Objective To compare the efficacy of five Blastocystis staining method for staining cells with different morphologies and in different developmental stages to select appropriate staining techniques for specific scenarios and experimental purposes. Methods Blastocystis was stained using Wright-Giemsa, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Oil Red O, Nile Red, and Lugol's iodine solution respectively. The staining effects of the five method on Blastocystis were compared. Results Wright-Giemsa staining colored the cytoplasm and nucleus of Blastocystis bluish-purple, with other parts lightly stained; PAS staining rendered Blastocystis cells red; Oil Red O staining showed different structures within Blastocystis in varying intensities of orange-red; Nile Red enabled Blastocystis to fluoresce orange-yellow under a fluorescence microscope; Lugol's iodine solution stained the cytoplasm and nucleus a dark brownish-yellow. Conclusions Wright-Giemsa staining is recommended for clinical diagnosis. For metabolic studies, a combination of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Oil Red O staining is suggested; PAS + Oil Red O staining can provide comprehensive morphological evidence for cell metabolism research. Nile Red staining is recommended for dynamic observation of live Blastocystis. Lugol's iodine staining is suitable for preliminary screening of large-scale samples.

BACKGROUND:Currently,there have been studies on three-dimensional digitalization and visualization systems for adult acupoints,but there are not many reports on the visualization of pediatric acupoints based on real pediatric digital sectional anatomical datasets. OBJECTIVE:To design and develop a digital three-dimensional visualization system for children's neck acupoints,to provide a basis for acupuncture and moxibustion,meridian and acupoint science teaching,clinical practice,acupuncture manipulation practice,and acupuncture safety research,and to provide a basis for the development of children's acupoint simulation system. METHODS:Based on a real cross-sectional anatomical dataset of pre-school boys,a three-dimensional digital virtual anatomical model of the neck region of children and internal multi-organ three-dimensional reconstruction were completed using PhotoShop 2021 and Digihuman Reconstruction System software.A database of 11 acupoints was compiled,including Fengfu and Fengchi,using the Unity database language.A three-dimensional model of children's neck anatomy,acupoint database,and writing acupuncture operation codes were integrated in Unity3D software.A three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints was successfully created,which integrated simulation acupoint positioning,three-dimensional acupoint anatomy,acupuncture training,clinical teaching,and acupuncture safety research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This study was based on real child specimens.Manual layer by layer segmentation of cross-sectional images was used to ensure the accuracy of the three-dimensional model to the greatest extent possible.The 3D software Digihuman Reconstruction System was utilized to extract and save independent segmentation data.PhotoShop 2021 software was collaborated with to complete dozens of three-dimensional reconstruction anatomical models of the outer skin of the neck and its internal bone structure,cervical spinal cord,blood vessels and nerves,muscles,and ligaments in children.The basic morphology and overall contour integrity verification of each independent structure were completed in MeshLab software.The 3-material research 13.0 software was applied for final fine tuning and anatomical position confirmation,successfully simulating and restoring the true anatomical morphology of the neck of preschool children.(2)Based on and referring to the national standards of the People's Republic of China,a database of commonly used acupoints in children's neck region was collected and organized,including their names,meridians,positioning,local anatomy,needle insertion levels,acupuncture methods,acupuncture accidents and prevention,acupoint indications,and two-dimensional anatomical sectional images.(3)Unity3D software was employed to integrate the three-dimensional model of children's neck,acupuncture simulation operation,and acupoint database,and a three-dimensional digital children's neck acupoint acupuncture visualization system was successfully constructed.The system displayed information on children's neck acupoints,two-dimensional and three-dimensional anatomical structures,and achieved two-dimensional and three-dimensional acupuncture simulation functions and acupuncture safety research functions for children's neck acupoints.Based on the ultra-thin sectional anatomical dataset of real child specimens,the first three-dimensional digital and visualization system for acupoints in the neck region of children had been constructed.Compared with previous acupoint acupuncture systems,it is more in line with the anatomical and morphological development characteristics of Asian children and has high application value in the fields of acupuncture safety research,clinical teaching,and acupuncture simulation training.

