Deciphering intratumoral heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion with radiogenomic analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are mainly caused by microvascular invasion (MVI). Our study aimed to uncover the cellular atlas of MVI+ HCC and investigate the underlying immune infiltration patterns with radiomics features. METHODS: Three MVI positive HCC and three MVI negative HCC samples were collected for single-cell RNA-seq analysis. 26 MVI positive HCC and 30 MVI negative HCC tissues were underwent bulk RNA-seq analysis. For radiomics analysis, radiomics features score (Radscore) were built using preoperative contrast MRI for MVI prediction and overall survival prediction. We deciphered the metabolism profiles of MVI+ HCC using scMetabolism and scFEA. The correlation of Radscore with the level of APOE+ macrophages and iCAFs was identified. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was applied to distinguish intrahepatic metastasis (IM) and multicentric occurrence (MO). Transcriptome profiles were compared between IM and MO. RESULTS: Elevated levels of APOE+ macrophages and iCAFs were detected in MVI+ HCC. There was a strong correlation between the infiltration of APOE+ macrophages and iCAFs, as confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. MVI positive tumors exhibited increased lipid metabolism, which was attributed to the increased presence of APOE+ macrophages. APOE+ macrophages and iCAFs were also found in high levels in IM, as opposed to MO. The difference of infiltration level and Radscore between two nodules in IM was relatively small. Furthermore, we developed Radscore for predicting MVI and HCC prognostication that were also able to predict the level of infiltration of APOE+ macrophages and iCAFs. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the interactions of cell subpopulations and distinct metabolism profiles in MVI+ HCC. Besides, MVI prediction Radscore and MVI prognostic Radscore were highly correlated with the infiltration of APOE+ macrophages and iCAFs, which helped to understand the biological significance of radiomics and optimize treatment strategy for MVI+ HCC.

Upcycling fish scales through heating for steganography and Rhodamine B adsorption application.

With increasing population and limited resources, a potential route for improving sustainability is increased reuse of waste materials. By re-looking at wastes, interesting properties and multifunctionalities can be discovered in materials previously explored. Despite years of research on bio-compatible fish scales, there is limited study on the fluorescence property of this abundant waste material. Controlled denaturation of collagen and introduction of defects can serve as a means to transform the fluorescence property of these fish scale wastes while providing more adsorption sites for pollutant removal, turning multifunctional fish scales into a natural steganographic material for transmitting text and images at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels and effectively removing Rhodamine B pollutants (91 % removal) within a short contact time (10 minutes). Our work offers a glimpse into the realm of engineering defects-induced fluorescence in natural material with potential as bio-compatible fluorescence probes while encouraging multidimensional applicability to be established in otherwise overlooked waste resources.

Identification of hub genes in response to valproate treatment in patients with epilepsy / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the hub genes associated with response to valproate treatment in patients with epilepsy by using weighted gene co-expression network analysis.Methods We downloaded data from the GEO database and constructed the gene co-expression network.Pearson correlation test was used to calculate the correlation between module genes and clinical traits, to screen gene modules significantly associated with response to valproate treatment, and to screen hub genes according to the connectivity within modules.GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were used to annotate the functions of the modules.Results A total of 12 gene co-expression modules were constructed from the correlations of gene expression, in which the yellow module was significantly correlated with the drug treatment(r=0.57, P<0.000 1)and the blue module was significantly correlated with the response to valproate(r=-0.53, P<0.000 1).We found that S1PR5, SARM1 and MAGED1, FBXO31 were in the hub of the co-expression network.The biological annotation function revealed that the genes in both modules were mainly enriched in immune response and MPAK pathways.Conclusions Our work delivers preliminary data that valproate treatment causes the changes of immune and metabolic pathways in patients, and the response to epilepsy may be related to the expression of MAGED1, FBXO31.

Prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in Southeast China: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for effective prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and guide future clinical application. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from hospitalized pregnant women who underwent trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), at the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, between October 2015 and October 2017. Briefly, we included singleton pregnant women, at a gestational age above 37 weeks who underwent a primary cesarean section, in the study. We then extracted their sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics, and randomly divided the samples into training and validation sets. We employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to select variables and construct VBAC success rate in the training set. Thereafter, we validated the nomogram using the concordance index (C-index), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves. Finally, we adopted the Grobman's model to perform comparisons with published VBAC prediction models. RESULTS: Among the 708 pregnant women included according to inclusion criteria, 586 (82.77%) patients were successfully for VBAC. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that maternal height (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.19), maternal BMI at delivery (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.00), fundal height (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.88), cervix Bishop score (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 2.49 to 4.45), maternal age at delivery (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.98), gestational age (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.62) and history of vaginal delivery (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.42 to 6.48) were independently associated with successful VBAC. The constructed predictive model showed better discrimination than that from the Grobman's model in the validation series (c-index 0.906 VS 0.694, respectively). On the other hand, decision curve analysis revealed that the new model had better clinical net benefits than the Grobman's model. CONCLUSIONS: VBAC will aid in reducing the rate of cesarean sections in China. In clinical practice, the TOLAC prediction model will help improve VBAC's success rate, owing to its contribution to reducing secondary cesarean section.

Prognostic values of expression of Let-7 family in breast cancer / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the expression of miRLet-7 family members in breast cancer and its correlation with overall survivals (OS), and to find more effective molecular targets for breast cancer prevention and treatment.Methods Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter online database was used to analyze the correlation among the expression of Let-7 family members (Let-7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7i, miR-98, miR-202) correlated with overall survival (OS) and the prognosis and clinical pathological parameters of breast cancer patients, and Hazard ratio (HR), 95％confidence interval (CI), and P value were determined.ResultsThe study showed that the high expression level of Let-7a, Let-7b, Let-7c, Let-7e, Let-7f, Let-7g, miR-98 and the low expression level of miR-202 was associated with better OS for breast cancer patients (P＜0.05).We further assessed the prognostic value of Let-7 in different subtypes and clinical stage.The expression of Let-7a, Let-7b, Let-7f, Let-7g, miR-98, miR-202 was related to clinical stage (P＜0.05).Let-7a, Let-7b, Let-7c, Let-7e, Let-7f, Let-7g, miR-98 and miR-202 was related to lymph node status (P＜0.05).In triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), with breast cancer subtype, the expression of Let-7b, Let-7c, Let-7g and miR-202 was significantly correlated to overall survival (P＜0.05).Conclusion The Let-7 is significantly correlated with OS in breast cancer patients.The results suggested that members of the Let-7 have different values in predicting the prognosis of breast cancer.Among them, Let-7b, Let-7g and miR-202 are closely related with clinical stage and TNBC, and might promote development of Let-7 as targeted inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer.

Comparison of genomic DNA content of liver and spleen tissue for different age of elderly / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To investigate the change of genomic DNA of liver and spleen tissue for different age of the elderly,and provide the experimental data for aging-related research. Methods 35 livers and 33 spleens of autopsied samples preserved in refrigerator at-80 ℃ were divided into 3 groups according to age:age 65y to 79y,age 80y to 89y,age≥90y. The content of DNA in liver and spleen was determined by ultraviolet absorbent method. Results Compaired with age 80y to 89y (0. 310 ± 0. 286)mg/mL,the content of DNA in liver was significant higher at age 65y to 79y (1.464 ±0.488)mg/mL and age ≥90y(1.147 ±0.333)mg/mL(P<0.05);Compared with age 80y to 89y(0. 938 ± 0. 589)mg/mL,the content of DNA in spleen was significant higher at age 65y to 79y(1. 723 ± 0. 726)mg/mL and age≥90y(1. 688 ± 0. 963)mg/mL(P<0. 05). The content of DNA was significant lower in liver (0. 856 ± 0. 658)mg/mL than that in spleen (1. 414 ± 0. 852)mg/mL. Conclusion The content of DNA in human liver and spleen tissue may be decrease along with aging. The content of DNA in the group at age≥90y may be increase. There were some differences between different viscera tissue in content of DNA.

