The enhanced connectivity between the frontoparietal, somatomotor network and thalamus as the most significant network changes of chronic low back pain

The prolonged duration of chronic low back pain (cLBP) inevitably leads to changes in the cognitive, attentional, sensory and emotional processing brain regions. Currently, it remains unclear how these alterations are manifested in the interplay between brain functional and structural networks. This study aimed to predict the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in cLBP patients using multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and identified the most significant features within the multimodal networks to aid in distinguishing patients from healthy controls (HCs). We constructed dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) and structural connectivity (SC) networks for all participants (n = 112) and employed the Connectome-based Predictive Modeling (CPM) approach to predict ODI scores, utilizing various feature selection thresholds to identify the most significant network change features in dFC and SC outcomes. Subsequently, we utilized these significant features for optimal classifier selection and the integration of multimodal features. The results revealed enhanced connectivity among the frontoparietal network (FPN), somatomotor network (SMN) and thalamus in cLBP patients compared to HCs. The thalamus transmits pain-related sensations and emotions to the cortical areas through the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and primary somatosensory cortex (SI), leading to alterations in whole-brain network functionality and structure. Regarding the model selection for the classifier, we found that Support Vector Machine (SVM) best fit these significant network features. The combined model based on dFC and SC features significantly improved classification performance between cLBP patients and HCs (AUC=0.9772). Finally, the results from an external validation set support our hypotheses and provide insights into the potential applicability of the model in real-world scenarios. Our discovery of enhanced connectivity between the thalamus and both the dlPFC (FPN) and SI (SMN) provides a valuable supplement to prior research on cLBP.

Butterfly Vertebra: A Retrospective Study of 30 Patients

BACKGROUND

Butterfly vertebra (BV) is a rare congenital spinal anomaly for which there is a paucity of large-scale retrospective studies and established guidelines for treatment. The objective of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and therapeutic approaches for BV.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 30 patients diagnosed with BV at our hospital from 2009 to 2023, examining clinical data, imaging findings, and clinical interventions.

RESULTS

The analysis comprised a cohort of 30 patients, consisting of 15 males and 15 females, with a mean age of 27.63 ± 19.84 years. Imaging studies indicated that the majority of vertebral bodies affected by BV were single-segmented (63.3%, 19/30) and less commonly multi-segmented (36.7%, 11/30). These findings frequently coexisted with other medical conditions, most notably spinal scoliosis (76.7%, 23/30). Furthermore, the study identified a range of spinal abnormalities among patients, including hemivertebral deformity (30.0%, 9/30), spinal cleft (10.0%, 3/30), lumbar disc protrusion or herniation (10.0%, 3/30), vertebral slippage (10.0%, 3/30), thoracic kyphosis deformity (6.67%, 2/30), vertebral fusion deformity (6.67%, 2/30), compressive fractures (3.3%, 1/30), and vertebral developmental anomalies (3.3%, 1/30). Clinical intervention resulted in symptom relief for 23 nonsurgical patients through lifestyle modifications, analgesic use, and physical therapy. Seven surgical patients underwent appropriate surgical procedures, leading to satisfaction and adherence to regular postoperative follow-up appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

BV is a rare vertebral anomaly that can be easily misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other diseases. Consequently, it is imperative to enhance vigilance in the differential diagnosis process in order to promptly recognize BV. Furthermore, in cases where patients present with additional associated radiographic findings, a thorough evaluation is typically warranted and timely measures should be taken for treatment.

[The effect of Ba Duan Jin on the balance of community-dwelling older adults: a cluster randomized control trial]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a 6-month Ba Duan Jin exercise program in improving the balance of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A two arms, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 1 028 community residents aged 60-80 years in 40 communities in 5 provinces of China. Participants in the intervention group (20 communities, 523 people) received Ba Duan Jin exercise 5 days/week, 1 hour/day for 6 months, and three times of falls prevention health education, and the control group (20 communities, 505 people) received falls prevention health education same as the intervention group. The Berg balance scale (BBS) score was the leading outcome indicator, and the secondary outcome indicators included the length of time of standing on one foot (with eyes open and closed), standing in a tandem stance (with eyes open and closed), the closed circle test, and the timed up to test. Results: A total of 1 028 participants were included in the final analysis, including 731 women (71.11%) and 297 men (28.89%), and the age was (69.87±5.67) years. After the 3-month intervention, compared with the baseline data, the BBS score of the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group by 3.05 (95%CI: 2.23-3.88) points (P<0.001). After the 6-month intervention, compared with the baseline data, the BBS score of the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group by 4.70 (95%CI: 4.03-5.37) points (P<0.001). Ba Duan Jin showed significant improvement (P<0.05) in all secondary outcomes after 6 months of exercise in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusions: This study showed that Ba Duan Jin exercise can improve balance in community-dwelling older adults aged 60-80. The longer the exercise time, the better the improvement.

Post-operative vestibular and equilibrium evaluation in patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistulas

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the pre- and post-operative vestibular and equilibrium functions of patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistulas who underwent different management methods.

METHODS

Data from 49 patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistulas who underwent one of three surgical procedures were retrospectively analysed. The three management options were fistula repair, obliteration and canal occlusion.

RESULTS

Patients underwent fistula repair (n = 8), canal occlusion (n = 18) or obliteration procedures (n = 23). Patients in the fistula repair and canal occlusion groups suffered from post-operative vertigo and imbalance, which persisted for longer than in those in the obliteration group. Despite receiving different management strategies, all patients achieved complete recovery of equilibrium functions through persistent efforts in rehabilitation exercises.

CONCLUSION

Complete removal of the cholesteatoma matrix overlying the fistula is reliable for preventing iatrogenic hearing deterioration due to unremitting labyrinthitis. Thus, among the three fistula treatments, obliteration is the optimal method for preserving post-operative vestibular functions.

