Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas(PPGLs)cause symptoms by altering the circulation levels of catecholamines and peptide hormones.Currently,the diagnosis of PPGLs relies on diagnostic imaging and the detection of catecholamines.In this study,we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(Q-TOF MS)analysis to identify and measure the perioperative differential metabolites in the plasma of adrenal pheochromocytoma patients.We identified differentially expressed genes by comparing the transcriptomic data of pheochromocytoma with the normal adrenal medulla.Through conducting two steps of metabolomics analysis,we identified 111 differential metabolites between the healthy group and the patient group,among which 53 metabolites were validated.By integrating the information of differential metabolites and differentially expressed genes,we inferred that the cysteine-methionine,pyrimidine,and tyrosine metabolism pathways were the three main metabolic pathways altered by the neoplasm.The analysis of transcription levels revealed that the tyrosine and cysteine-methionine metabolism pathways were downregulated in pheochromocytoma,whereas the pyrimidine pathway showed no significant difference.Finally,we developed an optimized diagnostic model of two metabolites,L-dihydroorotic acid and vanylglycol.Our results for these metabolites suggest that they may serve as potential clinical biomarkers and can be used to supplement and improve the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

Objective    To investigate the short-term therapeutic effect of neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in the locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods    The clinical data of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant treatment in Gaozhou People's Hospital from August 2019 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different treatments, the patients were divided into two groups: a neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy group (NIC group) and a neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group (NC group). The baseline data, incidence of adverse events during treatment, perioperative indicators, postoperative pathological remission rate and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results    Totally 33 patients were enrolled, including 15 males and 18 females, with an average age of 62.37±7.99 years. There were 17 patients in the NIC group and 16 patients in the NC group. In the NIC group, the carcinoma was mainly located in the middle and lower esophagus, with 5 paitents in stage Ⅱ, 9 patients in stage Ⅲ, and 3 patients in stage Ⅳa. In the NC group, the carcinoma was mainly located in the upper-middle esophagus, with 1 patient in stage Ⅱ and 15 patients in stage Ⅲ. During the neoadjuvant treatment, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of bone marrow suppression or gastrointestinal reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). There were 4 immune-related rashes in the NIC group and 1 esophageal perforation in the NC group. Fourteen (82.35%) patients in the NIC group and 12 (75.00%) patients in the NC group completed the operation on schedule. The postoperative ICU stay time and chest tube indwelling time in the NIC group were shorter than those in the NC group (P<0.05). There were 5 patients of complete remission in the NIC group, and 6 patients in the NC group. There was no significant difference in the pathological regression grade or residual tumor cells between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic fistula, thoracic gastric fistula, bronchial mediastinal fistula, abdominal distension, pulmonary infection, stroke, or hoarseness during the perioperative period between the two groups of patients who completed the operation (P>0.05). In the NC group, 2 patients died during the perioperative period because of thoracic gastric fistula complicated by severe infection. Conclusion    Neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy dose not significantly increase the occurrence of adverse events and shows a good rate of pathological remission, which indicates that the neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is a safe, feasible and potential new treatment model.

Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSFs) refer to twelve RNA-binding proteins which regulate splice site recognition and spliceosome assembly during precursor messenger RNA splicing. SRSFs also participate in other RNA metabolic events, such as transcription, translation and nonsense-mediated decay, during their shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm, making them indispensable for genome diversity and cellular activity. Of note, aberrant SRSF expression and/or mutations elicit fallacies in gene splicing, leading to the generation of pathogenic gene and protein isoforms, which highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting SRSF to treat diseases. In this review, we updated current understanding of SRSF structures and functions in RNA metabolism. Next, we analyzed SRSF-induced aberrant gene expression and their pathogenic outcomes in cancers and non-tumor diseases. The development of some well-characterized SRSF inhibitors was discussed in detail. We hope this review will contribute to future studies of SRSF functions and drug development targeting SRSFs.

