Axin2+-Mesenchymal PDL Cells, Instead of K14+ Epithelial Cells, Play a Key Role in Rapid Cementum Growth

To date, attempts to regenerate functional periodontal tissues (including cementum) are largely unsuccessful due to a lack of full understanding about the cellular origin (epithelial or mesenchymal cells) essential for root cementum growth. To address this issue, we first identified a rapid cementum growth window from the ages of postnatal day 28 (P28) to P56. Next, we showed that expression patterns of Axin2 and β-catenin within cementum-forming periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are negatively associated with rapid cementum growth. Furthermore, cell lineage tracing studies revealed that the Axin2+-mesenchymal PDL cells and their progeny rapidly expand and directly contribute to postnatal acellular and cellular cementum growth. In contrast, the number of K14+ epithelial cells, which were initially active at early stages of development, was reduced during rapid cementum formation from P28 to P56. The in vivo cell ablation of these Axin2+ cells using Axin2CreERT2/+; R26RDTA/+ mice led to severe cementum hypoplasia, whereas constitutive activation of β-catenin in the Axin2+ cells resulted in an acceleration in cellular cementogenesis plus a transition from acellular cementum to cellular cementum. Thus, we conclude that Axin2+-mesenchymal PDL cells, instead of K14+ epithelial cells, significantly contribute to rapid cementum growth.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

P11.30 Special VEGF90kDa form in exosome from GBM cells activates TAZ in endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and contributes bevacizumab resistance

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) has obvious blood vessels proliferation, which is one of the important histological diagnostic criteria. Bevacizumab, VEGF targeted inhibitor, is found inefficient in 2/3 cases after the clinical trial. Here, we found a specific 90kDa form of VEGF (VEGF90K) in exosomes of GBM could activate TAZ expression in endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis, which might also contribute to Bevacizumab treatment resistance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Exosomes were isolated from U87, LN229 GBM cell culture medium and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle analysis, and western blotting. VEGF expression in GBM and TAZ expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are inhibited by shRNA. In vitro migration, proliferation, and tube formation assays were used to assess the angiogenic potential of HUVEC cells. Western blotting was used to analysis TAZ expression in HUVEC. Bevacizumab or exosome inhibitor GW4869 were used separately or together to evaluation their blocking effects on angiogenic functions of GBM cells.

RESULTS

we found a unique 90kDa form of VEGF (VEGF90K) from exosome of GBM cells could activate TAZ expression in HUVEC cells which correlated with higher levels of cellular migration, proliferation, and tube formation. Knockdown VEGF expression in GBM exosomes or TAZ expression in HUVEC cells could decrease the angiogenic function of GBM cells. GW4869 combine Bevacizumab had significantly inhibited the angiogenic ability of GBM cells in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

A specific exosome-associated VEGF from GBM can promote angiogenesis by activating TAZ expression in endothelial cells. Targeted inhibition of exosome secretion can significantly inhibit tumor angiogenesis and restore bevacizumab effect. Our study highlights the unique properties of VEGF in exosome which might help to explore new treatment strategies of GBM.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

miR‑153 promotes neural differentiation in the mouse hippocampal HT‑22 cell line and increases the expression of neuron‑specific enolase

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to play important regulatory roles in certain neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of miRNA-153 (miR-153) on the neural differentiation of HT-22 cells. Overexpression of miR-153 induced the differentiation of HT-22 cells, increasing the number of protrusions and branches, reducing the S phase distribution of the cell cycle, and attenuating the cell proliferation rate as determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Furthermore, miR-153 increased the expression of neuron-specific γ-enolase (NSE), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment protein 23 (SNAP23) and SNAP25 at the transcriptional and protein level by PCR and western blot analysis. Moreover, miR-153 caused obvious upregulation of peroxiredoxin 5 (PRX5), which has been found to protect neural cells from death and apoptosis. miR-153 promoted neural differentiation and protected neural cells by upregulating the neuron markers γ-enolase, neuronal nuclei, and the functional proteins SNAP23, SNAP25 and PRX5. Therefore, miR-153 may be a potential target for the treatment of certain neurodegenerative diseases.

