Objective To describe the development of nodules of altered hepatocytes (NAH) in chronic hepatitis B and to reveal progression of the nodules to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods HCC, NAH and ordinary regenerative nodules (ORN) were identified and compared histologically. Expression levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens, mitoactivity and p53 accumulation in these lesions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Multiple foci of altered hepatocytes (FAH) and NAH were identified in the liver parenchyma surrounding HCC in all of the samples examined. Sequential architectural and cellular changes were observed during the progression of FAH to NAH and HCC. Expression levels of HBV surface and core antigens were found to be significantly decreased in ORN, NAH and HCC, with their positive rates being 70 % (35/50), 50 % (25/50), 10 % (5/50) and 60 % (30/50), 40 % (20/50), 6 % (3/50), respectively (P ＜0.05). Ki-67-1abelling indices were determined to be (0.58±0.49) %, (2.46±1.05) % and (40.36±26.27) %in these lesions, respectively (P ＜0.05). Nuclear p53 accumulation was found only in HCC. Its occurrence was associated to a high histological grade, with its frequencies being 13 % (1/8), 41% (11/27) and 73 % (11/15)in grade 1, 2 and 3 lesions, respectively. Conclusion NAH lesions, identified by their morphologic features and mitoactivity elevation, are detectable in resected liver samples with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. They represent a common HCC precursor and can be used as a surrogate marker for the surveillance of high-risk individuals.

Objective To find the effect of alter-expressed PER2 on proliferation,apoptosis and other clock genes expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC15 cells.Methods Short hairpin RNA interference was used to knockdown PER2 in SCC15 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.Flow cytometry analysis was used to testify the cell proliferation and apoptosis.Quantitative real-time PCR was used to testify the mRNA expressions of PER3,BMAL1,DEC1,DEC2,CRY2,TIM,RORα,NPAS2,PER1 and REV-ERBα.Results The proliferation was enhanced and apoptosis was decreased after PER2 knockdown in SCC15 cells (P<0.05).The mRNA expression of PER3,BMAL1,DEC1,DEC2,CRY2,TIM,RORα and NPAS2 was significantly down-regulated,and the mRNA expression of PER1 and REV-ERBα was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05).Conclusions Clock gene PER2 plays an important role in regulating other clock genes of the clock gene network in cancer cells,PER2 knockdown can enhance proliferation and recede apoptosis of cancer cell.

Objective Focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH) is composed of multiple hyperplastic liver cell nodules,but its pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Foci (FAH) or nodules of altered hepatocytes (NAH) are precursors of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and carcinoma.This study aimed at identifying FAH and NAH from FNH and evaluating their role in FNH development.Methods 6 FNH lesions from 5 patients and 10 HCA from 9 patients were examined histologically,and expression levels of CD_(34) cytokeratin 19(CKl9) and Ki-67 antigen were demonstrated immunohistochemicailly.Proliferative activity was evaluated by Ki-67 antigen-labeling indices(Ki-67 LI).Results Multiple FAH and NAH were identified in all of the 6 FNH lesions. Whiie micmvasculatures were demonstrated by CD_(34) immunoreactivity in both HCA and FNH,their density and distribution were different in these two lesions,being diffuse in HCA and focal or nodular,mainly within NAH.CKl9 expression Was found in FNH,localized in ductal and ductular cells,but not within NAH and HCA.Average Ki.67 LI of 73 NAH(2.8%) was shown to be higher than that of the whole FNH lesions (0.6%),and had no statistieal difference comparable to that of HCA(1.8%).Conclusion Muhiple NAH are present in all classical FNH lesions.Unlike the surrounding parenchyma,NAH lesions are more proliferative and equipped with CD_(34)-positive microvasculatures as in HCA.

OBJECTIVEThis study investigated the effect of clock gene PER1 on the expression levels of other clock genes in clock gene networks in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

METHODSWe used RNA interference mediated by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to effectively knock down PER1 in SCC15 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the degree of proliferation and apoptosis of the cells after PER1 knockdown, and quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of the clock genes CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1, PER2, PER3, DEC1, DEC2, CRY1, CRY2, TIM, CKIE, RORA, NPAS2, and REV-ERBA.

