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Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an approach that is commonly used to treat pulmonary nodules (PNs). However, when these PNs are located behind the scapula, a transscapular access approach is generally required. In this study, the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided Sens-cure needle (SCN) localization was assessed for PNs located behind the scapula. Methods From January 2020 - June 2022, a total of 122 PN patients in our hospital underwent preoperative CT-guided SCN localization and subsequent VATS resection, of whom 12 (9.8%) exhibited PNs behind the scapula necessitating a transscapular approach for this localization procedure. Results This study included 12 patients, each of whom had one PN located behind the scapula. The CT-guided transscapular SCN localization approach was successful in all patients, and no complications near the operative site were observed. The median localization time was 12 min, and 2 (16.7%) and 1 (8.3%) patients respectively developed pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage after the localization procedure was complete. Wedge resection procedures for these PNs achieved technical success in all cases. Four patients were diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinomas and subsequently accepted lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection. The median VATS duration and the median blood loss was 10 mL. In total, 3, 5, and 4 PNs were respectively diagnosed as benign, mini-invasive adenocarcinomas, and invasive adenocarcinomas. Conclusion Preoperative CT-guided transscapular SCN localization represents a safe, straightforward, and effective means of localizing PNs present behind the scapula.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and long-term outcomes associated with the treatment of hepatic vein (HV)-type Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) via accessory HV (AHV) recanalization. In total, 26 HV-type BCS patients underwent AHV recanalization between July 2014 and December 2019 at our hospital, while 73 HV-type BCS patients without compensatory AHV underwent main HV (MHV) recanalization and served as controls in the present study. Short- and long-term clinical outcomes were compared. AHV and MHV recanalization approaches were both associated with 100% technical success rates, with one recanalization procedure being performed per patient. Respective clinical success rates for the AHV and MHV recanalization approaches were 96.2% and 94.5% (P = 0.744). Re-obstruction rates were comparable between these two approaches at 20% and 34.8%, respectively (P = 0.17). Primary cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year patency rates in the AHV group were 96.0%, 91.6%, and 76.3%, respectively, whereas in the MHV group, these three respective rates were 87.0%, 78.6%, and 58.6% (P = 0.048). Secondary cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year patency rates in the AHV group were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 96.0%, respectively, whereas in the MHV group, they were 97.1%, 97.1%, and 81.8%, respectively (P = 0.289). Cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates for AHV group patients were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 96.0%, respectively, while for the MHV group, these respective rates were 98.6%, 95.2%, and 89.7% (P = 0.462). HV-type BCS can be safely and effectively treated via AHV recanalization, which may achieve longer patency relative to MHV recanalization.

