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Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The PEA3 subfamily of E26 transformation specific genes: ETV1 , ETV4 , and ETV5 are known to play significant roles in various cancers by influencing cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis., Aim: To analyze PEA3 subfamily gene expression levels in CCA and their correlation with clinical parameters to determine their prognostic value for CCA., Methods: The expression levels of PEA3 subfamily genes in pan-cancer and CCA data in the cancer genome atlas and genotype-tissue expression project databases were analyzed with R language software. Survival curve and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed using the SurvMiner, Survival, and Procr language packages. The gene expression profiling interactive analysis 2.0 database was used to analyze the expression levels of PEA3 subfamily genes in different subtypes and stages of CCA. Web Gestalt was used to perform the gene ontology/ Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (GO/KEGG) analysis, and STRING database analysis was used to determine the genes and proteins related to PEA3 subfamily genes., Results: ETV1 , ETV4 , and ETV5 expression levels were significantly increased in CCA. There were significant differences in ETV1 , ETV4 , and ETV5 expression levels among the different subtypes of CCA, and predictive analysis revealed that only high ETV1 and ETV4 expression levels were significantly associated with shorter overall survival in patients with CCA. GO/KEGG analysis revealed that PEA3 subfamily genes were closely related to transcriptional misregulation in cancer. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that PEA3 silencing inhibited the invasion and metastasis of CCA cells., Conclusion: The expression level of ETV4 may be a predictive biomarker of survival in patients with CCA., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the types of bacteria in patients with eye infections in Suzhou and their drug resistance to commonly used antibacterial drugs., Methods: The clinical data of 155 patients were retrospectively collected in this study, and the pathogenic bacteria species and drug resistance of each pathogenic bacteria were analyzed., Results: Among the 155 patients (age from 12 to 87 years old, with an average age of 57, 99 males and 56 females) with eye infections (160 eyes: 74 in the left eye, 76 in the right eye and 5 in both eyes, all of which were exogenous), 71 (45.81%) strains were gram-positive bacteria, 23 (14.84%) strains were gram-negative bacteria and 61 (39.35%) strains were fungi. Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin and erythromycin (78.87% and 46.48% respectively), but least resistant to vancomycin at 0. Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to cefoxitin and compound sulfamethoxazole (100% and 95.65% respectively), but least resistant to meropenem at 0. Comparison of the resistance of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to some drugs revealed statistically significant differences ( P <0.05) in the resistance of both to cefoxitin, cotrimoxazole, levofloxacin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime, and both had higher rates of resistance to gram-negative bacteria than to gram-positive bacteria. The distribution of bacterial infection strains showed that Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common strain in the conjunctiva, cornea, aqueous humor or vitreous body and other eye parts. Besides, Fusarium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also among the most common strains of conjunctival and corneal infections., Conclusion: Gram-positive bacteria are the dominant bacteria in eye infections, followed by gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Considering the resistance of gram-negative bacteria to multiple drugs, monitoring of bacteria should be strengthened in eye bacterial infections for effective prevention and control to reduce complications caused by eye infections., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Zhang L, None; You HZ, None; Wang GH, None; Xu W, None; Li JS, None; Zhao QL, None; Du S, None., (International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.)

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many biological processes and have been extensively researched. Nonetheless, literature focusing on the roles of lncRNA in melanocytes is limited. Melanocytes are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and determine the color of an animal's skin and hair by producing melanin. The mechanisms of melanogenesis remain unclear. Here, melanocytes from Boer goat skins were successfully isolated and verified using morphological observation, dopamine staining, silver ammonia staining, and immunohistochemical staining in vitro . Phenotypic testing revealed that melanocytes isolated from goat skins with white and brown hairs showed significant differences in proliferation, migration, and melanogenesis ( ** P < 0.01). RNA sequencing was performed with the isolated melanocytes, and through bioinformatic analysis, several candidate lncRNAs and mRNAs involved in stage-specific melanogenesis were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that miRNA precursors and cis -regulatory effects of lncRNAs were deeply dissected using the function prediction software. Multiple lncRNA-mRNA networks were presumed to be involved in melanocyte migration, proliferation, and melanogenesis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation. This research provided novel bioinformatic insights into the roles of lncRNAs in mammalian pigmentation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Kai-yuan, Yi-Wei, Ru-jun, Khan and Yun-hai.)

This study evaluated the anti-inflammation effect of the three main short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on Acinetobacter baumannii -induced THP-1 cells. The three main SCFAs could inhibit A. baumannii -stimulated THP-1 cell NF-κB pathway activity and the expressions of NLRP3 inflamma-some and GSDMD, and increase autophagy. The three main SCFAs, especially the sodium butyrate (NaB), had the effect of down-regulation of ROS and TLR-2 expression in THP-1 cells. NaB and sodium propionate (NaPc), but not sodium acetate (NaAc), dramatically suppressed IL-1β and IFN-γ expression. The results indicated that NaB and NaPc could significantly inhibit the inflammation of THP-1 cells induced by A. baumannii , and the inhibitory effect was in the order of NaB > NaPc > NaAC. NaB and NaPc may inhibit inflammation through TLR-2/NF-κB/ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway., (© 2022 Chen Shu et al., published by Sciendo.)

