Effects of Bisphenol A and Its Substitute, Bisphenol F, on the Gut Microbiota in Mice

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of bisphenol A(BPA)and its substitute,bisphenol F(BPF),on the colonic fecal community structure and function of mice.Methods We exposed 6–8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice to 5 mg/(kg∙day)and 50μg/(kg∙day)of BPA or BPF for 14 days.Fecal samples from the colon were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.Results Gut microbiome community richness and diversity,species composition,and function were significantly altered in mice exposed to BPA or BPF.This change was characterized by elevated levels of Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 and Oscillibacter and decreased levels of Prevotella 9 and Streptococcus.Additionally,pathways related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism showed substantial enrichment.Conclusion Mice exposed to different BP analogs exhibited distinct gut bacterial community richness,composition,and related metabolic pathways.Considering the essential role of gut bacteria in maintaining intestinal homeostasis,our study highlights the intestinal toxicity of BPs in vertebrates.

Visual analysis of abdominal aortitis treatment using the CiteSpace bibliometric method

BACKGROUND Abdominal aortitis can induce aneurysms,and tumor rupture can lead to organ ischemia or even sudden death.At present,there is a lack of extensive understanding and identification of key problems in the treatment of abdominal aortitis,which needs to be further analyzed using bibliometric analysis.AIM To discuss the research hotspot and development trend of abdominal aortitis treatment.METHODS We searched the English literature(published from January 1,2000 to March 12,2024)on the treatment of abdominal aortitis in the Web of Science database.Then,we identified and screened duplicate literature using CiteSpace 6.1R2 software.We conducted an analysis of the number of papers,a co-occurrence analysis of the authors and institutions,and co-occurrence and cluster analyses of the keywords.Then,we drew the author,institution,and keywords of the studies into graphs for visualization.Finally,we expounded on the author,institutional network interactions,and hot keywords of the studies on the treatment of abdominal aortitis.RESULTS We included 210 English literature articles involving 190 authors;the author cooperation team was mainly represented by Caradu Caroline,Berard Xavier,Lu Guanyi,Harada Kenichi,and Sharma Ashish K.In the keyword analysis,highfrequency keywords include abdominal aortic aneurysm(38),abdominal aorta(24),Takayasu arteritis(22),etc.The three most central keywords were disease(0.69),classification(0.68),and abdominal aortic aneurysm(0.55).The first nine clusters of keywords are case report,abdominal aortic aneurysm,Takayasu arteritis,dyspnea hematuria,aortic elastic,IgG4-related disease,report,mid aortic dysplastic syndrome,and statin.In the keyword emergent analysis,14 emergent words were obtained.Among them,seven keywords with strong abruptness were Takayasu arteritis,abdominal aortic aneurysm,disease,retroperitoneal fibrosis,expression,management,and large vessel vasculitis.In the past 3 years,the incidences of abdominal aortic aneurysm(intensity:4.62)and inflammation(intensity:1.99)were higher.CONCLUSION The number of published papers is on the increase,but the cooperation among authors is scattered.The research focus is mainly on the pathogenesis and treatment of abdominal aortitis-related diseases.

MicroRNA-298 determines the radio-resistance of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy stands as a promising therapeutic modality for colorectal cancer(CRC);yet,the formidable challenge posed by radio-resistance significantly undermines its efficacy in achieving CRC remission.AIM To elucidate the role played by microRNA-298(miR-298)in CRC radio-resistance.METHODS To establish a radio-resistant CRC cell line,HT-29 cells underwent exposure to 5 gray ionizing radiation that was followed by a 7-d recovery period.The quantification of miR-298 levels within CRC cells was conducted through quantitative RT-PCR,and protein expression determination was realized through Western blotting.Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and proliferation by clonogenic assay.Radio-induced apoptosis was discerned through flow cytometry analysis.RESULTS We observed a marked upregulation of miR-298 in radio-resistant CRC cells.MiR-298 emerged as a key determinant of cell survival following radiation exposure,as its overexpression led to a notable reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis.Intriguingly,miR-298 expression exhibited a strong correlation with CRC cell viability.Further investigation unveiled human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A(DYRK1A)as miR-298’s direct target.CONCLUSION Taken together,our findings underline the role played by miR-298 in bolstering radio-resistance in CRC cells by means of DYRK1A downregulation,thereby positioning miR-298 as a promising candidate for mitigating radioresistance in CRC.

