Betula platyphylla and Betula costata are important species in mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests.However,the specific ways in which their growth is affected by warm temperatures and drought remain...Betula platyphylla and Betula costata are important species in mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests.However,the specific ways in which their growth is affected by warm temperatures and drought remain unclear.To address this issue,60 and 62 tree-ring cores of B.platyphylla and B.costata were collected in Yichun,China.Using dendrochronological methods,the response and adaptation of these species to climate change were examined.A“hysteresis effect”was found in the rings of both species,linked to May–September moisture conditions of the previous year.Radial growth of B.costata was positively correlated with the standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index(SPEI),the precipitation from September to October of the previous year,and the relative humidity in October of the previous year.Growth of B.costata is primarily restricted by moisture conditions from September to October.In contrast,B.platyphylla growth is mainly limited by minimum temperatures in May–June of both the previous and current years.After droughts,B.platyphylla had a faster recovery rate compared to B.costata.In the context of rising temperatures since 1980,the correlation between B.platyphylla growth and monthly SPEI became positive and strengthened over time,while the growth of B.costata showed no conspicuous change.Our findings suggest that the growth of B.platyphylla is already affected by warming temperatures,whereas B.costata may become limited if warming continues or intensifies.Climate change could disrupt the succession of these species,possibly accelerating the succession of pioneer species.The results of this research are of great significance for understanding how the growth changes of birch species under warming and drying conditions,and contribute to understanding the structural adaptation of mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests under climate change.展开更多
Signifcant advancements have been made in recent years in the development of highly sophisticated skin organoids.Serving as three-dimensional(3D)models that mimic human skin,these organoids have evolved into complex s...Signifcant advancements have been made in recent years in the development of highly sophisticated skin organoids.Serving as three-dimensional(3D)models that mimic human skin,these organoids have evolved into complex structures and are increasingly recognized as efective alternatives to traditional culture models and human skin due to their ability to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional(2D)systems and ethical concerns.The inherent plasticity of skin organoids allows for their construction into physiological and pathological models,enabling the study of skin development and dynamic changes.This review provides an overview of the pivotal work in the progression from 3D layered epidermis to cyst-like skin organoids with appendages.Furthermore,it highlights the latest advancements in organoid construction facilitated by state-of-the-art engineering techniques,such as 3D printing and microfuidic devices.The review also summarizes and discusses the diverse applications of skin organoids in developmental biology,disease modelling,regenerative medicine,and personalized medicine,while considering their prospects and limitations.展开更多
Background:The high incidence of gallstone recurrence was a major concern for laparoscopic gallbladderpreserving surgery.This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for gallstone recurrence after gallbladder-pres...Background:The high incidence of gallstone recurrence was a major concern for laparoscopic gallbladderpreserving surgery.This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for gallstone recurrence after gallbladder-preserving surgery and to establish an individualized nomogram model to predict the risk of gallstone recurrence.Methods:The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 183 patients who were initially diagnosed with gallstones and treated with gallbladder-preserving surgery at our hospital from January 2012 to January 2019 were retrospectively collected.The independent predictive factors for gallstone recurrence following gallbladder-preserving surgery were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.A nomogram model for the prediction of gallstone recurrence was constructed based on the selected variables.The C-index,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive power of the nomogram model for gallstone recurrence.Results:During the follow-up period,a total of 65 patients experienced gallstone recurrence,and the recurrence rate was 35.5%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the course of gallstones>2 years[odds ratio(OR)=2.567,95%confidence interval(CI):1.270-5.187,P=0.009],symptomatic gallstones(OR=2.589,95%CI:1.059-6.329,P=0.037),multiple gallstones(OR=2.436,95%CI:1.133-5.237,P=0.023),history of acute cholecystitis(OR=2.778,95%CI:1.178-6.549,P=0.020)and a greasy diet(OR=2.319,95%CI:1.186-4.535,P=0.014)were independent risk factors for gallstone recurrence after gallbladder-preserving surgery.A nomogram model for predicting the recurrence of gallstones was established based on the above five variables.The results showed that the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.692,suggesting it was valuable to predict gallstone recurrence.Moreover,the calibration curve showed good consistency between the predicted probability and actual probability.Conclusions:The nomogram model for the prediction of gallstone recurrence might help clinicians develop a proper treatment strategy for patients with gallstones.Gallbladder-preserving surgery should be cautiously considered for patients with high recurrence risks.展开更多