【Objective】 To explore the expressions of adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 （AEBP1） gene and its isoforms in different types of gliomas， and the influence of AEBP1 gene on the prognosis of patients with different types of gliomas. 【Methods】 We used the GEPIA2 visual network analysis tool to analyze AEBP1 gene expression levels in the tumor tissues of glioblastomas （GBM， including classical， mesenchymal， neural， and proneural ones） and low-grade gliomas （LGG， including astrocytoma， oligoastrocytoma， oligodendroglioma） in the TCGA database and normal human tissue samples in the TCGA and GTEx databases by one-way ANOVA. The distribution trend of isoforms of AEBP1 gene in gliomas was analyzed using the violin plot. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn and the Logrank test was used to analyze the influence of AEBP1 gene expression in GBM and LGG tumor tissues on the prognosis of glioma patients. 【Results】 The expression of AEBP1 in the tumor tissues of overall GBM and the four types of GBM was higher than that in the normal control tissues （P<0.05）. The expression of AEBP1 in astrocytoma and oligodendrocyte astrocytoma tumor tissues was higher than that in normal control tissues （P<0.05）. There were nine isoforms of AEBP1 gene in GBM and LGG， and the expression level in GBM was higher. The overall survival （OS） of the AEBP1 low expression group of GBM patients and the proneuronal GBM patients was better than that of the high expression group （P<0.05）. The OS and progression-free survival of LGG patients and the AEBP1 low-expression group of astroglioma were better than those of the high-expression group （P<0.05）. 【Conclusion】 AEBP1 has an important clinical value in the pathogenesis and development of GBM and LGG， and thus can be used as a diagnostic marker and a candidate gene for targeted therapy.

Multiple plant lineages have independently evolved sex chromosomes and variable kary-otypes to maintain their sessile lifestyles through constant biological innovation.Morus notabilis,a dioecious mulberry species,has the fewest chromosomes among Morus spp.,but the genetic basis of sex determination and karyotype evolution in this species has not been identified.In this study,three high-quality genome assemblies were generated for Morus spp.[including dioecious M.notabilis(male and female)and Morus yunnanensis(female)]with genome sizes of 301-329 Mb and were grouped into six pseudochromosomes.Using a combination of genomic approaches,we found that the putative ancestral karyotype of Morus species was close to 14 protochromosomes,and that sev-eral chromosome fusion events resulted in descending dysploidy(2n=2x=12).We also charac-terized a～6.2-Mb sex-determining region on chromosome 3.Four potential male-specific genes,a partially duplicated DNA helicase gene(named MSDH)and three Ty3_Gypsy long terminal repeat retrotransposons(named MSTG1/2/3),were identified in the Y-linked area and considered to be strong candidate genes for sex determination or differentiation.Population genomic analysis showed that Guangdong accessions in China were genetically similar to Japanese accessions of mul-berry.In addition,genomic areas containing selective sweeps that distinguish domesticated mul-berry from wild populations in terms of flowering and disease resistance were identified.Our study provides an important genetic resource for sex identification research and molecular breeding in mulberry.

Objective: To discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and therapy of sphenoid wing dysplasia(SWD) associated with neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ(NF-Ⅰ). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed its clinical manifestations, imaging, surgical treatment, complications and postoperative outcome of one NF-Ⅰ patient with SWD. Results: A 14 years-old girl presented with pulsating exophthalmos, loss of vision and café au lait spots. Radiological studies showed right-side orbital enlargement and complete absence of the greater wing of the sphenoid. Titanium mesh was tailored intraoperatively to close the defect as a barrier between the orbital cavity and the cranium and then covered by periosteum.The patient developed postoperative infectious which was controlled by after antibiotic treatment and proper drainage. Proptosis improved significantly after surgery within a month. Ocular pulsation subsided and clinical symptoms improved at 28-month follow-up. Conclusions Sphenoid greater wing dysplasia associated with neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ is a rare inherited autosomal dominant disorders. The treatment should be customized to each patient. Titanium mesh reconstruction is patients with symptomatic sphenoid dysplasia. It can correct the proptosis and pulsating exophthalmos without the risk of bone resorption and recurrence.However, high risk of infection is associated with the procedure.

Objective To observe the effect of Shenfuqing injection combined with glucocorticoidonthe treatment of septic shock.Methods 93 cases from October 2013 to June 2015 were randomly divided into the observation group(47 cases) and the control group(46 cases).On the basis of anti infection, the observation group were given Shenfu injection combined with green glucocorticoid, and the control group were given glucocorticoid.Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE-II score), down calcium original (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and effect in the two groups were followed-up and compared.Results APACHE-II score, PCT respectivelywere(41.69±6.25)points and (3.01±0.73)ng/mL, which were lower than (52.19±7.06) points and (4.52±1.04)ng/mL in the control group, and the difference is significant (P<0.05).hs-CRP and IL-10 were(16.38±2.45)mg/L and (26.08±3.34)pg/mL in the observation group, which were lower than (21.69±3.02)mg/L and (32.18±4.17)pg/mL in the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.05).IL-1 and IL-6 were (6.49±2.00)ng/Land (15.62±5.67)pg/mL in the observation group, which were lower than (10.45±2.26)ng/L and (26.19±7.02) pg/mLin the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.05).The total effective rate was 74.47%, which was significantly lower than 52.17% in the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.05).Conclusion It which Shenfuqing injection combined with glucocorticoid was use in the treatment of septic shock can significantly reduce the inflammatory factors, relieve symptoms.

