Objective:To investigate the relationship of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and clinical features in patients with intracranial aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM).Methods:A total of 64 patients with AVM and intracranial aneurysm,who were treated in First Hospital of Shijiazhuang from February 2011 to November 2015,were chosen as research subjects,AVM were 32 cases and intracranial aneurysm were 32 cases.The samples were sectioned for VEGF immunohistochemical staining;the location and intensity of staining were recorded;the positive indexes were computed.The VEGF expression of different age and Hunt&Hess classification in patients with intracranial aneurysms were analysed;the VEGF expression of different diameters,ages,Spetzler classification in patients with AVM were analysed.Results:There were no statistical differences in the VEGF expression of different ages in patients with intracranial aneurysms (P＞0.05);the VEGF expression of different Hunt&Hess classification in patients with intracranial aneurysms was statistical difference (P＜0.05).The positive rate of VEGF in the artery of AVM was lower than that in the vein,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).There were no statistical differences in the VEGF expression of the different Spetzler classification,different diameters and different ages in patients with AVM (P＞0.05).Conclusion:The expression of VEGF in the vein and the artery of patients with AVM is different,the expression of VEGF is not correlated with the age of intracranial aneurysm and the size and age of AVM.VEGF cannot be used as a predictor in the patients with intracranial aneurysms and AVM.

Objective To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in reduction of hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury by CO2 preconditioning in rats.Methods Forty-eight male Wistar rats,aged 8-10 weeks,weighing 230-270 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =16 each):hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury group (group HIRI),CO2 preconditioning group (group P),and c helerythrine (CHE,a specific inhibitor of PKC) group (group CHE).The portal vein,hepatic artery and bile duct of the left lateral and median lobes of the liver were occluded for 1 h,followed by 4 h reperfusion in anesthetized rats.The rats inhaled 50％ O2-50％ N2 for 1 h during mechanical ventilation in group HIRI.In P group,the rats inhaled 50％ O2-45％ N2-5％ CO2 for 1 h during mechanical ventilation and then inhaled 50％ O2-50％ N2 and the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury was performed 15 min later.In group CHE,CHE 5 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 10 min before mechanical ventilation,and the other procedures were similar to those previously described in P group.Before mechanical ventilation,immediately before ischemia,and at 0,1,2,3 and 4 h of reperfusion,mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded and arterial blood samples were obtained for blood gas analysis.At 4 h of reperfusion,the serum aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration (by ELISA) were determined and hepatic specimens were obtained for detection of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (by spectrophotometry),and the expression of activated caspase-3 (by immuno-histochemistry) and PKC (by Western blot) in hepatic tissues.Apoptosis index was calculated by using TUNEL.Results Compared with group HIRI,MAP,PaO2 and PaCO2were significantly increased immediately before ischemia and during reperfusion in group P,MAP and PaCO2 were increased during reperfusion and PaO2 was increased immediately before ischemia and during reperfusion in group CHE,the serum ALT and AST activities,TNF-α concentrations,MDA content and apoptosis index were decreased,and the expression of activated caspase-3 was down-regulated in P and CHE groups,and the SOD activity was increased,and the expression of PKC was up-regulated in group P (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01),and no significant changes were found in the SOD activity and PKC expression in CHE group (P ＞ 0.05).Compared with group P,MAP was significantly increased immediately after onset of reperfusion,while decreased at 1-4 h of reperfusion,PaO2 was decreased immediately before ischemia and during reperfusion,PaCO2 was decreased at 3 h of reperfusion,the serum ALT and AST activities,TNF-α concentrations,MDA content and apoptosis index were increased,and the expression of activated caspase-3 was up-regulated,and the expression of PKC was downregulated in group CHE (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PKC is involved in reduction of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by CO2 preconditioning in rats.

