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Interleukin-10 (IL-10) promotes the formation and development of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Previous studies have elucidated the pathogenesis from the view of the immune-regulation function of CD4+ T-cells. However, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, our results showed that IL-10 deficiency reduced the percentage of macrophages in mouse MPE and regulated M1/M2 polarization in vivo and in vitro. The migration capacity of tumor cells was suppressed, and apoptosis was promoted when tumor cells were cocultured with MPE macrophages in the absence of IL-10. Messenger RNA sequencing of MPE macrophages showed that S100A9 was downregulated in IL-10−/− mice. Bone marrow-derived macrophages obtained from wild-type mice transfected with S100A9-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) also showed less M2 and more M1 polarization than those from the siRNA control group. Furthermore, downregulation of S100A9 using S100A9-specific siRNA suppressed MPE development, decreased macrophages, and modulated macrophage polarization in MPE in vivo. In conclusion, S100A9 plays a vital role in the process of IL-10 deficiency-mediated MPE suppression by regulating M1/M2 polarization, thus influencing the tumor-migration capacity and apoptosis. This could result in clinically applicable strategies to inhibit the formation of MPE by regulating the polarization of MPE macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a special microenvironment for lung cancer metastasis. Alternative splicing, which is regulated by splicing factors, affects the expression of most genes and influences carcinogenesis and metastasis. Methods: mRNA-seq data and alternative splicing events in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A risk model was generated by Cox regression analyses and LASSO regression. Cell isolation and flow cytometry were used to identify B cells. Results: We systematically analyzed the splicing factors, alternative splicing events, clinical characteristics, and immunologic features of LUAD in the TCGA cohort. A risk signature based on 23 alternative splicing events was established and identified as an independent prognosis factor in LUAD. Among all patients, the risk signature showed a better prognostic value in metastatic patients. By single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, we found that among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, B cells were most significantly correlated to the risk score. Furthermore, we investigated the classification and function of B cells in MPE, a metastatic microenvironment of LUAD, and found that regulatory B cells might participate in the regulation of the immune microenvironment of MPE through antigen presentation and promotion of regulatory T cell differentiation. Conclusions: We evaluated the prognostic value of alternative splicing events in LUAD and metastatic LUAD. We found that regulatory B cells had the function of antigen presentation, inhibited naïve T cells from differentiating into Th1 cells, and promoted Treg differentiation in LUAD patients with MPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Abstract】Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo osteogenic capability of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). Methods: ASCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining. Some specific markers of osteogenic differentiation, including ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-ASCs composites were implanted into the rabbit calvarial defects created at each side of the longitudinal midline. After 6 weeks, histologic properties of the transplants were analyzed. Results: ASCs were successfully induced into osteogenesis. ALP staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining showed positive results. The expressions of ALP, OCN and OPN were detected in ASCs after cultivation in osteogenic medium. Extensive new bone was observed in the defects transplanted with DBM-ASCs composites. Conclusion: ASCs have the potential to differentiate into osteogenic lineage and DBM-ASCs constructs are a promising method for regeneration in bone defects. Key words: Adipose tissue; Bone regeneration; Osteogenesis

【Abstract】Objective: To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of coccygectomy in patients with coccydynia after a failure of conservative treatment. Methods: From May 2002 to January 2010, 31 patients with coccydynia were treated by coccygectomy in our department after conservative measures had failed to produce significant relief. A questionnaire, which included the extent of relief in the painful area, improvement in quality of life, intensity of pain in the sitting position, and pain score during daily activities, was used to evaluate the results. Results: All patients were followed up for 1 to 6 years (mean 3.3 years). The results were excellent in 20 patients (64.5%), good in 7 patients (22.6%), moderate in 3 patients (9.7%) and poor in 1 patient (3.2%). The excellent and good rates amounted to 87.1%. All patients except one had complete resolution of their symptoms and were subjectively highly satisfied with the outcomes of the surgery. Only 2 cases of superficial infection were observed postoperatively. Conclusion: Coccygectomy is a feasible management option for patients with coccygodynia that has no response to conservative treatments. Key words: Coccyx; Pain; Surgical procedures, operative

