Diagnostic and prognostic significance of long noncoding RNA LINC00173 in patients with melanoma

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A growing volume of literature has suggested long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as important players in tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic value of lncRNA LINC00173 (LINC00173) in melanoma. METHODS: LINC00173 expression was measured in 163 paired cancerous and noncancerous specimen samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The correlations between LINC00173 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed by chi-square test, log-rank test, and multivariate survival analysis. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used for the assessment of the diagnostic value of LINC00173 for melanoma patients. RESULTS: The expression level of LINC00173 in melanoma specimens was distinctly higher than that in adjacent non-neoplasm specimens (p<0.01). Besides, LINC00173 was expressed more frequently in patients with advanced melanoma than in patients with early melanoma. Multivariate assays confirmed that LINC00173 expression level was an independent prognostic predictor of melanoma patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that LINC00173 expression could serve as an unfavorable prognostic biomarker for melanoma patients.

Identification of Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase inhibitors from Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc

Abstract Gut bacterial β-glucuronidase (GUS) can reactivate xenobiotics that exert enterohepatic circulation- triggered gastrointestinal tract toxicity. GUS inhibitors can alleviate drug-induced enteropathy and improve treatment outcomes. We evaluated the inhibitory effect of Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc. and its major constituents against Escherichia coli GUS (EcGUS), and characterized the inhibitory mechanism of each of the components. Trans-resveratrol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (HZ-1) and (-)-epicatechin gallate (HZ-2) isolated from P. cuspidatum were identified as the key components and potent inhibitors. These two components displayed strong to moderate inhibitory effects on EcGUS, with Ki values of 9.95 and 1.95 μM, respectively. Results from molecular docking indicated that HZ-1 and HZ-2 could interact with the key residues Asp163, Ser360, Ile 363, Glu413, Glu504, and Lys 568 of EcGUS via hydrogen bonding. Our findings demonstrate the inhibitory effect of P. cuspidatum and its two components on EcGUS, which supported the further evaluation and development of P. cuspidatum and its two active components as novel candidates for alleviating drug-induced damage in the mammalian gut.

A modified beagle model of inducible atrial fibrillation using a right atrium pacemaker

Abstract Objective: To modify the chronic atrial fibrillation of atrial tachycardia pacing in beagles with a homemade pacemaker placed outside the body and to evaluate connective tissue growth factor and fibrosis of atrial tissue in our modified atrial tachycardia pacing beagle model. Methods: Twelve adult beagles of either sex were randomly divided into an atrial tachycardia pacing group and a control group (n=6 in each group). We performed the temporary pacemaker implantation at the right atrial appendage and put the pacemaker into the pocket of dog clothing in the atrial tachycardia pacing group. After eight weeks of atrial tachycardia pacing, the electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson's staining of the right atrial appendages were performed along with the immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis of connective tissue growth factor, collagen I, and collagen III. Results: In the atrial tachycardia pacing group, atrial fibrillation was induced in five beagles (83.3%); the left atrium enlarged significantly; more canines had mitral regurgitation; and the Masson's staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot results demonstrated more obvious fibrosis of the left atrium. Conclusion: The modified beagle model of atrial fibrillation using a right atrium pacemaker outside the body was effective, increased connective tissue growth factor and collagen I messenger ribonucleic acid overexpression, and induced atrial fibrosis.

Association of leptin and leptin receptor polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in a North Chinese Han population

