Objective To explore the relationship between serum miRNA-21 and miR-27b levels and prognosis of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma.Methods A total of 118 patients with renal clear cell carcinoma admitted to the Qinghai University Hospital from February 2019 to April 2021 were selected as the study subjects,and another 118 healthy patients in the same period as the control group.Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to detect the expression of miR-21 and miR-27b in the serum of all subjects.The relative expression levels of serum miR-21 and miR-27b between the patients with renal clear cell carcinoma and healthy control patients were compared.The expression and correlation of serum miR-21 and miR-27b in the patients with renal clear cell carcinoma of different pathological stages and Fuhrman grading were analyzed.The relationship between the expression of serum miR-21 and miR-27b and the survival and prognosis of the patients was explored as well.Results The expression levels of serum miR-21 and miR-27b in the patients with renal clear cell carcinoma were higher than those in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).The serum miR-21 expression level in stage Ⅲ patients was higher than in stageⅠ(P＜0.05),while the serum miR-21 expression level in the stage Ⅳ patients was higher than that in stagesⅠ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ(P＜0.05).The expression level of miR-27b in the serum of patients gradually increased across the four stages,with a significant difference(P＜0.05).The pathological staging was positively correlated with the expression of miR-21 and miR-27b(P＜0.001).The expression levels of miR-21 and miR-27b in serum of patients gradually increased across grades Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ by Fuhrman grading,with significant difference(P＜0.05).Fuhrman grading was positively correlated with the serum miR-21 and miR-27b expression(P＜0.001).There was a statistically significant difference in the survival curve between the miR-21 high expression group and the low expression group(P＜0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the survival curve between the high expression group and the low expression group of miR-27b(P＜0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of serum miR-21 and miR-27b in patients with renal clear cell carcinoma is indicative of the progression and prognosis of the patient's condition.

BACKGROUND:The clinical application of Mongolian Medicine Erdun-uril in the treatment of osteoarthritis is effective,but its therapeutic effect and related mechanism are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the repairing process of osteoarthritis in rats by Mongolian Medicine Erdun-uril and analyze its mechanism. METHODS:Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats(8 weeks of age)were selected to establsih an osteoarthritis model using intraarticular injection of sodium iodoacetate solution into the unilateral knee joint.Two weeks after modeling,the model rats were randomly divided into three groups:control group(n=6)was given normal saline by gavage,and low and high dose groups(n=12 per group)were given Erdun-uril 1.4 and 2 g,respectively,3 times per day.After 2 and 4 weeks of continuous administration,blood samples,articular cartilage and periarticular bone tissue were taken from rats to detect changes in cartilage metabolic markers(cartilage oligomeric matrix protein,proteoglycan),bone metabolic markers(bone alkaline phosphatase,keratan sulfate),inflammatory markers(interleukin 6,tumor necrosis factor α),lipid metabolic markers(total cholesterol,triacylglycerol).Histopathological changes were also observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:qRT-PCR results showed that after 2 and 4 weeks of administration,the mRNA expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein,proteoglycan and bone alkaline phosphatase and keratan sulfate in knee cartilage of rats were significantly reduced in the low and high dose groups compared with the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),with the reduction being more significant in the high dose group.After 2 and 4 weeks of administration,compared with the control group,serum tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 levels were decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001)and total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001)in the low and high dose groups,with the improvement being more significant in the high dose group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that in the control group,there were large defective areas on the surface of the knee cartilage with unknown structure and severe inflammatory cell infiltration;in the low dose group,the surface of the knee cartilage was rough with disordered cell arrangement and the cartilage structure did not improve significantly after 2 weeks of administration,while the number of inflammatory cells in the knee cartilage was reduced and the cartilage structure was restored to some extent after 4 weeks of administration;in the high dose group,the structure of the knee cartilage become clear after 2 weeks of administration and even clearer after 4 weeks of administration,and the inflammation was significantly reduced after 2 weeks of administration.To conclude,Mongolian Medicine Erdun-uril with better anti-inflammatory properties can improve cartilage metabolism and obviously alleviate osteoarthritis in rats.