【Abstract】Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation by K-wire and tension band wire fixation, and to improve the safety and stability of this technique. Methods: This study consisted of 9 cases, 6 males and 3 females with the mean age of 25 years (range, 9-62 years). The causes were traffic accident in 7 cases, falling in 1 case and fight in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 2 hours to 7 days. There were 5 left dislocations and 4 right dislocations; 8 anterior dislocations and 1 posterior dislocation, including one combined with left scapular fracture and one with left olecranon fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires and tension band wires were performed to treat dislocations. Results: All patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, 10 months on average. According to Rockwood’s rating scale on postoperative sternoclavicular joint, 8 cases achieved excellent outcomes with an average score of 13.88, and the rest case achieved a good outcome with the score of 12. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all cases. There were no such postoperative complications as severe infection, injury to blood vessel and nerve, failure of fixation, etc. Patients were all satisfied with the anatomical reduction and functional recovery. Conclusions: The technique of K-wire and tension band wire fixation is safe, simple, effective, less invasive and has been successfully used in orthopedic surgery. It is effective in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation though it has some disadvantages. Key words: Sternoclavicular joint; Dislocations; Bone wires; Fracture fixation, internal

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is one of the most aggressive tumors with few effective treatments worldwide. It has been suggested that alternative splicing at the transcriptome level plays an indispensable role in MPM. Methods: We analyzed the splicing profile of 84 MPM patients from the TCGA cohort by using seven typical splicing types. We classified MPM patients based on their splicing status and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between the splicing classification and clinical characteristics, genetic variation, pathway changes, immune heterogeneity, and potential therapeutic targets. Results: The expression of the alternative splicing regulator SRPK1 is significantly higher in MPM tissues than in normal tissues, and correlates with poor survival. SRPK1 deficiency promotes MPM cell apoptosis and inhibits cell migration in vitro. We divided the MPM patients into four clusters based on their splicing profile and identified two clusters associated with the shortest (cluster 3) and longest (cluster 4) survival time. We present the different gene signatures of each cluster that are related to survival and splicing. Comprehensive analysis of data from the GDSC and TCGA databases revealed that cluster 3 MPM patients could respond well to the small‐molecule inhibitor CHIR‐99021, a small‐molecule inhibitor of GSK‐3. Conclusion: We performed unsupervised clustering of alternative splicing data from 84 MPM patients from the TCGA database and identified a cluster associated with the worst prognosis that was sensitive to a GSK‐3 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present paper investigates the deposition behavior of cold spraying agglomerated hydroxyapatite (HA) particles on stainless steel (SS) and HA substrates; for that purpose, the surface morphologies and cross-section microstructures of splats were investigated and compared to that of original HA particles. Full characterization of the coating was performed through the evaluation of (i) phase constitutions, crystallographic structure and composition, and coating/substrate interface as well as (ii) nanohardness of the powder, microhardness, tensile strength and the abrasive wear properties of the coating. HA splats on both substrates exhibited cap-like shape morphology with rough surface, and had some ring grooves on surface and some radial stripes on periphery composing of tiny HA granules. The cross-section of HA splats presented an asymmetric ellipsoid morphology with a flat bottom surface and convex up surface as well as compact area near bottom interface. Bonding of splats/substrate interface was related to the splats size and substrate materials. CS HA coating possessed a dense and homogeneous microstructure