Mitochondrial-related genes PDK2, CHDH, and ALDH5A1 served as a diagnostic signature and correlated with immune cell infiltration in ulcerative colitis

We conducted an investigation to determine the potential of mitochondrial-related genes as diagnostic biomarkers in ulcerative colitis (UC), while also examining their association with immune cell infiltration. To achieve this, we acquired four datasets pertaining to UC, which included gene expression arrays and clinical data, from the GEO database. Subsequently, we selected three signature genes (PDK2, CHDH, and ALDH5A1) to construct a diagnostic model for UC. The nomogram and ROC curves exhibited exceptional diagnostic efficacy. Following this, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays validated the decreased mRNA and protein expression of PDK2, CHDH, and ALDH5A1 in the model of UC cells and dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced mice colitis tissues, aligning with the findings in the risk model. This investigation suggested a negative correlation between the expression of ALDH5A1, CHDH, and PDK2 and the infiltration of M1 macrophages. Then, immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the augmented expression of CD86 in the tissue of mice subjected to DSS, while a diminished expression of ALDH5A1, CHDH, and PDK2 was observed. Consequently, it can be inferred that targeting mitochondria-associated genes, namely PDK2, CHDH, and ALDH5A1, holds potential as a viable strategy for prognostic prediction and the implementation of immune therapy for UC.

Long-term results of ablation index guided atrial fibrillation ablation: insights after 5+ years of follow-up from the MPH AF Ablation Registry

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) offers the best outcomes for patients. Despite the benefits of CA, a significant proportion of patients suffer a recurrence; hence, there is scope to potentially improve outcomes through technical innovations such as ablation index (AI) guidance during AF ablation. We present real-world 5-year follow-up data of AI-guided pulmonary vein isolation.

Methods

We retrospectively followed 123 consecutive patients who underwent AI-guided CA shortly after its introduction to routine practice. Data were collected from the MPH AF Ablation Registry with the approval of the institutional research board.

Results

Our patient cohort was older, with higher BMI, greater CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and larger left atrial sizes compared to similar previously published cohorts, while gender balance and other characteristics were similar. The probability of freedom from atrial arrhythmia with repeat procedures is as follows: year 1: 0.95, year 2: 0.92, year 3: 0.85, year 4: 0.79, and year 5: 0.72. Age >75 years (p = 0.02, HR: 2.7, CI: 1.14-6.7), BMI >35 kg/m2 (p = 0.0009, HR: 4.6, CI: 1.8-11.4), and left atrial width as measured on CT in the upper quartile (p = 0.04, HR: 2.5, CI: 1-5.7) were statistically significant independent predictors of recurrent AF.

Conclusion

AI-guided CA is an effective treatment for AF, with 95.8% of patients remaining free from atrial arrhythmia at 1 year and 72.3% at 5 years, allowing for repeat procedures. It is safe with a low major complication rate of 1.25%. Age >75 years, BMI >35 kg/m2, and markedly enlarged atria were associated with higher recurrence rates.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 is associated with tumor immune infiltration, immunotherapy-related biomarkers, and affects gastric cancer cells growth in vivo

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the research trend of four RIPK genes (RIPK1, RIPK2, RIPK3, and RIPK4), their expression variations in tumors, and the correlation between RIPK2 expression and immune-related biomarkers in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The PubMed database was utilized to investigate the research trend surrounding four RIPKs genes in tumors. The ULCAN database was employed to analyze the differential expression of these four RIPKs genes. TCGA data were utilized to examine the association between RIPK2 expression and various factors including tumor immune infiltration and immune-related biomarkers. Lastly, the impact of targeting RIPK2 on the growth of GC cells was confirmed through tumor formation assay, immunohistochemistry, and Tunnel assays. Results: In the field of tumor biology, there has been a sustained increase in research focused on the four RIPKs genes over the past decade. Four RIPKs genes are differentially expressed in a majority of tumors. Furthermore, this investigation has unveiled a connection between the expression of RIPK2 and the infiltration of four immune cells, as well as the presence of RNA methylation modifying enzymes, specifically m1A, m6A, and m5C, in GC. Additionally, RIPK2 expression was associated with the genes related to immune checkpoint regulation, as well as genes associated with immunoinhibitors and immunostimulators. It was also revealed that RIPK2 expression was correlated to immunotherapy response biomarkers, namely MSI and TMB, and tumor stemness. Ultimately, it was demonstrated that targeting the RIPK2 effectively regulated GC cells growth through the suppression of PCNA expression and the induction of apoptosis. Conclusion: The expression of RIPK2 is correlated with immune cell infiltration, RNA methyltransferase activity, tumor stemness, checkpoint-related genes, and immunotherapy-related biomarkers. Suppression of RIPK2 impedes the growth of GC cells in vivo. Consequently, RIPK2 holds promise as a viable immunotherapy target for various types of cancer.

