Objective: To investigate the expression and functional role of FK506 binding protein 10 (FKBP10) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to provide a research basis for the estimated prognosis and targeted therapy of OSCC. Methods: A total of 284 OSCC samples and 19 normal samples were selected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and diagnostic analysis was performed to determine mRNA expression. Survival analysis for FKBP10 and OSCC was conducted on a gene expression profile interaction analysis website. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of FKBP10 in four OSCC cell lines and SAS and SCC9 cells transfected with siRNA. The cell proliferation ability of FKBP10-silenced cells was detected using the CCK8 method, and the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion ability were detected through wound healing and invasion experiments. The expression changes of total protein and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-serine/threonine kinase (AKT) after FKBP10 silencing were analyzed by proteomics and Western Blot. Results: According to the analysis of gene expression levels, the mRNA expression level of FKBP10 in OSCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.001). In terms of diagnosis, the expression level of FKBP10 has unique diagnostic value for OSCC (P < 0.05). The survival analysis of FKBP10 and OSCC showed that a high expression of FKBP10 led to a decrease in patient survival and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). The expression of FKBP10 mRNA and protein in OSCC cell lines was higher than that in normal oral keratinocytes (P < 0.001). Silencing FKBP10 can reduce the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of SAS and SCC9 (P < 0.001), and also block their cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.001), with a significant increase in apoptosis (P < 0.05). Protein mass spectrometry and Western blot analysis revealed that FKBP10 silencing significantly downregulated the expression of multiple proteins in the RAP1 signaling pathway, mainly RAP guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (RAPGEF1) (P < 0.05) and the phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT proteins (P < 0.05). Conclusion FKBP10 is highly expressed in OSCC, leading to poor prognosis for patients. Downregulated FKBP10 expression can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of OSCC cells, hinder cell cycle progression, and promote apoptosis via the RAP1-PI3K-AKT axis. FKBP10 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for OSCC.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of combined platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and arterial supercharging technique on the survival rate and functional restoration of cross-body region skin flaps in rabbits. METHODS: Twelve healthy 6-month-old New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to 4 groups ( n=3): sham group, PRP group, anastomosis group, and combined treatment group. An axial skin flap with an area of 12 cm×6 cm on the inner side of the hind limbs of all animals were prepared, with the saphenous artery as the main blood supply. Following the ligation of both the proximal and distal ends of the saphenous artery across all groups, the sham group received no further intervention, the PRP group was subjected to PRP injection, the anastomosis group underwent in situ end-to-end anastomosis of the distal saphenous artery, and the combined treatment group received both in situ distal saphenous artery anastomosis and PRP administration. Flap survival was evaluated and recorded on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, with survival rates calculated accordingly. On day 7, flap tissue samples were harvested for HE staining to assess basal tissue morphology. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining was conducted to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD31 in the flap tissues. RESULTS: At postoperative day 1, no significant difference in flap survival rates were observed among the 4 groups ( P>0.05). At day 3, the PRP group showed no significant difference compared to the sham group ( P>0.05); however, both the anastomosis and combined treatment groups exhibited significantly higher survival rates than the sham group ( P<0.05), the combined treatment group further demonstrated superior survival rates compared to both the PRP and anastomosis groups ( P<0.05). At day 7, the combined treatment group maintained significantly higher survival rates than all other groups ( P<0.05), while both the PRP and anastomosis groups exceeded the sham group ( P<0.05). HE staining at day 7 revealed persistent inflammatory cell infiltration, sheet-like erythrocyte deposition, and disordered collagen fibers in the sham group. The PRP group showed nascent microvessel formation and early collagen reorganization, whereas the anastomosis group displayed mature microvasculature with resolved interstitial edema. The combined treatment group exhibited differentiated microvessels with densely packed collagen bundles. Immunohistochemical analysis at day 7 demonstrated significantly larger relative area percentages of α-SMA, VEGF, and CD31 positive cells in the combined treatment group compared to all other groups ( P<0.05). Both the PRP and anastomosis groups also showed significantly higher values than the sham group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of PRP and arterial supercharging techniques significantly enhances flap healing, potentially through mechanisms involving augmented angiogenesis and improved blood supply.