One-dimensional H2V3O8 nanorods and two-dimensional lamellar MXene composites as efficient cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries.

The energy crisis is a the worldwide problem which needs humans to solve immediately. To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop energy storage batteries. It is worth mentioning the aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZBs) which have some advantages, such as low cost, good safety and no need for an organic electrolyte as in the traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, it is still a challenge to find suitable and reliable electrode materials. In this work, as-prepared H2V3O8 nanorods and MXene composites are used as cathode materials in ARZBs which were designed well using a hydrothermal method after optimizing the reaction time. The results showed that H2V3O8/MXene ARZBs could provide a good transport path for zinc ions, which were based on special 1D H2V3O8 nanorods and 2D multi-layered MXene materials, which exhibited an outstanding initial specific discharge capacity of 373 mA h g-1 at 200 mA g-1, good rate capability and a long lifecycle with only 15.8% capacity decay at 500 mA g-1 after 5000 cycles. The H2V3O8/MXene composites with a good electrochemical performance bring insight into their promising applications for energy storage batteries. They provided enhanced rate performance and excellent cycling stability, which was ascribed to the multi-step and multi-mode zinc ion insertion/extraction process. This was confirmed by the use of the 1D/2D integrated structure of the H2V3O8/MXene composites, which was conductive to zinc ion diffusion.

LncRNA Expression Profiling in Advanced Resected Gastric Adenocarcinoma Tissues.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the chief products of human transcriptomes and have a major function in mediating gene expression. Abnormal lncRNA levels have been detected in gastric cancer. However, changes in lncRNA expression in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) are largely unexplored. METHODS: We studied the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in 6 advanced resected GA (ARGA) tissues using a lncRNA microarray chip. RESULTS: Among 22,870 lncRNAs expressed in ARGA and paired nonneoplastic tissues (non-GA), 1,769 and 1,710 were up- or downregulated, respectively, in all 6 ARGA tissues (≥ 2.0-fold, p < 0.05). The expression of 5 differentially expressed lncRNAs, HNF1A-AS1, RP11-62F24.2, GAS5, MALAT1, and H19 were randomly selected to be measured in 47 patients using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and the data were consistent with those obtained from the microarray chip. Analysis of their nearby coding genes (mRNAs) revealed that the main associated GO (gene ontology) classes were genes that regulate cellular metabolic processes, protein binding and receptor binding, whereas the main associated pathways were MAPK signaling, which regulates cell proliferation and differentiation and the apoptosis pathway, which is cancer-related. Some (n = 37) differentially expressed lncRNAs had direct annotated functions; among these lncRNAs, 27 were associated with cancer, cancer pathways, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes and with cell development and differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Expression differences in lncRNAs exist between advanced GA and noncancerous gastric tissues, so lncRNA expression patterns may explain gastric carcinogenesis and progression as well as serve as candidate biomarkers for the treatment of GA.

Involvement of SLC39A6 in gastric adenocarcinoma and correlation of the SLC39A6 polymorphism rs1050631 with clinical outcomes after resection.

BACKGROUND: The single-nucleotide polymorphism SLC39A6 rs1050631 is strongly implicated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, leading us to question whether it may also play a role in gastric adenocarcima (GA). METHODS: We genotyped the SLC39A6 rs1050631 in 512 patients who underwent GA resection. All study subjects lived in an area of China with high GA incidence. Genotypes were examined for possible correlation with survival and recurrence. The potential involvement of SLC39A6 in gastric cancer was explored in clinical samples and cell culture studies. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis showed that patients with the CT + TT genotype at SLC39A6 rs1050631 were at greater risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, HR 1.387, p = 0.004) and death (HR 1.429, p = 0.002) than patients with CC genotype. Median recurrence-free and overall survival were significantly shorter in patients with the CT + TT genotype (20, 27 months) than in patients with the CC genotype (36, 43 months, p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Patients with the CT + TT genotype who were male or ≥ 60 years, or who had a tumor ≥5 cm or a moderately differentiated tumor were at significantly higher risk of recurrence and death. SLC39A6 was overexpressed in tissues from GA patients and in GA cell lines, and SLC39A6 knockdown in GA cell lines inhibited their proliferation, migration and invasion. CONCLUSION: SLC39A6 rs1050631 correlates with post-resection prognosis of GA patients and SLC39A6 may participate in GA onset or progression.