[Ⅱ ]

Objective: To investigate the role and related mechanism of ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 in the angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ)-induced endothelial cell inflammatory responses. Methods: The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of FAT10 in 16-weeks old WKY rat carotid artery, thoracic aorta artery, renal artery and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The optimal concentration and stimulation time of AngⅡ on inducing the highest FAT10 in HUVEC were determined. The following plasmids were constructed: control plasmid, overexpression FAT10 plasmid (Flag-FAT10), invalid interference plasmid, and interference FAT10 plasmid (sh-FAT10). These plasmids were then transfected into HUVEC cells and divided into following groups: control group, Flag-FAT10 group, invalid interference group, and sh-FAT10 group. After culturing with 100 nmol/L AngⅡ for 36 h, the control group and the Flag-FAT10 group were treated with reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine ​​(NAC), the protein expression levels of the inflammatory factor monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. Laser confocal microscopy was used to detect the generation levels of reactive oxygen species in the cells of vrious groups. Results: FAT10 was expressed in carotid artery, thoracic aorta, and renal artery of normal blood pressure rats and expressed in HUVEC, VSMC, MDA-MB-231. The expression level of FAT10 gradually increased in proportion to the increase of the time and concentration of AngⅡ stimulation in HUVEC, and the expression level of FAT10 was the highest when the HUVEC was treated with 100 nmol/L AngⅡ for 36 h (P<0.01). The protein expression level of MCP-1 (P<0.001) and TNF-α (P<0.01) was higher in AngⅡ treated HUVEC with FAT10 overexpression, while the expression level of MCP-1 and TNF-α protein was lower in AngⅡ treated HUVEC with FAT10 knockdown (all P<0.01). The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significantly increased with FAT10 overexpression (P<0.001), and the level of ROS was decreased when the expression of FAT10 was interfered (P<0.05). The increased level of MCP-1 and TNF-α proteins in FAT10 overexpressed HUVEC was reversed by NAC (all P<0.05). Conclusion: FAT10 promotes the release of inflammatory factors induced by AngⅡ in endothelial cells by increasing the level of intracellular ROS production.

SDR16C5 promotes proliferation and migration and inhibits apoptosis in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PAAD) is usually found when it is already in its advanced stage, which has limited options available for treatment and poor overall survival. The SDR16C5 gene is necessary for embryonic and adult tissue differentiation, development, and apoptosis, and it also participates in immune response and regulates energy metabolism. However, the role of SDR16C5 in PAAD remains unclear. In this study, we find that SDR16C5 was highly expressed in multiple tumors including PAAD. Furthermore, higher expression of SDR16C5 was significantly associated with poorer survival. We also find that the knockdown of SDR16C5 can inhibit PAAD cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by repressing Bcl-2, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9 protein expression. Moreover, silencing SDR16C5 inhibits the migration of PANC-1 and SW1990 cells by interrupting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. KEGG pathway analysis and immunofluorescence staining indicate that SDR16C5 is associated with immunity and may also participate in the development of PAAD through the IL-17 signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that SDR16C5 is overexpressed in PAAD patients and promotes its proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis-inhibition of PAAD cells. Thus, SDR16C5 may be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target.

Comprehensive analysis of ZNF family genes in prognosis, immunity, and treatment of esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

As a common malignant tumor, esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) has a low early diagnosis rate and poor prognosis. This study aimed to construct the prognostic features composed of ZNF family genes to effectively predict the prognosis of ESCA patients.

