Recent Research Progress on CircRNA in Hematological Malignancies--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Most hematological tumors have high-grade malignancy and low cure rate, requiring new molecular markers for detection and evaluation. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with covalently closed-loop structures, which participate in gene transcription and translation by binding to microRNAs and proteins. In recent years, with the deepening research on circRNAs, circRNAs have been found to play an important role in hematological malignancies. In this review, the latest research progress on the function and molecular mechanism of circRNAs in hematological malignancies was systematically summarized, and it was found that circRNAs may be potential new biomarkers and therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies.

Clinical Application of Circulating Tumor DNA in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as an aggressive lymphoma, there has not a good molecular marker to assess the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of the disease. As compared with the traditional deteation method, it was found that the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used as a non-invasive specific biomarker which can dynamically provide the information about the lymphoma. ctDNA in DLBCL can be obtained by dideoxy chain termination method combined with PCR, so as to detect genetic markers, targeted sequences of gene which is related to lymphoma; the digital PCR (dPCR) for lymphoma somatic mutations and the detection of abnormal methylation; ctDNA is closely related to the diagncsis, therapeutic efficiency and prognosis of DLBCL, thus ctDNA can be used for the early detection, mid-term and prognostic monitoring in DLBCL, which makes ctDNA have a broad clinical applied prospect.

Pharmacokinetic Study on Notoginsenoside R1 and Ginsenoside Rg1 in Hushen (Ⅲ) Capsules in Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 in rat plasma after oral administration of Hushen (Ⅲ) Capsules; To study its pharmacokinetics. Methods SD rats were given Hushen (Ⅲ) Capsules 2 g/kg and then the blood was collected at time point. Digoxin was used as internal standard. The drug concentrations of notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 in plasma were determined by UHPLC-MS/MS. And the relative pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using DAS2.0 software. Results The linear relationship of notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 was good (r≥0.997 5). The RSD of intra-day and inter-day precision were less than 13.1%. The results of accuracy, recovery and stability met the requirements for the biology sample analysis. For notoginsenoside R1, the pharmacokinetics parameters T1/2, Tmax, Cmaxin the plasma were (7.86±1.69)h, (4.00±1.04)h, (0.23±0.05)mg/L. For ginsenoside Rg1, the pharmacokinetics parameters T1/2, Tmax, Cmaxin plasma were (4.58±0.95)h, (6.00±0.00)h, (0.32±0.03)mg/L. Conclusion The established UHPLC-MS/MS method is sensitive, accurate and reliable, and is suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of Hushen (Ⅲ) Capsules.

Mesoporous nano-bioactive glass microspheres as a drug delivery system of minocycline / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To construct mesoporous nano-bioactive glass (MNBG) microspheres load-release minocycline as an antibacterial drug delivery system.@*METHODS@#Sol-gel method was used to synthesze MNBG microspheres as drug carrier. The MNBG consisted of SiO2, CaO, and P2O5. According to the content of silicon, MNBG microspheres were divided into four groups (60S, 70S, 80S and 90S). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the surface characteristic and particle size of MNBG; Nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiment was performed to calculate the MNBG's specific surface area and the pore sizes; The Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and the thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to calculate the loading efficiencies of minocycline hydrochloride; UV spectrophotometric was used to determine the cumulative release of minocycline from drug-loaded particles in PBS solution within 21 d. Agar diffusion test (ADT) was performed to evaluate the antibacterial properties on Enterococcus faecalis. The inhibition zone was observed and the diameter was measured.@*RESULTS@#The MNBG microspheres had good dispersion, large surface area, and even particle size. The pore sizes ranged from 4.77 nm to 7.33 nm. The loading experiment results showed that the minocycline hydrochloride loading efficiency of MNBG was related to the pore size of the microspheres. Among 60S, 70S, 80S and 90S, 60S MNBG had the highest loading efficiency of 16.33% due to its high calcium content and large pore sizes. A slow minocycline release rate from MNBG particles in PBS solution until d 21 was observed. It was showed that a burst release of 28% of the total drug for the first 24 h. A cumulative release of 35% was found, and the final concentration of minocycline maintained at about 47 mg/L. ADT showed that mino-MNBG had inhibitory effect on the growth of Enterococcus faecalis. 1 g/L minocycline, 1 g/L mino-MNBG, and 0.1 g/L minocycline presented inhibition zone, however, PBS and 1 g/L MNBG didn't. The diameter of the inhibition zone of minocycline groups was significant larger than that of mino-MNBG group (P<0.05), which was also significant larger than those of PBS and MNBG groups (P<0.05). It showed that mino-MNBG drug delivery system had antibacterial properties on Enterococcus faecalis.@*CONCLUSION@#The 60S MNBG that can effectively load and release minocycline may be an ideal drug carrier.