with reduced pores and crystal size, similar chemical structures, phase constitutions and chemical compositions to original powder. These microstructure evolutions were related to the deformation behavior of HA splats, i.e. radial spreading and compacting in impact direction by the un-continuous moving of agglomerates or granules in low temperature. Microhardness, tensile strength and the abrasive wear rate of the coating were 59.0 ± 5.6 kg/mm2, 10.9 ± 1.1 MPa and 1.3 ± 0.2 × 10−1 mg/(m·N), respectively. Highlights • Cold sprayed HA splats deform in radial spreading and in impact direction tamping • HA splats can form a well contact interface to HA substrate • There exists unbond area in the center of HA splats / SS substrate interface • HA coatings possess non-lamella structure and well contact interface to substrate • HA coatings possess same phase, composition as powders and reduced crystal size • HA coatings possess well wear resistance against PU or PC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a conventional 80 kW class plasma spraying system was used to produce yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) coatings by PS-PVD at a pressure of 100 Pa. A shroud was attached in the front of the plasma nozzle to restrain expansion of plasma jet. The torch was operated at an arc power of 45 kW and YSZ coatings were deposited at a powder feed rate of 0.2 g/min. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to diagnose the particle state in plasma jet. The surface morphology and cross-sectional morphology of coatings was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope. It is found that the amount of YSZ evaporation is significantly enhanced through using a shroud. The coatings with a hybrid microstructure of splats and nanoclusters were deposited perpendicular to the coatings. The nanostructured clusters deposited out of the vapor are presented at splat interfaces. It is evident that using powders specially designed for PS-PVD and controlling heating of plasma jet to spray particles, PS-PVD deposition for a hybrid microstructure consisting of vapor phase deposit can be realized through conventional plasma spray system. Columnar grain structured YSZ can also be deposited by pure vapor phase at the side surface of the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the decarburization of WC, the core-shell WC-16Cr 3 C 2 -10Co4Ni-La 2 O 3 (named as WC-Cr 3 C 2 -CoNiLa in following) powder was prepared through second agglomeration and spray granulation process and deposited using high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying. Microstructure and phase constitutions of the deposited coating were characterized using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Microhardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of the coating were tested by indentation method. Wear properties of the coating under different applied loads were evaluated by two body dry sliding wear using a pin-on-disc tester. Experimental results showed that the HVOF sprayed WC-Cr 3 C 2 -CoNiLa coating was mainly consisted of WC, Cr 3 C 2 , Co, Ni phases and a little of Cr 2 O 3 without any WC decarburized phases including W 2 C, M 6 C and M 12 C). Most of WC carbide in the coating presented a round outline with the average particle size of 0.54 ± 0.35 μm and average crystal sizes 401 ± 91.41 Å in different crystal orientation index. The coating presented dense microstructure with the porosity about 1.16 ± 0.39%, and some lamella features with well bonded interfaces of carbide particles/binder phase, inter-splats and coating/substrate. Microhardness, elastic modulus, fracture toughness and wear rate of the coatings were 12.57 ± 0.52 Hv0.3, 153.91 ± 31.66 GPa, 5.31 ± 0.51 MPa⋅m1/2 and 6.67*10−3-11.11*10−3 mg/(Nm) when the applied load increased form 5 N to 15 N, respectively. The abrasive wear of the coating occurred mainly in the form of gouging and plastic deformation as well as peeling off carbide particles. • Core-shell WC-Cr 3 C 2 -CoNiLa powder made by second agglomeration and spray granulation. • Core-shell structural particle results to little WC decarburize and well melting of binder phase. • WC-Cr 3 C 2 -CoNiLa coating exhibits compact WC/binder, splat/splat, coating/substrate interfaces. • Coating exhibits reduced WC particle size with some crystal growth, well melted/deformed Cr 3 C 2. • The Coating exhibits higher microhardness, facture toughness as well as wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of microstructure on the mechanical responses and damage evolution of spark-plasma-sintered β- Si3 N4-based ceramics has been evaluated through indentation tests. It was found that the nanoceramic and its coarse-grained counterpart exhibit similar elastoplastic behavior in their indentation responses. However, the increased hardness and ratio of elastic work to total work done in the nanoceramic suggest that resistance to plastic deformation is greater than