Objective: To analyze the effect of problem-oriented nursing intervention on patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in vascular surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 128 patients with lower e...Objective: To analyze the effect of problem-oriented nursing intervention on patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in vascular surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 128 patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery were selected and randomly divided into groups A and B, with 64 cases each. Group A is the control group, and Group B is the observation group. Group A received the routine nursing intervention, and Group B received the problem-oriented nursing intervention. The compliance, self-care ability, psychological state, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of patients were evaluated based on various indicators. Results: After the intervention, the evaluation of self-care ability (ESCA) score of the patients in Group B was higher than that of Group A, and the symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) score was lower than that of Group A. The differences were significant (t = 10.019, t = 3.118, P < 0.01). After the intervention, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) index scores of the two groups increased and the increase in Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P < 0.001). The compliance rate of Group B (62/ 96.88%) was higher than that of Group A (52/ 81.25%), and the difference was extremely significant (χ2 = 8.020, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Problem-oriented nursing intervention for patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery improved the patient’s self-care ability, and quality of life, reduced the patient’s negative emotions, and enhanced their overall satisfaction.展开更多
Background:This study aimed to review treatments and evaluate the aesthetic outcomes,complications,and reoperation rates regarding surgical correction for a postoperative contracted nose.Methods:PubMed,MEDLINE,and Emb...Background:This study aimed to review treatments and evaluate the aesthetic outcomes,complications,and reoperation rates regarding surgical correction for a postoperative contracted nose.Methods:PubMed,MEDLINE,and Embase databases were searched for studies detailing aesthetic outcomes and complications of surgical correction of a contracted nose.Surgical procedures,adjuvant treatment,outcomes,and complications were synthesized and analyzed.Results:Nine articles encompassing 376 patients were included in the systematic review,and six articles(198 participants)were included in the meta-analysis.The most frequently used graft material was the autologous rib cartilage(61.1%).Surgical procedures were heterogeneous in these studies.The nasolabial angle reduced by 9.52°(95%confidence interval(CI):(-11.95,-7.09),P<0.0001),and the nasal length increased significantly(standardized mean difference(SMD)=2.25,95%CI:(1.26,2.23),P<0.00001).However,the evidence was insufficient to determine a significant change in the columellar-labial angle(SMD=-0.95,95%CI:(-2.19,0.29),P=0.13)and columellar-lobular angle(SMD=2.39,95%CI:(-1.20,5.97),P=0.19).Aesthetic dissatisfaction(12.5%)and infection(4.5%)were the most commonly reported complications.Reoperation was performed in 5.3%of patients.Conclusion:Surgical correction can increase the nasal length,reduce the nasolabial angle,and have a low reoperation rate.No significant improvement in the columellar-labial or columellar-lobular angle was observed.展开更多
The clinical use of fat grafts for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or radiotherapy has the disadvantages of limited retention and survival rates.To solve this problem,adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)have been s...The clinical use of fat grafts for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or radiotherapy has the disadvantages of limited retention and survival rates.To solve this problem,adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)have been suggested as an alternative cell source for breast reconstruction,because they are simple to access,have low immunogenicity,and support the survival of mature adipose grafts.However,despite their outstanding properties,the use of ADSCs in patients with breast cancer is controversial,and the oncological safety of this method has been questioned.The biological effects of ADSCs on breast cancer are complex,and clinical research on ADSC-assisted fat grafting is limited.Here,we review the current experimental findings on the effects of ADSCs on breast cancer,mainly focusing on the role of ADSCs in breast cancer proliferation and growth processes,such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and angiogenesis.We also discuss the safety of ADSCs in clinical breast reconstruction.展开更多
