BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that metformin has anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-aging and vasoprotective effects,and can inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis,but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of metformin on cartilage protection in a rat model of osteoarthritis. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):blank,control,sham-operated,and metformin groups.The blank group did not undergo any surgery.In the sham-operated group,the joint cavity was exposed.In the model group and the metformin group,the modified Hulth method was used to establish the osteoarthritis model.At 1 day after modeling,the rats in the metformin group were given 200 mg/kg/d metformin by gavage,and the model,blank,and sham-operated groups were given normal saline by gavage.Administration in each group was given for 4 weeks consecutively.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological structure of rat knee joints.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect the protein expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5(ADAMTS5),Beclin1,P62,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),p-PI3K,protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,mammalian target of rapamycin(Mtor),and p-Mtor in rat cartilage tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of hematoxylin-eosin,toluidine blue and safranin O-fast green staining showed smooth cartilage surface of the knee joints and normal histomorphology in the blank group and the sham-operated group,while in the model group,there was irregular cartilage surface of the knee joint and cartilage damage,with a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.In the metformin group,there was a significant improvement in the damage to the structure of the cartilage in the knee joints of the rats,and the cartilage surface tended to be smooth,with an increase in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot results showed that compared with the control and sham-operated groups,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,compared with the model group,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the metformin group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly decreased(P<0.05).To conclude,Metformin can improve the autophagy activity of chondrocytes and reduce the degradation of cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/Mtor signaling pathway,thus exerting a protective effect on articular cartilage.

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of intra-tumor and peri-tumor ultrasound radiomics models based on machine learning algorithms for predicting benign and malignant Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 breast lesions, and provide insights into early diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the medical records of 450 female patients who underwent breast ultrasound examination in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 2020 to April 2022. The patients were divided into the benign (n = 199) and malignant (n = 195) groups according to pathological examination, and randomized into the training (n = 275) and validation (n = 119) sets at a ratio of 7∶3. Radiomics features were extracted and screened. Intra-tumor, peri-tumor, and intra-tumor + peri-tumor ultrasound radiomics models were constructed based on three machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves were plotted to evaluate the efficacy of the radiomics models for prediction of benign and malignant breast lesions. Results A total of 17 intra-tumor, 16 peri-tumor, and 17 intra-tumor + peri-tumor radiomics features were selected for model construction. Based on LR, MLP, and SVM algorithms, the intra-tumor + peri-tumor radiomics models showed higher predictive efficacy than intra-tumor and peri-tumor radiomics models. The predictive efficacy of intra-tumor, peri-tumor, and intra-tumor + peri-tumor radiomics models were higher based on the SVM algorithm than based on LR and MLP algorithms. For the intra-tumor radiomics model based on the SVM algorithm, the area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and a specificity were 0.909, 0.851, 0.860, and 0.842, respectively, in the training set and 0.866, 0.832, 0.847, and 0.817, respectively, in the validation set. For the peri-tumor radiomics model based on the SVM algorithm, these values were 0.899, 0.855, 0.882, and 0.827, respectively, in the training set and 0.844, 0.815, 0.847, and 0.783, respectively, in the validation set. For the intra-tumor + peri-tumor radiomics model based on the SVM algorithm, these values were 0.943, 0.876, 0.860, and 0.892, respectively, in the training set and 0.881, 0.849, 0.915, and 0.783, respectively, in the validation set. Conclusion The intra-tumor and peri-tumor ultrasound radiomics models based on machine learning algorithms are highly valuable for prediction of benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 breast lesions. The intra-tumor + peri-tumor ultrasound radiomics model based on the SVM algorithm has the optimal efficacy for prediction of benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 breast lesions.