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leptin (LEP) is a peptide hormone that acts via leptin receptor (LEPR) binding. Genetic evidence from different human populations has implicated LEP/LEPR in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD), and suggests that certain LEP/LEPR gene polymorphisms may increase the risk of CAD. The aim of this study was to assess two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LEP genes (rs2167270 and rs7799039) and two in LEPR genes (rs6588147, rs1137100) for association with CAD. METHODS: We enrolled 271 North Chinese Han CAD patients, and 113 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood, and the four SNPs were assessed using a MassArray system. RESULTS: The G allele frequency at rs2167270 was significantly higher among CAD cases than among controls. The AG genotype at rs7799039 was associated with a significantly decreased risk of CAD unlike the AA genotype used as the reference. The A allele was significantly associated with the CAD patient group. Interestingly, statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequency at LEP rs2167270 and rs7799039 existed among females but not among males. CONCLUSIONS: The current study detected a significant association between genetic variations at LEP rs7799039 and rs2167270 and the risk of CAD in a north Chinese population, and revealed that LEP rs2167270 and rs7799039 gene polymorphisms might act as predisposing factors for CAD.

Expression and clinical significance of Vimentin and E-cadherin in breast cancer tissues / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To study the expression and clinical significance of Vimentin and E-cadherin in human breast cancer tissues. Methods: : The clinical data of 56 cases of breast cancer patients, who underwent radical mastectomy in Chaohu Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from January 2014 to January 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. The protein and mRNAexpressions of Vimentin and E-cadherin in breast cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and qPCR, respectively; and the relationship between the expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin in breast cancer tissues and the clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Logistic multivariate regression was used to analyze the independent factors affecting the protein expressions of Vimentin and E-cadherin. Spearman was used to analyze the correlation between Vimentin and E-cadherin. Kaplan-Meier was used to analyze the relationship between protein expressions of Vimentin, E-cadherin and prognosis. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of Vimentin and E-cadherin on prognosis. Results: The rates of breast cancer tissues with high positive expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin were 76.79% and 19.64%, respectively.Among them, 47 cases (47/56, 83.93%) of breast cancer tissues showed significantly higher Vimentin mRNA expression than adjacent tissues (P<0.05), and 46 cases (46/56, 82.14%) of breast cancer tissues showed significantly lower Ecadherin mRNA expression than adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Vimentin protein expression was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, histological grade, clinical stage, molecular typing, Ki67+, ER-, PR- and HER2- expression (P<0.05). And E-cadherin protein expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, histological grade, clinical stage, molecular typing, Ki67+, ER-, PR- and HER2- expression (P<0.05). Tumor size, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, histological grading, clinical staging, molecular typing, Ki67+, ER-, PR- and HER2- expression were all independent factors affecting the expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between Vimentin and E-cadherin expression (P<0.05). The 3-year survival rate of patients with high expression of Vimentin protein was 67.44%, while that of patients with low expression of E-cadherin protein was 68.89%. Conclusion: The high expression of Vimentin and low expression of E-cadherin in breast cancer tissues may be related to the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. It can be used as a reliable indicator of clinical diagnosis and prognosis.

Effects of pubertal timing on eating disorders among adolescents in Bengbu / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the effects of pubertal timing on eating disorders among adolescents in Bengbu.@*Methods@#Totally 831 students from grade five to eight in two nine-year schools were selected and surveyed with Pubertal Development Scale (PDS) and Eating Disorder Inventory(EDI).@*Results@#The score of female on drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction was higher than male’s. The score of different grade on drive for thinness, bulimia, perfectionism,maturity fears and ineffectiveness was significant difference between them(P<0.05 ).The score of interpersonal distrust was highest in delay pubertal timing in schoolboys, and the score of drive for thinness，body dissatisfaction and diet of schoolgirl in early pubertal timing was highest，there was significant difference between them(F=2.68，4.87，6.46，3.07，5.49，P<0.05 ).@*Conclusion@#There are close relationship between the pubertal timing and eating disorders.The eating disorders will be offected in early and delay pubertal timing of adolescents.