Characteristics and Follow-Up of 13 pedigrees with Gitelman syndrome

CONTEXT

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is clinically heterogeneous. The genotype and phenotype correlation has not been well established. Though the long-term prognosis is considered to be favorable, hypokalemia is difficult to cure.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics and treatment of all members of 13 GS pedigrees.

METHODS

Thirteen pedigrees (86 members, 17 GS patients) were enrolled. Symptoms and management, laboratory findings, and genotype-phenotype associations among all the members were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average ages at onset and diagnosis were 27.6 ± 10.2 years and 37.9 ± 11.6 years, respectively. Males were an average of 10 years younger and exhibited more profound hypokalemia than females. Eighteen mutations were detected. Two novel mutations (p.W939X, p.G212S) were predicted to be pathogenic by bioinformatic analysis. GS patients exhibited the lowest blood pressure, serum K⁺, Mg²⁺, and 24-h urinary Ca²⁺ levels. Although blood pressure, serum K⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels were normal in heterozygous carriers, 24-h urinary Na⁺ excretion was significantly increased. During follow-up, only 41.2% of patients reached a normal serum K⁺ level. Over 80% of patients achieved a normal Mg²⁺ level. Patients were taking 2-3 medications at higher doses than usual prescription to stabilize their K⁺ levels. Six patients were taking spironolactone simultaneously, but no significant elevation in the serum K⁺ level was observed.

CONCLUSION

The phenotypic variability of GS and therapeutic strategies deserve further research to improve GS diagnosis and prognosis. Even heterozygous carriers exhibited increased 24-h Na⁺ urine excretion, which may make them more susceptible to diuretic-induced hypokalemia.

Proton Shell Evolution below ^{132}Sn: First Measurement of Low-Lying β-Emitting Isomers in ^{123,125}Ag

The β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of neutron-rich ^{123,125}Ag isotopes is investigated at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN, and the long-predicted 1/2^{-} β-emitting isomers in ^{123,125}Ag are identified for the first time. With the new experimental results, the systematic trend of energy spacing between the lowest 9/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} levels is extended in Ag isotopes up to N=78, providing a clear signal for the reduction of the Z=40 subshell gap in Ag towards N=82. Shell-model calculations with the state-of-the-art V_{MU} plus M3Y spin-orbit interaction give a satisfactory description of the low-lying states in ^{123,125}Ag. The tensor force is found to play a crucial role in the evolution of the size of the Z=40 subshell gap. The observed inversion of the single-particle levels around ^{123}Ag can be well interpreted in terms of the monopole shift of the π1g_{9/2} orbitals mainly caused by the increasing occupation of ν1h_{11/2} orbitals.

TGFβ-induced cytoskeletal remodeling mediates elevation of cell stiffness and invasiveness in NSCLC

Importance of growth factor (GF) signaling in cancer progression is widely acknowledged. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is known to play a key role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic cell transformation that are characterized by alterations in cell mechanical architecture and behavior towards a more robust and motile single cell phenotype. However, mechanisms mediating cancer type specific enhancement of cell mechanical phenotype in response to TGFβ remain poorly understood. Here, we combine high-throughput mechanical cell phenotyping, microarray analysis and gene-silencing to dissect cytoskeletal mediators of TGFβ-induced changes in mechanical properties of on-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. Our experimental results show that elevation of rigidity and invasiveness of TGFβ-stimulated NSCLC cells correlates with upregulation of several cytoskeletal and motor proteins including vimentin, a canonical marker of EMT, and less-known unconventional myosins. Selective probing of gene-silenced cells lead to identification of unconventional myosin MYH15 as a novel mediator of elevated cell rigidity and invasiveness in TGFβ-stimulated NSCLC cells. Our experimental results provide insights into TGFβ-induced cytoskeletal remodeling of NSCLC cells and suggest that mediators of elevated cell stiffness and migratory activity such as unconventional cytoskeletal and motor proteins may represent promising pharmaceutical targets for restraining invasive spread of lung cancer.

Biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) microcapsules for controlled release of trifluralin with improved photostability and herbicidal activity

Microencapsulation of pesticide is a promising technology to reduce the negative environmental impact and benefit the sustainable development. Trifluralin, commonly used as a selective pre-emergence herbicide, is vulnerably subject to loss by volatilization and decomposition by sunlight when applied to the surface of soils. In the present study, trifluralin has been encapsulated using biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) polymers as carriers to develop controlled release formulations. PHB trifluralin microcapsules were obtained using a convenient solvent evaporation method. The influences of preparation parameters on the size and its distribution of the microcapsules were discussed. The particle size decreased from 4.44 μm to 2.50 μm as the shearing speeds increased from 4000 r/min to 12,000 r/min, and the value decreased from 3.64 μm to 3.23 μm as the mass fraction of emulsifier polyvinyl alcohol increased from 0.5% to 2.0%. The loading content (LC) as well as the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of trifluralin microcapsules are multiple factors dependent. Orthogonal table L9(3⁴) was designed and range analysis was used to suggest the optimal preparation parameters. When performed under the optimized conditions, the corresponding LC and EE were 16.50% and 90.65%, respectively. The release of trifluralin from PHB microcapsules showed slow and sustained patterns, which could be easily achieved by modifying the preparation parameters including shearing speed and concentration of emulsifier. Compared to conventional trifluralin formulation of emulsifiable concentrate, trifluralin microcapsules exhibited significantly improved photostability and herbicidal activity against target weed barnyardgrass. These results demonstrated that microencapsulation with PHB could dramaticlly improve the effective utilization rate and decrease the dosage of such agricultural chemicals.

adeABC efflux gene in Acinetobacter baumannii

The antimicrobial resistance to Acinetobacter baumannii is significantly high and continues to grow; it has become a global health issue, particularly in regards to carbapenem resistance. The expression of efflux pumps is one of the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii by, most prevalently, adeABC of the resistance/nodulation/division family. The detection rate of adeB was the highest in clinical isolates compared to others (adeFGH, adeIJk), although it varied among other strains. In this minireview, we explain the adeABC efflux gene in A. baumannii causing antibiotic resistance and compare adeABC with other efflux genes in order to discern the function of adeABC in A. baumannii resistance, which may help in the discovery of new antibacterial agents.

Age alone is not a risk factor for periprosthetic joint infection

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether age alone or the increased comorbidities in older patients are responsible for the higher rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in older patients.

AIM

To test the hypothesis that age alone is not a risk factor for PJI after total joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

This retrospective study included the review of 23,966 patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty between January 1^st, 2010 and December 31^st, 2016 at a single institution. Patients who developed PJI, as defined by International Consensus Meeting criteria, were identified. All enrolled patients were divided into three groups that included patients aged <65 years (N = 12,761), 65-74 years (N = 6850) and ≥75 years (N = 4355). Using multivariate analysis and propensity score matching analysis, the possible association between age and PJI was examined.

FINDINGS

The incidence of PJI in the entire cohort was 0.72% (171 out of 23,966). Multivariate analysis adjusting for all variables, except age, demonstrated that, compared to the patients aged <65 years, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of PJI for patients aged 65-74 years (odds ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-1.42; P = 0.62) or for patients aged ≥75 years (0.69; 0.36-1.32; P = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

When adjusting for confounding variables, age alone is not a risk factor for PJI. Studies evaluating the influence of age on the incidence of PJI should take into account the other confounding variables that contribute to PJI.

