Objective To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of inverted Y-shaped silicone airway stent for complex airway diseases (stenosis or fistula). Methods According to the particular anatomic structure and the pathological changes of complex airway diseases, the inverted Y-shaped silicone airway stents were designed. 7 stents were implanted in 7 cases of airway complex diseases with the guidance of interventional rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. Results The Y-shaped silicone stents were placed successfully followed with the result of immediate relieves of the symptoms. Dyspnea grade was improved significantly from Ⅲ~Ⅳ to 0 ~Ⅱ , and oxygen saturation elevated from ( 84.1 ± 4.5 ) % in inspiring high concentration oxygen to ( 94.1 ± 2.9 ) % in breathing ambient air (P = 0.000). The main complications were cough, foreign body sensation, chest pain, granulation, sputum retention, et al. Conclusion Placement of Y-shaped silicone airway stent is a feasible and safe treatment for complex airway disease, the recent curative effect is reliable, it is worth further promoting.

Objective To investigate selcnium(Se) levels of environment and human body in Gaomi City and Zichuan District of Shandong. Methods Lijiaying Township in Gaomi City of Weifang City, Zhaili Township and Longquan Township in Zichuan District of Zibo City were selected. Two farming soil samples at different spot, local wheat and corn, residents nail samples from 3 to 4 families were collected in each natural village in the investigated towns. The contents of Se were detected by 2,3-diamino naphthalene fluorescence method. Results Se level of the soil, wheat, corn, and nails in Lijiaying [(0.054 ± 0.019), (0.022 ± 0.009), (0.018 ± 0.007), (0.365 ± 0.108)mg/kg] was significantly lower than that in Zhaili [(0.425 ± 0.080), (0.130 ± 0.043), (0.098 ± 0.026), (0.751 ± 0.134)mg/kg] and Longquan[(0.487 ± 0.153), (0.112 ± 0.030), (0.097 ± 0.029), (0.735 ± 0.145)mg/kg;P < 0.01]. In Lijiaying, Se was deficient in soil, wheat, corn(< 0.200, < 0.025 mg/kg), above Se deficiency diagnosis and below Se-adequate level in the nail, while in Zhaili and Longquan, the Se level in the soil (0.425, 0.487 mg/kg), wheat(0.130, 0.112 mg/kg), corn (0.098, 0.097 mg/kg), nails (0.751, 0.735 mg/kg) was adequate (≥0.400 mg/kg). Conclusions The external environment is Se-deficient in Lijiaying, Se-adequate in Longquan and Zhaili. The selenium level in human body is consistent with the external environment.

Objective:To explore the changes of serum levels of copeptin and α-amylase and their correlations with sleep and cognition in patients with chronic insomnia (CI).Methods:From September 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019, fifty CI outpatients or inpatients from the Department of Sleep Disorder, Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, were enrolled continuously, and thirty good sleepers from the Physical Examination Center of the hospital, were also enrolled to serve as controls. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), polysomnography (PSG) and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS) were used to assess the insomnia severity and sleep disorder susceptibility. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA) and Nine-Box Maze were used to respectively assess general cognition and memories. The serum levels of copeptin and α-amylase were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared to the controls, the CI patients had increased PSQI score (16.0 (15.0, 17.0) vs 4.0 (2.8, 6.0); Z=-7.678, P<0.001) and PSAS score (33.0 (30.0, 37.5) vs 17.0 (16.0, 18.5); Z=-7.350, P<0.001), decreased MoCA score (24.1±2.5 vs 26.7±1.9, t=-4.625, P<0.001), increased numbers of errors in the object working (1.0 (0, 1.0) vs 0 (0, 1.0), Z=-2.099, P=0.036), spatial working (2.0 (1.0, 4.0) vs 1.0 (0, 2.0), Z=-3.935, P<0.001) and object recognition (1.0 (0, 2.0) vs 0 (0, 0), Z=-2.266, P=0.023) memories, and elevated serum levels of copeptin ((35.1±19.9) pg/ml vs (14.8±6.9) pg/ml, t=5.414, P<0.001) and α-amylase ((990.1±193.7) U/L vs (728.9±230.5) U/L, t=5.597, P<0.001). In the CI patients, the level of copeptin was positively correlated with PSQI score ( r=0.338, P=0.013), PSAS score ( r=0.316, P=0.021), sleep latency ( r=0.324, P=0.018), number of awake ( r=0.325, P=0.017) and stage 1 percent of non-rapid eye movement sleep ( r=0.278, P=0.044), and negatively correlated with stage 2 percent of non-rapid eye movement sleep ( r=-0.279, P=0.043); α-amylase was positively correlated with numbers of awake in PSG ( r=0.293, P=0.033). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that copeptin level affected PSQI score (β=0.255, P=0.043) and sleep latency (β=0.254, P=0.043). Conclusion:The levels of copeptin and α-amylase in CI patients elevate, and copeptin may be associated with initial sleep difficulties, but not with cognitive ability, in patients with CI.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of lysyl oxidase (LOX) on the migration and adhesion of the human gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 cells in vitro.