Photon Counting Detector(PCD)is a device used to detect X-ray photons,which can directly convert the energy of photons into electrical signals to achieve photon counting and measurement.PCD-based energy spectrum computed tomography(PCD-CT)technology can provide additional energy spectral imaging information,and improve imaging quality while reducing radiation dose.Compared with energy integrating detectors(EID),PCD has advantages of high energy conversion efficiency,good imaging quality,exquisite structural design,and wide application range.It has broad application prospects in ultra-low-dose CT,specific disease diagnosis,and industrial inspection.The application of PCD-CT in spectral CT imaging was reviewed to provide a useful reference for its application in clinical medical diagnosis and industrial applications.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic side-to-side suture with remnants preserved in repair of transtendinous rotator cuff tears.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 17 patients who had been treated by arthroscopic side-to-side suture with remnants preserved for transtendinous rotator cuff tear caused by trauma at Sports Medicine Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2017 to January 2020. There were 11 males and 6 females with an age of (47.9±8.3) years and a duration from injury to surgery of (50.4±21.3) d. Recorded were range of motion and muscle strength of the shoulder, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder function score, Constant-Murley shoulder function score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, re-tears and complications before operation and at the last follow-up.Results:The 17 patients were followed up for (16.5±3.5) months after operation. Retear of the rotator cuff occurred in 2 patients after operation while MRI showed good healing of the rotator cuff in the other patients with no such postoperative complications as infection or wound dehiscence. At preoperation and the last follow-up, respectively, the range of shoulder flexion was 152.9°±8.5° and 172.4°±5.6°, the abductor muscle strength 3.5 (2.6, 4.1) kg and 6.9 (6.3, 8.3) kg, the external rotator muscle strength (3.8±1.0) kg and (5.9±1.6) kg, the internal rotator muscle strength 3.9 (3.4,4.7) kg and 5.2 (4.5,5.9) kg, the UCLA score (13.2±1.9) points and (30.9±2.4) points, the Constant score (40.1±2.8) points and (86.1±4.6) points, and the VAS score (6.7±0.8) points and (0.9±0.6) points, all showing a significant difference between preoperation and the last follow-up ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In repair of transtendinous rotator cuff tears, arthroscopic side-to-side suture with remnants preserved can lead to significantly improved clinical outcomes in range of motion, muscle strength, functional recovery and pain relief.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of flavonoids from Sophora flavescens Ait. on testicular tissue damage in male mice induced by local heat stress in the scrotum. METHODS TCMSP database was used to screen the targets of flavonoids in Sophora flavescens Ait., and the bioinformatics analysis was performed on the target. The mouse model of scrotal heat stress was used and the flavonoids of Sophora flavescens Ait. was used for intervention. The sperm density and sperm aberration rate of mice in each group were measured, and the morphological changes of testicular tissue were observed. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 17(IL-17) mRNA and protein levels in testicalar were detected of by q-PCR and Western blotting. Na+-K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase(SDH) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, TNF-α level and the content of testosterone in serum were detected in tissue homogenate. RESULTS Heat stress could lead to the decrease of sperm density and increase of aberrant sperm, the obvious thinning of testicular spermatogenic epithelium, the decrease of cell level and quantity, the significant decrease of ATPase, LDH, SDH activities, and the increase of MDA, NO content, TNF-α and IL-17 expression in testicular tissue. After the intervention with 250, 500 mg·kg-1·d-1 flavonoids of Sophora flavescens Ait., the quality of sperm and the damage of testicular tissue morphology were improved. The level of TNF-α and IL-17 in serum and testicular tissue were decreased, and the activity of ATPase, SDH and the level of testosterone were increased. CONCLUSION The mechanism of flavonoids of Sophora flavescens Ait. is through inhibiting the inflammatory factor TNF-α and IL-17 levels, improve the anti-lipid peroxidation ability and inhibite the role of NO, enhance the activity of energy enzymes in spermatogenesis, improve the level of serum testosterone, and improve the reproductive disorders caused by heat stress.