that in the coarser-grained one. The microcracking behavior within the indented materials is also proposed. A finite-element analysis is used to estimate the distribution of compressive and shear stresses within the indented materials. The smaller grain size in bridging ceramic not only enhances the energy dissipation by formation of a higher density of intergranular microcracks along the weak grain boundary phase but also toughens the cracked solid through increasing resistance to plastic sliding and multi-cracks propagation. Prior to formation of the radial cracks, better damage tolerance of nanoceramic is thought to be achieved in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studies showed elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of displaced midclavicular fractures has excellent outcomes, as well as high complication rates and specific problems. The aim was to discuss ESIN of midshaft clavicular fractures.Methods: Totally 60 eligible patients (aged 18-63 years) were randomized to either ESIN group or non-operative group between January 2007 and May 2008. Clavicular shortening was measured after trauma and osseous consolidation. Radiographic union and complications were assessed. Function analysis including Constant shoulder scores and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores were performed after a 15-month follow-up.Results: ESIN led to a signifcantly shorter time to union, especially for simple fractures. In ESIN group, all patients got fracture union, of which 5 cases had medial skin irritation and 1 patient needed revision surgery because of implant failure. In the nonoperative group, there were 3 nonunion cases and 2 symptomatic malunions developed requiring corrective osteotomy. At 15 months after intramedullary stabilization, patients in the ESIN group were more satisfied with the appearance of the shoulder and overall outcome, and they benefited a lot from the great improvement of post-traumatic clavicular shortening. Furthermore, DASH scores were lower and Constant scores were significantly higher in contrast to the non-operative group.Conclusion: ESIN is a safe minimally invasive surgical technique with lower complication rate, faster return to daily activities, excellent cosmetic and better functional results, restoration of clavicular length for treating mid-shaft clavicular fractures, resulting in high overall satisfaction, which can be regard as an alternative to plate fixation or nonoperative treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo osteogenic capability of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs).Methods: ASCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining. Some specific markers of osteogenic differentiation, including ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-ASCs composites were implanted into the rabbit calvarial defects created at each side of the longitudinal midline. After 6 weeks, histologic properties of the transplants were analyzed.Results: ASCs were successfully induced into osteogenesis. ALP staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining showed positive results. The expressions of ALP, OCN and OPN were detected in ASCs after cultivation in osteogenic medium. Extensive new bone was observed in the defects transplanted with DBM-ASCs composites.Conclusion: ASCs have the potential to differentiate into osteogenic lineage and DBM-ASCs constructs are a promising method for regeneration in bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research paper is to evaluate the effect of prophylactic nitroglycerin in the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and the Science Citation Index, were searched to retrieve relevant trials. Outcome measures were the incidence of PEP. Four RCTs, enrolling a total of 856 patients, were included. Meta-analysis of these trials indicated a significant association between the use of nitroglycerin and the reduction of PEP (RR 0.60; 95%CI: 0.39-0.92; P = 0.02). However, subsequent sensitive analysis failed to confirm that nitroglycerin was statistically superior to a placebo in reducing PEP (RR 0.68; 95%CI: 0.41-1.11; P = 0.12). Based on the limitations in this meta-analysis, prophylactic use of nitroglycerine for all patients who underwent ERCP is not recommended. Further clinical trials are required to confirm the effect of nitroglycerin in the prevention of PEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of biodegradable Mg alloy substrate, novel Zn-HA/Zn double-layer coatings with different HA/Zn ratios in weight were deposited on AZ91D substrates by cold spraying. Phase compositions and microstructures of as-sprayed coatings and coatings after corrosion tests were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of both Zn-HA/Zn double-layer coatings were investigated in Hanks' simulated body fluid using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that both the pure Zn coating and HA/Zn composite coatings