METHODSThe human gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 cells were cultured in vitro, and treated with different concentration of β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). The ability of migration was assessed by wound-healing assay. The ability of adhesion was detected by homogenous and heterogeneous adhesion experiments.

RESULTSCompared that with 0 mmol/L BAPN, the ability of migration of the cells after treatment with 0.2 mmol/L BAPN was descended at 8, 24, 32 and 48 h; the number of cells with homogeneous adhesion was increased from (6.97 ± 0.07) × 10(3)/ml to (7.78 ± 0.11) × 10(3)/ml; and the number of cells with heterogeneous adhesion was decreased from (8.98 ± 0.15) × 10(3)/ml to (8.35 ± 0.10) × 10(3)/ml, both < 0.05. Compared with that of cells treated with 0 mmol/L and 0.2 mmol/L BAPN, the migration ability of cells after treatment with 0.3 mmol/L BAPN was descended at 8, 24, 32 and 48 h; the number of cells with homogeneous adhesion was raised to (8.02 ± 0.11) × 10(3)/ml and the number of cells with heterogeneous adhesion was down to (7.93 ± 0.07) × 10(3)/ml (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLOX may promote the metastasis of cancer cells by enhancing invasion, increasing heterogeneous adhesion and decreasing homogeneous adhesion.

Aminopropionitrile ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; physiology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo compare the expressions of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) in gastric cancer and pericancerous tissues, in gastric cancers with and without lymph node metastasis, and to analyze the effects of LOX and MMP-2 on tumor invasion and metastasis.

METHODSGastric cancer and pericancerous tissues were collected from 46 patients who underwent surgery. Levels of LOX and MMP-2 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Protein abundance of LOX and MMP-2 was examined using Western blot.

RESULTSExpressions of LOX and MMP-2 mRNA, and protein in 46 gastric cancers were significantly higher than that in 46 pericancerous tissues. In gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis, the levels of LOX and MMP-2 mRNA and protein were higher than those in gastric cancers without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In the groups of gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis, expression of LOX was positively correlated with MMP-2 protein expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSExpressions of LOX and MMP-2 in gastric cancer tissues are significantly higher than that in pericancerous tissues. The expressions of LOX and MMP-2 in gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis are higher than that in gastric cancer without lymph node metastasis. Expressions of LOX and MMP-2 are positively correlated. The results suggest that LOX and MMP-2 may promote the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Stomach ; metabolism ; surgery ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery

Objective To investigate the effect of lncRNA CCAT1 and miR-130b-3p on the radiosensitivity of human pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1.Methods Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of CCAT1 and miR-130b-3p in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines including PANC-1 cells irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays.After silencing CCAT1 and/or inhibiting miR-130b-3p expression,cell apoptosis rate,Caspase 3 activity and cell survival were detected by flow cytometry,Caspase 3 activity detection kit and colony formation assay,respectively.Cell survival curve was stimulated by the multi-target single-hit model.Based on the starBase v2.0 online analysis,the luciferase reporter gene assay,RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) and Real-time PCR assay were applied to verify the relationship between CCAT1 and miR-130b-3p.Results CCAT1 expression was up-regulated (t=6.322-8.555,P＜0.05),but miR-130b-3p expression was down-regulated (t =3.950-18.795,P＜ 0.05) in the radiation-resistant pancreatic cancer tissues,pancreatic cancer cell lines and 2 Gy-irradiated PANC-1 cells.When the CCAT1 silenced PANC-1 cells were irradiated with 2 Gy,cell survival fraction decreased (t=2.929,5.047,5.234,5.125,P＜0.05),apoptosis rate and Caspase 3 activity increased (t=6.953,6.836,P＜0.05).CCAT1 could selectively regulate miR-130b-3p expression.Inhibition of miR-130b-3p expression could enhance PANC-l cell survival (t =4.564,6.736,8.656,P＜0.05),but reduced apoptosis rate (t=5.234,P＜0.05) and Caspase 3 activity (t=10.440,P＜0.05).Conclusions Silencing CCAT1 promotes the expression of miR-130b-3p and enhances radiosensitivity of PANC-1 cells.