Background and purpose:In the process of gastric cancer development, cytothesis and apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) are very important pathological processes. Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and phosphorylated form of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (pERK) play important roles in it. This study aimed to investigate the expression of GRP78 and pERK in gastric adenocarcinoma, chronic atrophic gastritis and superficial gastritis, and the role of GRP78 and pERK in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods:Gastric adenocarcinoma, chronic atrophic gastritis and superifcial gastritis tissues in 60 cases respectively were employed in the study. We chose 25 fresh tissue samples from each group, and the level of GRP78 and pERK mRNA in different tissues were detected by RT-PCR assay. The expressions of GRP78 and pERK in different parafifn samples were detected using immunohistochemistry assay. In addition, the relationships between GRP78 and pERK expression and age, gender, differentiation, invasion, disease stage, and lymphoid node metastasis were analyzed. Results: The expression level of GRP78 and pERK mRNA in gastric adenocarcinoma(1.26±0.18, 2.35±0.36) were significantly higher than chronic atrophic gastritis (0.89±0.25, 1.18±0.25) and superficial gastritis (0.29±0.09, 0.68±0.10, P<0.01). The positive ratio of GRP78 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma, chronic atrophic gastritis and superficial gastritis were 78.3%, 46.6%, 6.7%. The positive ratios of pERK expression were 88.3%, 43.3%, 5.0%, respectively. The GRP78 and pERK expression in different tissues were signiifcantly different (P<0.01). GRP78 and pERK expression were positively correlated with differentiation, disease stage and lymph node metastasis. There was a positive correlation between the gene and protein expression of GRP78 and pERK with a Pearson correlation value of 0.307 and 0.368, respectively. Both univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that GRP78 was related to the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma. Conclusion:GRP78 and pERK may play an important role in the transition of normal gastric cells to malignant cells. The expression of these two genes enhances tumor progression. Overexpression of GRP78 and pERK is significantly correlated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. The determination of the expression of GRP78 and pERK might be helpful for the prevention, early diagnosis of gastric carcinoma. Particularly, GRP78 is valuable for the judgement of prognosis, and might be a new target for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Objective To investigate the effects of dextran sulfate on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury after lung transplantation in rats.Method A total of 32 male Wistar rats were subjected to unilateral left lung orthotopic transplantation.They were randomly divided two groups (n =16 each):DXS group [DXS (10 mg/kg) was given prior to the reperfusion],and the control group (the same volume of normal saline was given).After animals were sacrificed,the lung graft was harvested 2 h after reperfusion.Oxygenation indexes,wet/dry ratio (W/D),myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity,malondialdehyde (MDA) and endothelin 1 (ET-1) in the transplanted lung,and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in serum were measured.The lung injury scores were evaluated and complement deposition was observed.Result After 2-h reperfusion,compared to the control group,oxygenation indexes were improved significantly in DXS group (P＜0.05),but there were no significant differences in W/D between two groups.In DXS group,the activity of MPO was significantly reduced,and the contents of MDA and ET-1 in the lung tissue were significantly reduced as compared with the control group.DXS reduced the level of TNF-α and IL-8 markedly in serum (P ＜0.05).There was no significant difference in lung injury score between two groups (4.53 ± 0.46 vs.5.28 ±0.49,P＞0.05).Compared to the control group,DXS reduced the deposition of C3c (0.8 ±0.2vs1.5±0.3) andC6 (1.2±0.4vs.2.4±0.5) (P＜0.05).Conclusion Administration of DXS attenuated ischemia-reperfusion injury after lung transplantation by inhibiting complement deposition,and improved the oxygenation of the transplanted lung.This protection was associated with inhibition of inflammation and oxidation and endothelial cytoprotection.

Objective To explore the effect of gravitational traction on height change of degenerative disc of New Zealand white rabbit.Methods In order to create intervertebral disc degeneration models, the right front side of the annulus fibrosus of lumbar vertebrae of rabbits were damaged by 16-gauge needle. After confirming the success of modeling, 20 animal models were randomized into 2 groups, 15 of which received a routine gravitational traction using a model of our own design, 30 min per day, for 8 weeks, while the control group received no treatment at all. Radiographic exam were performed in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week, after intervention and the disc height index percent (DHI%). Results Compared to the baseline, DHI% increased significantly 2 and 4 weeks after gravitational traction (P<0.05), and there was no further effect as the traction continued. However, compared to the control group, an improvement of DHI% was found on all the time points in the gravitational traction group (P<0.001). Conclusion Gravitational traction may delay and inhibit intervertebral disc degeneration by increasing height of degenerated disc of New Zealand white rabbit.