Nano-sized bioactive glass enhances osteogenesis of critical bone defect in rabbits / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the osteogenic effects of a nano-sized 58S bioactive glass (nano-58S BG) and a traditional 45S5 bioactive glass(45S5 BG) in penetrating parietal critical bone defects.@*METHODS@#Critical bone defect with 9 mm diameter was created in the parietal bone of New Zealand rabbits. The bone defects were then filled with either nano-58S BG, or 45S5 BG, or nothing but the newly-formed blood clot as the blank control at random. For histological observation, specimens were gained 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, sectioned and stained by HE. The amount of collagen type I was observed with Picric-Sirius Red staining through polarimetry. To observe the new bone formation with fluorescence under the laser confocal microscope, we injected fluorescent markers 14, 28, and 42 days after the surgery. The markers were tetracycline hydrochloride, alizarin red and calcin individually in chronological order. Image J software was used to quantify the bone regeneration.@*RESULTS@#HE staining showed that BG particulates were integrated with the surrounding tissue without any inflammatory cells infiltration 4 weeks after surgery. New bone regeneration was observed both from the border and in the center of the defects in both BG groups. No bone regeneration in defect center was observed in control group. At the end of 8 weeks, there was more bone regeneration in nano-58S group compared with 45S5 group and control group. The structure of the new bone in BG groups was hollow, which was similar to the natural normal parietal bone. No hollow structure was observed in the new bone of control group. Picric-sirius Red polarimetry showed that more amount of collagen type I was found in nano-58S group than in either 45S5 or control group. The fluorescent observation of the hard tissue slices at the end of 8 weeks showed statistically larger scope and faster new bone formation in nano-58S group with (29.4±4.48) μm thickness from 4-6 weeks and (35.3±3.74) μm from 6-8 weeks compared with 45S5 group [(13.43±3.44) μm and (17.64±4.13) μm] and control group [(5.88±2.92) μm and (6.07±3.02) μm, P<0.01].@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with the traditional 45S5 bioactive glass, 58S nano-sized bioactive glass showed better osteogenic effect in bone regeneration in parietal bones of rabbits.

Identification of susceptibility genes for osteoporosis through interaction between smoking and genetic factors / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To make a systematic analysis of the interaction between osteoporosis and smoking to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis susceptibility affected by smoking.Methods First,a two-way ANOVA analysis was conducted using microarray data to search all potential genes associated with both smoking and osteoporosis.We further explored the potential biologically related metabolic pathways through gene pathway enrichment analysis.Then the interaction genes within enriched pathways were verified by genome-wide gene-environment interaction analysis.Finally,protein-protein interaction analysis was applied to identify the core regulatory network in which those verified genes involved.Results We identified 441 risk genes closely associated with both smoking and osteoporosis by microarray analysis.Through gene pathway analysis,we identified a vital metabolism pathway, gap junction, which is a potential mediator between smoking and osteoporosis process. Finally,we verified some critical genes by genome-wide gene-environment interaction analysis,and revealed a potential smoking-osteoporosis interaction core regulatory network that included 1 3 proteins by protein network analysis.Conclusion We have discovered a new regulatory framework connecting smoking and osteoporosis, which provides new clues about disease etiologies and novel promising drug targets.