Dysregulated neural activity between the thalamus and cerebral cortex mediates cortical reorganization in cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Neuroimaging research has revealed significant changes in brain structure and function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM). The thalamus plays a crucial role in this process, although its mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate whether spinal cord compression leads to alterations in the functional connectivity between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex, and to determine if such changes are associated with structural and functional remodeling of the brain in patients with CSM, and to identify potential neuroimaging biomarkers for classification. The study included 40 patients with CSM and 34 healthy controls(HCs) who underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) and structural MRI scans. Brain structural and functional metrics were quantified using functional connectivity(FC), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations(fALFF), surface-based morphometry(SBM), and independent component analysis(ICA) based on functional and structural MRI. Patients with CSM exhibited significantly reduced fALFF in the bilateral lateral lingual gyrus, bilateral calcarine fissure, left precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus, left middle and superior occipital gyrus, left superior marginal gyrus, left inferior parietal gyrus, and right Rolandic operculum. ICA results revealed weakened functional connectivity between the sensorimotor network (SMN) and the left and right frontoparietal network(FPN), and lateral visual network (lVN), along with decreased connectivity between lVN and rFPN, and increased connectivity between lFPN and rFPN. Patients with CSM also had decreased sulcus depth in the bilateral insula, left precentral and postcentral gyrus, and right lingual gyrus and calcarine fissure. Furthermore, cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients showed decreased functional connectivity between the left ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) of the thalamus and the right middle occipital gyrus (MOG). Finally,multimodal neuroimaging with support vector machine(SVM) classified patients with CSM and healthy controls with 86.00% accuracy. Our study revealed that the decrease in functional connectivity between the thalamus and cortex mediated by spinal cord compression leads to structural and functional reorganization of the cortex. Features based on neuroimaging markers have the potential to become neuroimaging biomarkers for CSM.

Ceruloplasmin regulating fibrosis in orbital fibroblasts provides a novel therapeutic target for Graves' orbitopathy

PURPOSE

In diagnosing the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO), there is a growing interest in fibrosis generated by orbital fibroblasts (OFs); nevertheless, the involvement of ceruloplasmin (CP) in OFs remains unknown.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through bioinformatic analysis. OFs were isolated from orbital tissue and identified with immunofluorescent staining. The levels of DEGs were validated in GO tissue samples and TGF-β-challenged OFs, and CP was selected for the following laboratory investigations. CP overexpression or knockdown was achieved, and cell viability and fibrosis-associated proteins were investigated to assess the cell phenotype and function. Signaling pathways were subsequently investigated to explore the mechanism of CP function in OFs.

RESULTS

CP and cathepsin C (CTSC) are two overlapped DEGs in GSE58331 and GSE105149. OFs were isolated and identified through fibrotic biomarkers. CP and CTSC were downregulated in GO tissue samples and TGF-β-challenged OFs. CP overexpression or knockdown was achieved in OFs by transducing a CP overexpression vector or small interfering RNA against CP (si1-CP or si2-CP) and verified using a qRT-PCR. CP overexpression inhibited cell viability and reduced the levels of α-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin, and collagen I, whereas CP knockdown exerted opposite effects on OFs. CP overexpression inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad3, Erk1/2, p38, JNK, and AKT; conversely, CP knockdown exerted opposite effects on the phosphorylation of factors mentioned above.

CONCLUSION

CP was downregulated in GO and suppressed the expression of fibrosis-associated proteins in both GO and normal OFs. CP might serve as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment regimens for GO.

[IL-8 Links NF-κB and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways in Persistent Inflammatory Response Induced by Chronic Helicobacter pylori Infection]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can cause persistent inflammatory response in human gastric mucosal epithelial cells, which may result in the occurrence of cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis has not been elucidated yet. Herein, we established the models of chronic H. pylori infection in GES-1 cells and C57BL/6J mice. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) level was detected by ELISA. The expression of NF-κB p65, IL-8, Wnt2 and β-catenin mRNA and proteins was evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry. The infection of H. pylori in mice was evaluated by rapid urease test, H&E staining and Warthin-Starry silver staining. The morphological changes of gastric mucosa were observed by electron microscopy. Our results showed that in H. pylori infected gastric mucosal cells along with activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and increase of IL-8 level, the expression of Wnt2 was also increased significantly, which preliminarily indicates that IL-8 can positively regulate the expression of Wnt2. Studies in chronic H. pylori infected C57BL/6J mice models showed that there was an increased incidence of premalignant lesions in the gastric mucosa tissue. Through comparing changes of gastric mucosal cell ultrastructure and analyzing the relationship between NF-κB signaling pathway and Wnt2 expression, we found that H. pylori infection activated NF-κB signal pathways, and the massive release of IL-8 was positively correlated with the high expression of Wnt2 protein. Subsequently, the activated Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways may be involved in the malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells. Collectively, H. pylori chronic infection may continuously lead to persistent inflammatory response: activate NF-κB pathway, promote IL-8 release and thereby activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway. IL-8 probably plays an important role of a linker in coupling these two signal pathways.

[Therapeutic mechanism of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ for renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease: a study with network pharmacology, molecular docking and validation in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ for improving renal function and pathology in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy and analyze its therapeutic mechanism for renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking.