Objectives: To investigate potential biomarkers for distinguishing biological viability of hepatic cystic echinococcosis., Methods: Using Luminex assay we measured plasma concentrations of cytokine and chemokine in patients with active and non-active cysts (hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE), n = 47) and stable/progressive hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE, n = 38), and in comparable infection-free volunteers (n = 48). Disease progression was staged according to the classification standard., Results: Compared with healthy controls, enhanced elevation was found of T helper 22 type cytokine interleukin (IL)-22 and chemokines Eotaxin, interferon-γ inducible protein-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and stromal cell-derived factor-1α concentrations in HAE patients, and IL-22, growth-related oncogene α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, regulated on activation normal T-expressed and secreted, and stromal cell-derived factor-1α concentrations in HCE patients (P < 0.05-0.001). For HCE patients, only IL-27 concentrations in non-active HCE were significantly lower than in active HCE. In logistic regression analysis, IL-27 <20.79 pg/mL was an independent risk factor for HCE biological viability with receiver operating characteristic analysis at a 44.23 pg/mL cut-off resulting in 0.72 area under the curve., Conclusions: Our findings correlate multiple cytokine and chemokine secretion patterns in HAE and HCE patients with different disease progression stages. IL-27 could serve as a referring biomarker for distinguishing HCE biological viability and provide a preliminary foundation for clinical decision-making., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the metacestode Echinococcosis multilocularis with a tumor-like behavior in the targeted organ, especially in the liver. Surgery with albendazole is first-line modality for AE. Drug discontinuation is usually based upon the parasitic viability shown by the positron emission tomography (PET) scan. However, as a demanding and expensive method, it is not widely practiced in majority of the endemic regions. Further understanding on the cytokine and chemokine response profiles in AE patients may provide an interesting insight for potential markers in viability assessment., Methods: Mice were inoculated with Echinococcus multilocularis intrahepatically to develop the hepatic AE murine model. Oral albendazole administration was then applied for three months after the first inoculation, and peripheral and regional immune cells including type 1 T helper cells (Th), Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg) cells, related cytokines, and chemokines were examined., Results: The hepatic AE lesion was confirmed by ultrasound examination resulting in a successful rate of 70%. Among the 17 cytokines and chemokines detected, plasma levels of IL-23 were significantly higher in E. multilocularis -infected mice when compared to the control group; furthermore, more obvious increasing levels were found after albendazole treatment ( p < 0.05). All chemokine levels other than eotaxin and MCP-3 were slightly higher in E. multilocularis -infected mice compared to the control group ( p > 0.05). Eotaxin levels were significantly decreased in mice with E. multilocularis infection followed by albendazole treatment ( p < 0.05). Both IL-17A and IL-23 expressions in hepatic AE lesions were significantly higher and related with disease activity., Conclusion: Albendazole administration influenced the balance of immune response and promotes the secretion of proinflammatory factors which is beneficial to parasite clearance. IL-23 seems to be associated with the successful albendazole treatment in mice with E. multilocularis infection; such a change could be translated into clinical application in the near future., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interests., (Copyright © 2021 Jing Wu et al.)

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of implant placement between modified and traditional immediate implant placement in mandibular molar regions., Methods: Twenty-four patients were selected for immediate implantation in the molar area including 24 implantation sites. Preoperative cone-beam CT(CBCT) was conducted and then digital software Simplant 18.0 was used to design the ideal three-dimensional position of the implants. In the experimental group, the implant socket was prepared first according to reference of the remaining natural teeth, then the implant was implanted after minimally invasive extraction. Twelve patients in the control group underwent immediate implantation by traditional immediate implant procedures. Minimally invasive extraction, then socket preparation, and final implanting were performed. All patients underwent CBCT after surgery. Implant sites designed prior to surgery and actual implant sites differences between modified and traditional immediate implant placement were measured by Simplant 18.0 and compared with SPSS 17.0 software package., Results: In the experimental group and control group, the measured average deviation were as follows, the angle was (4.492±0.912)° and (7.255±1.307)°, respectively; The horizontal error of the implant shoulder was (0.379±0.083) mm and (1.229±0.270) mm, respectively; The measuring horizontal error of the implant apex was (1.263±0.267) mm and (2.183±0.264) mm, respectively; The calculative horizontal error of the implant apex was (1.324±0.203) mm and (2.709±0.383) mm, respectively; Depth error of the implant apex was (0.663±0.123) mm and (1.533±0.155) mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of the control group., Conclusions: Compared with the traditional method, modified immediate implantation can improve the accuracy of implantation in mandibular molars.

Inflammation occurs when the material is implanted into the body. As one of the important immune cells in the regulation of inflammation, macrophages are able to remove pathogens and necrotic cells, and polarize to different phenotypes to regulate inflammatory response for tissue regeneration. Therefore, it is known that the sequential release of immunomodulatory cytokines from the surface of titanium (Ti) implants can regulate the polarization of macrophages and promote osseointegration of implants. In order to control the switch of macrophage phenotypes at desired time, we fabricated hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanotube arrays coating on Ti surface, by acid-etching, alkali-heating and HAp coating sequentially. Then we loaded the interleukin-4 (IL-4) encapsulated by poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) on the bottom of the nanotube and the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) encapsulated by sodium hyaluronate (SH) on the top of the nanotube. Based on the physical and chemical properties of PLGA and SH and the spatial distribution of loaded cytokines, we hypothesized that the programmed release of IFN-γ and IL-4, which made the phenotypic transition of macrophages at a specific time, so as to regulate inflammation and promote osteogenic repair. Our hypothesis created a new type of drug sustained release system, which has high research value for improving the osseointegration of implants., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare the mechanical properties of 3D-printed titanium meshes and pre-shaped titanium meshes, and to evaluate the effects of 3D-printed titanium meshes on cell proliferation and differentiation., Methods: 3D- printed titanium meshes were produced and prepared with laser printing machine. The mechanical properties were analyzed by static tension and compression load test. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were extracted from 4-week-old male SD rats. BMSCs were co-cultured with 3D-printed titanium meshes of different apertures. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay was used to test ALP activity. The expression of related osteogenic genes was tested by real-time PCR. The adhesion and growth of BMSCs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and living / dead cell staining. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis of the results., Results: The results of 3D-printing Ti-meshes tension and compression loading experiment were excellent. The 3D-printing Ti-meshes showed no inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, survival and adhesion, but had a positive effect on osteogenesis of BMSCs., Conclusions: The mechanical properties of 3D-printed Ti-meshes are excellent. The 3D-printed Ti-meshes have good biocompatibility.