[Study on genomic stability of male workers in an e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin]

Objective: To study on the genomic stability of male workers engaged in e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin. Methods: In 2016, an e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin and an area 50 km away from the e-waste dismantling area (no e-waste or other chemical, industrial and agricultural pollution nearby) were selected as the study area and the reference area. Male residents of the study area and male farmers who planted vegetables, fruits, and crops in the reference area were selected as the exposed and reference group by using the convenient sampling method. The exposed group included 146 workers who engaged in e-waste recycling work more than 1 year. The reference group included 121 farmers who never engaged in e-waste recycling work. Questionnaires were used to collect information of all subjects. The semen and peripheral blood were also collected. Trace elements and polychlorinated biphenyl concentration in blood were detected. DNA damage in peripheral blood and sperm was detected, and gene expression was analyzed. DNA damage was assessed using tail DNA% (TDNA%), tail moment (TM) and olive tail moment (OTM) of comet assay. Results: The ages of the exposed group and the reference group were (33.6±12.1) and (33.9±11.9) years old, respectively. The proportions of subjects with exposure time of ≤3, 4-6, ≥7 years were 43% (63 cases), 26% (53 cases) and 21% (30 cases), respectively. The Pb and polychlorinated biphenyl(PCB) concentrations in the exposed group [(90.4±15.3) μg/ml and (101±30) ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the reference group [Pb and PCB concentrations were (60.2±8.9) μg/ml, and (2.5±1.4) ng/ml, respectively (both P values <0.05)]. The TDNA%, TM and OTM of peripheral blood and sperm in the exposed group were 5.9%±0.3% and 2.6%±0.90%, 0.93±0.16 and 0.51±0.20, 0.82±0.09 and 0.56±0.07, respectively, which were all higher than those in the reference group [TDNA%, TM and OTM of peripheral blood and sperm were 1.8%±0.2% and 1.9%±0.2%, 0.21±0.04 and 0.32±0.10, 0.19±0.03 and 0.20±0.08, respectively (all P values <0.001)]. The results of gene expression showed that 20 differentially expressed genes, including 13 up-regulated genes and 7 down-regulated genes, were detected in the exposed group compared with the reference group. Conclusion: There are obvious DNA damage and DNA repair gene disorder in male workers of an e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin. The current operation mode brings potential health risks to workers.

[Study on the exposure of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination and DNA methylation in male employees in an e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin]

Objective: To study on the exposure of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination and DNA methylation in male employees in an e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin. Methods: In 2016, an e-waste dismantling area in Tianjin and an area 50 km away from the e-waste dismantling area (no e-waste or other chemical, industrial and agricultural pollution nearby) were selected as the study area and the reference area. Male residents of the study area and male farmers who planted vegetables, fruits, and crops in the reference area were selected as the exposed and reference group by using the convenient sampling method. A total of 60 subjects (30 in each of the exposed group and the reference group) were included. The peripheral blood (5 ml) of the study subject was collected, and the PCB concentration was detected. Eight independent subjects in the exposed group and the reference group were randomly selected by random number table method to detect the methylation level of the promoter region of all gene loci, and the mRNA transcript levels. Results: The PCB concentration in peripheral blood of the exposed group was higher than that of the reference group, and the difference was statistically significant (allP values <0.001). The methylation levels of the promoter region of the exposed group and the reference group showed obvious clustering, and 994 gene loci had different degrees of methylation. Compared with the reference group, there were 391 hypomethylation sites and 553 hypermethylation sites in the exposed group. The proportion of methylation sites in the high CpG-rich region was 59.2% and 48.1%, respectively. The mRNA level of the hypomethylated gene in the exposed group was higher (FAM131A, HBM), and the transcription level of the hypermethylated gene was lower (CAPN15, NFIC, SHISA5, FGF13, GRAMD1A, CLEC3B, LILRB2, DCAF7). The mRNA transcription levels of 10 genes above in the exposed group and the reference group were statistically significant (all P values <0.001). Conclusion: The PCB concentration of peripheral blood in the exposed population of e-waste is high. PCB exposure changes the methylation level of specific genes and affects the mRNA transcription level of some genes.

Direct Production of 2,5-Dimethylfuran with High Yield from Fructose over a Carbon-Based Solid Acid-Coated CuCo Bimetallic Catalyst

A carbon-based solid acid, which functionalized with p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH), an encapsulated non-noble CuCo multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst was for the first time developed and used to catalyze the one-pot direct conversion of fructose into 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) without purification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from the reaction solutions. Fructose was first transformed into intermediate 5-HMF over the outer shell carbon-based solid acid sites via dehydration, and subsequently 5-HMF was further converted to produce 2,5-DMF over the non-noble metal active sites in the core. As high as 71.1 mol % yield of 2,5-DMF was achieved in tetrahydrofuran at 220 °C and 3 MPa H₂ for 10 h, which is higher than the yield reported for the direct conversion of fructose to 2,5-DMF. Besides, the carbon-based solid acid-coated CuCo catalyst could be reused up to five times.

