The non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated high expression of polycomb group factor 1 (PCGF1) is a prognostic biomarker and is correlated with tumor immunity infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) has a poor prognosis worldwide. Polycomb group factor 1 (PCGF1) was recently reported to play a tumor suppressive role in cancers. However, the molecular mechanism and competitive endogenous ribonucleic acid (ceRNA) regulatory networks of PCGF1 in LIHC are still unclear. Methods: We constructed a PCGF1 ceRNA regulatory network in LIHC and identified potential prognostic markers, especially for tumor immunity. We identified the gene expression profiles and conducted correlation and survival analyses of PCGF1 and the related RNAs. We also explored the clinicopathological features and diagnostic and prognostic values of PCGF1 and constructed a nomogram to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival. Based on a variety of bioinformatics tools, we confirmed the PCGF1-related signaling pathways in LIHC. Finally, the role of PCGF1 in immune cell infiltration was also analyzed. Results: We found that PCGF1 was overexpressed in LIHC (P<0.001) and was linked to a poor prognosis in terms of overall survival (OS, P=0.029), the progress-free interval (PFI, P=0.002), and disease-free survival (DFS, P=0.02). Hsa-miR-22-3p was highly negatively correlated with PCGF1. Further, 3 upstream long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (i.e., AC016405.3, BX284668.6, and MIR4435-2HG) were confirmed to further research. PCGF1 was positively associated with pathologic tumor stages (P=0.001), histologic grade (P=0.030), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level (P=0.030), and vascular invasion (P=0.022). The area under the curve of PCGF1 was 0.983 [confidence interval (CI): 0.972-0.994]. In the multivariate analyses, high PCGF1 expression remained an independent factor associated with OS [hazards ratio (HR): 1.696, P=0.027], DSS (HR: 2.139, P=0.024), and the PFI (HR: 1.512, P=0.034). We found that PCGF1 was involved in some malignancy-associated signaling pathways and plays a role in regulating the immune response. Conclusions: We confirmed the upstream ceRNA regulatory network of PCGF1 in LIHC. PCGF1 has an oncogenic effect and correlates with tumor immunity.

Aluminum Microcomb Electrodes on Silicon Wafer for Detecting Val66Met Polymorphism in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.

OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysregulation is widely related with various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, Rett syndrome, and addiction, and the available evidence suggests that BDNF is also highly correlated with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. METHODS: The BDNF target sequence was detected on a capture probe attached on aluminum microcomb electrodes on the silicon wafer surface. A capture-target-reporter sandwich-type assay was performed to enhance the detection of the BDNF target. RESULTS: The limit of detection was noticed to be 100 aM. Input of a reporter sequence at concentrations >10 aM improved the detection of the target sequence by enhancing changes in the generated currents. Control experiments with noncomplementary and single- and triple-mismatches of target and reporter sequences did not elicit changes in current levels, indicating the selective detection of the BDNF gene sequence. CONCLUSION: The above detection strategy will be useful for the detection and quantification of BDNF, thereby aiding in the provision of suitable treatments for BDNF-related disorders.

[Efficacy of spastic pelvic floor syndrome treated with electroacupuncture at Baliao (BL 31, BL 32, BL 33 and BL 34)].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy on spastic pelvic floor syndrome (SPFS) treated with electroacupuncture (EA) at Shangliao (BL 31), Ciliao (BL 32), Zhongliao (BL 33) and Xialiao (BL 34). METHODS: Thirty-six cases of SPFS were treated with EA at Shangliao (BL 31), Ciliao (BL 32), Zhongliao (BL 33) and Xialiao (BL 34), intermittent wave, 60 times/min in frequency, retained for 20 min. In general, the acupoints on one side were stimulated in each treatment. The bilateral acupoints stimulation was applied in serious cases. The treatment was given once every two days, five treatments made one session and totally three sessions were required. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptoms, anal kinetic indices defecation radiographic changes were observed. The follow-up observation was done in three months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: In three-months follow-up after treatment, 14 cases were cured, 18 cases improved and 4 cases failed. The total effective rate was 88. 9%. After treatment, the cases of incomplete defecation, difficult defecation, anal pain and anal obstruction were reduced apparently as compared with those before treatment, indicating the statistically significant differences (all P<0.01). After treatment, rectal anal reflex threshold (ARA) was increased, anal maximal contraction pressure (AMCP) was reduced to (16.62±1.54) kPa and anal rest pressure (ARP) was significantly reduced to (7.22±0.36) kPa, indicating the statistical differences as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). After treatment, anorectal angle (ARA) in forceful defecation was increased to (116.55±9.42)°, the distance between the anorectal junction and the pubococcygeal line was decreased, and the impression of puborectal muscle was alleviated apparently as compared with that before treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA at Shangliao (BL 31), Ciliao (BL 32), Zhongliao (BL 33) and Xialiao (BL 34) achieves definite efficacy on SPFS and this therapeutic method obviously relieves the symptoms and deserves to be promoted in clinic.

[Sacral nerve stimulation treatment in functional anorectal pain].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation(SNS) for functional anorectal pain(FAP). METHODS: A total of 32 patients of FAP received SNS treatment through S3 from March 2011 to December 2011. Visual analogue scale(VAS), anal pressure measure, and health survey(SF-36) before and after treatment were used to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: After treatment, VAS score was significantly decreased, rectal anal reflex threshold volume elevated, and anal maximum contraction pressure (AMCP) and anal rest pressure significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(all P<0.01). Except for general health, the remaining dimension score of the SF-36 increased significantly after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01). After SNS treatment, 19 cases were cured, 12 improved, 1 was refractory. The total effective rate was 96.9% during 3 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: SNS is a safe and effective alternative for FAP and can alleviate the pain symptom and improve the quality of life.