Blast lung injury (BLI) caused by both military and civilian explosions has become the main cause of death for blast injury patients. By building three-dimensional (3D) models of rat explosion regions, we simulated the surface pressure of the skin and lung. The pressure distributions were performed at 5 distances from the detonation center to the center of the rat. When the distances were 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm and 80 cm, the maximum pressure of the body surface were 634.77kPa, 362.46kPa, 248.11kPa, 182.13kPa and 109.29kPa and the surfaces lung pressure ranges were 928-2916 Pa, 733-2254 Pa, 488-1236 Pa, 357-1189 Pa and 314-992 Pa. After setting 6 virtual points placed on the surface of each lung lobe model, simulated pressure measurement and corresponding pathological autopsies were then conducted to validate the accuracy of the modeling. For the both sides of the lung, when the distance were 40 cm, 50 cm and 60 cm, the Pearson's values showed strong correlations. When the distances were 70 cm and 80 cm, the Pearson's values showed weak linear correlations. This computational simulation provided dynamic anatomy as well as functional and biomechanical information.

Objective: To analyze the imaging manifestations of 79 cases of hepatic echinococcosis retrospectively, so as to provide evidences for improving the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease., Methods: Seventy-nine patients with hepatic echinococcosis who underwent imaging examinations and pathologic confirmation in Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital from 2014 to 2017 were chosen as the investigation objects, and the data of their medical records and imaging manifestations were collected and analyzed., Results: Among the 79 cases of hepatic echinococcosis, 57 were suffered from cystic echinococcosis (CE) and 22 were suffered from alveolar echinococcosis (AE) . Among the patients with CE, those in single cystic type, multiple cysts type, internal capsule collapse type, solid type, and calcification type were 21, 16, 9, 4 cases and 7 cases respectively. The imaging signs of 62 cases were common. The image of the single cystic type was characterized by intrahepatic cystic water-like lesions, the cystic wall was thin and uniform without any enhancement. The multiple cysts were characterized by "cyst in the cyst", "rose petals", and "spoke wheel". The collapse and separation of the internal capsule was manifested as "drift belt sign" and "double ring sign", the calcification of the cyst wall was curved and eggshell-shaped, the contents of the cyst were cotton-shaped or the whole lesion was calcific. The image of the patients with AE was manifested as a solid mass in the liver, the density and signal were heterogeneous, the edge was irregular and not obviously enhanced, the "small vesicles" scattered in the lesion were often accompanied by calcification, and the whole lesion showed a map appearance. The other 17 cases of hepatic echinococcosis showed complex and rare imaging features. The capsules of 6 cases of CE contained fat, the images presented single or multiple fat density nodules in the hepatic hydatid cyst, and CT value was -28 to -84 HU; in 4 cases of echinococcosis, the lesions were broken into the bile duct, the density of adjacent bile duct was increased, with bile duct wall thickening and peripheral biliary dilatation. For the 4 cases of echinococcosis combined with primary liver cancer, the imaging manifestations of the hepatic cysts presented solid-mass enhancement, with "fast forward and fast out" performance. For the image of the 3 cases of CE with infection, the cystic wall was thickening and enhanced obviously, of these, 2 cases had gaseous shadows in the cyst, 1 patient's cyst was complicated with infection and it invaded the abdominal wall., Conclusions: The imaging manifestations of hepatic echinococcosis are varied and complicated, which need careful analysis for differential diagnosis.

Objective: To analyze the blood supply and metabolism in the marginal area of foci of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis by quantitative perfusion parameters., Methods: Thirty patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis were scanned with the Revolution CT and the images were analyzed. The perfusion parameters, such as the bloodflow (BF), time to peak (TTP), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT) and hepatic arterial fraction (HAF) were compared among different groups., Results: The BF, TTP, BV and MTT values of the peripheral infiltration zone and the values of the surrounding normal liver tissues were significantly different ( F = 24.579, 8.343, 20.535 and 21.843, all P <0.05), but the HAF values of the peripheral infiltration zone and the values of the surrounding normal liver tissues were not significantly different in the hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients ( F = 2.621, P > 0.05) ., Conclusions: The whole hepatic perfusion Revolution CT can accurately and quantitatively analyze the alveolar echinococcosis foci, especially the peripheral infiltration zone, which has important guiding significance for the formulation of surgical plan.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of CT imaging of inferior vena cava and hepatic vein in patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis., Methods: A total of 100 patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis were given triple-phase abdominal CT scan, and the reconstructed images of the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein were obtained and compared to the real situation during the surgical operation. The reliability of the CT evaluation of the echinococcus cyst lesion invading inferior vena cava and hepatic vein was analyzed., Results: The compression displacement, half-globular, no clear demarcation between the lesion and blood vessel and narrowing of the vessel detected by CT evaluation were in accordance with the real situation under the surgical sight. However, four cases of clear demarcation between the lesion and blood vessel were affirmed wrong under the surgical sight. There were three cases of over diagnosis of vascular stenosis judgments., Conclusions: The CT images of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava can clearly show the relationship between the hepatic echinococcus cyst and hepatic vein and inferior vena cava.

