Objective To establish a method for acquisition, perfusion, preservation and transportation of the genetically modified pig kidneys. Methods An eight genetically modified pig was utilized as experimental subject. Prior to kidneys procurement, the health status of the pig was assessed through hematology examination, and the vascular structure of the kidneys was examined using imaging techniques. Following kidneys acquisition, the pig kidneys were perfused and subsequently packaged into the cryogenic storage container labeled "For Organ Transportation Only" for interprovincial transport after communicating the transportation process with transportation department. To evaluate pathological damage to the pig kidneys, a serious of methods were employed such as hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay (ELISA). Results The preoperative examination of the eight genetically modified pig showed that the serum creatinine was 73.2 μmol/L, blood urea nitrogen was 2.8 mmol/L and hemoglobin was 116 g/L, all within the normal range, indicating normal renal function. CT angiography revealed no lesions in the pig kidneys, and no dilation, stenosis or premature branching of the blood vessels. The total time of obtaining the left and right kidneys from the eight genetically modified pig was (125 ± 10) min, with a blood loss of (20 ± 2) mL. The warm ischemia times were 3 min and 7 min, respectively. The perfusion and trimming times of the left and right kidneys were 36 min and 41 min, respectively. After perfusion, both kidneys were white and moist. The cold preservation and transportation time was 8 h. HE staining showed that some glomeruli were shrunk, and the lumens of the surrounding renal tubules were slightly depressed and swollen with partial inner membrane shedding and microvacuoles formed when the kidneys were preserved for 8 h. The level of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 messenger RNA in the kidneys tissue gradually increased with the extension of cold preservation time after 2 h (P<0.05). TUNEL fluorescence staining showed that only a small number of cells underwent apoptosis after 8 h of cold preservation, which was not significantly different from that at 0 h (P>0.05). ELISA results showed that the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine in the preservation solution remained relatively stable, but the content of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) gradually increased with the extension of preservation time, suggesting that the pig kidneys had mild injury. Conclusions By establishing methods for acquisition, perfusion, preservation and transportation of the kidneys from genetically modified donor pig, it is possible to effectively and reliably use genetically modified pig kidneys for xenotransplantation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the pathological changes of the synovium in mice with post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) treated with 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) and evaluate the therapeutic effects of 4-OI. METHODS: In the phenotypic validation experiment, the mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: wild-type (WT) group, sham group, and destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) group. Through MRI, micro-CT, and histological analysis, it was determined that the DMM surgery induced a mouse PTOA model with significant signs of synovitis. At 12 weeks post-DMM surgery, synovial tissues from the DMM group and WT group mice were collected for ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis. In the 4-OI treatment experiment, mice were randomly divided into the sham group, DMM group, DMM + 4-OI (50 mg/kg) group, and DMM + 4-OI (100 mg/kg) group. Von Frey tests and open field tests were conducted at intervals during the 12 weeks following the DMM surgery. After 12 weeks of surgery, the efficacy of 4-OI treatment on PTOA in mice was evaluated using MRI, micro-CT, histological analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, we utilized network pharmacology analysis to predict the mechanism of 4-OI in treating PTOA synovitis and conducted preliminary validation. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Difference was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The DMM surgery effectively induced a PTOA mouse model, which displayed significant symptoms of synovitis. These symptoms included a notable increase in both the number of calcified tissues and osteophytes (p < 0.001), an enlargement of the calcified meniscus and synovial tissue volume (p < 0.001), and thickening of the synovial lining layer attributable to M1 macrophage accumulation (p = 0.035). Additionally, we observed elevated histological scores for synovitis (p < 0.001). Treatment with 4-OI inhibited the thickening of M1 macrophages in the synovial lining layer of PTOA mice (p < 0.001) and reduced fibrosis in the synovial stroma (p = 0.004). Furthermore, it reduced the histological scores of knee synovitis in PTOA mice (p = 0.006) and improved the inflammatory microenvironment associated with synovitis. Consequently, this treatment alleviated pain in PTOA mice (p < 0.001) and reduced spontaneous activity (p = 0.003). Bioinformatics and network pharmacology analyses indicated that 4-OI may exert its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the differentiation of synovial Th17 cells. Specifically, compared to the lipopolysaccharide stimulation group, 4-OI reduced the levels of positive regulatory factors of Th17 cell differentiation (IL-1: p < 0.001, IL-6: p < 0.001), key effector molecules (IL-17A: p < 0.001, IL-17F: p = 0.004), and downstream effector molecules in the IL-17 signaling pathway (CCL2: p < 0.001, MMP13: p < 0.001). CONCLUSION 4-OI is effective in inhibiting synovitis in PTOA, thereby alleviating the associated painful symptoms.
Animals ; Synovitis/etiology* ; Mice ; Osteoarthritis/etiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Succinates/pharmacology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; X-Ray Microtomography

