OBJECTIVES: Lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is closely associated with tumor recurrence and patient survival. However, current technologies have limited sensitivity in detecting occult cervical lymph node metastases. Identifying accurate molecular markers for predicting PTC metastasis holds significant clinical value. This study aims to analyze WNT10A expression in PTC and its clinical significance, and to explore the role of WNT10A gene knockdown in PTC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. METHODS: The expression of WNT10A in thyroid carcinoma was analyzed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and University of Alabama at Birminghara Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN) databases. Real-time RT-PCR was used to measure WNT10A mRNA levels in tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 32 PTC patients. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on 158 PTC specimens to assess WNT10A protein expression and its correlation with clinicopathological features. In vitro experiments were performed using K1 and TPC-1 cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed using the Celigo system and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays; apoptosis was measured via flow cytometry; invasion and metastasis were evaluated using scratch and Transwell assays. A xenograft model was established in nude mice to observe tumor growth, and tumor weight and volume were compared between cell lines. Differentially expressed genes regulated by WNT10A were identified via mRNA sequencing, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to validate the effects of WNT10A on key downstream mRNA and protein in the Tec kinase signaling pathway. RESULTS: WNT10A mRNA expression was significantly higher in thyroid cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues according to GEPIA and UALCAN (both P<0.01). The real-time RT-PCR result showed that WNT10A mRNA expression in PTC tissues was high than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly higher WNT10A protein expression in PTC tissues compared to adjacent tissues (P<0.01), and its expression correlated with multifocality, extrathyroidal invasion, and lymph node metastasis. WNT10A knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation, altered cell cycle distribution, and increased apoptosis in K1 and TPC-1 cells (all P<0.01). WNT10A silencing also reduced migration and invasion abilities in both cell lines. In vivo, WNT10A knockdown in TPC-1 cells suppressed tumor formation in nude mice. GO analysis and IPA suggested that the Tec kinase signaling pathway was a key downstream target of WNT10A. RT-PCR and Western blotting confirmed that WNT10A knockdown downregulated the expression of key genes (STAT3, MAPK8, TNFRSF21, and AKT2) in this pathway. CONCLUSIONS WNT10A is highly expressed in PTC and is associated with tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Its tumor-promoting effects may be mediated through suppression of the Tec kinase signaling pathway.
Humans ; Cell Proliferation ; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/pathology* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Animals ; Wnt Proteins/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Male ; Mice, Nude ; Apoptosis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Cell Movement ; Adult

Objective To investigate the value of des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin(DCP)in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 179 HCC patients who were admitted to The First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2020 to July 2021,and 207 healthy controls were enrolled as normal group.Magnetic particle chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure the serological levels of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and DCP.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted for each indicator measured alone or in combination,and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was calculated to investigate the value of DCP combined with AFP versus AFP alone in the diagnosis of HCC and the diagnostic efficacy of DCP in AFP-negative patients.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups;the ROC curve was used to evaluate diagnostic efficiency;the Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of tumor markers with the pathological features of HCC.Results The patients with HCC had significantly higher serum levels of AFP and DCP than the normal group(Z=-9.562 and-11.678,P＜0.05),and combined measurement of DCP and AFP had a better value than AFP measured alone(Z=5.309,P＜0.01).DCP had certain capability in the diagnosis of AFP-negative HCC patients,with an AUC of 0.789(P＜0.000 1),a sensitivity of 61.64%,and a specificity of 86.47%.Serum DCP level was positively correlated with tumor size(r=0.546,P＜0.001),TNM stage(r=0.306,P＜0.001),and microvascular invasion(r=0.358,P＜0.001)and was negatively correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation(r=-0.220,P＜0.05).Conclusions The combined measurement of AFP and DCP can improve the detection rate of HCC,and DCP can be used for supplementary screening in AFP-negative HCC patients.The expression level of DCP is correlated with the clinicopathological features of HCC,including tumor size,TNM stage,microvascular invasion,and the degree of tumor differentiation.

Objective To analyze the diagnostic utility of combining susceptibility-weighted imaging(SWI)with arterial spin labeling(ASL)in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods Fifty AIS patients who admitted to Yongchuan Hospital,Chongqing Medical University from July 2020 to July 2021 were selected.Scans were performed using a 3.0T MRI scanner,including sequences such as FLAIR,DWI,3D-TOF-MRA,3D-ASL,and SWI.The perfusion status of the infarction core,the grading of draining veins around the infarction core,compensation by collateral circulation,the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation,and prognosis were assessed.Results The grading of draining veins around the infarction core was significantly correlated with NIHSS scores(r=0.869,P＜0.05)and prognosis(r=0.825,P＜0.05).In addition,significant correlations were found between the perfusion status of the infarction core and the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation(r=0.873,P＜0.05),compensation by collateral circulation and prognosis(r=0.883,P＜0.05).Conclusion The combination of SWI and ASL provides accurate indications of the hemodynamic conditions around the infarction core in AIS patients,and it can accurately assess the prognosis of AIS patients,contributing valuable information for clinical diagnosis and the selection of treatment strategies.

Objective To explore the possible mechanism of Bushen Qiangjin capsule on synovitis and fibrosis in knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods In the animal experiment,the animal model of KOA was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection(ACLT).The rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Bushen Qiangjin capsule group and celecoxib capsule group.The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 in serum of rats in each group were detected by ELISA,and the histopathological changes of synovium of rats in each group were observed by HE and Sirius red staining.Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,TGF-β and COL1A1 in synovium of rats in each group.In the cell experiment,Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)combined with Adenosine triphosphate(ATP)was used to stimulate rat-FLS to simulate OA inflammatory environment and induce pyroptosis model.The cells were treated with Bushen Qiangjin capsule or MCC950,and the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the cell culture supernatant of each group were detected by ELISA;the localization and expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and GSDMD were observed by immunofluorescence staining;and the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,TGF-β,COL1A1,PLOD2 and TIMP1 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western Blot,respectively.Results The results of animal experiment showed that compared with the model group,Bushen Qiangjin capsule could significantly reduce the score of synovial histomorphology of KOA rats(P<0.01);significantly reduce the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum of KOA rats(P<0.01);also reduce the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,TGF-β and COL1A1 protein in synovium of KOA rats(P<0.05,P<0.01).The results of cell experiment showed that compared with the model control group,Bushen Qiangjin capsule could significantly reduce the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant of cell culture(P<0.01);significantly reduce the relative fluorescence expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and GSDMD(P<0.01),and significantly reduce the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,TGF-β,COL1A1,PLOD2,TIMP1 mRNA and protein(P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Qiangjin capsule could improve KOA synovitis and fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and regulating FLS pyroptosis.

BACKGROUND:Some patients still have unsatisfactory improvement of operative limb fatigue and pain after total knee arthroplasty.Clinical findings show that Jianpi Yiqi Huoxue Formula can promote recovery after total knee arthroplasty,but the specific efficacy remains to be studied. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Jianpi Yiqi Huoxue Formula on the muscle strength and pain of the operated limb after the primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:A total of 74 patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into a trial group and a control group with 37 patients in each group.All patients received the same prostheses and surgical methods during the operation.Patients in the control group were treated with routine analgesics,anticoagulant drugs and functional exercise after the operation.The trial group received Jianpi Yiqi Huoxue Formula after the treatment in the control group.Both groups were treated continuously and followed up for 1 month.The changes in isokinetic muscle strength(peak torque and total work amount of extensor and flexor),visual analog scale score and the hospital for special surgery score of the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The trial group had better improvement in peak torque and total work amount of extensor and flexor and the hospital for special surgery score than the control group 14 days and 1 month after surgery(P<0.05).(2)In contrast to the control group,the visual analog scale score of the trial group improved better at 7 and 14 days and 1 month after surgery(P<0.05).(3)It is indicated that Jianpi Yiqi Huoxue Formula can effectively improve the muscle strength of the operated limb,enhance the degree of postoperative joint pain,and promote functional rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND:MRI is important for the diagnosis of early knee osteoarthritis.MRI image recognition and intelligent segmentation of knee osteoarthritis using deep learning method is a hot topic in image diagnosis of artificial intelligence. OBJECTIVE:Through deep learning of MRI images of knee osteoarthritis,the segmentation of femur,tibia,patella,cartilage,meniscus,ligaments,muscles and effusion of knee can be automatically divided,and then volume of knee fluid and muscle content were measured. METHODS:100 normal knee joints and 100 knee osteoarthritis patients were selected and randomly divided into training dataset(n=160),validation dataset(n=20),and test dataset(n=20)according to the ratio of 8:1:1.The Coarse-to-Fine sequential training method was used to train the 3D-UNET network deep learning model.A Coarse MRI segmentation model of the knee sagittal plane was trained first,and the rough segmentation results were used as a mask,and then the fine segmentation model was trained.The T1WI and T2WI images of the sagittal surface of the knee joint and the marking files of each structure were input,and DeepLab v3 was used to segment bone,cartilage,ligament,meniscus,muscle,and effusion of knee,and 3D reconstruction was finally displayed and automatic measurement results(muscle content and volume of knee fluid)were displayed to complete the deep learning application program.The MRI data of 26 normal subjects and 38 patients with knee osteoarthritis were screened for validation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The 26 normal subjects were selected,including 13 females and 13 males,with a mean age of(34.88±11.75)years old.The mean muscle content of the knee joint was(1 051 322.94±2 007 249.00)mL,the mean median was 631 165.21 mL,and the mean volume of effusion was(291.85±559.59)mL.The mean median was 0 mL.(2)There were 38 patients with knee osteoarthritis,including 30 females and 8 males.The mean age was(68.53±9.87)years old.The mean muscle content was(782 409.18±331 392.56)mL,the mean median was 689 105.66 mL,and the mean volume of effusion was(1 625.23±5 014.03)mL.The mean median was 178.72 mL.(3)There was no significant difference in muscle content between normal people and knee osteoarthritis patients.The volume of effusion in patients with knee osteoarthritis was higher than that in normal subjects,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).(4)It is indicated that the intelligent segmentation of MRI images by deep learning can discard the defects of manual segmentation in the past.The more accuracy evaluation of knee osteoarthritis was necessary,and the image segmentation was processed more precisely in the future to improve the accuracy of the results.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of echo intensity of ultrasound image for quality of quadriceps femoris in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsFrom March to December, 2021, 33 patients with unilateral KOA in Guangdong Provincial Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. Ultrasound was used to observe the cross sections of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL), and the images were saved. Two independent raters analyzed the average gray value of the picture with the Image J. One of the raters repeated the measurement. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated and the Bland-Altman charts were drawn. ResultsThe gray value was higher in the RF, VM and VL in the affected side than in the healthy side (t > 2.262, P < 0.05). The inter-rater reliability was excellent, with ICC 0.982 to 0.995, SEM 1.60 to 3.82, CV 1.49% to 5.90%, and MDC value 4.43 to 10.59. The test-retest reliability of the rater was excellent, with ICC 0.969 to 0.990, SEM 2.37 to 5.41, CV 2.22% to 4.84%, and MDC value 6.57 to 15.00. Bland-Altman charts analysis showed that the consistency was good. ConclusionThe quadriceps femoris muscle quality is different between the affected and the healthy sides in patients with unilateral KOA. It is reliable to evaluate muscle echo intensity by Image J.

ObjectiveTo test the inter-tester reliability and test-retest reliability of MyotonPRO for evaluating neck and shoulder muscle performance parameters in patients with unilateral chronic neck pain, observe the difference of muscle performance between the healthy and affected sides of patients with chronic neck pain, and analyze the factors that cause the imbalance of muscle performance in patients with chronic neck pain. MethodsFrom January to June, 2023, 32 patients with unilateral chronic neck pain in Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected. Two testers used the same MyotonPRO equipment to measure the muscle tone, muscle hardness and muscle elasticity on both sides of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper trapezius muscle in the relaxed position. Tester 1 repeated the measurement after an interval of 30 minutes, and Tester 2 was measured within the time interval between the two measurements of Tester 1. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of mean (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated simultaneously. The measurement results were plotted into Bland-Altman diagram and systematic bias analysis was performed. The difference in muscle characteristics between the affected side and the healthy side was compared. At the same time, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and body mass index (BMI) of the subjects were collected for correlation analysis. ResultsExcept the sternocleidomastoid muscle elasticity of the affected side (ICC = 0.697), the inter-tester reliability of all other parameters was high to very high (ICC = 0.719 to 0.952, SEM = 0.04 to 6.53, MDC = 0.12 to 18.11). The test-retest reliability of all parameters was high (ICC = 0.883 to 0.981, SEM = 0.03 to 5.72, MDC = 0.09 to 15.84). Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the scatter distribution was consistent. The muscle tone, muscle hardness and muscle elasticity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle were higher on the affected side than on the healthy side (t > 2.846, P < 0.05). The asymmetry index of tension, hardness and elasticity of upper trapezius muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle was significantly positively correlated with VAS score and BMI (r > 0.385, P < 0.05). ConclusionMyotonPRO has good inter-tester reliability and retest reliability in evaluating the muscle performance of both sides of patients with chronic neck pain. The muscle tone, muscle hardness and muscle elasticity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle on the affected side were higher than on the healthy side, and the difference of muscle performance was positively correlated with pain and BMI.

Objective:To study the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptotic protein and myocardial pathological changes in rats after endostar combined with low-dose X-ray irradiation.Methods:Forty SD rats were evenly divided into four groups: control group (intraperitoneal injection of equal volume physiological saline, once per day, 14 d), endostar group (intraperitoneal injection of endostar 6 mg/kg, once per day, 14 d), irradiation group (15 Gy divided into 3 times X-ray irradiation) and combination group (intraperitoneal injection of endostar after irradiation at the same dose and time as the endostar group). At 1 and 6 months after treatment, myocardial tissues of rats were prepared for HE staining and Masson staining to observe the myocardial histological changes. TUNEL assay was used to detect myocardial cell apoptosis, and ImageJ software was utilized to calculate myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF). The expression levels of ERS and apoptotic protein glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinases (PERK), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and cysteine-containing aspartate-specific protease-12 (Caspase-12) were detected by Western blot. One-way ANOVA was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software, and comparison between two groups was conducted using t-test. Results:At 6 months after treatment, the myocardial interstitium in the irradiation and combination groups was widened, showing strip-like or reticular fibrosis changes, and the myocardial interstitium had diffuse collagen fiber deposition. Compared with the control group, CVF was increased significantly (both P<0.01). At 1 and 6 months after treatment, the apoptotic index of myocardial cells in the combination group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05, <0.001). At 1 and 6 months after treatment, the expression levels of GRP78 protein in the irradiation and combination groups were increased (all P<0.01), and the expression levels of PERK and CHOP proteins in the combination group were increased compared to those in the control group (both P<0.05). At 6 months after treatment, the expression levels of PERK and CHOP proteins in the irradiation group were increased compared to those in the control group (both P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Caspase-12 expression levels at 1 and 6 months after treatment were increased in the endostar, irradiation and combination groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The expression levels of ERS and apoptotic proteins are related to cardiac injury caused by irradiation in rats. After low-dose X-ray combined with endostar treatment, ERS is aggravated and myocardial apoptosis is increased.

【Objective】 To observe the effect of glutaraldehyde polymerized bovine hemoglobin injection (code: HSRP1) oxygen-carrying fluid on early perfusion of severe hemorrhagic anemia in rabbits. 【Methods】 The rabbit model of controlled severe hemorrhagic anemia was established. Twelve modeled rabbits were divided into glutaraldehyde polymerized bovine hemoglobin injection (code: HSRP1) group and sodium lactate ringer′s injection (LR) group, with 6 rabbits in each group(half male and half female). HSPR1 group and LR group were treated with HSRP1 and LR, respectively. The survival rate of experimental rabbits was observed, and the indexes of hemodynamics, venous blood gas, plasma hemoglobin, base surplus, lactic acid and bicarbonate were measured before and after blood loss, as well as each point within 24 h after infusion. 【Results】 The survival rate of HSRP1 group was significantly different from that of LR group (P<0.05); After exsanguination, the mean arterial pressure of each group was significantly different from that before exsanguination (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between HSPR1 group and LR group after infusion; In the second stage of perfusion, the blood lactate concentration and base excess in the HSRP1 group were significantly different from those in the LR group at each time point (P<0.05), at 2 h after perfusion, the respiratory rate started to differ significantly from that of the LR group (P<0.05), heart rate was significantly different from LR group at 4 h after perfusion(P<0.05); There were no significant differences between HSRP1 group and LR group in plasma venous oxygen partial pressure, venous oxygen saturation and plasma hemoglobin at all time points. 【Conclusion】 HSPR1 is used for severe traumatic hemorrhagic shock in rabbits, and can improve the survival rate of experimental rabbits by providing oxygen to hypoxic tissues and correcting anaerobic metabolism. As a new oxygen-carrying fluid, HSPR1 can correct the oxygen supply balance of patients with severe hemorrhagicanemia in early stage.