The C-X-C motif ligand 16, or CXCL16, is a chemokine that belongs to the ELR - CXC subfamily. Its function is to bind to the chemokine receptor CXCR6, which is a G protein-coupled receptor with 7 transmembrane domains. The CXCR6/CXCL16 axis has been linked to the development of numerous autoimmune diseases and is connected to clinical parameters that reflect disease severity, activity, and prognosis in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. CXCL16 is expressed in various immune cells, such as dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, and B cells. During autoimmune diseases, CXCL16 can facilitate the adhesion of immune cells like monocytes, T cells, NKT cells, and others to endothelial cells and dendritic cells. Additionally, sCXCL16 can regulate the migration of CXCR6-expressing leukocytes, which includes CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, NK cells, constant natural killer T cells, plasma cells, and monocytes. Further investigation is required to comprehend the intricate interactions between chemokines and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. It remains to be seen whether the CXCR6/CXCL16 axis represents a new target for the treatment of these conditions.

Abstract Backgrounds: Previous studies showed that Kyoto classification of gastritis could accurately predict H. pylori infection status on conventional gastroscope. The aim of this study was to testify whether Kyoto classification of gastritis applies well on magnetic controlled capsule endoscopy (MCCE).Methods: This study included two phases, both of which were basically a group of diagnostic tests. In phase one which included 35 participants who had undergone both conventional gastroscope and MCCE, we testified whether major findings documented in Kyoto classification of gastritis could be well recognized on MCCE. Then, in phase two, we consecutively recruited 227 participants who had under gone both MCCE and urea breath test (UBT). The diagnosis of H. pylori infection status was independently made by 2 physicians who were blinded to UBT results and well versed in Kyoto classification of gastritis after reviewing MCCE images. Results: In phase one, all of the 10 findings selected from Kyoto classification of gastritis could be well recognized on MCCE, when findings on conventional gastroscope were used as the gold standard, the overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 96.6%, 84,7% and 100.0% respectively. In phase two, MCCE’s overall diagnostic accuracy on H. pylori infection status was 80.2%. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for current-infection were 89.4%, 90.1% and 77.1 respectively. Major specific findings were mucosal swelling and spotty redness for current infection, regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC), streak redness, fundic gland polyp (FGP) for non-infection, and map redness for past-infection.Conclusions: Kyoto classification of gastritis applied well on MCCE. H. pylori infection status could be accurately assessed on MCCE.

Background: With the development of next generation sequencing technology, a lot of research has focused on the role of human microbiome in regulating immunity. The present study evaluated microbiome changes of colorectal cancer patients who received XELOX regimen (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) without requiring antimicrobials. Methods: Stool samples from 7 patients (3 females/4 males) after screening of 11 patients before and after XELOX chemotherapy were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing and flora dynamics compared at baseline and after 8 weeks of chemotherapy. Enrolled patients were newly diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer and had not received antimicrobial therapy or surgery. XELOX was administered for 2 cycles or 2-weekly treatments for 3 cycles. Results: The patterns of relative abundance of all bacteria isolated from stool samples before or after chemotherapy treatment appeared to be different, but there were no significant differences in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolism pathway between the two groups. The top five pathways in patients were the two-component system, phenylalanine metabolism, degradation of aromatic compounds, beta-lactam resistance and folate biosynthesis. More than 99.6% intestinal flora isolates were bacteria, <0.4% were viruses and Archaea. The relative abundances of the 5 most common bacterial phyla in fecal samples before chemotherapy were Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. The abundance of Actinomycetes in stools after chemotherapy was increased to 2.5 fold higher than before chemotherapy. Bifidobacterium longum species were significantly elevated in stools after chemotherapy (P<0.05), and changes of relative abundance of Bifidobacterium longum species after chemotherapy from baseline in favorable outcome population (stable disease) was significant higher than them in unfavorable outcome population (progressive disease, PD) (P=0.023). Conclusions: The results indicated that Actinomyces in the gut might have a positive clinical outcome for colorectal cancer patients. This idea needs further studies to examine the actions of Actinomyces on inhibition of tumor growth.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify predictive biomarkers used for clinical therapy and prognostic evaluation of high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Materials and Methods: In this study, microarray data GSE31802 were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high-risk GISTs and low-risk GISTs. Then, enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted based on the gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway database. In addition, the transcription factors and cancer-related genes in DEGs were screened according to the TRANSFAC, TSGene, and TAG database. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed to look for critical genes involved in high-risk GISTs. Results: A total of forty DEGs were obtained and these genes were mainly involved in four pathways, including melanogenesis, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, malaria, and hematopoietic cell lineage. The enriched biological processes were related to the regulation of insulin secretion, integrin activation, and neuropeptide signaling pathway. Transcription factor analysis of DEGs indicated that POU domain, class 2, associating factor 1 (POU2AF1) was significantly downregulated in high-risk GISTs. By constructing the PPI network of DEGs, ten genes with high degrees formed local networks, such as PNOC, P2RY14, and SELP. Conclusions: Four genes as POU2AF1, PNOC, P2RY14, and SELP might be used as biomarkers for prognosis of high-risk GISTs.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of diameter of needles on the effect of dry needling treatment of chronic lumbar myofascial pain syndrome.DESIGN:Forty-eight patients with chronic lumbar myofascial pain syndrome were randomly allocated to 3 groups. They received dry needling with needles of diameter 0.25 (group A), 0.5 (group B), and 0.9 mm (group C). Visual analog scale evaluation and health survey were conducted at baseline and 3 months after the treatment.RESULTS:Visual analog scale scores were significantly different in all groups from baseline to 3 months. Visual analog scale scores at 3 months showed differences between group C and the other 2 groups. When baseline and 3 months after treatment (0 day and 3 months) in each of the 3 groups was compared, there was a difference between group C and group B. The Short Form (36) Health Survey scores from baseline to 3 months were different within the treatment groups.CONCLUSIONS:Visual analog scale score evaluations at 3 months showed efficacy in all groups. Results of 3 months showed that efficacy of treatment with larger needles (0.9-mm diameter) was better than that of smaller ones (0.5-mm diameter). The Short Form (36) Health Survey scores at 3 months indicated that treatments with needles of varying diameters were all effective, and when the results of 3 months were compared, there was no difference between the 3 groups.