Study on correlation between property of coronary artery lesion and degree of coronary artery stenosis of elderly patients with coronary heart disease

Objective: To discuss the influence of coronary artery lesion of elderly patients with coronary heart disease [CHD] on left ventricular remodeling

Methods: Retrospective selection method was used to choose 80 elderly CHD patients who received coronary angiogram examination in Baoding First Central Hospital from January 2014 to February 2018 as the objects of study. According to coronary artery lesion, the patients were classified into single vessel lesion group [single vessel group] and multi-vessel lesion group [multi-vessel group, the number of lesion vessels >/=2]. Single vessel group included 60 patients, and multi-vessel group includes 20 patients. Intravascular unltrasound was applied to record coronary plaque property of all patients and transthoracic echocardiography was used to record left ventricular remodeling. Later correlation analysis was carried out

Results: The proportion of calcified plaque and mixed plaque was higher than that of single vessel group, and the differences had statistical significance [P<0.05]. Left ventricular end diastolic volume [LVEDV] and left ventricular end-systolic volume [LVESV] of multi-vessel group were higher than that of single vessel group, while left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] was lower than that of single vessel group. The differences had statistical significance [P<0.05]. Linear correlation analysis showed coronary artery lesion was positively correlated with LVEF and calcified plaque [r=0.287, 0.371, P<0.05]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed LVEF, calcified plaque and LDL-C were independent risk factors of multi-vessel coronary artery lesion of old CHD patients [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The number of coronary artery lesions is significantly correlated with left ventricular remodeling, and can increase the proportion of calcified plaque and mixed plaque, thus leading to left ventricular remodeling abnormity

Research progress on methods of relieving orthodontic pain / 口腔疾病防治

@#Pain is the common complication in the process of orthodontic treatment, which brings a lot of trouble to patients and doctors. In recent years, many scholars have studied many methods to alleviate orthodontic pain, such as drugs, laser irradiation, using new materials and some psychological therapy. This article will summarize the relief of orthodontic pain from two aspects of relieving physical and psychological discomfort.

Protective Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Portal Hypertensive Vasculopathy in Rabbits by Activating AKT-NF-κB Pathway / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in portal hypertension (PH)-induced esophagus-gastric junction vascular lesions in rabbits was observed.The rabbit PH models were established.The animals were randomly divided into the following groups:normal,PH,PH+sodium hydrosulfide (PH+S),PH+propargylglycine (PH+PPG).The plasma H2S levels,apoptosis of esophageal-gastric junction vascular smooth muscle cells,and the expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB),p-AKT,Iκ Ba and Bcl-2 were detected.The cystathionine γ lyase (cystathionine-gamma-splitting enzyme,CSE) in the junction vascular tissue was measured.The results showed that the plasma H2S levels and the CSE expression levels had statistically significant difference among different groups (P＜0.05).As compared with PH group,plasma H2S levels were declined obviously (11.9±4.2 vs.20.6±4.5,P＜0.05),and CSE expression levels in the junction vascular tissue were notably reduced (1.7±0.6 vs.2.8±0.8,P＜0.05),apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells per unit area was significantly decreased (0.10±0.15 vs.0.24±0.07,P＜0.05),and the expression levels of p-AKT and NF-κB were significantly decreased (2.31±0.33 vs.3.04±0.38,P＜0.05;0.33±0.17 vs.0.51±0.23,P＜0.05),however,Iκ Ba and Bcl-2 expression increased obviously (5.57±0.17 vs.3.67±0.13,P＜0.05;0.79±0.29 vs.0.44±0.36,P＜0.05) in PH+PPG group.As compared with PH group,H2S levels were notably increased (32.7±7.3 vs.20.6±4.5,P＜0.05),the CSE levels in the junction vascular tissue were significantly increased (6.3±0.7 vs.2.8±0.8,P＜0.05),apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells per unit area was significantly increased (0.35±0.14 vs.0.24±0.07,P＜0.05),and the expression levels of p-AKT and NF-κB were significantly increased (4.29±0.49 vs.3.04±0.38,P＜0.05;0.77±0.27 vs.0.51±0.23,P＜0.05),yet Iκ Ba and Bcl-2 expression decreased significantly (3.23±0.24 vs.3.67±0.13,P＜0.05;0.31±0.23 vs.0.48±0.34,P＜0.05) in PH+S group.It is concluded that esophagus-gastric junction vascular lesions happen under PH,and apoptosis of smooth muscle cells is declined.H2S can activate NF-κB by the p-AKT pathway,leading to the down-regulation of Bcl-2,eventually stimulating apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells,easing PH.H2S/CSE system may play an important role in remission of PH via the AKT-NF-κB pathway.