METHODS

The mRNA expression matrix and clinical data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Using univariate Cox analysis, lasso regression and multivariate Cox analysis, we screened six prognosis-related ZNF family genes to construct the prognostic model. We then used Kaplan-Meier plot, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), multivariable Cox regression analysis of clinical information, and nomogram to evaluate the prognostic value within and across sets, separately and combined. We also validated the prognostic value of the six-gene signature using GSE53624 dataset. The different immune status was observed in the single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Finally, real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of six prognostic ZNF genes in twelve pairs of ESCA and adjacent normal tissues.

RESULTS

A six prognosis-related ZNF family genes model consisted of ZNF91, ZNF586, ZNF502, ZNF865, ZNF106 and ZNF225 was identified. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that six prognosis-related ZNF family genes were independent prognostic factors for overall survival of ESCA patients in TCGA and GSE53624. Further, a prognostic nomogram including the riskScore, age, gender, T, stage was constructed, and TCGA/GSE53624-based calibration plots indicated its excellent predictive performance. Drug Sensitivity and ssGSEA analysis showed that the six genes model was closely related to immune cells infiltration and could be used as a potential predictor of chemotherapy sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

We identified six prognosis-related ZNF family genes model of ESCA, which provide evidence for individualized prevention and treatment.

Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes proliferation in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma via AHR/CYP1A1 signalling

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is reportedly involved in poor prognosis of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the responsible mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the function of Fn in ESCC progression, and to identify the key genes or signals involved. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR assays were applied to measure the abundance of Fn in ESCC tissues, finding that ESCC tissues displayed a higher abundance of Fn compared to adjacent tissues. Furthermore, Fn abundance in advanced ESCC tissues was found to be higher than that in early stage ESCC. The proliferation assays and wound healing assays indicated that Fn infection promoted ESCC cell proliferation and migration. Based on high-throughput sequencing, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) was the most significantly upregulated (eightfold increase) gene, and AKT signalling was activated in KYSE-450 cells treated with Fn. Knocking down CYP1A1 or inactivating AKT signalling with LY294002 downregulated p-AKT^S473 , inhibited cell proliferation, and compromised the proliferation effect induced by Fn in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Inactivating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) by CH-223191 reversed CYP1A1 expression induced by Fn and inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that Fn may promote ESCC cell proliferation via AHR/CYP1A1/AKT signalling. Targeting Fn or AHR/CYP1A1 signalling could yield approaches relevant to the treatment of ESCC.

Cyclophilin D Regulates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis

OBJECTIVE

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is characterized by acute onset, rapid progression, high mortality, and various complications. Cyclophilin D (CypD) regulates the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and is involved in the occurrence of ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammation; however, the role of CypD in AAC remains unclear.

METHODS

Guinea pigs of 300-350 g were randomly divided into three groups, namely the sham group, the common bile duct ligation-24h group (CBDL-24h group), and the CBDL-48h group. Western blot and qRT-PCR were applied to analyze the differential expression of CypD in each group, and transmission electron microscopy was employed to detect changes in mitochondrial structure. Inhibiting the activity of CypD by Cyclosporine A (CsA), we evaluated the difference of mitochondrial utilizing mitochondrial swelling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection and mitochondrial membrane potential.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham group, the prolongation of obstruction aggravated gallbladder inflammation and upregulated CypD expression in the CBDL-24h and CBDL-48h groups. The degree of mitochondrial swelling was increased, and the opening of MPTP was prolonged in the CBDL-24h and 48h groups. Decreasing the expression of CypD could repress the opening of MPTP, prevent manipulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and ultimately diminish the levels of intracellular ROS and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

CypD plays a proinflammatory role in the development of AAC by regulating the opening of MPTP. Inhibiting the activity of CypD could reduce the levels of ROS and apoptosis, rescue the function of mitochondria and finally alleviate AAC. Therefore, CypD might serve as a potential therapeutic target for ACC.

