Dexamethasone relieves the inflammatory response caused by inguinal hernia meshes through miR-155

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a relatively common condition. Most patients with inguinal hernia require surgery. At present, mesh repair is one of the most effective methods to treat inguinal hernia, but insertion of the mesh can cause inflammation. Dexamethasone (DEX) can treat inflammation, but the mechanism by which DEX alleviates inflammation caused by inguinal hernia mesh placement remains unclear.

METHOD

We randomly divided rats into groups: negative control (NC), inguinal hernia (IH), polypropylene mesh (PM), DEX treatment, and miR-155 treatment groups. RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-155. ELISA was implemented to determine the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Western blotting was used to detect caspase-1, JAK1, p-JAK1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 expression. A dual-luciferase reporter gene array identified a connection between miR-155 and JAK1.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the expression of miR-155, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 was upregulated in the PM group. After DEX treatment, the secretion of miR-155, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 decreased. Dual luciferase results confirmed that miR-155 induced the targeted downregulation of JAK1, while a miR-155 mimic reversed the therapeutic effect of DEX, and the expression levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 increased.

CONCLUSION

DEX regulates the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-155 to relieve inflammation caused by inguinal hernia meshes.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

Prenatal exome sequencing analysis in fetuses with central nervous system anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) in fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of fetuses identified to have CNS abnormality on prenatal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging. All fetuses were first analyzed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Fetuses with a confirmed aneuploidy or causal pathogenic copy-number variant (CNV) on CMA did not undergo pES analysis and were excluded, while those with a negative CMA result were offered pES testing.

RESULTS

Of the 167 pregnancies included in the study, 42 (25.1%) were identified to have a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant. The diagnostic rate was significantly higher in fetuses with a non-isolated CNS abnormality than in those with a single CNS abnormality (35.7% (20/56) vs 14.5% (8/55); P = 0.010). Moreover, when a fetus had three or more CNS abnormalities, the positive diagnostic rate increased to 42.9%. A total of 25/42 (59.5%) cases had de-novo mutations, while, in the remaining cases, mutations were inherited and carried a significant risk of recurrence. Families whose fetus carried a P/LP mutation were more likely to choose advanced pregnancy termination than those with a variant of uncertain significance, secondary/incidental finding or negative pES result (83.3% (25/30) vs 41.3% (38/92); P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

pES improved the identification of genetic disorders in fetuses with CNS anomalies without a chromosomal abnormality or CNV identified on CMA, regardless of the number of CNS anomalies and presence of extracranial abnormality. We also demonstrated that pES findings can significantly impact parental decision-making. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Host response of Nicotiana benthamiana to the parasitism of five populations of root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae, from China

In a recent survey of nematodes associated with tobacco in Shandong, China, the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus coffeae was identified using a combination of morphology and molecular techniques. This nematode species is a serious parasite that damages a variety of plant species. The model plant benthi, Nicotiana benthamiana, is frequently used to study plant-disease interactions. However, it is not known whether this plant species is a host of P. coffeae. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the parasitism and pathogenicity of five populations of the root-lesion nematode P. coffeae on N. benthamiana.N. benthamiana seedlings with the same growth status were chosen and inoculated with 1,000 nematodes per pot. At 60 days after inoculation, the reproductive factors (Rf = final population densities (Pf)/initial population densities (Pi)) for P. coffeae in the rhizosphere of N. benthamiana were all more than 1, suggesting that N. benthamiana was a good host plant for P. coffeae.Nicotiana. benthamiana infected by P. coffeae showed weak growth, decreased tillering, high root reduction, and noticeable brown spots on the roots. Thus, we determined that the model plant N. benthamiana can be used to study plant-P. coffeae interactions.