Penile necrosis resulting from post-circumcision microwave diathermy: A report of 9 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of penile necrosis resulting from microwave diathermy following circumcision.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 9 cases of penile necrosis resulting from postoperative microwave diathermy following circumcision. The 9 males, aged 20 - 39 (mean 26) years, underwent traditional circumcision for redundant prepuce or phimosis in other hospitals, followed by microwave diathermy for 30 - 60 minutes daily, which resulted in penile necrosis. With no response to conservative therapy, the patients were referred to our hospital at 3 -30 days postoperatively. Of the 9 patients, 5 presented with dry gangrene and 4 with moist gangrene. Six of the patients underwent partial penectomy, including 1 that received penis lengthening.3 months later, while the other 3 underwent total penectomy for total penile necrosis followed by penile reconstruction 3 months later, with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and by implantation of the 12th costal cartilage in 2 cases and with epigastric groin island flaps and by urethroplasty in the other.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients were followed up for 2 - 8 years, and all could urinate smoothly in the standing position. Of the 6 men treated by partial penectomy, 1 received penis lengthening and achieved a penile length of 7 cm and 5 had the remaining penile length of 3 -5 cm, 4 with erectile function and the other 2 capable of sexual intercourse. The 3 men treated by total penectomy achieved nearly normal external appearance of the penis, with a finalized length of (11.7 ± 1.3) cm, a circumference of (11.4 ± 2.1) cm, and a normal feel of the skin. Of the 3 cases of penile reconstruction, 2 achieved sufficient erectile hardness of the penis (grade 3) for sexual intercourse, while the other 1 remained impotent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Post-circumcision microwave diathermy may result in penile necrosis, for the management of which, early debridement is necessitated and penile lengthening or reconstruction can be performed according to the severity of the lesion and needs of the patient.</p>

The correlation between lateralization of intracerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia and handedness

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between lateralization of cerebral basal ganglia hemorrhage and handedness. METHODS: Medical records and computed tomography (CT) scans for 84 patients with primary hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in basal ganglia were reviewed. Data of gender, age, handedness, and location of basal ganglia hematoma were statistically analyzed. Data of age, gender, handedness, health condition, and mean blood flow velocity (BFV) in middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) and anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs) on both sides of 114 healthy individuals were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We found out that the patients with right basal ganglia hemorrhage were mostly left-handed, while patients with left basal ganglia hemorrhage were mostly right handed (p=0.021, r=0.251). And the mean BFV in the right MCAs of left-handed ones are relatively higher, the mean BFV in the left MCAs of right-handers are relatively higher (p=0.008, r=0.248). CONCLUSION: There 's a correlation between lateralization of cerebral basal ganglia hemorrhage and handedness.

Aortic Cell Apoptosis in Rat Primary Aldosteronism Model / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study aimed to determine whether aldosterone could induce vascular cell apoptosis in vivo.Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: vehicle(control),aldosterone,aldosterone plus eplerenone or hydralazine.They were then implanted with an osmotic mini-pump that infused either aldosterone or the vehicle.Systolic blood pressure(SBP)was measured weekly by the tail-cuff method.After 8 weeks,plasma aldosterone concentration(PAC)and renin activity(PRA)were determined by radioimmunoassay.Aortic apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assay.The levels of cytochrome c and caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by immnuohistochemistry and Western blotting.The results showed that as compared with control group,aldosterone-infused rats exhibited:(1)an increase in SBP;(2)significantly elevated PAC with depressed PRA;(3)elevated aortic vascular cell apoptosis accompanied with higher levels ofcytochrome c and activated caspase-3; and(4)significantly up-regulated Bax protein with down-regulated Bcl-2.These effects of aldosterone were significantly inhibited after co-administration with eplerenone but not with hydralazine.It was concluded that aldosterone inducedvascular cell apoptosis by its direct effect on the aorta via mineralocorticoid receptors and independently of blood pressure,which may contribute to aldosterone-mediated vascular injury.

