BACKGROUND: Plenty of evidences have revealed that electrical stimulation (ES) can promote local tissue vascular regeneration and regulate the expression of vasoactive substances, but it is unclear whether ES may promote local revascularization and change blood flow state in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) or not. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ES on microvascular regeneration and plasma endothelin-1 and nitric oxide levels in MTrPs. METHODS: Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control, model and ES groups, with 18 rats in each group. And each group was equally subdivided into three subgroups (before, 7 and 15 days after intervention). In the model and ES groups, the rat model of MTrPs was established using combat and eccentric motion. Once the MTrPs model was made, the ES group was given ES intervention (depth: 2 mm, voltage: 6 V, frequency: 20 Hz, pulse width: 160 ms) at MTrPs, 30 minutes per day, for 15 days. Six rats from each group were executed at 7 and 15 days of intervention. Paraffin sections were manufactured for hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining after the local tissues of MTrPs were dissected and separated. Subsequently, pathological changes were observed under light microscope. Microvessel density was counted and analyzed. The levels of plasma endothelin-1 and nitric oxide were detected by ELISA. The study protocol was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of the Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University in China. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The changes of brittleness and insect-likes erosion in local MTrps tissues were observed under the light microscope in the model and ES groups. The micro-vessel density in MTrps increased and the tissue structure of MTrps gradually returned to be normal after ES intervention. The microvessel density in the model and ES groups was lower than that in the blank control group before intervention, but the microvessel density in the ES group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups at 7 and 15 days of intervention (both P < 0.01). In the ES group, the microvessel density was significantly increased with time after intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between the blank control and model group (P > 0.05). The levels of plasma endothelin-1 and nitric oxide were higher in the model and ES groups than the blank control group before intervention. After 15 days of intervention, the levels of plasma endothelin-1 in the ES group were decreased (P < 0.01, vs. 0 and 7 days), while the level of nitric oxide was slightly increased at 7 and 15 days of intervention (P < 0.01, vs. the former time point). There was no statistically significant difference between the blank control and model groups (P > 0.05). These results reveal that ES intervention can promote the regeneration of microvessels and regulate the expression of vasoactive substances in MTrPs tissue, improve ischemia and hypoxia state of MTrPs and contribute greatly to local tissue repair.

Objective:To establish rabbit models of hemophilic arthritis (HA) through injecting blood and iron dextran into articular cavity, and to monitor the changes of joint structures and evaluate the effect of modeling with ultrasound. Methods: A total of 25 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into Group A, B (each n=5) and C (n=15). In group A and group B, 1 ml rabbit arterial blood was injected into the articular cavity with a total of 36 times (3 times a week) in group A and 24 times (twice a week) in group B. In group C, 1 ml of iron dextran was injected into the articular cavity of rabbits, and then the rabbits were averagely divided into 4 weeks group (C1 group), 8 weeks group (C2 group) and 12 weeks group (C3 group). The changes of synovium and cartilage of the articular cavity were observed with ultrasound. Pathological examination was performed after modeling, and the pathological changes of articular cartilage and synovium were observed. Results: After modeling, the synovium in group A ([4.46±0.47]mm) and C ([4.08±0.44]mm) measured with ultrasound were both thicker than in group B ([2.43±0.39]mm, both P<0.05). In group A and B, the thickness and the grade of blood flow signal of synovial membrane increased gradually during modeling. In group C, the thickness and blood flow signal of synovial membrane increased gradually in the early stage of modeling but gradually thinned or weakened. At the end of modeling, damage of articular cartilage could be observed with ultrasound in group A and C. Synovial hyperplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and destruction of cartilage similar to HA were observed in each group under light microscope. The pathological changes in groups A and C1 were more significant than those in other groups. Conclusion: Rabbit models of HA could be established through injecting blood or iron dextran into the articular cavity, both could reflect the characteristic manifestations of HA via symptoms, ultrasonic and pathological features. Iron induced arthritis models had advantages of short modeling period, simple operation and easy to be monitored with ultrasound.