Objectives:To investigate the relationship between serum miR-550a-5p levels and spinal metas-tasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 175 patients with NSCLC who received treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College between May 2021 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of whole body bone imaging,70 patients with spinal metastasis were enrolled into the metastasis group,and 104 patients without spinal metastasis were enrolled into the none-metastasis group.There were no statistically significant differences in gender,age,smoking,hypertension,thrombosis,and tumor location between the two groups(P＞0.05).The pathological type,clinical stage,lymph node metastasis,and tumor diameter of the patients were collected and compared between the two groups.qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of serum miR-550a-5p,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b(TRACP-5b)and type Ⅰ collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide(ICTP)levels.The differences in serum levels of TRACP-5b,ICTP,and miR-550a-5p were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was adopted to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-550a-5p,TRACP-5b,and ICTP alone and in combination for spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients.Results:Compared with the none-metastasis group,serum TRACP-5b,ICTP,and miR-550a-5p levels were significantly higher in patients in the metastasis group(P＜0.05).The miR-550a-5p level was significantly higher in patients with tumor diameter≥5cm,lung adenocarcinoma,stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,and lymph node metastasis than in patients with tumor diameter＜5cm,squamous carcinoma,stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ,and no lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).Elevated serum miR-550a-5p,lung adenocarcinoma,stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,and lymph node metastasis were the independent risk factors for the development of spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients(P＜0.05).The AUC of miR-550a-5p for diagnosing spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients was 0.851,and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.29％and 85.58％,respectively,at the optimal cut-off value of 0.20.The diagnostic efficacy of serum miR-550a-5p for diagnosing spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients was significantly better than that of TRACP-5b(Z=2.309,P=0.023)and ICTP(Z=1.852,P=0.049).The AUC of miR-550a-5p,TRACP-5b,and ICTP combination for the diagnosis of spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients was 0.931,and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.57％and 87.50％,respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of the three-marker combination was significantly better than that of the two-marker combination of TRACP-5b and ICTP(Z=2.205,P=0.027).Conclusions:Elevated level of serum miR-550a-5p is associated with spinal metastasis,which can be used as a molecular marker for predicting spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients,moreover,its combination use with bone metabolism-related tumor markers,the ICTP and TRACP-5b,can improve diagnostic efficacy.

Objectives:To investigate the relationship between serum miR-550a-5p levels and spinal metas-tasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 175 patients with NSCLC who received treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College between May 2021 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of whole body bone imaging,70 patients with spinal metastasis were enrolled into the metastasis group,and 104 patients without spinal metastasis were enrolled into the none-metastasis group.There were no statistically significant differences in gender,age,smoking,hypertension,thrombosis,and tumor location between the two groups(P＞0.05).The pathological type,clinical stage,lymph node metastasis,and tumor diameter of the patients were collected and compared between the two groups.qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of serum miR-550a-5p,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b(TRACP-5b)and type Ⅰ collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide(ICTP)levels.The differences in serum levels of TRACP-5b,ICTP,and miR-550a-5p were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was adopted to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-550a-5p,TRACP-5b,and ICTP alone and in combination for spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients.Results:Compared with the none-metastasis group,serum TRACP-5b,ICTP,and miR-550a-5p levels were significantly higher in patients in the metastasis group(P＜0.05).The miR-550a-5p level was significantly higher in patients with tumor diameter≥5cm,lung adenocarcinoma,stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,and lymph node metastasis than in patients with tumor diameter＜5cm,squamous carcinoma,stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ,and no lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).Elevated serum miR-550a-5p,lung adenocarcinoma,stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ,and lymph node metastasis were the independent risk factors for the development of spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients(P＜0.05).The AUC of miR-550a-5p for diagnosing spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients was 0.851,and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.29％and 85.58％,respectively,at the optimal cut-off value of 0.20.The diagnostic efficacy of serum miR-550a-5p for diagnosing spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients was significantly better than that of TRACP-5b(Z=2.309,P=0.023)and ICTP(Z=1.852,P=0.049).The AUC of miR-550a-5p,TRACP-5b,and ICTP combination for the diagnosis of spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients was 0.931,and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.57％and 87.50％,respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of the three-marker combination was significantly better than that of the two-marker combination of TRACP-5b and ICTP(Z=2.205,P=0.027).Conclusions:Elevated level of serum miR-550a-5p is associated with spinal metastasis,which can be used as a molecular marker for predicting spinal metastasis in NSCLC patients,moreover,its combination use with bone metabolism-related tumor markers,the ICTP and TRACP-5b,can improve diagnostic efficacy.