Intervals between bone mineral density testing with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans in clinical practice

Intervals between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were evaluated in a large cohort of typical clinical practice. Intensive DXA scanning (intervals < 23 months) decreased substantially, from 16.7% in 2006 to 6.7% in 2015.

INTRODUCTION

Serial dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements are suggested for patients at high risk of fractures. However, little is known about how often DXA testing occurs in clinical practice.

METHODS

We examined time intervals between DXA testing for monitoring purpose at two academic medical centers in the US between 2004 and 2017. The primary outcome was the presence of testing intervals < 23 months (termed "intensive DXA testing"). A generalized linear mixed model was used to evaluate the association between selected patient-level clinical factors and intensive DXA testing.

RESULTS

Forty-nine thousand four hundred ninety-four DXA tests from 20,200 patients were analyzed. The mean time interval between scans was 36 ± 21 months. Only 11.1% of the repeated DXA testing met the criterion for intensive testing. The percentage of intensive DXA testing dropped from 16.7% in 2006 to 6.7% in 2015 (p for trend < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, number of outpatient visits, and calendar year, correlates of intensive DXA testing included a baseline T-score < -2.5 at any anatomic site (OR, 4.8; 95%CI, 4.0-5.7), active use of drugs for osteoporosis (OR, 1.6; 95%CI, 1.3-1.9), and active use of glucocorticoids (OR, 1.3; 95%CI, 1.2-1.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The predictors of intensive DXA testing suggest that this practice is used preferentially in patients with multiple risk factors and to monitor the response to pharmacotherapy. However, intensive DXA testing has become less common in real-world clinical practice over the last decade. Further studies are required to better define the optimal use of bone mineral density testing in this vulnerable population.

[Liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease: 11 cases report and literature review]

Objective: To explore the indications and safety of orthopedic liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease (PLD). Methods: Data of 11 patients with PLD who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between 2004 and 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical and follow-up data were collected for statistical analysis. The survival rate was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Over a period of 10 years, the patients received modified piggyback orthopedic liver transplantation (n=9) or combined liver-kidney transplantation (n=2) for PLD. The recipients' median age was 56 years. Seven patients were classified as Gigot type Ⅱ PLD, and four were classified as Gigot type Ⅲ PLD. Eight patients had severe decreased mobility (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, ECOG≥3). Only three cases were Child-Pguh Class C patients and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was>20. The mean hospitalization duration was (45.4±15.3) days, and the mean length of stay in intensive care unit was (4.1±1.9) days. The perioperative mortality was 18.2% and morbidity of complications was 63.6%. The median follow-up period was 111 months. Two patients died of severe complications after combined liver-kidney transplantation. One patient died of ischemia cholangitis during follow-up. The actuarial 1-, 5-and 10-year survival rate during the follow-up period was 82.2%, 81.8%, and 65.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Liver transplantation is the only curative and safe procedure for PLD, and it provides a good long-term prognosis and high quality of life for PLD patients. Liver transplantation could be a primary option in treating progressive or advanced PLD.

Metallic Hyperdensity Sign on Noncontrast CT Immediately after Mechanical Thrombectomy Predicts Parenchymal Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Large-Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Parenchymal hemorrhage is a severe complication following mechanical recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion. This study aimed to assess whether the metallic hyperdensity sign on noncontrast CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy can predict parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion who underwent noncontrast CT immediately after mechanical thrombectomy between January 2014 and September 2018. The metallic hyperdensity sign was defined as a nonpetechial intracerebral hyperdense lesion (diameter, ≥1 cm) in the basal ganglia and a maximum CT density of >90 HU. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the metallic hyperdensity sign in predicting parenchymal hemorrhage were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included. The metallic hyperdensity sign was found in 59 (29.7%) patients, and 51 (25.7%) patients had parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours. Patients with the metallic hyperdensity sign are more likely to have parenchymal hemorrhage than those without it (76.3% versus 4.3%, P < .001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the metallic hyperdensity sign in predicting parenchymal hemorrhage were 88.2%, 90.5%, 76.3%, and 95.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of the metallic hyperdensity sign on noncontrast CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion could predict the occurrence of parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours, which might be helpful in postinterventional management within 24 hours after mechanical thrombectomy.

