A case of Pseudo-Lowering of Blood Routine Results caused by Improper Blood Collection Operation.

BACKGROUND: Unqualified samples directly affect the accuracy of laboratory test results. Some links in the preanalysis stage are prone to produce unqualified samples that are difficult to identify, leading to inaccurate test results and affecting clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This paper reports a case of pseudo-lowering of blood routine results caused by improper blood collection operation. RESULTS: The blood routine samples caused by improper blood collection operation by nurses were diluted by the sealing solution of the indwelling needle, which resulted in inaccurate test results. CONCLUSIONS: The laboratory should pay attention to the quality control in the preanalysis stage and identify unqualified samples in time, provide reliable diagnostic basis for clinical practice, and avoid the occurrence of adverse events.

PYCR1 promotes the malignant progression of lung cancer through the JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway via PRODH-dependent glutamine synthesize.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is a serious threat to human life. It is of great significance to elucidate the pathogenesis of lung cancer and search for new markers. This study evaluate the clinical value of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) and explore its role and mechanisms in the malignant progression of lung cancer. METHODS: PYCR1 expression and its relationship with prognosis were analyzed using a bioinformatics database. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were utilized to examine the expression of PYCR1 in lung cancer tissues and peripheral blood. PYCR1-overexpressing lung cancer cells were constructed, then the cell proliferative, migration, and invasion ability was examined by the MTT and Transwell assays. siRNA against PRODH and STAT3 inhibitor sttatic was used to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Luciferase and CHIP assays were carried out for validate the how PYCR1 regulated PD-L1 expression via STAT3. Xenograft experiment was performed to determine the role of PYCR1 in vivo. RESULTS: Database analysis showed that PYCR1 expression was significantly increased in lung cancer tissues, and its high expression predicted poor prognosis. Lung cancer tissue and peripheral blood of patients showed obviously increased PYCR1 expression, and the sensitivity and specificity of serum PYCR1 in the diagnosis of lung cancer were 75.7% and 60%, respectively. PYCR1 overexpression enhanced the proliferative, migration, and invasion abilities of lung cancer cells. Both PRODH silence and stattic effectively attenuated the function of PYCR1. Animal experiment and IHC data indicated that PYCR1 could activated STAT3 phosphorylation and PD-L1, as well as suppressed T cell infiltration in lung cancer. Finally, we also validated that PYCR1 promoted PD-L1 transcription by elevating STAT3 binding to the gene promoter. CONCLUSION: PYCR1 has certain value in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer. Moreover, through regulating JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway, PYCR1 significantly participated in process of lung cancer progression via the metabolism link between proline and glutamine, indicating that PYCR1 might be also a novel therapeutic target.

A Case of Abnormal Results Caused by Urine Contamination in Serum During Detection.

BACKGROUND: Unqualified samples directly affect the accuracy of test results in clinical laboratory. Timely and accurate identification of unqualified specimens can avoid the occurrence of medical adverse events. METHODS: This study reported a case of abnormal results caused by urine carrying contamination in serum during detection. RESULTS: During the testing process, improper operation of laboratory staff led to serum contamination with urine, which affected the accuracy of the test results. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the pre-inspection stage, all laboratories should also pay attention to the quality control of sample during the inspection, so as to ensure the accuracy of the results and medical safety.

Stratifin promotes the growth and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cancer cause of death worldwide. SFN plays a vital role in some malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of SFN in the development of HCC. METHODS: The bioinformatics database was used to detect the expression of SFN and its prognosis in HCC patients. And the protein-protein interaction network was established. IHC and Elisa were used to analyze the expression level and clinical characteristics of SFN in HCC patients. Subsequently, siRNA knockdown of SFN expression in HCC cell lines was used to explore whether SFN could promote the development of HCC. RESULTS: SFN was highly expressed in the tissues and serum of hepatocellular carcinoma, and its expression level was correlated with the tumor which was single or not in patients. Bioanalysis and histochemistry results showed that CDC25B was co-expressed with SFN in HCC, which may be the upstream and downstream signaling molecule of SFN. Knockdown of SFN can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promote apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that SFN may play an important role in HCC progression and may interact with CDC25B to promote malignant progression of HCC, providing a molecular target for future HCC therapy.

MiR-145 inhibits EGF-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via targeting Smad2 in human glioblastoma.

Background/Aims: MiR-145 and Smad2 have been widely reported in the development and progression of human malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between miR-145 and Smad2 in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers and Smad2 were assessed by Western blot. The silencing of Smad2 was conducted by transfection of Smad2 siRNAs. The cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays, respectively. The dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify whether Smad2 is a direct target of miR-145. Results: The epidermal growth factor (EGF) activated the phosphorylation of Smad2 in U87 and U251 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with silencing of Smad2 or overexpression of miR-145 significantly inhibited the expressions of total Smad2, N-cadherin, Vimentin and matrix metallopeptidase 9, but induced the expression of E-cadherin. In addition, silencing of Smad2 or overexpression of miR-145 also inhibited the migration and invasion of U87 and U251 cells. Mechanistically, Smad2 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-145 by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Restored Smad2 expression also reversed miR-145-induced inhibition of EMT in U87 and U251 cells. Conclusion: MiR-145 inhibits EGF-induced EMT via targeting Smad2 in human GBM. Therefore, miR-145 may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for GBM patients.

MiR-145 inhibits the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via targeting ADAM19 in human glioblastoma.