High Tumor Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression Is Associated With Poorer Clinical Outcomes in Resected T3 Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in resected T3 gastric adenocarcinoma (GA). METHODS: Data of VEGF expression on 453 patients with resected T3 GA were collected from a single institute in Fuzhou, China. VEGF expression in the resected tumor tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Associations between VEGF expression outcomes and prognosis were investigated using by the χ(2) test, Kaplan-Meier plus log-rank test, and univariate and multivariate Cox models. RESULTS: In total, 48.6% (220/453) patients had low VEGF expression (IHC score ≤2+). Patients with high VEGF expression (IHC>2+; 233/453, 51.4%) had significantly poorer median recurrence-free survival time (20 vs 55 months, P < 001) and median overall survival time (28 vs 58 months; P < 001) than patients with low VEGF. High VEGF was associated with higher overall recurrence (68.2% vs 51.4%, P = 2.675 × 10(-4)), poorer overall survival (27.5% vs 47.3%, P = 1.719 × 10(-5)), and increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-2.19; P = 2.43 × 10(-5)) and death (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.41-2.3; P = 2.19 × 10(-6)). CONCLUSIONS: High VEGF expression is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and shorter survival in resected T3 GA. These findings may provide a foundation for evaluating VEGF-targeted molecular therapies in T3 GA.

High Ki67 Expression has Prognostic Value in Surgically-Resected T3 Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Antigen KI-67 (Ki67) plays a critical role in regulation of cell proliferation and has prognostic value in several types of cancer; however, the relationship between Ki67 expression and prognosis in resected T3 gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) has not yet been investigated. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 693 patients with T3 GA who underwent surgical resection at a single institution between July 2003 and December 2009 was performed. Ki67 expression in tumor tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC); the associations between Ki67 and prognosis/survival outcomes were assessed using the Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test, and univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: High Ki67 expression (IHC score > or = 3+) was observed in 335/693 (48.34%) of cases. Ki67 expression was significantly associated with distant metastasis, 5-year median recurrence-free survival time in months (MRFST), and 5-year median overall survival time in months (MOST). Median recurrence and overall survival were 20 and 28 months. High Ki67 expression was associated with shorter MRFST (13 vs. 27 months, p < 0.001) and MOST (21 vs. 35 months, p < 0.001 compared to low K67 expression). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high K167 expression was an independent prognostic factor for an increased risk of recurrence (p = 0.001) and distant metastasis (p = 0.003) and poorer overall survival (p = 5.33 x 10(-5)). CONCLUSIONS: High Ki67 expression was frequently observed in resected T3 GA and was a significant prognostic factor for poor outcome with respect to recurrence, distant metastasis and overall survival. Ki67 may represent a useful prognostic biomarker for resected T3 GA.

Effect of topical propranolol gel on plasma renin, angiotensin II and vascular endothelial growth factor in superficial infantile hemangiomas.

The effect of topical propranolol gel on the levels of plasma renin, angiotensin II (ATII) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in superficial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) was investigated. Thirty-three consecutive children with superficial IHs were observed pre-treatment, 1 and 3 months after application of topical propranolol gel for the levels of plasma renin, ATII and VEGF in Department of General Surgery of Dongfang Hospital from February 2013 to February 2014. The plasma results of IHs were compared with those of 30 healthy infants of the same age from out-patient department. The clinical efficiency of topical propranolol gel at 1st, and 3rd month after application was 45%, and 82% respectively. The levels of plasma renin, ATII and VEGF in patients pre-treatment were higher than those in healthy infants (565.86 ± 49.66 vs. 18.19 ± 3.56, 3.20 ± 0.39 vs 0.30 ± 0.03, and 362.16 ± 27.29 vs. 85.63 ± 8.14, P < 0.05). The concentrations of VEGF and renin at 1st and 3rd month after treatment were decreased obviously as compared with those pre-treatment (271.51 ± 18.59 vs. 362.16 ± 27.29, and 405.18 ± 42.52 vs. 565.86 ± 49.66 P < 0.05; 240.80 ± 19.89 vs. 362.16 ± 27.29, and 325.90 ± 35.78 vs. 565.86 ± 49.66, P < 0.05, respectively), but the levels of plasma ATII declined slightly (2.96 ± 0.37 vs. 3.20 ± 0.39, and 2.47 ± 0.27 vs. 3.20 ± 0.39, P > 0.05). It was indicated that the increased renin, ATII and VEGF might play a role in the onset or development of IHs. Propranolol gel may suppress the proliferation of IHs by reducing VEGF.