Brain-mimicking phantom for biomechanical validation of motion sensitive MR imaging techniques

Motion sensitive MR imaging techniques allow for the non-invasive evaluation of biological tissues by using different excitation schemes, including physiological/intrinsic motions caused by cardiac pulsation or respiration, and vibrations caused by an external actuator. The mechanical biomarkers extracted through these imaging techniques have been shown to hold diagnostic value for various neurological disorders and conditions. Amplified MRI (aMRI), a cardiac gated imaging technique, can help track and quantify low frequency intrinsic motion of the brain. As for high frequency actuation, the mechanical response of brain tissue can be measured by applying external high frequency actuation in combination with a motion sensitive MR imaging sequence called Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). Due to the frequency-dependent behavior of brain mechanics, there is a need to develop brain phantom models that can mimic the broadband mechanical response of the brain in order to validate motion-sensitive MR imaging techniques. Here, we have designed a novel phantom test setup that enables both the low and high frequency responses of a brain-mimicking phantom to be captured, allowing for both aMRI and MRE imaging techniques to be applied on the same phantom model. This setup combines two different vibration sources: a pneumatic actuator, for low frequency/intrinsic motion (1 Hz) for use in aMRI, and a piezoelectric actuator for high frequency actuation (30-60 Hz) for use in MRE. Our results show that in MRE experiments performed from 30 Hz through 60 Hz, propagating shear waves attenuate faster at higher driving frequencies, consistent with results in the literature. Furthermore, actuator coupling has a substantial effect on wave amplitude, with weaker coupling causing lower amplitude wave field images, specifically shown in the top-surface shear loading configuration. For intrinsic actuation, our results indicate that aMRI linearly amplifies motion up to at least an amplification factor of 9 for instances of both visible and sub-voxel motion, validated by varying power levels of pneumatic actuation (40%-80% power) under MR, and through video analysis outside the MRI scanner room. While this investigation used a homogeneous brain-mimicking phantom, our setup can be used to study the mechanics of non-homogeneous phantom configurations with bio-interfaces in the future.

Potential of cannabinoids as treatments for autism spectrum disorders

Current treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are limited in efficacy and are often associated with substantial side effects. These medications typically ameliorate problem behaviors associated with ASD, but do not target core symptom domains. As a result, there is a significant amount of research underway for development of novel experimental therapeutics. Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid-derived lipid neuromodulators, which, in combination with their receptors and associated metabolic enzymes, constitute the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Cannabinoid signaling may be involved in the social impairment and repetitive behaviors observed in those with ASD. In this review, we discuss a possible role of the EC system in excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) imbalance and immune dysregulation in ASD. Novel treatments for the core symptom domains of ASD are needed and phytocannabinoids could be useful experimental therapeutics for core symptoms and associated domains.

[Prevalence of CYP2C19 gene mutations in patients with coronary heart disease and its biological activation effect in clopidogrel antiplatelet response]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CYP2C19 gene mutations on clopidogrel antiplatelet activity in the patients with coronary heart disease treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Patients with coronary heart disease, who hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from March 2011 to June 2019, and healthy individuals with matching genetic background, gender, and age as controls were included in this study. Basic clinical data were analyzed and blood samples of all research subjects were obtained for extraction of DNA, and Sanger first-generation sequencing method was used to detect CYP2C19 gene mutation from full exon and exon and intron junction. CYP2C19 gene variations in patients with coronary heart disease were compared with the 1000 Genomes Browse database and the sequencing results of healthy controls to determine whether the gene variation was a genetic mutation or a genetic polymorphism. After that, PolyPhen-2 prediction software was used to analyze the harmfulness of gene mutations to predict the effect of mutations on protein function. The same dose of CYP2C19 wild-type plasmid and the CYP2C19 gene mutant plasmids were transfected into human normal liver cells HL-7702. After transfection of 24 h, the expression of CYP2C19 protease in each group was detected. The liver S9 protein was incubated with clopidogrel, acted on platelets to detect the platelet aggregation rate and the activity of human vasodilator-activated phosphoprotein (VASP). Results: A total of 1 493 patients with coronary heart disease (59.36%) were enrolled, the average age was (64.5±10.4) years old, of which 1 129 were male (75.62%). Meanwhile, 1 022 healthy physical examination volunteers (40.64%) were enrolled, and the average age was (64.1±11.0) years old, of which 778 were male (76.13%). A total of 5 gene mutations of CYP2C19 gene were identified in 12 patients (0.80%), namely, 4 known mutations T130K (1 case), M136K (6 cases), N277K (3 cases), V472I (1 case) and one new mutation G27V (1 case), no corresponding gene mutation was found in healthy controls. It was found that T130K and M136K were probably damaging, G27V was possibly damaging, and N277K and V472I were benign mutations. In vitro, we demonstrated that the platelet aggregation rate of the M136K gene mutation group was 24.83% lower than that of the wild type (59.58% vs. 34.75%; P<0.05), and the phosphorylated VASP level was 23.0% higher than that of the wild type (1.0 vs. 1.23; P<0.05). However, the platelet aggregation rate and phosphorylated VASP level were similar between of G27V, T130K, N277K, V472I gene mutation groups and wild type group (P>0.05). Conclusions: In this study, 5 gene mutations are defined in patients with coronary heart disease, namely G27V, T130K, M136K, N277K, V472I. In vitro functional studies show that CYP2C19 gene mutation M136K, as a gain-of-function gene mutation, can enhance the activation of CYP2C19 enzyme on clopidogrel, thereby inhibiting the platelet aggregation rate.