AIM To determine a panel of serum micro RNAs(mi RNAs) that could be used as novel biomarkers for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS We initially screened 9 out of 754 serum mi RNAs by Taq Man Low Densi...AIM To determine a panel of serum micro RNAs(mi RNAs) that could be used as novel biomarkers for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS We initially screened 9 out of 754 serum mi RNAs by Taq Man Low Density Array in two pooled samples respectively from 35 HCC and 35 normal controls, and then validated individually by RT-qP CR in another 114 patients and 114 controls arranged in two phases. The changes of the selected mi RNAs after operation and their prognostic value were examined.RESULTS miR-375, miR-10 a, miR-122 and miR-423 were found to be significantly higher in HCC than in controls(P < 0.0001), and the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve for the 4-miR NA panel was 0.995(95%CI: 0.985-1). All the four mi RNAs were significantly reduced after surgical removal of the tumors(P < 0.0001), while still higher than normal controls(at least P < 0.05)CONCLUSION The four serum miR NAs(miR-375, miR-10 a, miR-122 and miR-423) could potentially serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnostic and prognostic of HCC.展开更多
AIM To understand the cellular and molecular changes inperipheral blood that can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and provide new methods for its diagnosis and treatment.METHODS Peripheral bloo...AIM To understand the cellular and molecular changes inperipheral blood that can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and provide new methods for its diagnosis and treatment.METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of HCC patients and normal controls and then analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)+ regulatory cells(Tregs) in the peripheral blood was measured, and the expression of TGF-β was also determined. Then, the relationship between the changes and the 5-year survival of patients was analyzed. In addition, recombinant human TGF-β(rh TGF-β) and recombinant human interleukin-6 were added to stimulate the cultured cells, and their effects on HCC were evaluated.RESULTS The expression of TGF-β and the percentage of TGF-β+ Tregs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients increased significantly compared with normal controls. Compared with the low TGF-β expression group, the high TGF-β expression group had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate, and the same result was found in the two TGF-β+ Treg groups, suggesting that TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs were negatively correlated with the overall survival of the patients. In addition, rh TGF-β promoted the growth of tumor cells and induced high expression levels of IL-6, which further promoted tumor proliferation.CONCLUSION The results showed that TGF-β may promote tumor growth and proliferation by inducing the production of IL-6, and TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs may serve as new markers for predicting a poor prognosis in HCC.展开更多
Objective: Memory stem T cells(Tscm) have attracted attention because of their enhanced self-renewal, multipotent capacity, and anti-tumor capacities. However, little is known about Tscm in patients with renal clear c...Objective: Memory stem T cells(Tscm) have attracted attention because of their enhanced self-renewal, multipotent capacity, and anti-tumor capacities. However, little is known about Tscm in patients with renal clear cell carcinoma(RCC) and the role of Wnt signaling in these cells. We evaluated Tscm from RCC patients concerning their activation of Wnt signaling in vitro and explored the mechanism of preferential survival.Methods: Flow cytometry identified surface markers and cytokines produced from accumulated Tscm in the presence of the glycogen synthase kinase beta inhibitor TWS119. Apoptosis was evaluated after induction using tumor necrosis factor-alpha.Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were used to investigate the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-КB)pathway.Results: RCC patients had a similar percentage of CD4^+ and CD8^+ Tscm as healthy donors. Activation of Wnt signaling by TWS119 resulted in the accumulation of Tscm in activated T cells, but reversal of differentiated T cells to Tscm was not achieved.Preferential survival of Tscm was associated with increased anti-apoptotic ability mediated downstream of the NF-КB activation pathway.Conclusions: The finding that Tscm can accumulate by Wnt signaling in vitro in blood from RCC patients will help in devising new cancer therapy strategies of Tscm-based adoptive immunotherapy, such as dendritic cell-stimulated Tscm, and T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor-engineered Tscm.展开更多
