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Genomic instability (GIN) is pivotal in regulating tumor drug resistance, which blocked the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Although recent studies implied that non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated autophagy abolishment promoted tumorigenesis by up-regulation of GIN, autophagy was known as a risk factor in tumor drug resistance. However, previous study also pointed that up-regulation of autophagy promoted GIN. Therefore, the relationship between autophagy and GIN is not clear, and more work is needed. And, if an ncRNA is identified to be a co-regulator of autophagy and GIN, it will be a potential therapy target of chemotherapy resistance in TNBC. In our study, we recognized both autophagy-GIN-associated microRNA (mi-26a-5p) by big data analysis, which was prognosis-correlated in breast cancer. Next, we identified the up-stream regulators (long non-coding RNA, lncRNA) and down-stream targets of miR-26a-5p by bioinformatics analysis (online public databases). Finally, we established lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1/miR-26a-5p/MTDH signaling pathway, and verified their functions by cytological, molecular biological and zoological experiments. In general, our study found (1) miR-26a-5p was a protective factor of breast cancer, while OTUD6B-AS1 and MTDH were risk factors; (2) OTUD6B-AS1 was the up-stream regulator of miR-26a-5p verified by luciferase; (3) up-regulation of miR-26a-5p and down-regulation of MTDH promoted cellular cytotoxicity of paclitaxel (PTX) in vitro and in vivo. (4) down-regulation of miR-26a-5p, overexpression of MTDH and OTUD6B-AS1 promoted autophagy and DNA damage; (5) up-regulation of OTUD6B-AS1 and MTDH inhibited DNA damage response (DDR) by inhibiting the phosphorylated activation of RAD51, ATR and ATM.

The current study aims to explore the miRNA changes that occur in the serum of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and healthy controls using a microarray technique, thereby exploring the potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of CHD and the underlying mechanism. Clinical data were reviewed, and venous blood samples were collected from 66 cases of CHD and 58 cases of healthy controls. MicroRNA‐wide expression profiling identified 16 miRNAs that were aberrantly decreased by ~2‐fold in the serum of patients with CHD compared to that of healthy controls. RT‐PCR analysis indicated that the expression of miR‐3129‐5p was increased the most in patients with CHD compared with that of controls. Moreover, serum miR‐3129‐5p was found to be highest in the severe stenosis group, followed by the moderate stenosis group and mild stenosis group. ROC analysis showed that serum miR‐3129‐5p could differentiate patients with CHD from controls. Further study showed that mTOR was a target gene of miR‐3129‐5p. Western blot assays demonstrated that miR‐3129‐5p significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of S6 but increased LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 levels. Consistently, GFP‐LC3 and TEM assays indicated that miR‐3129 increased autophagy puncta in H9C2 cells. More importantly, silencing mTOR significantly decreased the expression of p‐S6 but increased LC3II/LC3I and Beclin expression even in H9C2 cells transfected with miR‐3129‐5p inhibitor, indicating that miR‐3129‐5p‐induced cell autophagy was mediated via mTOR in H9C2 cells. In summary, elevated serum miR‐3129‐5p contributes to CHD by targeting mTOR signaling and may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of CHD.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential biomarkers and key regulatory pathways related to HCC using integrated bioinformatic analysis and validation. The microarray data of GSE12717 and GSE54238 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed based on potential long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA interactions. A total of 191 mRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 5 lncRNAs were selected to construct the ceRNA network. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used to predict their biological functions. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was significantly enriched. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database was conducted for the weighted mRNAs and lncRNAs. The results showed that SRC, GMPS, CDK2, FEN1, EZH2, ZWINT, MTHFD1L, GINS2, and MAPKAPK5-AS1 were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues. The relative expression levels of these genes were significantly upregulated in HCC patients based on the StarBase database. For further validation, the expression levels of these genes were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 20 HCC tumor tissues and paired paracancerous tissues. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that CDK2, MTHFD1L, SRC, ZWINT, and MAPKAPK5-AS1 had significant diagnostic value in HCC, but further studies are needed to explore their mechanisms in HCC.

