Objective To investigate the expression of tissue signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and serum STAT3 mRNA,IL-12p40 and IL-13R α 2 levels in children with congenital intestinal atresia and their correlation with prognosis.Methods From January 2020 to January 2023,100 cases of intestinal atresia lesion tissues,normal intestinal tissues and preoperative serum samples were collected from children with congenital intestinal atresia who underwent treatment in Hebei Children's Hospital.According to the Grosfeld typing criteria,these children were categorized into 39 cases of type Ⅰ,22 cases of type Ⅱ,30 cases of type Ⅲ and 9 cases of type Ⅳ.Based on the recovery situation at 6 months after surgery,these children were separated into a good prognosis group(n=78)and a poor prognosis group(n=22).Serum samples from 93 cases of healthy children undergoing medical examinations during the same period were regarded as control samples.Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the positive expression and localization of STAT3 in tissues.Western blot was applied to detect the expression of STAT3 protein in tissues,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)was applied to detect the expression level of STAT3 mRNA in serum.Pearson correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between serum STAT3 and inflammatory factor levels in children with congenital intestinal atresia.Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of children with congenital intestinal atresia.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the predictive efficacy of serum STAT3 level on the prognosis of children with congenital intestinal atresia.Results Immunohistochemical results showed that STAT3 positive expression was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus.The positive expression rate in congenital intestinal atresia tissue(86％)was higher than that in normal intestinal tissue(18％),and the difference was significant(x2=92.628,P＜0.05).Western blot results showed that the relative expression level of STAT3 in congenital intestinal atresia tissue(1.59±0.21)was higher than that in normal intestinal tissue(0.81±0.12),and the difference was significant(t=30.567,P＜0.05).The results of qPCR showed that serum STAT3(2.13±0.56),IL-12p40(0.89±0.13 ng/ml),and IL-13R α 2 levels(6.42±1.86ng/ml)in the congenital intestinal atresia group were higher than those in the control groups(1.06±0.11,0.37±0.08ng/ml,1.35±0.41ng/ml),and the differences were significant(t=18.101,33.170,25.708,all P＜0.05).The levels of STAT3 and IL-12p40,IL-13R α 2 were gradually increased with the increase of the children's subtypes,and the differences were significant(F=52.666,160.300,25.82,all P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum STAT3,IL-12p40,and IL-13R α 2 levels in children with congenital intestinal atresia(r=0.496,0.564,all P＜0.001).The expression level of serum STAT3 in poor prognosis group(3.01±0.75)was higher than that in good prognosis group(1.88±0.51),and the differences was statistically significant(t=8.212,P＜0.05).Logistic regression showed that STAT3,IL-12p40,IL-13R α 2,and low birth quality were all independent risk factors for poor prognosis in children with congenital intestinal atresia(all P＜0.05).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for evaluating the prognosis of children with congenital intestinal atresia by serum STAT3 expression was 0.916,with a sensitivity of 81.82％and a specificity of 88.46％,respectively.When the serum STAT3 mRNA level was higher than 2.47,children with congenital intestinal atresia had a higher probability of poor prognosis.Conclusion The expression of STAT3 is increased in the tissues and serum of children with congenital intestinal atresia.Serum STAT3 may have a predictive value for the prognosis of affected children.

