Objective:To observe and analyze the correlations between aqueous humor cytokine concentrations and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), as well as postoperative visual acuity, in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).Methods:A prospective clinical study. From November 2022 to October 2024, 40 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with iERM at Ophthalmology Center of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital) underwent cataract surgery alone or combined with pars plana vitrectomy (iERM group) were enrolled; 19 eyes of 19 patients undergoing cataract surgery alone during the same period served as the control group. All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). BCVA was assessed using a logarithmic visual acuity chart and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured using SS-OCT. The iERM group was further subdivided into DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups (21 eyes and 19 eyes, respectively), based on the presence or absence of DRIL. Aqueous humor samples were collected preoperatively from eyes in both the iERM and control groups. Concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Follow-up examinations using the same equipment and methods were performed at 1 month postoperatively. Aqueous cytokine levels were compared between the iERM group, control group, DRIL-positive subgroup, and DRIL-negative subgroup. Correlations between aqueous cytokine levels in the iERM group and BCVA or CMT were also analyzed. Intergroup comparisons utilized the Mann-Whitney U test; correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the control group, the iERM group exhibited significantly higher aqueous concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, and TNF-α ( P<0.05). Compared to the DRIL-negative subgroup, the DRIL-positive subgroup showed significantly elevated aqueous concentrations of TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, Ang-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in logMAR BCVA ( P=0.028) and CMT ( P<0.001) within the iERM group between preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements. LogMAR BCVA differed significantly between the DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups ( P=0.048). Correlation analysis revealed that baseline aqueous levels of VEGF-A and IL-6 in eyes with DRIL were positively correlated with postoperative BCVA ( r=0.324, 0.452; P=0.042, 0.003). No significant correlation was found between CMT and any cytokine ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Aqueous humor cytokines are closely associated with DRIL in iERM patients. IL-6 and VEGF-A may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for early postoperative visual recovery.

Objective:To observe and analyze the correlations between aqueous humor cytokine concentrations and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), as well as postoperative visual acuity, in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).Methods:A prospective clinical study. From November 2022 to October 2024, 40 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with iERM at Ophthalmology Center of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital) underwent cataract surgery alone or combined with pars plana vitrectomy (iERM group) were enrolled; 19 eyes of 19 patients undergoing cataract surgery alone during the same period served as the control group. All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). BCVA was assessed using a logarithmic visual acuity chart and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured using SS-OCT. The iERM group was further subdivided into DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups (21 eyes and 19 eyes, respectively), based on the presence or absence of DRIL. Aqueous humor samples were collected preoperatively from eyes in both the iERM and control groups. Concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Follow-up examinations using the same equipment and methods were performed at 1 month postoperatively. Aqueous cytokine levels were compared between the iERM group, control group, DRIL-positive subgroup, and DRIL-negative subgroup. Correlations between aqueous cytokine levels in the iERM group and BCVA or CMT were also analyzed. Intergroup comparisons utilized the Mann-Whitney U test; correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the control group, the iERM group exhibited significantly higher aqueous concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, and TNF-α ( P<0.05). Compared to the DRIL-negative subgroup, the DRIL-positive subgroup showed significantly elevated aqueous concentrations of TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, Ang-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in logMAR BCVA ( P=0.028) and CMT ( P<0.001) within the iERM group between preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements. LogMAR BCVA differed significantly between the DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups ( P=0.048). Correlation analysis revealed that baseline aqueous levels of VEGF-A and IL-6 in eyes with DRIL were positively correlated with postoperative BCVA ( r=0.324, 0.452; P=0.042, 0.003). No significant correlation was found between CMT and any cytokine ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Aqueous humor cytokines are closely associated with DRIL in iERM patients. IL-6 and VEGF-A may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for early postoperative visual recovery.

Objective:To observe the change of retinal artery angle in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and to analyze the relationship between retinal artery angle, ERM classification based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual acuity.Methods:A retrospective cross-sectional clinical study. A total of 187 eyes in 187 patients diagnosed with monocular idiopathic ERM (IERM group) in Department of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou from November 2018 to January 2023 were included in the study. The contralateral healthy eyes were included as the control group. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography, spectral-domain OCT, OCT angiography (OCTA) and axial length (AL) measurement. BCVA examination was performed using the standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, which was converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was measured by OCTA. The central macular thickness (CMT) was measured by spectral domain OCTaccording to the grading criteria of ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) was divided into stages 1 to 4 with 42, 45, 62, and 38 eyes, and the IERM group was subdivided into stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4 groups accordingly. Image J was used to measure the retinal artery angle and the 1/2 retinal artery angle on fundus images. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between BCVA and artery angle, 1/2 artery Angle, CMT, FAZ area and AL.Results:Compared with the control group, eyes in IERM group had worse BCVA ( t=9.727), thicker CMT ( t=12.452), smaller FAZ area ( t=-14.329), smaller artery angle ( t=-9.165) and smaller 1/2 artery angle ( t=-9.549). The differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001). With the increase of IERM stage, the artery angle and 1/2 artery angle decreased significantly ( F=21.763, 12.515; P<0.001). There was no significant difference in artery angle and 1/2 artery angle between stage 1 group and stage 2 group, and 1/2 arterial angle between stage 2 group and stage 3 group ( P>0.05). There were significant differences in artery angle and 1/2 artery angle between the other groups ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in CMT and logMAR BCVA among different classification subgroups in IERM groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in FAZ area between grade 3 group and grade 4 group ( P>0.05). There were significant differences in FAZ area between the other groups ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that decreased artery angle ( P=0.013) and increased CMT ( P<0.001) were associated with decreased BCVA. Conclusions:Compared with healthy eyes, the artery angle decreases significantly with the increase of ERM stage. Decreased retinal artery angle is associated with decreased visual acuity in IERM eyes.