Objective: To explore serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and whether changes of BDNF and GDNF are correlated with sleep quality and cognitive function in patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Methods: Fifty-seven CID patients in the Department of Sleep Disorders, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University and 30 healthy controls were enrolled from May 2017 to July 2018. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the degree of insomnia severity (some CID patients were monitored by overnight polysomnography). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale and Nine-Box Maze were used to assess general cognitive function and specific memory function, respectively. The serum levels of BDNF and GDNF were detected using ELISA. Results: Compared to the controls, CID patients had significantly higher PSQI scores (CID patients: 14.0±2.2, healthy controls: 3.9±1.1; t=28.093, P<0.01), lower MoCA scores (CID patients: 24.5±3.6, healthy controls: 26.5±0.9; t=-2.985, P<0.01), more errors in object working memory (CID patients: 1.0 (0, 1.0), healthy controls: 0 (0, 0.3)), spatial working memory (CID patients: 3.0 (2.0, 4.0), healthy controls: 1.0 (1.0, 2.0)) and object recognition memory (CID patients: 0 (0, 0), healthy controls: 0 (0, 0); Z=-2.896、-5.007、-2.306, P<0.05), and lower serum BDNF (CID patients: (19.48±7.50) ng/ml, healthy controls: (46.49±13.33) ng/ml; t=-10.274, P<0.01) and GDNF (CID patients: (32.76±14.04) pg/ml, healthy controls: (59.63±20.30) pg/ml; t=-7.240, P<0.01). The partial correlation analysis showed that in the CID patients, the levels of BDNF and GDNF were correlated with PSQI scores negatively (r=-0.293, -0.320, P<0.05) and MoCA scores positively (r=0.331, 0.295, P<0.05). The BDNF level was also correlated with the duration of disease and the errors in the spatial working memory test negatively (r=-0.319, -0.393, P<0.05), and the GDNF level was correlated with the total sleep time detected with polysomnogram positively (r=0.520, P<0.05). Conclusion Serum BDNF and GDNF levels in CID patients were lower than those in healthy controls, and correlated with sleep quality and cognitive impairment.

Objective:To investigate whether lncRNA LINC00909 affected the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by targeting miR-548-3p.Methods:The expression levels of LINC00909 and miR-584-3p in colorectal cancer and adjacent tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. The colorectal cancer cells SW480 and SW620 were cultured in vitro, and transfected with si-NC, si-LINC00909, miR-NC, miR-584-3p mimics, si-LINC00909, and anti-miR-NC and si-LINC00909, and anti-miR-584-3p, respectively. The cells were irradiated with a dose of 4 Gy. The cell survival fraction and sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) were detected by clone formation assay. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by Trans well chamber assay. The targeting relationship between LINC00909 and miR-584-3p was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effect of interfering with the expression of LINC00909 or inhibiting the expression of miR-584-3p on the weight of the xenograft tumor after irradiation was evaluated by subcutaneous xenograft experiment in nude mice. Results:The expression level of LINC00909 in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly up-regulated ( P<0.05), whereas the expression level of miR-584-3p was significantly down-regulated ( P<0.05). After interfering with the expression of LINC00909 or miR-584-3p overexpression, the cell survival fraction score was significantly reduced ( P<0.05), the SERs were 2.017 and 1.762, and cell proliferation, migration and invasion were suppressed (all P<0.05). Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LINC00909 could target and bind to miR-584-3p. After interfering with the expression of LINC00909, the weight of the transplanted tumor was significantly reduced ( P<0.05), whereas the weight of the transplanted tumor was significantly increased after co-transfection with anti-miR-584-3p ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Interfering with the expression of LINC00909 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of colorectal cancer cells by up-regulating the expression of miR-548-3p, thereby enhancing the cell radiosensitivity.

