The changes of microRNA expression in rat hippocampus after traumatic brain injury (TBI) were explored. Adult SD rats received a single controlled cortical impact injury, and the ipsilateral hippocampus was harvested for the subsequent microarray assay at three time points after TBI: 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day, respectively. We characterized the microRNA expression profile in rat hippocampus using the microRNA microarray analysis, and further verified microarray results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 using quantitative real-time PCR. Totally 205 microRNAs were identified and up-/down-regulated more than 1.5 times. There were significant changes in 17 microRNAs at all three time points post-TBI. The quantitative real-time PCR results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 indicated good consistency with the results of the microarray method. MicroRNAs altered at different time points post-TBI. MiR-142-3p and miR-221 may be used as potentially biological markers for TBI assessment in forensic practice.

Objective To investigate the application and advantages of alternative vascular hemihepatic occlusion in anatomic mesohepatectomy.MethodsThe clinical data of 57 patients with liver cancer who underwent operation in hepatobiliary surgery of Fuzhou general hospital from January 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the surgery method, the patients were divided into observation group and control group, 34 cases in observation group were performed anatomic mesohepatectomy with alternative hemihepatic occlusion, 23 cases in control group were treated with non-anatomical liver lobectomy.The clinical effect of two groups were compared.Results The observation group was significantly better than the control group in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs, ALB at 1, 3, 5 days after surgery, ALT and AST at 1, 3, 5, 7 days after surgery, the differences were significant (P＜0.05).There was no perioperative deaths in the two groups.ConclusionApplied alternative hemihepatic vascular occlusion in anatomic mesohepatectomy can achieve good short-term curative effect and high safety.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and technical strategies of hand-assisted laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (HAL-CME) and to compare oncological outcomes between HAL-CME and the open approach (O-CME) for right colon cancers. METHODS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo a right hemicolectomy were divided into HAL-CME and O-CME groups. Measured outcomes included demographic variables, perioperative parameters, and follow-up data. Demographic variables included age, sex distribution, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, previous abdominal surgery, tumor localization, and potential comorbidities. Perioperative parameters included incision length, operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, postoperative pain score, postoperative first passage of flatus, duration of hospital stay, total cost, number of lymph nodes retrieved, TNM classification, and postoperative complications. Follow-up data included follow-up time, use of chemotherapy, local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and short-term survival rate. RESULTS: In total, 150 patients (HAL-CME, 78; O-CME, 72) were included. The groups were similar in age, sex distribution, BMI, ASA classification, history of previous abdominal surgeries, tumor localization, and potential comorbidities. Patients in the HAL-CME group had shorter incision lengths, longer operative times, less operative blood loss, lower pain scores, earlier first passage of flatus, shorter hospital stay, higher total costs, similar numbers of lymph nodes retrieved, similar TNM classifications, and a comparable incidence of postoperative complications. The 2 groups were also similar in local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and short-term survival rate. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the HAL-CME procedure is a safe, valid, and feasible surgical method for right hemicolon cancers.
Body Mass Index ; Classification ; Colectomy ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Comorbidity ; Drug Therapy ; Flatulence ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand-Assisted Laparoscopy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Mesocolon ; Methods ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Operative Time ; Pain, Postoperative ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrence ; Sex Distribution ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVESTo study the inhibitory effects of mouse telomerase RNA (mTR) antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASODN) on telomerase activity in rat spermatogonia.

METHODS9-mer phosphorothioate mTR-ASODN was encapsulated by Lipofect AMINE 2000 (LF 2000) and transfected to type A spermatogonia in Snrague Dawley (SD) rat. Telomerase activity was detected by aid of TRAP-SYBR-Green staining and Bioluminescence technique in type A spermatogonia treated or untreated with ASODN.

RESULTSmTR-ASODN conjugated with LF 2000 could significantly inhibit telomerase activity of spermatogonia(P < 0.01). mTR mRNA level also decreased while the spermatogonia were treated with ASODN for 24 h. No change of telomerase activity and apoptosis were observed when SODN, RODN or single LF 2000 was used.

CONCLUSIONSAntisense oligodeoxynucleotide of mTR conjugated with LF 2000 could significantly inhibit telomerase activity of spermatogonia. mTR-ASODN might inhibit telomerase activity of spermatogonia at transcription level.