Ureteral stricture, urine leakage and other urinary complications are likely to occur after kidney transplantation, which severely affect the function of renal allograft and even lead to renal allograft loss. Ureteral stent plays a critical role in kidney transplantation, which could promote the urine flow from kidney to bladder after kidney transplantation, lower the pressure within the ureter and reduce the risk of early urinary complications. However, it may also cause urinary tract infection, stent-related complications and BK virus infection, etc. Therefore, clinicians should flexibly grasp the indications for ureteral stent removal. In this article, the application, potential adverse reactions and the timing of removal of ureteral stent in the field of kidney transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical decision-making related to ureteral stent after kidney transplantation.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia ; pathology ; prevention & control ; surgery ; Recurrence ; Transplantation, Homologous

Objective To observe the perioperative complications for metastatic cervical tumor,and explore their possible risk factors.Methods From January 2012 to January 2016,57 patients undergoing surgery for cervical spine metastasis were retrospectively analyzed,who were followed-up for at least 12 months or until death.Data collected included pain (a 10-point visual analogue scale,VAS),Karnofsky performance status score,neurologic status according to Frankel scale,perioperative complications,postoperative mortality and so on.Results The VAS score decreased significantly postoperation (P＜0.001).The Frankel grade was significantly improved (P=0.025).The Karnofsky score was also significantly improved (P＜0.001).The rate of local recurrence was 12.3％.Perioperative mortality rate (30 days after surgery) was 3.5％.Perioperative complication incidence was 24.6％.Univariate analysis found that comorbidity,preoperative Karnofsky score ＜60,multisegmental resection,and intraoperative blood loss ＞300ml were significant risk factors for the complication.Multivariable analysis showed that iIntraoperative blood loss ＞300ml and preoperative Karnofsky score ＜60 were the independent predictors for the complication.Conclusions Surgical management for cervical spinal metastasis is effective in terms of neurological recovery,pain control,and performance status recovery.However,the surgery had a high risk of complications that special attention should be paid to.Furthermore,complications might be related to preoperative Karnofsky score and intraoperative blood loss.

OBJECTIVETo identify and compare the expression profiles of differential proteins between chronic phase and blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by proteomic analysis, and screen the proteins related to blast crisis.

METHODSThe total cellular proteins from the bone marrow cells at chronic phase (CP) and blast crisis (BC) in CML were separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and analyzed with ImageMaster 5.0 software to screen the differential protein spots. Differential protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry for peptide mass fingerprint in combination with database searching from SWISS-PROT. Then 3 protein spots were selected to verify at protein and mRNA levels by Western blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR, separately.

RESULTSComparing gel pages from CML-CP and CML-BC, the expression of 13 protein spots decreased and 25 protein spots increased significantly in CML-BC. Twenty differential protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry and 15 were successfully determined. The results of Western blotting were similar to those of 2-DE and showed a high expression of hnRNPK, annexin A1 and RhoA. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that there was no correlation between the protein expression changes and mRNA levels of hnRNPK, annexin A1 and RhoA.

CONCLUSIONA group of proteins associated with blast crisis are obtained and the results may provide clues for further research to elucidate the role of these proteins in CML-BC carcinogenesis and to develop potential associated biomarkers.

Adult ; Aged ; Annexin A1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Blast Crisis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proteomics ; methods ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Ribonucleoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult ; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of asymmetric lumbar discectomy on facet joint force and stability of lumbar spine. Methods Seven human cadaver specimens (L2-3 segment) were selected to make intact, 1/4 discectomy and 1/2 discectomy status and applied with pure moment of 7.5 N•m. The range of motion (ROM) and facet joint force of L2-3 segment during flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation were recorded, respectively. Results During extension, a significant increase in facet joint force was found under 1/4 discectomy status at the remained side. During lateral bending, the facet joint force at both sides under 1/2 discectomy status increased significantly than that under intact status. During axial rotation, facet joint force increased significantly only at the side without discectomy under 1/2 discectomy status. Except flexion, ROM under 1/4 discectomy and 1/2 discectomy status were larger than that under intact status in all the other motion directions (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ROM between both sides during lateral bending and axial rotation direction. Conclusions The asymmetric lumbar discectomy can increase the ROM in all motion directions except flexion, and can enlarge the facet joint force asymmetrically, which indicate that instability of lumbar spine and facet joint force increasing resulted from asymmetric degeneration of the disc might lead to backache.