METHODS

Forty male SD rats were randomized into two groups to receive two-staged 5/6 nephrectomy (n=30) or sham operation (n=10), and 2 weeks after the final operation, serum creatinine level of the rats was measured. The rats with nephrectomy were further randomized into Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ group, losartan group and model group for daily treatment with the corresponding drugs via gavage starting at 1 week after 5/6 nephrectomy. After 16 weeks of treatment, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels of the rats were measured, and HE staining and Western blotting were used to examine the changes in renal pathology and fibrosis-related factors. Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking study was performed to explore the therapeutic mechanism Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ against renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease, and Western blotting was used to verify the expressions of the core targets.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the model group, the rats receiving 5/6 nephrectomy and Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ treatment showed significantly reduced serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, lessened renal pathologies, and improvement of the changes in epithelial mesenchymal transition-related proteins. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the main active ingredients of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ were acacetin, apigenin, eupatilin, quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin, and the key targets included STAT3, SRC, CTNNB1, PIK3R1 and AKT1. Molecular docking study revealed that the active ingredients of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ had good binding activity to the key targets. Western blotting showed that in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy, treatment with Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ obviously restored the protein expression of STAT3, PI3K, and AKT in renal tissue.

CONCLUSION

Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ can reduce renal injury induced by 5/6 nephrectomy in rats, and its therapeutic effects are mediated possibly by its main pharmacologically active ingredients that alleviate renal fibrosis via modulating multiple targets including STAT3, PIK3R1, and AKT1.

[Investigation and influencing factors on pelvic floor muscle strength of 929 adult females in gynecological outpatient department]

Objective: To investigate the present situation of pelvic floor muscle strength, and to analyze the factors affecting pelvic floor muscle strength. Methods: The data of patients who were admitted into the general outpatient department of gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital from October 2021 to April 2022 were collected, and the patients who met the exclusion criteria were included in this cross sectional study. The patient's age, height, weight, education level, defecation way and defecation time, birth history, maximum newborn birth weight, occupational physical activity, sedentary time, menopause, family history and disease history were recorded by questionnaire. Morphological indexes such as waist circumference, abdomen circumference and hip circumference were measured with tape measure. Handgrip strength level was measured with grip strength instrument. After performing routine gynecological examinations, the pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated by palpation with modified Oxford grading scale (MOS). MOS grade>3 was taken as normal group and ≤3 as decreased group. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the related factors of deceased pelvic floor muscle strength. Results: A total of 929 patients were included in the study, and the average MOS grade was 2.8±1.2. By univariate analysis, birth history, menopausal time, defecation time, handgrip strength level, waist circumference and abdominal circumference were related to the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength (all P<0.05). By binary logistic regression analysis, the level of handgrip strength (OR=0.913, 95%CI: 0.883-0.945; P<0.001) was correlated with normal pelvic floor muscle strength; waist circumference (OR=1.025, 95%CI: 1.005-1.046; P=0.016), birth history (OR=2.224, 95%CI: 1.570-3.149; P<0.001), sedentary time> 8 hours (OR=2.073, 95%CI: 1.198-3.587; P=0.009) were associated with the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength. Conclusions: The level of handgrip strength is related to the normal pelvic floor muscle strength of females, while the waist circumference, birth history and sedentary time>8 hours are related to the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength of females. In order to prevent the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength, it is necessary to carry out relevant health education, enhance exercise, improve the overall strength level, reduce daily sedentary time, maintain symmetry, and carry out comprehensive overall intervention to improve pelvic floor muscle function.

Reduced mitophagy is an early feature of NAFLD and liver-specific PARKIN knockout hastens the onset of steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of pathologies that includes steatosis, steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis and is strongly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Changes in mitochondrial function are implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, particularly in the transition from steatosis to NASH. Mitophagy is a mitochondrial quality control mechanism that allows for the selective removal of damaged mitochondria from the cell via the autophagy pathway. While past work demonstrated a negative association between liver fat content and rates of mitophagy, when changes in mitophagy occur during the pathogenesis of NAFLD and whether such changes contribute to the primary endpoints associated with the disease are currently poorly defined. We therefore undertook the studies described here to establish when alterations in mitophagy occur during the pathogenesis of NAFLD, as well as to determine the effects of genetic inhibition of mitophagy via conditional deletion of a key mitophagy regulator, PARKIN, on the development of steatosis, insulin resistance, inflammation and fibrosis. We find that loss of mitophagy occurs early in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and that loss of PARKIN accelerates the onset of key NAFLD disease features. These observations suggest that loss of mitochondrial quality control in response to nutritional stress may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

[Clinicopathological features of low-grade oncocytic renal tumor (CD117-negative, cytokeratin 7-positive): report of seven cases]

Objective: To explore clinicopathological features of low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) of the kidney and to analyze its relationship to hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe tumor (HOCT) of the kidney, renal oncocytoma (RO), and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC). Methods: Seven LOTs were identified from the pathologic archives of two hospitals, including Xiangya Hospital (5 cases) and the Second Xiangya Hospital (2 cases) of Central South University between 2012 and 2019. Clinical data of the LOTs were collected. The tumor morphology was analyzed and immunohistochemistry was performed. Results: All LOTs occurred in adults, aged from 49 to 72 years (median 56.0 years, mean 60.7 years). The tumor size ranged from 2.5 to 6.0 cm (median 4.3 cm, mean 4.3 cm). There were three male and four female patients. Three cases occurred in the left kidney and four in the right. All the tumors were solitary lesions without the clinicopathologic background of Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome or oncocytosis. Five patients had available follow-up data (follow-up period 23-95 months, median 69.0 months, mean 64.6 months) and all were alive without disease. Microscopically, all LOTs were well-circumscribed (7/7). Three LOTs were partly encapsulated. The tumors demonstrated a predominant growth pattern comprising prominently compact small nests surrounded by delicately branching thin-walled blood vessels, imparting an organoid architecture (7/7), but variable numbers of glandular or gland-like structures were often seen among the small nests (7/7). There were frequently areas with loose, edematous stroma, and the tumor cells exhibited reticular, trabecular, or single cell arrangements (6/7). Focal hemorrhage was also commonly present in both compact and loose areas (5/7). In addition, focally cystic formation and ossification occurred in the compact area of one case and in the loose area of another case. The tumor cells in LOT showed intermediate cytologic characteristics between RO and chRCC, including abundantly eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, ovoid to round nuclei with mostly smooth contours, discernable small nucleoli (RO features), frequently delicate perinuclear halos, and occasional binucleation (chRCC features). The tumors were typically CK7-positive and CD117-negative (7/7), and variable staining for PAX8 (5/7), P504s (2/7), and vimentin (1/7). They were negative for CK20, CD10 and FOXI1. All tumors retained SDHB immunostaining. Conclusions: LOT is a rare and indolent oncocytic renal tumor with homogeneously intermediate cytologic features between RO and chRCC. There are some clinicopathologic overlaps between LOT and sporadic HOCT. The distinctive morphology and immunophenotype of LOT suggest that it is potentially a distinct tumor entity.