To analyze the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with spinal origin abdominal pain as the main symptom.A retrospective analysis was performed on 37 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated from January 2015 to January 2021, all of whom had spin-derived abdominal pain as the main symptom, and were divided into surgery group(21 cases) and conservative group (16 cases) according to different treatment methods. Patients in the surgery group were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty, including 7 males and 14 females, with an average age of (75.95±6.84) years old and an average course of disease of (5.26±3.79) days. The conservative group received non-surgical treatment, including 5 males and 11 females, with an average age of (75.50±8.07) years old and an average course of disease of (4.28±3.42) days. Two groups of patients with preoperative mainly characterized by abdominal pain, abdominal distension and constipation, have no obvious chest waist back pain symptoms, the thoracolumbar MRI diagnosed as fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, record its postoperative abdominal pain visual analogue scale (VAS), medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36) score, defecation interval after treatment, etc.Thirty-seven patients were followed up for (14.90±14.11) months in surgery group and( 21.42±17.53) months in conservative group. Compared with before treatment, the VAS of surgery group at each time period after treatment, VAS of conservative group at 1 month after treatment and SF-36 score between two groups at 3 months after treatment were all improved(Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective method for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with spinal origin abdominal pain as the main symptom. Compared with conservative treatment, percutaneous vertebroplasty has more advantages in early relief of abdominal pain and constipation, recovery of vitality and social function.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse the characteristics of malaria in Shanghai from 2010 to 2019 and to provide suggestions for areas with a similar elimination process in China in order to prompt development of strategies and interventions in the post-elimination stage. Methods This was a cross-sectional study exploring the malaria characteristics during 2010–2019 in Shanghai, China. Malaria data from the Infectious Diseases Information Reporting Management System (IDIRMS) between 2010 and 2012 and data from the Parasitic Diseases Information Reporting Management System (PDIRMS) between 2013 and 2019 were combined for analysis in this study. Results From 2010 to 2019, a total of 436 malaria cases were reported in Shanghai. Among them, 415 (95.18%) were imported from abroad, 19 (4.36%) were domestically acquired from other provinces, 1 (0.23%) case was caused by blood transfusion, and 1 (0.23%) had a long incubation. Only Plasmodium vivax was found in domestically indigenous cases; Plasmodium falciparum accounted for the largest proportion of imported cases. Domestically acquired cases were only reported in 2010–2011 and 88% occurred in June to September; no significant seasonal difference was observed for imported cases over the 10 years. No local transmission has occurred in Shanghai since 2012. The median interval from fever onset to diagnosis was 3 days. Between 2010 and 2019, among 308 foci, 33 were classified as potential transmission and dispersed in suburb areas (Minhang, Baoshan, Jiading, Pudong, Jinshan, Songjiang, Qingpu, Fengxian, and Chongming). Only Anopheles sinensis was present and the proportion of Anopheles sinensis in different species of mosquitoes under surveillance in Shanghai decreased from 2011 to 2019. Conclusions Shanghai faces the challenge of malaria re-establishment caused by imported malaria in the post-elimination stage. Therefore, risk investigation and assessment should be carried out, and receptivity and susceptibility should be assessed for every point of focus. Training should be continued to strengthen facility staff capability, and multisectoral coordination and cooperation need to be conducted efficiently to maintain malaria elimination in Shanghai.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to the pathophysiological process of coronary artery disease (CAD). The expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in EAT of patients with CAD have not been well characterized. We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze the expression profiles of lncRNA in EAT of patients with CAD compared to patients without CAD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were executed to investigate the principal functions of the significantly dysregulated mRNAs. We confirmed a dysregulated intergenic lncRNA (lincRNA) (LINC00968) by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, we constructed a ceRNA network associated with LINC00968, which included 49 mRNAs. Compared with the control group, lncRNAs and genes of EAT in CAD were characterized as metabolic active and pro-inflammatory profiles. The sequencing analysis detected 2539 known and 1719 novel lncRNAs. Then, we depicted both lncRNA and gene signatures of EAT in CAD, featuring dysregulation of genes involved in metabolism, nuclear receptor transcriptional activity, antigen presentation, chemokine signaling, and inflammation. Finally, we identified a ceRNA network as candidate modulator in EAT and its potential role in CAD. We showed the expression profiles of specific EAT lncRNA and mRNA in CAD, and a selected non-coding associated ceRNA regulatory network, which taken together, may contribute to a better understanding of CAD mechanism and provide potential therapeutic targets.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR1900024782.

Patient: Female, 65 Final Diagnosis: Adrenocortical insufficiency Symptoms: Anorexia and jaundice Medication: Glucocorticoid replacement Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis Background: Adrenal insufficiency is mainly due to insufficient adrenal corticosteroid hormones secretion by the adrenal cortex, which leads to clinical manifestations such as weakness, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, hypotension, and vomiting. However, the clinical manifestations of adrenocortical insufficiency may be atypical: anorexia, ascites, impaired liver function, and alacrima have been reported. Jaundice and anorexia presenting together in the same patient as the main symptoms are rare. Case Report: We present a rare case of a 65-year-old woman diagnosed as having adrenocortical insufficiency with chief complaints of anorexia and jaundice. The patient had a history of hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can easily lead to a misdiagnosis in clinical practice, which is what happened with this patient at the beginning in our hospital and in the other hospitals that treated her previously. Hiatus hernia was considered the mostly likely cause of her vomiting, and a laparotomy was done to repair the hernia at the local hospital. However, there was no improvement. After regular glucocorticoid replacement, the patient’s symptoms all soon disappeared. Conclusions: Adrenal insufficiency can atypically present as anorexia and jaundice. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, physicians should pay attention to these atypical symptoms.

Living tumors are of great scientific value for clinical medicine and basic research, especially for drug testing. An increasing number of drug tests fail due to the use of imperfect models. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel method combining vitrification-based cryopreservation of tumor biopsies and precision-cut slice cultivation for the assessment of anticancer drug responses. Biological characteristics of rectal cancer liver metastasis biopsies could be retained by vitrification-based cryopreservation. The patient-derived xenograft models were successfully established using both fresh and warmed biopsy tissues. Precision-cut slicing provided a similar three-dimensional architecture and heterogeneity to the original tumor. The positive drug responses in the xenograft model were consistent with those in precision-cut slice cultures in vitro. The present study demonstrated that live tumor biopsies could be preserved using vitrification-based cryopreservation. The warmed tissues developed xenograft tumors, which were also useful for either in vivo or in vitro anticancer drug testing. Precision-cut slices derived from the warmed tissues provided an efficient tool to assess anticancer drug response in vitro.