presented the similar phase compositions with their primary powders in addition to Zn oxidizations. Zn powders were plastically deformed and partially oxidized due to its low melting point, while HA powders were mainly crashed into fragments and hill-like splats. Both Zn under layer and HA/Zn upper layer were well bonded and presented dense structures, differences in HA/Zn upper layers were related to the HA/Zn ratios. Potentiodynamic polarization and EIS measurements illustrated that the cold-sprayed Zn-HA/Zn double-layer coatings not only improve the corrosion resistance of Mg alloy substrates, but also enhance its bioactivity due to the HA existed in composite upper layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare with enhancing effects of TiO 2 and ZrO 2 reinforcement particles in hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings, HA/TiO 2 and HA/ZrO 2 composite coatings have been deposited on 316 L stainless steel substrates by high-velocity suspension flame spray (HVSFS) technique with the addition contents of 10 wt% and 30 wt% for both TiO 2 and ZrO 2 . Phase structures and compositions of all coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface morphologies and microstructures were characterized by scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). Vickers hardness, Young's modulus, tensile strength, wear rate and corrosion resistance were also measured and compared for both HA/TiO 2 and HA/ZrO 2 composite coatings. Results show that TiO 2 particles induced thermal decompositions of HA in HA/TiO 2 composite coatings rather than ZrO 2 in HA/ZrO 2 composite coatings. Both the HA/TiO 2 and HA/ZrO 2 composite coatings exhibited rough surfaces with spherical/flattened splats and nanoparticle agglomerates as well as bonded coating/substrate interfaces. Although mechanical properties of all composite coatings were improved with increasing addition contents of reinforcements, HA/TiO 2 composite coatings showed slightly higher mechanical properties than HA/ZrO 2 composite coatings at the same addition content due to higher melting degrees of HA/TiO 2 powders. Both HA/TiO 2 and HA/ZrO 2 composite coatings exhibited comparable and increased corrosion-resist performances in Hanks' simulation body fluids compared to the bare substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the mechanical and electrochemical properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, nanostructured HA/Ti (nHA/Ti) composite coatings with different Ti contents of 30, 50 and 70 wt% were deposited on 316L stainless steel (SS) substrates by high-velocity suspension flame spray (HVSFS) and compared to HVSFS-deposited nanostructured HA (nHA) coatings. Microstructures and phase compositions of as-sprayed coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The deposition mechanism of nanostructured HA/Ti composite coatings was also examined. Microhardness and Young's modulus were measured. Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of all coatings were tested in Hanks’ simulated body fluid using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that the nHA/Ti composite coatings contained HA and Ti in addition to some Ti-O compounds. Compared to nHA coatings, nHA/Ti composite coatings presented dense and typical lamella structures formed mostly by flattened splats. Microhardness and Young's modulus of nHA/Ti composite coatings increased with increasing Ti content. Potentiodynamic polarization and EIS measurements illustrated that nHA/Ti composite coatings had excellent corrosion resistance compared to nHA coatings and bare SS substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent histological type of lung cancer. Previous studies have reported that specific long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are involved in cancer development and progression. The phenotype and mechanism of ENST00000440028, named MSL3P1, an lncRNA referred to as a cancer-testis gene with potential roles in tumorigenesis and progression, have not been reported. MSL3P1 is overexpressed in LUAD tumor tissues, which is significantly associated with clinical characteristics, metastasis, and poor clinical prognosis. MSL3P1 promotes the metastasis of LUAD in vitro and in vivo. The enhancer reprogramming in LUAD tumor tissue is the major driver of the aberrant expression of MSL3P1. Mechanistically, owing to the competitive binding to CUL3 mRNA with ZFC3H1 protein (a protein involved in targeting polyadenylated RNA to exosomes and promoting the degradation of target mRNA), MSL3P1 can prevent the ZFC3H1-mediated RNA degradation of CUL3 mRNA and transport it to the cytoplasm. This activates the downstream epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway and promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. Implications: This study indicates that lncRNA MSL3P1 regulates CUL3 mRNA stability and promotes metastasis and holds potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD., (©2024 