A new Pb(II) complex, [Pb(8-OQ)(4-NB)], where 8-OQ = 8-hydroxyquinolinate, 4-NB = 4-nitrobenzoate, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the complex possesses a tetranuclear Pb4O4 cubane structure. The Pb(II) atom is coordinated by three triply bridging phenolic hydroxyl O atoms of 8-OQ ligands, then the tetranuclear Pb system is formed resulting in a tetrahedral cage. The interaction of complex with HS-DNA in Tris buffer was studied by UV−vis absorption spectrum and fluorescence ethidium bromide displacement experiment with an intrinsic binding constant of 1.52×104 M-1 and a linear Stern–Volmer quenching constant of 6.77×103 M-1. Anticancer activity against MCF-7, HepG-2 and A549 cell lines of complex was also determined by the MTT-based assay. The results showed the complex can inhibit proliferation of these three kinds of tumor cells and is less cytotoxic than cisplatin.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and long-term outcomes associated with the treatment of hepatic vein (HV)-type Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) via accessory HV (AHV) recanalization.In total, 26 HV-type BCS patients underwent AHV recanalization between July 2014 and December 2019 at our hospital, while 73 HV-type BCS patients without compensatory AHV underwent main HV (MHV) recanalization and served as controls in the present study. Short- and long-term clinical outcomes were compared.AHV and MHV recanalization approaches were both associated with 100% technical success rates, with one recanalization procedure being performed per patient. Respective clinical success rates for the AHV and MHV recanalization approaches were 96.2% and 94.5% (P = 0.744). Re-obstruction rates were comparable between these two approaches at 20% and 34.8%, respectively (P = 0.17). Primary cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year patency rates in the AHV group were 96.0%, 91.6%, and 76.3%, respectively, whereas in the MHV group, these three respective rates were 87.0%, 78.6%, and 58.6% (P = 0.048). Secondary cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year patency rates in the AHV group were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 96.0%, respectively, whereas in the MHV group, they were 97.1%, 97.1%, and 81.8%, respectively (P = 0.289). Cumulative 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates for AHV group patients were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 96.0%, respectively, while for the MHV group, these respective rates were 98.6%, 95.2%, and 89.7% (P = 0.462).HV-type BCS can be safely and effectively treated via AHV recanalization, which may achieve longer patency relative to MHV recanalization.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the relative clinical efficacy of radioactive and normal stent insertion for the treatment of inoperable obstructive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OESCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2014 and December 2018, consecutive OESCC patients were treated via either radioactive or normal stent insertion. RESULTS A total of 42 and 39 OESCC patients were treated via radioactive and normal stent insertion, respectively. These procedures were both technically and clinically successful in all patients. Massive hemorrhage was observed in 7 (16.7%) and 1 (2.6%) patients in radioactive and normal stent groups, respectively (P=0.080). Median stent patency durations were 175 and 136 days in radioactive and normal stent groups, respectively (P=0.004). Median overall survival were 187 and 145 days in the radioactive and normal stent groups, respectively (P=0.011). CONCLUSION Relative to normal stent, radioactive stents showed a higher patency and overall survival in OESCC patients.

Glutathione (GSH) exhibits many cellular functions in human pathologies. A sensitive and simple method capable of assaying GSH would be useful to understand the mechanism of GSH-related diseases. In this study, a new colorimetric and fluorescent off-on probe, 3-oxo-3H-phenoxazin-7-ylthiophene-2-carboxylate, is constructed, synthesized and applied to determine fluctuations in intracellular GSH levels selectively and sensitively. The latent fluorescent probe is designed by reacting resorufin with thiophenecarboxylate and shows high sensitivity (LOD 8.9 × 10-7 M) and off-on fluorescent response to GSH over other different physiological species in pH 7.4 buffer solutions. A new reaction mechanism based on the cut-through of thiophenecarboxylate in the probe by GSH is confirmed via the HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and MS (mass spectrometry) analytical methods. Moreover, the probe is successfully applied to image GSH in A549 cells and indicates fluctuations in GSH levels under the stimulation of chemicals and drugs, which is verified by the investigation of the cell lysate with a commonly used commercial assay kit. As a result, it is feasible to monitor the levels of GSH in biosamples.

Three new complexes, {[Mn(2,2′-bipy)(4,4′-bipy)0.5(4-sb)(H2O)](H2O)2}n (1), [Mn(phen)2(4-sb)(H2O)](4,4′-bipy)0.5(H2O)3 (2), and [Fe2(phen)6](4-Hsb)(H2O)5 (3) [4-sb = 4-sulfobenzoate dianion, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline], have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The interaction of complex with HS-DNA was investigated by carrying out UV−vis absorption spectrum and fluorescence ethidium bromide displacement experiment. The DNA-binding constants Kb of complexes 1, 2, and 3 were calculated to be 7.39 × 105 M−1, 3.94 × 105 M−1, and 9.34 × 105 M−1, respectively. The results indicated that these complexes interact with HS-DNA through intercalative mode. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB) further showed that the complexes bind to DNA probably via intercalation. The complexes were tested for antiproliferative activities on a panel of cell lines (MCF-7, HepG-2, A549, BGC823, and HTR-8) by MTT method, three complexes can inhibit the tumor cell proliferation, but complex 1 is less cytotoxic than other two complexes. The apoptosis assay was assessed with the Annexin-V/PI double staining methods and the results revealed that complexes induced the HepG-2 cells apoptosis.