Attenuated cell-cycle division protein 2 and elevated mitotic roles of polo-like kinase 1 characterize deficient myoblast fusion in peripheral arterial disease

INTRODUCTION

We propose that MuSC-derived myoblasts in PAD have transcriptomic differences that can highlight underlying causes of ischemia-induced myopathy.

METHODS

Differentiation capacity among perfused and ischemic human myoblasts was compared. Following next generation sequencing of mRNA, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was performed for canonical pathway enrichment. Live cell imaging and immunofluorescence were performed to determine myocyte fusion index and protein expression based on insights from IPA, specifically concerning cell cycle regulators including cell-division cycle protein 2 (CDC2) and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1).

RESULTS

Ischemic myoblasts formed attenuated myotubes indicative of reduced fusion. Additionally, myoblasts from ischemic segments showed significant differences in canonical pathways associated with PLK1 (upregulated) and G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulation (downregulated). PLK1 inhibition with BI2536 did not affect cell viability in any group over 24 h but deterred fusion more significantly in PAD myoblasts. Furthermore, PLK1 inhibition reduced the expression of checkpoint protein CDC2 in perfused but not ischemic cells.

CONCLUSION

Differentiating myoblasts derived from ischemic muscle have significant differences in gene expression including those essential to DNA-damage checkpoint regulation and cell cycle progress. DNA-damage checkpoint dysregulation may contribute to myopathy in PAD.

Psychosocial adjustment mediates impacts of playmate positive support on body mass index and overweight risk in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

We examined the mediation effects of psychosocial adjustment on the impact of playmate positive support throughout childhood and early adolescence (from age 54 months to 11 years) on later body mass index (BMI) and overweight risk in middle adolescence (age 15 years).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Among 844 children and their families, positive support between child-playmate dyads was repeatedly assessed from child's age 54 months to Grade 5. Long-term positive support between child-playmate dyads throughout childhood and early adolescence was prospectively linked to child's BMI and overweight/obesity status at age 15 years. The average scores of repeated assessments of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems from Grades 3 to 6 were used as mediators.

RESULTS

Significant mediations of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were observed on pathways from positive support between child-playmate dyads to later BMI and overweight/obesity status at age 15 years. The observed mediations were mainly sustained with pronounced magnitudes in girls, but not in boys.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated a significant mediating role of psychosocial adjustment. Future research efforts are highly encouraged to replicate our findings and further explore this underlying mediation mechanism.

Metabolomics Changes of Serum and Tissues in Mice Died of Acute Tetracaine Poisoning

Abstract

Objective To study the changes of metabolites in serum and tissues （kidney, liver and heart） of mice died of acute tetracaine poisoning by metabolomics, to search for potential biomarkers and related metabolic pathways, and to provide new ideas for the identification of cause of death and research on toxicological mechanism of acute tetracaine poisoning. Methods Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into control group and acute tetracaine poisoning death group. The model of death from acute poisoning was established by intraperitoneal injection of tetracaine, and the metabolic profile of serum and tissues of mice was obtained by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS）. Multivariate statistical principal component analysis （PCA） and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） were used, combined with t-test and fold change to identify the differential metabolites associated with death from acute tetracaine poisoning. Results Compared with the control group, the metabolic profiles of serum and tissues in the mice from acute tetracaine poisoning death group were significantly different. Eleven differential metabolites were identified in serum, including xanthine, spermine, 3-hydroxybutylamine, etc.; twenty-five differential metabolites were identified in liver, including adenylate, adenosine, citric acid, etc.; twelve differential metabolites were identified in heart, including hypoxanthine, guanine, guanosine, etc; four differential metabolites were identified in kidney, including taurochenodeoxycholic acid, 11, 12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, dimethylethanolamine and indole. Acute tetracaine poisoning mainly affected purine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as metabolism of alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Conclusion The differential metabolites in serum and tissues of mice died of acute tetracaine poisoning are expected to be candidate biomarkers for this cause of death. The results can provide research basis for the mechanism and identification of acute tetracaine poisoning.

Identification of ELAVL1 gene and miRNA-139-3p involved in the aggressiveness of NSCLC

OBJECTIVE

Tumor metastasis remains the main cause for the cancer-associated death of human non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Many studies have verified that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert crucial functions in the development of NSCLC. Nevertheless, the functions of miR-139-3p in NSCLC remain unexplored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was applied to assess the level of miR-139-3p and ELAV like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1) in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The growth of NSCLC cell was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and colony formation assay. The migration ability and invasiveness of NSCLC cells were analyzed using wound healing and transwell invasion analysis. The expression of ELAVL1 was determined by immunoblotting assay. The growth of NSCLC cell in vivo was assessed using xenograft model.

