Objective To explore the clinical and immunological significance of CCDC97 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Clinical data and RNA sequencing results from HCC patients were retrieved from TCGA and ICGC databases. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the role of CCDC97 in HCC. Results The expression level of CCDC97 was elevated in HCC patients and HCC cells, closely associated with pathological features and prognosis. CCDC97 was identified as a novel prognostic biomarker. It is linked to the spliceosome pathway, which is significantly active in tumors and potentially promotes carcinogenesis. CCDC97 is also highly expressed in various immune cells and is associated with microenvironment. Furthermore, knocking down CCDC97 in vitro suppressed cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Conclusion CCDC97 plays a critical role in HCC progression and the immune microenvironment, making it a potential target for prognosis and therapeutic intervention.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism* ; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment/genetics* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Prognosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics* ; Male

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the fastest growing cancers in the world, ranking fourth among the causes of cancer-induced death in the world. At present, the field of HCC treatment is developing rapidly, and immunotherapy has been recognized as a promising treatment method, in which T cells play a key role in HCC immunotherapy. However, in the case of virus infection or in tumor microenvironment (TME), T cells will be continuously stimulated by antigens and then fall into the state of T cell exhaustion (Tex). This state will not only reduce the immunity of patients but also lead to poor efficacy of immunotherapy. Therefore, to deeply analyze the mechanism of Tex and to explore effective strategies to reverse Tex is the key point in the immunotherapy for HCC. This review aims to summarize the mechanism of Tex in HCC patients, and the current situation and shortcomings of drug research and development to reverse Tex at this stage, in order to provide theoretical basis for the optimization of immunotherapy regimen for HCC patients.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy* ; Liver Neoplasms/therapy* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Animals ; T-Cell Exhaustion

Objective To investigate the clinical relevance and diagnostic or prognostic value of ST3β-galactoside α-2, 3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3GAL1) in glioma and to confirm its role in promoting malignant phenotypes. Methods Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the correlation between ST3GAL1 expression levels in glioma and clinical parameters to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic value. The impact of ST3GAL1 on malignant phenotypes of glioma cells-including proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and invasion was further validated through ST3GAL1 knockdown experiments. Results The expression level of ST3GAL1 was significantly higher in glioma tissues compared to healthy brain tissues and showed a strong correlation with clinical characteristics of glioma patients. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that ST3GAL1 could serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for glioma. Knockdown of ST3GAL1 suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of glioma cell lines, and induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest. Conclusion ST3GAL1 promotes malignant phenotypes in glioma and plays a critical role in its malignant progression, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
Humans ; Sialyltransferases/metabolism* ; Glioma/diagnosis* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Brain Neoplasms/enzymology* ; beta-Galactoside alpha-2,3-Sialyltransferase ; Disease Progression ; Prognosis ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism* ; Middle Aged

Objective To propose the blood detection strategies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among blood donors, and provide reference for the detection, early diagnosis and transmission blocking of HIV. Methods A total of 117 987 blood samples from blood donors were screened using the third- and fourth-generation ELISA HIV detection reagents. Western blot analysis was used to verify the reactive results of the third-generation reagent alone, or both the third-generation and fourth-generation reagents. HIV nucleic acid test was carried out for those with negative test results of the third- and fourth-generation reagents. For those with positive results of the fourth-generation reagent only, nucleic acid test followed by a confirmatory test by Western blot analysis was carried out. Results 117 987 blood samples from blood donors were tested by different reagents. Among them, 55 were tested positive by both the third- and fourth-generation HIV detection reagents at the same time, accounting for 0.047% and 54 cases were confirmed HIV-positive by Western blot analysis, and 1 case was indeterminate, then turned positive during follow-up testing. 26 cases were positive by the third-generation reagent test alone, among which 24 cases were negative and 2 were indeterminate by Western blot analysis. The band types were p24 and gp160 respectively detected by Western blot analysis, and were confirmed to be HIV negative in follow-up testing. 31 cases were positive by the fourth-generation HIV reagent alone, among which 29 were negative by nucleic acid test, and 2 were positive according to the nucleic acid test.Western blot analysis was used to verify that the two cases were negative. However, after 2~4 weeks, the results turned positive when the blood sample was retested by Western blot analysis during the follow-up of these two cases. All the specimens that were tested negative by both the third- and fourth-generation HIV reagents were validated negative by HIV nucleic acid test. Conclusion A combined strategy with both third- and fourth-generation HIV detection reagents can play a complementary role in blood screening among blood donors. The application of complementary tests, such as nucleic acid test and Western blot analysis, can further improve the safety of blood supply, thus contributing to the early diagnosis, prevention, transmission and treatment of blood donors potentially infected by HIV.
Humans ; HIV Infections/diagnosis* ; HIV Antibodies ; Blood Donors ; HIV-1 ; Blotting, Western ; Nucleic Acids