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is the major contributing factor to hypertension. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are essential for endogenous vascular endothelial renovation. The activity and number of circulating EPCs are preserved in prehypertensive premenopausal females according to our previous research. However, the changes of EPCs in prehypertensive postmenopausal females are poorly understood, and the mechanisms responsible for the loss of the gender protection advantage of cardiovascular disease remain unexplored. In order to determine the effects of EPCs in prehypertensive postmenopausal females, the number and activity of circulating EPCs were tested in the present study. Next, the function of EPCs secreting nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte‑macrophage colony‑stimulating factor (GM‑CSF), as well as their concentration in the plasma, were measured. The association between flow‑mediated dilation (FMD) and EPC secretion was also assessed. Attenuation of proliferation and migration of EPCs was observed in prehypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive subjects. In addition, a reduced NO production secreted by EPCs was detected in prehypertensive patients as compared with that in normotensive patients. There was no significant difference in EPC function between postmenopausal females and age‑matched males. Finally, the association between FMD and NO production was validated. Collectively, these data indicated that impaired EPCs mediated vasodilation dysfunction via decreasing NO production. Therefore, EPC function enhancement and NO level augmentation are emerging as novel therapeutic strategies for prehypertension therapy.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes neurological deficits with poor recovery; the treatment, however, is far from satisfaction, and the mechanisms remain unclear. Using immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis, we found α-synuclein (SNCA) was significantly up-regulated in the spinal caudal segment of rats subjected to spinal cord transection at 3 days post-operation. Moreover, the role of SNCA on neuronal growth and apoptosis in vitro was determined by using overexpressing and interfering SNCA recombined plasmid vectors, and the underlying mechanism was detected by QRT-PCR and western blotting. Spinal neurons transfected with SNCA-shRNA lentivirus gave rise to an optimal neuronal survival, while it results in cell apoptosis in SNCA-ORF group. In molecular level, SNCA silence induced the up-regulation of CNTF and down-regulation of Caspase7/9. Together, endogenous SNCA plays a crucial role in spinal neuronal survival, in which the underlying mechanism may be linked to the regulation both apoptotic genes (Caspase7/9) and CNTF. The present findings therefore provide novel insights into the role of SNCA in spinal cord and associated mechanism, which may provide novel cue for the treatment of SCI in future clinic trials.

Peroxiredoxin1 (Prdx1) is a member of the PrdxS family, and it regulates cellular signaling and differentiation. The role of Prdx1in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relevance of Prdx1 in the metastasis and angiogenesis of CRC. The expression of Prdx1 in 60 cases human CRC tissues was detected through immunohistochemistry. The tumors that highly expressed Prdx1 (42/60) exhibited higher tumor grade and lymph node metastasis than those with low expression of Prdx1 (18/60) (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival time of thePrdx1-positive group was shorter than that of thePrdx1-negative group (p = 0.046).Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the Prdx1 expression and microvessel density (p = 0.004). Transwell migration assay revealed that Prdx1 was down-regulated in the CRC cell line HCT116, thereby suppressing the invasion and migration capacities of tumor cells, whereas Prdx1was up-regulated in HT29 cells, thereby increasing the invasion and migration capacities of tumor cells. The tube formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured in 3D medium was increased after conditioned medium from overexpressed Prdx1cancer cells was added relative to that when down-regulated Prdx1 cell medium was added (p < 0.05). In addition, up-regulated Prdx1 increased the protein expression of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGFA. These data suggested that Prdx1 expression predicted poor prognosis by regulating the tumor metastasis and angiogenesis of CRC. Therefore, Prdx1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.

BACKGROUND Recently, some studies have found that retinoblastoma-binding protein 2 (RBP2) is involved in the development and progression of many kinds of malignant tumors. This study aimed to explore the expression level of RBP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its prognostic significance. MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the RBP2 expression level in 130 HCC patients and adjacent normal tissues. Tumor angiogenesis was marked by CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between RBP2 expression and prognosis of HCC patients. RESULTS RBP2 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues (positive expression rate: 72.3%, 94/130). Increased RBP2 expression was dramatically associated with AFP level (P=0.016), degree of differentiation (P=0.000), and TNM stage (P=0.035). Moreover, tumors with RBP2-positive expression showed significantly higher intratumoral MVD than those with RBP2-negative expression (P=0.000). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed RBP2-positive expression was related to decreased disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.000) and overall survival (OS) (P=0.000). Furthermore, RBP2 was an independent poor prognostic factor of DFS and OS (P=0.029 and 0.010, respectively) as demonstrated by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Increased RBP2 expression, as an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS and OS of HCC patients, is closely related to tumor angiogenesis. RBP2 is expected to become a new potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Apoptosis has been widely reported to be involved in the pathogenesis associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, autophagy has also been implicated in various neuronal damage models. However, the role of autophagy in SCI is still controversial and its interrelationship with apoptosis remains unclear. Here, we used an in vitro SCI model to observe a time-dependent induction of autophagy and apoptosis. Mechanical injury induced autophagy markers such as LC3 lipidation, LC3II/LC3I conversion, and Beclin-1 expression. Injured neurons showed decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis. To elucidate the effect of autophagy on apoptosis, the mechanically-injured neurons were treated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and 3-methyl adenine (3-MA), which are known to regulate autophagy positively and negatively, respectively. Rapamycin-treated neurons showed the highest level of cell viability and lowest level of apoptosis among the injured neurons and those treated with 3-MA showed the reciprocal effect. Notably, rapamycin-treated neurons exhibited slightly reduced Bax expression and significantly increased Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, by plasmid transfection, we showed that Beclin-1-overexpressing neuronal cells responded to mechanical injury with greater LC3II/LC3I conversion and cell viability, lower levels of apoptosis, higher Bcl-2 expression, and unaltered Bax expression as compared to vector control cells. Beclin-1-knockdown neurons showed almost the opposite effects. Taken together, our results suggest that autophagy may serve as a protection against apoptosis in mechanically-injured spinal cord neurons. Targeting mTOR and/or enhancing Beclin-1 expression might be alternative therapeutic strategies for SCI.