RESULTS

We uncovered that miR-139-3p was down expressed in NSCLC. MiR-139-3p repressed NSCLC cell growth, migration as well as invasion in vitro, and suppressed the progression of NSCLC cell in vivo. Mechanistically, ELAVL1 was proved as a downstream target of miR-139-3p. The level of ELAVL1 was upregulated in NSCLC and inversely associated with miR-139-3p level. Immunoblotting assay suggested that ELAVL1 was negatively modulated by miR-139-3p in NSCLC cell. In vivo, miR-139-3p repressed NSCLC cell growth and metastasis. Several recuse assays revealed that ELAVL1 mediated the inhibitory actions of miR-139-3p on the growth and metastatic-related traits of NSCLC cell.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that miR-139-3p acts as a suppressor in modulating the aggressiveness of NSCLC via regulating ELAVL1.

Hsa-circ-0068566 inhibited the development of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by regulating hsa-miR-6322/PARP2 signal pathway

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, studies have shown that noncoding RNA (circRNA) is an important regulatory molecule involved in cell physiology and pathology. Herein, we analyzed the role of circRNA-68566 in the regulation of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by regulating miR-6322/PARP2 signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability was checked by CCK-8; LDH concentration, ROS production, MDA, SOD and GSH-Px were measured by corresponding kits; QPCR was used to inspect the expression of circRNA-0068566 and miR-6322 in I/R injury and H9C2 cells; luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct target effect of circRNA-0068566 and miR-6322; Western blot was used to investigate PARP2 protein expression in I/R injury and H9C2 cells.

RESULTS

We analyzed the regulatory effect of circRNA-68566 on I/R injury and found that circRNA-68566 promoted the proliferation of injured cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. circRNA-68566 and miR-6322 were directly combined to regulate the development of I/R injury. We also confirmed that PARP2 was the target of miR-6322 in I/R injury.

CONCLUSIONS

We believed that circRNA-68566 participated in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating miR-6322/PARP2 signaling pathway, which provided a new possible strategy for the treatment of I/R injury.

MiR-223-3p inhibits inflammation and pyroptosis in monosodium urate-induced rats and fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting NLRP3

Down-regulated miR-223-3p was found in rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to further explore the level and role of miR-223-3p in gout arthritis (GA). After monosodium urate (MSU)-induced GA rat and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) models were established, the rat paw volume and gait score were documented and the FLSs were transfected with miR-223-3p mimic/inhibitor or NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) over-expression plasmids. The MiR-223-3p target was found through bioinformatics and the dual-luciferase reporter. The rat joint pathological damage was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and articular elastase in rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The viability and pyroptosis of FLSs were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry. The expressions of miR-223-3p, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (AS) and cleaved N-terminal gasdermin D (GSDMD) in FLSs or rat synovial tissues were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, Western blot or immunohistochemistry analysis. MSU increased the paw volume, gait score, inflammation in synovial tissues and increased the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and articular elastase in rats. MSU decreased the viability and increased the pyroptosis of FLSs, up-regulated the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, cleaved N-terminal GSDM, and IL-1β, and down-regulated miR-223-3p expression in synovial tissues of rat joints and FLSs. MiR-223-3p mimic reversed the effect of MSU on lowering cell viability, increasing pyroptosis in FLSs, while miR-223-3p inhibitor further enhanced the effect of MSU on FLSs. NLRP3 was a target of miR-223-3p. Also, NLRP3 over-expression reversed the effects of miR-223-3p on MSU-induced FLSs. MiR-223-3p inhibited pyroptosis in MSU-induced rats and FLSs by targeting NLRP3.

[Influence of Halogenated Hydroxyl-Alkanes Inhalation Anesthetic on the Determination of Ethanol Content in Blood]

Objective To study the influence of halogenated hydroxyl-alkanes inhalation anesthetic on the determination of ethanol content in blood. Methods Halogenated hydroxyl-alkanes were analyzed by headspace gas chromatography with double column confirmatory detection method. The influence of halogenated hydroxyl-alkanes on determination of ethanol content in blood sample by headspace gas chromatography was explored under the different detection conditions of KB-BAC1/ KB-BAC2 and J&W DB-ALC1/DB-ALC2 gas chromatographic column. Results The retention time of sevoflurane and enflurane was similar to that of ethanol and tert butanol respectively when using the J&W DB-ALC1/DB-ALC2 gas chromatographic column, and interfered with the detection of ethanol content in blood; only J&W DB-ALC1 gas chromatographic column can separate the sevoflurane and ethanol components, so as to eliminate their influence on the detection of ethanol content in blood. When using KB-BAC1/KB-BAC2 gas chromatographic column, the retention time of sevoflurane, isoflurane and ethanol is similar, especially that of sevoflurane and ethanol, and sevoflurane obviously interferes with the determination of ethanol content in blood. Conclusion Halogenated hydroxy-alkanes interfere with determination of ethanol content in blood by headspace gas chromatography. The interference can be discriminated effectively by choosing the suitable chromatographic column and double column confirmatory detection.

Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cell for Efficient Separation of Hydrogen

Advancement of a hydrogen economy requires establishment of a whole supply chain including hydrogen production, purification, storage, utilization, and recovery. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to selectively purify hydrogen out of H₂-containing streams, especially at low concentrations. Herein, a novel protonic ceramic electrochemical cell is reported that can sustainably separate pure H₂ out of H₂-diluted streams over the temperature regime of 350-500 °C by mildly controlling the electric voltage. With the Faraday's efficiency above 96%, the measured H₂ separation rate at 0.51 V and 500 °C is 3.3 mL cm^-2 min^-1 out of 10% H₂ - 90% N₂, or 2.4 mL cm^-2 min^-1 out of 10% H₂ - 90% CH₄ taken as an example of renewable hydrogen blended in the natural gas pipelines. Such high hydrogen separation capability at reduced temperatures is enabled by the nanoporous nickel catalysts and well-bonded electrochemical interfaces as produced from well-controlled in situ slow reduction of nickel oxides. These results demonstrate technical feasibility of onsite purification of hydrogen prior to their practical applications such as fuels for fuel cell electric vehicles.