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; Surgical Flaps/blood supply* ; Graft Survival ; Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Ischemia/surgery* ; Arteries/surgery* ; Skin/blood supply* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Male ; Skin Transplantation/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant and osteogenic induction capabilities of calcium phosphate nanoflowers (hereinafter referred to as nanoflowers) in vitro at different concentrations. METHODS: Nanoflowers were prepared using gelatin, tripolyphosphate, and calcium chloride. Their morphology, microstructure, elemental composition and distribution, diameter, and molecular constitution were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Femurs and tibias were harvested from twelve 4-week-old Sprague Dawley rats, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and cultured using the whole bone marrow adherent method, followed by passaging. The third passage cells were identified as stem cells by flow cytometry and then co-cultured with nanoflowers at concentrations of 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8, 3.2, and 3.6 mg/mL. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to screen for the optimal concentration that demonstrated the best cell viability, which was subsequently used as the experimental concentration for further studies. After co-culturing BMSCs with the screened concentration of nanoflowers, the biocompatibility of the nanoflowers was verified through live/dead cell staining, scratch assay, and cytoskeleton staining. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by using reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence staining. The in vitro osteoinductive ability was evaluated via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining, and immunofluorescence staining of osteocalcin (OCN) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). All the above indicators were compared with the control group of normally cultured BMSCs without the addition of nanoflowers. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the prepared nanoflowers exhibited a flower-like structure; transmission electron microscopy scans discovered that the nanoflowers possessed a multi-layered structure, and high-magnification images displayed continuous atomic arrangements, with the nanoflower diameter measuring (2.00±0.25) μm; energy-dispersive spectroscopy indicated that the nanoflowers contained elements such as C, N, O, P, and Ca, which were uniformly distributed across the flower region; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyzed the absorption peaks of each component, demonstrating the successful preparation of the nanoflowers. Through CCK-8 screening, the concentrations of 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mg/mL were selected for subsequent experiments. The live/dead cell staining showed that nanoflowers at different concentrations exhibited good cell compatibility, with the 1.2 mg/mL concentration being the best (P<0.05). The scratch assay results indicated that the cell migration ability in the 1.2 mg/mL group was superior to the other groups (P<0.05). The cytoskeleton staining revealed that the cell morphology was well-extended in all concentration groups, with no significant difference compared to the control group. The ROS fluorescence staining demonstrated that the ROS fluorescence in all concentration groups decreased compared to the control group after lipopolysaccharide induction (P<0.05), with the 1.2 mg/mL group showing the weakest fluorescence. The ALP staining showed blue-purple nodular deposits around the cells in all groups, with the 1.2 mg/mL group being significantly more prominent. The alizarin red staining displayed orange-red mineralized nodules around the cells in all groups, with the 1.2 mg/mL group having more and denser nodules. The immunofluorescence staining revealed that the expressions of RUNX2 and OCN proteins in all concentration groups increased compared to the control group, with the 1.2 mg/mL group showing the strongest protein expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The study successfully prepares nanoflowers, among which the 1.2 mg/mL nanoflowers exhibits excellent cell compatibility, antioxidant properties, and osteogenic induction capability, demonstrating their potential as an artificial bone substitute material.