Background/Aims: To explore the effects of rapamycin-induced autophagy on apoptosis in a rat model of acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and to explore the effect of rapamycin on apoptosis in primary spinal cord cell culture. Methods: SCI was induced at T10 in female adult Sprague-Dawley rats. After injury was induced, the rats were injected with rapamycin and/or methylprednisolone and were sacrificed at various days after injury. Apoptosis and autophagy were examined with TUNEL staining and electron microscopy. Hind limb function was assessed by the Gale scale. Results: The expression of the apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 did not significantly increase until 21 days following injury, while increases in LC3II and LC3I began 10 days after injury, but then declined. TUNEL staining and electron microscopy confirmed that following injury autophagy occurred before apoptosis, but by 14 days after the injury, the level of autophagy had decreased significantly while the level of apoptosis showed a continued increase. Following treatment with rapamycin, apoptosis was significantly higher than in the vehicle control group, but significantly lower than in the sham-operated group, showing a protective effect of rapamycin. Gale scale grades in rats treated with rapamycin were significantly higher compared with the vehicle control group, suggesting a functional effect of rapamycin-induced inhibition of apoptosis. Conclusions: The results indicate that rapamycin significantly improved the prognosis of acute SCI in rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Rapamycin might be useful as a therapeutic agent for acute SCI.

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a hereditary, autosomal dominant, neurocutaneous syndrome that is attributed to NF1 gene mutation. NF1 has been associated with scoliosis, macrocephaly, pseudoarthrosis, short stature, mental retardation, and malignancies. NF1-associated vasculopathy is an uncommon and easily-overlooked presentation. Examination of a Chinese family affected by NF1 combined with cerebral vessel stenosis and/or abnormality suggested a possible relationship between NF1 and vessel stenosis. To determine which NF1 gene mutation is associated with vascular lesions, particularly cerebral vessel stenosis, we examined one rare family with combined cerebral vessel lesions or maldevelopment. Vascular lesions were detected using transcranial Doppler sonography and digital subtraction angiography in family members. Next, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and sequencing were used to screen for NF1 gene mutations. The results revealed a nonsense mutation, c.541C>T, in the NF1 gene. This mutation truncated the NF1 protein by 2659 amino-acid residues at the C-terminus and co-segregated with all of the patients, but was not present in unaffected individuals in the family. Exceptionally, three novel mutations were identified in unaffected family members, but these did not affect the product of the NF1 gene. Thus the nonsense mutation, c.541C>T, located in the NF1 gene could constitute one genetic factor for cerebral vessel lesions.

This study analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of sacral extradural spinal meningeal cysts with spinal nerve root fibers treated by reconstruction of the nerve root sheaths. The relationships between the cysts and spinal nerve root fibers were examined microscopically, the cysts were partially excised, and the defects were oversewn to reconstruct the nerve root sheaths. The Improved Japanese Orthopedic Association (IJOA) scoring system was used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative neurological function. Thirty-eight patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 41.4 ± 15.57 years. The mean IJOA score was 18.8 ± 1.32 preoperatively and 19.6 ± 0.65 postoperatively, which was a significant difference (t=-3.77, P=0.001). These results indicate a significant improvement in neurological function after surgery. The most significant improvement in neurological function was sensation (z=-2.86, P=0.004), followed by bowel/bladder function (z=-2.31, P=0.02).

To understand the status of Entamoeba histolytica infection in diarrhea patients in general hospitals, so as to provide the evidences for the prevention and control of the disease.The diarrhea patients in intestinal disease clinics of 3 general hospitals in Shanghai City were chosen as the investigation objectives, and their fecal and blood samples were collected, and then were detected by the normal saline direct smear method and iodine solution staining, immunochromatographic method and ELISA respectively to understand the infection status of E. histolytica, and the characteristics of the infected persons were analyzed. RESULTS Totally 1 015 fecal samples were detected, and among which 36 positive ones were detected by parasitological examinations, with a general positive rate of 3.55%. There were no statistically significant differences among the positive rates of patients from the three hospitals (P0.05), nor between or among those of the patients with different sexes, ages, occupations and education levels (all P0.05). The positive rate of E. histolytica in bloody purulent stools was higher than those in loose stools and watery stools (both P0.01). The peak period of infection was from July to September. Among the 36 infected people detected by parasitological examination, 88.90% of them complained about abdominal pain, and the red blood cells and leucocyte cells were found in the stool samples of 75.00% and 22.23% of the cases, respectively. The positive rates of E. histolytica were 8.18% (83/1 015) and 7.12% (48/675) respectively when detected by the immunochromatographic method and ELISA.Summer and autumn are the high risk seasons for E. histolytica infection, and the surveillance should be strengthened in this period. The positive rate of E. histolytica in samples of bloody purulent stools is high, and the combined application of several detection methods can increase the detection rate.

