ObjectiveTo investigate the functional role and underlying molecular mechanisms of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase （FAH） in the progression of glioblastoma （GBM）. MethodsDifferential expression analysis was performed on the TCGA-GBM， GSE4290， and GSE116520 datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis （WGCNA） was used to identify key modules， and Cox regression and risk modeling were used to screen prognostic genes. Immune infiltration analysis of prognostic genes was carried out by using single-cell RNA sequencing panels. The clinical expression signature of FAH in GBM was analyzed in the TCGA and HPA databases. The functional role of FAH was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments， and pathway analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. ResultsA total of 152 overlapping genes were identified across the three GBM datasets （P<0.05）. WGCNA revealed that the turquoise module was most strongly associated with tumor purity， stromal score， immune score， and ESTIMATE score （P<0.001）. Compared with normal tissues， three prognostic genes （CTSD， FAH， and THBD） were upregulated in GBM and correlated with immune infiltration （P<0.05）. FAH mRNA and protein levels were elevated in GBM tissues relative to normal tissues， and its expression was significantly associated with age stratification and TP53 mutation （P<0.05）. CCK-8 assay results showed that， compared with the shNC group， the proliferative activity of GBM cells in the shFAH group was reduced （P<0.001）. Transwell migration and invasion assays demonstrated that， relative to the shNC group， the numbers of migrated and invaded cells in the shFAH group decreased （P<0.05）. Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of PI3K， p-AKT， and p-mTOR in the shFAH group decreased compared with those in the shNC group （P<0.05）. In vivo subcutaneous xenograft experiments further confirmed that tumor volume and weight significantly decreased in the shFAH group compared with the shNC group （P<0.001）. ConclusionFAH promotes GBM progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Objective:To investigate the role of RNA m6A methylation in mediating cerebellar dysplasia through analyzing the phenotypes of the mouse cerebella and the expression of several key m6A regulators upon hypobaric hypoxia treatment.Methods:Five-day old C57/BL6 mice were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 9 days. The status of mouse cerebellar development was analyzed by comparing the body weights, brain weights and histological features. Immunostaining of cell-type-specific markers was performed to analyze the cerebellar morphology. Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of key m6A regulators in the mouse cerebella.Results:Compared with the control, the body weights, brain weights and cerebellar volumes of hypobaric hypoxic mice were significantly reduced ( P<0.01). The expression of specific markers in different cells, including NeuN (mature neuron), Calbindin-D28K (Purkinje cell) and GFAP (astrocyte), was decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mouse cerebella ( P<0.01), accompanied with disorganized cellular structure. The expression of methyltransferase METTL3 was significantly down-regulated in the cerebella of hypobaric hypoxic mice ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypobaric hypoxia stimulation causes mouse cerebellar dysplasia, with structural abnormalities in mature granular neurons, Purkinje cells and astrocytes. Expression of METTL3 is decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mice cerebellum compared with that of normobaric normoxic mice, suggesting that its mediated RNA m6A methylation may play an important role in hypobaric hypoxia-induced mouse cerebellar dysplasia.