Objective To investigate the effect of supernatant from carcinoembryonic antigen -related cell adhesion molecule 1(CEACAM1)gene RNAi glioma SHG44 cells on human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro .Methods Three pairs of specific siRNA targeting CEACAM 1 were de-signed and synthesized , and then transiently transfected into SHG 44 cells via cathodolyte liposome transfection method.The supernatant from cultured glioma SHG 44 cells was collected as the conditional medium 48 h after transfection.RT-PCR was used to detect CEACAM1 and VEGF expression at mRNA level after CEACAM1 gene RNAi.The expression of VEGF in supernatant was measured by ELISA .The proliferation of HUVEC was assessed by MTT method after co-cultured with supernatant .The migration of HUVEC was examined by using a Transwell assay.The ability of angiogenesis was measured by capillary -like network formation assay .Results Forty -eight hours after the 3 pairs of specific CEACAM1 siRNA were transfected into SHG44 cells,RT-PCR results showed that the expression of CEACAM 1 mRNA was significantly inhibited compared with those in the normal control and the negative control groups (P<0.01).The most significant interference effect was CEACAM 1-siR-NA3.Expression of VEGF mRNA was remarkably reduced ,and expression of VEGF protein in the supernatant was also reduced after transfection of CEACAM 1-siRNA for 48 h.The proliferation of HUVEC was inhibited , HUVEC migration and tube capillary -like formation were decreased .Conclusion CEACAM1-siRNA can ef-fectively suppress the expression of CEACAM 1 mRNA in human glioma SHG44 cells,may inhibit HUVEC prolif-eration,migration and tube capillary -like formation via down -regulated the secretion of VEGF in vitro .

Objective To evaluate the liver damage induced by chemotherapy in patients with cancer and positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers.Methods From January 2005 to January 2012,913 cancer patients were treated by chemotherapy including HBV-positive patients (HBV-positive group,288 cases) and HBV-negative patients (HBV-negative group,625 cases).The changes of hepatic function after chemotherapy between two groups were compared.Results The incidence of hepatic toxicity in HBV-positive group was higher than that in HBV-negative group [24.0％ (69/288) vs.11.4％ (71/625)],and there was significant difference between two groups (P＜ 0.01).The incidence of degree 11Ⅲ-Ⅳ hepatic toxicity was 11.4％ (14/123) in HBV-DNA-positive patients and 0.6％ (4/625) in HBV-negative group.In a variety of chemotherapy,there was significant difference in the incidence of hepatic toxicity in TP(paclitaxel +cisplatin),CAF(cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + fluorouracil),CHOP(cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin +vincristine + prednisone) between two groups (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of hepatic toxicity was highest in TP,which was 34.6％ (18/52) in HBV-positive group and 16.5％ (20/121) in HBV-negative group.Conclusion HBV infection is associated with higher risk of hepatic toxicity in patients with cancer during chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the glycolytic phenotype of SHG44 human glioma cells under hypoxic conditions and the association between cell proliferation and apoptosis and the metabolic status.

METHODSAn in vitro hypoxic cell model was established in SHG44 cells using CoCl2. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to assess the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the enzymes involved in glycolysis including PDK1, PKM2, and LDHA. Intracellular ATP levels were measured by bioluminescence assay to assess the energy metabolic status of SHG44 cells. The viability and apoptosis of the cells were examined using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTSThe cells in hypoxic culture showed obviously increased expressions of HIF-1α, LDHA, PDK1, and PKM2 at both the mRNA and protein levels as compared to those in normal cell culture. Hypoxia of the cells also resulted in a lowered cell proliferative activity and an increased apoptosis rate with lowered intracellular ATP concentrations and elevated mitochondrial membrane potential.

CONCLUSIONHypoxia can induce a glycolytic phenotype of tumor cells. The sensitivity of tumor cells to hypoxia-induced cell death is directly correlated with their metabolic status.

Adenosine Triphosphate ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; Carrier Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glycolysis ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Thyroid Hormones ; metabolism