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Introduction: Tumor-associated macrophages are one of the key components of the tumor microenvironment. The immunomodulatory activity and function of macrophages in malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a special tumor metastasis microenvironment, have not been clearly defined., Methods: MPE-based single-cell RNA sequencing data was used to characterize macrophages. Subsequently, the regulatory effect of macrophages and their secreted exosomes on T cells was verified by experiments. Next, miRNA microarray was used to analyze differentially expressed miRNAs in MPE and benign pleural effusion, and data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to evaluate the correlation between miRNAs and patient survival., Results: Single-cell RNA sequencing data showed macrophages were mainly M2 polarized in MPE and had higher exosome secretion function compared with those in blood. We found that exosomes released from macrophages could promote the differentiation of naïve T cells into Treg cells in MPE. We detected differential expression miRNAs in macrophage-derived exosomes between MPE and benign pleural effusion by miRNA microarray and found that miR-4443 was significantly overexpressed in MPE exosomes. Gene functional enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of miR-4443 were involved in the regulation of protein kinase B signaling and lipid biosynthetic process., Conclusions: Taken together, these results reveal that exosomes mediate the intercellular communication between macrophages and T cells, yielding an immunosuppressive environment for MPE. miR-4443 expressed by macrophages, but not total miR-4443, might serve as a prognostic marker in patients with metastatic lung cancer., 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 © 2023 Shao, Pei, Chen, Wang, Wang and Zhai.)

Accurate differential diagnosis is the key to choosing the correct treatment for pleural effusion. The present study aimed to assess whether interleukin 32 (IL-32) could be a new biomarker of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and to explore the biological role of IL-32 in TPE. IL-32 levels were evaluated in the pleural effusions of 131 patients with undetermined pleural effusion from Wuhan and Beijing cohorts using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Macrophages from TPE patients were transfected with IL-32-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression was determined by real-time PCR and colorimetric methods. With a cutoff value of 247.9 ng/mL, the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for IL-32 was 0.933 for TPE, and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.4% and 93.4%, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model with relatively good diagnostic performance was established. IL-32-specific siRNA downregulated ADA expression in macrophages, and IL-32γ treatment significantly induced ADA expression. Our results indicate that IL-32 in pleural effusion may be a novel biomarker for identifying patients with TPE. In addition, our multivariate model is acceptable to rule in or rule out TPE across diverse prevalence settings. Furthermore, IL-32 may modulate ADA expression in the tuberculosis microenvironment. (This study has been registered at ChiCTR under registration number ChiCTR2100051112 [https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx].) IMPORTANCE Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is a common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, with manifestations ranging from benign effusion with spontaneous absorption to effusion with pleural thickening, empyema, and even fibrosis, which can lead to a lasting impairment of lung function. Therefore, it is of great significance to find a rapid method to establish early diagnosis and apply antituberculosis therapy in the early stage. This study indicates that interleukin 32 (IL-32) in pleural effusion is a new high-potency marker to distinguish TPE from pleural effusions with other etiologies. A multivariate model combining age, adenosine deaminase (ADA), lactic dehydrogenase, and IL-32 may reliably rule in TPE in intermediate- or high-prevalence areas. Additionally, we observed that IL-32 might regulate ADA expression in macrophages in the tuberculosis microenvironment. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the role of IL-32 in the tuberculosis microenvironment.

The robust distributed finite time consensus of second-order multi-agent systems via pinning control has been investigated in this paper. A new nonsingular finite time TSM control method is proposed for second-order single system with disturbances. Based on the pinning error function vector, robust distributed finite time consensus of second-order multi-agent systems via pinning control method is given. Simulations results are performed to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.

