[Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for solid or predominantly solid benign thyroid nodules: a randomized controlled clinical trial]

Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results: The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

[Effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in 12 patients with parathyroid adenoma]

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). A total of 12 PHPT patients with parathyroid adenoma were treated with MWA in Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from May 2019 to February 2021. The patients were followed up once every 3 months for 3-12 months. Levels of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus were detected before and 20 min, 4h and 1day after ablation, and during follow-up period. The volume and volume reduction rate of parathyroid lesion were compared before the treatment and at the end of follow-up. The technical and clinical success of MWA were assessed as well. At the end of follow-up, median serum PTH [66.60 (42.21,80.03) ng/L vs.169.90 (89.01,396.50) ng/L] and calcium [2.39 (2.32,2.49) mmol/L vs. 2.75 (2.57,2.96) mmol/L] levels in 12 patients decreased significantly (all P<0.05). A complete response in terms of PTH and calcium levels was achieved in 6 of the 12 patients, while 4 of the patients had slightly elevated PTH levels just above the upper limit of normal reference range, and 2 of the patients remained abnormal PTH and calcium levels. The clinical cure rate was 50%. The volumes of all lesion after ablation were significantly decreased (P<0.05), with the technical success rate reaching 92.3%. No serious complications were observed. Ultrasound-guided MWA, thus, is safe and effective in the treatment of PHPT.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA PEG10 inhibits growth, migration and invasion of gastric carcinoma cells via up-regulating miR-3200

Gastric cancer is the main leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The aberrant expression of paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10) is involved in development of a range of cancers. However, the potential biological function and the underling mechanism of PEG10 in human gastric carcinoma are still unknown. Knocking down LncRNA PEG10 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer. The expression of PEG10, miR-3200, and AEG1 in human gastric carcinoma NCI-N87 cells were altered by cell transfection assay. Cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were determined by trypan blue exclusion, Transwell assay, and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. RNA and protein expression level of gene was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine the target gene of miR-3200. JNK and Wnt signal pathway protein expressions were tested by Western blot. The up-regulation of PEG10 was found in clinical samples. PEG10 knockdown effectively inhibited gastric carcinoma cell viability, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. This tumor-suppressing effect of PEG10 knockdown might be realized by up-regulating miR-3200 in vitro and in vivo. AEG1 was a direct target gene of miR-3200. Moreover, miR-3200 might suppress NCI-N87 cells by negative regulating AEG1. Up-regulating miR-3200 effectively blocked JNK and Wnt pathways likely via down-regulating AEG1. PEG10 knockdown played a carcinostatic role via up-regulating miR-3200 and further regulating AEG1 in gastric carcinoma cells, during which process, JNK pathway and Wnt pathway were blocked.

Overexpression of microRNA-495 improves the intestinal mucosal barrier function by targeting STAT3 via inhibition of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis

We aim to investigate the role of microRNA-495 (miR-495) in the intestinal mucosal barrier by indirectly targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) through the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK)/STAT3 signaling pathway in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC). BALB/c mice were selected for establishing mice model of UC, and intestinal tissues of normal and UC mice were collected. ELISA was conducted for detecting levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10. The levels of SOD, MPO, MDA and NO were tested in the intestinal tissues. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to determine whether miR-495 directly targets STAT3. Cells were cultured, transfected and assigned into: normal group, blank group, NC group, miR-495 mimic group, miR-495 inhibitor group, siRNA-STAT3 group and miR-495 inhibitor+siRNA-STAT3 group. MTT was used for testing cell proliferation, flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis. Northern blotting and Western blotting were performed to detect miR-495 expression and expressions of STAT3, JAK and Claudin-1. Results show that the UC group had higher expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, MPO, MDA, NO, STAT3 and JAK and lower expression levels of IL-10, SOD, miR-495 and Claudin-1, compared to the normal group. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that STAT3 was the target gene of miR-495. The miR-495 mimic and siRNA-STAT3 groups had higher expressions of Claudin-1, higher cell proliferation and increased amount of cells in S phase, but lower expressions of STAT3 and JAK, decreased amount of cells in G0/G1 phase and cell apoptotic rate compared with the blank, NC groups. We also found that the miR-495 inhibitor+siRNA-STAT3 group had reduced miR-495 expression. No significant differences were found in mRNA and protein expressions of STAT3, JAK and Claudin-1, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cycle amongst the miR-495 inhibitor+siRNA-STAT3 groups. Our study provides evidence that miR-495 improves the intestinal mucosal barrier function by targeting STAT3 through inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in UC mice.