Effect of propranolol gel on plasma VEGF, bFGF and MMP-9 in proliferating infantile hemangiomas of superficial type / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of topical propranolol gel on the levels of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) in proliferating infantile hemangiomas (IHs) of superficial type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>33 consecutive children with superficial IHs were observed pre-treatment, 1 and 3 months after application of topical propranolol gel for the levels of plasma VEGF, MMP-9 and bFGF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Department of General Surgery of Dongfang Hospital from February 2013 to February 2014. The plasma results of IHs were compared with those of 30 healthy infants. The clinical efficacy in IHs was evaluated by Achauer system. Differences of plasma results between the healthy group and the IHs group pre-treatment were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test. Paired sample comparisons of any two time points of pre-treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment in IHs were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical efficiency of topical propranolol gel at 1, 3 months after application were 45.45%, 81.82% respectively. The levels of plasma VEGF and MMP-9 in patients pre- treatment were higher than those in healthy infants [(362.16 ± 27.29) pg/ml vs (85.63 ± 8.14) pg/ml, (1376.41 ± 42.15) pg/ml vs (687.27 ± 44.1) pg/ml, P < 0.05], but the level of bFGF did not show significant difference [(176.03 ± 13.60 ) pg/ml vs (235.94 ± 35.43 ) pg/ml, P > 0. 05 ]. The concentrations of VEGF and bFGF at 1, 3 months after treatment decreased obviously [(271.51 ± 18.59) pg/ml vs (362.16 ± 27.29 ) pg/ml, (135.85 ± 12.66) pg/ml vs (176.03 ± 13.60) pg/ml], 1 month after treatment vs pre-treatment, P < 0.05; (240.80 ± 19.89) pg/ml vs (362.16 ± 27.29) pg/ml, (107.31 ± 5.82) pg/ml vs (176.03 ± 13.60) pg/ml, 3 month after treatment vs pre-treatment, P < 0.05, whereas the levels of plasma MMP-9 declined slightly [(1321.18 ± 48.74) pg/ml vs (1376.41 ± 42.15 ) pg/ml, (1468.68 ± 32.78) pg/ml vs (1376.41 ± 42 2.15 ) pg/ml, P > 0.05 ].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Propranolol gel may suppress the proliferation of superficial infantile bemangiomas by reducing VEGF and bFGF.</p>

Effects of topical propranolol hydrochloride gel for treatment of infantile hemangioma in nude mice / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect and safety of topical propranolol hydrochloride gel for treatment of infantile hemangioma. METHODS Thirty nude mice (BALA/c, nu/nu) were divided into three groups, experimental group, control group and normal group. Human hemangioma endothelial cells cultured in vitro were injected subcutaneously in experimental group and control group to establish infantile hemangioma model. Topical propranolol hydrochloride gel was applied on the surface of the hemangioman in experimental group and normal group. Tumor volumn change and the skin situations (edema, erythema, ulceration) were observed at different periods. 45 days after cell injection, the mice were killed and plasma concentration was detected in the experimental group and the control group by high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detector, and tumors were subjected to histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry for CD31 and CD34. The correlation between volumes and plasma concentration was statistically analyzed with SPSS 13.0 paired samples t test with α = 0.05 as statistical standard.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 45 days, the volume of the tumor in control group was (366.57 ± 17.08) mm³, which has a significant difference as compared to the experimental group (13.36 ± 2.09) mm³ (P < 0.05); and the plasma concentration was (16.83 ± 1.53) ng/ml in experimental group, and (18.42 ± 2.21) ng/ ml in normal group (P > 0.05 ). Topical propranolol hydrochloride gel (3%) has no irritation to nude mice's skin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Topical application of 3% propranolol hydrochloride gel is effective and safe for the treatment of infantile hemangioma.</p>