Effect of intensive rosuvastatin therapy on adhesion molecules and the upstream mechanism in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of intensive rosuvastatin therapy on adhesion molecules in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis and explore the possible upstream mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty asymptomatic patients with peripheral atherosclerosis were enrolled and given 5-20 mg/day rosuvastatin for 3 months. Before and after the treatment, the lipid profile and plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were examined. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the mononuclear cells was measured using flow cytometry, and the mRNA and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the baseline levels, ICAM-1 expression decreased and PPARγ protein expression increased in the lymphocytes. Rosuvastatin therapy did not produce obvious effects on plasma VCAM-1 level or ICAM-1 expression in the monocytes in these patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rosuvastatin produces anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the expression of ICAM-1 in mononuclear cells, and its upstream mechanism may involve the PPARγ pathway.</p>

Effects of baicalin against oxidative stress injury of SH-SY5Y cells by up-regulating SIRT1 / 药学学报

This study is to investigate the effect of baicalin (BL) against oxidative injury stress of SH-SY5Y cells induced by H2O2 and the possible mechanism. SH-SY5Y cells were pre-incubated with baicalin (25, 50, and 100 micromol x L(-1)) for 12 h prior to exposure to H2O2 (150 micromol x L(-1)) for 24 h. The viability of SH-SY5Y cells was measured by MTT assay. The contents of LDH and NO were determined. The percentage of apoptotic cells was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The content of Caspase-3 was tested by immunofluorescence histochemical method. BL at 50 and 100 micromol x L(-1) separately increased the cell viability and up-regulated SIRT1, reduced the contents of LDH, NO, Caspase-3 and the apoptotic percentage of SH-SY5Y cells. This study results suggest that baicalin could inhibit the H2O2-induced neuronal apoptosis. The further mechanism studies show that baicalin inhibit apoptosis via reducing Caspase-3 expression and up-regulating SIRT1.

Effects of baicalin against oxidative stress injury of SH-SY5Y cells by up-regulating SIRT1 / 药学学报

This study is to investigate the effect of baicalin (BL) against oxidative injury stress of SH-SY5Y cells induced by H2O2 and the possible mechanism. SH-SY5Y cells were pre-incubated with baicalin (25, 50, and 100 micromol x L(-1)) for 12 h prior to exposure to H2O2 (150 micromol x L(-1)) for 24 h. The viability of SH-SY5Y cells was measured by MTT assay. The contents of LDH and NO were determined. The percentage of apoptotic cells was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The content of Caspase-3 was tested by immunofluorescence histochemical method. BL at 50 and 100 micromol x L(-1) separately increased the cell viability and up-regulated SIRT1, reduced the contents of LDH, NO, Caspase-3 and the apoptotic percentage of SH-SY5Y cells. This study results suggest that baicalin could inhibit the H2O2-induced neuronal apoptosis. The further mechanism studies show that baicalin inhibit apoptosis via reducing Caspase-3 expression and up-regulating SIRT1.

Comparative proteomic analysis of hippocampus between chronic cerebral ischemia rats and normal controls / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the pathogenesis of brain damage after chronic cerebral ischemia through analysis of the differences in proteins expression in hippocampus between chronic cerebral ischemia rats and normal rats.@*METHODS@#The chronic cerebral ischemia model was established by ligating the bilateral common carotid arteries.Twenty rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=10)and a sham operation group(n=10). Four weeks later, the differences of proteins expression in hippocampus between model group and sham operation group were analyzed by two dimensional polyacryalmide gel electrophoresis and ultraflex TOF/TOF mass spectrograph.@*RESULTS@#Compared to the sham operation group, the expressions of 4 proteins were up-regulated and that of 2 proteins were down-regulated in the model group. Six proteins were identified by ultraflex TOF/TOF, which were ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1; Dynamin-1; TMF regulated nuclear protein-like, partial; ATP synthase; rCG50513, isoform CRA_a; and expressed sequence AU016693, isoform CRA_b.@*CONCLUSION@#Well-resolved and reproducible 2-DE patterns of chronic cerebral ischemia rats were established. Six proteins that correlate with nerve damage after chronic cerebral ischemia are identified.