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which zinc-regulated transporters, iron-regulated transporter-likeprotein 4 (ZIP4) regulates glycolysis and its impact on tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of CCA. Methods ZIP4 expression in CCA was analyzed using the GEPIA database. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was used to detect ZIP4 expression in 20 paired CCA and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Stable ZIP4-overexpressing CCA cell lines (ZIP4-OE) were established. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes and pathways in ZIP-OE CCA cells. ZIP4, N-myc proto-oncogene protein (MYCN), and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2E (KMT2E) were knocked down using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The expression of glycolysis-related gene (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], hexokinase 2 [HK2], and lactate dehydrogenase A [LDHA]) was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Glycolytic activity was assessed by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony formation assays, and cell migration was assessed using Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to examine CCA tumor growth. Protein levels of ZIP4, KMT2E, H3K4me3 (tri-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3), and MYCN were detected by Western blotting. Results GEPIA database analysis and IHC results confirmed significantly higher ZIP4 expression levels in CCA tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P＜0.05). Compared to the control group, the ZIP4-OE group exhibited a significantly increased ECAR, along with significantly enhanced proliferation and migration abilities (P＜0.01). Conversely, knockdown of ZIP4 suppressed CCA cells proliferation and migration. GEPIA analysis indicated that ZIP4 upregulates the transcription of oncogene MYCN, as well as glycolysis-related genes. Knockdown of MYCN abolished the ZIP4 overexpression-induced upregulation of Glut1, HK2, and LDHA gene transcription, reduced glycolysis, and significantly inhibited CCA cell proliferation and migration (P＜0.05). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ZIP4 increases H3K4me3 level via KMT2E, leading to MYCN transcription. Knockdown of KMT2E in CCA cells suppressed the ZIP4 overexpression-induced enhancement in H3K4me3 modification, resulting in MYCN downregulation and significantly reduced CCA cells proliferation and migration (P＜0.05). Conclusions ZIP4 upregulates H3K4me3 modification through KMT2E, which recruits transcription factors to activate the transcription of MYCN. This subsequently enhances cellular glycolysis and promotes the proliferation and migration of CCA cells.

The basement membrane is a specialized extracellular matrix between the epithelium and the mesenchyme.In stratified epithelium,only the basal cells in contact with the basement membrane exhibit the apical-basal polarity,whereas the epithelial cells do being not in contact with the basement membrane do not exhibit the apical-basal polarity.The basement membrane plays an important role in epithelial cell polarization.It is an important extracellular matrix(ECM)structure in the multicellular organisms,is situated between the epithelium and the mesenchyme,and is produced jointly by the epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells.Its components mainly include Laminin,type Ⅳ collagen(Col-Ⅳ),nidogen(NDG),and heparan sulfate proteoglycans(HSPG),and each component plays the different role in influencing the epithelial cell polarity.The network scaffold formed by Col-Ⅳ and Laminin is the main structure of the basement membrane,and the integrity of the structure affects the epithelial cell polarization.This review summarizes the composition and structure of the basement membrane,focuses on its role in epithelial cell polarization and its mechanism,and compiles the current status of biomimetic basement membrane materials that promotes the epithelial cell polarization,and provides the theoretical foundation for further exploration of the establishment and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of oral testosterone therapy in individuals diagnosed with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS).Methods:A self-controlled study design was utilized, focusing on individuals with AIS who were genetically diagnosed at the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, and Metabolism of Beijing Children′s Hospital between 2009 and 2021. These patients underwent treatment involving the administration of testosterone. The primary observed indexes include the measurement of penis length, which should meet the minimal surgical standard (penis length≥2.5 cm) or greater than or equal to -2.5 s (lower limit of normal). Secondary observed indexes include penile length standard deviation score (PL-SDS), an increase in penis longitude (ΔPL), medication dosage, the course of therapy, and safety indicators, among others. There