Objective To study the methylation status of secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP) 1 and SFRP2 genes in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship between the methylation status of the two genes and the development of HCC.Methods Using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) to detect methylation status of SFRP1 and SFRP2 genes of 45 specimens of HCC tissue and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissue from HCC patients during operations,and 6 normal liver tissues from patients with cholecystolithiasis or hepatic hemangiomas. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results SFRP1 gene methylation was detected in 28 HCC tissues and 16 adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues,accounted for 62.2% and 35.6%,respectively;and SFRP2 gene methylation was detected in 23 HCC tissues and 13 adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues,accounted for 51.1% and 28.9%,respectively;while no methylation was detected in 6 samples of normal liver tissues. There was no significant difference between the methylation of SFRP1 and SFRP2 genes in HCC tissues and gender,age,HBV serum markers,types of adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues,metastasis and pathological stage (P＞0.05).The abnormal methylation status between SFRP1 and SFRP2 genes was linear correlated in HCC tissues (r=0.381,P=0.01).Conclusion Hypermethylation of SFRP1 and SFRP2 genes frequently occurs in HBV-related HCC,which may be an important molecular biomarker for prediction of hepatocarcinogenesis in the future.

Objective To observe the effect of surface electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG-BFB) combined with routine swallow training on dysphagic patients with cerebral infarction at recovery stage.Methods Fiftyone dysphagic patients with cerebral infarction were randomly divided into two groups:control group (26 cases) and biofeedback training group (25 cases).The control group was given routine training including orofacial function training,balloon dilatation and behavioral swallowing training,while the biofeedback training group was given behavioral swallowing training was conducted with the guidance of sEMG-BFB in addition to the routine training.Before and after the treatment,videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) was performed to observe the opening of upper esophageal sphincter (UES).Functional oral intake scale (FOIS) was used to evaluate swallow function.Results Before treatment,there were no significant difference between the two groups in terms of FOIS score and UES opening (P ＞0.05).The FOIS score increased in both groups after treatment (P ＜ 0.05),and the FOIS score was higher in the biofeedback training group than that of the control group (P ＜ 0.05).After treatment,the number of UES complete opening and incomplete opening was 18 and 8,respectively,in the control group,versus 20 and 5,respectively,in the biofeedback training group.UES opening improved in both groups after treatment (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Routine swallowing training combined with sEMG-BFB can benefit the dysphagic patients with cerebral infarction for their UES opening and swallowing ability at recovery stage.

This study aimed at investigating the effects of Chinese herbal compound Qi Kui granules on urine protein and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN) based on the treatment of regular western medication.A randomized,parallel controlled method was involved in the present trial,and patients diagnosed with type 2 DN were randomly divided into the Chinese herb group and the control group.Regular treatment of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker (ARB) in western medicine was administered in the two groups with the additional treatment of Qi Kui granules for the Chinese herb group.All the patients revisited the doctor every 4 weeks during the observation period within a 12-week course of the observation.Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR),urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and inflammatory cytokines in the two groups were determined.As a result,seventy-two patients in aggregate were included in the study,while 32 patients of the control group and 31 patients of the Chinese herb group effectively accomplished the observation.After the 12-week treatments,UACR and UAER were significantly decreased in the two groups (P ＜ 0.01),while the efficacy of the Chinese herb group was better than that of the control group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the control group,the levels of serum IL-6,tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α),transforming growth factor f1 (TGF-f1) and urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) / Cr significantly decreased after the 12-week treatment (P ＜ 0.01).It was concluded that the Chinese herbal compound Qi Kui granules successfully mitigated proteinuria in DN patients.The improvement of glomerular inflammation for renoprotection should be the mechanism behind this.

Objective Toinvestigate the related risk factors of newly diagnosed diabetes among residents aged over 40 years in Nanjing City , and to provide evidence for diabetes prevention. Methods The clinical data were collected from the diabetes epidemiologic investigation among residents aged 40 -79 years from 6 communities in Nanjing City. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the potential risk factors for newly diagnosed diabetes. Results The prevalence rate of new diagnosed diabetes from 8039 subjects was 10.87%. A higher prevalence rate of new diagnosed diabetes was found in male than that in female (13.15% vs. 9.74%, P < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the main risk factors for newly diagnosed diabetes were male, age, family history, body mass index (BMI) and less physical activity after adjusting other factors (adjusted OR 1.339-1.862, P < 0.05). Conclusions Male, age, family history, body mass index (BMI) and less physical activity may be the main risk factors for diabetes among residents in Nanjing City.