The Single Needle Method for Urethrovesical Anastomosis with Strengthened Posterior Fixation during Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The single needle method for urethrovesical anastomosis with strengthened posterior fixation during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was explored. The method was initiated by performing a fixing suture with a knot at 4 o'clock of the posterior lip of bladder neck,and another suture at nearby position was performed to leave the knot outside. From 5 o'clock to 8 o'clock,sutures were performed every one o'clock to secure posterior approximation,then every two o'clock a suture.To avoid a loose anastomosis,lock sutures were performed every 3 sutures. The needle was always driven full-thickness outside-in in the bladder neck and inside-out on the urethra. After completing the full circumference,the needle was drawn near the 4 o'clock and tied at the tail end. Any leakage could be closed with additional interrupted sutures. The clinical data of 89 patients who underwent this method were retrospectively compared with those of 23 patients who underwent the single knot method. The results showed that the anastomosis,operative and catheterization time was 17.6±4.7min,134.0±10.7 min and 6.5±1.6 days respectively. There were 3 temporal urinary leakages identified in 89 cases requiring prolonged catheterization. No urinary leak and anastomotic stricture was confirmed,and 95.2% patients had total urinary control. It was concluded that this method was simple and safe for urethrovesical anastomosis.

Changes of TXA2 and PGI2 during Postoperative Hypertensive Crisis in Patients with Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In order to explore the changes and the roles of TXA2 and PGI2 during postoperative hypertensive crisis in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, 31 cases subject to crani- otomy were divided into three groups: group A, 9 patients with postoperative hypertensive crisis; group B, 13 patients without postoperative hypertensive crisis; and group C, 9 patients without his- tory of hypertension and hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. TXA2＞, TXB2＞, 6-keto-PGF1α and PGI2＞ were measured after operation in the three groups respectively. The postoperative blood pres- sure in group A, including SBP and DBP, was elevated more obviously than that in the other two groups. TXA2＞ and PGI2＞ in group A were significantly higher than those in other two groups (P＜0.01). Moreover, the ratio of TXB2＞ to 6-keto-PGF1α in group A was significantly higher than that in other two groups (P＜0.05). The increase of TXA2＞ and the relative inadequacy of prostacyclin, especially 6-keto-PGF1α, may play roles in the postoperative hypertensive crisis. And the increased value of TXB2＞ to 6-keto-PGF1α could provide the basis for diagnosis of postoperative hypertensive crisis.

Relationship between the Expression of RASSF1A Protein and Promoter Hypermethylation of RASSF1A Gene in Bladder Tumor / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To investigate the relationship between the expression of RASSFIA protein and promoter hypermethylation of RASSFIA gene, RASSFIA protein expression was measured by Western blot- ting in 10 specimens of normal bladder tissues and 23 specimens of bladder transitional cell carci- noma (BTCC). The promoter methylation in BTCC and normal bladder tissues was detected by me- thylation-specific PCR (MSP). The results showed that the expression level of RASSFIA protein was significantly lower in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. However, it was not corre- lated with its clinical stages and pathological grades. The frequency of promoter methylation of RASSF1A gene was higher in BTCC tissues than that in normal bladder tissues. In 14 patients with the aberrant promoter methylation, 13 showed loss or low expression of RASSF1A protein. It is con- cluded that RASSFIA gene promoter methylation may contribute to the low level or loss of RASSFIA protein expression, the inactivation of RASSFIA gene and the genesis of BTCC. But, it may bear no correlation with its clinical stages and pathological grades.