RESULTSThe proliferation index of SCC15 cells increased significantly while the apoptotic index decreased significantly after PER1 knockdown (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of PER1, PER2, DEC1, DEC2, CRY1, CRY2, and NPAS2 markedly decreased (P<0.05) while those of PER3, TIM, RORA, and REV-ERBA markedly increased (P<0.05). By contrast, no obvious changes were observed in the mRNA expression levels of CLOCK, BMAL1, and CKIE (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe clock gene PER1 can regulate the expression levels of other clock genes in the clock gene networks; these genes include PER2, DEC1, DEC2, CRY1, CRY2, NPAS2, PER3, TIM, RORA, and REV-ERBA. PER1 gene thus plays an important role in the regulation of clock gene networks.
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Objective:To explore the differences of wear resistance of three kinds of glass ceramics and Wieland Zenostar zircona (Zenostar) , and to clarify their influencing factors.Methods:Zenostar were made into flat-shaped specimens (zirconia base sample group) and hemisphere-shaped specimens (zirconia pair grinding group) .There kinds of glass ceramics IPS Empress (Empress) , IPS e.max CAD (e.max) , VITA Suprinity (Suprinty) were used as base specimens.Each group was exposed to UMT-2testing machine to simulate the clinical service.The wear depthes of base specimens were detected by laser confocal scanning.Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the wear surfaces.Results:In zirconia base sample group, there were no significant differences in the maximum wear depthes to Zenostar between the three kinds of glass ceramics (P＞0.05) .In zirconia pair grinding group, the maximum wear depthes ranked as follows:Zenostar group＜e.max group≈Empress group＜Suprinity group;there was no significant difference between e.max group and Empress group (P＞0.05) , but there were significant differences between other groups (P＜0.01) .The SEM results showed that the wearing surface of the Zenostar in zirconia base sample group was relatively smooth;whereas the wearing surface of Empress in zirconia pair grinding group was rougher with alarge area of clebris desquamation surface.Conclusion:The wear resistance of the three kinds of glass ceramics to Zenostar is related to the compositions and the chemical structures of materials.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragaloside Ⅳ on high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis.Methods:H9c2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group(5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group(33.3 mmol/L glucose), Astragaloside Ⅳ group(33.3 mmol/L glucose+ 100μmol/L Astragaloside Ⅳ), and NLRP3 inhibitor group(33.3 mmol/L glucose+ 1μmol/L MCC950). Cell counting kit 8(CCK-8)was used to detect the activity of H9c2 cells.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)kit was used to detect the content of LDH in cell supernatant.Superoxide anion fluorescent probe(DHE)was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the level of inflammatory factors in cell supernatant.Results:When the concentration of Astragaloside Ⅳ was 100 μmol/L, it could significantly inhibit the decrease of cardiomyocyte viability induced by high glucose( P<0.01)and reduce LDH release( P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the level of ROS was increased( P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules were up-regulated( P<0.01 for all), the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 was increased( P<0.01), and the levels of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant were increased in the high glucose group( P<0.01). Compared with the high glucose group, the ROS level was decreased( P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules were down-regulated( P<0.05 or P<0.01), the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 was decreased( P<0.01), and the levels of inflammatory factors in cell supernatant were decreased( P<0.05 or P<0.01)in Astragaloside Ⅳ group and inhibitor group. Conclusions:Astragaloside Ⅳ plays a protective role in high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.Moreover, it can improve the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in cell models.

AIM:To investigate the clinical charac-teristics of tramadol-induced hypoglycemia.METH-ODS:Case reports of tramadol-induced hypoglyce-mia were collected by searching Chinese and Eng-lish data from the database establishment to April 28,2023.RESULTS:Twenty patients were included,with a median age of 50 years(4,88).Hypoglyce-mia occurred 1 h-23 d after tramadol administra-tion,with a median blood glucose of 2.25 mmol/L(0.22,3.3)and a median daily dose of 300 mg(1.53,14 000).The main clinical manifestations were unconscious(12 cases),multiple organ failure(7 cases),asystole and/or apnea(7 cases),seizures(4 cases),somnolence(3 cases)and sweating(3 cases).Tramadol concentrations were reported in 6 patients,with a median of 3.56 mg/L(0.47,9.4).Af-ter stopping tramadol in 20 patients and giving symptomatic supportive treatment,16 patients re-covered,1 patient had moderate brain dysfunction,and 3 patients died.CONCLUSION:Tramadol in-duced hypoglycemia can occur from 1 h to 23 d af-ter administration,and can be clinically manifested as autonomic nervous system symptoms and neu-rohypoglycemia symptoms,mainly neurohypoglyce-mia symptoms.After stopping tramadol,most pa-tients with hypoglycemia returned to normal,and severe patients can die.