Apical sparing strain pattern observed in danon disease: insights from a global registry

Background

Danon Disease (DD) is a rare X-linked autophagic disorder due to mutations in the Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 2 (LAMP-2) gene and causes severe cardiac manifestations. Measurement of longitudinal strain (LS) has been shown to provide diagnostic insights into different etiologies of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of global and regional LS in DD.

Methods

A retrospective, international registry, using medical records provided by patients, was formed to describe the natural history of DD. Complete echocardiogram images were available for review and LS was analyzed globally and regionally (basal, mid, apex).

Results

A total of eighteen DD patients (male 72%, mean age 17.2±10 years) had sufficient quality echocardiographic images for both traditional and myocardial strain evaluation. Notable traditional echocardiographic parameters included a mean EF of 60±11%, LV mass index 200±159 g/m2, intraventricular septal diameter 17.7±10.3 mm, LV posterior wall diameter 16.1±7.7 mm, LA volume index 21.9±13 mL/m2. Global longitudinal strain was reduced with a mean of −12.1±4.9% with an observed regional strain gradient: apex (−16.6±6.6%), mid (−10.9±4.7%) and basal (−9.2±4.5%). Bull's eye plot patterns reflected an apical sparing pattern that was similar to that described in cardiac amyloidosis.

Conclusion

In this DD cohort, we describe for the first time a strain pattern characterized by reduction in global longitudinal strain with apical sparing, which was originally pathognomonic for cardiac amyloidosis. This strain pattern in conjunction with a paradoxically normal LA volume may discriminate patients with DD from other hypertrophic conditions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Giant isotope effect on phonon dispersion and thermal conductivity in methylammonium lead iodide

Lead halide perovskites are strong candidates for high-performance low-cost photovoltaics, light emission, and detection applications. A hot-phonon bottleneck effect significantly extends the cooling time of hot charge carriers, which thermalize through carrier-optic phonon scattering, followed by optic phonon decay to acoustic phonons and finally thermal conduction. To understand these processes, we adjust the lattice dynamics independently of electronics by changing isotopes. We show that doubling the mass of hydrogen in methylammonium lead iodide by replacing protons with deuterons causes a large 20 to 50% softening of the longitudinal acoustic phonons near zone boundaries, reduces thermal conductivity by ~50%, and slows carrier relaxation kinetics. Phonon softening is attributed to anticrossing with the slowed libration modes of the deuterated molecules and the reduced thermal conductivity to lowered phonon velocities. Our results reveal how tuning the organic molecule dynamics enables control of phonons important to thermal conductivity and the hot-phonon bottleneck.

Effect of abduction on avascular necrosis of the femoral epiphysis in patients with late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction: a MRI study of 59 hips

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore whether increasing the hip abduction angle would increase the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) in patients with late- detected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treated by closed reduction (CR) and spica cast immobilization.