Animals ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects* ; Calcium Phosphates/pharmacology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Antioxidants/chemistry* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Nanostructures/chemistry* ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology* ; Coculture Techniques ; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry* ; Male ; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry* ; Cell Survival ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between pelvimetric parameters and surgical difficulty in robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) performed by experienced colorectal surgeons, and to build a nomogram model.Methods:This was a retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) tumor within 10 cm of the anal verge; (2) cancer confirmed by pathological examination of the postoperative specimen; (3) preoperative complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data available; (4) depth of tumor invasion T1-3; (5) circumferential resection margin assessed as negative by MRI; and (6) R0 resection achieved. The exclusion criteria comprised (1) history of pelvic fractures; (2) history of pelvic surgery; and (3) emergency required because of tumor-related intestinal obstruction and/or perforation. Application of above criteria yielded 82 patients who had undergone robot-assisted total mesorectal excision of mid and low rectal cancer in the Department of Colorectal Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2022 (modeling group). Additionally, data of 35 patients with mid and low rectal cancer who had undergone robotic-assisted TME at the same center in 2023 January–August were collected for validation of the model (validation group). The following 13 pelvic parameters were studied: pelvic inlet diameter, pelvic outlet diameter, pubic tubercle height, sacral height, sacral depth, interspinous distance, inter-tuberosity distance, lateral mesorectal span, anterior-posterior mesorectal span, anterior mesorectal thickness, posterior mesorectal thickness, rectal area, and mesorectal area. Operating time was used as an indicator of the degree of surgical difficulty, this being defined as the time from the start of skin incision to the end of abdominal closure. Variables related to the duration of surgery were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the difficulty of TME, after which a nomogram for predicting the difficulty of the procedure was established. We constructed receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves to validate the predictive power of nomogram. Furthermore, data from the validation group were used for external validation of the model.Results:The model group comprised 82 patients, including 54 men and 28 women of median age 61.0 years. The median body mass index (BMI) was 23.7 kg/m 2, median distance between the tumor and anal verge 6.1 cm, and median tumor diameter 4.5 cm. Fourteen of these patients had received preoperative adjuvant therapy and 12 had a history of abdominal surgery. There were 35 patients (24 men and 11 women) of median age 64.0 years in the validation group. Their median BMI was 23.7 kg/m 2 and median distance between the tumor and anal verge 6.3 cm. Multivariable analyses of the model group showed that BMI (OR=1.227, 95%CI: 1.240–1.469, P=0.026), distance between the tumor and anal verge (OR=0.733, 95%CI: 0.562–0.955, P=0.022), and interspinous distance (OR=0.468, 95%CI: 0.270–0.812, P=0.007) were independent predictors of surgical difficulty. We then built and validated a predictive nomogram based on the above three variables (AUC=0.804, 95%CI: 0.707–0.900). Calibration curves showed that the S:P in this model was 0.987 and the C-index 0.804. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model in the validation dataset was 0.767 (95%CI: 0.606–0.928). Conclusion:MRI-based measurements of pelvic parameters are associated with difficulty of performing robot-assisted TME for mid and low rectal cancer. Our nomogram model constructed based on measurements of pelvic parameters has a good predictive ability.

Evidence indicates that metabolic reprogramming characterized by the changes in cellular metabolic patterns contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis(PF).It is considered as a promising ther-apeutic target anti-PF.The well-documented against PF properties of Tanshinone ⅡA(Tan ⅡA)have been primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency.Emerging evidence suggests that TanⅡA may target energy metabolism pathways,including glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle.However,the detailed and advanced mechanisms underlying the anti-PF activities remain obscure.In this study,we applied[U-13C]-glucose metabolic flux analysis(MFA)to examine metabolism flux disruption and modulation nodes of Tan ⅡA in PF.We identified that Tan ⅡA inhibited the glycolysis and TCA flux,thereby suppressing the production of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-dependent extracellular matrix and the differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts in vitro.We further revealed that Tan ⅡA inhibited the expression of key metabolic enzyme hexokinase 2(HK2)by inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)pathway activities,which decreased the accumulation of abnormal metabolites.Notably,we demonstrated that Tan ⅡA inhibited ATP citrate lyase(ACLY)activity,which reduced the collagen synthesis pathway caused by cytosol citrate consumption.Further,these results were validated in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced PF.This study was novel in exploring the mechanism of the occurrence and develop-ment of Tan ⅡA in treating PF using 13C-MFA technology.It provided a novel understanding of the mechanism of Tan ⅡA against PF from the perspective of metabolic reprogramming.