Objective This study aimed to establish a pre-metastatic niche mouse model utilizing luciferase-labeled Lewis (Luc-Lewis) lung cancer cells and to assess the efficacy of this model employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods C57BL/6 mice were categorized into two groups: a normal control group and a model group, each containing 15 individual mice. The pre-metastatic niche model was established via tail vein injection of Luc-Lewis lung cancer cells. Body mass were measured daily for all groups. Tumor fluorescence signals within the mice were detected using a high-throughput enzyme marker instrument. Lung tissue specimens were harvested to evaluate metastatic progression. HE staining was used to assess histopathological changes. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), versican (VCAN), and fibronectin (FN), which are the specific markers for the formation of the microenvironment of lung tissues before metastasis. Results Significant declines in body mass and observable lethargy were noted in the model group when compared to the control group. Distinct fluorescence signals were observed in the lung tissue of the model group, demonstrating a positive correlation with the duration of model establishment. By day 14, elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of LOX, MMP9, VCAN, and FN were significantly evident. In addition, histopathological evaluations revealed augmented interstitial thickness, alveolar atrophy and significant inflammatory cell infiltration within the lung tissues of the model group. By the 21st day, metastatic lesions manifested in the lung tissues of the model group, suggesting an approximate pre-metastatic niche maturation timeline of 14 days. Conclusion A pre-metastatic niche mouse model for Lewis lung cancer is successfully established.
Mice ; Animals ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Carcinoma, Lewis Lung ; Disease Models, Animal ; RNA, Messenger ; Tumor Microenvironment

Objective: To investigate the optimal setting value of the minimum segment area(MSA) based on the Monaco planning system in the static intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) plan for cervical cancer to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy planning for cervical cancer. Methods: A retrospective collection of 10 patients with cervical cancer was performed using the Monaco treatment planning system to design fixed five-field static intensity modulation plans with MSA of 1, 2, 4, 10, 20, 50, 80, and 100 cm2. Each patient received eight radiotherapy plans. The radiotherapy plan with an MSA of 2 cm2was used as the control group to compare the radiotherapy plans with other MSA settings. Under the premise that other optimization objective functions and constraints were the same, only the set value of MSA was changed, and the statistical methods for analyzing of variance and post-hoc comparison were used to study the impact of MSA on radiotherapy plans. Results: When MSA was in the range of 10～20 cm2, compared with the control group, the dose of target area and organ-at-risk did not change significantly, but the number of monitor units and subfields began to decrease. When MSA starts from 50 cm2, compared with the control group, the maximum dose(D2%) and the average dose(Dmean) in the target area both increased, and the uniformity index(homogeneity index, HI) and conformity index(conformity index, CI) began to deteriorate. Except for the small intestine average dose(Dmean) that changed slightly with MSA, the exposure to other organs at risk increased with the increase of MSA(P<0.05); the number of monitor units and subfields generally decreased with the increase of MSA. Conclusion In the design of a static intensity modulation plan for cervical cancer based on a Monaco treatment planning system, the optimal setting range for the MSA setting value is 10～20 cm2.