Aim To compare the cytotoxicity of geni-poside (GS)and its metabolite genipin (GP)on hu-man hepatocelluar HepG2 cells and explore the sub-stance and mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by Fructus Gardeniae.Methods The cytotoxic effect of GS and GP was analyzed by MTT method;the antioxi-dant enzyme activities of manganese superoxide dis-mutase (Mn-SOD),catalase (CAT)and levels of glu-tathione (GSH)were detected by respective kits;the change of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS ) was measured by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA)staining method;multiparameter cytotox-icity analysis (cell loss,nuclear size and morphologi-cal changes,DNA content,cell membrane permeabili-ty,mitochondrial membrane potential changes,cyto-chrome C release ) were measured simultaneously by high content screening (HCS)assays.Results No cytotoxicity was found in GS (20~1 000 μmol·L-1 ) groups (P>0.05 ),but GP was found to exert obvi-ous cytotoxic effect,and 50μmol·L-1 GP could obvi-ously inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation (P<0.05 ),and the IC50 value was (450.00 ±26.15)μmol·L-1;GS showed no obvious effects on Mn-SOD, CAT, GSH ,ROS (P >0. 0 5 ),GP could significantly decrease the activity of Mn-SOD,CAT and the level of GSH,and obviously increase the content of ROS (P<0.05 or P <0.01 );treatment with 50,500,1 000μmol·L-1 GP resulted in loss of mitochondrial mem-brane potential,cytochrome C release and increased cell permeability (P<0.05 or P<0.01),500,1 000μmol· L-1 GP could also show abvious nuclear con-densation,increased total nuclear intensity and cell loss (P<0.0 1 ).Opposed with GP,GS had no signif-icant effect on the cytotoxic parameters (P>0.05 ). Conclusion GP is the direct substance of hepatotox-icity induced by Fructus Gardeniae,and the mecha-nism might be associated with oxidative stress,mito-chondria injury and apoptosis.

Objective To evaluate and compare the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate(HoLEP) and plasmakineticenucleation of the prostate(PKEP) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods A total of 86 cases of BPH were selected from the Shandong Energy Zibo Mining Group Co.Ltd Central Hospital from January 2013 to June 2014.The patients received either HoLEP (40 cases) or PKEP(46 cases) treatment.Clinical data including postvoid residual volume (PVR),international prostate symptom score(IPSS),quality-of-life score(QOL score),maximum urinary flow rate (MFR) were evaluated before and 3 months after operation.Blood loss in operation,operation time,weight of resected prostate tissue,bladder irrigation time,catheterization time and length of hospital stay were also collected from the perioperative period.Results Three months after surgery,PVR,IPSS,QOL and MFR were all significantly improved in both HoLEP and PKEP groups compared with the data before operation (P =0.000),while there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Patients from the HoLEP group showed markedly lower values of bone loss in operation than that of PKEP group((69.5±23.6) ml vs.(87.5±38.0) ml,P=0.011).There were no significant differences in terms of other indexes (P＞ 0.05).Conclusion HoLEP and PKEP have similar efficiency in treating BPH,while HoLEP is suggested superior in regard of bone loss.

Objective To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on serum procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cells(WBC) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in children with necrotising fasciitis (NF) and its efficacy, and explore the diagnosis value of above indicators.Methods From March 2011 to June 2014,50 cases children with acute necrotic fasciitis treated in Children's Hospital of Hebei Province as study group,which were randomly divided into hyperbaric oxygen group (n =25) and routine group (n =25) .The routine group received the routine therapy of incision and drainage to clear the lesion, hyperbaric oxygen group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the basis of routine group,while 50 healthy children were selected as control group.The serum PCT, WBC, hs-CRP levels, efficacy, complications, death and hospitalization time were observed and compared.Results The serum PCT, WBC and hs-CRP levels pre-treatment in study group were higher than those in control group(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve of PCT and hs-CRP was 1.000,respectively, and WBC was 0.804, there were significant difference between PCT and WBC (Z=5.250,P=0.000), between hs-CRP and WBC (Z=5.037,P=0.000).After treatment, the wounds of 23 case patients (92.00%) were cured in hyperbaric oxygen group, and 21 cases in routine group (84.00%) , there were no significant difference in cure rate between two groups.There were six cases(24.00%) of complications and one case (4.00%) of death in hyperbaric oxygen group,while nine cases (36.00%) of complications and two cases (8.00%) of death, there were no significant difference in complications rate and death rate between two groups.The hospitalization time in hyperbaric oxygen group was (39.17 ±6.73) d, which was significantly lower than (52.13 ±4.28) d in routine group(P<0.05).Conclusion PCT and hs-CRP have certain value in diagnosis of children with acute necrotizing fasciitis; incision and drainage combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a better clinical effect in the treatment of children with acute necrotizing fasciitis.