METHODS

A total of 55 patients (59 hips) with late-detected DDH underwent MRI after CR. Hip abduction angle and hip joint distance were measured on postoperative MRI transverse sections. The acetabular index and centre-edge angle were measured on plain radiographs at the last follow-up. The presence of AVN according to Kalamchi and McEwen's classification was assessed. We retrospectively analyzed the associations among abduction angles, hip joint distances, radiographic parameters, AVN and final outcomes, exploring the relationship between hip joint abduction angle and AVN rate.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of CR was 14.4 months SD 5.5 (6 to 28), and the mean follow-up was 26.2 months SD 8.1 (12.4 to 41.7). The mean hip abduction angle was 70.2° SD 7.2° (53° to 85°) on the dislocated side and 63.7° SD 8.8° (40° to 82°) on the normal side; the mean hip joint distance was 5.1 mm SD 1.9 (1.3 to 9.1) on the dislocated side and 2.2 mm SD 0.6 on the normal side (1.3 to 3.3). Eight of 59 hips (13.6%) developed AVN. Neither the amount of abduction nor hip joint distance increased the AVN rate (p = 0.97 and p = 0.65, respectively) or the dislocation rate (p = 0.38 and p = 0.14, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Abduction angle up to 70.2° following CR did not increase the AVN rate in children aged six to 28 months with late-detected DDH treated by CR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

[Construction of prognostic model and identification of prognostic biomarkers based on the expression of long non-coding RNA in bladder cancer via bioinformatics]

OBJECTIVE

To construct the prognostic model and identify the prognostic biomarkers based on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in bladder cancer.

METHODS

The lncRNA expression data and corresponding clinical data of bladder cancer were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The software Perl and R, and R packages were used for data integration, extraction, analysis and visualization. Detailly, R package "edgeR" was utilized to screen differentially expressed lncRNA in bladder cancer tissues compared with the normal bladder samples. The univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression were performed to identify key lncRNA that were utilized to construct the prognostic model by the multivariate Cox regression. According to the median value of the risk score, all patients were divided into the high-risk group and low-risk group to perform the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and C-index, estimating the prognostic power of the prognostic model. In addition, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each key lncRNA were also calculated by the multivariate Cox regression. Moreover, we performed the K-M survival analysis for each significant key lncRNA from the result of the multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 691 lncRNA were identified as differentially expressed lncRNA, and 35 lncRNA signatures were initially considered associated with the prognosis of bladder cancer, where in 23 lncRNA were identified as key lncRNA associated with the prognosis. The overall survival time in years of the low-risk group was obviously longer than that of the high-risk group [(2.85±2.72) years vs. (1.58±1.51) years, P<0.001]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.813 (3-year survival) and 0.778 (5-year survival) respectively, and the C-index was 0.73. In addition, HR and 95%CI of each key lncRNA were calculated by the multivariate Cox regression and 11 lncRNA were significant. Furthermore, K-M survival analysis revealed the independent prognostic value of 3 lncRNA, including AL589765.1 (P=0.004), AC023824.1 (P=0.022)and PKN2-AS1 (P=0.016).

CONCLUSION

The present study successfully constructed the prognostic model based on the expression level of 23 lncRNA and finally identified one protective prognostic biomarker AL589765.1, and two adverse prognostic biomarkers including AC023824.1 and PKN2-AS1 in bladder cancer.

[Analysis of intratesticular condition in micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction era]

OBJECTIVE

To summarizes the intratesticular condition of azoospermia patients, to understand azoospermia more intuitively, and improve the ability of clinical doctors to predict the success rate of microsperm extraction in azoospermia patients.

METHODS

Azoospermia patients (excluding Klinefelter's syndrome) who underwent a micro-TESE during January 2014 and January 2018 in a single center were enrolled. The types of seminiferous tubules were summarized, and the clinical characteristics of different types of seminiferous tubules compared with the success rates of sperm extraction. In this study, 472 cases of non-obstructive azoospermia (excluding Klinefelter's syndrome) were analyzed by SPSS 21.0 software package. Relevant data were expressed by median(minimum,maximum).t-test was used to compare the difference of success rate of sperm extraction between each group and the group with the lowest rate (a type).