Rationale: Intestinal or enteric duplication (ED) does exit as a rare congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal system clinically. It is a separate entity, but can be communicated with the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by a well-developed muscular wall and lumen endowed with ectopic mucosa, simulating a portion of normal bowel. A completely isolated duplication cyst (CIDC) refers to an extremely uncommon variant of ED, which is secluded from the alimentary tract and possesses its own exclusive blood supply. Surgical procedure is the treatment of choice, because most often, a definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed intraoperatively., Patient Concerns: A 20-year-old male patient presented with a 10-day history of intermittent episodes of abdominal pain. The pain evolved from dull into progressive and intolerable, accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and abdominal distention., Diagnoses: Closed-loop small-bowel obstruction with volvulus., Interventions: The patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy., Outcomes: A huge CIDC was observed upon operation, which was affixed to the mesentery with only a narrow base, just like a pedicle; 720° counterclockwise twisting around its base was definitely noted, provoking the compromised blood supply. Complete excision of the cyst was performed along its base safely without violating the intestinal tract. Furthermore, the ectopic mucosa of the cyst exhibited 3 different epithelial lining components histopathologically., Lessons: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the existence of a duplication and raise a high index of suspicion in case of equivocal diagnosis, particularly in adult population. A low threshold for surgical management should be recommended in order to prevent lethal outcomes.

The aim of this study was to establish and implement an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for stage assessment in standardized training for oral residents, evaluating its validity and suitability. An OSCE was established for stage assessment of 158 residents in a program in Jiangsu Province, China. Its validity and suitability were evaluated using indices such as reliability and discrimination coefficients of assessment results. The established OSCE had eight stations: interpretation of auxiliary examination results, basic knowledge, doctor-patient communication and clinical examination, clinical case analysis, medical record and prescription writing, public skills, first aid skills, and specialist's operation skills. The mean overall score and consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) for the test subjects were 83.64±3.69 points and 0.732, respectively. The developed OSCE was reasonably established, with credible assessment results, and indices such as mean and discrimination coefficient of test scores from each station were appropriate. Therefore, the proposed protocol was found to be reliable and suitable.

Objective: To evaluate the value of the three-dimensional visualization technology for the preoperative assessment of liver autotransplantation for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis., Methods: A total of 8 patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis undergoing liver autotransplantation in Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital from May 2013 to July 2017 were collected. All cases received preoperative abdominal CT scanning and dynamic three-phase enhanced CT scanning, and the original CT data were transferred to the human 3D visualization virtual surgical planning system. The volumes of Echinococcus multilocularis and pre-resected liver were measured using the 3D visualization reconstruction, and the relationship between the lesion and the neighboring tissues was observed. The value of the 3D visualization technology for the preoperative assessment of liver autotransplantation for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis was assessed by comparing with the intraoperative findings., Results: The 3D visualization reconstruction model clearly displayed the adjacent relationship between the lesions of end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and the neighboring tissues, and no significant difference was seen between the pre-resected liver volume in 3D visualization reconstruction model and the actually resected liver volume ( t = 1.083, P > 0.05)., Conclusions: 3D visualization technology is feasible to develop a reasonable scheme for liver resection and vascular anastomosis for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis prior to liver autotransplantation, which may increase the success of surgery and improve the prognosis.

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by alveolar echinococcosis (AE) liver lesions is a signal of their metabolic activity and of disease progression. In order to find a surrogate marker for this status, we investigated whether parameters of the peripheral and/or periparasitic immune responses were associated with metabolic activity in a prospective case-control study of 30 AE patients and 22 healthy controls. Levels of 18 cytokines and chemokines, representative of innate and adaptive immune responses, were assessed in plasma and peripheral cells of two groups of patients with (MAAE) and without (MIAE) metabolically active lesions, and in the liver of MAAE patients. Mixed cytokine profile was observed in the peripheral blood of AE patients, with a predominance of Th2, Th17 and Treg responses. Among the detected markers only plasma IL-5 and IL-23, more elevated in MAAE patients, were found discriminant. Discrimination between MAAE and MIAE patients obtained by using IL-23 was improved when IL-5 was used in combination. The combination of elevated levels of IL-5 and IL-23 is significantly associated with FDG uptake at PET scan. It offers a new tool for the follow-up of AE patients which could substitute to FDG-PET whenever non-available to assess disease progression.