Animals ; Male ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; RNA ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatogonia ; cytology ; enzymology ; ultrastructure ; Telomerase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism

The changes of microRNA expression in rat hippocampus after traumatic brain injury (TBI) were explored. Adult SD rats received a single controlled cortical impact injury, and the ipsilateral hippocampus was harvested for the subsequent microarray assay at three time points after TBI: 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day, respectively. We characterized the microRNA expression profile in rat hippocampus using the microRNA microarray analysis, and further verified microarray results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 using quantitative real-time PCR. Totally 205 microRNAs were identified and up-/down-regulated more than 1.5 times. There were significant changes in 17 microRNAs at all three time points post-TBI. The quantitative real-time PCR results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 indicated good consistency with the results of the microarray method. MicroRNAs altered at different time points post-TBI. MiR-142-3p and miR-221 may be used as potentially biological markers for TBI assessment in forensic practice.
Animals ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Brain Injuries ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Forensic Genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; biosynthesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging (rFOV DWI) with multi-b values to detect functional variability in transplanted kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a 3T MRI scanner, multi-b rFOV DWI of transplanted kidney or native kidney was performed in 40 renal transplantation recipients and 18 healthy volunteers. The patients were stratified, according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Group 1, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 2, eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 3, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Total apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCT), perfusion-free ADC (ADCD) and perfusion fraction (FP) of kidneys were calculated and compared among the four groups. Correlations between the imaging results and eGFR were assessed. RESULTS: All volunteers had eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, while 16, 16, and 8 patients were included in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the renal cortex, ADCT was higher in Group 1 ([1.65 ± 0.13] × 10−3 mm2/s) than Group 3 ([1.44 ± 0.11] × 10−3 mm2/s) (p < 0.05), and the inter-group differences of FP values were significant (all p < 0.05) (0.330 ± 0.024, 0.309 ± 0.019, 0.278 ± 0.033, and 0.250 ± 0.028 for control group, Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Renal cortical ADCT, ADCD, FP, and renal medullary ADCT and FP correlated positively with eGFR (r = 0.596, 0.403, 0.711, 0.341, and 0.323, respectively; all p < 0.05). When using 0.278 as the cutoff value, renal cortical FP had a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 66.7% for predicting decreased renal function. CONCLUSION: Multi-b rFOV DWI presents transplanted kidneys with high resolution, which is a promising functional tool for non-invasively monitoring function of transplanted kidneys.
Diffusion ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Kidney* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Perfusion ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Transplantation ; Volunteers

Background/Aims: Accumulating evidence indicates that L-carnitine (LC) protects against multiorgan damage through its antioxidant properties and preservation of the mitochondria. Little information is available about the effects of LC on renal fibrosis. This study examined whether LC treatment would provide renoprotection in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent UUO were treated daily with LC for 7 or 14 days. The influence of LC on renal injury caused by UUO was evaluated by histopathology, and analysis of gene expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, programmed cell death, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT/forkhead box protein O 1a (FoxO1a) signaling. In addition, H2O2-exposed human kidney cells (HK-2) were treated with LC. Results: LC treatment inhibited expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and was followed by a significant attenuation of tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The increased oxidative stress caused by UUO was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/FoxO1a-dependent signaling, and this was abrogated by administration of LC. In H2O2-exposed HK-2 cells, LC decreased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and suppressed expression of profibrotic cytokines and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Conclusions LC protects against the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in an obstructed kidney.