Advance care planning(ACP)is designed to ensure that patients lacking autonomous decision-making capacity receive medical services in accordance with their expectations and preferences.Individuals with advanced cancer are a crucial target for ACP implementation.However,the current practice of ACP in this group in China is suboptimal,demanding high-quality implementation evidence to strengthen ACP in the clinical practice of patients with advanced cancer.The existing literature can be summarized into 27 pieces of evidence across 7 dimensions,including initiation time,intervention content,intervention providers,intervention modalities,communication skills,outcome indicators,and environmental support.The aforementioned evidence could provide crucial support for improving ACP implementation for patients with advanced cancer.Subsequent research efforts should integrate patient preferences and explore the most suitable implementation strategies for ACP in the Chinese population with advanced cancer,considering diverse aspects such as traditional culture,ACP education and training,legislative support,and healthcare system refinement.

BACKGROUND: All Singaporean males undergo medical screening prior to compulsory military service. A history of possible food allergy may require referral to a specialist Allergy clinic to ensure that special dietary needs can be taken into account during field training and deployment. OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern of food allergy among pre-enlistees who were referred to a specialist allergy clinic to work up suspected food allergy. METHODS: Retrospective study of all pre-enlistees registered in the Clinical Immunology/Allergy New Case Registry referred to the Allergy Clinic from 1 August 2015 to 31 May 2016 for suspected food allergy. RESULTS: One hundred twenty pre-enlistees reporting food allergy symptoms other than rash alone were referred to the Allergy Clinic during the study period. Of these, 77 (64.2%) had food allergy. Among those with food allergy, mean age was 19.1 ± 1.5 years. They comprised predominantly Chinese (66.2%) and Malays (20.8%). The most commonly reported foods were shellfish/crustaceans (78%), peanut (15.6%), and egg (6.5%). Self-limiting oral allergy syndrome, OAS (itchy lips and throat with/without lip angioedema) was the most common manifestation (n = 33, 42.9%) followed by anaphylaxis (n = 23, 29.9%). Majority of OAS was from shellfish/crustacean (90.6%); of which shrimp (30.3%), crab (15.2%), and lobster (3.0%) were the most common. Mild childhood asthma (69.7%), allergic rhinitis (6.3%), and eczema (6.1%) were the most common atopic conditions among individuals with shellfish/crustacean OAS. This pattern was similar for shellfish/crustacean anaphylaxis. Skin prick tests were most commonly positive for shrimp (OAS 87.1% vs. anaphylaxis 100%), crab (OAS 95.8% vs. 90.9%), and lobster (OAS 91.7% vs. 63.6%). CONCLUSION: OAS to shellfish/crustaceans was more common than anaphylaxis among this study population of young males referred for food allergy symptoms other than rash alone.
Anaphylaxis ; Arachis ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Asthma ; Eczema ; Exanthema ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Lip ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Military Personnel ; Ovum ; Pharynx ; Referral and Consultation ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Shellfish ; Singapore ; Skin ; Specialization

Laccases are enzymes belonging to the group of multi-copper oxidases. These enzymes are widely distributed in insects, plants, fungi and bacteria. In general, laccases can oxidize an exceptionally high number of substrates, so they have broad applications in textile, pulp, food and the degradation of lignin. However, low yield, low activity and thermo-instability of laccase in nature limit the application of laccase. High efficient heterologous expression of the protein is an effective way for solving this problem. Here, we summarize the research advances of heterologous expression of eukaryote-origin laccases. We focus on the overexpression of eukaryote-origin laccases using different expression system and the method for improving the production yield and enzyme activity in yeast cells. Information provided in this review would be helpful for researchers in the field.