Objective To explore the standardized process and method of atrial septum puncture(ASP)in swine guided by X-ray fluoroscopy and make ASP more safe and effective.Methods ASP was performed in 48 Pudong swines guided by X-ray fluoroscopy.Three protocols for precise location of atrial septal puncture points were recommended.(1)Site of atrial septal puncture point in cranial-caudal direction was determined under posterior-anterior projection,which was confined to the cranial side of the coronary sinus(CS)orifice at a distance of 1 cone body height along the midline of spine.(2)With 10° intervals,the fluoroscopy of the CS catheter was completed according to the right anterior oblique 10°～60° and the left anterior oblique 10°～60°,and the connection line of the CS 5-6 and 7-8 electrodes was perpendicular to the oval fossa,so as to confirm the perspective angle of the CS 5-6 and 7-8 electrodes in the same straight line.(3)The arch feature of puncture needle and distal part of sheath turned into a straight line under the perspective angle,of which the CS 5-6 and 7-8 electrodes were in the same straight line.Results ASP was successfully performed in 48 Pudong swines without any complications.Echocardiography showed left to right shunt through atrial septum after ASP.The average time of ASP was(25.7±11.5)minutes,the average X-ray exposure time is(14.0±3.4)min and the average radiation dose was(47.6±20.2)Gmy.Conclusions Using the coronal sinus electrode as a reference,atrial septal puncture in swine guided by X-ray fluoroscopy was safe and reliable.

Objective:To establish a rapid quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique for Mycobacterium marinum skin infections, and to analyze its clinical diagnostic efficiency. Methods:DNA was extracted from Mycobacterium marinum colonies and serially diluted (10 -1 to 10 -8). Twelve pairs of previously reported primers and probes, as well as 6 pairs of newly designed primers and probes in this study, were used for qPCR amplification to identify the most sensitive primers and probes for the detection of Mycobacterium marinum. Skin lesion tissues were collected from 72 patients with confirmed Mycobacterium marinum infections (experimental group) and 68 with other mycobacterial infections (control group) at Shandong Provincial Hospital for Skin Diseases & Shandong Provincial Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences in 2021. These skin tissues were subjected to qPCR amplification, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), acid-fast staining, and tissue culture to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy. Results:The newly designed primers and probes targeting the mycobacterial enhanced infection locus 2 (Mel2) demonstrated the highest sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.86 copies/μl (cycle threshold value = 37) ; the qPCR amplification with the Mel2 primers/probes did not yield positive results when used for the detection of other mycobacteria (including Mycobacterium leprae and Staphylococcus spp) . Among the 72 patients in the experimental group, 44 were positive for qPCR with a sensitivity of 61.1% (95% CI: 49.6% - 71.5%), and 47 were positive for culture with a sensitivity of 65.2% (95% CI: 53.8% - 75.3%) ; all the 68 controls were negative for both qPCR and culture, with their specificities both being 100%. Among 65 patients subjected to IGRA, 31 were positive with a sensitivity of 47.7% (95% CI: 36.0% - 59.6%), while 16 out of 25 controls were negative for IGRA with a specificity of 64.0% (95% CI: 44.5% - 79.8%). Among 58 patients subjected to acid-fast staining, 37 were positive with a sensitivity of 63.8% (95% CI: 50.9% - 74.9%), and 52 out of 66 controls were negative for acid-fast staining with a specificity of 78.8% (95% CI: 67.5% - 86.9%). The combination of qPCR and culture resulted in a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% for the detection of Mycobacterium marinum. Conclusion:In this study, a highly sensitive qPCR assay was developed for the detection of Mycobacterium marinum, and its combination with culture could further improve the detection sensitivity.