Background::Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) ranks among the foremost factors responsible for mortality on a global scale. The mortality patterns of CVDs and temporal trends in China need to be well-illustrated and updated.Methods::We collected mortality data on patients with CVD from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Disease Surveillance Points (CDC-DSP) system. The mortality of CVD in 2020 was described by age, sex, residence, and region. The temporal trend from 2013 to 2019 was evaluated using joinpoint regression, and estimated rates of decline were extrapolated until 2030 using time series models.Results::In 2019, the age-standardized mortality in China (ASMRC) per 100,000 individuals was 113.2. The ASMRC for males (137.7/10 5) and rural areas (123.0/10 5) were both higher when stratified by gender and urban/rural residence. The central region had the highest mortality (126.5/10 5), the western region had a slightly lower mortality (123.5/10 5), and the eastern region had the lowest mortality (97.3/10 5). The age-specific mortality showed an accelerated upward trend from aged 55-59 years, with maximum mortality observed in individuals over 85 years of age. The age-standardized mortality of CVD decreased by 2.43% (95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.81%) annually from 2013 to 2019. Notably, the age-specific mortality of CVD increased from 2013 to 2019 for the age group of over 85 years. In 2020, both the absolute number of CVD cases and the crude mortality of CVD have increased compared to their values in 2019. The estimated total deaths due to CVD were estimated to reach 2.3 million in 2025 and 2.4 million in 2030. Conclusion::The heightened focus on the burden of CVD among males, rural areas, the central and western of China, and individuals aged 75 years and above has emerged as a pivotal determinant in further decreasing mortalities, consequently presenting novel challenges to strategies for disease prevention and control.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between pelvimetric parameters and surgical difficulty in robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) performed by experienced colorectal surgeons, and to build a nomogram model.Methods:This was a retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) tumor within 10 cm of the anal verge; (2) cancer confirmed by pathological examination of the postoperative specimen; (3) preoperative complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data available; (4) depth of tumor invasion T1-3; (5) circumferential resection margin assessed as negative by MRI; and (6) R0 resection achieved. The exclusion criteria comprised (1) history of pelvic fractures; (2) history of pelvic surgery; and (3) emergency required because of tumor-related intestinal obstruction and/or perforation. Application of above criteria yielded 82 patients who had undergone robot-assisted total mesorectal excision of mid and low rectal cancer in the Department of Colorectal Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2022 (modeling group). Additionally, data of 35 patients with mid and low rectal cancer who had undergone robotic-assisted TME at the same center in 2023 January–August were collected for validation of the model (validation group). The following 13 pelvic parameters were studied: pelvic inlet diameter, pelvic outlet diameter, pubic tubercle height, sacral height, sacral depth, interspinous distance, inter-tuberosity distance, lateral mesorectal span, anterior-posterior mesorectal span, anterior mesorectal thickness, posterior mesorectal thickness, rectal area, and mesorectal area. Operating time was used as an indicator of the degree of surgical difficulty, this being defined as the time from the start of skin incision to the end of abdominal closure. Variables related to the duration of surgery were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the difficulty of TME, after which a nomogram for predicting the difficulty of the procedure was established. We constructed receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves to validate the predictive power of nomogram. Furthermore, data from the validation group were used for external validation of the model.Results:The model group comprised 82 patients, including 54 men and 28 women of median age 61.0 years. The median body mass index (BMI) was 23.7 kg/m 2, median distance between the tumor and anal verge 6.1 cm, and median tumor diameter 4.5 cm. Fourteen of these patients had received preoperative adjuvant therapy and 12 had a history of abdominal surgery. There were 35 patients (24 men and 11 women) of median age 64.0 years in the validation group. Their median BMI was 23.7 kg/m 2 and median distance between the tumor and anal verge 6.3 cm. Multivariable analyses of the model group showed that BMI (OR=1.227, 95%CI: 1.240–1.469, P=0.026), distance between the tumor and anal verge (OR=0.733, 95%CI: 0.562–0.955, P=0.022), and interspinous distance (OR=0.468, 95%CI: 0.270–0.812, P=0.007) were independent predictors of surgical difficulty. We then built and validated a predictive nomogram based on the above three variables (AUC=0.804, 95%CI: 0.707–0.900). Calibration curves showed that the S:P in this model was 0.987 and the C-index 0.804. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model in the validation dataset was 0.767 (95%CI: 0.606–0.928). Conclusion:MRI-based measurements of pelvic parameters are associated with difficulty of performing robot-assisted TME for mid and low rectal cancer. Our nomogram model constructed based on measurements of pelvic parameters has a good predictive ability.