Objective:To explore the clinical features and risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) concomitant with interstitial lung disease(ILD) in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed.A total of 111 hospitalized children diagnosed with SLE in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from February 2016 to November 2018 were selected as the research subjects and divided into the SLE-ILD group(18 cases) and the SLE-non-ILD group(93 cases)according to the lung high-resolution CT manifestations. T-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare and analyze the general situation, clinical manifestations and laboratory results.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of SLE-ILD. Results:The prevalence of SLE-ILD was 16.2%(18/111 cases). There were significant differences between the SLE-ILD group and the SLE-non-ILD group in the course of disease [14.00 (12.00-24.25) months vs.1.00(1.00-2.00) months], the incidence of serositis [55.6%(10/18 cases) vs.8.6%(8/93 cases)], post-activity shortness of breath [83.3%(15/18 cases) vs.25.8%(24/93 cases)], nervous system damage [27.8%(5/18 cases) vs.6.5%(6/93 cases)], cardiovascular system damage [38.9%(7/18 cases) vs.9.7%(9/93 cases)], the occu-rrence of increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate [66.7%(12/18 cases) vs.31.2%(29/93 cases)], the decreased C 3[88.9%(16/18 cases) vs.62.4%(58/93 cases)], positive anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) [88.9%(16/18 cases) vs.18.3%(17/93 cases)], positive anti-Sm antibody [61.1%(11/18 cases) vs.15.1%(14/93 cases)] and anti ribonucleoprotein antibody (anti RNP antibody)[66.7%(12/18 cases) vs.16.1%(15/93 cases)](all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serositis( OR=30.535, 95% CI: 2.167-430.336, P=0.011), shortness of breath after exercise( OR=55.115, 95% CI: 1.117-2 579.852, P=0.041), positive ANCA( OR=65.090, 95% CI: 4.488-944.071, P=0.002) and positive anti-RNP antibody( OR=10.007, 95% CI: 1.362-73.500, P=0.024) were risk factors for SLE-ILD. Conclusions:The longer the course of SLE, the higher the incidence of ILD; serositis, shortness of breath after exercise, positive ANCA and positive anti RNP antibody may be risk factors for SLE-ILD.

Objective:To investigate the effects of probiotics on intestinal flora, intestinal function, and T lymphocyte level in patients with cervical cancer after radiotherapy.Methods:A total of 92 patients with cervical cancer who underwent pelvic radiotherapy in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2020 to February 2022 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control and experimental groups ( n = 46/group). The patients in the experimental group took probiotics during radiotherapy, while the patients in the control group did not take probiotics during radiotherapy. The amount of intestinal flora, D-lactic acid, diamine oxidase, and T lymphocyte subset levels pre- and post-radiotherapy were compared between the two groups. Urinary lactulose (L) and mannitol (M) concentrations were determined in each group. Urinary excretion ratios of L to M were calculated. Results:After 10, 15, and 20 times of radiotherapy and after all radiotherapies, the amount of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( F = 128.60, 224.99, all P < 0.05). The amount of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( F = 2 065.46, 948.23, both P < 0.05). After 10, 15, and 20 times of radiotherapy and after all radiotherapies, plasma D-lactic acid level in the experimental group was (9.34 ± 1.63) μg/L, (9.15 ± 1.36) μg/L, (8.68 ± 1.06) μg/L, and (8.05 ± 0.82) μg/L, respectively. After 10, 15, and 20 times of radiotherapy and after all radiotherapies, plasma diamine oxidase level in the experimental group was (86.34 ± 20.25) μg/L, (84.28 ± 17.45) μg/L, (80.40 ± 13.35) μg/L, and (76.85 ± 10.87) μg/L, respectively, and urinary excretion ratio of L to M in the experimental group was (1.84 ± 0.16), (1.55 ± 0.12), (1.26 ± 0.09), (0.98 ± 0.06), respectively, all of which were significantly lower than those in the control group ( F = 121.60, 31.73, 417.84, all P < 0.05). After 10, 15, and 20 times of radiotherapy and after all radiotherapies, CD4 + level in the experimental group was (39.80 ± 4.90)%, (40.92 ± 5.30)%, (42.52 ± 6.14)%, (43.83 ± 6.55)%, respectively, CD4 +/CD8 + was (1.52 ± 0.25), (1.63 ± 0.22), (1.71 ± 0.39), (1.83 ± 0.22), respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the control group ( F = 58.69, 31.07, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Probiotics can improve the status of intestinal flora and intestinal barrier function in patients with cervical cancer after radiotherapy, and simultaneously improve the cellular immune function of patients.