TRIM27 is an adverse prognostic biomarker and associated with immune and molecular profiles in right-sided colon cancer

Right-sided colon cancer (RCC), as an independent tumor entity, shows a poor prognosis. It is imperative to detect immune microenvironment-related genes for predicting RCC patient prognosis and study their function in RCC. Tripartite motif-containing 27 (TRIM27) was identified as a risk signature from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets by using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, differentially expressed analysis, and univariate Cox analysis. It predicted a poorer overall survival and increased lymph node metastasis, which were then validated in our 48 clinical samples. Using immunohistochemistry, TRIM27 was found to be highly expressed in both cancer cells and surrounding immunocytes, and its expression in tumor or immune cells both predicted a poorer prognosis. Thereafter, the functional mechanism, immune and molecular characteristics of TRIM27 were investigated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) at the single-cell, somatic mutation, and RNA-seq level. Patients with highly expressed TRIM27 presented lower CD4⁺ T cell infiltration and activation of the mTORC1/glycolysis pathway. In addition, patients with highly expressed TRIM27 were characterized by hypermetabolism, higher tumor purity, more BRAF mutation, and more chromosomal instability. Collectively, TRIM27 is an important immune-related prognostic biomarker in patients with RCC. It may function via activating the mTORC1/glycolysis pathway and suppressing CD4⁺ T cells. These results indicated that TRIM27 could be a promising therapeutic target in RCC.     

Dietary Plant Protein Intake Can Reduce Maternal Insulin Resistance during Pregnancy

Evidence suggests that the source of dietary protein may have an impact on insulin resistance, but no studies have explored it in pregnant populations. In this study, we combined a population study and an animal experiment to explore this effect. The population study was conducted with data from NHANES. Multiple linear regression was used to observe the association of protein intake with outcomes, including fasting glucose (GLU), insulin (INS), and HOMA-IR. In the animal experiment, 36 pregnant SD rats in three groups were orally administered 100% animal protein, 50% animal protein and 50% plant protein, or 100% plant protein, respectively. The intervention continued throughout the whole pregnancy. On day 19.5, maternal plasma was collected after overnight fasting, and metabolomics was performed using UPLC-MS. We found plant protein intake was negatively correlated with INS and HOMA-IR in the whole population. During the third trimester, a similar correlation was also observed. The animal experiment also presented the same result. In metabolomic analysis, changes in various metabolites and related pathways including FoxO and mTOR signaling pathways were observed. In conclusion, we found a negative association between dietary plant protein intake and maternal insulin resistance during pregnancy. Changes in some active substances and related metabolic pathways may play an important role.     

Reconstruction of fully shaped fingers using a free great toe nail flap combined with a second toe tissue flap

To explore the clinical outcome of a free great toe nail flap (GTNF) combined with a second toe tissue flap (STTF) for fully shaped finger reconstruction (FSFR). From January 2013 to January 20, 2019, patients with finger defects underwent finger reconstruction using free GTNF combined with an STTF. All 20 fully shaped, reconstructed fingers survived without complications. The average follow‐up time was 44.4 months (range 12‐60 months). The reconstructed fingers had better function and appearance. The length of the fingers was close to normal, and the joint positions were normal. The fingers were able to extend −15° to −5° and flex 40° to 85°. The reconstructed fingers had no pain or numbness, and the function of the feet was restored well. The reconstruction of fully shaped fingers using GTNF combined with an STTF results in better function and appearance. This surgical method is worthy of promotion. This article introduces a new surgical method that is related to finger reconstruction. Finger defects bring psychological and functional regrets to patients and their families. Through this operation, the reconstructed finger is more perfect in appearance and function. I think this technology is very effective and worth promoting.     

Collateral Flow in Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Prognostic Value for Vertebrobasilar Stenosis With Stroke Recurrence

Background and PurposeIntracranial vertebrobasilar atherosclerotic stenosis (IVBAS) is a major cause of posterior circulation stroke. Some patients suffer from stroke recurrence despite receiving medical treatment. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of a new score for the posterior communicating artery and the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCoA-P1) for predicting stroke recurrence in IVBAS.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients with severe IVBAS (70%–99%). According to the number of stroke recurrences, patients were divided into no-recurrence, single-recurrence, and multiple-recurrences groups. We developed a new 5-point grading scale, with the PCoA-P1 score ranging from 0 to 4 based on magnetic resonance angiography, in which primary collaterals were dichotomized into good (2–4 points) and poor (0 or 1 point). Stroke recurrences after the index stroke were recorded. Patients who did not experience stroke recurrence were compared with those who experienced single or multiple stroke recurrences.ResultsFrom January 2012 to December 2019, 176 patients were enrolled, of which 116 (65.9%) had no stroke recurrence, 35 (19.9%) had a single stroke recurrence, and 25 (14.2%) had multiple stroke recurrences. Patients with single stroke recurrence (odds ratio [OR]=4.134, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.822–9.380, p=0.001) and multiple stroke recurrences (OR=6.894, 95% CI=2.489–19.092, p<0.001) were more likely to have poor primary collaterals than those with no stroke recurrence.ConclusionsThe new PCoA-P1 score appears to provide improve predictions of stroke recurrence in patients with IVBAS.     

Effect of Xanthii Fructus alcohol extract on proliferation and apoptosis of HFLS-RA and its mechanism

Xanthii fructus (XF) is the dried and mature fruit of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. It has the effects of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-arthritic. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disorder and often leads to disability. However, there are few studies on the treatment of RA by XF and the specific mechanism of treatment has not been clarified. This study was designed to explore the effects of proliferation and apoptosis by XF on human fibroblast-like synovial-RA (HFLS-RA) cells and investigate its mechanism. The cell proliferation ability was detected by MTS assay. Hoechst 33,342 staining was used to detect apoptosis, and the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of NF-κB p65 and β-catenin were detected by Western Blotting. MTS, Hoechst 33,342, flow cytometry analysis showed that the alcohol extract of XF inhibited human fibroblast-like synovial-RA cells proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Western Blotting experiment showed that the extract of XF could reduce the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and β-catenin. The extract of XF has a significant therapeutic effect on RA in vitro by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our research will help to clarify the potential pharmacological mechanism of XF on RA and provide experimental basis for the application of XF in clinical treatment.