Pharmacokinetic behaviors of four constituents in sugar-free Xinnaosu Granules in rat plasma / 中成药

AIM To investigate the pharmacokinetic behaviors of four constituents in sugar-free Xinnaosu Granules in rat plasma.METHODS Rats intragastrically administered with the 0.5％ CMC-Na suspension of this drug (3 g/kg) had their blood collected for the determination of plasma concentration by UHPLC-MS/MS,after which pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS2.0 software.RESULTS The plasma concentrationtime curves for tanshinone Ⅱ A,salvianolic acid B,ginsenoside Rg1,notoginsenoside R1 accorded with two compartment model,with the t1/2values of (1.68 ±0.56),(4.13 ±0.87),(3.62 ±0.87),(9.77 ±3.12) h,Tmax values of (0.51 ±0.19),(1 ±0),(6 ±0),(4.00 ±1.09) h,Cmax values of (0.42 ±0.08),(0.17 ±0.02),(0.46±0.11),(0.41 ±0.12) mg/L,respectively.CONCLUSION All the four constituents in sugar-free Xinnaosu Granules demonstrate high bioavailabilities.

Nasal resorption of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin and 5-O-methylvisammioside in rats / 中国中药杂志

In this experiment, rat nasal mucosa absorption characteristics of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin and 5-O-methylvisammioside were studied to provide a basis for drug delivery of Toutongning nasal spray. The nasal mucosa absorption test in rats was conducted with in situ nasal perfusion method after pH 6 buffer solution was used to prepare high, medium and low concentrations of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, 5-O-methylvisammioside mixed solution as liquid circulation in nasal cavity. Then the concentrations of the circulating liquid compositions to be measured were determined by HPLC, and the absorption rates of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin and 5-O-methylvisammioside under different pH conditions were also investigated. According to the results, the absorption rate constant was (0.588±0.041)×10⁻³, (0.547±0.023)×10⁻³, (0.592±0.063)×10⁻³ min⁻¹ for prim-O-glucosylcimifugin high, middle and low concentrations, and (0.438±0.041)×10⁻³, (0.407±0.023)×10⁻³, and (0.412±0.063)×10⁻³ min⁻¹ for 5-O-methylvisammioside high, middle and low concentrations. There was no significant difference among high, middle and low concentration groups, and the absorption under pH 6 was better than that under other pH conditions. Therefore, we can get the conclusion that the main active ingredient of Toutongning nasal sprays can be absorbed through the nasal mucosa, and it is feasible to make nasal spray; in addition, pH 6 of nasal spray is scientific and reasonable.

Effects of Roughly Focused Extracorporeal Shock Waves Therapy on the Expressions of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Osteoprotegerin in Osteoporotic Fracture in Rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Roughly focused extracorporeal shock waves therapy (ESWT) is characterized by a wide focal area, a large therapy zone, easy positioning, and less pain during treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of roughly focused ESWT on the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in osteoporotic fractures in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, 3 months old, were divided into sham-operated group (n = 6) and an ovariectomized (OVX) group (n = 66). Sixty OVX SD rats were used as a model of double proximal tibial osteotomy and inner fixation. The osteotomy site in the left tibia was treated with roughly focused ESWT once at an energy density of 0.26 mJ/mm2, 60 doses/min, and 2000 pact quantities. The contralateral right tibia was left untreated and served as a control. Expression of OPG and BMP-2 in the callus of the osteoporotic fracture area was assessed using immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal tibia, femur, and L5 spine was significantly reduced after ovariectomy. BMD of proximal tibia was 12.9% less in the OVX group than that in the sham-operated group. Meanwhile, bilateral oophorectomy resulted in a lower trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the proximal tibia of the sham-OVX animals. Three months after bilateral oophorectomy, BV/TV was 14.29% of baseline BV/TV in OVX legs versus 45.91% in the sham-OVX legs (P < 0.001). These data showed that the SD rats became a suitable model of osteoporosis, 3 months after they were OVX. Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher levels of BMP-2 and OPG expression in the treatment group than those in the control group. Compared with the contralateral controls, decreased expression of OPG and BMP-2 at 3 days after roughly focused ESWT, followed by a later increase at 7 days, was indicated by real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis. The OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels peaked at 6 weeks after the shock wave treatment, paired with a much earlier (at 4 weeks) increase of BMP-2, and declined close to normal at 8 weeks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Roughly focused ESWT may promote the expression of OPG and BMP-2 in the osteoporotic fracture area in rats. BMP-2 and OPG may act synergistically and may lead to a significant enhancement of bone formation and remodeling.</p>