Objective:To analyse the differences of related genes between serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) positive gastric cancer and AFP negative gastric cancer, and the relationship between related genes and prognosis of serum AFP positive gastric cancer.Methods:A total of 1 144 gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery at the 940th Hospital , Joint Logistic Support Force, People's Liberation Army from Jan 2013 to Dec 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 47 cases were of AFP positive gastric cancer, and 47 serum AFP negative case were obtained by proper matching method.Results:Forty-seven patients with serum AFP positive gastric cancer, accounting for 4.1% of all gastric cancer patients during the same period. The prognosis of serum AFP negative gastric cancer is better than that of serum AFP positive gastric cancer. The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 95.6% vs. 63.8%, 48.9% vs. 23.4% and 26.7% vs. 14.9%, respectively. There were statistical differences in the immunohistochemistry of AFP, HER2, VEGF, GPC3, SALL4, P53 and Ki67 between the two groups ( χ2=67.758, P<0.001; χ2=4.004, P=0.044; χ2=19.299, P<0.001; χ2=5.232, P=0.022; χ2=6.359, P=0.012; χ2=6.224, P=0.013; χ2=5.232, P=0.022). The more co-positive expressions of AFP, GPC3, VEGF and SALL4, the more likely they were to affect pTNM stage, vascular invasion and liver metastasis ( χ2=5.328, P=0.021; P=0.013; χ2=5.887, P=0.015; χ2=3.923, P=0.048). Univariate and multivariate survival analysis of serum AFP positive gastric cancer showed:AFP, GPC3, VEGF and SALL4 were risk factors for AFP positive gastric cancer ( HR=3.700, P=0.036; HR=4.237, P=0.003; HR=3.916, P=0.004; HR=3.412, P=0.001). Conclusions:Serum AFP positive gastric cancer is a rare and highly invasive special type of gastric cancer. AFP, GPC3, VEGF and SALL4 are overexpressed in serum AFP positive gastric cancer, which is correlated with tumor stage, vascular invasion and liver metastasis. The final diagnosis of serum AFP positive gastric cancer still needs immunohistochemical examination. Preoperative serum AFP level is an important basis for AFP positive gastric cancer screening and AFP immunohistochemical examination.

Objective To explore the CRP harmonization by calibration using commutable trueness verification materials. Methods High and low level of CRP concentrations trueness verification materials(H and L) were prepared by Beijing center for clinical laboratories. Thesetrueness verification materials were diluted to 5 calibration points(5L, 4L+1H, 3L+2H, 1L+4H, 5H) by weighing method, respectively. These 5 points were used to calibrate four different brands of CRP detection system (Diasys, Leadman, Siemens and Roche) instead of the original procedure. Sera from 21 patients and the international standard ERM DA-474/IFCC were used to compare harmonization and trueness after calibration. Each sample above was measured twice. Results After calibration, the median of CV was reduced from 19.33％ to 2.92％ among 21 patient samples, less than the optimal CV based on biological variability (CV=10.6％). Compared with Desai, the slopes were closer to 1 from 0.90-1.09 to 0.93-0.96 after calibration. Meanwhile, if ERM-DA474/IFCC was used as the trueness verification materials, the absolute bias wasreduced from 3.08-11.07 mg/L to 0.52-2.97 mg/L which was close to theuncertainty of itself (2.5 mg/L). Conclusions Afterthe calibration which contained five linear concentration points of CRP trueness verification materials by weighing method, both harmonization and trueness of CRP were improved.

Objective To prepare the trueness verification materials of C-reactive protein (CRP) and evaluate its homogeneity, stability and commutability. Methods The high and low CRP concentrations trueness verification materials were from patient leftover sera which were pooled, mixed thoroughly, filtered and aliquoted. The homogeneity, stability and commutability of these materials were evaluated according to CNAS(China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment, CNAS)-GL29:2010 "Reference materials-General and statistical principles for certification (ISO Guide35:2006)"and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP30A. The trueness verification materials were used to evaluate the commutability in 10 clinical CRP detection systems, using forty-five patients' leftover sera with different CRP concentration evaluated by Deming regression in EP30A of CLSI. Meanwhile, the commutability of dilution series of ERM DA-474/IFCC were evaluated using the same method. Results A total of two CRP concentration level trueness verification materials were prepared, with high and low concentration levels of 754 and 743 vials, 1 ml each, respectively. The preparation showed good homogeneity (F

Objective To value C-reactive protein ( CRP ) trueness verification materials and to perform the CRP trueness verification program in Beijing .Methods The CRP value of trueness verification materials were assigned by the international reference material ERM DA-474/IFCC, using 10 clinical routine detection systems at departments of clinical laboratory of Beijing Chaoyang and Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University .The calibration curves with 4 ERM DA-474/IFCC dilutions were established and used for value transfer for trueness verification materials of two levels .The uncertainty was also assessed during the process.Then, the trueness verification was performed in the EQA at Beijing Center for Clinical Laboratories ( BCCL ) among 42 clinical laboratories.The samples were distributed according to BCCL standard operating procedure .The Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS 17.0 were used to process the results and the function of efficiency ( En) was calculated to verify the difference between the value and the overall mean of all participating laboratories .Results The values and uncertainties of two trueness verification materials of CRP were (109.9 ±9.4) mg/L and (27.1 ±2.4) mg/L respectively.The results of trial application of two level trueness verification materials in the EQA at Beijing Center for Clinical Laboratories (BCCL) were satisfied.There were no significant difference between the transfer values from our study and the values from means of all laboratories in Beijing .The function of efficiency ( En ) was less than 1.Conclusions The valueswhich were established by using multiple detection platforms for CRP trueness verification materialswere accurate and the uncertainties were small .This method is a preferably method for CRP value assignment because there was no suitable reference method for CRP measurement till now .Thematerialswere suitable for the trueness verification program for clinical laboratories in Beijing .