ObjectiveGlutathione (γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH) is the most abundant non-protein compound containing sulfhydryl (―SH) groups in cells. It serves as a source of reducing equivalents, effectively neutralizing harmful reactive substances, and playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular redox balance. Therefore, sensitive detection and accurate measurement of GSH levels in tissues are of great importance. In this work, we presents a novel method for GSH detection utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. MethodsInitially, ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate acid)) solution was mixed with K₂S₂O₈ solution and reacted in the dark for 12 to 16 h to prepare ABTS·⁺ solution, which was then quantified using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Subsequently, the concentration of glutathione (GSH) was determined based on the changes in the EPR signal of ABTS·⁺. On this basis, the optimal reaction time and temperature were explored to establish a standard equation correlating the EPR signal intensity of ABTS·⁺ with GSH concentration. Finally, the derived standard curve was employed to quantitatively analyze the GSH concentration in whole blood from C57BL/6J mice, and the results were compared with those reported in the literature to verify the accuracy of the method. ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that this method has a linear detection range from50 nmol/L to 15 μmol/L for GSH, spanning two orders of magnitude, with a limit of detection (LOD) at0.50 nmol/L. The measured GSH content in mouse whole blood is (10 660±706) nmol/g Hb, which agrees with the value of (11 200±237) nmol/g Hb as previously reported. Furthermore, a similar method was developed for detection of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) at higher reaction temperature. ConclusionThis article presents a novel assay for the rapid detection of GSH using the intensity of EPR signal from ABTS·⁺ as indicator. This method demonstrates enhanced detection sensitivity and a broader linear range compared to conventional colorimetric methods. Furthermore, we have extended the application of this method to detect GSH content in blood samples efficiently and accurately, offering valuable information for assessing tissue redox balance, thus holding significant potentials.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) jointly generate chemo-resistance in epithelial-ovarian cancer and their effect on prognosis. Methods: A total of 119 patients with high-grade ovarian serous cancer who received surgery in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from September 2009 to October 2017 were collected. The clinico-pathological data and follow-up data were complete. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Ovarian cancer tissue chips of patients in our hospital were prepared. EnVision two-step method immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression levels of STAT3, the specific markers of CAF activation, fibroblast activating protein (FAP), and type Ⅰ collagen (COL1A1) secreted by CAF. The relationship between the expression of STAT3, FAP, COL1A1 protein and drug resistance and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients was analyzed, and the correlation between the expression of three proteins was analyzed. These results were verified through the gene expression and prognostic information of human ovarian cancer tissues collected in the GSE26712 dataset of gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Results: (1) Multivariate Cox regression model analysis showed that chemotherapy resistance was an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) of ovarian cancer (P<0.001). (2) The expression levels of STAT3, FAP, and COL1A1 proteins in chemotherapy resistant patients were significantly higher than those in chemotherapy sensitive patients (all P<0.05). Patients with high expression of STAT3, FAP, and COL1A1 had significantly shorter OS than those with low expression (all P<0.05). According to the human ovarian cancer GSE26712 dataset of GEO database, patients with high expression of STAT3, FAP, and COL1A1 also showed shorter OS than patients with low expression (all P<0.05), the verification results were consistent with the detection results of ovarian cancer patients in our hospital. (3) Correlation analysis showed that the protein level of STAT3 was positively correlated with FAP and COL1A1 in our hospital's ovarian cancer tissue chips (r=0.47, P<0.001; r=0.30, P=0.006), the analysis of GEO database GSE26712 dataset showed that the expression of STAT3 gene and FAP, COL1A1 gene were also significantly positively correlated (r=0.31, P<0.001; r=0.52, P<0.001). Conclusion: STAT3 and CAF could promote chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer and lead to poor prognosis.
Female ; Humans ; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial ; Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology* ; Prognosis ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm

Robotics ; Robotic Surgical Procedures ; Kidney Transplantation

Objective:To explore the value of layer-specific strain technique in evaluating the changes of left ventricular myocardial systolic function in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).Methods:From January 2019 to March 2022, 90 AS patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital were selected, including 30 mild AS patients, 30 moderate AS patients, and 30 severe AS patients. In addition, 30 health examinees in the same period were selected as the control group. The normal echocardiographic parameters of the control group and the AS groups with different degrees were compared. The global systolic peak longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) of the left ventricular three-layer myocardium were measured by the layer-specific strain technique, and the correlation between the strain parameters and the peak systolic velocity (Vmax) of the aortic valve was analyzed.Results:The levels of interventricular septal depth (IVSD), left ventricular posterior wall depth (LVPWD), mean pressure gradient (MPG), and Vmax in mild, moderate and severe AS group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05); the GLS of each layer of left ventricle in mild, moderate and severe AS group was lower than those in control group (all P<0.05); the GCS of each layer of left ventricle in moderate and severe AS group was lower than those in control group (all P<0.05). The GLS of left ventricular endocardium in moderate AS group was lower than those in mild AS group (all P<0.05); the GLS and GCS of left ventricular layers in severe AS group were lower than those in mild and moderate AS group (all P<0.05). In AS group, GLS and GCS in endocardium, middle layer and epicardium were negatively correlated with Vmax ( r=-0.716, -0.660, -0.669, P<0.001; r=-0.669, -0.686, -0.598, P<0.001). Conclusions:The layer-specific strain can reflect the changes of left ventricular myocardial function in patients with AS, and has certain application value.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, morphological characteristics, immunophenotype, and differential diagnosis of goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) in the digestive system. Methods: The clinicopathological data, morphological characteristics, immunophenotypes of 22 cases of GCA in the digestive system diagnosed from January 2010 to January 2021 were collected. Meanwhile, 25 cases of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) and 24 cases of adenocarcinoma were used as controls. Relevant literature was also reviewed. Results: There were 16 males and 6 females, aged from 36 to 79 years with an average of 56 years. The anatomical sites of the 22 GCA were mostly appendix (17 cases) and occasionally extra-appendix (5 cases), including 3 cases in stomach, 1 case in duodenum and 1 case in anal. All 17 cases of appendiceal GCA were pure GCA. Among the 5 cases of extra-appendiceal GCA, One case of gastric GCA was pure, two cases of gastric GCA with NEN or adenocarcinoma, duodenal GCA with NEN and adenocarcinoma, anal GCA with NEN.Low-grade GCAs were composed of goblet, Paneth and neuroendocrine cells, which were arranged in intestinal crypt tubular or cluster structures and distributed in the wall of digestive system. The tubular and cluster structures lacked adhesion. Goblet cells were columnar, located in the base, with clear cytoplasm, small nuclei, inconspicuous atypia, and uncommon mitoses. Extracellular mucus and signet-ring cells with nuclear variations could be seen in some cases. Nerve fiber bundle invasion and tumor thrombus in vessels were often present. High-grade GCAs lacked tubular and cluster structures, and their histological structures were more complex. Tumor cells expressed mixed neuroendocrine and glandular epithelial markers. Similar to the expression patterns of synaptophysin and chromogranin A, CD200 and INSM1 were also dot-like or patch-positive in GCA. Conclusions: GCA is an infrequent tumor of the digestive system and shows the bi-directional differentiation characteristics of neuroendocrine and glandular epithelium. Accurate diagnosis and staging are related to its prognosis.
Adenocarcinoma/pathology* ; Appendiceal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Carcinoid Tumor/surgery* ; Chromogranin A ; Female ; Goblet Cells/pathology* ; Humans ; Male ; Neuroendocrine Tumors/pathology* ; Repressor Proteins ; Synaptophysin

Objective:To compare the efficacy between acupuncture and acupuncture with infrared thermography-guided Chinese massage (Tuina) in treatment of children with Bell′s palsy (BP).Methods:Seventy two children with BP admitted to the Rehabilitation Department of Beijing Children′s Hospital from October 2019 to April 2020 were randomly assigned into two groups: 35 cases were treated with acupuncture alone (acupuncture group) and 37 cases received acupuncture combined with Tuina for treatment (combination group). In combination group, the temperature of forehead, cheek and mandible areas was examined by infrared thermography before each course. Compared healthy side if the temperature on the affected side was lower, higher or the same, rubbing method, tapping method and one-finger meditation push method of Tuina was applied, afterwards the acupuncture treatment was given as in the acupuncture group. Patients in both groups were treated once a day with 5 days for a course and a total of 3 courses. The patients were assessed with House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function evaluation scale and Portmann simple score scale before and after each course of treatment.Results:The H-B classification of the two groups of children at the end of the third course of treatment was significantly better than that before treatment (χ2=31.01, 56.41; P<0.01). There was no significant difference in H-B grading between the two groups before treatment, after the first and second course (χ2=0.58, 8.49, 6.79; P>0.05). After the third course of treatment, the H-B grading assessment of the combination group was significant better than that of the acupuncture group (χ2=10.03, P<0.05). The Portmann scores of the two groups were improved after each course of treatment ( F=9.68, 22.54; P<0.01); however, the facial nerve function of combination group was improved more significantly than that of acupuncture group [(13.97±4.58) vs.(10.97±5.40), t=2.55, P=0.01]. The total effective rate of combination group was higher than that of acupuncture group [51.35% (19/37) vs. 20.00% (7/35), χ2=6.79, P<0.05]. There was a significant difference in the application frequency of three Tuina methods among the forehead, cheek and mandibular areas in the first course and the third course (χ2=21.23, 13.33; P<0.05). In the same area (forehead, cheek and mandible) there was a significant difference in the application frequency of three massage techniques among the three courses of treatment (χ2=31.26, 21.35, P<0.01). Conclusion:With the guidance of infrared thermal imaging, individualized Chinese massage (Tuina) combined with acupuncture treatment is more effective in treatment of children with Bell′s palsy than using acupuncture alone.