Water–sand flow triggered by rainfall is the dominant mechanism for instability and failure of sand slopes. To further analyze the stability state of sand on a slope under different rainfall conditions, the initiatio...Water–sand flow triggered by rainfall is the dominant mechanism for instability and failure of sand slopes. To further analyze the stability state of sand on a slope under different rainfall conditions, the initiation conditions and flow characteristics of water–sand flows are studied. Based on the theory of equilibrium forces and hydrological dynamics, a 1:100-scale analog model is built and verified with field observation data. The results indicate three dynamic stabilization stages of the sand slope under different weather conditions: dry sand, wet sand, and water–sand flow. Water–sand flows are triggered easilyunder short duration and heavy rainfall conditions. The rainfall threshold required to initiate water–sand flow is 4.14 mm/h. Rainfall amount and duration required to initiate water–sand flow decrease with fine sand content increasing. A sand head that develops at the front of the water–sand flow results in a flow along the edge of the sand debris flow and a ‘‘tree root’’ flow morphology. Modelingresults are consistent with theoretical analysis and field observations.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors that endangers human health.Early diagnosis is essential for improving the prognosis and survival rate of GC patients.Ring finger protein 180(...BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors that endangers human health.Early diagnosis is essential for improving the prognosis and survival rate of GC patients.Ring finger protein 180(RNF180)is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation,proliferation,apoptosis,and tumorigenesis,and aberrant hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter is strongly associated with the occurrence and development of GC.Thus,methylated RNF180 can be used as a potential biomarker for GC diagnosis.AIM To use droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(ddPCR)to quantify the methylation level of the RN180 gene.A reproducible ddPCR assay to detect methylated RNF180 from trace DNA was designed and optimized.METHODS The primer and probe were designed and selected,the conversion time of bisulfite was optimized,the ddPCR system was adjusted by primer concentration,amplification temperature and amplification cycles,and the detection limit of ddPCR was determined.RESULTS The best conversion time for blood DNA was 2 h 10 min,and that for plasma DNA was 2 h 10 min and 2 h 30 min.The results of ddPCR were better when the amplification temperature was 56°C and the number of amplification cycles was 50.Primer concentrations showed little effect on the assay outcome.Therefore,the primer concentration could be adjusted according to the reaction system and DNA input.The assay required at least 0.1 ng of input DNA.CONCLUSION In summary,a ddPCR assay was established to detect methylated RNF180,which is expected to be a new diagnostic biomarker for GC.展开更多
基金the Key Project of the China National Key Research and Development Program(2021YFD2200401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42177421 and 41877426)。
文摘Betula platyphylla and Betula costata are important species in mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests.However,the specific ways in which their growth is affected by warm temperatures and drought remain unclear.To address this issue,60 and 62 tree-ring cores of B.platyphylla and B.costata were collected in Yichun,China.Using dendrochronological methods,the response and adaptation of these species to climate change were examined.A“hysteresis effect”was found in the rings of both species,linked to May–September moisture conditions of the previous year.Radial growth of B.costata was positively correlated with the standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index(SPEI),the precipitation from September to October of the previous year,and the relative humidity in October of the previous year.Growth of B.costata is primarily restricted by moisture conditions from September to October.In contrast,B.platyphylla growth is mainly limited by minimum temperatures in May–June of both the previous and current years.After droughts,B.platyphylla had a faster recovery rate compared to B.costata.In the context of rising temperatures since 1980,the correlation between B.platyphylla growth and monthly SPEI became positive and strengthened over time,while the growth of B.costata showed no conspicuous change.Our findings suggest that the growth of B.platyphylla is already affected by warming temperatures,whereas B.costata may become limited if warming continues or intensifies.Climate change could disrupt the succession of these species,possibly accelerating the succession of pioneer species.The results of this research are of great significance for understanding how the growth changes of birch species under warming and drying conditions,and contribute to understanding the structural adaptation of mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests under climate change.
