Analysis of lncRNA Expression in Patients With Eosinophilic and Neutrophilic Asthma Focusing on LNC_000127

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is important in many diseases. Some studies have shown that lncRNA affects the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation of asthma. lncRNA regulates gene transcription, protein expression, and epigenetic regulation. However, lncRNAs associated with different airway phenotypes, such as eosinophilic (Eos) and neutrophilic (Neu) asthma have not been identified. The goal of this study was to determine the differences in circulating lncRNA signatures in Eos and Neu samples. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), lncRNA expression was evaluated in peripheral whole blood samples among Eos patients, Neu patients, and healthy individuals (Control). Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict relevant biological pathways. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure gene expression in whole blood samples, Jurkat cells, and human CD4+ T cells. Finally, a novel lncRNA, LNC_000127, was inhibited by transfection of Jurkat cells with a lentiviral vector, and the effect was examined by Human Asthma RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array and western blotting. Compared to control samples, Eos samples contained 190 unique lncRNAs and Neu samples had 166 unique lncRNAs (difference ≥2-fold). KEGG pathway annotation data and GO terms revealed that different lncRNAs are involved in different mechanisms. LNC_000127, was highly expressed in Eos samples before treatment; its expression was increased in Jurkat cells and human CD4+ T cells following stimulation with PMA/CD28. Subsequent analyses revealed that LNC_000127 functions in the Th2 inflammation pathway. The results suggest that lncRNAs are involved in different phenotypes of asthma. Whether the different phenotypes of asthma can be recognized based on these lncRNAs (as biomarkers) requires further analysis. Targeting LNC_000127 may be effective for reducing Th2 inflammation in Eos asthma

Effect of Ermiao Fang with Xixin (Herba Asari Mandshurici) on bone marrow stem cell directional homing to a focal zone in an osteoarthritis rat model

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Ermiao Fang (EM) with medical guide Xixin (Herba Asari Mandshurici) (HAM) on bone marrow stem cell migration to a focal zone in osteoarthritis (OA) rats.MethodsOA rats were induced by arthrectomy and assigned to sham-operated, model, EM, or EM plus HAM groups. All rats were injected with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 30 μg • kg−1 • d−1 for 7 days and treated with EM or EM plus HAM at 1.6 or 1.9 g • kg−1 • d−1 for 3 or 6 weeks, respectively. Chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage matrix components were tested by transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling assay and special staining. Levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) nitric oxide (NO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-13, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1, Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) were measured by immunohistochemical assay.ResultsThe EM and EM plus HAM groups had significantly less cartilage damage and synovium inflammation the model group. Moreover, the EM and EM plus HAM groups had less chondrocyte apoptosis and more proteoglycan and collagen content than the model group. The EM and EM plus HAM groups had obviously higher MMPs-13 and TIMPs-1 expression in the cartilage than the model group. Moreover, the two formula groups had less release of IL-1β, TNF-α, NO, and iNOS than model group. Importantly, the expressions of BrdU, CD34, and SDF-1 in cartilage were significantly higher in the EM and EM plus HAM-Medtreated rats than model group. Notably, the EM plus HAM treatment seemed to have the greatest effects.ConclusionsHAM improves the therapeutic effects of EM on OA rats by enhancing BMSC directional homing to the focal zone

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and receptor flk-1 in colon cancer liver metastases

This study investigated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and flk-1 expression in hepatic metastases from colon carcinoma, and their associations with tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41588/1/534_2003_Article_883.pd

Lesional Intractable Epileptic Spasms in Children: Electroclinical Localization and Postoperative Outcomes