Study on pancreas of type 1 diabetic mice induced by MLD-STZ using proteomics / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To get a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying type 1 diabetes mellitus, the differentially expressed pancreatic proteins from multiple low-dose streptozotocin (MLD-SIZ) mouse and normal mouse were analyzed and compared.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>20 male rats were separated into 2 groups (n=10): model mice treated with MLD-STZ and normal mice,differences of pancreatic proteome among in the two groups of mice, were analyzed by two dimensional polyacryamide gel electrophoresis (2DE). Protein quantification was analyzed and the differentially expressed spots were identified using mass spectrometry and MASCOT database searching.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, 23 proteins had changed significantly in the model group, 8 proteins expression were up-regulated, 15 proteins expressions down-regulated significantly. Using MALDI-TOF-MS, 15 proteins with significant change were identified by peptide fingerprinting map and the results were searched in MASCOT database. The function analyzed showed that proteins with change were associated with metabolic, anti-oxidant, structural, catalytic enzymes and chaperone, et al.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Type 1 diabetes is probably exerted via multi-target and multi-path mechanism. The proteins with significant change are newly target for type 1 diabetes early diagnosis and treatment.</p>

Protective effect of extract of Apocynum venetum on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanism of extract of Apocynum venetum (AV) on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The indexes of the blood glucose, renal function and oxidative stress were observed. The DM rats were administrated with the AV for 8 weeks, the above-mentioned indexes were detected. The blood glucose level, BUN, 24 h urine protein excretion, urine volume, renal index, renal cortex's MDA level in model groups all increased significantly. Renal cortex's SOD and GSH activities decreased significantly compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05). The above-mentioned indexes were significantly improved by the AV treatment (P < 0.05). AV have protective effects on renal function of kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and maybe via inhibition of the renal oxidative stress.

Effect of Shenlongjiannao Capsule on Learning and Memory and Reactive Nitrogen Intermediates in Cerebral Cortex of Cerebral Ischaemia Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Shenlongjiannao capsule on the learning and memory of the cerebral ischaemia model rat as well as reactive nitrogen intermediates in the cerebral cortex.MethodsThe cerebral ischaemia animal model was established by two-vessel occlusion. 50 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group with sham operation, model group, positive control group with pisacetam, Shenlongjiannao capsule groups (low and high dosage). After four weeks, the learning and memory function was tested with Morris water maze, and the contents of nitric oxide(NO) and inducible nitric-oxide synthsae(iNOS) in cerebral cortex were measured.ResultsAfter treatment, the learning and memory ability improved significently and the contents of NO and iNOS in cerebral cortex decreased in Shenlongjiannao capsule groups.ConclusionShenlonjiannao capsule can improve the learning and memory of rats with cerebral ischaemia by lowering the activity of NO and iNOS in the cerebral cortex.

Protective effect of extract of Apocynum venetum on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanism of extract of Apocynum venetum (AV) on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The indexes of the blood glucose, renal function and oxidative stress were observed. The DM rats were administrated with the AV for 8 weeks, the above-mentioned indexes were detected. The blood glucose level, BUN, 24 h urine protein excretion, urine volume, renal index, renal cortex's MDA level in model groups all increased significantly. Renal cortex's SOD and GSH activities decreased significantly compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05). The above-mentioned indexes were significantly improved by the AV treatment (P < 0.05). AV have protective effects on renal function of kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and maybe via inhibition of the renal oxidative stress.

Effects of hyperin on the cccDNA of duck hepatitis B virus and its immunological regulation / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hyperin on the cccDNA of duck hepatitis B virus and its immunological regulation. Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection model and normal mouse spleen lymphocyte were used to evaluate the anti-HBV and immunoregulation effects. The DHBV-DNA of serum was detected at different time points by using serum DOT-BLOT hybridization. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the determination of nuclear covalent closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA method. DHBV-DNA were inhibited by hyperin (25 or 50 mg x kg(-1)), while cccDNA of liver could be eliminated efficiently by hyperin (25 or 50 mg x kg(-1), P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The T helper 1 effector cytokine was markedly enhanced by hyperin (25 or 50 microg x mL(-1), P < 0.01). In conclusion, hyperin has anti-HBV activity via multiple targets and pathways, and cccDNA may be one of the important targets.