Changes of HCN4, Cx43 Expression in the Sinoatrial Node of Electric Shock Death / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 4 (HCN4) and connexin43 (Cx43) in the sinoatrial node of electric shock death.@*METHODS@#As experimental group, 34 cases of electric shock death who had definite current mark evidence were selected from pathology department of Xuzhou Medical College from 2010 to 2013. As the control group, 20 cases of fatal severe craniocerebral injury in traffic accidents were chosen. The expressions of HCN4 and Cx43 in the sinoatrial node were observed by immunohistochemical technology.@*RESULTS@#HCN4 positive cells expressed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of the sinoatrial node. Cx43 positive cells expressed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of T cells and myocardial cells. The expression of HCN4 was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05) and the expression of Cx43 was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The changes of HCN4 and Cx43 expressions in the sinoatrial node illustrate electric shock death might be related to the abnormalities of cardiac electrophysiology and conduction.

Time-dependent expression of PEDF and VEGF in blood serum and retina of rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The effects of the balance changes of pigment epithelium growth factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in whole-body and retinal tissue on rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy were investigated. Forty-eight neonatal SD rats at the age of 7 days were randomly divided into 4 groups. The neonatal rats in experimental groups were exposed to 75% to 80% oxygen for 5 days and then to normal air, and those in control groups were kept feeding in normal air. At the age of 17 and 22 days, all the neonatal rats received retina angiography with FITC-dextran and the pathological changes of retinal vessels and perfusion were observed. HE staining of the tissue section and the number counting of endothelial cells extending beyond the inner limiting membrane were performed to evaluate the endothelial proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of PEDF and VEGF in retinal tissue, and ELISA to detect their expression in serum. A hypoxic-ischemic proliferation of retina and more endothelial cells extending beyond the inner limiting membrane were found in the neonatal rats in both experimental groups of 17-day old and 22-day old as compared with those in control group with the difference being statistically significant (P0.05). The serum PEDF concentration in the rats of 17 days old in experimental group was decreased significantly as compared with that in the rats of 17 days old in control group (P<0.01), and in experimental groups, the serum PEDF concentration of the rats of 22 days old was increased as compared with that of the rats of 17 days old (P<0.01). In conclusion, the obviously decreased serum PEDF concentration and the abnormal enhanced expression of VEGF density in local retinal tissue broke down the balance of PEDF/VEGF in whole-body or local tissues, which might play an important role in retinal vascular proliferation.

Time-dependent expression of PEDF and VEGF in blood serum and retina of rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The effects of the balance changes of pigment epithelium growth factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in whole-body and retinal tissue on rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy were investigated. Forty-eight neonatal SD rats at the age of 7 days were randomly divided into 4 groups. The neonatal rats in experimental groups were exposed to 75% to 80% oxygen for 5 days and then to normal air, and those in control groups were kept feeding in normal air. At the age of 17 and 22 days, all the neonatal rats received retina angiography with FITC-dextran and the pathological changes of retinal vessels and perfusion were observed. HE staining of the tissue section and the number counting of endothelial cells extending beyond the inner limiting membrane were performed to evaluate the endothelial proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of PEDF and VEGF in retinal tissue, and ELISA to detect their expression in serum. A hypoxic-ischemic proliferation of retina and more endothelial cells extending beyond the inner limiting membrane were found in the neonatal rats in both experimental groups of 17-day old and 22-day old as compared with those in control group with the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). VEGF staining of the rats in the 17-day old experimental group was significantly stronger, with an increasing positive rate, than that of the rats in the 17-day old control group (P<0.01). PEDF staining of the rats of 22 days old was weaker than that of the rats of 17 days old in the experimental groups (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum VEGF concentration among all groups (P>0.05). The serum PEDF concentration in the rats of 17 days old in experimental group was decreased significantly as compared with that in the rats of 17 days old in control group (P<0.01), and in experimental groups, the serum PEDF concentration of the rats of 22 days old was increased as compared with that of the rats of 17 days old (P<0.01). In conclusion, the obviously decreased serum PEDF concentration and the abnormal enhanced expression of VEGF density in local retinal tissue broke down the balance of PEDF/VEGF in whole-body or local tissues, which might play an important role in retinal vascular proliferation.