Myocardin is frequently repressed during human malignant transformation, and restoration of myocardin expression in sarcoma cells contributes to the inhibition of malignant growth. However, its role in breast carcinoma has barely been addressed. Here, we reported that myocardin could inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Notably, we show that myocardin inhibited ERα-mediated proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 via impairing ER-dependent transcriptional activation, mainly through the inhibition of the activity of ERα. Importantly, the molecular mechanism for the inhibition of the ERα-mediated proliferation is that myocardin inhibited the transcription and expression of ERα-induced PCNA, Ki-67, and E2F1 to impair ERα-mediated proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7. Interestingly, myocardin significantly enhanced the transcription and expression of miR-885 depending on the CArG box in miR-885 promoter, and miR-885 targeted the 3' untranslated regions (UTR) of E2F1 to silence the expression of E2F1. Thus, our data provided important and novel insights into how myocardin may deeply influence ERα-mediated breast cancer proliferation. In conclusion, myocardin could be seen as a breast cancer tumor suppressor so that it will provide new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(6):477-487, 2016.

Intracranial aneurysms are extremely uncommon in adolescents. This study was undertaken to assess the clinical and radiological characteristics and clarify the choice of therapeutic strategies of intracranial aneurysms in adolescents with age range from 15 to 18 years.From our dedicated aneurysmal databank between October 1985 and July 2008, we reviewed 16 consecutive adolescents who had 20 intracranial aneurysms.Ten boys and six girls (male/female ratio = 1.67:1; mean age 16.78 ± 1.18 years) were included in the present study. Intracranial aneurysms in adolescents constituted 0.91% of all intracranial aneurysms. It was found that 25% of the lesions were in the posterior circulation, while 75% of the lesions were in the anterior circulation, and 25% developed on the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Half of the patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and others mainly presented with mass effect such as weakness in the extremities, diplopia, and dysfunction of eye movement. Eight cases underwent endovascular treatment: including GDC therapy in five patients, parental artery occlusion in two patients, and cover stent implantation in one patient with pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery. Four patients received microsurgical therapy: aneurismal neck clipping for two patients and extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass and trapping of complex aneurysms in MCA for the other two patients. Four patients did not receive microsurgical or endovascular therapy, including a boy whose aneurysm spontaneously thrombosed preoperatively and a girl who died before operation because of rerupture of aneurysm. Two patients did not undergo therapy owing to the high operative risk. All of the patients who received therapy had favorable outcome (GOS 4 or 5) at discharge and at follow-up.Intracranial aneurysms in adolescents differ from those in adults in many ways including the following: male predominance; high incidence of large or giant, traumatic, dissecting, and fusiform aneurysms; high incidence of aneurysms in the posterior circulation; high incidence of spontaneous thrombosis; better Hunt-Hess grade at presentation; and better therapeutic outcome. Both microsurgical approaches and endovascular treatment were effective. For some giant, complex intracranial aneurysms, parent artery occlusion or EC-IC bypass is the best treatment choice.

We aimed to prospectively analyze correlations between clinical features and histological classification of multi-segment intramedullary spinal cord tumors (MSICTs), and the extent of microsurgical resection and functional outcomes. Fifty-six patients with MSICTs underwent microsurgery for tumor removal using a posterior approach. The tumor was exposed through a dorsal myelotomy. Pre-operative and post-operative nervous function was scored using the Improved Japanese Orthopaedic Association (IJOA) grading system. Correlation analyses were performed between functional outcome (IJOA score) and histological features, age, tumor location, and the longitudinal extent of spinal cord involvement. The most frequently involved levels were the medullo cervical and the cervicothoracic regions (51.8%, 29/56) followed by the conus terminalis (26.8%, 15/56) and the thoracic region (14.3%, 8/56). Ependymoma was the most frequent MSICT type, seen in 22 of 56 patients (39%), followed by low grade astrocytoma (17 patients, 30%) and glioblastoma multiforme (3 patients, 5%). Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 33 cases (58%), subtotal resection in 4 (7%), and partial resection in 16 (28%). The histological classification of the tumor was the most important factor influencing the extent of surgical removal (χ2 = 22.17, p = 0.00). The overall difference between pre-operative and post-operative neurological state was not significant (χ2 = 5.44, p = 0.61). Thus, MSICTs were most commonly seen in the medullo cervical and cervicothoracic regions, with ependymoma and low grade astrocytoma the most common tumour types. We stress the importance of early microsurgical treatment for MSICTs while the patients do not have severe dysfunction.

Complement activation and inflammation have been suggested in the pathogenesis of stroke, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) were found to have roles during the process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and serum MBL levels in Chinese population. From January 1 to June 30 2013, all patients with first-ever AIS were recruited to participate in the study. Serum MBL levels and routine test were examined. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was assessed on admission blinded to MBL levels. During the inclusion period, 148 patients with AIS were registered and completed study. The results indicated that the serum MBL levels were significantly (p

There is a growing concern about the serious harm of radioactive materials, which are widely used in energy production, scientific research, medicine, industry and other areas. In recent years, owing to the great side effects of anti-radiation drugs, research on the radiation protectants has gradually expanded from the previous chemicals to the use of natural anti-radiation drugs and functional foods. Some reports have confirmed that anthocyanins are good antioxidants, which can effectively eliminate free radicals, but studies on the immunoregulatory and anti-radiation effects of anthocyanins from lingonberry (ALB) are less reported. In this experiment, mice were given orally once daily for 14 consecutive days before exposure to 6 Gy of gamma-radiation and were sacrificed on the 7th day post-irradiation. The results showed that the selected dose of extract did not lead to acute toxicity in mice; while groups given anthocyanins orally were significantly better than radiation control group according to blood analysis; pretreatment of anthocyanins significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the thymus and spleen indices and spleen cell survival compared to the irradiation control group. Pretreatment with anthocyanins before irradiation significantly reduced the numbers of micronuclei (MN) in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). These findings indicate that anthocyanins have immunostimulatory potential against immunosuppression induced by the radiation.