Objective To explore the effects of modified balloon dilatation therapy for treating upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction after a brainstem stroke.Methods Ten healthy adult volunteers and 20 dysphagic patients with upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction after a brainstem stroke were recruited.The 20 patients were divided into a balloon dilatation therapy group of ten who were treated with catheter balloon dilatation therapy, and a control group of ten who received conventional therapy.All were given block-designed task fMRI scans guided by a matched visual presentation system before and after the treatment.Results Widespread activation was observed in both hemispheres, including the bilateral cerebral cortex, the brainstem and the cerebellum, but the activated areas were significantly smaller in the stroke patients before treatment.After the treatment, seven patients in the balloon dilatation group were totally orally fed, while only three patients in the control group recovered totally oral intake.After dilatation, significantly more regions were activated, including the anterior cingulate, insula, supplementary motor area, precuneus and the frontal lobe.They were activated with relatively low voxels in the treatment group, while in the control group significant activation was observed only in the precuneus after treatment.Conclusion Modified balloon dilatation therapy can increase activation of the cortex and subcortical structures related to swallowing, promoting better swallowing function.

Objective:To observe the effects of FNS007 on collagen Ⅱ-induced arthritis(CIA) rat models and investigate the underlying mechanism.Methods: CIA model was induced by intradermal injection of Freunds adjuvant and bovine CⅡ.Rats were randomly divided into six groups:normal control group,model group,methotrexate group,high,middle and low doses of FNS007 groups,with 12 rats in each group.FNS007 was gived by intravenous injection,the normal control and model group were administrated with PBS.Observing the paw thickness,ankle joint width and the arthritis scores in the CIA rats during the experiment.On d 22 after injection of the drug, all rats were killed.Interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6 (IL-6) and level of anti-CⅡantibody in serum were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The pathological score and radiography of ankle joint were evaluated.Results: Data revealed that FNS007 treated groups showed a significant reduction in paw thickness,ankle joint width and the arthritis scores compared to model group (P<0.05,P<0.01),especially FNS007 high dose goup.The levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,IL-6 and anti-CⅡantibodies in serum in high dose goup were significantly lower than those of model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).X-ray examination showed that FNS007 could significantly alleviate the damage of joint and decrease the radiographic scores.Pathological examination exhibited that FNS007 could significantly reduce pathological scores,alleviate inflammatory cell infiltration and synovial hyperplasia,improve the histopathological changes.Conclusion: FNS007 has a treating effect on CIA rats,and the mechanisms may be through competitive inhibition of T cell,inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and anti-CⅡantibodies secretion,regulating the abnormal immune responses.

Aim To investigate the effect of non-T cell binding peptide(FNS007)on collagen type Ⅱ-induced arthritis(CIA)in mice and the possible mechanisms.Methods The CIA model was induced by intradermal injection of bovine CⅡ+Freunds adjuvant.At the clinical onset of CIA,mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: blank control group(Control),model group,ORENCIA(abatacept)group,FNS007 low dose(1.2 mg·kg-1)group,FNS007 middle dose(2.4 mg·kg-1)group and FNS007 high dose(4.8 mg·kg-1)group.FNS007 was given by intravenous injection on the first day of arthritis and every other day until the study was terminated on d 28 after injection of the drug.The paw thickness and the ankle joint width were measured,and the arthritis scores were recorded.At termination,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and level of anti-CⅡ antibody in serum were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Bone injury was analyzed by X-ray imaging,and HE staining was conducted to observe the histopathologic changes and pathological score of ankle tissues.Results CIA models were successfully induced.Compared with CIA group,FNS007 high dose significantly reduced the paw thickness and the ankle joint left-right diameter,lowered arthritis scores in CIA mice,reduced serum concentrations of IFN-γ,IL-6 and anti-CⅡ antibodies,and lowered the radiographic and histologic scores.Compared with CIA group,FNS007 middle dose group showed marked reduction in the arthritis scores,IL-6 content in serum,and inhibion in the radiographic and histologic scores.The arthritis scores,concentration of IFN-γ,the radiographic and histologic scores were significantly reduced in FNS007 low dose group compared with those in model group.Conclusion FNS007 can effectively inhibit the progression of CIA through inhibiting T-cell activation and reducing inflammatory cytokines,anti-CⅡ antibodies,and histoclasia and bone destruction.