Aim: To evaluate the cytological diagnostic capacity and sample quality of the slow-pull technique and compare them with different suction techniques., Methods: From July 2010 to December 2015, 102 patients with pancreatic solid lesions who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with 22-gauge needles were retrospectively evaluated. EUS-FNA diagnosis was based on a cytological examination, and final diagnosis was based on a comprehensive standard of cytological diagnosis, surgical pathology and clinical or imaging follow-up. Cytological specimens were characterized for cellularity and blood contamination. The cytological diagnostic capacity and sample quality of the slow-pull technique and suction techniques with 5-mL/10-mL/20-mL syringes were analyzed., Results: Of all of the EUS-FNA procedures, the slow-pull technique and suction techniques with 5-mL/10-mL/20-mL syringes were used in 31, 19, 34 and 18 procedures, respectively. There were significant differences between these four suction techniques in terms of cytological diagnostic accuracy (90.3% vs 63.2% vs 58.8% vs 55.6%, P = 0.019), sensitivity (88.2% vs 41.7% vs 40.0% vs 36.4%, P = 0.009) and blood contamination (score ≥ 2 for 29.0% vs 52.6% vs 70.6% vs 72.2%, P = 0.003). The accuracy and sensitivity of the slow-pull technique were significantly higher than those of the suction techniques using 5-mL ( P = 0.03, P = 0.014), 10-mL ( P = 0.005; P = 0.006) and 20-mL syringes ( P = 0.01, P = 0.01). Blood contamination was significantly lower in the slow-pull technique than in the suction techniques with 10-mL ( P = 0.001) and 20-mL syringes ( P = 0.007)., Conclusion: The slow-pull technique may increase the cytological diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity with slight blood contamination during EUS-FNA when using 22-gauge needles for solid pancreatic masses., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

Foregut cystic developmental malformation (FCDM) is a very rare lesion of the alimentary tract, especially in the stomach. We discuss the concepts of gastric duplication cyst, bronchogenic cysts, and FCDM. Nomenclature has been inconsistent and confusing, but, by some definitions, gastric duplication cysts involve gastric mucosa and submucosal glands, bronchogenic cysts involve respiratory mucosa with underlying cartilage and glands, and FCDM lacks gastric mucosa or underlying glands or cartilage but has pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (PCCE). We searched our departmental case files from the past 15 years and identified 12 cases of FCDM in the alimentary tract. We summarize the features of these 12 cases including a report in detail on a 52-year-old man with a submucosal cyst lined with simple PCCE and irregular and stratified circular muscle layers that merged with gastric smooth muscle bundles near the lesser curvature of the gastric cardia. A literature review of cases with this histology yielded 25 cases. We propose the term gastric-FCDM for such cases. Our own series of 12 cases confirms that preoperative recognition of the entity is infrequent and problematic. The rarity of this developmental disorder, as well as a lack of understanding of its embryologic origins, may contribute to missing the diagnosis. Not appreciating the diagnosis preoperatively can lead to an inappropriate surgical approach. In contrast, presurgical recognition of the entity will contribute to a good outcome and reduced risk of complications.

Thymoquinone (TQ), the predominant bioactive constituent derived from the medicinal spice Nigella sativa (also known as black cumin), has been applied for medical purposes for more than 2,000 years. Recent studies reported that thymoquinone exhibited inhibitory effects on the cell proliferation of several cancer cell lines. This study was performed to investigate the antitumor and anti-angiogenic effects of thymoquinone on osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that thymoquinone induced a higher percentage of growth inhibition and apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma cell line SaOS-2 compared to that of control, and thymoquinone significantly blocked human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. To investigate the possible mechanisms involved in these events, we performed electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and western blot analysis, and found that thymoquinone significantly downregulated NF-κB DNA-binding activity, XIAP, survivin and VEGF in SaOS-2 cells. Moreover, the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Smac were upregulated in SaOS-2 cells after treatment with thymoquinone. In addition to these in vitro results, we also found that thymoquinone inhibits tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth through suppressing NF-κB and its regulated molecules. Collectively, our results demonstrate that thymoquinone effectively inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB and downstream effector molecules is a possible underlying mechanism of the antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of thymoquinone in osteosarcoma.