The safflower MBW complex regulates HYSA accumulation through degradation by the E3 ligase CtBB1

The regulatory mechanism of the MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40) complex in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) remains unclear. In the present study, we show that the separate overexpression of the genes CtbHLH41, CtMYB63, and CtWD40-6 in Arabidopsis thaliana increased anthocyanin and procyanidin contents in the transgenic plants and partially rescued the trichome reduction phenotype of the corresponding bhlh41, myb63, and wd40-6 single mutants. Overexpression of CtbHLH41, CtMYB63, or CtWD40-6 in safflower significantly increased the content of the natural pigment hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) and negatively regulated safflower petal size. Yeast-two-hybrid, functional, and genetic assays demonstrated that the safflower E3 ligase CtBB1 (BIG BROTHER 1) can ubiquitinate CtbHLH41, marking it for degradation through the 26S proteasome and negatively regulating flavonoid accumulation. CtMYB63/CtWD40-6 enhanced the transcriptional activity of CtbHLH41 on the CtDFR (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase) promoter. We propose that the MBW-CtBB1 regulatory module may play an important role in coordinating HYSA accumulation with other response mechanisms.

The effect of surgical repair of hiatal hernia (HH) on pulmonary function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Hiatal hernia is renowned for the symptom of reflux, and few physicians associate a hiatal hernia with pulmonary issues. It is widely acknowledged that a hiatal hernia can be treated with surgery. However, less is known about how the surgical procedure would benefit pulmonary function. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether surgical repair can improve pulmonary function in patients with hiatal hernias.

METHODS

We registered the protocol on the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) platform (no. CRD42022369949). We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for cohort studies that reported on the pulmonary function of patients with hiatal hernias. The quality of each cohort study was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). We then calculated mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals for these continuous outcomes. Each study's consistency was appraised using the I² statistic. The sensitivity analysis was performed using the trim-and-fill method. Publication bias was confirmed using the funnel plot visually and Egger regression test statistically.

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients from 5 cohorts were included in the meta-analysis. The quality evaluation revealed that, of these 5 papers, 3 received 8 NOS stars out of 9 stars, 1 received 9, and the other received 7, meaning all included cohort studies were of high quality. The results showed that surgical repair for a hiatal hernia significantly improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; weighted mean difference [WMD]:0.200; 95% CI 0.047-0.353; I² = 71.6%; P = 0.010), forced vital capacity (FVC; WMD: 0.242; 95% CI 0.161-0.323; I² = 7.1%; P = 0.000), and total lung capacity (TLC; WMD: 0.223; 95% CI 0.098-0.348; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.000) but had little effect on residual volume (RV; WMD: -0.028; 95% CI -0.096 to 0.039; I² = 8.7%; P = 0.411) and the diffusing capacity carbon monoxide (DLCO; WMD: 0.234; 95% CI -0.486 to 0.953; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.524).

CONCLUSION

For individuals with hiatal hernias, surgical repair is an efficient technique to improve respiratory function as measured by FEV1, FVC, and TLC.

The association of coffee consumption with the risk of osteoporosis and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To elucidate the association of coffee and bone health would help fracture risk reduction via dietary intervention. Although those who had higher coffee consumption were less likely to have osteoporosis, the associations between coffee consumption and fracture risk need further investigations with better study designs.

INTRODUCTION

The associations between coffee consumption and the risk of osteoporosis and fracture remain inconclusive. We aimed to better quantify these associations by conducting meta-analyses of observational studies.

METHODS

Relevant studies were systematically searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Embase Database up to November 25, 2021. The odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was pooled and a dose-response analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Four studies with 7114 participants for osteoporosis and thirteen studies with 391,956 participants for fracture incidence were included in the meta-analyses. High versus low coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.79 (0.65-0.92)], while it was non-significantly associated with fracture incidence [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.86 (0.67-1.05) at hip and 0.89 (0.42-1.36) at non-hip]. A non-linear association between the level of coffee consumption and hip fracture incidence was shown (P = 0.004). The pooled RR (95% CI) of hip fracture risk in those who consumed 1, 2-3, 4, and ≥ 9 cups of coffee per day was 0.92 (0.87-0.97), 0.89 (0.83-0.95), 0.91 (0.85-0.98), and 1.10 (0.76-1.59), respectively. The significance in the association between coffee consumption and the hip fracture incidence decreased in those studies that had larger sample size, higher quality, and more adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

A dose-dependent relationship may exist between coffee consumption and hip fracture incidence. The effect of high versus low coffee consumption was influenced by study designs. Further studies with dedicated designs are needed to confirm the independent effects of coffee consumption on bone health.