Objective: To analyze the electrophysiological characteristics and the therapeutic efficacy of irrigated-tip catheter radiofrequency ablation(RFA) without radiation for pregnant women with focal atrial tachycardia(AT) originating from the right atrial appendage (RAA). Methods: Data from 55 women with focal AT, who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2016 to March 2019, were screened. 2 non-pregnant women with right atrial appendage tachycardia (RAAT) and 4 pregnant women with non-RAAT were excluded. The remaining 49 cases were divided into RAAT during pregnancy group (n=6, including 4 cases of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy) and non-pregnant and non-RAAT group (control, n=43). Under the guidance of three-dimensional mapping system, the earliest activation site was identified, RFA with the irrigated catheter without x-ray fluoroscopy was performed in RAAT patients during pregnancy, all patients in control group underwent non-zero-ray ablation. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 months post procedure, and yearly follow up thereafter in outpatient clinic. Electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring was performed during follow up. AT recurrence and surgical complications were recorded during follow up. At 6 months after RFA, echocardiography examination and laboratory examination including N-terminal B-type brain natriuretic peptide measurement were performed in the pregnant patients, delivery results were also recorded in the pregnant patients. The electrophysiological characteristics of RAAT during pregnancy were analyzed, the therapeutic efficacy of RFA was compared between the two groups. Results: This study is a retrospective study. Age ((30.7±6.2)years vs. (57.2±11.7)years), left ventricular ejection fraction ((46.0±12.8)% vs. (60.1±5.9)%), proportions of organic heart disease (0% vs. 58%) were significantly lower in the RAAT patients during pregnancy group than in control group (P<0.05), while proportions of patients with persistent tachycardia (100% vs. 7%), symptoms of chest distress and palpitation (6/6 vs. 49%) and left ventricular ejection farction≤50% (4/6 vs. 9%) were significantly higher in RAAT group than in control group (P<0.05), heart rate was similar between the two groups ((163.7±11.1)beats/minutes vs. (153.7±15.2)beats/minutes, P>0.05). The characteristic P-wave morphology was observed in RAAT patients during pregnancy, i.e, P wave was mostly upright (5/6) in inferior-leads (Ⅱ, Ⅲ, aVF) and in lead I and aVL, deep and wide negative P wave was found in V₁ lead (5/6), and gradually became positive from V₂-V₆. The mean tachycardia cycle length was (361.7±38.5) ms. Three-dimensional mapping showed that the origin points of the 6 RAAT pregnant patients were all scattered in the local region, the local region was ablated accordingly, 2 patients (2/6) received extensive ablation of local areas. Immediate successful rate was similar between the two groups (6/6 vs. 93%). During follow up ((15.3±4.0) months), no complications were observed after RFA, postoperative recurrence rate was similar (1/6 vs. 12%). Uncomplicated delivery was reported in all 6 pregnant RAAT post ablation. Normal cardiac structure and function was observed in the 4 pregnant patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy post ablation. Compared to pre-ablation phase, reduced left atrial dimension ((30.3±1.3) mm vs. (36.8±6.7) mm, P>0.05), increased left ventricular ejection fraction ((64.0±2.9)% vs. (39.8±10.7)%), reduced left ventricular end-diastolic dimension ((44.8±4.0) mm vs. (60.0±2.9) mm) and reduced N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide value ((136.2±47.5) ng/L vs. (3 408.4±901.3) ng/L) were observed at 6 months post ablation (P<0.05). Conclusion: The electrophysiological characteristics are suggestive for focal AT originating from RAA during pregnancy. Under the guidance of 3-dimension activation mapping, no fluoroscopic RFA with irrigated-tip catheter is a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of focal RAAT during pregnancy.
Atrial Appendage/surgery* ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke Volume ; Tachycardia ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Function, Left

Objective: To investigate the acute and long-term outcome of catheter ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled ALVC patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of VT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018 and collected their clinical characteristics and intraoperative electrophysiological examination. Patients were followed up every 6 months after radiofrequency ablation until August 2021. Echocardiographic results and VT recurrence post radiofrequency ablation were analysed. Results: Totally 12 patients were enrolled (mean age: (42±15) years, 11 males(11/12)). The mean of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were (51±5)mm and (65±5)%, respectively. Twelve VTs were induced in 10 patients during the electrophysiological study, and the mean tachycardia cycle length was (293±65) ms. Three-dimensional substrate mapping revealed the diseased area at endocardial site in one patient, at epicardial sites in the other 11 patients (involved endocardial sites in 2 cases) with the basal part near the mitral annulus being the predilection for the substrate (10/11). After the catheter ablation at the endocardial and epicardial sites respectively, the complete procedure endpoint was achieved in all patients (VT cannot be induced post ablation). The median follow-up time was 65 (25, 123) months. One patient was lost to follow-up, and the other 11 patients survived without VT. No significant cardiac function deterioration was detected by the echocardiographic examination ((51±5)mm vs. (52±5)mm, P>0.05 for LVDd, (65±5)% vs. (60±6)%, P>0.05 for LVEF) at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: After radiofrequency ablation, the complete procedure endpoint is achieved in ALVC patients, and the catheter ablation provides long-term ventricular tachycardia control during the long-term follow-up.
Adult ; Cardiomyopathies ; Catheter Ablation ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pericardium/surgery* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke Volume ; Tachycardia, Ventricular/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Function, Left