Objective To study the imaging features of spinal giant cell tumors (GCTs)including multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) and MRI in order to improve the diagnosis.Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 27 patients with GCTs in the spine at our institute.The data of MSCT and 3.0T MRI were recorded and analyzed.Results Of the 27 patients,4 were found in the cervi-cal spine,12 in the thoracic spine,5 in the lumbar spine and 6 in the sacral spine.Typical imaging features showed eccentric,expan-sive and lytic bone destruction of the involved vertebra.The tumor showed soft-tissue density on CT with inner visible cystic change, necrosis and trabecula remnants in most tumors,without calcification and periosteal reaction.Most lesions showed hypointensity or isointensity on T1 WI and hypointensity,isointersity or heterogeneous high signal on T2 WI.When aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC)was detected,MRI revealed hyperintensity with a fluid-fluid interface.Conclusion Radiographic features of the GCTs in the spine are specific for diagnosis to some extent.CT and MRI may contribute to the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis.The methods have a good value in GCT diagnosis,clinical staging,surgical strategies and postoperative evaluation.

Objective To observe the effects of uric acid (UA) on mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2),and investigate the possible mechanism.Methods HK-2 cells were exposed to UA (480 μmol/L,720 μmol/L) for different time (0 h,24 h,48 h)in vitro.The mitochondrial ROS production was detected by MitoSOX staining.The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining.The expressions of prohibitin and AIF were examined by Western blotting and irnmunofluorescence cytochemistry.The cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining.Results The mitochondrial ROS production in HK-2 cells exposed to 480 μ mol/L UA was increased than that of control group at 24 h (P ＜ 0.05),and increased gradually with UA concentration and incubation time increasing,while the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced at the same time.There were no significant changes in AIF expression and apoptosis rate of HK -2 cells exposed to 480 μmol/L UA for 24 h compared with that of control group (P ＞ 0.05),while both of them were up-regulated when HK-2 cells were exposed to 480 μmol/L UA for 48 h and 720 μmol/L JA for 24 h and 48 h (P ＜ 0.05).The prohibitin expression in HK-2 cells exposed to 480 μmol/L UA was reduced than that of control group at 24 h (P ＜ 0.05),and down-regulated gradually with UA concentration and incubation time increasing.Conclusion Uric acid can induce the mitochondrial ROS production increased,the mitochondrial membrane potential reduced,the prohibitin expression down-regulated and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway activated in HK-2 cells.

Objective To investigate the expression of SOX2 in gastric carcinoma and to analyze its relationship with clinicopathological features.Methods Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the level of SOX2 in 67 cases of gastric carcinoma group and 30 cases of normal gastric mucosa group.Results The positive expression rate of SOX2 in gastric carcinoma group (52.24 ％) was obviously lower than that in normal gastric mucosa group (93.33 ％) (x2 =16.326,P ＜ 0.01).The SOX2 expression was significantly correlated with differentiation,the depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of the tumor (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The low expression of SOX2 may contribute to the early carcinogenesis of gastric carcinoma,and the expression level of SOX2 is closely related with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage.The expression level of SOX2 is a useful marker for predicting the prognosis of gastric carcinoma.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in methylation levels of the promoters of the tumor suppressor gene Wilms' tumor gene on the X-chromosome (WTX) and its possible role in gastric cancer.

METHODSWTX promoter methylation levels were detected in 20 pairs of specimens of gastric cancer and matched normal tissues and in 3 gastric cancer cell lines (MGC803, SCG7901, and BGC823) using the Sequenom MassARRAY quantitative analysis system. The gastric cancer cell line BGC823 was treated with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) for demethylation and the changes in the level of WTX promoter methylation were investigated.

RESULTSWTX promoter methylation levels were very low and showed no significant differences among normal gastric tissues, gastric cancer tissues and the 3 gastric cancer cell lines. In BGC823 cells, treatment with 5-aza-dC did not obviously affect the promoter methylation levels of WTX.

CONCLUSIONHigh methylation levels of WTX promoters are rare in gastric cancer.