OBJECTIVE: Immunotherapy has brought significant clinical benefits to a subset of patients, but has thus far been disappointing in the treatment of immunologically "cold" tumors. Existing biomarkers that can precisely identify these populations are insufficient. In this context, a potential cold tumor microenvironment (TME) marker FARSB was investigated to reveal its impact on TME and patients' response to immunotherapy across pan-cancer. METHODS: The expression levels and mutational landscape of FARSB in pan-cancer were investigated. Kaplan-Meier and univariate Cox regression analyses were applied to analyze the prognostic significance of FARSB. Pathways affected by FARSB were investigated by gene set enrichment and variation analysis. The relationship between FARSB expression and immune infiltration was examined using the TIMER2 and R packages. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of several cancer types from GSE72056, GSE131907, GSE132465, GSE125449 and PMID32561858 were analyzed to validate the impact of FARSB on the TME. The predictive effect of FARSB on immunotherapy efficacy was explored in 3 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)- treated cohorts (PMID32472114, GSE176307, and Riaz2017). RESULTS: FARSB expression was significantly higher in 25 tumor tissues than in normal tissues and was associated with poor prognosis in almost all tumor types. FARSB expression exhibited a strong association with several DNA damage repair pathways and was significantly associated with TP53 mutation in lung adenocarcinoma (P < 0.0001, OR=2.25). FARSB characterized a typical immune desert TME and correlated with impaired expression of chemokines and chemokines receptors. Large-scale scRNA-seq analysis confirmed the immunosuppressive role of FARSB and revealed that FARSB potentially shapes the cold TME by impeding intercellular interactions. In 3 ICI-treated cohorts, FARSB demonstrated predictive value for immunotherapy. CONCLUSION This study provides a pan-cancer landscape of the FARSB gene by integrated single-cell and bulk DNA sequencing analysis and elucidates its biological function to promote DNA damage repair and construct the immune desert TME, suggesting the potential value of FARSB as a novel marker for stratifying patients with poor immunotherapeutic benefits and "cold" TME.
Humans ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Prognosis ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/genetics* ; Lung Neoplasms/genetics* ; Sequence Analysis, RNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanism underlying propofol- induced down-regulation of myelin basic protein (MBP) in zebrafish embryos.

METHODSZebrafish embryos (6-48 h post-fertilization [hpf]) were randomized into 4 equal groups for exposure to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 20 μg/mL propofol, 30 μg/mL propofol, or no particular treatment (control group). The larvae were collected at 48 or 72 hpf for detecting the mRNA levels of MBP, Olig1, Olig2, and Sox10 using qRT-PCR (=80). The protein expression of MBP was quantitatively detected using Western blotting (=80), and the apoptosis of the oligodendrocytes was investigated using TUNEL staining (=6).

RESULTSExposure to 20 and 30 μg/mL propofol caused significant reductions in the mRNA expressions of Olig1, Olig2, and Sox10 at 48 and 72 hpf ( < 0.05) and also in MBP mRNA and protein levels at 72 hpf ( < 0.05). Exposure to 30 μg/mL propofol induced more obvious reduction in MBP protein expression than 20 μg/mL propofol at 72 hpf ( < 0.05), and the exposures resulted in a significant increase of oligodendrocyte apoptosis at 72 hpf ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPropofol exposure reduces MBP expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in zebrafish embryos by down-regulating the expressions of Olig1, Olig2 and Sox10 mRNA levels and increasing apoptosis of the oligodendrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinicopathological features and types of genic mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of MMR proteins in 1394 patients with CRC, and PCR-capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CE) was used to detect microsatellite instability (MSI) in 106 cases of defective MMR (dMMR), 46 cases of proficient MMR (pMMR) with heterogeneous expression and 147 randomly selected cases of pMMR. The relationship between the expressions of MMR proteins and the clinicopathological features of the patients was evaluated. The consistency between the results of immunohistochemistry and PCR-CE was assessed. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining showed an incidence of dMMR of 7.6% in the patients. The main type of dMMR was co-deletion of MLH1 and PMS2, accounting for 55.7% of the total dMMR cases. The deletion of MMR proteins was significantly correlated with the patients' age, tumor location, tumor size, gross type, histological type, degree of differentiation, lymph node status and TNM stage ( CONCLUSIONS The main type of dMMR is co-deletion of MLH1 and PMS2 in patients with colorectal cancer. dMMR colorectal cancer has typical clinicopathological features and a lower incidence in China than in Western countries. The results of immunohistochemistry and PCR-CE are highly consistent for detecting dMMR in colorectal cancer patients.
China ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; DNA Mismatch Repair/genetics* ; Humans ; Microsatellite Instability