A rapid analytical method for simultaneous determination of 32 kinds of multi-residue veterinary drugs in eggs was developed using a modified QuEChERS technique based on a reduced graphene oxide-coated melamine sponge(r-GO@MeS)by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS).The influences of graphene oxide(GO)concentrations,sponge dosages,and purification modes on drug recoveries were investigated during the purification process.The optimal purification conditions involved using a GO concentration of 0.5 mg/mL,a sponge dosage of 6.0 cm3/mL,and a dynamic purification mode of 5 extrusion cycles.Separation was achieved using an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 RRHD column(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8 μm),and quantitative analysis was performed by the external standard method using an electrospray ionization source(ESI)in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode.The results showed that all 32 kinds of veterinary drugs exhibited good linear correlation with coefficients greater than 0.999,and matrix effects(MEs)ranging from?7.8%to 18.9%.The limits of detection(LODs)and quantification(LOQs)ranged from 0.2 to 10.2 μg/kg and from 0.6 to 28.0 μg/kg,respectively.The recoveries for the three spiked levels were in the range of 66.5%?117.5%,with intra-day and inter-day precision(Relative standard deviation)below 13.3%and 16.3%,respectively.The synthetic r-GO@MeS exhibited efficient matrix purification without the need of high-speed centrifugation or strong magnetic field assistance.This significantly shorted the sample pretreatment time and improved the convenience of the matrix purification process.Combined with UPLC-MS/MS,the method was suitable for the rapid determination of multi-residue veterinary drugs in eggs.

Objective:To explore clinical features, diagnosis, localization, and therapeutic strategy of migratory pharyngeal and cervical esophageal foreign bodies.Methods:A total 23 cases of pharyngeal and cervical esophageal migratory foreign bodies were admitted between January 2015 and December 2021. There were 14 females and 9 males with the age ranged from 35 to 82 (55.0±12.7)years. In all the cases, esophageal CT was taken to confirm the esophageal foreign body. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed to locate the foreign body from the horizontal, coronal and sagittal dimensions as well as the corrected reconstructed MPR. According to the location of the foreign body, appropriate surgical method was selected.The symptoms, complications, types of foreign body, positioning, surgical methods, and relevant information were recorded.Data were analyzed using the descriptive method and SPSS 25.0 software.Results:The clinical symptoms of 23 migrating esophageal foreign bodies included pharyngodynia (20/23), foreign body sensation (6/23), hoarsenss (1/23), difficulty in turning neck(1/23), difficulty in opening mouth (1/23), fever (7/23), poor appetite (1/23), and abdominal pain (1/23). The foreign bodies included 19 fish bones, 2 wires, 1 embroidery needle and 1 chicken bone. There were 9 cases (39.1%) of foreign bodies located in extraluminal cervical esophagus, 2 cases (8.7%) of foreign bodies located in the muscular layer of the cervical esophagus and 12 cases (52.2%) of foreign bodies located in pharynx. Twenty-one cases of foreign bodies were removed by cervical lateral incision, in which 11 were removed by cervical lateral incision directly, 10 by the second lateral cervical incision after the foreign bodies were accurately located by MPR and/or corrected MPR, 1 foreign body was removed by incision of the pharyngeal mucosa under suspension laryngoscope, 1 foreign body was removed by tracheoscopy. Compared with patients with intraluminal foreign bodies ( n=308) treated in the same period, intake of fishbone [19 (19/23) vs. 133 (82.6% (43.2%, 133/308), OR=7.31] and first visit was more than 24 hours [20(87.0%, 20/23) vs. 77(25.0%, 77/308), OR=17.2] were the significant risk factors of migratory esophageal foreign bodies. Conclusions:MPR and the corrected MPR can accurately locate the migrating pharyngeal and cervical esophageal foreign bodies, by providing more intuitive imaging evidence for doctors, which provide imaging basis for formulation of surgical programs. Foreign bodies in pharyngeal and cervical esophagus need to be treated as soon as possible, otherwise they are easy to migrate, leading lead to serious complications.

The underground environment is dark and humid, and it is easy to breed pathogenic microorganisms. A lump in the right lung of a coal mine underground transport worker was found druing occupational health examination. CT examination showed that the lump was located in the posterior segment of the upper lobe of the right lung, with point strip calcification, liquefaction necrosis, and proximal bronchial stenosis and occlusion. MRI examination FS-T(2)WI and DWI showed "target sign", annular low signal around the central high signal, and low mixed signal around the periphery, and annular high signal in the isosignal lesions on T(1)WI. Then the pulmonary aspergillus infection was confirmed by pathology.
Humans ; Coal ; Miners ; Pneumonia ; Lung ; Aspergillosis ; Coal Mining