Smart identification of psoriasis by images using convolutional neural networks: a case study in China

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which holds a high incidence in China. However, professional dermatologists who can diagnose psoriasis early and correctly are insufficient in China, especially in the rural areas. A smart approach to identify psoriasis by pictures would be highly adaptable countrywide and could play a useful role in early diagnosis and regular treatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

Design and evaluation of a smart psoriasis identification system based on clinical images (without relying on a dermatoscope) that works effectively similar to a dermatologist.

METHODS

A set of deep learning models using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was explored and compared in the system for automatic identification of psoriasis. The work was carried out on a standardized dermatological dataset with 8021 clinical images of 9 common disorders including psoriasis along with full electronic medical records of patients built over the last 9 years in China. A two-stage deep neural network was designed and developed to identify psoriasis. In the first stage, a multilabel classifier was trained to learn the visual patterns for each individual skin disease. In the second stage, the output of the first stage was utilized to distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases.

RESULTS

The area under the curve (AUC) of the two-stage model reached 0.981 ± 0.015, which outperforms a single-stage model. And, the classifier showed superior performance (missed diagnosis rate: 0.03, misdiagnosis rate: 0.04) than 25 Chinese dermatologists (missed diagnosis rate: 0.19, misdiagnosis rate: 0.10) in the diagnosis of psoriasis on 100 clinical images.

CONCLUSIONS

Using clinical images to identify psoriasis is feasible and effective based on CNNs, which also builds a solid technical base for smart care of skin diseases especially psoriasis using mobile/tablet applications for teledermatology in China.

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.

EFFECT OF DORSOMEDIAL HYPOTHALAMUS NEUROPEPTIDE Y KNOCKDOWN ON HEPATIC INSULIN SENSITIVITY

Objective

In this study we investigated the effect of dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) neuropeptide Y (NPY) knock-down on hepatic insulin sensitivity in high-fat (HF) diet-fed rats.

Methods

Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive bilateral DMH injections of adeno-associated virus AAVshNPY or AAVshCTL and then accessed to regular chow. Five weeks after viral injection, half rats in each group were given access to the HF diet. At 16 weeks, rat livers were collected. Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) mRNA expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Blood glucose levels were measured by the oxidase method, serum insulin, triglyceride, and TC levels were measured by Elisa. Pathological changes in the liver were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. AKT, p-AKT, and GSK-3 levels were measured by western blotting.

Results

Compared with AAVshCTL-injected rats, AAVshNPY-injected rats showed a significant decrease in blood glucose concentrations; serum insulin, triglyceride, and TC; HOMA-IR; and IRS-1 and PI3K mRNA levels (P<0.05). ISI, GSK-3, and p-AKT levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). HE staining showed that AAVshNPY-injected rats fed the HF diet had mild fatty degeneration.

Conclusion

These results suggest that DMH NPY knock-down improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in HF diet-fed rats by activating the hepatic PI3K/AKT insulin signalling pathway.

Effect of peer support on diabetes distress: a cluster randomized controlled trial

AIM

To investigate whether peer support would reduce diabetes distress and improve glycaemic control when added to usual diabetes education among adults with Type 2 diabetes in China.

METHODS

We conducted a cluster randomized trial involving 400 adults with Type 2 diabetes from eight communities in Nanjing. All participants received usual education for an average of 2 h each month from physicians, certified diabetes educators, dieticians, psychologists and podiatric nurses. Peer support was led by trained peer leaders and included diabetes knowledge- and skills-sharing at least once a month, as well as peer-to-peer communication. The primary outcome was diabetes distress measured using the Diabetes Distress Scale at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial glucose and HbA_1c concentration. Outcome data were collected from all participants at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.

RESULTS

From 2012 to 2013, there were 200 participants in each study arm at baseline. Compared with the usual education arm, the peer support with usual education arm had greater reductions in regimen-related distress (1.4 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.4; P=0.004) and total distress (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.3; P=0.038) at 6 months. At 12 months, the scores for emotional burden (1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.4 ± 0.6; P=0.002), physician-related distress (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4; P=0.001) and total scores (1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4; P=0.002) were significantly lower in the peer support with usual education arm than in the usual education arm. Fasting plasma glucose levels were lower in the peer support with usual education arm than in the usual education arm at 6 months (7.5 ± 1.95 vs 8.0 ± 2.2; P=0.044) and 12 months (7.0 ± 2.3 vs 7.6 ± 1.5; P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Beyond the benefits of usual education, peer support was effective in reducing diabetes distress for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Clinical Trials Registry no: NCT02119572).