Surgical treatment of an old avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus: A case report

BACKGROUND Avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity is a relatively clinically rare type of trauma that is mainly incurred by adolescents during competitive sports activities.According to previous literature,the most commonly involved sports are soccer,sprinting,and gymnastics,in descending order.Dance-induced avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus is extremely clinically rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a neglected avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus was diagnosed in a young female dancer who complained of pain and restricted movement of her right hip.She stated that she had suffered the injury while performing a split leap during a dance performance 9 mo prior.Eventually,she underwent surgery and obtained satisfactory treatment results.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of these fractures is important to ensuring early proper treatment towards a quicker recovery.For old fractures with nonunion and chronic buttock pain,surgery is a preferred therapeutic choice with good treatment outcomes.

Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and central corneal thickness in Guangxi Maonan and Han adolescent students of China

AIM: To investigate the corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and central corneal thickness in the Guangxi Maonan and Han adolescent students of China.METHODS: Noncontact specular microscope(Topcon SP3000 P, Tokyo, Japan) was performed in 133 adolescent students of Maonan nationality(M:F 54:79)and 105 adolescent students of Han nationality(M:F 50:55),5 to 20 y of age, who were randomly selected from 3schools in Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China.Parameters studied included endothelial cell density,mean cell area, coefficient of variation in cell size,percentage hexagonality and central corneal thickness. RESULTS: Endothelial cell density, mean cell area,coefficient of variation in cell size, percentage hexagonality and central corneal thickness in the study population were(2969.50 ±253.93) cells/mm2,(339.23 ±29.44) μm2,(29.96 ±4.07) %,(64.58 ±9.41) % and(523.71 ±32.82) μm in Maonan and(2998.26 ±262.65) cells/mm2,(336.11±30.07) μm2,(29.89±5.03) %,(64.91±11.64) % and(524.39 ±33.15) μm in Han, respectively. No significant differences were observed in endothelial cell density,mean cell area, coefficient of variation in cell size,percentage hexagonality and central corneal thickness between Maonan and Han(P =0.615, 0.659, 0.528, 0.551,0.999). In Maonan and Han, we found age was negatively correlated with endothelial cell density and percentagehexagonality and positively correlated with mean cell area and coefficient of variation in cell size. Negative correlation was also found between central corneal thickness and age in Han, whereas no correlation was found in Maonan. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between Maonan and Han in corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and central corneal thickness. In these two nationalities, there were statistically significant decrease in endothelial cell density and percentage hexagonality with increasing age and statistically significant increase in cell area and coefficient of variation in cell size with increasing age. Central corneal thinned with increasing age in Han, whereas difference did not attain statistical significance in Maonan.