RESULTS

The 472 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia underwent micro-TESE. The mean age of the patients was 31 (23, 46) years, the mean testicular size was 10 (1, 20) mL, the mean FSH was 15.4 (1.21, 68.4) IU/L, the mean T was 8.34 (0.69, 30.2) nmol/L, and totally 202 patients achieved success in micro-TESE (42.7%, 202/472). According to the seminiferous tubules seen during the operation, they were divided into the following six types: Class a, seminiferous tubules developed well and uniformly; Class b, seminiferous tubules developed well, occasionally slightly thick; Class c, seminiferous tubules were generally thin; Class d, seminiferous tubules basically atrophied, occasionally well-developed seminiferous tubules; Class e, all seminiferous tubules atrophied; Class f, seminiferous tubules were infiltrated by yellow substances. The success rate of micro-TESE varied greatly among different types of the patients. A total of 78 patients with type a were 29 (24, 40) years old, FSH 11.1 (1.21, 15.8) IU/L, T 10.2 (3.29, 26.5) nmol/L), and testicular size 12 (12, 20) mL. The successful rate of sperm extraction was 6.41%; 82 patients with type b were 31 (23, 42) years old, FSH 13.8 (3.23, 19.6) IU/L, T 9.44 (3.58, 30.2) nmol/L), and testicular size 12(8,15) mL. The successful rate of sperm extraction was 74.39%; There were 162 patients in group c, aged 31 (25, 40), FSH 19.6 (9.28, 26.6) IU/L, T 8.75 (5.66, 18.6) nmol/L, and testicular size 8 (5, 12) mL. The successful rate of sperm extraction was 45.06%. There were 36 patients in group d, aged 25 (23,38) years and FSH 28.5 (19.3, 45.6) IU/L, T 6.52 (2.12, 9.83) nmol/L, and testicular size 5 (3, 8) mL, and the success rate of sperm extraction was 94.44%. 26 patients with type e were 28(23, 46) years old, FSH 31.3 (18.5, 68.4) IU/L, T 6.72 (0.69, 18.2) nmol/L, and testicular size 5 (1, 8) mL. The success rate of sperm extraction was 45.38%. 88 patients with type f were 29 (24, 38) years old, FSH 18.5 (5.23, 31.6) IU / L, T 8.32 (3.58, 16.5) nmol/L, and testicular size 12 (6, 20) mL. The success rate of sperm extraction was 28.41%.

CONCLUSION

The success rate of micro-TESE in different types of seminiferous tubules in testis can be helpful to the judgement of the surgeon during the operation.

Therapeutic effects of probiotic Clostridium butyricum WZ001 on bacterial vaginosis in mice

AIMS

To observe the therapeutic effects of vaginal infusion of probiotic Clostridium butyricum WZ001 on bacterial vaginosis (BV) in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Female ICR mice were used to establish the model of BV by infecting oestrogen-treated mice with Escherichia coli, and then treated with high- and low dose of C. butyricum. Clinical indexes of mice in the C. butyricum-treated groups were significantly improved and comparable to those in the antibiotic group. Pap staining showed that neutrophil count was significantly increased after modelling and largely decreased after C. butyricum treatment (P < 0·01). Dynamic observation of E. coli and Lactobacillus showed that the number of E. coli significantly decreased in the C. butyricum-treated groups or in the antibiotic group with prolonged treatment (P < 0·01). Besides, the number of E. coli in the low-dose C. butyricum group was higher than that in either its high-dose counterpart or the antibiotic group respectively (P < 0·01). The number of Lactobacillus decreased evidently in the antibiotic group (P < 0·01), while that in the C. butyricum groups remained consistent. Moreover, C. butyricum inhibited the proliferation of E. coli by the experiment in vitro. The phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in vaginal tissue and the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, increased after modelling and significantly decreased after treated with C. butyricum (P < 0·01), with no difference found when compared with the antibiotic group.

CONCLUSION

Clostridium butyricum inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria as well as the inflammatory response induced by E. coli and promotes the growth of Lactobacillus to maintain the vaginal micro-ecological balance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results suggest that probiobitc C. butyricum WZ001 has a great potential in the clinical treatment of BV.