Perioperative nutrition support for esophageal cancer complicated with diabetes mellitus / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy between perioperative enteral and parenteral nutrition support for esophageal cancer patients complicated with diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty esophageal cancer patients complicated with diabetes mellitus between September and November 2012 were prospectively enrolled in this trial. According to random number table, 30 cases were randomly divided into enteral group (n=15) and parenteral group (n=15). During the period between 3 days before operation and 8 days after operation, patients received enteral nutrition (AnSure) and parenteral nutrition support respectively. The daily dynamic monitoring of blood glucose was performed. Nutritional indexes (albumin and prealbumin) were evaluated 1-day before operation and 8-day after operation. Postoperative recovery time of gastrointestinal function and complications associated with nutritional support were observed. The cost of nutritional support was calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients in the two groups achieved satisfactory perioperative blood glucose control. Finger tip blood glucose was 5.0-9.0 mmol/L before meal, 7.0-10.0 mmol/L 2-hour after meal, and 4.0-8.0 mmol/L at 10 PM and 3 AM. No hypoglycemia (<3.5 mmol/L) was found in all the patients. The time to first flatus after surgery was (62.4±15.7) in the enteral group, significantly earlier than (90.8±22.4) h in the parenteral group (P<0.01). Postoperative nutritional indices and associated complications were not significantly different between two groups (all P>0.05). Cost in the enteral group was significantly lower than that in the parenteral group [(650.8±45.8) RMB vs. (3016.5±152.6) RMB, P<0.01].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Perioperative nutrition support can effectively control blood glucose and improve perioperative nutritional status simultaneously for esophageal cancer patients with diabetes mellitus. Compared with parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition can accelerate the recovery of gastric bowel function and reduce the cost of nutritional support.</p>

Effect of PC cell-derived growth factor RNA interference on biological behavior of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of PC cell-derived growth factor (PCDGF) RNA interference on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells Eca-109 in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The PCDGF-shRNA expression vector was transfected into the Eca-109 cells by liposome. After transfection, the mRNA and protein expressions of PCDGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Boyden chamber method were performed to measure the cell proliferation and invasion ability respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression levels of PCDGF mRNA and protein were both decreased in Eca-109 cells transfected with PCDGF-shRNA expression vector (transfection group). Twenty-four, 48 and 72 h after transfection, the cells proliferation in the transfection group was inhibited, and the inhibition rate was 20.4%, 21.1% and 20.9% respectively. The cell proliferation activity in the transfection group was significantly lower than that in the non-transfection group, liposome group and negative vector group (all P<0.05). The number of cell migration in the non-transfection group,negative vector group, liposome group and transfection group was 118.8±12.0, 100.8±9.0, 114.3±4.7, and 53.5±16.3 respectively. The differences were statistically significant between the transfection group and the other 3 groups (all P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PCDGF RNA interference can inhibit the proliferation and invasion abilities of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells in vitro. PCDGF gene may be the new target of gene therapy.</p>