Identification of the key genes and mechanisms associated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial embolisation(TACE)is the primary treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients while some HCC cases have shown resistance to TACE.AIM To investigate the key genes and potential mechanisms correlated with TACE refractoriness in HCC.METHODS The microarray datasets of TACE-treated HCC tissues,HCC and non-HCC tissues were collected by searching multiple public databases.The respective differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were attained via limma R package.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed for identifying the significant modules related to TACE non-response.TACE refractoriness-related genes were obtained by intersecting up-regulated TACE-associated and HCC-associated DEGs together with the genes in significant modules related to TACE nonresponse.The key genes expression in the above two pairs of samples was compared respectively via Wilcoxon tests and standard mean differences model.The prognostic value of the key genes was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve.Multivariate analysis was utilised to investigate the independent prognostic factor in key genes.Single-cell RNA(scRNA)sequencing analysis was conducted to explore the cell types in HCC.TACE refractoriness-related genes activity was calculated via AUCell packages.The CellChat R package was used for the investigation of the cell–cell communication between the identified cell types.RESULTS HCC tissues of TACE non-responders(n=66)and TACE responders(n=81),HCC(n=3941)and non-HCC(n=3443)tissues were obtained.The five key genes,DLG associated protein 5(DLGAP5),Kinesin family member 20A(KIF20A),Assembly factor for spindle microtubules(ASPM),Kinesin family member 11(KIF11)and TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor(TPX2)in TACE refractoriness-related genes,were identified.The five key genes were all up-regulated in the TACE non-responders group and the HCC group.High expression of the five key genes predicted poor prognosis in HCC.Among the key genes,TPX2 was an independent prognostic factor.Four cell types,hepatocytes,embryonic stem cells,T cells and B cells,were identified in the HCC tissues.The TACE refractoriness-related genes expressed primarily in hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells.Hepatocytes,as the providers of ligands,had the strongest interaction with embryonic stem cells that provided receptors.CONCLUSION Five key genes(DLGAP5,KIF20A,ASPM,KIF11 and TPX2)were identified as promoting refractory TACE.Hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells were likely to boost TACE refractoriness.

What enlightenment has the development of lung cancer bone metastasis brought in the last 22 years

BACKGROUND Lung cancer bone metastasis(LCBM)is a disease with a poor prognosis,high risk and large patient population.Although considerable scientific output has accumulated on LCBM,problems have emerged,such as confusing research structures.AIM To organize the research frontiers and body of knowledge of the studies on LCBM from the last 22 years according to their basic research and translation,clinical treatment,and clinical diagnosis to provide a reference for the development of new LCBM clinical and basic research.METHODS We used tools,including R,VOSviewer and CiteSpace software,to measure and visualize the keywords and other metrics of 1903 articles from the Web of Science Core Collection.We also performed enrichment and proteinprotein interaction analyses of gene expression datasets from LCBM cases worldwide.RESULTS Research on LCBM has received extensive attention from scholars worldwide over the last 20 years.Targeted therapies and immunotherapies have evolved into the mainstream basic and clinical research directions.The basic aspects of drug resistance mechanisms and parathyroid hormone-related protein may provide new ideas for mechanistic study and improvements in LCBM prognosis.The produced molecular map showed that ribosomes and focal adhesion are possible pathways that promote LCBM occurrence.CONCLUSION Novel therapies for LCBM face animal testing and drug resistance issues.Future focus should centre on advancing clinical therapies and researching drug resistance mechanisms and ribosome-related pathways.

What are the changes in the hotspots and frontiers of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma over the past decade?

BACKGROUND Emerging research suggests that microRNAs(miRNAs)play an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).A comprehensive analysis of recent research concerning miRNAs in HCC development could provide researchers with a valuable reference for further studies.AIM To make a comprehensive analysis of recent studies concerning miRNAs in HCC.METHODS All relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database.Bibliometrix software,VOSviewer software and CiteSpace software were used to visually analyze the distribution by time,countries,institutions,journals,and authors,as well as the keywords,burst keywords and thematic map.RESULTS A total of 9426 publications on this topic were found worldwide.According to the keywords analysis,we found that the studies of miRNAs focused on their expression level,effects,and mechanisms on the biological behaviour of HCC.Keywords bursting analysis showed that in the early years(2013–2017),“micro-RNA expression”,“gene expression”,“expression profile”,“functional polymorphism”,“circulating microRNA”,“susceptibility”and“mir 21”started to attract attention.In the latest phase(2018–2022),the hot topics turned to“sorafenib resistance”,“tumor microenvironment”and so on.CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in HCC development based on bibliometric analysis.The hotspots in this field focus on miRNAs expression level,effects,and mechanisms on the biological behavior of HCC.The frontiers turned to sorafenib resistance,tumor microenvironment and so on.