[Comparison of three different posterior cervical approaches for treating cervical spine trauma with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament]

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of using laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of cervical spine trauma patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods: Fifty-four cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL from June 2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed of Department of Spine Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University. There were 31 males and 23 females, aging (68.4±4.3) years (rang: 46 to 82 years). All patients had a history of cervical spine trauma, confirmed by imaging examination of OPLL, and there are signs and symptoms related to cervical spinal cord compression. Eighteen patients underwent one-stage laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation(group A), and 15 patients underwent posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation (group B). Twenty-one patients underwent posterior laminoplasty (C group). According to the range of OPLL and the compression of the spinal cord, the range of laminoplasty was selected. MRI scan was used to evaluated the compression condition of cervical spine and the injury condition of anterior longitudinal ligament injury and other factors that can cause local instability of the cervical spine. Posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation (two pedicles) were performed in the instability segment. The neurological function of the patients was assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Score before surgery, the second day after surgery, 3 months, 1 year and the last follow-up. The cervical spine X-ray films were used to evaluate cervical curvature, cervical spine activity and internal fixation-related complications. Results: The average follow-up time was 18 months (6-30 months). Satisfactory neurological improvement was achieved in all three groups, and no internal fixation-related complications occurred during follow-up. The range of laminoplasty was 22 cases in 4 segments (C(3)-C(6), C(4)-C(7)) and 17 cases in 5 segments (C(3)-C(7)). Unilateral pedicle screw fixation was performed in 11 patients with C(3-4) fixation and 7 patients with C(4-5) fixation. Cervical curvature was basically the same in the three groups after operation and at the last follow-up. No significant changes in cervical curvature and kyphosis were observed during the follow-up period. The overall cervical mobility (C(2)-C(7)) in group A and group C had no significant difference compared with preoperative (P=0.077). The overall mobility of cervical vertebrae in group B was significantly lower than that before surgery (P=0.013). Conclusions: For cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL, laminoplasty combined short-segment pedicle screw fixation can increase cervical segmental stability while extensive decompression of cervical spinal cord compression. At the same time, to some extent, the complications of postoperative axial symptoms caused by posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation were avoided.

Low frequency, weak MCP-1 secretion and exhausted immune status of peripheral monocytes were associated with progression of severe enterovirus A71-infected hand, foot and mouth disease

A minority of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) results in severe neural complications. However, whether monocyte-mediated immunity is involved in the disease progression of HFMD remains unknown. One hundred and twenty mild and 103 severe HFMD patients were recruited and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry and Transwell culture were performed in the study. Peripheral monocyte counts were lower in both absolute counts and frequencies in severe cases compared to mild cases. After screening 10 monocyte-related cytokines by ELISA, only monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was found at higher levels in sera of mild cases compared to those with severe symptoms. Monocytes purified from mild cases produced more MCP-1 than the cells from severe patients when stimulated in vitro. We observed that immune exhaustion markers programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) were highly regulated on the surface of monocytes from severe cases compared to mild cases. PD-L1 blockade induced a higher production of MCP-1 in the supernatant of a Transwell system. The production of MCP-1 also increased following PD-L1 blockade of purified monocytes activated by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) combined with R848 or EV-A71 virus. Our results indicate that absolute count, frequency and levels of MCP-1 secretion of peripheral monocytes, together with their immune status, probably contribute to differential disease prognosis in EV-A71-associated HFMD.