Humans ; COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use* ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; China ; Antibodies, Viral

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of 3D-printed quantitative bone implants assisting second-stage Masquelet technique for the treatment of long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series analysis was made on 26 patients with long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures treated in Wuxi Ninth People′s Hospital from July 2015 to December 2020, including 20 males and 6 females; aged 19-63 years [(46.5±4.5)years]. Gustilo classification was type IIIB in 23 patients and type IIIC in 3. In the first stage, all patients had thoroughly emergent debridement, removal of all free bone pieces, restoration of the length and force line plus externally fixion, and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) of the residual wound. After 2-7 days, the external fixation was removed and replaced by internal fixation, with the bone cement filling in the defect area and the free flap covering the wound. The length of tibial bone defect was 5-14 cm [(6.3±0.4)cm], and the tibial defect volume was 12.2-73.1 cm 3 [(33.6±9.2)cm 3]. In the second stage (6-19 weeks after injury), the bone cement was removed, followed by autologous bone grafting. Prior to bone grafting, digital technology was used to accurately calculate the bone defect volume, and an equal volume of bone harvesting area was designe to produce the 3D printed osteotomy template. Bone grafting was conducted after bone removal according to the osteotomy template during operation. The success rate of one-time iliac bone extraction, bone harvesting time, and bleeding volume were recorded. Pain in the bone extraction area was evaluated by visual analogue score (VAS) at 1 day and 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up. Wound healing, complications, and bone healing were observed. Life quality was evaluated by health survey brief form (SF-36) including scores of physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) before bone grafting and at the last follow-up. Results:All the patients were followed up for 13-53 months [(32.3±12.5)months]. One-time iliac bone extraction was successful in all the patients. Bone harvesting time was 15-30 minutes [(21.0±2.5)minutes]. The bleeding volume was 50-120 ml [(62.3±29.0)ml]. The VAS was 1-4 points [(1.2±0.9)points] at 1 day after operation, higher than these (0.0±0.0)points at 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). Totally, 25 patients obtained wound healing after operation, except for 1 patient with superficial wound infection after bone grafting that was healed by dressing change. There was 1 patient with bone infection after 3 months of bone grafting that was healed by repeated surgery with Masquelet technique in the first and second stage. Besides, 2 patients had symptoms of cutaneous nerve injury in the iliac donor area. The time of bone healing was 4-7 months [(5.8±0.8)months]. The scores of PCS and MCS in SF-36 at the last follow-up were (73.6±12.8)points and (83.6±13.2)points, significantly higher than those before bone grafting [(46.8±0.5)points, (60.7±2.0)points] (all P<0.01). Conclusion:Second-stage Masquelet technique with 3D printed quantitative bone implants for the treatment of long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures is associated with shortened bone harvesting time, attenuated pain, reduced complications, accelerated bone healing and improved function.

Objective:To analyze the application and funding status of various projects of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) from 2013 to 2022, and explore the challenges faced by basic research and clinical transformation in this field.Methods:From 2013 to 2022, application and funding information of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging projects (secondary code H2704, H2706) from five departments of Medical Science Department of NSFC were retrospectively collected. The number of applications, number of funding, funding direction, funding intensity, distribution of supporting units and research hotspots of various projects in this field were analyzed.Results:From 2013 to 2022, the total number of applications of various projects in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging reached 5 387, and the total number of grants reached 899. The number of applications and grants showed a steady growth trend. The overall funding intensity increased from 48.935 0 million yuan in 2013 to 59.495 4 million yuan in 2022, with the increase of 21.58%. Among all supporting units, Shanghai Jiao Tong University topped the list for both the number of applications (440) and the number of grants (82), Xiamen University ranked the first in terms of overall funding rate (25.42%, 30/118), and Peking University ranked the first in terms of total funding intensity (41.897 1 million yuan). Research hotspots focused on the construction of tumor targeted molecular probes and precise imaging of tumor internal molecular components.Conclusion:In the past decade, the number of related projects and total funding of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging supported by NSFC have steadily increased, and the types of funded projects are diverse and interdisciplinary, promoting the innovative development of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging disciplines in China.