基金suppor ted by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFA1104800)the Beijing Nova Program(20220484100)+6 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81873939)the Open Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease,Fuwai Hospital(2022KF-04)the Clinical Medicine Plus X-Young Scholars Projec t,Pek ing Universit y(PKU2022LCXQ003)the Emerging Engineering InterdisciplinaryYoung Scholars Project,Peking University,the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(PKU2023XGK011)the Open Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering,Southeast University(2023K-01)the Open Research Fund of Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorder Related Cardiovascular Disease,Beijing,China(DXWL2023-01)the Science and Technology Bureau Foundation Application Project of Changzhou(CJ20220118)。
文摘Signifcant advancements have been made in recent years in the development of highly sophisticated skin organoids.Serving as three-dimensional(3D)models that mimic human skin,these organoids have evolved into complex structures and are increasingly recognized as efective alternatives to traditional culture models and human skin due to their ability to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional(2D)systems and ethical concerns.The inherent plasticity of skin organoids allows for their construction into physiological and pathological models,enabling the study of skin development and dynamic changes.This review provides an overview of the pivotal work in the progression from 3D layered epidermis to cyst-like skin organoids with appendages.Furthermore,it highlights the latest advancements in organoid construction facilitated by state-of-the-art engineering techniques,such as 3D printing and microfuidic devices.The review also summarizes and discusses the diverse applications of skin organoids in developmental biology,disease modelling,regenerative medicine,and personalized medicine,while considering their prospects and limitations.
文摘Background:The high incidence of gallstone recurrence was a major concern for laparoscopic gallbladderpreserving surgery.This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for gallstone recurrence after gallbladder-preserving surgery and to establish an individualized nomogram model to predict the risk of gallstone recurrence.Methods:The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 183 patients who were initially diagnosed with gallstones and treated with gallbladder-preserving surgery at our hospital from January 2012 to January 2019 were retrospectively collected.The independent predictive factors for gallstone recurrence following gallbladder-preserving surgery were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.A nomogram model for the prediction of gallstone recurrence was constructed based on the selected variables.The C-index,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive power of the nomogram model for gallstone recurrence.Results:During the follow-up period,a total of 65 patients experienced gallstone recurrence,and the recurrence rate was 35.5%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the course of gallstones>2 years[odds ratio(OR)=2.567,95%confidence interval(CI):1.270-5.187,P=0.009],symptomatic gallstones(OR=2.589,95%CI:1.059-6.329,P=0.037),multiple gallstones(OR=2.436,95%CI:1.133-5.237,P=0.023),history of acute cholecystitis(OR=2.778,95%CI:1.178-6.549,P=0.020)and a greasy diet(OR=2.319,95%CI:1.186-4.535,P=0.014)were independent risk factors for gallstone recurrence after gallbladder-preserving surgery.A nomogram model for predicting the recurrence of gallstones was established based on the above five variables.The results showed that the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.692,suggesting it was valuable to predict gallstone recurrence.Moreover,the calibration curve showed good consistency between the predicted probability and actual probability.Conclusions:The nomogram model for the prediction of gallstone recurrence might help clinicians develop a proper treatment strategy for patients with gallstones.Gallbladder-preserving surgery should be cautiously considered for patients with high recurrence risks.
文摘Objective: To analyze the effect of problem-oriented nursing intervention on patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in vascular surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 128 patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery were selected and randomly divided into groups A and B, with 64 cases each. Group A is the control group, and Group B is the observation group. Group A received the routine nursing intervention, and Group B received the problem-oriented nursing intervention. The compliance, self-care ability, psychological state, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of patients were evaluated based on various indicators. Results: After the intervention, the evaluation of self-care ability (ESCA) score of the patients in Group B was higher than that of Group A, and the symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) score was lower than that of Group A. The differences were significant (t = 10.019, t = 3.118, P < 0.01). After the intervention, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) index scores of the two groups increased and the increase in Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P < 0.001). The compliance rate of Group B (62/ 96.88%) was higher than that of Group A (52/ 81.25%), and the difference was extremely significant (χ2 = 8.020, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Problem-oriented nursing intervention for patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery improved the patient’s self-care ability, and quality of life, reduced the patient’s negative emotions, and enhanced their overall satisfaction.