Immune response pattern between host and Echinococcus multilocularis ( E. multilocularis ) is considered as a crucial point in development of alveolar echinococcosis (AE). In this study, we are aiming to study the expression patterns of TLR2 and TLR4 with related cytokines and transcription factors in secondary E. multilocularis infected murine model. The murine model of AE was developed by using intraperitoneal inoculation of E. multilocularis protoscolexes and albendazole ( E. m +ABZ group) or carboxy methyle cellulose (CMC; E. m +CMC group) administration via gastric tube was initiated in the third month and continued for one month. Mice with CMC administration served as negative controls (C+CMC group). The splenic cells and peritoneal exudates cells (PECs) were prepared and the levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-5 in splenic cells and PECs culture supernatants were detected using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, the mRNA expression levels of TLR2, 4, transcription factors and cytokines were detected by using real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The concentration levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-5 in PECs and splenic cell supernatants were extremely lower, however, significantly elevated after stimulated with Concanavalin A (ConA) for 36 h with higher concentrations in E. m +CMC group comparing to both E. m +ABZ and C+CMC group. The mRNA levels of TLR2, 4 and GATA3, IFN-γ, IL-10 in splenic cells were significantly increased in E. m +CMC group comparing with other groups. Simultaneously, T-bet mRNA expressions were elevated in E. m +ABZ and C+CMC group compared to E. m +CMC group. In addition, T-bet/GATA3 ratios was higher in E. m +ABZ group compared to E. m +CMC group and were higher in C+CMC group than those in E. m +CMC group. TLR2 mRNA expression in splenic cells showed a positive correlation with IL-10 concentration levels in splenic cell culture supernatants. The present study provides evidence on the possible role of TLR2 in the process of immune tolerance during E. multilocularis infection and suggests albendazole treatment might reverse the immune tolerance situation and improve parasite clearance process., Competing Interests: None., (IJCEP Copyright © 2017.)

Objective: To investigate the expression of Toll-like receptor 2（TLR2） and TLR4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMC） and in the liver of patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), and their correlations with related cytokines in plasma., Methods: Twenty-eight HAE patients hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University during January 2012 and June 2015 and 28 healthy volunteers as a control were enrolled in this study. Plasma levels of interferon-γ （IFN-γ）, interleukin-5 （IL-5）, IL-23, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. qRT-PCR was performed to detect TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels in PBMCs and hepatic tissues. The percentage of peripheral blood eosinophil （Eo%） was determined by a hematology analyzer. The correlations of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels in PBMCs with levels of related cytokines and Eo% were analyzed with the Spearman Correlation method., Results: ELISA results showed that the plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-23, and IL-10 in the HAE group were （301.100±47.290）, （43.420±11.380）, （86.580±31.990） and （8.766±7.568） pg/ml respectively, which were higher than those in the control［（301.100±67.790）, （40.970±6.310）, （46.770±15.490） and （6.272±10.360） pg/ml］ with a statistical significance for IL-23 （P<0.01）. Results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression level of TLR2 in the HAE group （0.100±0.084） was significantly higher than that in the control （0.055±0.040） （P<0.05）, while the expression level of TLR4 in the HAE group （0.004±0.003） was comparable to that in the control（0.003±0.002）（P>0.05）. The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA in HAE lesions in the HAE group（29.680±25.650 and 21.340±16.640, respectively） were both significantly higher than that in para-lesion regions（2.308±4.140 and 5.541±9.233） and that in tissues of the control （1.112±1.431 and 1.100±1.734）（P<0.01）. There was also a significant difference in Eo% between the HAE（0.448±0.240） and the control（0.110±0.100） groups. Spearman correlation coefficients revealed a positive correlation of TLR2 mRNA in PBMCs with plasma IL-23 level and peripheral blood Eo% in HAE subjects（r=0.368, r=0.382, respectively）., Conclusion: There are increases in TLR2 and TLR4 mNRA expression in PBMCs and in HAE lesions in HAE patients. The TLR2 mNRA expression in PBMCs positively correlates with plasma IL-23 level and peripheral Eo%.

Parasites, which are a recently discovered yet ancient dweller in human hosts, remain a great public health burden in underdeveloped countries, despite preventative efforts. Rheumatoid arthritis is a predominantly cosmopolitan health problem with drastic morbidity rates, although encouraging progress has been achieved regarding treatment. However, although various types of methods and agents have been applied clinically, their broad usage has been limited by their adverse effects and/or high costs. Sustained efforts have been exerted on the 'hygiene hypothesis' since the 1870s. The immunosuppressive nature of parasitic infections may offer potential insight into therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system is overactivated. An increasing number of published papers are focusing on the preventive and/or curative effect of various parasitic infection on rheumatoid arthritis from experimental studies to large-scale epidemiological studies and clinical trials. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide a general literature review on the possible beneficial role of parasitic infection on rheumatoid arthritis.

Aim: To investigate the mechanisms and effects of sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility on cholesterol gallbladder stone formation in guinea pigs., Methods: Thirty-four adult male Hartley guinea pigs were divided randomly into two groups, the control group (n = 10) and the cholesterol gallstone group (n = 24), which was sequentially divided into four subgroups with six guinea pigs each according to time of sacrifice. The guinea pigs in the cholesterol gallstone group were fed a cholesterol lithogenic diet and sacrificed after 3, 6, 9, and 12 wk. SO manometry and recording of myoelectric activity were obtained by a multifunctional physiograph at each stage. Cholecystokinin-A receptor (CCKAR) expression levels in SO smooth muscle were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), gastrin, and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at each stage in the process of cholesterol gallstone formation., Results: The gallstone formation rate was 0%, 0%, 16.7%, and 83.3% in the 3, 6, 9, and 12 wk groups, respectively. The frequency of myoelectric activity in the 9 wk group, the amplitude of myoelectric activity in the 9 and 12 wk groups, and the amplitude and the frequency of SO in the 9 wk group were all significantly decreased compared to the control group. The SO basal pressure and common bile duct pressure increased markedly in the 12 wk group, and the CCKAR expression levels increased in the 6 and 12 wk groups compared to the control group. Serum VIP was elevated significantly in the 9 and 12 wk groups and gastrin decreased significantly in the 3 and 9 wk groups. There was no difference in serum CCK-8 between the groups., Conclusion: A cholesterol gallstone-causing diet can induce SO dysfunction. The increasing tension of the SO along with its decreasing activity may play an important role in cholesterol gallstone formation. Expression changes of CCKAR in SO smooth muscle and serum VIP and CCK-8 may be important causes of SO dysfunction.

Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) accounts for 0.4%-14.2% of primary liver cancer cases and possesses pathological features of both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Since this disease was first described and classified in 1949, the classification of CHC has continuously evolved. The latest definition and classification of CHC by the World Health Organization is based on the speculation that CHC arises from hepatic progenitor cells. However, there is no evidence demonstrating the common origin of different components of CHC. Furthermore, the definition of CHC subtypes is still ambiguous and the identification of CHC subtype when a single tumor contains many components has remained unresolved. In addition, there is no summary on the newly recognized histopathology features or the contribution of CHC components to prognosis and outcome of this disease. Here we provide a review of the current literature to address these questions.

Atherosclerosis, a multifactorial disease of large- and intermediate-sized arteries, is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and the proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and fibrous materials. DNA methylation involves inherent and acquired gene transcription changes, which occur independently of the DNA sequence. DNA methylation in the genome plays a major role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. DNA methylation is a distinct and crucial mechanism that regulates genes governing cell proliferation, thereby linking environmental insults with gene regulation. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in maintaining endothelial cell integrity, promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation, and inducing the formation of arteriosclerosis in animal models. These enzymes, which influence DNA methylation in vascular cells, may be utilized to develop new diagnoses and treatments for atherosclerosis-related diseases. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the description and functional interpretation of the DNA methylome of cells and tissues involved in atherosclerosis. We also discuss the regulatory mechanism and the involvement of DNA methylation in the development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Liver cancer is a common malignancy and surgery is the main treatment strategy. However, the prognosis is still poor because of high frequencies of postoperative recurrence and metastasis. In recent years, cancer stem cell (CSC) theory has evolved with the concept of stem cells, and has been applied to oncological research. According to cancer stem cell theory, liver cancer can be radically cured only by eradication of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). This notion has lead to the isolation and identification of LCSCs, which has become a highly researched area. Analysis of LCSC markers is considered to be the primary method for identification of LCSCs. Here, we provide an overview of the current research progress and prospects of surface markers for LCSCs.

Background: The choice between volar locking plates (VLP) and external fixation (EF) for unstable distal radius fractures have not reached a consensus. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to compare VLP with EF to determine the dominant strategy., Materials and Methods: Meta-analysis was performed with a systematic search of studies conducted by using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The randomized controlled trials that compared VLP with EF was identified. Characteristics, functional outcomes, radiological results, and complications were manually extracted from all the selected studies., Results: Six studies encompassing 445 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was significant difference between two procedures in disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand scores at 3,6, and 12 mo, visual analogue scale at 6 mo, grip strength at 3 mo, supination at 3 and 6 mo, extension at 3 mo, ulnar variance at 12 mo, and reoperation rate at 12 mo, postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference between flexion, pronation, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation at all follow-up points postoperatively and overall complications at 12 mo, postoperatively., Conclusions: EF had less reoperative rate due to complications, however, VLP had advantages in functional recovery in the early period after surgery, but two methods had similar functional recovery at 12 mo, postoperatively. Clinician should make the treatment decision with great caution for the patients who sustained unstable distal radial fractures., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Prophenoloxidase (PPO) is an essential enzyme in insect innate immunity because of its role in humoral defense. In this study, we have cloned a full-length cDNA of Antheraea pernyi prophenoloxidase (ApPPO) with an open-reading frame encoding 683 amino acids, and the deduced amino acid sequence of ApPPO exhibited a high similarity with those of lepidoptera. The expression of ApPPO was inducible so that the mRNA level was significantly upregulated in the microbial challenged tissues, including fat body, hemocytes, and midgut. To better investigate the enzymatic and immunological properties of ApPPO, recombinant ApPPO (rApPPO) was produced in Escherichia coli. Several functional verification experiments were performed after studying the enzymatic properties. It was found that rApPPO could be stimulated by the microbial challenged larvae hemolymph and then killed bacteria in the radial diffusion assay. Furthermore, rApPPO also induced the transcription of cecropins after injected into the larvae 24 h later., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Several studies have demonstrated the important role of Toll-like receptors in various parasitic infections. This study aims to explore expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and related cytokines in patients with human cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). 78 subjects including AE group (N = 28), CE group (N = 22), and healthy controls (HC, N = 28) were enrolled in this study. The mRNA expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 in blood and hepatic tissue and plasma levels related cytokines were detected by using ELISA. Median levels of TLR2 mRNA in AE and CE groups were significantly elevated as compared with that in healthy control group. Median levels of TLR4 expression were increased in AE and CE. Plasma concentration levels of IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 were slightly increased in AE and CE groups compared with those in HC group with no statistical differences (p > 0.05). The IL-23 concentration levels were significantly higher in AE and CE groups than that in HC subjects with statistical significance. The increased expression of TLR2 and IL-23 might play a potential role in modulating tissue infiltrative growth of the parasite and its persistence in the human host.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a lethal parasitic infectious disease which may lead to liver failure if left untreated. It is caused by the larval stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis and usually develops a substantial infiltrative occupation in solid organs. During the infection, T helper subsets are known to play crucial role in crosstalk between the parasite and human host. Th9 cells, a new member of CD4(+) T cell family which is characterized by its specific cytokine IL-9 and transcription factors PU.1 and IRF-4, have been known recently to have a critical role in allergic diseases, and cancers as well as the parasitic infection. To assess the potential role of Th9 cells during the infection, the mRNA levels of IL-9, PU.1, and IRF-4 both in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in liver tissues were, respectively, detected by using real-time PCR. The plasma concentration levels of IL-9 were detected by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Th9 related cytokine IL-9 and transcription factors PU.1 and IRF-4 mRNA levels elevated both in PBMCs, and in hepatic lesion and paralesion tissues in AE patients. This may facilitate the infiltrative growth of the parasite and its persistence in human host.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Less than 1% occurs in the esophagus. Surgery is the primary treatment for patients with GISTs. We report a 29-year-old male was admitted after the detection of a posterior mediastinal mass during work-up with routine examination. He did not have any disease-related symptoms. The physical examination was unremarkable. Chest computed tomographic scan, the barium esophagogram and endoscopic esophageal ultrasound showed benign neoplasm. The patient was performed an enucleation surgery through the right posterolateral thoracotomy. The pathology revealed a 13.0 cm × 12.0 cm × 5.0 cm mass. The tumor was CD117 (C-kit), PDGFRA and DOG1 positive. These findings were consistent with a GIST of the esophagus. So the diagnosis of GIST of esophagus was confirmed. The pathological diagnosis of low grade of GIST of esophagus was confirmed. The patient has no evidence of recurrence and is in good clinical conditions up-to date, five years after surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a review of the world literature on the laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid cyst., Methods: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, screening all English language publications on the laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid cysts. Operative characteristics, perioperative morbidity, and clinical outcomes were tabulated., Results: A total of 57 published articles including 914 patients with 1116 hydatid cysts were identified. Of the resections done in the 914 patients, 89.17% were performed totally laparoscopically and 5.58% were gasless. The most common procedure was cystectomy (60.39%), followed by partial pericystectomy (14.77%) and pericystectomy (8.21%); the rest were segmentectomies. Conversion to open laparotomy occurred in 4.92% of reported cases (45/914). The common cause of conversion was anatomical limitations/inaccessible locations (16/45). The overall mortality was 0.22% (2/914 patients) and morbidity was 15.07%, with no intraoperative deaths reported. The most common complication was bile leakage (57/914). The postoperative recurrence was 1.09% (10/914 patients)., Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach is safe with acceptable mortality and morbidity for both conservative and radical resections in selected patients. Clinical outcomes are comparable to open surgery, albeit in a selected group of patients., (Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of laparoscopic surgery compared with conventional surgery., Methods: Records of patients who underwent surgery for liver hydatid disease between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. Operative time, blood loss, conversion to open, postoperative morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and recurrence rate were measured., Results: Among 353 eligible patients, 60 were considered for laparoscopic and 293 for conventional surgery. Operative time was slightly increased in laparoscopic group. No major blood loss and blood transfusion were needed. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly short in laparoscopic group (3.8 ± 1.2 days) than that in conventional group (7.4 ± 1.4 days). The overall morbidity was 13.3 % (8/60) in laparoscopic and 19.8 % (58/293) in conventional group without significance. Both conversion rate and mortality was 0 %. One recurrence in laparoscopic (1.7 %, 1/60) and five in conventional group (1.7 %, 5/293) occurred within 48 months of follow-up., Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid disease is safe and effective in selected patients with all its advantages.

