity during routine cardiac catheterization. Herein, we summarize the existing evidence, its usefulness in the clinical routine, and compare this method to other techniques which can be used for the assessment of myocardial perfusion.
文摘Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare but important cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that may be over-looked during diagnostic endoscopy. Mortality rates are similar to those of other causes for gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis by upper endoscopy is the modal-ity of choice during acute bleeding. In the absence of active bleeding, the lesion resembles a raised nipple or visible vessel. There are no guidelines regarding effective selective therapy for DL, when diagnosed, en-doscopist experience is the major determinant of the treatment strategy. Following our strategy, an expert endoscopist with a skilled assistant should have a high rate of successful DL diagnosis when an obscured gas-trointestinal lesion is suspected. Cyanoacryltes com-pounds have been used successfully in management of Gastric varices and DLs. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports regarding use of isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate (AMCRYLATE ; Concord Drugs Ltd.,Hyderabad, India) as an effective therapy for gastric DL without serious complications. In our case study, Isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate (AMCRYLATE) was effective and safe for treating DL. Surgical wedge resection of the lesion should be considered as a therapeutic option if endoscopic therapy fails.
文摘BACKGROUND The response to axial physiological pressure due to load transfer to the lumbar spine structures is among the various back pain mechanisms.Understanding the spine adaptation to cumulative compressive forces can influence the choice of personalized treatment strategies.AIM To analyze the impact of axial load on the spinal canal’s size,intervertebral foramina,ligamenta flava and lumbosacral alignment.METHODS We assessed 90 patients using three-dimensional isotropic magnetic resonance imaging acquisition in a supine position with or without applying an axial compression load.Anatomical structures were measured in the lumbosacral region from L1 to S1 in lying and axially-loaded magnetic resonance images.A paired t test atα=0.05 was used to calculate the observed differences.RESULTS After axial loading,the dural sac area decreased significantly,by 5.2%on average(4.1%,6.2%,P<0.001).The intervertebral foramina decreased by 3.4%(2.7%,4.1%,P<0.001),except for L5-S1.Ligamenta flava increased by 3.8%(2.5%,5.2%,P<0.001),and the lumbosacral angle increased.CONCLUSION Axial load exacerbates the narrowing of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramina from L1-L2 to L4-L5.Cumulative compressive forces thicken ligamenta flava and exaggerate lumbar lordosis.
基金Supported by Grant NT 11234-3 of the Czech Ministry of Healththe Institutional Research Plan AV0Z10300504
文摘AIM:To investigate perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)as a potential technique for appendectomy.METHODS:One hundred patients undergoing endoscopy and 100 physicians were given a questionnaire describing in detail the techniques of NOTES and laparoscopic appendectomy.They were asked about the reasons for their preference,choice of orifice,and extent of complication risk they were willing to accept.RESULTS:Fifty patients(50%)and only 21 physicians(21%)preferred NOTES(P<0.001).Patients had previously heard of NOTES less frequently(7%vs73%,P<0.001)and had undergone endoscopy more frequently(88%vs 36%,P<0.001)than physicians.Absence of hernia was the most common reason for NOTES preference in physicians(80%vs 44%,P= 0.003),whereas reduced pain was the most common reason in patients(66%vs 52%).Physicians were more likely to refuse NOTES as a novel and unsure technique(P<0.001)and having an increased risk of infection(P<0.001).The preferred access site in both groups was colon followed by stomach,with vagina being rarely preferred.In multivariable modeling,those with high-school education[odds ratio(OR):2.68,95% confidence interval(CI):1.23-5.83]and prior colonoscopy(OR:2.10,95%CI:1.05-4.19)were more likely to prefer NOTES over laparoscopic appendectomy.There was a steep decline in NOTES preference with increased rate of procedural complications.Male patients were more likely to consent to their wives vaginal NOTES appendectomy than male physicians(P=0.02).CONCLUSION:The preference of NOTES for appendectomy was greater in patients than physicians and was related to reduced pain and absence of hernia rather than lack of scarring.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81873915)the Ministry of Science and Technology Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFC0116902).
文摘The national lockdown policies have drastically disrupted socioeconomic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in China,which provides a unique opportunity to investigate the air quality response to such anthropogenic disruptions.And it is meaningful to evaluate the potential health impacts of air quality changes during the lockdown,especially for PM_(2.5) with adverse health effects.In this study,by using PM_(2.5) observations from 1388 monitor-ing stations nationwide in China,we examine the PM_(2.5) variations between the COVID-19 lockdown(February and March in 2020)and the same period in 2015-2019,and find that the national average of PM_(2.5) decreases by 18 μg/m^(3),and mean PM_(2.5) for most sites(about 75%)decrease by 30%-60%.The anthropogenic and meteorological contributions to these PM_(2.5) variations are also determined by using a stepwise multiple linear regression(MLR)model combined with the Kolmogorov-Zurbenko filter.Our results show that the change of anthropogenic emissions is a leading contributor to those widespread PM_(2.5) reductions,and meteorological conditions have the negative influence on PM_(2.5) reductions for some re-gions,such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei(BTH).Additionally,the avoided premature death due to PM_(2.5) reduction is estimated as a predicted number based on a log-linear concentration-response function.The total avoided premature death is 9952 in China,with dominant con-tribution(94%)from anthropogenic emission changes.For BTH,Yangtze River Delta,Pearl River Delta and Hubei regions,the reductions of PM_(2.5) are 24.1,24.3,13.5 and 29.5 μg/m^(3),with the avoided premature deaths of 1066,1963,454 and 583,respectively.