Contrast on the Effects of Two Kinds of Craft Prepared Liuwei Dihuang Oral Liquid on Antihypoxia and Immunoregulation in Mice / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To contrast the effects of anti-hypoxia and immunoregulation of two kinds of craft prepared Liuwei Dihuang Oral Liquid. Method Mice were divided randomly into 7 groups:control group and two preparation craft Liuwei Dihuang Oral Liquid (6, 3, 1.5 g/kg). The animals were intragastric administration with drugs for 14 d. The dead time, carbon clearance rate and index of thymus and spleen in each groups were observed and measured. Results Compared with the control group, two craft prepared Liuwei Dihuang Oral Liquid significantly prolonged survival time and increased mono-macrophage capability of carbon clearance (P

Preparation of collagen-based materials for wound dressing / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the methods which were used to develop collagen-based materials for wound dressing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fresh frozen bovine tendon was treated with 0.05 mol/L acetic acid at pH 3.2 for 48-72 hours, homogenized, filtered, mixed with 8% chondroitin sulphate, for creating a deaerated 1.5%-2.5% collagen solution. The solution was lyophilized in either a pre-frozen or non-pre-frozen mould. The collagen sponge was then cross-linked with 0.25% glutaraldehyde for 24 hours. Three other types of wound dressings were developed using a similar method: collagen membrane with a polyurethane membrane onlay, polyurethane-coated collagen membrane and collagen membrane on gauze.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was demonstrated that the use of frozen bovine tendon was stable, and that the prepared collagen sponge contained pores of 50-400 microm in diameter.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Collagen could be used as wound dressing.</p>

Study on combined implantation of pig dermis and autologous skin in rats / 生物医学工程学杂志

In this study the treatment effect of combined implantation of autologous skin on pig dermis in injured rats was observed. Twenty-one Wistar rats were used, and the wounds were formed by excising a piece of full thickness skin on the back. After the pig dermis was implanted, the autologous skin was grafted on the dermis at 0.7 and 10 days. In the group with perforated pig dermis, the autograft skin was implanted on the day when the pig dermis was implanted. The healing effect was evaluated by measuring wound area, and by observing the growth of the autograft skin. Two weeks after the autograft skin was implanted, the skin securely adhered to the dermis, and the edge of autograft skin expanded clearly. The wound of the autograft skin implanted in the perforation of the dermis healed completely after 3 weeks, but the other 3 groups had remnant small wound. The autograft skin merged with the dermis and its surrounding tissue, but a clear dividing line still existed between autograft skin and dermis after implantation. The area of the implanted dermis and autograft skin varied from 51.8% to 65.9% compared to its original size. The results suggested that the time and the way of autologous skin grafting on xenogenous dermis may influence wound contraction and healing time.

Effect of powder of Chinese Angelica and Peony on expressions of hippocampal proteins in senescence accelerated mice / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To study the effect of powder of Chinese Angelica and Peony (DSS) on hippocampus proteome of senescence accelerated mice (SAM). Methods Thirty female mice aged 12 months were used in our study, including 10 SAM-resistance/1 (SAMR1) and 20 SAM-prone/8 (SAMP8). The difference of hippocampus proteome among SAMP8, SAMR1, SAMP8 treated with DSS intragastrically at dose of 3.2 g/kg once a day for 30 d (SAMP8+DSS), was analyzed by two dimensional polyacryalmide gel electrophoresis (2DE). Results Compared with SAMR1, the expressions of 13 proteins in hippocampus of SAMP8 were up-regulated and that of 9 proteins were down-regulated significantly. Compared with SAMP8, the expressions of 21 proteins in hippocampus of SAMP8+DSS were up-regulated and that of 14 proteins were down-regulated significantly. Using MALDI-TOF-MS, the proteins with significant changes in expressions were identified by peptide fingerprinting map and the results were searched in MASCOT database, and sorted into 5 function groups including mitochondria-associated proteins, energy metabolism proteins, synaptic plasticity formation proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and others proteins. Conclusion The effects of DSS on hippocampus proteome of senescence accelerated mice were probably exerted via multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism.