OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism mediating the regulatory effect of miR-155-5p on proliferation of human submandibular gland epithelial cells (HSGECs) in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-155-5p and the PI3K/AKT pathway. In a HSGEC model of pSS induced by simulation with TRAIL and INF-γ, the effects of miR-155-inhibitor-NC or miR-155 inhibitor on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation were evaluated using CKK8 assay, flow cytometry and colony formation assay. ELISA and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and miR-155-5p mRNA in the cells; Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RESULTS: Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-155-5p targets the PI3K/AKT pathway via PIK3R1 mRNA. The HSGEC model of pSS showed significantly decreased cell viability, cell clone formation ability and expressions IL-10 and IL-4 and increased cell apoptosis, cell percentage in G2 phase, expressions of TNF‑α, IL-6, miR-155-5p and PIK3R1 mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-Akt/AKT ratio, and PIK3R1 protein expression. Treatment of the cell models with miR-155 inhibitor significantly increased the cell viability, G1 phase cell percentage, colony formation ability, and expressions of IL-10 and IL-4 levels, and obviously reduced cell apoptosis rate, G2 phase cell percentage, expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, miR-155-5p and PIK3R1 mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and PIK3R1 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS In HSGEC model of pSS, inhibition of miR-155-5p can promote cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis by targeting PI3K1 mRNA to negatively regulate the overexpression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Signal Transduction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Sjogren's Syndrome/pathology* ; Epithelial Cells/cytology* ; Submandibular Gland/cytology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase ; Cells, Cultured

Objective To observe CT and MRI manifestations of lipofibromatosis(LPF)in children.Methods Data of 16 children with LPF confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed,and CT and MRI manifestations of lesions were observed.Results Among 16 cases,lesions with clear boundary were found in 4 cases but with unclear boundary in 12 cases,shaped regularly in 6 cases but irregularly in 10 cases,with incomplete capsule in 2 cases but without capsule in 14 cases.Fat predominant type lesions were detected in 6 cases,mainly characterized by scattered fibrous bands in the center or cloud like soft tissue density/signal on one side of lesion,without obvious boundary.Fibrous dominant type lesions were noticed in 8 cases,mainly present as loose morphology,multiple fibrous bands extending to surrounding area,with scattered cystic fat density/signal within the lesion.Balanced type LPF lesion was observed in 2 cases,mainly manifestated as regular shape mixed density/signal lesion with clear boundary.Among 12 cases who underwent enhanced scanning,mild progressive enhancement in the non-fat area were observed in 7 cases,obvious peripheral enhancement but not obvious central enhancement was found in 2 case,obvious homogeneous enhancement was noticed in 1 case,while no obvious enhancement was found in 2 cases.No obvious calcification,cystic changes nor bone destruction was detected.Conclusion CT and MRI manifestations of LPF included subcutaneous fat containing density/signal,often composed mainly of adipocytes or fibrous components,with mild progressive enhancement or significant enhancement,without obvious capsule,calcification,cystic changes nor bone destruction.

Objective To analyze the clinical and MRI images of testicular teratoma in children and to compare with pathological results.Methods The clinical and MRI data of 12 children with testicular teratoma confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospec-tively.Results Of the 12 cases,6 cases were on the left testicle and 6 cases were on the right testicle.The clinical manifestations were all painless testicle enlargement.Of these,6 cases were accompanied by a slight increase of neuron-specific enolase,3 cases had increased alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),10 cases were mature teratoma,and 2 cases were immature teratoma.MRI findings showed that the lesions in 6 cases were cystic,with long T1 and T2 signals as the main signals,no reduction in lipid pressure image signals,no enhance-ment on the enhanced scan,and low signal on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI).The other 6 cases were cystic-solid lesions,mainly with mixed T1 and T2 signals,and showed uneven high signal on DWI.The cystic components were not enhanced on the enhanced scan,and the solid components were mildly to significantly enhanced.Among them,3 cases were accompanied by irregular flaky short T1 and long T2 signals,decreased lipid pressure image signals,1 case was accompanied by speckle long T1 and short T2 signals.And the envelope intact in all 12 cases.Conclusion The MRI findings of testicular teratoma in children are mostly cystic lesions,with few signs of fat and calcification,and no obvious invasion of peripheral structures.AFP examination is helpful for diagnosis.

Objective:To evaluate the influence of a moisturizer containing oat kernel oil for xeroderma and water content of the stratum corneum in children.Methods:From September to December 2022, 30 children with xeroderma were treated in the Dermatology Department of Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing; 13 were males and 17 were females, and the age was 7.33±2.63 years. This was a single-center self-controlled trial. All children applied the moisturizer on the dry skin of the bilateral limbs two time per day for 14 days, and were followed up at 7 days and 14 days. Efficacy was evaluated according to the water content of the stratum corneum, visual scale, xerosis severity scale (XSS), Specified Symptom Sum Score (SRRC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and so on. and side-reactions were recorded.Results:After application of the moisturizer, the median of water content in the stratum corneum was 49.00 (33.83, 87.25), 48.84 (32.58, 100.34) at 7 d and 14 d respectively, showing significant increases compared with that at baseline (median 26.51 (16.00, 47.75) ( Z=-3.075, Z=-2.911, P<0.01). The visual scale, XSS, SRRC and VAS showed that compared with the baseline at 7 d, 14 d, the skin dryness and pruritus scores improved significantly ( Z=-4.424, -4.150, -3.943, -4.400; Z=-4.744, -4.409, -4.260, -4.409, P<0.01). Conclusions:The application of this moisturizer containing oat kernel oil could effectively improve skin dryness and the water content of the stratum corneum without serious adverse reactions.

Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is an irreversible lung disease that is characterized by excessive scar tissue with a poor median survival rate of 2-3 years.The inhibition of transforming growth factor-β receptor type-Ⅰ(TGF-β RI)by an appropriate drug may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of this disease.Polygonum cuspidatum(PC)is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine which has an anti-PF effect.Accordingly,a combination of high resolution mass spectrometry with an in silico strategy was developed as a new method to search for potential chemical ingredients of PC that target the TGF-β RI.Based on this strategy,a total of 24 ingredients were identified.Then,absorption,distribution,meta-bolism,and excretion(ADME)-related properties were subsequently predicted to exclude compounds with potentially undesirable pharmacokinetics behaviour.Molecular docking studies on TGF-β RI were adopted to discover new PF inhibitors.Eventually,a compound that exists in PC known as resveratrol was proven to have excellent biological activity on TGF-β RI,with an ICso of 2.211 μM in vitro.Furthermore,the complex formed through molecular docking was tested via molecular dynamics simulations,which revealed that resveratrol had strong interactions with residues of TGF-β RI.This study revealed that resveratrol has significant potential as a treatment for PF due to its ability to target TGF-β RI.In addition,this research demonstrated the exploration of natural products with excellent biological activities toward specific targets via high resolution mass spectrometry in combination with in silico technology is a promising strategy for the discovery of novel drugs.

Objective:To investigate the difference of radiofrequency ablation combined with ethanol ablation and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of benign cystic solid thyroid nodule.Methods:A total of 80 patients who visited the Thyroid Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to July 2018 were selected. All selected patients are required to meet the following criteria: (1)Color doppler ultrasonography of the neck revealed a cystic solid thyroid nodule greater than 20 mm in diameter. (2) The results of fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules were benign. (3)The patients is to undergo radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodule. According to the condition and patients′ wishes, radiofrequency ablation (Group A, n=40) and combined ethanol and radiofrequency ablation(Group B, n=40) were performed respectively to observe the changes of nodule volume and maximum diameter at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.The difference of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation energy, postoperative complications and patient satisfaction at 12 months after operation were also observed. The respective clinical effects of the two groups and the difference of curative effects between the two groups were analyzed. Two-factor repeated measurement analysis of variance or independent sample t test was used to compare the measurement data in line with normal distribution between groups. Friedman′s rank sum test was used for comparison of measurement data groups that did not conform to normal distribution, and Bonferroni correction was used for pairwise comparison. Chi-square test was used to compare the counting data between groups. Results:On the 12th months after operation, the volume reduction of of nodules in group B was greater than that of group A, and the difference was statistically significant[(7.0±5.1) mL vs (5.5±4.9) mL, P<0.05]. The maximum diameter reduction of nodules in group B was greater than that of group A and the difference was statistically significant [(1.5±0.6) cm vs (1.4±0.8) cm, P<0.05]. During the period of 6 to 12 months after operation, the trend of nodular shrinkage in group B was more obvious than that in group A ( P<0.05). The radiofrequency ablation energy of group was lower than that of group A, and the difference was statistically significant [(2.37±1.18) kJ vs (3.89±1.17) kJ, P<0.05]. Voice reduction occurred in 2 cases and recovered within 2 weeks.Local bleeding occurred in 1 case during the operation, which was stopped after ablation. There was no statistical significance in the satisfaction of patients in group A and group B (87.5% vs 90%, P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared with radiofrequency ablation, radiofrequency ablation combined with ethanol ablation for benign cystic solid thyroid nodules can achieve better nodule reduction effect and reduce the ablation energy.

Objective:To summarize the ultrasound features of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and analyze its diagnosis value for MTC.Methods:91 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (103 nodules) in Department of Thyroid Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Apr. 2013 to Nov. 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 36 males and 55 females. Preoperative ultrasound features and serum calcitonin levels were recorded. SPSS 22.0 was used and the measurement data of normal distribution was expressed as ± s, and the enumeration data was described by ratio or rate. The comparison between groups was performed by single factor ANOVA and rank sum test. Results:83.5% (86/103) of the MTC nodules were located in the middle and upper thyroid gland. Hypoechoic accounted for 78.6% (80/103) . 81.6% (84/103) of them had calcification and 74.8% (77/103) of these nodules had abundant blood flow signals (color Doppler flow imaging, CDFI Ⅱ-Ⅲ) . 91.3% (94/103) of them had aspect ratio less than 1, 87.4% (90/103) were solid and 35.0% (36/103) had comet tail sign. The positive rate of preoperative serum calcitonin was 86.8% (79/91) . There were significant differences in shape ( P=0.001) , margin ( P=0.012) , cystic ( P=0.004) , comet-tail ( P<0.001) , lymph node ( P<0.001) and color Doppler flow imaging ( P=0.001) through comparing MTC nodules in different TI-RADS grades. Conclusions:MTC can behave as single, solid, hypoechoic, large round nodule located in the middle or upper thyroid gland, with thick calcification and abundant blood flow signals in ultrasound. The surrounding area may be accompanied with comet tail sign, and the probability of lymph node metastasis is high. The suspicious nodules screened by ultrasound can be further diagnosed by serum calcitonin.

OBJECTIVE: To detect variant of TRNT1 gene in a child featuring sideroblastic anemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fever and developmental delay (SIFD). METHODS: The proband and his parents were analyzed through trio-whole exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were carried out to verify the candidate variant sites associated with the clinical phenotype. RESULTS: Genetic testing showed that the proband has carried compound heterozygous variants of the TRNT1 gene, namely c.88A>G(p.Met30Val) and c.363G>T(p.Glu121Asp). Sanger sequencing confirmed that the variants were respectively inherited from his father and mother. The variants were unreported previously. By bioinformatic analysis, both variants were predicted to affect the stability of binding of the TRNT1 protein with tRNA. Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics standards and guidelines, c.88A>G and c.363G>T variants of TRNT1 gene were predicted to be uncertain significance (PM2+PP3+PP4) and likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2+PP3+PP4), respectively. CONCLUSION The c.88A>G (p.Met30Val) and c.363G>T(p.Glu121Asp) compound heterozygous variants of the TRNT1 gene probably underlay the disease in this patient. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of TRNT1 gene variants.
Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Nucleotidyltransferases

Objective To explore the value of MRI in prenatal diagnosis of fetal esophageal atresia and to provide assistance for prenatal counseling.Methods A retrospective analysis of fetal MRI data of 1 1 cases due to ultrasound findings of hydramnios,small gastric vacuoles or unclear findings,and 22 to 3 5 gestational weeks was performed.MRI sequences included singleGshot fast spin echo (SShFSE),sequence and balanced fast field echo (BFFE),freedom cervical and thoracic cross,sagittal and coronal sectional scans, especially sagittal scans were used to observe fetal esophagus and trachea.Results In 1 1 cases prenatal ultrasound showed that the gastric cavities were small in 6 cases,not seen in 3 cases,and normal in 2 cases;5 cases of amniotic fluid increased,and 6 cases were normal;2 cases were diagnosed as susepected esophageal atersia by ultrasound.Eight patients were diagnosed as fetal esophageal atresia by MRI;one case was missed;two patients underwent MRI to show normal esophageal.9 cases of fetus were diagnosed as esophageal atresia by autopsy or postnatal examination.The MRI findings of fetal esophageal atresia showed that the upper esophagus was expanded in 6 cases,the esophagus was never showed in 3 cases,of which 1 case was missed by MRI,with the esophagus not shown,normal size of stomach bubble and normal amount of amniotic fluid.Among 11 cases,combined with cardiac macrovascular malformation in 4 cases;bilateral kidney volume decreased in 1 case;ventricular dilated in 3 cases;and single umbilical artery in 1 case.6 patients underwent induction of labor during followGup;4 patients were born successfully,including 2 patients undergoing surgery;2 patients with normal esophagus;and 1 patient with 40 weeks of fetal death.The accuracy of MRI in diagnosis of esophageal atresia was 88.9%.Conclusion Using repeated scanning of SShFSE and dynamic BFFE sequence,we can accurately observe fetal esophageal track.Fetal MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of fetal esophageal atresia,which can be used as a complement of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis method.

Objective To investigate the effect of donepezil on subventricular zone ( SVZ) neuro-genesis related neurotrophic factors after cerebral infarction. Methods Mice were randomly assigned into three groups: vehicle-treated sham group (Sham+vehicle,n=18),vehicle-treated middle cerebral artery oc-clusion (MCAO) group (MCAO + vehicle,n=30) and donepezil-treated MCAO group (MCAO+donepezil, n=30). Middle cerebral artery occlusion( MCAO) was induced by thread-occlusion method. Nissl staining was used to measure the infarct volume and the modified neurological severity score(mNSS) was used to as-sess neurologic function and brain water content was detected to assess brain edema degree. Proliferative cells and neuroblasts were labeled with 5-bromodeoxyuridine ( BrdU) and doublecortin ( DCX). The SVZ BrdU+/DCX+cells were detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of glial cell line-derived neurotro-phic factor (GDNF),brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were detec-ted by Western blot. Results The infarct volume of MCAO + donepezil group ((13. 33±4. 55)%) was sig-nificantly lower than that of MCAO + vehicle group ((31. 33±3. 93)%,t=7. 34,P<0. 05). The neurologic deficits were significantly ameliorated after donepezil treatment,and the brain water content of MCAO + done-pezil group ((71. 82±10. 18)%)was significantly less than that of MCAO + vehicle group ((85. 93± 7. 54)%,F=13. 480,P<0. 05). All differences were statistically significant (P<0. 05). The area of BrdU+/DCX+cells within SVZ of MCAO + vehicle group ((6. 16±1. 79)%) was significantly larger than that of sham + vehicle group ((2. 25±1. 09)%),and was fewer than that of MCAO+donepezil group ((16. 19± 2. 16)%,F=102. 756,P<0. 05). MCAO significantly promoted the expression of GDNF,BDNF and NGF within SVZ compared with sham operation,and donepezil increased these protein levels(F=15. 114,27. 121, 27. 398,P<0. 05). Conclusion Donepezil regulates neurogenesis via increasesing the expression of GDNF, BDNF and NGF within SVZ after cerebral infarction.