Objective:To study the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy using the arterial first approach in treatment of patients with pancreatic neck-body cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2019 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Seven patients were included in this study. There were 3 males and 4 females, aged 55(46, 67) years old. The clinical data analysed included chemotherapy, preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data. Follow up was done by outpatient visits, or contact using wechat or telephone.Results:Five borderline staged patients were treated with the AG chemotherapy regimen (gemcitabine+ albumin-bound paclitaxel), and two patients with locally advanced stage were treated with the mFOLFIRINOX chemotherapy regimen (oxaliplatin+ irinotecan+ calcium folate+ fluorouracil). All the 7 patients underwent portal vein/superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction using the superior mesenteric artery priority approach. The operation time was 400(350, 440) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 300(150, 400) ml. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients with grade B pancreatic fistula and refractory ascites in 1 patient each. The postoperative hospital stay was 11(10, 14) days. All 7 patients underwent R 0 resection. During a follow-up period of 9 to 33 months, 5 patients were still alive without tumor, 1 patient survived with tumor, and 1 patient had died of recurrence. Conclusion:In selected cases, laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neck-body cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was safe and feasible.

Objective:To monitor intra-fractional set-up errors in tumor radiotherapy using a real-time intelligent capture system for precision displacement.Methods:A simulated radiotherapy environment was created in both the laboratory and the treatment room. A three-axis ( xyz) displacement platform (LD60-LM) and dial gauges were used as displacement measurement tools. Moreover, a real-time intelligent capture system for precision displacement was developed for displacement monitoring. With 23 patients treated with radiotherapy enrolled in this study, the above system was employed to monitor their intra-fractional set-up errors in fractionated radiotherapy. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the deviations between the data captured by cameras and the actual displacement, obtaining the mean values and standard deviation. Results:The monitoring calibration data from the laboratory revealed displacement differences of ≤ 0.5 mm within 20 mm and a maximum displacement difference of 1.47 mm for 50 mm. In contrast, the calibration result from the treatment room exhibited deviations of ± 0.2 mm on the y- z axes, as displayed by both the left and right cameras, and ± 0.31 mm on the x- z axes, as displayed by the middle camera. During 37 radiotherapy sessions in 23 patients, the monitoring result from the middle camera revealed five deviations exceeding the threshold of 5 mm, with the maximum deviation duration and displacement of 57.2 s and 9.24 mm, respectively. Conclusions:The real-time intelligent capture system for precision displacement based on machine vision can achieve real-time monitoring of set-up errors during tumor radiotherapy. Nevertheless, further improvements and service testing are necessary for this system.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of short-term very low-calorie restriction(VLCR) on glycemic control in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and to explore mechanisms through identifying markers of gut microbiota.Methods:This trial was conducted in 14 adult overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes. They received VLCR for 9 days in the hospital(calorie intake 300-600 kcal/d). Before and after VLCR, body weight(BW), waist circumference(WC), blood pressure(BP), and heart rate(HR) were measured, and body mass index(BMI) was calculated according to their height and weight. Fasting blood glucose(FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose(2hPBG), fasting insulin(FINS), triglycerides(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) were determined, and yielded the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR). Additional lab tests such as liver and kidney function and electrolytes were performed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) was calculated to evaluate renal function. All data were analyzed using the SPSS Sample Power software. Feces samples were collected before and after VLCR. Fecal samples were tested for microbial diversity using 16S rDNA technology. Professional software was used to analyze the differences of gut microbiota in feces before and after VLCR.Results:After 9 days of VLCR, BW, BMI, WC, BP, HR, FBG, 2hPBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, alkaline phosphatase, TG, and blood urea nitrogen of 14 overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced( P<0.05). No effect was seen on serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, creatinine, eGFR, uric acid, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus( P>0.05). The gut microbiota diversity did not differ before and after VLCR. The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased significantly, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased from 11.79 to 4.20. Between groups analysis showed the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis increased significantly after VLCR. Conclusion:VLCR can improve body weight and glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes, with no serious adverse events. Parabacteroides distasonis may be a marker of VLCR.