To study application of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring(IONM) in spinal cord surgery.In the study, 24 patients with spinal cord tumors were divided into 4 groups according to the method of monitoring. Group A (ventral tumors) underwent somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) + motor evoked potential (MEP) + electromyography (EMG) monitoring, group B (intramedullary tumors) underwent SEP + MEP monitoring, group C (subdural extramedullary tumors) underwent SEP + EMG monitoring, group D (conus medullary and cauda equina lesions) underwent EMG monitoring. The relationship between changes of IONM and postoperative neurological function was analyzed.All of the 3 patients in group A had IONM alteration which recovered before the end of surgery, but neurological function deteriorated in 1 case. All of the 6 patients in group B had IONM alteration, of whom 5 recovered before the end of surgery, and 1 did not recover and neurological function deteriorated in this case. Seven of the nine patients in group C had IONM alteration which recovered before the end of surgery, but neurological function deteriorated in 1 case. All of the 6 patients in group D had IONM alteration which recovered before the end of surgery, but neurological function deteriorated in 1 case.IONM is useful to reduce postoperative neurological deterioration. However, IONM neurophysiological monitoring needs further improvement.

To survey changes of swallowing function and their significance in Chiari I malformation patients with dysphagia after Atlanto-occipital Decompression with Duraplasty by comparing water swallowing test results and other clinical features before and after surgery.From January 2007 to July 2010, 126 Chiari I malformation patients were treated in Neurosurgery Department of Peking University Third Hospital. Clinical data were prospectively analyzed. There were 34 cases (26.9%, 34/126) with varying severity of dysphagia. All of those patients underwent Atlanto-occipital Decompression with Duraplasty. Water swallowing tests were performed 1 day before operation and after 7-10 days to assess dysphagia severity. The improvements of other major symptoms and signs after surgery were also compared.Postoperative dysphagia was improved in 23 cases (67.6%, 23/34), and drinking water test score of preoperation was (2.74±1.11). The score was significantly reduced to (1.71±0.91) after the operation (P0.05). Other major symptoms and signs were analyzed by Fisher's exact test which showed that only neck and shoulder pain (P=0.01) improved significantly, compared with preoperation.Indeed part of the Chiari I malformation patients suffer from varying severity of dysphagia. The detailed clinical history collection and physical examination may improve the initial detection rate of dysphagia. Water swallow test is useful to quantify the degree of dysphagia. Atlanto-occipital Decompression with Duraplasty can improve treatment of Chiari I malformation patients with dysphagia. Improvement in treating dysphagia shortly after operation may be an effective index to evaluate the effect of surgery.

Object The authors conducted a study to assess the clinical pattern, radiological features, therapeutic strategies, and long-term outcomes in patients with intramedullary spinal cord cavernomas (ISCCs) based on a large case series. Methods This retrospective study identified 96 patients (60 males, 36 females) surgically (81 cases) or conservatively (15 cases) treated for ISCCs between May 1993 and November 2007. Each diagnosis was based on MR imaging and spinal angiography evidence. For all surgically treated patients, the diagnosis was verified pathologically. The neurological outcomes pre- and postoperatively, as well as long-term follow-up, were assessed using the Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale. Results The mean age at the onset of symptoms was 34.5 years (range 9–80 years). Of the lesions, 68 (71%) were located in the thoracic spine, 25 (26%) in the cervical spine, and only 3 (3%) in the lumbar spine. The median symptom duration was 19.7 months. The clinical behavior of the lesion was a slow progression in 73 cases and an acute decline in 23 cases. Long-term follow-up data (mean 45.8 months, range 10–183 months) were available for 75 patients (64 surgical cases and 11 conservative cases). In the surgical group, a complete resection was achieved in 60 patients, and incomplete resection was detected in 4 patients after operation. At the end of the follow-up period in the operative group, 23 patients (36%) improved, 35 (55%) remained unchanged, and 6 (9%) worsened. In the nonoperative group, 5 patients improved, 6 patients remained unchanged, and none worsened. Conclusions For differential diagnosis, spinal angiography was necessary in some cases. For most symptomatic lesions, complete microsurgical resection of the symptomatic ISCC is safe and prevents rebleeding and further neurological deterioration. However, in patients whose lesions were small and located ventrally in the spinal cord, one can also opt for a rigorous follow-up, considering the high surgical risk.

To study the operation of C1-2 dumbbell-shaped tumor, and its effect on the cervical spine stability.Different surgical tumor resection was selected according to the tumor size and the invasion scope. Hemilaminectomy was the first choice for the resection of the tumor at intr-extraspinal canal in the conventional prone position. After the tumor was fully revealed, the epidural tumor was removed first with enough space to be vacated, then the subdural section was removed. If the tumor in the spinal canal was more than half of the spinal canal, to prevent spinal cord injury, the part of the C1-2 spinous process base should be removed to facilitate the exposure. Dural defect should be repaired and the muscle sutured to achieve anatomic reduction in order to facilitate the stability of the cervical spine. Lateral approach should be combined to resect the tumor if its total removal was impossible as the tumor had invaded the spinal canal outside over 4 cm or completely surrounded the vertebral artery.C1-2 dumbbell-type tumors were treated in 16 cases, of which 12 were of schwannoma, 3 of meningioma and 1 of ganglion cell tumor. Total resection was in 14 cases, and subtotal resection in 2. After operation, the symptoms of pain in the neck and upper limb muscle weakness were relieved. All the patients were followed up. The follow-up period was 3-48 months. No cervical spine instability or tumor recurrence was found.C1-2 dumbbell-shaped tumors could be well resected by poster-median hemilamiectomy approach or joint lateral approach , and the stability of cervical spine could be better maintained at the same time.