BACKGROUND:The treatment method of tibial avulsion fractures of anterior cruciate ligament is varied;each has its advantages. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the methods and clinical effects of the treatment of avulsion fractures of tibial insertion of anterior cruciate ligament by the means of making two decussate lines and four strands of non-absorbable Arthrex sutures passing through two bone tunnels combined with pushlock free knotting anchor under arthroscopy. METHODS:From December 2014 to November 2015, 23 cases of avulsion fractures of tibial insertion of anterior cruciate ligament were treated in the Second Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. Under the arthroscopy, avulsed fracture was fixed in tibial intercondylar eminence by the means of making two decussate lines of Arthrex sutures passing through. At the same time, pushlock free knotting anchor beside tibial tubercle provided a tightening of tension for Arthrex sutures, which could strengthen the fixation of avulsion fracture blocks. Knee joint Lysholm and Tegner scores were fol owed up. Knee stability was evaluated by anterior drawer test and Lachman test. Postoperative reset and healing were evaluated with X-ray films. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Al 23 patients were fol owed up for 6 months to 1 year. (2) Lysholm scale of the knee function was (47.31±6.16) preoperatively and (94.69±1.28) postoperatively (P<0.05). Tegner score was (3.14±1.58) preoperatively and (7.74±1.69) postoperatively (P<0.05). (3) Lachman test of al cases was negative. X-ray films demonstrated that fracture healing was good. There was no repeated swel ing or cross locking of the joint. The knee was not limited by flexion or extension. No infection or deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity occurred. (4) The method of Arthrex sutures passing through two bone tunnels combined with pushlock free knotting anchor under arthroscopy has the advantages of minimal y invasive, simple operation, reliable fixation, no metal implants and satisfactory result to treat the tibial intercondylar eminence fracture of anterior cruciate ligament.

BACKGROUND:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been reported to hold a self-recovery potential, which may be related to certain cytokines and biological factors, such as stem cells or progenitor cells.OBJECTIVE: To review the literatures about the relationship between mesenchymal stem cells and ACL injuries, and understand the potential of stem cells or progenitor cells differentiating into ACL, thus providing a basis for the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of ACL injury. METHODS:A computer-based online research of PubMed databases was performed to collect articles including reviews, clinical trials and basic studies using the English keywords of ACL regeneration, stem/progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells. Forty-five eligible articles were included finally. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In recent years, there are a lot of studies addressing the treatment of ACL injuries and muscle/bone regeneration, but the use of stem cells is still far from the clinical requirements. The source of stem cells suitable for the ACL regeneration and their most suitable injection points are under discussion. Although the mesenchymal stem cells have been reported to successfully repair ACL injury in animal models, either trophic factors of stem cells or these cells themselves improving the regeneration remains unclear.

Objective To investigate the effects of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin signaling on the human renal proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cell injury induced by depleted uranium(DU),and provide a new enlightenment for the development of DU antidotes.Methods H K-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of DU for 3-24 h,then the protein expressions of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1),neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and nuclear β-catenin were detected by immunofluorescence staining.The protein expressions of p-GSK-3 β(S9),GSK-3β and cmyc were detected by Western blot assay.HK-2 cells were transiently transfected by GSK-3β (KD) plasmid or treated by TDZD-8 to inhibit the activity of GSK-3β specifically.Other HK-2 cells were transiently transfected by β-catenin plasmid to overexpress the β-catenin protein.Results The percentages of KIM-1 and NGAL-positive cells increased with DU exposure time and concentrations from 300 and 600 μmol/L,and they were significantly higher than those of the blank control at 6-24 h of DU exposure (KIM-1-positive cells:t =11.06,18.97,30.49,P ＜0.05;t =6.79,16.02,85.45,P ＜ 0.05;NGAL-positive cells:t =11.78,11.37,34.29,P ＜0.05;t =7.34,21.63,36.84,P ＜0.05).In contrast,the ratio of p-GSK-3β (S9) to GSK-3β and percentage of nuclear β-catenin-positive cells were significantly higher than that of the blank control at 3-24 h of DU exposure (p-GSK-3β(S9)/GSK-3β:t =3.95,4.69,5.40,3.34,P ＜ 0.05;nuclear β-catenin-positive cells:t =4.61,6.52,36.64,14.93,P ＜ 0.05) with a maximum response at 9 h of DU exposure accompanied with corresponding increase of protein level of c-myc,a downstream target gene of β-catenin.Transient transfection of HK-2 cells with GSK-3β (KD) plasmid significantly inhibited the activity of GSK-3β (t =8.07,P ＜ 0.05) and reduced the DU-increased percentage of KIM-1-positive cells (t =24.77,P ＜ 0.05).Treatment cells with TDZD-8 inhibited the activity of GSK-3β and enhanced the percentage of nuclear β-catenin-positive cells,and it also significantly reduced the percentage of KIM-1-positive cells in HK-2 cells exposed to DU (t =6.25,6.73,P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,overexpression of β-catenin significantly reduced DU-induced cell injury (t =7.48,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in regulating the DU-induced cytotoxicity of HK-2 cells.Inhibition of GSK-3β activity and overexpression of β-catenin can protect the HK-2 cells from DU-induced damage.