To analyze the influence of seizure semiology, electroencephalography (EEG) features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) change on epileptogenic zone localization and surgical prognosis in children with epileptic spasm (ES) were assessed. Data from 127 patients with medically intractable epilepsy with ES who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. ES semiology was classified as non-lateralized, bilateral asymmetric, and focal. Interictal epileptiform discharges were divided into diffusive or multifocal, unilateral, and focal. MRI results showed visible local lesions for all patients, while the anatomo-electrical-clinical value of localization of the epileptogenic zone was dependent on the surgical outcome. During preoperative video EEG monitoring, among all 127 cases, 53 cases (41.7%) had ES only, 46 (36.2%) had ES and focal seizures, 17 (13.4%) had ES and generalized seizures, and 11 (8.7%) had ES with focal and generalized seizures. Notably, 35 (27.6%) and 92 cases (72.4%) showed simple and complex ES, respectively. Interictal EEG showed that 22 cases (17.3%) had bilateral multifocal discharges or hypsarrhythmia, 25 (19.7%) had unilateral dominant discharges, and 80 (63.0%) had definite focal or regional discharges. Ictal discharges were generalized/bilateral in 71 cases (55.9%) and definite/lateralized in 56 cases (44.1%). Surgically resected lesions were in the hemisphere (28.3%), frontal lobe (24.4%), temporal lobe (16.5%), temporo-parieto-occipital region (14.2%), and posterior cortex region (8.7%). Seizure-free rates at 1 and 4 years postoperatively were 81.8 and 72.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between electroclinical characteristics of ES and seizure-free rate. Surgical treatment showed good outcomes in most patients in this cohort. Semiology and ictal EEG change of ES had no effect on localization, while focal or lateralized epileptiform discharges of interictal EEG may affect lateralization and localization. Complete resection of epileptogenic lesions identified via MRI was the only factor associated with a positive surgical outcome

Association between mobile phone addiction, sleep disorder and the gut microbiota: a short-term prospective observational study

Bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain has sparked interest in exploring the link between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and sleep disorders (SD) in microbiome research. However, investigating the role of gut microbiota in this relationship using animal models presents challenges due to the unique nature of MPA, and human research in this area is scarce. We recruited 99 healthy college students to evaluate the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and assess MPA and SD at baseline and after a two-month follow-up. Multiple covariate-adjusted statistical models, including linear regression, permutational multivariate analysis of variance and so on, were employed to determine microbiome associations with MPA at baseline and changes in SD at follow-up. Our findings revealed negative associations between MPA and three alpha diversity metrics, along with alterations in bacterial composition. MPA showed negative associations with the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, while displaying positive associations with Actinobacteria and Bifidobacteriales. Conversely, Actinobacteria exhibited a negative association with increased SD. This study has established a significant link between MPA and a decrease in the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota. Actinobacteria was associated with MPA and SD, respectively. Additional investigation is needed to fully comprehend the relationship between comorbid behavioral disorders and the gut microbiota

Laparoscopic Placement of Hepatic Artery Infusion Pumps: Technical Considerations and Early Results

Laparoscopic hepatic artery infusion pump (LHAIP) placement is a novel treatment option for patients with colorectal liver metastases. This study investigates technical difficulties with regard to variant hepatic arteries and the preliminary outcomes for patients treated with LHAIP placement.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41404/1/10434_2004_Article_589.pd

Efficacy of Complex coils in embolization of intracranial lobulated aneurysms: a clinical analysis of 34 cases

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Complex coils as the framing coils on the embolization of intracranial lobulated aneurysms. Methods From April 2017 to April 2018, 34 patients with lobulated aneurysms admitted in our neurosurgery department were enrolled in this study. They all underwent implantation of Complex coils as the framing coils, and their clinical data were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The results of intraoperative cerebral angiography and follow-up outcomes were discussed. Results According to the Raymond standard of aneurysm occlusion, grade Ⅰ occurred in 27 of 34 patients (79.4%), and grade Ⅱ in 5 patients (14.7%), in intraoperative assessment. In the 31 patients who were followed-up through digital subtraction angiography at 6 months after operation, no recurrence was found. In the assessment of aneurysm occlusion, Raymond grade Ⅰ was achieved in 28 patients (90.3%), and Raymond grade Ⅱ in 3 patients (9.7%). No complications associated with Complex coils were observed during perioperative period. Conclusion Complex coils achieves a high success rate as forming frame in the embolization of lobulated aneurysms, with no obvious increase in complications