Expression of aquaporin 3 and aquaporin 9 is regulated by oleic acid through the PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of oleic acid (OA) on expression of aquaglyceroporin genes, AQP3 and AQP9, in hepatocyte steatosis and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms using an in vitro system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HepG2 cells were treated with OA at different concentration to establish in vitro models of nonalcoholic hepatocyte steatosis. The corresponding extents of hepatic steatosis modeling were assessed by oil red O staining and optical density (OD) measurements of the intracellular fat content. The model lines were then treated with inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathway factors and effects on AQP3/9 expression was measured by real time RT-PCR and western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fat concentration, indicative of hepatic steatosis, increased in conjunction with increased concentrations of OA (0 less than 250 less than 500 mumol/L). OA exposure also down-regulated AQP3 mRNA and up-regulated AQP9 mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The most robust changes in expression occurred in response to the 500 mumol/L concentration of OA for both AQP3 (0.47+/-0.18; t = 4.5450, P less than 0.05) and AQP9 (1.57+/-0.21; t = 3.0306, P less than 0.05). Treatment with OA + PI3K pathway inhibitor (LY294004) significantly decreased AQP9 mRNA expression (4.55+/-0.62) as compared to the control group (1.00+/-0.10; t = 9.7909, P less than 0.01), that 500 mumol/L OA group (2.43+/-0.53; t = 4.5018, P less than 0.05), and the LY294002 group (1.90+/-0.16; t = 7.1683, P less than 0.01). Treatment with p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor (SB230580) significantly increased the OA-suppressed level of AQP3 mRNA to the level detected in the control group (1.27+/-0.11; t = 5.7455, P less than 0.01) and decreased the OA-stimulated AQP9 mRNA (0.38+/-0.09; t = 6.5727, P less than 0.01). No significant changes in mRNA expression of AQP3/9 were observed with inhibition of the ERK1/2 and JNK signal transduction pathways. The OA-induced changes in protein expression levels of AQR3 and AQP9 followed a similar trend of the genes. Finally, OA suppressed the level of phosphorylated Akt (from 0.21+/-0.02 to 0.13+/-0.03; t = 3.8431, P less than 0.05) but elevated the level of phosphorylated p38 (from 0.58+/-0.06 to 1.02+/-0.10; t = 12.5289, P less than 0.01). Again, OA treatment produced no significant affect on ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>OA down-regulates AQP3 expression by stimulating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and up-regulates the AQP9 by blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway and activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.</p>

Study of different enteral nutrition formulation treatment after esophagectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficiency of different early enteral nutrition (EN) with Ensure, Nutrison, and Peptison in postoperative patients with esophageal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 45 postoperative patients with esophageal carcinoma were randomly divided into three groups using random digit table: Ensure group (n=15), Nutrition group (n=15), and Peptison group (n=15). Enteral nutrition was given using nasogastric tube from the 2nd postoperative day for 8 days. Albumin and prealbumin were detected on the day before surgery and postoperative day 9 after fasting. The time to gastrointestinal tract function recovery, complications, and the cost of enteral nutrition were compared among the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no significant differences in postoperative nutrition indices(albumin and prealbumin) and EN-related complications among the three groups(all P>0.05). The time to gastrointestinal tract function recovery in Ensure group [(52.4±15.7) h] and Nutrison group [(50.8±12.4) h] was less than that in Peptison group [(60.3±16.8) h] (P<0.05). The expense of Ensure group [(443.3±45.8) RMB] was obviously less than that of Nutrison group[(639.5±52.6) RMB] and Peptison group [(990.5±95.5) RMB](both P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ensure, Nutrison and Peptison can be used for postoperative early enteral nutrition in patients with esophageal carcinoma, and the efficacy and complication are comparable. The cost of Ensure is the lowest.</p>

Clinical application of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 298 esophageal carcinoma cases who were treated by MIE in the Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital from June 2008 to April 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients underwent MIE successfully except one conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was (242.3±58.7) min. The postoperative length of hospital stay was (17.4±9.8) d. The number of harvested lymph nodes of total, the mediastinum, the abdomen and the cervix was 27.5±12.2, 10.7±5.7, 13.3±7.8, and 7.7±8.1, respectively. Postoperative complication rate was 29.9%, including pneumonia (n=41), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n=25), anastomotic leak (n=9), wound infection (n=7), and others (n=7). After follow up of 2 to 47 months, 3 patients were found to develop anastomotic stricture. There were no recurrence, metastasis, or death.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Minimally invasive esophagectomy is a safe, feasible, effective and minimally invasive surgical technique.</p>