Computer-assisted osteotomy guides and pre-bent titanium plates improve the planning for correction of facial asymmetry

This study investigated the surgical outcomes and accuracy of computer-assisted osteotomy guides and pre-bent titanium plates in the treatment of patients with facial asymmetry. Thirteen patients with facial asymmetry undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were included. Virtual simulation of Le Fort I osteotomy, sagittal split ramus osteotomy, and genioplasty, if needed, was conducted on the preoperative three-dimensional model. Computer-assisted osteotomy guides and pre-bent titanium plates were produced and used in the actual operation. The postoperative outcome was assessed for facial symmetry and surgical accuracy. All patients were followed up for at least 18 months and their level of satisfaction was investigated. Use of the computer-assisted osteotomy guides and pre-bent titanium plates was successful in all patients. Maxillary canting, mandibular ramus inclination, and mandibular length were corrected on both sides postoperatively. Superimposition of the surgical simulation and postoperative images demonstrated favourable accuracy. Quantitative analysis revealed a mean linear difference of <0.60mm in the maxilla and 1.57mm in the mandible. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome; there were no complications or cases of relapse during follow-up. The application of computer-assisted osteotomy guides and pre-bent titanium plates achieved favourable outcomes and accuracy, improving planning for the correction of facial asymmetry.

[Characteristics of acute myocardial infarction caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection in young female patients]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of acute myocardial infarction caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection(SCAD) in young female patients. Methods: In this casecontrolstudy,127 young(≤55 years) female patients with acute myocardial infarction onset within 1 week in Nanjing first hospital, Xuzhou central hospital, affiliated hospital of Xuzhou medical university, and Lianyungang first people's hospital were enrolled between January 2013 and February 2017,and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. According to their clinical manifestations and coronary angiography(CAG) results,the patients were divided into coronary atherosclerosis disease(CAD) group(CAG evidenced atherosclerosis, n=83) and SCAD group(CAG detected coronary artery dissection,n=44).The SCAD patients were subdivided into definite group (the results affirmed from intravenous ultrasound or optical coherence tomography, n=21) and probable group (the CAG results highly confirmed to characteristics of SCAD,but no intravenous ultrasound or optical coherence tomography image affirmation,n=23). Then, according to the different treatment strategies, the SCAD patients were subdivided into conservative treatment group(treated with drugs,n=19) and interventional therapy group(treated with percutaneous coronary intervention,n=25). Results: (1)Compared to CAD group, patients in the SCAD group had less risk factors, such as hypertension history (25.0% (11/44) vs. 45.8% (38/83) , P=0.022) and diabetes history (6.8% (3/44) vs. 21.7% (18/83) , P=0.043),and had lower levels of fasting blood glucose (5.34(4.59,5.87) mmol/L vs. 7.12(5.18,8.60)mmol/L, P=0.001),total cholesterol((3.94±1.14) mmol/L vs. (4.91±1.50) mmol/L, P=0.001),triglyceride(1.42 (0.91,1.64) mmol/L vs. 1.89 (1.23,2.45) mmol/L, P=0.005),and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ((2.24±0.91) mmol/L vs. (2.94±1.16) mmol/L, P=0.001),CAG results showed that patients in the SCAD group had more single vessel lesion (88.6% (39/44) vs. 39.8% (33/83) , P=0.001), and their target lesion stenosis was less severe ( (79.2±22.4) % vs. (91.5±12.1) %, P=0.001). (2) The clinical risk factors such as hypertension history, diabetes history, smoking history, family history of cardiology disease, fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were similar between definite group and probable group (all P>0.05). CAG results showed that prevalence of single vessel lesion (100% (21/21) vs. 78.3% (18/23) , P=0.050) and percent of target lesion stenosis ( (76.9±20.6) % vs. (81.2±24.1) %, P=0.529) were similar between definite group and probable group.(3)There were no significant difference in single vessel(84.0% (21/25) vs. 94.7% (18/19) , P=0.370), target lesion stenosis(85.0(70.0,100.0)% vs. 75.0(50.0,90.0)%, P=0.186),and survival rates in hospital(96.0% (24/25) vs. 100% (19/19) , P=1.000) between interventional therapy group and conservative treatment group. Conclusions: Prevalence of SCAD is highin young female patients with acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction patients with less risk factors of CAD and with CAG showing smooth lesion of narrowing segment and normal finding in the other vessels, are more likely to be diagnosed with SCAD.Acute myocardial infarction patients caused by SCAD have high survival rate either receiving percutaneous coronary intervention or drug treatment.