[Clinical application of Acutegastrointestinal injury grading system assocaited with clinical severity outcome in critically ill patients: a multi-center prospective, observational study]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of utilizing the current acute gastrointestinal injury(AGI) grading system, and explore the association of severity of AGI grade with clinical outcome in critically ill patients. Methods: The adult patients from 14 general ICUs in Zhejiang Province with an expected admission to ICU for at least 24 h were recruited, and all clinical, laboratory, and survival data were prospectively collected. The AGI grade was daily assessed based on GIsymptoms, feeding details and organ dysfunctionon the first week of admission to ICU.The intra-abdominal pressures(IAP) was measured using AbViser device. Results: Of 550 patients enrolled, mean values for age and APACHE Ⅱ score were (64.9±17.2) years and (19.5±7.4), respectively. 456 patients(82.9%) took mechanical ventilation, and 470 patients were identified for AGI. The distribution of AGI grade on the frist day of ICU admission were 50.6%(Ⅰ grade, n=238), 34.2%(Ⅱ grade, n=161), 12.4%(Ⅲ grade, n=58) and 2.8%(Ⅳ, n=13), respectively, while the distribution of the global AGI grade based on the 7-day AGI assessment of ICU admission were 24.5%(Ⅰ grade, n=115), 49.4%(Ⅱ grade, n=232), 20.6%(Ⅲ grade, n=97) and 5.5%(Ⅳ, n=26), respectively. 28- and 60-day mortality rate was 29.3%(n=161) and 32.5%(n=179), respectively. The patients with AGI had a higher 28-(31.1% vs 18.8%, P=0.025) and 60-day survival rate(34.7% vs 20.0%, P=0.01) than those with non-AGI, and also there were positive correlations between AGI grade and 28- and 60-day mortality(P<0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, the source of medicial admission, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, the use of vasoactive drugs, serum creatinine and lactate, mechanical ventilation, APACHE Ⅱ score, the AGI grade in the first day of ICU admission and feeding intolerance within the first week of ICU stay were significantly(P≤0.02) associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis including all these variables, the source of medical admission(χ(2)=4.34, P=0.04), diabete mellitus(χ(2)=3.96, P=0.05), the use of vasoactive drugs(χ(2)=6.55, P=0.01), serum lactate(χ(2)=4.73, P=0.03), the global AGI grade in the 7-day of ICU admission(χ(2)=7.10, P=0.008), and APACHE Ⅱ score(χ(2)=12.1, P<0.001) remained independent predictors for 60-day mortality.In the further subgroup analysis including 402 patients with 7-day survival, the feeding intolerance within the first week of ICU stay could provide independent and incremental prognostic value of 60-day mortality wtih increased χ(2)value of Cox regression model(χ(2)=52.2 vs 41.9, P=0.007) . Conclusion: The AGI grading system is useful for identifying the severity of gastrointestinal dysfunction, and could be used as a strong predictor of impaired outcome. The results provide evidence to support that feeding intolerance within 7 days of admission to ICU was an independent determinant of mortality.

Components and Indicators of Frailty Measures: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a debilitating condition in older adults that is associated with increased risks for adverse outcomes. However, the issue of quantifying frailty remains elusive. There is a lack of consistency in the frailty components and the corresponding indicators used to quantify these components.

OBJECTIVE

1) to describe the components of frailty and examine the existing measures of frailty; and 2) to identify current gaps in knowledge of frailty measures.

METHODS

The PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were searched. Each study was reviewed to determine its fit with inclusion/exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 49 studies were identified and comprised the sample. Each study described one unique measure of frailty. The frailty components and corresponding indicators within three domains (physical, psychological, and social) were described. The most frequently reported components of frailty were mobility and balance, nutrition, and cognitive function. Fifteen of 49 frailty measures included components across all three domains. Current frailty measures were critiqued and important areas for future study are identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The frailty components and corresponding indicators vary considerably across different frailty measures. Future studies are needed to address inconsistences in frailty measures and models.

[Application of MOAS for Evaluating of Violence Risk in the Inpatients with Mental Disorders]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of Modified Overt Aggression Scale （MOAS） on predicting serious aggressive behavior in the inpatients with mental disorders and to provide theoretical basis for violence risk assessments in the inpatients with mental disorders.

METHODS

Total 918 inpatients in a psychiatric hospital were evaluated by trained medical workers using MOAS in September 2009, and their serious violent behavior were followed up for 2 years. The value of MOAS on predicting violence in the inpatients with mental disorders was analyzed by SPSS 21.0.

RESULTS

（1） Compared to the patients without serious aggressive behaviors, the patients with serious aggressive behavior within 2 years showed significantly higher scores （P＜0.05） on verbal aggression, aggression against property, physical aggression and total weighted score of MOAS; （2） Significant correlation was found between the score of verbal aggression and the serious acts of violence within 2 years （P＜0.05）; （3） Scores of verbal aggression, physical aggression and total weighted score of MOAS had predictive value on serious aggressive behaviors within 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

MOAS has certain value on predicting the serious aggressive behaviors of patients with mental disorders within 2 years.

Influences of high-voltage electrical burns on the pulmonary microcirculation in rabbits

This study was performed to investigate the effects of high-voltage electrical burns (HEB) on the pulmonary microcirculation in rabbits. Total of 120 rabbits were randomly divided into control and HEB group using a random number table. HEB model was developed with a voltage regulator and experimental transformer. Laser Doppler perfusion imager was utilized to monitor and quantify the blood perfusion in pulmonary microcirculation. The microvascular morphologic changes of the lung were observed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The lung wet/dry weight ratio and the PaO2 were determined. The values of blood perfusion in rabbit pulmonary microcirculation in the HEB group were decreased at 5 min, but increased at 1 h after burn (P <  0.01) and then decreased gradually. Light microscopy reveals microthrombus formation in pulmonary venules and bleeding in venous capillaries in HEB group. We found the number of microvilli in the capillary endothelial cells decreased, the rough endoplasmic reticulum expanded and severe degranulation occurred, the mitochondrial cristae fused or disappeared, and severe edema surrounded the capillary endothelial cells by TEM. The values of lung wet/dry weight ratio were higher and the PaO2 were lower than that of before burn group (P <  0.01). These results demonstrated that microcirculatory disorders play a major role in the development of progressive lung damage after high-voltage electrical burns.

[Clinical experience of 60 patients underwent three-dimensional video assisted thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical experience of 60 patients underwent three-dimensional video assisted thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty.