Multisegment intramedullary spinal cord tumors (MSICT) are a special type of spinal cord tumor. Up to now, no comparative clinical study of MSICT has been performed according to different age groups. Seventy-seven patients underwent microsurgery for MSICT. As grouped with two different methods, the parametric and nonparametric data of MSICT and patients were comparatively analyzed using statistically correlative methods. Forty-eight patients were males and 29 were females, ranging in age from 4 to 64 years (mean, 32.9 years). Among the six groups, being divided with intervals of 10 years, the whole difference in the initial symptoms of patients (Z = 17.4, P = 0.004) and in the histological classification of tumors (Z = 12.5, P = 0.03) was statistically significant, respectively. Neurodevelopmental tumor and benign glioma predominated in adolescents and decreased in frequency into adulthood where ependymoma became more predominant. In the 25 years old grouping method, there were 27 adolescent and 50 adult patients. The difference in initial symptoms of patients (Z = −2.08, P = 0.04) was statistically significant between the two groups. Pain with motor weakness and gait deterioration predominated in adolescents and decreased in frequency into adulthood where sensory disturbances became more predominant.

To comparatively analyze the different and common points between multi-segments intramedullary spinal cord congenital tumors and benign ependymomas, such as the patient's age, gender, nervous functions and tumor location, longitudinal extension, and removed extent.Data were studied from 12 patients with multi-segments intramedullary spinal cord congenital tumors and 19 patients with multi-segments intramedullary spinal cord benign ependymomas who underwent microsurgery for the tumor using a posterior approach. The tumor was exposed through dorsal myelotomy. Preoperative and postoperative nervous functions were scored using the Improved JOA (improved Japanese orthopaedic association, IJOA) score system. Independent sample t-test was performed for ages, preoperative IJOA scores, postoperative IJOA scores and IJOA difference values of the patients, and longitudinal extension of tumors in the two groups with congenital tumors and benign ependymomas. Two independent sample Mann-Whitney tests was performed for the patient's gender, stool and urine functions, limbs weakness, and tumor removed extent in the two groups. All patients were followed-up until June 30, 2009.The average age of patients in congenital tumors group was 23.5+/-14.3, and in benign ependymomas group was 37.8+/-12.9, the age difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=-2.89, P=0.007). The difference for location (Z=-3.59, P=0.001) and removed extent (Z=-2.89, P=0.004) of tumors between the two groups was statistically significant. Those located at the conus accounted for almost 83.3% (10/12) multi-segments intramedullary spinal cord congenital tumors. Because of the stiff adhesion with adjacent neural structures or penetrative growth in surrounding spinal marrow, some congenital tumors could not totally removed by force. The main purpose of surgery for these tumors was not total removal but decompression on the adjacent neural structures. Total or nearly total resection was achieved in 66.7% (8/12) patients diagnosed with congenital tumors. 78.9 (15/19) percent of multi-segments intramedullary spinal cord benign ependymomas were located at the cervical and cervicothoracic segments. Total or nearly total resection was achieved in 94.7% (18/19) patients with benign ependymomas.It is known from the clinical files that most multi-segments intramedullary spinal cord congenital tumors are found in young patients and most benign ependymomas in the middle-aged. Most congenital tumors are located at the conus, and they are difficult to totally remove. Most benign ependymomas are located at the cervical and cervicothoracic segments, and they are easy to totally remove.

To observe the variations of the concentrations of air pollutants and explore the correlation between the heart rate variability (HRV) of the aged people and the air quality during Beijing Olympic Games 2008.A panel study design was adopted. A total of twenty-six over 55-year-old patients with coronary heart disease or angina pectoris or a symptom of myocardial ischemia at least for one year were enrolled as a panel and followed up five times by measuring HRV index and other related indexes from June to September in 2008. The correlations between the HRV of the aged people and the air quality was analyzed with the linear mixed-effect models according to the data of air pollutants and meteorological conditions collected simultaneously from Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau and Beijing Meteorological Bureau.In single-pollutant mixed-effect models, the significant correlation was observed in the reduction of ambient PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) with the improvement of the total power and high-frequency power (HF) of HRV in the panel subjects, and a 10 microg/m(3) decrease in PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) level was correlated with 2.51% (95%CI: -3.80% - -1.22%, t = -1.99, P = 0.0497), 31.39% (95%CI: -52.24% - -10.53%, t = -1.99, P = 0.0497) and 42.72% (95%CI: -75.06% - -10.38%, t = -1.99, P = 0.0497) rises in total power of HRV respectively. A 10 microg/m(3) decrease in PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) level was correlated with 3.46% (95%CI: -5.14% - -1.77%, t = -2.11, P = 0.0378), 40.63% (95%CI: -68.70% - -12.56%, t = -2.11, P = 0.0378) and 53.76% (95%CI: -97.97% - -9.56%, t = -2.11, P = 0.0378) rises in high-frequency power (HF) of HRV respectively.It suggests that the air pollution reduction could improve the cardiovascular functions of the susceptible population.