Objective:To explore pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (PA-HSOS) severity grading to predict the prognostic value for PA-HSOS patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).Methods:Clinical data of patients with PA-HSOS who were critically ill or had ineffective drug treatment and underwent TIPS treatment from December 2013 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. PA-HSOS severity grading criteria in adult was quoted, revised and defined from the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). The survival time, the rate of shunt dysfunction and the incidence of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy in different severity groups after TIPS were compared. Univariate Cox or Binomial Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of each variable. Variables with P < 0.1 were regarded as statistically significant variables for the prognosis, and were introduced into Cox or Binomial Logistic regression hierarchical regression analysis as controlled covariates. PA-HSOS severity grading was analyzed as dummy variables.Results:A total of 102 patient data were collected, and the median follow-up time was 14.52 months. The difference in survival time of patients with different severity levels was statistically significant ( P = 0.023). The mortality risk in moderate patients was 1.575 times higher than that of mild patients (95% CI: 0.216-11.457, P = 0.654). The mortality risk of severe and very severe patients was 7.424 times higher than that of mild patients (95% CI: 1.612-34.197, P = 0.010). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative hepatic encephalopathy recurrence rate and shunt dysfunction rate ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:PA-HSOS severity grading has prognostic value for PA-HSOS patients receiving TIPS treatment, and can be used as an important reference for guiding the timing of TIPS intervention.

Objective: To develop the monoclonal antibody (mAb) against neuraminidase of H7N9 subtype influenza A virus and identify its biological function. Methods: Female 8 week-old BALB/c mice were immunized and the splenocytes of the mice were fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. Indirect ELISA was used to screen hybridoma and the positive clones were subject to be subcloned. Positive clones were identified and the monoclonal antibodies(mAbs) were obtained by purifying the ascetic fluid of mice injected with the hybridoma. The NA-binding as well as neuraminidase-inhibition activity of these mAbs were determined. Results: Three mAbs against neuraminidase of H7N9 subtype influenza A virus, 1G8, 3C4 and 4E8, were obtained. They demonstrated different epitop-recognizing. 3C4 and 4E8 exhibited neuraminidase inhibitory activity, with a IC₅₀ of 1.45 μg/ml and 8.65 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusions The results suggested that mAbs specific to neuraminidase of H7N9 subtype influenza A virus were developed, providing an useful tool in control and preventing the novel H7N9 influenza A virus.

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy and effect on serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP)levels of pa-tients with advanced liver cancer of qi deficiency and toxic stasis type by Jiawei Yupingfeng San.METHODS Using random double blind method,120 patients with advanced liver cancer of qi deficiency and toxic stasis type were randomly divided into 3 groups:Jiawei Yupingfeng San group,Yupingfeng San group,and placebo group,each consisting of 40 cases.All patients in the 3 groups were given conventional treatment such as radiotherapy,chemotherapy,interventional or targeted therapy;Jiawei Yupingfeng San group was given Jiawei Yupingfeng San granules,Yupingfeng San group was given Yupingfeng San granules,and placebo group was given placebo.The course of treatment was 2 months.The changes of Karnofsky functional status score(KPS score),TCM syndrome score,tumor size and serum TSLP level in the 3 groups were observed before and after treatment,and the correlation between the changes of tumor size and TSLP was analyzed.RESULTS After treatment,the KPS scores of Yupingfeng San group and Jiawei Yupingfeng San group were sig-nificantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),TCM syndrome score were decreased(P<0.01),tumor growth(P<0.05,P<0.01)was de-layed,and serum TSLP levels(P<0.05,P<0.01)were decreased.Furthermore,there was a slight positive correlation between chan-ges in tumor size and changes in TSLP(P<0.05).In terms of improving tumor size,the curative effect of Jiawei Yupingfeng San group was better than that of Yupingfeng San group(P<0.05).During the treatment period,no obvious adverse reactions were observed in the 3 groups of patients.CONCLUSION Combined with conventional treatment,Jiawei Yupingfeng San can significantly delay tumor growth in patients with advanced liver cancer of qi deficiency and toxic stasis type and improve patients'TCM syndromes and their qual-ity of survival.The therapeutic mechanism is related to reducing the expression of serum TSLP and improving the immune status of pa-tients,thereby delaying the growth of tumors.