基金supported by the Key Clinical Projects of Peking University Third Hospital(grant no.BYSYZD2019013)。
文摘Background:This study aimed to review treatments and evaluate the aesthetic outcomes,complications,and reoperation rates regarding surgical correction for a postoperative contracted nose.Methods:PubMed,MEDLINE,and Embase databases were searched for studies detailing aesthetic outcomes and complications of surgical correction of a contracted nose.Surgical procedures,adjuvant treatment,outcomes,and complications were synthesized and analyzed.Results:Nine articles encompassing 376 patients were included in the systematic review,and six articles(198 participants)were included in the meta-analysis.The most frequently used graft material was the autologous rib cartilage(61.1%).Surgical procedures were heterogeneous in these studies.The nasolabial angle reduced by 9.52°(95%confidence interval(CI):(-11.95,-7.09),P<0.0001),and the nasal length increased significantly(standardized mean difference(SMD)=2.25,95%CI:(1.26,2.23),P<0.00001).However,the evidence was insufficient to determine a significant change in the columellar-labial angle(SMD=-0.95,95%CI:(-2.19,0.29),P=0.13)and columellar-lobular angle(SMD=2.39,95%CI:(-1.20,5.97),P=0.19).Aesthetic dissatisfaction(12.5%)and infection(4.5%)were the most commonly reported complications.Reoperation was performed in 5.3%of patients.Conclusion:Surgical correction can increase the nasal length,reduce the nasolabial angle,and have a low reoperation rate.No significant improvement in the columellar-labial or columellar-lobular angle was observed.
基金supported by the Key Clinical Projects of Peking University Third Hospital(grant no.BYSYZD2019013)。
文摘The clinical use of fat grafts for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or radiotherapy has the disadvantages of limited retention and survival rates.To solve this problem,adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)have been suggested as an alternative cell source for breast reconstruction,because they are simple to access,have low immunogenicity,and support the survival of mature adipose grafts.However,despite their outstanding properties,the use of ADSCs in patients with breast cancer is controversial,and the oncological safety of this method has been questioned.The biological effects of ADSCs on breast cancer are complex,and clinical research on ADSC-assisted fat grafting is limited.Here,we review the current experimental findings on the effects of ADSCs on breast cancer,mainly focusing on the role of ADSCs in breast cancer proliferation and growth processes,such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and angiogenesis.We also discuss the safety of ADSCs in clinical breast reconstruction.
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2016YFC0106604National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81502591
文摘AIM To determine a panel of serum micro RNAs(mi RNAs) that could be used as novel biomarkers for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS We initially screened 9 out of 754 serum mi RNAs by Taq Man Low Density Array in two pooled samples respectively from 35 HCC and 35 normal controls, and then validated individually by RT-qP CR in another 114 patients and 114 controls arranged in two phases. The changes of the selected mi RNAs after operation and their prognostic value were examined.RESULTS miR-375, miR-10 a, miR-122 and miR-423 were found to be significantly higher in HCC than in controls(P < 0.0001), and the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve for the 4-miR NA panel was 0.995(95%CI: 0.985-1). All the four mi RNAs were significantly reduced after surgical removal of the tumors(P < 0.0001), while still higher than normal controls(at least P < 0.05)CONCLUSION The four serum miR NAs(miR-375, miR-10 a, miR-122 and miR-423) could potentially serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnostic and prognostic of HCC.
基金Supported by the National Key R and D Program of China,No.2016YFC0106604the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81502591
文摘AIM To understand the cellular and molecular changes inperipheral blood that can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and provide new methods for its diagnosis and treatment.METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of HCC patients and normal controls and then analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)+ regulatory cells(Tregs) in the peripheral blood was measured, and the expression of TGF-β was also determined. Then, the relationship between the changes and the 5-year survival of patients was analyzed. In addition, recombinant human TGF-β(rh TGF-β) and recombinant human interleukin-6 were added to stimulate the cultured cells, and their effects on HCC were evaluated.RESULTS The expression of TGF-β and the percentage of TGF-β+ Tregs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients increased significantly compared with normal controls. Compared with the low TGF-β expression group, the high TGF-β expression group had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate, and the same result was found in the two TGF-β+ Treg groups, suggesting that TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs were negatively correlated with the overall survival of the patients. In addition, rh TGF-β promoted the growth of tumor cells and induced high expression levels of IL-6, which further promoted tumor proliferation.CONCLUSION The results showed that TGF-β may promote tumor growth and proliferation by inducing the production of IL-6, and TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs may serve as new markers for predicting a poor prognosis in HCC.