[Effect of propranolol gel on infantile hemangiomas].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and security of propranolol gel in treatment of Infantile hemangiomas. METHODS: 51 consecutive infants with hemangiomas from October 2010 to September 2011 in Department of General Surgery Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command were treated with propranolol hydrochloride 3% gel. Changes in hemangioma size, texture, color, tumor blood flow peak were recorded. RESULTS: The results were evaluated using Achauer system, responses of IHs to propranolol were considered scale I (poor) in 4 patient (17.24%), scale II (moderate) in 18 patients (24.14%), scale III (good) in 22 patients (44.83%) and scale IV (excellent) in 7 patients (13.79%). The response of superficial hemangiomas was significantly better than other hemangiomas (P < 0.05), and no significant differences in response among different primary sites (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Topical use of propranolol hydrochloride 3% gel is an effective option for superficial hemangiomas.

Single purse string with four-point traction for better haemorrhoid retraction.

BACKGROUND: Traction method is important to stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) for its impact on haemorrhoidal prolapse reduction. Single purse string with one-point traction is most commonly used in SH. This traction method often results in an irregular mucosal doughnut with inadequate height, which leads to insignificant and uneven haemorrhoidal prolapse reduction. Single purse string with two-point traction is a modified traction method. According to some authors, it has significantly improved the height and regularity of the mucosal doughnut in SH. However, the reduction of haemorrhoidal prolapse is not always satisfactory, especially in patients with large prolapse. Our assumption is that single purse string with four-point traction, a more balanced traction method, will provide better control to increase the doughnut height using the same amount of traction. This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of single purse string with four-point traction as compared with two-point traction in SH. METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptomatic grade III haemorrhoids were randomized to two groups: Group 1, G(1) ; Group 2, G(2) . Each group underwent SH by colorectal surgeons. The patients in G(1) underwent single purse string with two-point traction. The patients in G(2) underwent SH using single purse string with four-point traction. Preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative patient characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty patients with a median age of 44 (range, 21-78) years were identified. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups. The height of the mucosectomy specimens significantly increased in patients of G(2) (P < 0.01, t-test). The variation in mucosal doughnut height significantly decreased in patients of G(2) (P < 0.01, t-test). The anatomy score after SH also significantly decreased in patients of G (2) (P = 0.029, Mann-Whitney U-test). No significant difference in complications was observed between the two groups. Median follow-up was 14 (range, 6-22) months. No haemorrhoidal symptoms were found in these patients. CONCLUSION: Single purse string with four-point traction ensures a taller and more regular mucosal doughnut during SH, thus it brings a more satisfactory haemorrhoid retraction.

[Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on the intestinal barrier dysfunction after radiation injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the intestinal barrier dysfunction in rats after extensive abdominal radiation with X ray. METHODS: Twenty-four Spraque-Dawley male rats were divided into normal control group (n=8), radiation group (n=8), and radiation+NAC group (300 mg/kg) (n=8). Radiation injury was induced by X ray with a single dose of 10 Gy. NAC was administered from 4 days before irradiation to 3 days after radiation. Three days after radiation, all the rats were euthanized. The terminal ileum was collected for crypt survival assay and ileal villi count. The tissue samples from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen, and liver were harvested under sterile conditions for microbiological analysis and ileum samples were harvested for biochemical analysis. The blood levels of D-lactate, endotoxin and diamine oxidase (DAO) and the ileum samples levels of nitric oxide(NO) were also measured. RESULTS: Rats in radiation+NAC group had a higher survival rate of intestinal crypt [(76.84+/-4.82)% vs (49.64+/-5.48)%, P<0.01], higher intestinal villus count [(8.56+/-0.68)/mm vs (4.02+/-0.54)/mm, P<0.01], lower NO concentration [(0.48+/-0.12) mumol/g vs (0.88+/-0.16) mumol/g, P<0.01], lower levels of D-lactate, endotoxin and DAO (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and significantly decreased enteric bacteria cultured from mesenteric lymph nodes and other tissues as compared with the radiation group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: NAC protects the small intestine from radiation-induced injury maybe through the inhibition of NO in rats.