PurposeLung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of lung cancer. Cancer in a small number of patients with EGFR mutations will transform from LUAD to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) during epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapiesr. The purpose of the present study was to identify the core genes related to the transformation of LUAD into SCLC and to explore the associated molecular mechanisms.MethodsGSE29016, GSE1037, GSE6044 and GSE40275 mRNA microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LUAD and SCLC tissues, and the results were used for network analysis of protein–protein interactions (PPIs). After identifying the hub gene by STRING and Cytoscape platform, we explored the relationship between hub genes and the occurrence and development of SCLC. Finally, the obtained hub genes were validated in treated LUAD cells.ResultsA total of 41 DEGs were obtained, four hub genes (EZH2, NUSAP1, TTK and UBE2C) were identified, and related prognostic information was obtained. The coexpressed genes of the hub gene set were further screened, and the analysis identified many genes related to the cell cycle. Subsequently, LUAD cell models with TP53 and RB1 inactivation and overexpression of ASCL1 were constructed, and then the expression of hub genes was detected, the results showed that the four hub genes were all elevated in the established cell model.ConclusionEZH2, NUSAP1, TTK and UBE2C may affect the transformation of LUAD to SCLC and represent new candidate molecular markers for the occurrence and development of SCLC.

PurposeIn order to research the value of multimodal ultrasonography in evaluating therapeutic response of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis to anti-tuberculosis drugs.Materials and methodsSixty-one patients with cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis were enrolled in this study. Ultrasound examination was performed before systemic standard anti-tuberculosis treatment and within 1–2 months after treatment, and the patients were divided into effective group and ineffective group according to the follow-up at the sixth month. The multimodal ultrasound signs of the two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsIn the effective group, there were significant differences in the maximum diameter of lymph nodes, the echo of the surrounding tissue and the enlargement of the contrast area before and after treatment (p < 0.05). At 1–2 months after treatment, there were significant differences in the maximum diameter, pus changes, CDFI, elasticity scores, echo of surrounding tissues, changes in enlarged and non-enhanced areas after contrast enhancement between the effective group and the ineffective group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe multimodal ultrasound signs of the appearance of internal pus or non-enhancement area enlargement, enhanced echo of the surrounding tissue and enlargement after CEUS are related to poor prognosis, and may be used to evaluate the response of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy when the size change of lymph node is not obvious in individual treatment.

ObjectiveObserve the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy on inflammatory cytokines in the synovial fluid of the knee joint of patients with KOA, and explore the effects of PRP intra-articular injection on the inflammation of the knee joint environment and the possible mechanism of action.MethodsSeventy patients were randomized to undergo three blinded weekly intra-articular injections of PRP or hyaluronic acid (HA). The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, in the synovial fluid were evaluated before the intervention and 1 month after the third injection. The Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used to assess pain and functional status of the knee joints in both groups before the intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar in both groups with no statistical difference. The IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 levels in the synovial fluid of the observation group decreased significantly after, vs. before, the intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the IL-8, IL-17F, and IL-4 levels decreased (p > 0.05) and IL-5 levels increased (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between inflammatory cytokine levels in the synovial fluid of the samples from the control group before and after the intervention (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups immediately after intervention (p > 0.05). At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention, the WOMAC and VAS scores were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionPlatelet plasma therapy can reduce the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 in the synovial fluid of KOA patients, reduce the expression levels of IL-8, IL-17F, and IL-4, clear the pro-inflammatory factors, improve the inflammatory environment of the affected knee joint, and alleviate pain caused by inflammation. Thus, alleviating pain and improving knee function in patients with KOA.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has swept across the world and continues to exert serious adverse effects on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and neonates. The vaccines available at present were designed to prevent infection from COVID-19 strains and control viral spread. Although the incidence of pregnancy cycle outcomes are not likely to increase patients vaccinated prior to pregnancy compared with unvaccinated patients based on our knowledge of vaccination safety, there is no specific evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the association between maternal vaccination prior to conception and pregnancy outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 2,614 women who received prenatal care and delivered in the Obstetrical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between February 2022 and November 2022. Of the 1,380 eligible pregnant women, 899 women who had received preconception vaccination were assigned to a vaccine group and 481 women who were not vaccinated were control group. Of the enrolled patients, 291 women received fertility treatment (141 vaccinated women, 150 unvaccinated women). The primary outcomes were pregnancy complications (hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, premature rupture of membranes and postpartum hemorrhage), obstetric outcomes (preterm birth rate, cesarean section rate) and neonatal outcomes (birth-weight, body length, low-birth-weight rate, rate of congenital defects, neonatal mortality and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit).ResultsThere was no significant difference in the incidence of complications during pregnancy and delivery when compared between the vaccine group and control group in either univariate- or multivariate-models. The type of vaccine was not associated with the odds of adverse pregnancy outcome. Among the women with infertility treatment, the vaccinated group and the unvaccinated group had similar pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionWomen who received COVID-19 vaccination prior to conception had similar maternal and neonatal outcomes as women who were unvaccinated. Our findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccinations can be safely administered prior to pregnancy in women who are planning pregnancy or assisted reproductive treatment. During new waves of COVID-19 infection, women who are planning pregnancy should be vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid subsequent infections.