To investigate the changes in cerebral oxygen metabolism following head injury and their relationship with intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and Glasgow coma scale (GCS).Forty-five patients after surgery for serious head injury were studied and divided into different groups according to ICP, CPP and GCS, 10 patients without head injury were enrolled as controls. GCS, ICP, CPP, blood gas analysis, jugular bulb for gas analysis, jugular bulb blood oxygen saturation (SjvO(2)), cerebral arterial venous oxygen content difference (AVDO(2)) were accessed and scored, and cerebral extraction of oxygen (CEO(2)) were calculated in all the patients. The relationships of these parameters with ICP, CPP and GCS score were analysed.On the 1 st postinjury day SjvO(2) decreased whereas CEO(2) and AVDO(2) increased in all patients, with significant differences compared with the controls (all P0.05). During the 2nd-4th postoperative days, SjvO(2) gradually increased with CEO(2) and AVDO(2) decreased in patients with mild or moderate head injury of increased in ICP or lowered in CPP group, the changes in the above parameters were slower, with significant difference compared with patients with increase in ICP, and mild or moderate lowering of CPP (all P0.05). There were significant differences in SjvO(2), CEO(2), and AVDO(2) between the group of GCS5 and GCS6-8 during the 2nd-5th days (all P0.05). ICP was negatively correlated with SjvO(2) (r=-0.8652, P0.01) and positively correlated with CEO(2) (r=0.4172, P0.05) and AVDO(2) (r=0.4771, P0.05). CPP was positively correlated with SjvO(2) (r=0.8830, P0.01) and negatively correlated with CEO(2) (r=-0.6724, P0.05) and AVDO(2) (r=-0.8350, P0.01). GCS score was positively correlated with SjvO(2) (r=0.8230, P0.01) and CEO(2) (r=0.8010, P0.001), but there was no correlation between GCS score and AVDO(2) (r=2.6310, P=0.677).In patients with serious head injury, if the increase in ICP is mild or moderate, there are cerebral hypoxia and ischemia during the first 24 hours after injury. During the 2 nd-4 th postinjury days, the brain becomes hyperemic and hyperoxygenated. Marked increase in ICP results in persistent cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. ICP, CPP and GCS score are main factors affecting cerebral oxygen metabolism.

To evaluate the outcome and postoperative reaction of dural substitute (Neuropatch) applying in the treatment of Chiari I malformation(CMI) associated with syringomyelia(SM).Forty patients of CMI associated with SM were operated in our department from Jul. 2002 to Jul. 2004. All patients underwent posterior cranial fossa decompression and duraplasty. They were divided into two groups, 20 patients being repaired with Neuropatch (Neuropatch group), and the others with autologous fascia lata (fascia group). There were 6 males and 14 females in Neuropatch group and 10 males and 10 females in fascia group. The operations were performed under general anesthesia via suboccipital approach and the extent of posterior cranial fossa decompression ranged from 20 cm(2) (5 cmx4 cm) to 35 cm(2) (5 cmx7 cm). The removal of posterior arch of atlas depended on the extent of tonsillar herniation, and the dura was opened in Y shape. The Neuropatch was cut into triangular shape, and the same sized autologous fascia lata was used in fascia group. The patches were sutured tightly to the dura matter in each group. The incision was closed layer by layer and drainage was used, if necessary. Antibiotics and hormone were routinely used. The duration of operation, postoperative fever were evaluated, the outcome of the operation was evaluated by Tator scale, and the data were analyzed with statistic software SPSS 10.0.There were12 patients (60%) who suffered from postoperative fever in the Neuropatch group, and 9 patients (45%) in the fascia group(chi(2)=0.902,P=0.342). Seventeen patients in each group were improved postoperatively. The duration of operation, postoperative fever and antibiotics used were compared between the two groups. No significant difference was found, but the duration of postoperative fever and the time of hormone used were different. There were no postoperative infections that occurred after the follow up for 1 to 2 years, except for one patient in fascia group who developed infective granuloma and recovered later by treatment.Neuropatch is a useful dural substitute for the repair of dural defects in the treatment of CMI associated with syringomyelia.

To analyze which factors influence the operative outcome, and compare advantages and disadvantages of relative surgical approaches.Eleven cases with the foramen magnum meningioma were operated by using posterior approach with lateral extension.Complete removal of the tumor was performed in 7 patients (7/11, 64%), subtotal resection in 2 cases (2/11, 18%) and partial resection in 2 cases (2/11, 18%). There were no operative death and significant complication.The posterior approach with lateral enlargement is sufficient to expose and remove foramen magnum tumors without expensive bone resection.

To analyze the treatments of multiple intracranial aneurysms.Natural conditions of 123 patients and treatments of multiple intracranial aneurysms were analyzed retrospectively.Of 123 patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms. 101 harbored two aneurysms; 16, three; 4, four; 2, more than four. The female-to-male ratio was nearly 1.7:1(78 females to 45 males). The age range was from 11 to 74 with a mean of 50.37 years. Thirty(24.4%) patients received conservative treatment. 91(74.0%) neurosurgical treatment, 82 (90.1%) patients obtained excellent or good outcomes.Six(4.9%) endovascular embolization, one hemiparesis and one paralysis was observed.Based on our results, we recommend that, if possible, all multiple aneurysms should be treated in one stage or multiple sessions. With Navigation and Keyhole Techniques, the injury and risk of surgery have been decreased, and outcomes have improved. Perfection of the endovascular occlusion technique also improves the prognosis of this disease.