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome （SFTS）， and the association with seasonal fluctuation in tick density， so as to provide scientific evidence for better control and prevention measures. MethodsDescriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the SFTS epidemic situation in Chongyang County from 2013 to 2021. The cloth flag method was used to investigate the seasonal fluctuation in tick density and determine the association with the SFTS. ResultsA total of 71 SFTS cases were reported in Chongyang County from 2013 to 2021 including 8 deaths， with the annual morbidity rate of 1.88/10^-5. The majority were mainly from June to August， accounting for 61.97% of the total reported cases. The cases were geographically distributed in 41 administrative villages and 4 urban areas in 11 towns. The highest incidence was in Lukou town （n=26） and Baini town （n=12）， which accounted for 53.52% of the total reported cases. Furthermore， the cases were mainly 50‒69 years old， accounting for 57.75% of the total reported cases. The ratio of male to female was 1.84∶1， and most were farmers. Blood samples during acute phase in 41 cases were collected for examination of SFTS virus， of which 25 cases tested positive （60.98%）. There was a positive association between tick density and the number of reported SFTS cases （r=0.78， P=0.003）. ConclusionSeasonal density of free adult ticks and nymphs is associated with the number of reported SFTS cases in Chongyang County.

Background Salidroside (SAL) has a protective effect on multiple organ systems. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in the atmosphere may lead to disruptions in gut microbiota and impact intestinal health. The regulatory effect of SAL on the gut microbiota of mice exposed to PM_2.5 requires further investigation. Objective To evaluate gut microbiota disruption in mice after being exposed to PM_2.5 and the potential effect of SAL. Methods Forty male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 to 8 weeks, were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, an SAL group, a PM_2.5 group, and an SAL+PM_2.5 group, each containing 10 mice. In the SAL group and the SAL+PM_2.5 group, the mice were administered SAL (60 mg·kg⁻¹) by gavage, while in the control group and the PM_2.5 group, sterile saline (10 mL·kg⁻¹) was administered by gavage. In the PM_2.5 group and the SAL+PM_2.5 group, PM_2.5 suspension (8 mg·kg⁻¹) was intratracheally instilled, and in the control group and SAL group, sterile saline (1.5 mL·kg⁻¹) was intratracheally administered. Each experiment cycle spanned 2 d, with a total of 10 cycles conducted over 20 d. Histopathological changes in the ileum tissue of the mice were observed after HE staining. Colon contents were collected for gut microbiota sequencing and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) measurements. Results The PM_2.5 group showed infiltration of inflammatory cells in the ileum tissue, while the SAL+PM_2.5 group exhibited only a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to the control group, the PM_2.5 group showed decreased Shannon index (P<0.05) and increased Simpson index (P<0.05), indicating that the diversity of gut microbiota in this group was decreased; the SAL+PM_2.5 group showed increased Shannon index compared to the PM_2.5 group (P<0.05) and decreased Simpson index (P<0.05), indicating that the diversity of gut microbiota in mice intervened with SAL was increased. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) revealed a significant separation between the PM_2.5 group and the control group, while the separation trend was less evident among the control group, the SAL group, and the SAL+PM_2.5 group. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) clustering tree results showed that the control group and the SAL group clustered together first, followed by clustering with the SAL+PM_2.5 group, and finally, the three groups clustered with the PM_2.5 group. The PCoA and UPGMA clustering results indicated that the uniformity and similarity of the microbiota in the PM_2.5 group were significantly decreased. Compared to the control group, the PM_2.5 group showed decreased abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and Candidatus_Saccharimonas (P<0.05) and increased abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, genus Escherichia, genus Bacteroides, genus Prevotella, genus Enterococcus, and genus Proteus (P<0.05). Compared to the PM_2.5 group, the SAL+PM_2.5 group showed decreased abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, phylum Actinobacteria, genus Prevotella, and genus Proteus (P<0.05), and increased abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas (P<0.05). The PM_2.5 group showed reduced levels of propionic acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid compared to the control group (P<0.05), while the SAL+PM_2.5 group showed increased levels of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid compared to the PM_2.5 group (P<0.05). Conclusion Exposure to PM_2.5 can cause pathological alterations, microbial dysbiosis, and disturbing production of SCFAs in intestinal tissue in mice. However, SAL can provide a certain degree of protective effect against these changes.