were 4 courses of treatment. After each course, patients were evaluated to determine whether termination of treatment was appropriate. Patients who exhibited inadequate post-treatment penile length growth were advised to continue with further treatment. The statistical methodology included t-test, and a Wilcoxon rank sum test to describe efficacy and safety. The patients were followed up until 2023. Results:The study comprised a total of 51 individuals with AIS, comprising 33 males and 18 females (gender of registered permanent residence). Among these patients, 10 were diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and 41 were diagnosed with partial androgen insensitive syndrome (PAIS). There were 2 children with CAIS were diagnosed by doctors and prescribed testosterone undecanoate, but the children did not really take medicine.The penile length of CAIS patients could not be measured (penile length<0.5 cm) before and after treatment. For PAIS patients, baseline penile length and PL-SDS were (2.3±0.6) cm and -3.7±1.3, respectively. The measurements for penile length and PL-SDS after each treatment course were recorded as follows: (2.7±0.8), (2.8±0.6), (2.6±0.4), (2.6±0.4) cm and -2.8±1.6, 2.5±1.6, 2.9±1.2, -3.2±0.9, respectively. Both penile length and PL-SDS interventions showed statistically significant gains when compared to the baseline performance of the 4 courses ( t=4.05、3.56、2.55、2.23 and 3.88、3.50、2.50、2.19, all P<0.05). Before treatment, 13 PAIS patients (32%) reached 2.5 cm and seven (17%) reached greater than or equal to -2.5 s. Following the initial, subsequent, third, and fourth therapeutic interventions, 18 cases (44%), 24 cases (59%), 25 cases (61%), and 26 cases (63%) reached 2.5 cm, respectively. Additionally, A total of 12 cases (29%), 15 cases (37%), 20 cases (49%), and 21 cases (51%), respectively, were found to reach greater than or equal to -2.5 s. The study involved the longitudinal monitoring of patients with the highest recorded age being 13.7 years. The weight, height, body mass index, bone age/age, cholesterol, hemoglobin and so on were all within the normal range and the difference were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). All 49 patients were no abnormalities in blood electrolyte, liver and kidney function and thyroid function and no changes in precocious puberty, pubic hair growth, aggressive behavior, vulvar skin darkening, diarrhea or other conditions. Conclusions:Testosterone undecanote in children with CAIS was no effective. The initial course of treatment for patients with PAIS demonstrates observable enhancements in penile length and PL-SDS. For patients with inadequate penile length growth, continued treatment in subsequent courses (such as the second, third, and fourth courses) is recommended toenhance outcomes gradually. Testosterone undecanoate was safe and effective for the majority of individuals with PAIS patients, with few adverse effects and good treatment tolerance.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of steam-processed Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides(SPSP) in prophylaxis and treatment of mice with blood deficiency syndrome(BDS) by RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) technology. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into five groups(10 mice in each group), namely normal group, model group, SPSP groups(0.1, 0.4 g·kg−1), Danggui Buxue oral liquid(DOL) group. BDS model was induced in mice by acetylphenyl-hydrazine and cyclophosphamide. Blood routine, body weight and body temperature were tested after a consecutive administration for 14 d. The differential expressed genes(DEGs) related to anti-BDS by SPSP were screened through the transcriptome sequencing of the hepatic tissue in BDS mice. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis were performed to screen out the gene expression signaling pathways related to the treatment of SPSP on BDS mice. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to verify the experiment. RESULTS Compared with the model group, SPSP(0.4 g·kg−1) could elevate the blood routine indexes such as red blood cell, white blood cell, hemoglobin, platelet, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concen-tration(P<0.01), and reverse the body weight and body temperature to normal(P<0.01 or P<0.05). The result of transcriptomic analysis showed that the underlying mechanism was mainly related to hematopoietic cell line, retinol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, platelet activation, B cell receptor signaling pathway, and leukocyte transendothelial migration, etc. The result of qPCR showed that SPSP(0.4 g·kg−1) could elevate the expression of JAK1, STAT1 and GATA1 mRNA (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSION SPSP has therapeutic effects on BDS. The key DEGs in the treatment of BDS by SPSP are mainly related to the restoration of hematopoietic function, regulation of hormone and immune function. The mechanism of SPSP on treatment of BDS might be the regulation of JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway.