[A clinican linical analysis of 29 cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis]

Objective: To improve the understanding of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) by analyzing the clinical manifestations, imaging and pathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this disease. Methods: Cases of CPA, proven by microbiological evidence based on pathological study in Fuzhou General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army and Affiliated Fuzhou City First Hospital of Fijian Medical University from January 2006 to October 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The patients consisted of 17 males and 12 females, aged 24 to 75 years, mean (42±16) years. The underlying disorders included post-tuberculosis infection (n=11), bronchiectasis (n=8), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=3) and diabetes mellitus (n=2). The main clinical symptoms included productive cough (n=25), chronic sputum production (n=18) and hemoptysis (n=15). Serum GM antigen tests were performed in 19 cases, and the result was positive in 12 patients. BALF GM antigen tests were performed in 2 cases, both of which were positive. Chest CT showed that the lesions were located predominantly in the upper lobes (n=24). Single cavity with interior irregular intraluminal material (n=16) and multiple cavities with interior irregular intraluminal material (n=10) were the most frequent CT findings, while the "air crescent sign" was found in 13 cases. In the 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment, Aspergillus filaments were found in the cavity (n=20) or the bronchi (n=2) of lung samples, and histological examination didn't show tissue invasion by fungi. Surgical therapy was performed in 22 patients, with complete remission in 19 cases, and death in 3 cases. Anti-fungal therapy was administered in 6 patients, with partial remission in 4, and stable disease in 2 cases. One patient was not treated. Conclusions: CPA is more frequently seen in patients with underlying chronic pulmonary diseases. The common CT findings are single or multiple cavities with interior irregular intraluminal materials. Aspergillus filament in the cavity or bronchi of lung samples, without parenchymal invasion, is the proof of CPA. The surgical cure rate for simple aspergilloma and aspergillus nodule is high, while the risk of operation for chronic cavitary disease is high. GM antigen test may be an evidence for diagnosing CPA.

Efficacy and safety of combined androgen blockade with antiandrogen for advanced prostate cancer

Background

Combined androgen blockade (cab) is a promising treatment modality for prostate cancer (pca). In the present meta-analysis, we compared the efficacy and safety of first-line cab using an antiandrogen (aa) with castration monotherapy in patients with advanced pca.

Methods

PubMed, embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (rcts) published through 12 December 2016. Hazard ratios (hrs) with 95% confidence intervals (cis) were determined for primary outcomes: overall survival (os) and progression-free survival (pfs). Subgroup analyses were performed for Western compared with Eastern patients and use of a nonsteroidal aa (nsaa) compared with a steroidal aa (saa).

Results

Compared with castration monotherapy, cab using an aa was associated with significantly improved os (n = 14; hr: 0.90; 95% ci: 0.84 to 0.97; p = 0.003) and pfs (n = 13; hr: 0.89; 95% ci: 0.80 to 1.00; p = 0.04). No significant difference in os (p = 0.71) and pfs (p = 0.49) was observed between the Western and Eastern patients. Compared with castration monotherapy, cab using a nsaa was associated with significantly improved os (hr: 0.88; 95% ci: 0.82 to 0.95; p = 0.0009) and pfs (hr: 0.85; 95% ci: 0.73 to 0.98; p = 0.007)-a result that was not achieved with cab using a saa. The safety profiles of cab and monotherapy were similar in terms of adverse events, including hot flushes, impotence, and grade 3 or 4 events, with the exception of risk of diarrhea and liver dysfunction or elevation in liver enzymes, which were statistically greater with cab using an aa.

Conclusions

Compared with castration monotherapy, first-line cab therapy with an aa, especially a nsaa, resulted in significantly improved os and pfs, and had an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced pca.