Aim: To investigate roles of sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility played in pigment gallbladder stone formation in model of guinea pigs., Methods: Thirty-four adult male Hartley guinea pigs were divided randomly into two groups: the control group and pigment stone group. The pigment stone group was divided into 4 subgroups with 6 guinea pigs each according to time of sacrifice, and were fed a pigment lithogenic diet and sacrificed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 wk. SO manometry and recording of myoelectric activity of the guinea pigs were obtained by multifunctional physiograph at each stage. Serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), gastrin and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) were detected at each stage in the process of pigment gallbladder stone formation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: The incidence of pigment gallstone formation was 0%, 0%, 16.7% and 66.7% in the 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-wk group, respectively. The frequency of myoelectric activity decreased in the 3-wk group. The amplitude of myoelectric activity had a tendency to decrease but not significantly. The frequency of the SO decreased significantly in the 9-wk group. The SO basal pressure and common bile duct pressure increased in the 12-wk group (25.19 ± 7.77 mmHg vs 40.56 ± 11.81 mmHg, 22.35 ± 7.60 mmHg vs 38.51 ± 11.57 mmHg, P < 0.05). Serum VIP was significantly elevated in the 6- and 12-wk groups and serum CCK-8 was decreased significantly in the 12-wk group., Conclusion: Pigment gallstone-causing diet may induce SO dysfunction. The tension of the SO increased. The disturbance in SO motility may play a role in pigment gallstone formation, and changes in serum VIP and CCK-8 may be important causes of SO dysfunction.

Aim: To investigate the differential expression of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) in gastric cancer tissues and its significance related to tumor growth and spread., Methods: Formalin-fixed biopsy specimens of intestinal metaplasia (n = 90), dysplasia (n = 53), gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 180), metastases in lymph nodes and the liver (n = 15), and lesion-adjacent normal gastric mucosa (controls; n = 145) were obtained for analysis from the Peking University Cancer Hospital's Department of Pathology and Gastrointestinal Surgery tissue archives (January 2003 to December 2011). The biopsied patients' demographic and clinicopathologic data were retrieved from the hospital's medical records database. Each specimen was subjected to histopathological typing to classify the tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and to immunohistochemistry staining to detect the expression of the cancer stem cell marker LGR5. The intergroup differences in LGR5 expression were assessed by Spearman's rank correlation analysis, and the relationship between LGR5 expression level and the patients' clinicopathological characteristics was evaluated by the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test., Results: Significantly more gastric cancer tissues showed LGR5(+) staining than normal control tissues (all P < 0.01), with immunoreactivity detected in 72.2% (65/90) and 50.9% (27/53) of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia specimens, respectively, 52.8% (95/180) of gastric adenocarcinoma specimens, and 73.3%% (11/15) of metastasis specimens, but 26.9% (39/145) of lesion-adjacent normal gastric mucosa specimens. Comparison of the intensity of LGR5(+) staining showed an increasing trend that generally followed increasing dedifferentiation and tumor spread (normal tissue < dysplasia, < gastric adenocarcinoma