Ear Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Endolymphatic Sac ; pathology ; Humans

Objective To analyze the effect of age and gender on sulfhydryl compounds content in saliva and plasma in healthy population and to study the relationship between sulfhydryl compounds content of saliva and plasma to provide a basis for clinical examination of saliva sulfhydryl compounds.Methods Sulfhydryl compounds content of saliva and plasma were measured in 306 healthy adults from the Department of Clinical Laboratory of Health Management Institute of General Hospital of Chinese PLA (151 female and 155 male) who were divided into young group(20-44 years old,n=106,48 female and 58 male),middle-aged group(45-59 years old,n=109,63 female and 46 male) and elderly group(60-79 years old,n=91,40 female and 51 male).Results Sulfhydryl compounds content in saliva and plasma in 306 healthy adults were (123±27) and (427 ± 124) μmol/L respectively.Sulfhydryl compounds content in saliva and plasma were significantly decreased as age increased(both P＜0.01).Significant differences of sulfhydryl compounds content of saliva and plasma among the young group,middle-aged group and elderly group were found(P＜0.01).No sex difference was observed in saliva sulfhydryl compounds content(P=-0.451),however the sex difference was significant in plasma sulfhydryl compounds content(P=0.006).There was a significantly positive correlation between sulfhydryl compounds content in saliva and plasma(r=0.5050,P＜ 0.01).Conclusions Saliva sulfhydryl compounds content can roughly reflect plasma sulfhydryl compounds content.Saliva sulfhydryl compounds test is a promising biological index of aging which could be an alternative of plasma test.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of emodin on the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and expression of hematopoietic growth factors in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

METHODSThe proliferation of rat BMSCs exposed to emodin was analyzed using MTT assay, and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis and cell cycle changes of the exposed cells. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of the hematopoietic growth factors.

RESULTSExposure to 0.1 and 1 µg/ml emodin for 48 and 72 h significantly enhanced the proliferation of BMSCs (P<0.01). The cells exposed to 0.1 µg/ml emodin showed significantly increased percentage of cells in G2/M phase (P<0.05), and 1 µg/ml emodin exposure caused increased cells in S phase (P<0.01) and decreased cells in G1/G0 phase (P<0.05). Emodin exposure for 48 h resulted in significantly decreased cell apoptosis (P<0.05). BMSCs treated with 0.1 µg/ml emodin showed a significant increase in the expression of thrombopoietin mRNA (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONEmodin can promote the proliferation of BMSCs in vitro possibly by regulating the cell cycle distribution, cell apoptosis and thrombopoietin expression.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Emodin ; pharmacology ; Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors ; metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of 15% hypertonic saline and 20% mannitol in doses of similar osmotic burden for treatment of intracranial hypertension in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

METHODSWe used an alternating treatment protocol to compare the effects of hypertonic saline with that of mannitol given for episodes of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with severe brain injury. Standard guidelines for the management of severe traumatic brain injury were followed. For episodes of increased ICP, 20% mannitol (2 ml/kg, infused for over 20 min) and 15% saline (0.42 ml/kg, administered as a bolus via a central venous catheter) of similar osmotic burden were given alternately, with the choice of agent for the initial hypertensive event determined on a randomized basis. Reduction of ICP and duration of the action were recorded after each event.

RESULTSThe data were collected from 33 patients with 237 hypertensive events. The mean decrease in ICP was 8.7 mm Hg at 28.7∓9.3 min after mannitol treatment as compared with 9.3 mm Hg at 23.6∓7.1 min after treatment with hypertonic saline (P>0.05). The mean duration of the effect was 270 min for mannitol and 318 min for hypertonic saline (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTreatment with 15% hypertonic saline and 20% mannitol in doses of similar osmotic burden produces similar effects in management of increased ICP in patients with severe traumatic brain injury in terms of the time of action onset, maximum ICP reduction, and duration of action.

Brain Injuries ; therapy ; Humans ; Intracranial Hypertension ; therapy ; Mannitol ; therapeutic use ; Saline Solution, Hypertonic ; therapeutic use