METHODS

Sixty patients were enrolled retrospectively from March 2014 to January 2016 in Department of Cardiacvascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute. They underwent three-dimensional video assisted thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty. There were 37 male and 23 female patients. The range of age was 15 to 78 years (the median age was 47 years). The techniques of mitral valvuloplasty included chordae tendineae transplantation (53 patients), annuloplasty (58 patients), posterior leaflet resection (13 patients), anterior leaflet resection (2 patients), commissure resection (1 patient). Their information from charts were collected. The follow-up time was lasting 3 to 25 months by telephone or outpatient department interview. The data was analyzed via paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Conversions to mitral valve replacement were performed for two patients. No patients underwent thoracotomy. The operation time was (213±37) minutes, cardiopulmonary bypass time was (129±31) minutes, aortic cross clamping time was (81±21) minutes. Postoperative hospital stay was (7±3) days. During follow-up period, there were no re-operation and no death. Mitral regurgitation level and New York Heart Association class were both improved (Z=-6.286, P=0.000, Z=-6.237, P=0.000), respectively. Besides, there was also no new atrial fibrillation patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Not only does three-dimensional video assisted thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty maintain the advantages of 2-Dimensional thoracoscopy, but also have the similar view of median thoracotomy. This technique showed promising clinical value in the future.

Gut microbes in correlation with mood: case study in a closed experimental human life support system

BACKGROUND

Gut microbial community, which may influence our mood, can be shaped by modulating the gut ecosystem through dietary strategies. Understanding the gut-brain correlationship in healthy people is important for maintenance of mental health and prevention of mental illnesses.

METHODS

A case study on the correlation between gut microbial alternation and mood swing of healthy adults was conducted in a closed human life support system during a 105-day experiment. Gut microbial community structures were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing every 2 weeks. A profile of mood states questionnaire was used to record the mood swings. Correlation between gut microbes and mood were identified with partial least squares discrimination analysis.

KEY RESULTS

Microbial community structures in the three healthy adults were strongly correlated with mood states. Bacterial genera Roseburia, Phascolarctobacterium, Lachnospira, and Prevotella had potential positive correlation with positive mood, while genera Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Anaerostipes were correlated with negative mood. Among which, Faecalibacterium spp. had the highest abundance, and showed a significant negative correlation with mood.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our results indicated that the composition of microbial community could play a role in emotional change in mentally physically healthy adults.

Association between a point mutation at the -743-bp region of the transthyretin (TTR) gene and familial vitreous amyloidosis

The aim of this study was to identify changes in the base sequence of the upstream regulatory region of the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Whole-blood DNA was extracted from ten subjects belonging to a family with familial amyloidosis vitreoretinopathy; the upstream regulatory sequence was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, detected by gel electrophoresis, and sequenced. The DNA sequence of the upstream regulatory region of the TTR gene was successfully sequenced, and a point mutation (-743A→T) was identified in six of the ten blood samples: four patients and two family members without disease incidence. Therefore, a point mutation was identified in the upstream regulatory region of the TTR gene in a Han Chinese family with familial vitreous amyloidosis.

[Stress distribution and deformation of uterosacral ligament and cardinal ligament under different working conditions simulated by the finite element model]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the finite element model of uterosacral ligament (USL) and cardinal ligament (CL) and analyze the stress distribution and deformation with USL and CL under different working conditions.

METHODS

Patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and healthy female volunteers were selected for research subject, and divided into anterior uterus group and posterior uterus group. Two POP patients and two volunteers were selectd into the anterior uterus group and posterior uterine group respectively. Pelvic MRI scan was performed in two groups. Based on the original MRI data sets, the finite element model of USL and CL was constructed by using the software such as the Mimics, and the stress distribution and deformation of USL and CL were simulated.

RESULTS

Under the premise of the elastic modulus fixed and three different working conditions such as 60 cmH2O, 99 cmH2O and 168 cmH2O (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) with abdominal pressure generated by maximum Valsalva maneuver, according to the present conditions and the simulation, the trend was analyzed: the stress and deformation of the uterus, anterior vaginal wall, USL and CL in two groups were mainly distributed in the middle and lower part of the anterior vaginal wall or the ligament and the cervix-vagina junction, the maximum stress and the maximum displacement were mainly concentrated in the lower region of the anterior vaginal wall. With increasing of abdominal pressure generated by the maximum Valsalva maneuver, the maximum stress values of the POP patient in anterior uterus group under three different working conditions were: 0.027 9, 0.046 0, 0.078 0 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 9.145 5, 15.090 0, 25.607 0 mm. The maximum stress values of the volunteer in anterior uterus group under three different working conditions were: 0.012 6, 0.020 8, 0.035 3 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 1.816 7, 2.997 5, 5.086 7 mm. The maximum stress values of the POP patient in posterior uterine group under three different conditions were: 0.069 4, 0.114 6, 0.194 5 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 11.658 0, 19.236 0, 32.643 0 mm. The maximum stress values of the volunteer in posterior uterus group under three different working conditions were: 0.009 1, 0.015 1, 0.025 6 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 2.581 6, 4.259 6, 7.228 4 mm. The maximum stress values and the maximum displacement values were all increased with increasing of abdominal pressure in the two groups. The maximum stress values and the maximum displacement values of the POP patients were greater than those of volunteers. Under different working conditions, the maximum stress values and maximum displacement values of the posterior uterus POP patient were all greater than those of the anterior uterus POP patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The finite element model of USL and CL is completely based on the MRI technology and the model is real and reliable. The increase of abdominal pressure will produce a larger stress and deformation of USL and CL, which is one of the reasons causing the injury of the ligament.