Objective To investigate the effect of benazepril on intergrin-linked kinase (ILK) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in glomerular mesangial cells induced by high-glucose.Methods The mesangial cells from SD rat (HBZY-1) were cultured conventionally and randomly divided into four groups:normal glucose (D-glucose 5.5 mmol/L,group NG),mannitol-treated group (mannitol 20 mmol/L,group MG),high glucose (D-glucose 30 mmol/L,group HG),Benazepril-treated high glucose group (D-glucose 30 mmol/L + Benazepril 10 μmol/L,group ACEI).Cells from NG,MG,HG,ACEI gronps were harvested after 3,6,12,24,48 and 72 hours of treatment respectively.The mRNA expressions of ILK and α-SMA were detected by RT-PCR.The protein levels of ILK and α-SMA were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.Results The expressions of ILK mRNA and protein in HG group were significantly increased compared with those in NG group (all P ＜ 0.05).The increased expressions of ILK and α-SMA in HG group were time-dependent and the expression reached the peak at 48 h (ILK,P ＜ 0.05) or 72 h (α-SMA,P ＜ 0.01).The expressions of ILK and α-SMA in ACEI group were lower than those in HG group (all P ＜ 0.01),but failed to rescue to the same level as those in NG.There was no significant differences of ILK expressions between MG group and NG group at the same time point (P ＞ 0.05).The expressions of α-SMA mRNA and protein in MG were higher than that in NG (P ＜ 0.05),which suggest that high osmotic pressure could cause the increasing of α-SMA.Conclusions Benazepril can decrease the expressions of ILK and α-SMA to inhibit the process of fibrosis in DN and mediate the phenotypic transformation of glomerular mesangial cells.The phenotypic transformation of glomerular mesangial cells in glucose may also depend on high osmotic pressure in DN.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of maxillary loss is based on maxillary prosthesis,and the most difficult problem is that retention and support of maxillary prosthesis can hardly be achieved. The employment of implants in the zygoma region provides good basis for the retention and support of maxillary prosthesis. However,during implantation in the zygoma the pe ripheral tissues may be injured, and even induce failed implantation.OBJECTIVE: To study the bone structure of the zygoma so as to provide reference for implantation in this region.DESIGN:Randomized sampling for repeated observation measurement based on maxilla specimens.SETTING: The research was completed in the prosthodontic department of stomatological college and department of human anatomy of a military medical university.PARTICIPANTS:The experiment was carried out in the Department of Human Anatomy,Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from March to May 2002. A total of 73 adult maxilla specimens(38 from males and 35 from females) were provided by the Department of Human Anatomy,Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.METHODS: Quantitative measurement of bone structure of the zygoma region was made with the cursor ruler in the 73 specimens. T-test was used to analyze the measurement data.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The data of measurement: bone thickness of the zygoma, width of the lower part of the zygoma, length of the zygoma, and the distance between lower part of the zygoma and orbital floor.RESULTS: ① Bone thickness gradually decreased from the interior-inferior borderline to the exterior-superior part of the zygoma. In males, the average bone thickness 10 mm,12 mm,14 mm and 16 mm away from the interior-inferior borderline of the zygoma was 6.97 mm, 6.45 mm, 5.75 mm and 5. 01 mm, respectively, in the upper part, and 7.03 mm, 6.69 mm, 6.28 mm and 5.89 mm in the lower part. In females, the average bone thickness 4 mm,6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm away from the interior-inferior borderline was 6.95 mm,6. 55 mm,6.28 mm and 5.31 mm in the upper part,and 6.60 mm,6. 39 mm,6.26 mm and 5.75 mm in the lower part. ② The lower part of the zygoma was 21.39 mm wide in males and 17.20 mm in females. ③ The average length of the zygoma was 21. 12 mm in males and 19.58 mm in females. ④ The average distance between lower part of the zygoma and orbital floor was 4. 17 mm in males and 3.71 mm in females.CONCLUSION:In maxillary loss,the zygoma is an optimal region for double implants at a distance of more than 15 mm. In males, the implants of 3.6 -4.0 mm in diameter and 10 - 12 mm or 14 - 16 mm in lengthcan be employed; in females, the implants of 3.4 - 3.8 mm in diameter and 4 - 6 mm or 8- 10 mm in length can be employed.The differences in bone quantity between males and females are statistically significant in the zygoma,males' better than females', so they should be treated differently during clinical practice.