基金supported by grants from the National Science and Technology Support Project (Grant No. 2015BAI12B12)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81401887)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81470293)the Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 14JCQNJC11500)
文摘Objective: Memory stem T cells(Tscm) have attracted attention because of their enhanced self-renewal, multipotent capacity, and anti-tumor capacities. However, little is known about Tscm in patients with renal clear cell carcinoma(RCC) and the role of Wnt signaling in these cells. We evaluated Tscm from RCC patients concerning their activation of Wnt signaling in vitro and explored the mechanism of preferential survival.Methods: Flow cytometry identified surface markers and cytokines produced from accumulated Tscm in the presence of the glycogen synthase kinase beta inhibitor TWS119. Apoptosis was evaluated after induction using tumor necrosis factor-alpha.Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were used to investigate the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-КB)pathway.Results: RCC patients had a similar percentage of CD4^+ and CD8^+ Tscm as healthy donors. Activation of Wnt signaling by TWS119 resulted in the accumulation of Tscm in activated T cells, but reversal of differentiated T cells to Tscm was not achieved.Preferential survival of Tscm was associated with increased anti-apoptotic ability mediated downstream of the NF-КB activation pathway.Conclusions: The finding that Tscm can accumulate by Wnt signaling in vitro in blood from RCC patients will help in devising new cancer therapy strategies of Tscm-based adoptive immunotherapy, such as dendritic cell-stimulated Tscm, and T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor-engineered Tscm.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grants Nos. 41662020 and 41462012)
文摘Water–sand flow triggered by rainfall is the dominant mechanism for instability and failure of sand slopes. To further analyze the stability state of sand on a slope under different rainfall conditions, the initiation conditions and flow characteristics of water–sand flows are studied. Based on the theory of equilibrium forces and hydrological dynamics, a 1:100-scale analog model is built and verified with field observation data. The results indicate three dynamic stabilization stages of the sand slope under different weather conditions: dry sand, wet sand, and water–sand flow. Water–sand flows are triggered easilyunder short duration and heavy rainfall conditions. The rainfall threshold required to initiate water–sand flow is 4.14 mm/h. Rainfall amount and duration required to initiate water–sand flow decrease with fine sand content increasing. A sand head that develops at the front of the water–sand flow results in a flow along the edge of the sand debris flow and a ‘‘tree root’’ flow morphology. Modelingresults are consistent with theoretical analysis and field observations.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2020YFC2002700the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81972010+1 种基金the CAMS Initiative for Innovative Medicine,No.2016-I2M-1-007the Science Developing Funds of Navy General Hospital,No.CXPY201810.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors that endangers human health.Early diagnosis is essential for improving the prognosis and survival rate of GC patients.Ring finger protein 180(RNF180)is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation,proliferation,apoptosis,and tumorigenesis,and aberrant hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter is strongly associated with the occurrence and development of GC.Thus,methylated RNF180 can be used as a potential biomarker for GC diagnosis.AIM To use droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(ddPCR)to quantify the methylation level of the RN180 gene.A reproducible ddPCR assay to detect methylated RNF180 from trace DNA was designed and optimized.METHODS The primer and probe were designed and selected,the conversion time of bisulfite was optimized,the ddPCR system was adjusted by primer concentration,amplification temperature and amplification cycles,and the detection limit of ddPCR was determined.RESULTS The best conversion time for blood DNA was 2 h 10 min,and that for plasma DNA was 2 h 10 min and 2 h 30 min.The results of ddPCR were better when the amplification temperature was 56°C and the number of amplification cycles was 50.Primer concentrations showed little effect on the assay outcome.Therefore,the primer concentration could be adjusted according to the reaction system and DNA input.The assay required at least 0.1 ng of input DNA.CONCLUSION In summary,a ddPCR assay was established to detect methylated RNF180,which is expected to be a new diagnostic biomarker for GC.