In recent years, increasing studies demonstrated that miR-145 plays a tumor suppressor role in many human cancers. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of miR-145 and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 19 (ADAM19) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues and cells. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying miR-145/ADAM19-induced GBM biology. Here, we found that miR-145 expression was down-regulated, while ADAM19 expression was up-regulated in GBM tissues and cells. Moreover, miR-145 mimics repressed U87 and U251 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. miR-145 mimics also inhibited the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of U87 and U251 cells. Mechanically, the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of ADAM19 mRNA was a direct target for miR-145. In addition, ADAM19 over-expression also partially abrogated miR-145-inhibited EMT. In conclusion, this work suggested that high miR-145 expression inhibited EMT of GBM cells by targeting ADAM19. Thus miR-145/ADAM19 can be suggested as a novel target for GBM patients.

Dorsalis pedis arterial pressure is lower than noninvasive arm blood pressure in normotensive patients under sevoflurane anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: It is widely known that blood pressure (BP) in the lower extremity is higher than in the upper extremity. However, whether this phenomenon remains the same during general anesthesia is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the difference between invasive dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) pressure and the most commonly used noninvasive arm pressure during sevoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 50 normotensive Chinese patients were enrolled in this observational study. Invasive DPA pressure, noninvasive arm pressure, and systemic vascular resistance index were assessed simultaneously. BP data during the entire surgery were analyzed through a Bland-Altman plot for repeated measures. The concordance of BP variation in the DPA and the arm was analyzed using four-quadrant plots and linear regression. The time-dependent changes in BP and the systemic vascular resistance index were also evaluated. RESULTS: Data from 46 effective cases were analyzed. Bias (95% limits of agreement) was -7.40 mmHg (-20.36 to +5.57 mmHg) for mean blood pressure, +3.54 mmHg (-20.32 to +27.41 mmHg) for systolic blood pressure, and -10.20 mmHg (-23.66 to +3.26 mmHg) for diastolic blood pressure, respectively. The concordance of BP variation at the two measurement sites was clinically acceptable. DPA pressure and vascular resistance in the lower limb decreased gradually during surgery. CONCLUSION: DPA pressure tends to be lower than arm pressure under sevoflurane anesthesia, especially the mean blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure. Hence, noninvasive arm BP monitoring is recommend to be retained when invasive BP is measured at the DPA, so as to allow clinicians to comprehensively evaluate the BP condition of the patients and make appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Gradient between dorsalis pedis and radial arterial blood pressures during sevoflurane anaesthesia: A self-control study in patients undergoing neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) is a good alternative to the radial artery (RA) for invasive blood pressure monitoring when the upper limb is burned or injured, or if the RA is not available. Understanding the pattern of pressure difference between DPA and the commonly used RA during inhalational anaesthesia is helpful for haemodynamic management and therapeutic decisions. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the time-dependent variation of DPA-to-RA pressure gradient during sevoflurane anaesthesia and the overall difference between the two pressures during neurosurgery, together with the causes of the pressure gradient change. DESIGN: A prospective, self-control, single-centre study. SETTING: The operating room of a teaching hospital from 1 January 2013 to 1 September 2013. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven patients between 18 and 60 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status 1-3, scheduled for neurosurgery in the supine position and requiring invasive arterial pressure monitoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The time-dependent change of DPA-to-RA pressure gradient and skin temperature gradient, the difference between absolute values and average values of SBP, DBP and mean blood pressure (MBP) between RA and DPA during surgery, and the internal cross-sections and systolic blood flow velocities of RA and DPA at the baseline and at the end of surgery. RESULTS: Data from 30 patients were analysed. The mean ±â€Šstandard deviation DPA-to-RA pressure gradient gradually decreased with time from 9.7 ±â€Š8.8 to -1.8 ±â€Š7.6 mmHg for systolic pressure, -2.3 ±â€Š2.7 to -3.7 ±â€Š2.8 mmHg for diastolic pressure and -2.1 ±â€Š3.2 to -5.4 ±â€Š3.4 mmHg for MBP. Biases during the entire procedure were 2.2 ±â€Š10.1, -3.1 ±â€Š3.4 and -4.3 ±â€Š4.2 mmHg for SBP, DBP and MBP, respectively. The DPA-to-RA skin temperature gradient gradually reduced from -3.6 ±â€Š2.4 to -1.1 ±â€Š1.3°C. A greater increase in the inner cross-sectional area and blood flow from the baseline was observed at DPA compared with RA. CONCLUSION: The blood pressure, temperature and inner cross-sectional area differences between DPA and RA reduced gradually during sevoflurane anaesthesia in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Therapeutic decisions may rely on DPA pressure as long as the anaesthetists are aware of the pattern of change in DPA pressure during surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chictr.org with registry number ChiCTR-RNRC-13003853.

Oridonin: An active diterpenoid targeting cell cycle arrest, apoptotic and autophagic pathways for cancer therapeutics.

It is well-known that cell cycle arrest and/or death play a pivotal role in tumor progression, which has drawn a rising attention for cancer biologists due to their complex and intricate relationships. In this review, we demonstrate the recent research on oridonin, an active diterpenoid with remarkable anti-proliferative activities, and then further explore its molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and their cross-talks in various cancer cells, which may provide a new perspective of oridonin as a candidate anti-neoplastic drug for future cancer therapeutics.