Comparison of the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomies and of abdominal hysterectomies： a case study of 4,895 patients in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Background： To evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic hysterectomy （LH） compared with abdominal hysterectomy （AH） in case of benign gynecological disease. Methods： A multi-center cohort retrospective comparative study of population among 4,895 hysterectomies （3,539 LH vs.1,356 AH） between 2007 and 2013 was involved. Operative time （OT）, estimated blood loss （EBL）, intra-operative and post-operative complications, passing flatus; days with indwelling catheter, questionnaires covering pelvic floor functions and sexual functions were assessed. Results： The EBL （174.1±157.4 vs. 263.1±183.2 cc, LH and AH groups, respectively）, passing flatus （38.7±14.1 vs. 48.1±13.2 hours）, days with indwelling catheter （1.5±0.6 vs. 2.2±0.8 days）, use of analgesics （6.5% vs. 73.1%）, intra-operative complication rate （2.4% vs. 4.1%）, post-operative complication rate （2.3 % vs. 5.7%）, post-operative constipation （12.1% vs. 24.6%）, mild and serious stress urinary incontinence （SUI） post-operative （P〈0.001; P=0.014）, and proportion of Female Sexual Functioning Index （FSFI） total score 〈26.55 post-operative （P〈0.001） of the LH group were significantly less than those of AH group. There were no significant differences in OT （106.5±34.5 vs. 106.2±40.3 min） between the two groups. Conclusions： LH is a safe and efficient operation for improving patients＇ long-term quality of life （QoL）, and LH is a cost-effectiveness procedure for treating benign gynecological disease. LH is superior to AH due to reduced EBL, reduced post-operative pain and earlier passing flatus.

Investigation and Analysis of the Status Quo of Prevention and Control Practices of Catheter-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in Guangxi, China

The prevention and control of catheter line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) have become the key content of medical care and have become the core improvement goal of nursing quality control. However, the prevention and control status of CLABSI in hospitals of different grades in Guangxi is not clear. In this study, we aim to investigate central venous catheter (CVC) placement and disinfectant use in second and third-level hospitals in Guangxi. This survey was conducted on the second and third-level hospitals in Guangxi, China from 13th April 2021 to 19th April 2021. The results show that a total of 283 questionnaires were collected, including 206 secondary hospitals and 77 tertiary hospitals. In terms of the CVC, tertiary hospitals were able to place CVC entirely under the guidance of B-ultrasound, which was 24 (31.6%) and secondary hospitals were 26 (20.6%). In secondary hospitals, Most CVC placements were performed in operating rooms 94 (74.6%) and 65 (85.5%) on the third level hospital, but 32.5% of secondary hospitals and 48.7% of tertiary hospitals were selected at the bedside of patients in general wards, and 27.8% of the second-level hospital, 43.4% of third-level hospitals was done in general ward treatment rooms, only 61.9% of secondary hospitals and 64.5% of tertiary hospitals could fully achieve the maximum sterile barrier. In terms of skin disinfectants, only 36.0% of tertiary hospitals and 16.4% of second-level CVC-operators chose > 0.5% chlorhexidine alcohol. In conclusion, the prevention and control of catheter line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in Guangxi are not ideal. The prevention and control department should increase training, implement guidelines and standardize management to reduce the incidence of CLABSI.

Comparison of different surrogate markers of muscle mass for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer

Background:This study compared the validity of the creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio(CCR),sarcopenia index(SI),and relative skeletalmuscle index(RSMI)as predictors of sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)and explored their impact on the patient prognosis.Methods:We retrospectively studied patients with CRC who underwent surgical intervention at the Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery,situatedwithin the First Affiliated Hospital of GuangxiMedical University.The investigation spanned from January 2015 to December 2017,encompassing a cohort of patients subject to surgical management forCRC during this period.Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the relationships between the CCR,SI,RSMI,and skeletal muscle index(SMI)and the patient prognosis.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated to evaluate the predictive precision of these biomarkers and ascertain the optimal cutoff values.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to pinpoint the independent factors linked with sarcopenia.Survival analyses,contingent on different surrogate markers of muscle mass and sarcopenia,were performed utilizing the Kaplan-Meier method alongside the log-rank test.Results:Weenrolled 815 patientswithCRC(522 male and 293 female patients)whowere eligible for the analysis.In accordancewith the guidelines set forth by the International Consensus on Sarcopenia,sarcopenia was diagnosed in a collective total of 503 patients.A Pearson’s correlation coefficient(r)analysis demonstrated that the CCR,SI,and RSMI were positively correlated with the SMI.In both male and female patients,the RSMI(male:r=0.400,P<0.001;female:r=0.640,P<0.001)was more strongly correlated with the SMI than with the CCR(male:r=0.203,P<0.001;female:r=0.192,P<0.001)or SI(male:r=0.335,P<0.001;female:r=0.285,P<0.001).In male patients,the areas under the ROC curves(AUC)for the CCR,SI,and RSMI were 0.596[(95%confidence interval(CI)=0.545-0.647)],0.648(95%CI=0.599-0.698),and 0.681(95%CI=0.629-0.733),respectively.In female patients,the AUC for the CCR,SI,and RSMI were 0.615(95%CI=0.551-0.680),0.660(95%CI=0.598-0.722),and 0.772(95%CI=0.719-0.825),respectively.A multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the CCR remained an influential factor for sarcopenia after correcting for confounding[odds ratio(OR)=0.993,95%CI=0.986-1.000,P=0.038].The SI and RSMI also remained influential factors for sarcopenia after correcting for confounding factors(OR=0.983,95%CI=0.972-0.994,P=0.002;and OR=0.401,95%CI=0.320-0.502,P<0.001,respectively).The groups characterized by low CCR and SI demonstrated notably reduced overall survival compared with their counterparts with high CCR and SI(P=0.007 and P=0.001,respectively),whereas the RSMI and sarcopenia did not exhibit a significant correlation with survival(P=0.608 and P=0.062,respectively).Conclusions:The CCR,SI,and RSMI all have predictive value for sarcopenia in patients with CRC.TheRSMI was a better predictor of sarcopenia than either the CCR or SI in both male and female patientswith CRC.However,the RSMI did not have any significant value for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC.Subsequent prospective investigations are warranted to elucidate a superiormarker or amalgamation thereof,capable of accurately prognosticating sarcopenia and the overall prognosis in individuals diagnosed with CRC.Such studies should aim to meticulously evaluate a comprehensive array of potential markers,considering their individual and collective predictive value in delineating the clinical trajectory of CRC patients.By conducting rigorous prospective analyses,researchers can strive to uncover novel insights into the complex interplay between sarcopenia and CRC outcomes,thereby facilitating the development of more precise prognostic models and tailored therapeutic approaches.

Prognostic value of cachexia defined by the Asian Working Group for Cachexia criteria in patients with gastric cancer

Background:The Asian Working Group for Cachexia(AWGC)criteria are newly proposed diagnostic standards specifically designed for Asian populations.This research focused on validating the predictive value of the AWGC criteria for assessing the prognosis and medical burden of patients with gastric cancer.Methods:Cox proportional hazards analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between cachexia and overall survival.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether there was an independent association between cachexia and the 90-day mortality,the length of stay and the quality of life.Harrell’s concordance index was utilized to demonstrate the discriminative ability of different diagnostic criteria for cachexia.Results:AWGC-defined cachexia was an independent risk factor for a reduced overall survival in patients(HR=1.397,95%CI=1.209–1.615,P<0.001).The predictive accuracy of the AWGC criteria was markedly superior to that of the Fearon criteria(χ2=39.025 vs 13.877).Compared with Fearon standards,the AWGC criteria offered a 2.9%enhancement in clinical benefit(0.029,95%CI=0.048–0.008,P=0.005).Logistic regression analysis showed that only AWGC-defined cachexia was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality(OR=2.142,95%CI=1.397–3.282,P<0.001)and prolonged hospitalization(OR=1.958,95%CI=1.587–2.416,P<0.001)in patients with gastric cancer,whereas cachexia defined by the Fearon criteria was not.Patients with AWGC-defined cachexia exhibited significant reductions in physical function,role function,emotional function,cognitive function,social functioning,and overall quality-of-life scores.Conversely,cachectic patients showed higher levels of fatigue,nausea and vomiting,pain,dyspnea,sleep disturbance,appetite loss,constipation,and financial difficulties.A multivariate logistic regression showed that patients with AWGC-defined cachexia had a 126.1%increased risk of impaired quality of life(OR=2.261,95%CI=1.859–2.749,P<0.001).Conclusions:The AWGC criteria are an effective tool for predicting adverse survival outcomes,90-day mortality,a prolonged hospital stay,and poorer quality of life in patients with gastric cancer.

Overexpression pattern,function,and clinical value of proteasome 26S subunit non-ATPase 6 in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND In recent years,many studies have shown that proteasome 26S subunit non-ATPase 6(PSMD6)plays an important role in the occurrence and development of malignant tumours.Unfortunately,there are no reports on the evaluation of the potential role of PSMD6 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).AIM To comprehensively evaluate the overexpression pattern and clinical significance of PSMD6 in HCC tissues.METHODS This study integrated PSMD6 mRNA expression profiles from 4672 HCC and 3667 non-HCC tissues,along with immunohistochemical scores from 383 HCC and adjacent tissues,to assess PSMD6 overexpression in HCC.Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats knockout technology evaluated PSMD6’s essential role in HCC cell growth.Functional enrichment analysis explored the molecular mechanism of PSMD6 abnormalities in HCC.Drug sensitivity analysis and molecular docking analysed the effect of abnormal expression of PSMD6 on the drug sensitivity of HCC cells.RESULTS The results of 41 external and two internal datasets showed that PSMD6 mRNA(SMD=0.26,95%CI:0.09-0.42,P<0.05)and protein(SMD=2.85,95%CI:1.19-4.50,P<0.05)were significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues.The integrated analysis results showed that PSMD6 had a significant overexpression pattern in HCC tissues(SMD=0.40,95%CI:0.15-0.66,P<0.05).PSMD6 knockout inhibited HCC cell growth(chronos scores<-1).Functional enrichment implicated ribosome biogenesis and RNA splicing.Significant enrichment of signalling pathways such as RNA degradation,ribosomes,and chemical carcinogenesis—reactive oxygen species.Drug sensitivity analysis and a molecular docking model showed that high expression of PSMD6 was associated with the tolerance of HCC cells to drugs such as ML323,sepantronium bromide,and GDC0810.Overexpressed PSMD6 effectively distinguished HCC tissues(AUC=0.75,95%CI:0.71-0.79).CONCLUSION This study was the first to discover that PSMD6 was overexpressed in HCC tissues.PSMD6 is essential for the growth of HCC cells and may be involved in ribosome biogenesis and RNA splicing.

Epidemiological analysis on the incidence of thalassemia and G6PD deficiency in the population of childbearing age in Hengxian county in Guangxi

Objective:We investigated the incidence of thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD)deficiency in people of childbearing age of Hengxian in Guangxi,to further provide scientific data for the diagnosis,treatment and prepotency consultation for thalassemia.Methods:A total of 12,489subjects at childbearing age who were undergoing a routine prenatal check-up in Hengxian family planning service stations were recruited in this study between January 2014and December 2014.They were screened for thalassemia by mean corpuscular volume(MCV)and mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH).The people with positive results then underwent thalassemia gene test.The G6PD activities were measured by enzyme kinetic method.Results:The incidence of thalassemia was 20.26%(2,530/12,489)in Hengxian,among which the incidences ofα-thalassemia,β-thalassemia,andα-thalassemia co-inheritance ofβ-thalassemia were13.20%,6.13%and 0.93%respectively.The incidence of G6PD deficiency was 5.39%(617/12,489),and the ratio between male and female is 4.27∶1.25types ofα-thalassemia genotype and 8types ofβ-thalassemia genotype were identified.The genotypes ofSEA/ααand the genotypes of41-42Mβ/Nβwere the most common genetic types forα-thalassemia andβ-thalassemia respectively.Conclusion:Hengxian is a high prevalence area of thalassemia and G6PD deficiency.SEAmutation type is the most common type inα-thalassemia,and the CD 41-42mutation is the most common type inβ-thalassemia in Hengxian.

Assessment by meta-analysis of interferon-gamma for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis

AIM:To investigate the performance and diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) for tuberculous peritonitis(TBP) by meta-analysis.METHODS:A systematic search of English language studies was performed.We searched the following electronic databases:MEDLINE,EMBASE,Web of Science,BIOSIS,LILACS and the Cochrane Library.The Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy initiative and Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy tool were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.Sensitivity,specificity,and other measures of the accuracy of IFN-γ concentration in the diagnosis of peritoneal effusion were pooled using random-effects models.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were applied to summarize overall test performance.Two reviewers independently judged study eligibility while screening the citations.RESULTS:Six studies met the inclusion criteria.The average inter-rater agreement between the two reviewers for items in the quality checklist was 0.92.Analysis of IFN-γ level for TBP diagnosis yielded a summary estimate:sensitivity,0.93(95%CI,0.87-0.97);specificity,0.99(95%CI,0.97-1.00);positive likelihood ratio(PLR),41.49(95%CI,18.80-91.55);negative likelihood ratio(NLR),0.11(95%CI,0.06-0.19);and diagnostic odds ratio(DOR),678.02(95%CI,209.91-2190.09).χ 2 values of the sensitivity,specificity,PLR,NLR and DOR were 5.66(P = 0.3407),6.37(P = 0.2715),1.38(P = 0.9265),5.46(P = 0.3621) and 1.42(P = 0.9220),respectively.The summary receiver ROC curve was positioned near the desirable upper left corner and the maximum joint sensitivity and specificity was 0.97.The area under the curve was 0.99.The evaluation of publication bias was not significant(P = 0.922).CONCLUSION:IFN-γ may be a sensitive and specific marker for the accurate diagnosis of TBP.The level of IFN-γ may contribute to the accurate differentiation of tuberculosis(TB) ascites from non-TB ascites.

Association between the level of CD4^+T lymphocyte microRNA-155 and coronary artery disease in patients with unstable angina pectoris

Objective To study the association between the expression of microRNA-155(miRNA-155)in peripheral blood CD4^+T lymphocytes and the level of semrn interferon-7(IFN-7)concentration and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods After coronary angiography,252patients with suspected unstable angina pectoris (UAP)were divided into the UAP group (128patients with CAD confirmed by angiography)and the control group (124patients without CAD confirmed by angiography).Fresh peripheral blood was extracted 16-24h before coronary angiography,CD4^+T lymphocytes was tested using immunomagnetic beads,the expression ofmiRNA-155was tested using quantitative PCR and the expression of IFN-7was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).According to the results of angiography,Gensini score of coronary artery lesions was analyzed.Furthermore,we also analysis the association between the level of miRNA-155in peripheral blood CD4^+T lymphocytes,the level of serum IFN-γand Gensini score of coronary lesion.Results The levels ofmiRNA-155(0.49±0.08vs.0.23±0.09)and IFN-7(227.58±26.01vs.141.23±17.89)in the UAP group were significantly higher than that of the control group,the difference was statistically significant.The level of miRNA-155and IFN-γwere positively correlated with Gensini score of CAD (r =0.534,r =0.713,respectively,all P <0.05).The level of miRNA-155was positively correlated with the level of IFN-γ,(r =0.686,P <0.05).Conclusions The level of miRNA-155in peripheral blood CD4^+T lymphocytes and the level of IFN-γ are closely correlated with the severity of CAD.

Prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy and quality of life evaluations in hospitalized cirrhotic patients in China

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE)and to assess corresponding health-related quality of life(HRQoL)in hospitalized cirrhotic patients in China.METHODS:This multi-center cross-sectional study included 16 teaching hospitals,which were members of "Hepatobiliary Cooperation Group,Society of Gastroenterology,Chinese Medical Association",from different areas of China carried out between June and October in 2011.All the eligible hospitalized cirrhotic patients(n = 538)were required to complete triplicate number connection tests combined with one digit symbol test for diagnosing MHE.Patients' clinical examination data were complemented by a modified questionnaire assessing HRQoL.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient.RESULTS:Male was predominant(68.6%)in 519 patients who met the criteria of the study,with a mean age of 49.17 ± 11.02 years.The most common cause of liver cirrhosis was chronic hepatitis B(55.9%).The prevalence of MHE was 39.9% and varied by ChildPugh-Classification score(CPC-A:24.8%,CPC-B:39.4% and CPC-C:56.1%,P < 0.01).MHE(P < 0.01)and higher CPC scores(P < 0.01)were associated with a high HRQoL scores(reflecting poorer quality of life).The prevalence of MHE was proportionate to CPC(P = 0.01)and high quality of life scores(P = 0.01).CONCLUSION:Hospitalized cirrhotic patients have a high prevalence of MHE that is proportionate to the degree of liver function and HRQoL impairment.

New insights into the functions and localization of the homeotic gene CDX2 in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent cancers, and it ranks the third most common cancer in China. The most recently caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) is expressed in a large number of human gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, gastric epithelial cell mutations in CDX2 result in tumor promotion, which is characterized by cellular drug resistance and a high proclivity for developing cancer. A series of publications over the past years suggests a mechanism by which CDX2 overexpression results in multidrug resistance. CDX2 appears to forward control regenerating IV and the multidrug resistance 1 expression signaling pathway for regulation of cell drug resistance.

Pathological mechanisms and therapeutic outlooks for arthrofibrosis

Arthrofibrosis is a fibrotic joint disorder that begins with an inflammatory reaction to insults such as injury,surgery and infection.Excessive extracellular matrix and adhesions contract pouches,bursae and tendons,cause pain and prevent a normal range of joint motion,with devastating consequences for patient quality of life.Arthrofibrosis affects people of all ages,with published rates varying.The risk factors and best management strategies are largely unknown due to a poor understanding of the pathology and lack of diagnostic biomarkers.However,current research into the pathogenesis of fibrosis in organs now informs the understanding of arthrofibrosis.The process begins when stress signals stimulate immune cells.The resulting cascade of cytokines and mediators drives fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts,which secrete fibrillar collagens and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).Positive feedback networks then dysregulate processes that normally terminate healing processes.We propose two subtypes of arthrofibrosis occur:active arthrofibrosis and residual arthrofibrosis.In the latter the fibrogenic processes have resolved but the joint remains stiff.The best therapeutic approach for each subtype may differ significantly.Treatment typically involves surgery,however,a pharmacological approach to correct dysregulated cell signalling could be more effective.Recent research shows that myofibroblasts are capable of reversing differentiation,and understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis and resolution will be essential for the development of cell-based treatments.Therapies with significant promise are currently available,with more in development,including those that inhibit TGF-βsignalling and epigenetic modifications.This review focuses on pathogenesis of sterile arthrofibrosis and therapeutic treatments.

The Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction Technology of Total Flavonoids in Leaves of Mallotus apelta by Response Surface Analysis Methodology

[Objectives] Response surface analysis methodology was used to optimize the extraction technology of total flavonoids from Mallotus apelta leaves. [Methods] The total flavonoids were extracted using ultrasonic assisted ethanol extraction,and extraction rate of total flavonoids was taken as evaluation index. On the basis of single-factor experiment,Box-Behnken response surface methodology was employed for selecting the optimum extraction process. [Results]The optimum extraction conditions of total flavonoids were as follows: 75% of ethanol concentration,1∶ 25 of ratio of material to liquid,31 min of ultrasonic time. Under these conditions,the extraction rate of total flavonoids was 1. 115%.[Conclusions] The extraction process obtained by response surface methodology was stable,reasonable,accurate and reliable. It was a feasible method to extract the total flavonoids from M. apelta leaves.