A class of modular oxazolines and their derivatives 1-5 were synthesized with moderate to excellent yields using a simple one-pot method; 4 x 3 bis-oxazolines were obtained, as expected, from each of the three reactions of 1,4-dicyanobenzene, 1,3-dicyanobenzene, and 1,2-dicyanobenzene with optically active amino alcohols in chlorobenzene under dry, anaerobic conditions. ZnCl(2) was used as a Lewis acid catalyst. Direct condensation of 1, 2-bis(cyanomethyl) benzene or 2-cyanophenylacetonitrile did not yield the target products, but two series of novel compounds (4 and 5) were isolated and their structures were confirmed by X-Ray analysis. All products (1-5) were characterized by NMR, IR, and MS.

Use of therapeutic DNA vaccines is a promising strategy against tuberculosis (TB), however, their immunogenicity still needs to be improved. In this study, a plasmid DNA vaccine expressing heat shock protein 65 (HSP65) and the human interleukin 2 (IL-2) fusion gene was constructed. Immune responses induced by the vaccine in the mice and protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) were investigated, along with the therapeutic effect of the DNA vaccine on tuberculosis in mice. Administration of the HSP65-IL-2-DNA vaccine enhanced Th1-type cellular responses by producing greater amounts of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-2 with a higher titer of antigen-specific anti-Hsp65 IgG2a. Compared with the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, the DNA vaccine was able to evoke both CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses, with an especially high percentage of CD8 T-cells. The DNA vaccine was also able to induce high antigen-specific cytotoxicity activity against target cells. When the mice were challenged with virulent MTB H37Rv, a dramatic decrease in the numbers of MTB colony forming units in the spleen and lungs was observed in the mice immunized with HSP65-IL-2-DNA (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the bacterial numbers in TB infected mice treated with the DNA vaccine were also significantly reduced. The protective and therapeutic effects of the HSP65-IL-2-DNA vaccine in the spleen and lungs were superior to that of the HSP65-DNA vaccine (P<0.05). These results suggest that the DNA vaccine expression of IL-2 and the HSP65 fusion gene enhances the immunogenicity and protective as well as therapeutic effects of the HSP65-DNA vaccine against TB in mice by improving the Th1-type response.

In 2003, after three pilot projects successfully implemented WHO's Health-Promoting Schools (HPS) concept, officials in Zhejiang Province, China, expanded to additional 51 schools (93,000 students and their families and 6800 school personnel). Each school identified a health issue to begin HPS development, followed by conceptual orientation, resource mobilization, teacher training, surveys, interventions, outreach and evaluation. This study focused on the extent to which participating schools implemented the HPS concept and improved their psycho-social environments (PSEs). Forty-nine of the 51 schools met China's HPS criteria. Schools with fewer resources and with substantial resources, i.e. schools in both rural and urban areas, met the criteria. Schools' PSEs, as measured by the PSE Profile, improved as they became HPS. Findings from interviews and observations identified strong encouragement and support from officials, school personnel, students, parents and community leaders, and consistency of HPS with the national policy on quality education, as success factors.

Genetic immunity is a new promising approach for the development of novel tuberculosis vaccines. In this study, it is shown that DNA vaccines expressing the fusion protein of antigen 85B (Ag85B) and early secreted antigenic target 6-kDa antigen (ESAT6) can induce high levels of specific IgG2a antibody subtype in the mice. With the prolongation of postimmunization time, the levels of IgG2a antibody decrease gradually. Although a high-level specific IgG2a antibody subtype is also elicited by classical BCG, the ratio of antibody subtypes IgG2a to IgG1 changes 4 weeks after immunization, and IgG1 is gradually shifted to the main antibody subtype. DNA vaccines also elicit cellular immunity as shown by specific spleen lymphocytes proliferation to Ag85B or ESAT6 protein and the production of high levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2, which is similar to that elicited by BCG. Vaccination of mice with DNA vaccines expressing the fusion protein Ag85B-ESAT6 results in a significant level of protection against the subsequent high-dose challenge with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv. Dramatic reduction in the number of MTB colony-forming units in the spleens and lungs is observed. Pathological examination showed that recombinant plasmid and BCG groups have only minor damage and organizational structures that are kept relatively complete, while in the control group, spleens and lungs are damaged seriously. Therefore, although the reducing degree of mycobacterial loads in the organ of mice immunized with recombinant plasmid is not more than that of BCG, through the analysis of pathological changes, we may conclude that the protective effect provided by DNA vaccine expressing the Ag85B-ESAT6 fusion protein is equivalent to that afforded by the classical BCG.

A method of estimating the critical rate of temperature rise for thermal explosion of first-order autocatalytic decomposition reaction systems using non-isothermal DSC is presented. Information is obtained on the increasing rate of temperature in highly nitrated nitrocellulose containing 14.14% of nitrogen when the first-order autocatalytic decomposition converts into thermal explosion.