Clinical analysis of 81 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To clarify the clinical feature, diagnosis and therapy of the pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study of cases with PC who were diagnosed by pathological examinations between January 1996 and December 2010 was conducted. Eighty-one cases were enrolled in the study (58 male and 23 female patients; mean age of (51±11) years). Forty-one cases were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. There were single pulmonary lesions in 50 cases, and multiple lesions in 31 cases. Fourteen lesions (17.3%) were located in left upper lobe, 27 (33.3%) in left lower lobe, 21 (25.9%) in right upper lobe, 3 (3.7%) in right middle lobe, 28 (34.6%) in right lower lobe, and 3 (3.7%) diffusely involved bilateral lungs. The tumors ranged from 0.8 to 10.0 cm in diameter with a mean of (2.9±1.8) cm. All the cases were misdiagnosis prior to the surgical resection, and histologically confirmed by postoperative pathological specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the cases received surgical treatment including complete resection in 69 cases, and palliative resection in 12 cases. Resections were performed by means of video-assisted thoracoscopy in 31 cases and thoracotomy in 50 cases. Surgical resections included pulmonary wedge excisions in 42 cases, and lobectomies in 39 cases. After histological confirmation, 63 cases (77.8%) were treated with antifungal agents, which consisted of fluconazole in 38 cases, itraconazole in 18 cases, amphotericin B in 6 cases, and flucytosine in 4 cases. There were no intraoperative death, but two cases died for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in the postoperative period. Operative morbidity occurred in 7 (8.6%) cases. The median follow-up was 42.5 months (6 to 84 months). There were 2 local relapses of PC, and 9 cases with complications of anti-fungal agents.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The clinical manifestations of PC are mild and non-specific, with no characteristic radiographic manifestations. Surgical resection is usually indicated for definite diagnosis and treatment. Antifungal drug therapy is indispensable even after complete resection.</p>

Surgery treatment for pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinicopathological features and surgical treatment of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma (PSH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinic data of PSH patients admitted by surgical resection from January 1985 to December 2010 was analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and sixty-five patients were enrolled in the study. There were 27 male and 138 female patients with a mean age of (48 ± 13) years. Seventy-nine patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Eighty-nine tumors arose in the right lung (27 in right upper lobe, 24 in right middle lobe, 34 in right lower lobe, 2 in right upper lobe with invasion of right middle lobe, 1 in right middle lobe with invasion of right lower lobe, and 1 case with multiple lobe lesions), 75 in the left (33 in left upper lobe, 42 in left lower lobe), and 1 in the bilateral. There were huge mass lesions in 2 cases, endobronchial lesions in 2 cases, and multiple lesions in 6 cases. The mean size of the lesion was (2.6 ± 0.9) cm (ranging from 0.9 to 10.0 cm). Forty-eight cases (29.1%) were misdiagnosed as malignancies preoperatively, and 41 cases (24.8%) were misdiagnosed intraoperatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Resections were performed by means of video-assisted thoracoscopy (n = 53) and thoracotomy (n = 112). Surgical resection included pulmonary wedge excision in 61 patients, lobectomy in 89 patients, right bilobectomy in 5 patients, anatomic segmentectomy in 2 patient, enucleation in 6 patients, and synchronous bilateral pulmonary wedge resection in 1 patient. Operative mortality and morbidity occurred in 0 and 2 (4.3%) patients, respectively. Mean follow-up was 34.7 months (ranging from 6 to 62 months). There was no local recurrence or death from PSH.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PSH is a rare benign lung tumor. It is difficult to make accurate diagnosis preoperatively, and sometimes even intraoperative frozen sections can't differentiate it from malignant tumors. Surgical resection is usually indicated for definite diagnosis and treatment. Partial resection is a sufficient treatment in view of uncommon tumor recurrence. Thoracoscopic surgery is recommended for PSH.</p>

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its effect on microRNA expression in lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) on the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in lung cancer A549 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) in different concentrations was used to induce EMT in lung cancer A549 cells. The morphological changes were observed under phase-contrast microscope. The changes of EMT-related proteins were analyzed by Western blot. The changes of miRNAs expression after EMT were detected by microRNA (miRNA) array. Real time quantitative RT-PCR was applied to verify the reliability of miRNA array results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The lung cancer A549 cells became elongated and the cell-cell junction became loose after EMT. The epithelial protein marker E-cadherin was down-regulated and the mesenchymal protein markers vimentin and fibronectin up-regulated. There were 51 miRNAs showing statistically significant changes of expression more than double (P<0.05) after EMT. Among them 18 were up-regulated and 33 down-regulated. Of them, mir-33a was down-regulated by 92.8% and mir-193a-3p by 86.5%. Real time quantitative RT-PCR showed that mir-33a was down-regulated by 73.1% and mir-193a-3p by 56.6%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Epithelial-mesenchymal transition has effects on the expression of miRNAs, and miRNAs may regulate the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells via EMT.</p>