Correlation between non-metastatic protein 23 expression and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer in Asians

The current meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between non-metastatic protein 23 (NM23) expression, tumor pathology, and disease prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) among Asians. English and Chinese language-based electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, EBSCO, Ovid, Springerlink, Wiley, Web of Science, Wanfang databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP databases) were searched using search terms to identify published studies relevant to NM23 and CRC with immunohistochemistry. In total, 289 studies were identified through database searches, and 16 cohort studies (4 studies in English, 12 in Chinese) were chosen for meta-analysis, which included 1592 CRC patients. The results revealed that NM23 protein expression in CRC tissue was higher in patients with Dukes stages A and B than in patients with Dukes stages C and D. The NM23 protein was expressed at higher levels in well- and moderately differentiated tumors than in poorly differentiated tumors. The 5-year survival rate was also higher in CRC patients with NM23-positive tumors than in CRC patients with NM23-negative tumors. Significantly, 5-year tumor relapse and metastasis were lower in patients with NM23-positive tumors than in CRC patients with NM23-negative tumors. The findings suggest that NM23 expression status is associated with tumor aggressiveness and survival in CRC among Asians. Importantly, CRC patients with NM23-positive tumors had a better prognosis, and thus NM23 expression maybe used as a key prognostic indicator for CRC.

Correlations of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 gene polymorphisms with the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer

AIM

To investigate the correlations of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 polymorphisms with the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

With an incorporation of 254 GC patients in the case group and 250 healthy subjects enrolled as the control group, this experiment was conducted. Denaturing high performance liquid chromatography method was adopted to detect all genotypes under partial denaturation, haloptype analysis was completed with the Shesis software. Serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels were determined by the immunohistochemical semi-quantitative analysis. The follow-up examination was conducted after the patients had completed systemic therapy and discharged.

RESULTS

The distribution frequencies of MMP-2-735C/T locus genotypes between groups were compared (P > 0.05). However, the distributions of alleles and genotype frequencies of MMP-2-1306C/T, TIMP-2-303G/A and -418G/C all exhibited statistical difference (all P < 0.05). The gene polymorphism of MMP-2-1306C/T was statistically correlated with the expression of MMP-2 protein (P < 0.05); the same result was also found regarding TIMP-2-303G/A (P < 0.05). The haplotype analysis revealed that the CGC frequency of the case group was apparently higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), the positive survival rate of CGC was apparently lower than the negative one.

CONCLUSION

MMP-2-1306C/T, TIMP-2-303G/A and -418G/C variants might be correlated with GC susceptibility. Serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 protein levels might be associated with GC susceptibility; Additionally, CGC haplotype might be the risk factor of GC.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression in the serum and joint fluid of a reversible osteoarthritis rabbit model

The main pathological characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA) is cartilage damage. We explored cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) changes during articular cartilage injury and repair. Rabbits were randomly divided into the following: a blank control group; groups M1, M2, and M3, in which breaking was performed for 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively; and groups L1, L2, and L3, in which breaking was discontinued for 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively, following a 4-week recovery period. There are 7 rabbits in each group. The degree of cartilage damage in each group was scored (OA score). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect COMP and MMP-3 levels in serum and joint fluid. The OA scores were 3.89 ± 2.31, 7.21 ± 2.31, and 10.88 ± 2.08 points in groups M1, M2, and M3, respectively (P < 0.05). COMP and MMP-3 levels were significantly higher in groups M1, M2, and M3 than in C. The OA score improved significantly following the 4-week recovery period (P < 0.05). COMP and MMP-3 levels began to decrease as the time following discontinuation of breaking increased, but were higher than in the control (P < 0.05). MMP- 3 and COMP levels were correlated with OA score (r > 0.7, P < 0.05). COMP and MMP-3 levels were correlated between joint fluid and serum (r = 0.899, r = 0.874, P < 0.05, respectively). Long-term joint breaking can cause articular cartilage damage. Doing some activites after the process can promote self-repair of articular cartilage. COMP and MMP-3 levels were associated with articular cartilage destruction and repair.