The current treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are suboptimal. The findings of previous studies of rifaximin treatment for IBS may have differed due to variations in study design. Our study aimed to determine the therapeutic and adverse effects of rifaximin treatment for IBS based on a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid, and Cochrane Library databases for RCTs investigating the effects of rifaximin on IBS. Data from each selected RCT was evaluated individually based on an intention-to-treat analysis, and a meta-analysis was performed in which the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of clinical outcomes and adverse events were calculated using fixed-effects models. Four eligible studies were identified. Overall relief of IBS symptoms in the rifaximin groups was greater than that in the placebo groups at the ends of both the treatment and follow-up periods (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.08-1.32 and OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.18-1.58, respectively, P < 0.05 for both). Significant relief of abdominal distention was observed at the follow-up endpoint (OR = 1.69; 95% Cl: 1.27-2.23; P < 0.05), but not at the treatment endpoint (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.96-1.49; P > 0.05). Abdominal pain (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.98-1.03; P > 0.05), nausea (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98-1.02; P > 0.05), vomiting (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1.01; P > 0.05), and headache (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.98-1.03; P > 0.05) did not differ significantly between the rifaximin and placebo groups. In the RCTs selected, our meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of rifaximin for the resolution of overall IBS symptoms was greater than that of the placebos, and that rifaximin was well-tolerated. The course of relief from abdominal distention in IBS patients treated with rifaximin may be delayed in some patients, compared with that of overall IBS symptom relief.

The current treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are suboptimal. The findings of previous studies of rifaximin treatment for IBS may have differed due to variations in study design. Our study aimed to determine the therapeutic and adverse effects of rifaximin treatment for IBS based on a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid, and Cochrane Library databases for RCTs investigating the effects of rifaximin on IBS. Data from each selected RCT was evaluated individually based on an intention-to-treat analysis, and a meta-analysis was performed in which the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of clinical outcomes and adverse events were calculated using fixed-effects models. Four eligible studies were identified. Overall relief of IBS symptoms in the rifaximin groups was greater than that in the placebo groups at the ends of both the treatment and follow-up periods (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.08–1.32 and OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.18–1.58, respectively, P < 0.05 for both). Significant relief of abdominal distention was observed at the follow-up endpoint (OR = 1.69; 95% Cl: 1.27–2.23; P < 0.05), but not at the treatment endpoint (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.96–1.49; P > 0.05). Abdominal pain (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.98–1.03; P > 0.05), nausea (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98–1.02; P > 0.05), vomiting (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–1.01; P > 0.05), and headache (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.98–1.03; P > 0.05) did not differ significantly between the rifaximin and placebo groups. In the RCTs selected, our meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of rifaximin for the resolution of overall IBS symptoms was greater than that of the placebos, and that rifaximin was well-tolerated. The course of relief from abdominal distention in IBS patients treated with rifaximin may be delayed in some patients, compared with that of overall IBS symptom relief.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature on chronic trapezius myofascial pain syndrome during dry needling therapy. Sixty patients were randomized into two groups of dry needling (DN) alone (group A) and DN combined with heat therapy group (group B). Each patient was treated once and the therapeutic effect was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) at seven days, one month, and three months after treatment. Evaluation based on VAS and PPT showed that the pain of patients in groups A and B was significantly (P < 0.05) relieved at seven days, one month, and three months after treatment Compared to before treatment. There was significantly (P < 0.05) less pain in group B than group A at one and three months after treatment. The SF-36 evaluation demonstrated that the physical condition of patients in both groups showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement at one month and three months after treatment than before treatment. Our study suggests that both DN and DN heating therapy were effective in the treatment of trapezius MPS, and that DN heating therapy had better long-term effects than DN therapy.