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in malignant solid tumors with remarkable efficacy. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), ICIs have shown significant therapeutic effects only in patients with highly microsatellite unstable/mismatch repair-deficient metastatic CRC and these patients are only a minority of all CRC patients. In contrast, the majority of patients, those with microsatellite stable (MSS)/mismatch repair-complete (pMMR)-type metastatic CRC, could hardly benefit from ICI monotherapies, and immune combination therapies have become the key to solveing this clinical challenge. This article introduces the common patterns and possible mechanisms of immune-combination therapies for MSS/pMMR-type CRC, the exploration and progress made in the application of immune-combination therapies, as well as the possible predictive markers of efficacy of immune therapies. The prospects and directions of ICIs in the treatment of MSS/pMMR-type CRC are also discussed.

Objective:To investigate the spatial distribution pattern of local tumor progression (LTP) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm after microwave ablation.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 169 HCCs with matched MRI before and after ablation from December 2009 to December 2019. A tumor MRI was reconstructed using three-dimensional visualization technology. LTP was classified as contact or non-contact, early or late stage, according to whether LTP was in contact with the edge of the ablation zone and the occurrence time (24 months). The tumor-surrounded area was divided into eight quadrants by using the eight-quadrant map method. An analysis was conducted on the spatial correlation between the quadrant where the ablative margin (AM) safety boundary was located and the quadrant where different types of LTP occurred. The t-test, or rank-sum test, was used for the measurement data. 2-test for count data was used to compare the difference between the two groups.Results:The AM quadrant had a distribution of 54.4% LTP, 64.2% early LTP stage, and 69.1% contact LTP, suggesting this quadrant was much more concentrated than the other quadrants ( P ?

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in malignant solid tumors with remarkable efficacy. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), ICIs have shown significant therapeutic effects only in patients with highly microsatellite unstable/mismatch repair-deficient metastatic CRC and these patients are only a minority of all CRC patients. In contrast, the majority of patients, those with microsatellite stable (MSS)/mismatch repair-complete (pMMR)-type metastatic CRC, could hardly benefit from ICI monotherapies, and immune combination therapies have become the key to solveing this clinical challenge. This article introduces the common patterns and possible mechanisms of immune-combination therapies for MSS/pMMR-type CRC, the exploration and progress made in the application of immune-combination therapies, as well as the possible predictive markers of efficacy of immune therapies. The prospects and directions of ICIs in the treatment of MSS/pMMR-type CRC are also discussed.

Due to diminished self-immunity and oral self-cleaning ability,critically ill patients experience a significant increase in the risk of oral infection.These infections can lead to complications that not only extend hospital stays but also raise mortality.Effective oral care is very important in reducing the occurrence of such infection.Traditional method of using cotton balls in oral care are less effective and can damage the fragile oral mucosa with tweezers.Currently,clinical use of suction toothbrush needs the help of syringe or infusion device.To address these issues,we have designed a multi-functional flushing toothbrush and have obtained the National Utility Model Patent of China(ZL 2021 2 1584512.9).The toothbrush is composed of a brush head,a brush rod,a brush handle,and a water storage mechanism.The side of the toothbrush is provided with a suction tube,a water storage bag and a water guide pipe,and a one-way valve with an open direction to the right is arranged in the guide pipe and the suction pipe,medical staff can control the suction and discharge of liquid by squeezing the water storage bag,thus reducing the use of consumables such as syringes or infusion devices.The device is designed for one-handed operation,making it convenient for medical staff.The brush handle is made of transparent material,allowing medical staff to observe the color and properties of mouthwash and deal with abnormal situations in time,thereby improving safety.The material is mainly made of silicone,natural rubber and plastic,which is green and can be used repeatedly.This device has a certain practical value and is worth popularizing in clinical practice.