Association between cadherin-17 expression and pathological characteristics of gastric cancer: A meta-analysis

AIM: To construct a meta-analysis in order to examine the relationship between cadherin-17 (CDH17) and gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS: Related articles were selected by searching the following English or Chinese electronic databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, the Chinese Journal Full-Text, and the Weipu Journal. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) criteria were used to ensure consistency in reviewing and reporting results. Statistical analyses were conducted with Version 12.0 STATA statistical software.

RESULTS: Ultimately, 11 articles, with a total of 2,120 GC patients, were found to be eligible for study inclusion. In comparisons of GC patients by TNM stage (III-IV vs I-II: OR = 2.35, 95%CI: 1.15-4.825, P = 0.019), histologic grade (3-4 vs 1-2: OR = 3.48, 95%CI: 1.36-8.92, P = 0.009), invasion grade (T3-4 vs T1-2: OR = 2.86; 95%CI: 1.69-4.83; P = 0.000), and lymph node metastasis (positive vs negative: OR = 2.64; 95%CI: 1.33-5.27; P = 0.006), it was found that CDH17 showed more positive expressions in each of the more severe cases. Country-stratified analyses from all four experimental subgroups showed that high CDH17 expression levels may be related to GC among Chinese and Korean populations (all P < 0.05), with the exception of the invasion grade T3-4 vs T1-2 comparison, where the relation only held among the Chinese population (OR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.69-4.83, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data reflects the capacity of CDH17 in tumor proliferation and metastasis among GC patients.

Short-term effects of laparoscopic radical resection versus traditional laparotomy in management of rectal cancer

AIM: To compare the short-term effects of laparoscopic radical resection versus traditional laparotomy in the management of rectal cancer.

METHODS: Seventy-six patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical resection were included in this study, of whom 38 underwent laparoscopic radical resection (observation group) and 38 underwent traditional laparotomy (control group). Short-term effects (number of resected lymph nodes, intraoperative, postoperative complications, operative time, blood loss, time to peristalsis recovery, time to ambulation, and length of stay) were observed and compared between the two groups. In addition, the patients were followed for 1 year to observe recurrence and survival.

RESULTS: The incidences of postoperative wound infection, inflammatory intestinal obstruction and overall complications were better in the observation group (all P < 0.05). The number of resected lymph nodes (19.7 ± 5.5 vs 17.4 ± 4.1), operative time (139.8 min ± 39.8 min vs 140.6 min ± 35.5 min), blood loss (131.1 mL ± 59.3 mL vs 123.3 mL ± 72.0 mL), time to peristalsis recovery (48.9 h ± 11.6 h vs 57.1 h ± 12 h), time to ambulation (59.7 h ± 10.9 h vs 70.2 h ± 15.4 h), and length of stay (8.4 d ± 3.8 d vs 11.2 d ± 2.8 d) were also better in the observation group (all P < 0.05). Tumor recurrence and survival at 3 and 6 months had no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05); however, the 1-year mortality rate was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (5.26% vs 21.05%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical resection is superior to traditional laparotomy in the management of rectal cancer in terms of improving short-term efficacy and survival and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence.

Effects of repeated applications of chlorpyrifos on its persistence and soil microbial functional diversity and development of its degradation capability

Effects of repeated applications of chlorpyrifos on its persistence and soil microbial functional diversity were studied under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the degradation rate of chlorpyrifos increased whereas its inhibitory effect on soil microbial communities gradually decreased with application frequency of chlorpyrifos. A bacterial strain DSP capable of utilizing chlorpyrifos as a sole source of carbon and energy was isolated 21 days after the third chlorpyrifos application, which indicated that the capability of soil microorganism for degrading chlorpyrifos was formed during the experiment. It could be concluded that repeated applications of chlorpyrifos had no lasting impact on soil health.

[Purification of follicle-stimulating hormone by radial-flow chromatography]

By comparing the purification results of radial-flow chromatography with conventional chromatography, a new purification process of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from crude sample of human menopausal gonadotrophin has been developed. The results showed that the specific activity, activity recovery, and purification factor of FSH purified by radial-flow chromatography were higher than those by conventional chromatography in large scale. The specific activity of FSH purified was 180 IU/mg protein, activity recovery 56%, purification factor 150. The purified product meets the quality requirement of the Standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Clinical use of the absorbable spleen net in stellate rupture of spleen in children

This paper reports three cases of stellate rupture of the spleen in children treated by wrapping with the omentum, following the use of the absorbable spleen net (ASN), which is made of the ordinary surgical sutures. All patients were cured with spleen preservation. No complications occurred.