BACKGROUND:As meniscectomy may result in various adverse reactions, tissue-engineered meniscus is expected to be used for meniscus repair. Seed cel selection and optimal physicochemical stimuli are crucial for the construction of tissue-engineered meniscus.
OBJECTIVE:To overview the seed cel s for the tissue-engineered meniscus construction and the research progress of physicochemical factors.
METHODS:The first author retrieved the CNKI and Medline databases using the keywords of“meniscus, tissue engineering, seed cel s, physical and chemical factors”in English and Chinese, respectively, to retrieve articles related to the seed cel s and physicochemical factors of the tissue-engineered meniscus construction. Irrelative and repetitive articles were excluded, and 49 eligible articles were enrol ed for analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The seed cel s must maintain their phenotype and synthetic ability after physicochemical stimulation in combination with scaffolds, to achieve the reproducibility of tissue-engineered meniscus. Most of cytokines can be used for promoting the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, but the underlying mechanisms were little known. Their application in the meniscus tissue engineering needs to be studied in depth. Currently it is urgent to improve physicochemical stimuli in order to construct the tissue-engineered meniscus. The shear force does harm to chondrocyte phenotype, and dynamic compression loading has been proved to enhance Ca+and glycosaminoglycan release. The fibrous cartilage stimulated by shear force and other factors may be helpful for constructing the tissue-engineered meniscus. An elaborated randomized control ed trial and the long-term quantitative analysis are of importance to assess the research results.

BACKGROUND:The meniscus injury is one of the most common sports injuries of knee joint. The treatment after injury is always a difficult problem in the clinic. Researchers have been trying to apply the method of using tissue-engineering to solve the problem of meniscus repair after injury.
OBJECTIVE:To summarize tissue-engineered meniscus-related basic research.
METHODS:The first author retrieved China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Medline for literatures on tissue-engineered meniscus. The key words were“meniscus, tissue engineering, basic research”. Articles with unrelated objective and repeated articles were excluded. Final y, 35 articles were included.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was some controversy about the classification of the cel of the meniscus. The outer tissue of the meniscus is mainly composed of the fibrous cartilage cel s and the extracel ular matrix. The inner tissue of the meniscus is mainly composed of a smal atypical class of cartilage cel s. The biomechanical properties of the meniscus can be properly adjusted when it is subjected to external pressure. The lateral meniscus is assumed to bear al the pressure of the outer part of the knee joint during knee flexion, but the medial meniscus is assumed to bear 50%of the medial part of the knee joint. The etiology and pathophysiology of meniscus injury are not the same, which is highly dependent on the age of onset of the patient. However, in each age group, right knee meniscus injury was the majority. The way of surgical repair of the meniscus tear can be divided into the technology from inside to outside, and that from outside to inside, total internal repair under arthroscopy and open repair technology.