Objective To explore the efficacy of ganoderma lucidum preparation(Ling Zhi) in treating APP/PS-1 transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods APP/PS-1 transgenic mice of 4 months were randomly divided into model group,ganoderma lucidum treatment groups,including high [2250 mg/(kg·d)] and middle [750 mg/(kg·d)] dose groups,i.e.LZ-H and LZ-M groups,and the positive control group(treated with donepezil hydrochloride [2 mg/(kg·d)]).In addition,C57BL/6J wild mice were selected as normal group.The animals were administered for 4 months.Histopathological examinations including hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining,immunohistochemistry,special staining,and electron microscopy were applied,and then the pathological morphology and structures in different groups were compared. Results The senile plaques and neurofibrillar tangles in the cerebrum and cerebellum were dissolved or disappeared in LZ-H and LZ-M groups.Decrease of amyloid angiopathy was found in LZ-H and LZ-M groups.The immature neurons appeared more in hippocampus and dentate nucleus of LZ-H and LZ-M groups than those in AD model and donepezil hydrochloride groups(hippcampus:F=1.738,P=0.016;dentate nucleus:F=1.924,P=0.026),and these immature neurons differentiated to be neurons.More Purkinje cells loss occurred in AD model mice than that in LZ-H and LZ-M groups(F=9.46,P=0.007;F=9.46,P=0.010).The LZ-H and LZ-M groups had more new neuron stem cells grown up in cerebellum.Electromicroscopic examination showed the hippocampal neurons in LZ-H and LZ-M group were integrated,the nuclear membrane was intact,and the mitochondria in the cytoplasm,endoplasmic reticulum,Golgi bodies,microtubules,and synapses were also complete.The microglial cell showed no abnormality.No toxicity appeared in the pathological specimens of mice treated with ganoderma lucidum preparation.Conclusion The ganoderma lucidum preparation can dissolve and decline or dismiss the senile plaques and neurofibrillar tangles in the brain of AD mice and also reduce the amyloid angiopathy.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum preparation on the behaviors,biochemistry,and autoimmunity parameters of mouse models of APP/PS-1 double transgenic Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods A total of 44 4-month-old APP/PS-1 double transgenic AD mice were randomly divided into AD model group,Aricept group,Ganoderma lucidum middle-dose(LZ-M)group,and Ganoderma lucidum high-dose(LZ-H)group,with 11 mice in each group.In addition,10 4-month-old C57BL/6 mice were used as the control group.Water maze test was conducted to observe the behavior changes,and the protein expressions in brain tissues were detected by Western blot analysis.The autoimmune indicators were detected by indirect immunofluorescence method.Results In the navigation experiment,the time of finding the platform was gradually shortened since the 2day in the control,LZ-H,and LZ-M groups,and the time of searching the platform in the AD model group gradually increased.On the 5day,the time of finding platform was significantly shorter in control group (t=5.607,P=0.000) and LZ-H group(t=2.750,P=0.010)than AD model group.In the space exploration experiment,the number of crossing the target platform(t=2.452,P=0.025)and the residence time in the target quadrant(t=2.530,P=0.020)in AD model group mice was significantly smaller/shorter than those in control group;in addition,the number of crossing the target platform in the AD model group was significantly smaller than that in LZ-H group(t=2.317,P=0.030)and LZ-M group(t=2.443,P=0.030),while the residence time in target quadrant decreased significantly(t=2.770,P=0.020)compared with LZ-H group;the number of crossing through the target platform quadrant(t=2.493,P=0.022)and residence time in the target quadrant(t=2.683,P=0.015)in LZ-H group were significantly higher than in Aricept group.Western blot analysis showed that the expression of ApoA1 in the brain tissues of mice in LZ-H and LZ-M groups were significantly higher than those in AD model group(P<0.01,P<0.05);Aβ-40 expression in LZ-H group was significantly lower than that in AD model group(P<0.05);the expressions of Syt1,ApoE,and ABCA1 in brain tissues of mice in LZ-H group were significantly higher than those in model group(P<0.01,P<0.05).The plasma IgG level in Aricept group(t=30.945,P=0.000),LZ-M group(t=25.639,P=0.000)and LZ-H group(t=4.689,P=0.001)were significantly higher than that in the control group.Conclusion Ganoderma lucidum preparation can improve behavior disorders of AD model mice,promote the expressions of ApoA1,ApoE and Syt1,inhibit the expression of Aβ-40 protein,and improve the autoimmune function.