A new one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer, [Pb2(psa)(phen)2(NO3)2]n, has been synthesized by the method of hydrothermal reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and X-ray single-crystal diffraction (where H2psa is phenylsuccinic acid and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline). The single-crystal X-ray analysis showed that the complex has a dinuclear core stabilized by bridging phenylsuccinic acids and nitrate anions. The coordination number of the two Pb(II) atoms are 7 and 6, with the stereochemically active lone pair, resulting in the hemidirected geometry for the complex. The complex contain a 1D chain, which is further extended into two-dimensional supramolecular architecture through hydrogen bonds, C-H···π, and π···π interactions.

We determined the feasibility, safety, and long-term outcome of double stent insertion in management of combined malignant airway and esophageal stenoses (CAES).Between March 2005 and May 2014, 11 consecutive patients (9 males and 2 females), 56-78 years of age (mean, 63.4 ± 6.1 years), with CAES who underwent double stent insertion (airway and esophageal stents) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Data regarding the technical success, clinical success, and long-term outcome were collected and analyzed.Airway and esophageal stents were successfully inserted in all patients. The interval between insertion of the two stents was 0-42 days (mean, 13.2 ± 14.2 days). No procedure-related complication occurred. Relief of dyspnea and dysphagia was achieved in all patients. The mean Hugh-Jones grade improved from 4.5 ± 0.7 before airway stent insertion to 1.5 ± 0.5 after airway stent insertion (P .001). The mean dysphagia grade improved from 3.5 ± 0.5 before esophageal stent insertion to 1.3 ± 0.5 after esophageal stent insertion (P .001). Stent-related complications included restenosis of the airway stent (n = 2) and mild migration of the esophageal stent (n = 2). There was no occurrence of airway-esophageal fistula after treatment. The mean survival of the 11 patients after double stent insertion was 105.5 ± 18.5 days. The cumulative 3- and 6-month survival rates after double stent insertion were 54.5% and 9.1%, respectively.Double stent insertion is an easy, safe, and effective method in palliative treatment for patients with CAES.

The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the characterization of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with acute and non-acute cerebral infarction. High-resolution MRI of unilateral stenotic middle cerebral arteries was performed to evaluate the degree of stenosis, the wall and plaque areas, plaque enhancement patterns and lumen remodeling features in 15 and 17 patients with acute and non-acute cerebral infarction, respectively. No significant difference was identified in the vascular stenosis rate between acute and non-acute patients. Overall, plaque eccentricity was observed in 29 patients, including 13 acute and 16 non-acute cases, with no significant difference identified between these groups. The wall area of stenotic arteries and the number of cases with plaque enhancement were significantly greater in the acute patients, but no significant difference in plaque or lumen area was identified between the 2 patient groups. Lumen remodeling patterns of stenotic arteries significantly differed between the acute and non-acute patients; the former predominantly demonstrated positive remodeling, and the latter group demonstrated evidence of negative remodeling. In conclusion, patients with acute and non-acute cerebral infarction exhibit specific characteristics in stenotic arteries and plaques, which can be effectively evaluated by high-resolution MRI.

To investigate the effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) on the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line.The hypoxia environment was achieved by treating cells with cobalt chloride. The shRNA eukaryotic expression vector targeting HIF-1 alpha was constructed, and transfected into MCF-7 cells through lipofectamine 2000. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The mRNA and protein level of HIF-1 alpha were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. Sub-G1 apoptotic population analysis, Annexin V/PI binding assay, and DNA ladder analysis were applied to investigate the cell apoptosis. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry.The mRNA and protein level of HIF-1 alpha increased after exposure of MCF-7 cells to hypoxia (P0.01). However, apoptosis was lower in hypoxia compared with normoxia (P0.05). The HIF-1 level of MCF-7 transfected with HIF-1 alpha shRNA decreased approximately 91.63% (P0.01). When the cells were treated with or without apoptosis inducer Ara-C, the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells transfected with HIF-1 alpha shRNA increased by 1.75 times (P0.01) and 61. 31 times (P0.01), respectively. The expression of VEGF in MCF-7 cells transfected with HIF-1 alpha shRNA decreased 66.8% compared with untransfected cells (P0.05). Cell cycle progression was inhibited when the MCF-7 cells were transfected with HIF-1 alpha shRNA.HIF-1 alpha plays an anti-apoptotic role in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line. The shRNA we designed targeting HIF-1 alpha in MCF-7 can promote cell apoptosis, inhibit the expression of VEGF, and delay cell cycle progression.