Objective: To investigate anemia rate and to analyze related factors in maternal women in Taicang of Jiangsu province. Methods: There were 13 278 pregnant women who had prenatal care and gave birth in 25 hospitals during 2014-2016 in Taicang of Jiangsu Province. We excluded 1 179 women who registered after 12 weeks of gestation, 144 women who did not test hemoglobin during gestation, and 25 women whose gestational weeks were incorrect. Finally, data from 11 930 pregnant women were analyzed. From the electronical medical record system of maternal and child health care, we obtained basic information of these pregnant women, their hemoglobin levels and related data during gestation and postpartum. Anemia rate was descripted, and factors associated with anemia were identified using multiple unconditional logistic regression. Results: Age of the 11 930 pregnant women was (27.0±4.5) years old, and the P₅₀ (P₂₅-P₇₅) of BMI at the first trimester was 21.4 (19.6-23.7) kg/m². The anemia rate during gestation was 37.2% (4 434/11 930). The anemia rate was 5.5% (276/5 035), 24.4% (1 802/7 377), and 47.8% (3 328/6 966) at the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. Anemia rate at 42 days postpartum was 19.9% (680/3 418). Multiple unconditional logistic regression indicated that anemia during gestation was related with maternal age <21 years old at prenatal registration (OR (95%CI): 1.28 (1.07-1.53)), body mass index(BMI) <18.5 kg/m² at the first trimester (OR (95%CI): 1.14 (1.00-1.29)), non-local residence (OR (95%CI): 1.35 (1.20-1.52)), education of middle school and lower (OR (95%CI): middle school: 1.24 (1.05-1.47), primary school: 1.36 (1.01-1.82)), occupation of housewife or farmer (OR (95%CI): housewife: 1.21 (1.06-1.38), farmer: 1.21 (1.03-1.44)). Anemia at 42 days postpartum was associated with multipara (OR(95%CI): 1.59 (1.12-2.27)), anemia at the first trimester (OR(95%CI): 3.26 (1.92-5.55)), no folic acid supplementation at the first trimester (OR(95%CI): 1.34 (1.00-1.80)), and hemorrhage≥500 ml during 24 h postpartum (OR(95%CI): 2.26 (1.02-4.97)). Conclusion Anemia rate was low for maternal women in Taicang of Jiangsu Province. The factors associated with gestational anemia included pregnant women's age, BMI, local or non-local residence, occupation, and education. The factors associated with postpartum anemia included multipara, anemia at the first trimester, no folic acid supplementation at the first trimester, and hemorrhage 24 h postpartum.

Pancreatic duct stone is a sequel of chronic pancreatitis and may be found in the main ducts,side branches or parenchyma.These stones obstruct the pancreatic ducts and produce ductal hypertension,which leads to pain,the cardinal feature of CP.Surgical operation has been the preferred treatment of pancreatic duct stones in many domestic and external pancreatic medical centers.Lithotomy by longitudinal pancreatic duct incision and Roux-en-Y anastomosis of pancreatic duct to jejunum is the main and effective surgical procedure,while micro-surgery was also rational for the treatment of pancreatic duct stones.However,further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up duration are needed to improve the surgical technique and verify our initial results.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in regulating the cell cycles of bladder cancer cell line J82 and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODSJ82 cells were transfected with a miR-34a mimic or an inhibitor to induce miR-34a overexpression or silencing. The RNA level of miR-34a in the transfected cells was detected by real-time PCR, and CD44 expressions at the mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the activation of 3'UTR of CD44, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle changes.

RESULTSThe expression level of miR-34a was significantly increased and CD44 expression significantly lowered in cells transfected with miR-34a mimic; miR-34a inhibitor transfection caused reverse effects on miR-34a and CD44 expressions. MiR-34a mimics downregulated while miR-34a inhibitor enhanced the activation of 3'UTR of CD44 with corresponding changes in the expressions of some cell cycle-related proteins. MiR-34a mimics and miR-34a inhibitor induced opposite changes in J82 cell cycle, which were partly reversed by CD44.