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of LASS2/TMSG1 gene overexpression on proliferation and apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: We examined LASS2/TMSG1 expression level in a previously constructed A549 cell line overexpressing LASS2/TMSG1 using Western blotting. The proliferation and apoptosis of the cells were detected using colony-forming assay, CCK-8 assay, Hoechst/PI double staining and flow cytometry. Fourteen nude mice were randomized into 2 groups (n=7) to receive subcutaneous injection of A549 cells with or without LASS2/TMSG1 overexpression on the back of the neck, and the cell proliferation in vivo was observed. The expression levels of p38 MAPK protein and p-p38 MAPK protein in the xenografts were detected with Western blotting. ELISA was used to detect the levels of ceramide and p38 MAPK protein in cultured A549 cell supernatants and the xenografts in nude mice. RESULTS: Compared with the negative control cells, A549 cells with LASS2/TMSG1 overexpression had significantly lowered proliferation ability in vitro with increased early apoptosis rate (P < 0.05), and showed obvious growth inhibition after inoculation in nude mice(P < 0.05). Western blotting showed that in both cultured A549 cells and the xenografts in nude mice, LASS2/TMSG1 gene overexpression significantly increased the expression levels of p38 MAPK protein and p-p38 MAPK protein (P < 0.05); the results of ELISA also revealed significantly increased levels of ceramide and p38 MAPK protein in the cell supernatant andxenografts as well (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Overexpression of LASS2/TMSG1 gene can significantly inhibit the proliferation and promote early apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells both in vitro and in vivo possibly by upregulating the expressions of ceramide and p38 MAPK protein to activate a signal transduction cascade.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; A549 Cells ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Lung Neoplasms ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Nude ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, gene mutation profile and prognostic influencing factors of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) complicated with follicular lymphoma (FL) (DLBCL/FL).Methods:The clinicopathological data of 50 DLBCL/FL patients admitted to Rui Jin Hospital Affiliated of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from February 2018 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Targeted sequencing was performed to assess the mutation profile of 55 lymphoma-related genes. The clinicopathological characteristics were summarized to evaluate the short-term therapeutic efficacy of all patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients. Cox regression risk models were used to assess the factors affecting the OS and PFS.Results:Among 50 DLBCL/FL patients, 23 cases (46%) were male, 22 cases (44%) had an international prognosis index (IPI) score ≥ 2 points, 16 cases (32%) were double-expression lymphoma (DEL) and 4 cases (8%) were double-hit lymphoma (DHL). The complete response (CR) and overall response rates were 68% (34/50) and 78% (39/50), respectively after the first-line therapy. The median follow-up time was 23.3 months (5.1-50.9 months). The 2-year OS rate was 82.1% and 2-year PFS rate was 67.1%; and the median OS and PFS were not reached. Targeted sequencing results showed that the mutation frequencies of KMT2D, MYD88, TP53, BTG2, DTX1, EZH2, CD70, CREBBP, DUSP2, HIST1H1C, HIST1H1E and PRDM1 genes in this cohort were more than 15%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that male ( HR = 4.264, 95% CI 1.144-15.896, P = 0.031) and IPI score ≥ 2 points ( HR = 6.800, 95% CI 1.771-37.741, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors of PFS in newly diagnosed DLBCL/FL patients, and TP53 mutation ( HR = 4.992, 95% CI 1.027-24.258, P = 0.046) was an risk influencing factor of OS. Conclusions:The proportion of male and female DLBCL/FL patients is similar, with a small proportion of DHL. Mutations of KMT2D, MYD88 and TP53 genes are commonly found in DLBCL/FL patients. Generally, DLBCL/FL patients can have a high overall response and good prognosis. Male and IPI score ≥ 2 points are the independent risk factors of PFS, and TP53 mutation is an independent risk factor of OS in DLBCL/FL patients.

Radiotherapy is widely used in the treatment of primary and metastatic malignant tumors. It is traditionally believed that the killing effect of radiotherapy on tumor is based on the direct or indirect damage of ionizing radiation to DNA. In recent years, the anti-tumor role and mechanism of anti-tumor immune response induced by ionizing radiation have captivated widespread attention and achieved significant progress. Among them, Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interference genes (STING) pathway is considered to be one of the key regulatory hubs. cGAS is a cytoplasmic DNA receptor that can bind to tumor-derived double-stranded DNA and activate the downstream STING, thereby activating anti-tumor immune response of the host. In view of the latest progress in this field, the important role and potential mechanism of cGAS-STING pathway in radiotherapy immune effect were mainly summarized, and the application prospect of targeting cGAS-STING pathway in radiotherapy sensitization was explored.