The aim of this study was to construct a eukaryotic expression vector containing human hemangiopoietin (hHAPO) gene and express it in mouse bone marrow stromal cell line HESS-5, then support hematopoiesis in vitro with gene-modified HESS-5 (hHAPO-HESS-5).The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of HAPO were digested with BamHI and BgII. Then the HAPO gene segment obtained was again cloned into pIRES2-EGFP to construct recombinant eukaryotic expression vector HAPO-pIRES2-EGFP. The recombinant vector was identified by enzyme digestion analysis, PCR, and sequencing. HESS-5 cells were transformed by recombinant vector and positive clones were selected with G418. The expression of HAPO gene in the transformed cells was detected by studying EGFP expression, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and Western-blotting analysis. Support of human hematopoiesis by hHAPO-HESS-5 cells was evaluated in co-culture experiments with human CD34+ cells.Enzyme digestion analysis and sequencing showed that the target gene had been cloned into the recombinant vector. The expression of HAPO gene in the transformed stromal cells was demonstrated by fluoro-microscopy and RT-PCR analysis. HAPO protein was also detected in the supernatant of hHAPO-HESS-5 by Western blot analysis. As expected, stably transfected hHAPO-HESS-5 cells significantly increased in both relative and absolute numbers of CD34+ cells after 14 days of culture. The PKH26 study demonstrated that cell division was faster in CD34+ cells co-cultured with hHAPO-HESS-5 cells than in cells cocultured with vector-HESS-5 cells. The hHAPO-HESS-5 cells also supported human hematopoiesis in vitro more efficiently than did control vector-HESS-5 cells.A recombinant eukaryotic expression vector has been constructed and expressed successfully in transformed cells. The hHAPO-HESS-5 cells support rapid generation of primitive progenitor cells and maintain reconstituting ability of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. Therefore, it would be possible to use stromal cells expressing HAPO gene as seed cells in the bone marrow transplantation.

Approximately 20–30% acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are not cured by traditional chemotherapy. The possible explanation is that residual leukemia cells are harbored in association with stromal cells in the bone marrow, which causes late relapse of leukemia. This study was designed to investigate interactions between marrow stromal microenvironment and leukemia cells. AML cells were cultured in different conditions with or without serum, Ara-c, the monolayers or the conditioned medium of a stromal cell line HESS-5. Apoptosis frequencies, cell viability, cell cycle distribution, DNA fragment, and bcl-2/bcl-xl gene as well as caspase-3 expression were determined by Typan blue exclusion, MTT assay, flow cytometry analysis, PCR and Western blot respectively. Direct contact of HL-60 cells with HESS-5 significantly inhibited serum-deprivation- or Ara-c-induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells, and resulted in a significant increase of short-term proliferation and viability. Soluble factors had negligible effect. The interaction of HL-60 with fibronectin did not confer a significant resistance to serum-deprivation and Ara-c agent. HESS-5 cells were also able to maintain cell cycle progression of HL-60 during chemotherapy exposure. HESS-5 cells-mediated apoptosis inhibition was associated with increased bcl-2/bcl-xl expression and down-regulation of caspase-3 in primary myeloid leukemia cells. These results indicate that stromal cells enhance the survival of myeloid leukemia cells by regulating bcl-2 family genes as well as caspase-3 protein and suggest that specific interactions between stromal cells and leukemia cells may enhance the resistance of leukemia cells to chemotherapy.