Objective To prepare the frozen human serum pools for AFP reference materials through quantity value transmission from several analysis systems . Methods Method establishment. According to the requirement of preparation for the national standard materials , the studies of homogeneity and stability of frozen human serum pools for AFP reference materials were carried out .The commutability of prepared AFP reference materials and WHO AFP 72/225 reference material were assessed .By use of four automated chemiluminescence analysis systems , the prepared reference materials and different dilutions of WHO reference material 72/225 were tested in the same run.The values of prepared AFP reference materials were assigned by comparing these results and the uncertainty was evaluated .Results The three levels of AFP reference materials were tested to be homogeneous .The long term stability had been observed at -80℃for 14 months.The different dilutions of WHO AFP 72/225 reference material and three levels of prepared reference materials were commutable with patient serum samples among the four analysis systems .Through multiple system quantity value transmission and total uncertainty evaluation , the assigned values ( IU/ml) of three levels of AFP reference materials were 23.0 ±3.0, 93.2 ±7.2, ( 26.1 ±2.4 ) ×102 respectively.Conclusions The three levels of AFP reference materials were homogeneous and stable in accordance with requirement of preparation for national standard materials .The assigned values were reliable.The materials showed accepted commutability across 4 analytical systems.These materials had been approved as the national certified reference materials .These reference materials could be applied for the calibration or calibration verification of clinical analytical systems and the external quality assessment schemes for clinical laboratories.

BACKGROUND:Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and polypropylenecarbonate (PPC) are new medical materials developed in recent years, characterized as good biocompatibility, biodegradability and the low price. OBJECTIVE:To prepare the PBS/PPC biofilm by electrostatic spinning method and evaluate its physical and chemical properties, degradation performance and effect on cel proliferationin vitro. METHODS:The PBS/PPC biofilm was prepared using electrostatic spinning method: 0.9 g PBS and 0.9 g PPC were dissolved in 10 mL of trichloromethane at room temperature and stirred magneticaly until they were fulydissolved. Then, the spinning solution was added into a spinning tube with a distance of about 15 cm and at a voltage of 18 kV. The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The intensity, contact angle and water absorption, pH value and weight loss in the process ofin vitro degradation were measured. MG63 cels were co-cultured with the biofilm for 7 days and cel proliferation was detected by cel counting kit-8. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The PBS/PPC biofilm showed a porous structure with interconnected pores. The fiber diameter was about 0.88 μm, the average aperture was about 5.68 μm, the porosity was 78.3%, the fracture intensity was 2.31 MPa, the elongation rate at break was 23.48%, the average value of contact angle was 87°, and the water absorption rate was 68.54%. During the biofilm degradation, the pH value decreased gradualy andreduced to 6.76 at 12 weeks; meanwhile, the biofilm degraded equaly and gradualy, and the weight loss rate was 6.04% at the end of the 12th week. The results of cel counting kit-8 showed that the PBS/PPC biofilm could promote cel proliferation. Overal, the PBS/PPC biofilm has good physical and chemical properties, good space-making feature, wettability and degradability, which can provide sufficient time for bone tissue regeneration.