CONCLUSIONMiRNA-34a regulates cell cycles by targeting CD44 in human bladder carcinoma cell line J82.

Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; metabolism ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; pathology

BACKGROUND:There are most single-center studies about bone marrow stem cels applied to treat decompensated cirrhosis, but the therapeutic results are not ideal. It is possibly related to aging, physical weakness, poor bone marrow hematopoietic function, less available number of stem cels and feeble ability of regeneration and proliferation in liver cirrhosis patients. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cels are characterized of easy to obtain, wide source and weak immunogenicity. Co-transplantation of bone marrow stem cels and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cels may improve the therapeutic effects on decompensated cirrhosis patients. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy and safety of co-transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cels and bone marrow stem cels on decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS:Thirty-two decompensated cirrhosis patients were randomly divided into two groups: in stem cel group, 13 patients received co-transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cels and bone marrow stem cels based on regular medical treatment; in control group, 19 patients only underwent the regular medical treatment. Al the patients were folow-up for 1 year. Alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, Child-Pugh score and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 1-year survival rate, Quality of Life score and adverse reactions related to stem cel therapy were observed and recorded in the two groups at 4, 12, 52 weeks after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 4, 12, 52 weeks after treatment, improvements in the liver function, prothrombin time, Child-Pugh score and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score were found in the two groups, but there was no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 4 weeks after transplantation, the clinical symptoms and Quality of Life score in the stem cel group were significantly improved, which were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). But at 12 and 52 weeks after treatment, no difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the 1-year survival rate showed no difference between the two groups, and no severe adverse reactions related to stem cel therapy occurred during the folow-up. Co-transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cels and bone marrow stem cels is safe and effective to improve the clinical symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis patients. However, further studies with larger samples are warranted to better clarify the co-transplantation effects.

To investigate the effect of huangqin tang on expression of cytokines and NF-κB p65 in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to probe into its underlying mechanisms of action. The mode of UC rats with cell immunoreactivity was made using compound method (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and ethanol). Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, SASP group and high dose, middle dose and low dose of huangqin tang group. The food intake, body weight and microscopic damage of rats in each group were evaluated after being treated for five days. The blood and colon tissue were also collected. Production of NO was detected by Griess assay, the expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2 were detected by ELISA. ICH method was undertaken to determine the expression of NF-κB p65 protein in colon tissue. The food intake and body weight of model group rats were lower than that of control group. The expression levels of NO, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2 in serum and NF-κB p65 protein of colon tissue in model group were higher than that of control group. The above indexes were ameliorated in high and middle dose of huangqin tang groups. But there was no significant difference with SASP group. NF-κB p65 may be involved in the pathogenesis of UC, and huangqin tang can inhibit the relative activity of NF-κB p65, and decrease the expression levels of NO, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2.
Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; metabolism ; Dinoprostone ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objective To investigate the role of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in regulating the cell cycles of bladder cancer cell line J82 and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods J82 cells were transfected with a miR-34a mimic or an inhibitor to induce miR-34a overexpression or silencing. The RNA level of miR-34a in the transfected cells was detected by real-time PCR, and CD44 expressions at the mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the activation of 3'UTR of CD44, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle changes. Results The expression level of miR-34a was significantly increased and CD44 expression significantly lowered in cells transfected with miR-34a mimic; miR-34a inhibitor transfection caused reverse effects on miR-34a and CD44 expressions. MiR-34a mimics downregulated while miR-34a inhibitor enhanced the activation of 3'UTR of CD44 with corresponding changes in the expressions of some cell cycle-related proteins. MiR-34a mimics and miR-34a inhibitor induced opposite changes in J82 cell cycle, which were partly reversed by CD44. Conclusion MiRNA-34a regulates cell cycles by targeting CD44 in human bladder carcinoma cell line J82.

Objective To investigate the role of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in regulating the cell cycles of bladder cancer cell line J82 and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods J82 cells were transfected with a miR-34a mimic or an inhibitor to induce miR-34a overexpression or silencing. The RNA level of miR-34a in the transfected cells was detected by real-time PCR, and CD44 expressions at the mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the activation of 3'UTR of CD44, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle changes. Results The expression level of miR-34a was significantly increased and CD44 expression significantly lowered in cells transfected with miR-34a mimic; miR-34a inhibitor transfection caused reverse effects on miR-34a and CD44 expressions. MiR-34a mimics downregulated while miR-34a inhibitor enhanced the activation of 3'UTR of CD44 with corresponding changes in the expressions of some cell cycle-related proteins. MiR-34a mimics and miR-34a inhibitor induced opposite changes in J82 cell cycle, which were partly reversed by CD44. Conclusion MiRNA-34a regulates cell cycles by targeting CD44 in human bladder carcinoma cell line J82.