Recognitions of colored fabrics/laser-patterned metals based on photothermoelectric effects

Color is the mapping of electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths in human vision. The electronic color recognition system currently in use is mainly based on the photoelectric effect. Here, we demonstrate a color materials' recognition system based on photothermoelectric effects. The system uses a microfabricated thermoelectric generator (TEG) as a platform, which is covered with dye-colored fabric pieces or structure-colored laser-patterned metal sheets. Under light irradiation, the fabrics/metals selectively absorb light and convert it into heat, which flows through the underlying TEG arrays and then converted into electrical signal output to realize the distinction of color and materials. This previously unidentified high-sensitivity TEG detection method provides a potential approach for precise color materials' detection over wide areas and may help understand the mechanism of bionic color recognition.

AB0066 EFFECT AND MECHANISM OF QINXITONG ON BIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF SYNOVIAL FIBROBLASTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Chinese medicine has been used widely for the treatment of RA for a long history in China. The Fifth Hospital of Xi’an has treated patients of RA with QinXiTong(QXT) for 40 years which is mainly based on the water extract from Caulis Sinomenii(CS). However, the molecular mechanism of its anti-rheumatism effect remains unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of Qinxitong on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis and its mechanism.

Methods

Taking rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell line MH7A as the research object. The cells were divided into four groups according to the different dosage of Qinxitong intervention, namely control group, low dose group (QXT-20), medium dose group (QXT-50) and high dose group (QXT-100). CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion, and Western blotting was used to detect total Erk protein (t-Erk) and phosphorylated Erk protein (p-Erk) expression levels.

Results

CCK-8 assay showed that Qinxitong could inhibit the proliferation of MH7A cells, compared with the control group, cell proliferation in QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups was significantly reduced (p<0.05) after 24h, 48, and 72h intervention, the effect of QXT-100 was even more significant (p<0.001); flow cytometry showed that QXT could promote apoptosis of MH7A cells, compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups was significantly increased (p<0.05); Transwell assay showed that QXT could inhibit the migration and invasion of MH7A cells, compared with the control group, the QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups showed significantly higher inhibition of migration and invasion of MH7A cells (p<0.05); Western blotting showed that QXT could reduced p-Erk expression level, compared with the control group, the decrease of p-Erk expression level in QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Qinxitong can inhibit the proliferation, promote apoptosis, inhibit migration and invasion of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by regulating Erk signaling pathway, providing scientific basis for clinical application of Qixintong.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Identification and functional characterization of safflower cysteine protease 1 as negative regulator in response to low-temperature stress in transgenic Arabidopsis

We performed genome-wide and heterologous expression analysis of the safflower cysteine protease family and found that inhibition of CtCP1 expression enhanced plant cold resistance. Cysteine protease (CP) is mainly involved in plant senescence and stress responses. However, the molecular mechanism of endogenous cysteine protease inhibition in plant stress tolerance is yet unknown. Here, we report the discovery and functional characterization of a candidate CP1 gene from safflower. The conserved structural topology of CtCPs revealed important insights into their possible roles in plant growth and stress responses. The qRT-PCR results implied that most of CtCP genes were highly expressed at fading stage suggesting that they are most likely involved in senescence process. The CtCP1 expression was significantly induced at different time points under cold, NaCl, H₂O₂ and PEG stress, respectively. The in-vitro activity of heterologously expressed CtCP1 protein showed highest protease activity for casein and azocasein substrates. The expression and phenotypic data together with antioxidant activity and physiological indicators revealed that transgenic plants inhibited by CtCP1-anti showed higher tolerance to low temperature than WT and CtCP1-OE plants. Our findings demonstrated the discovery of a new Cysteine protease 1 gene that exerted a detrimental effect on transgenic Arabidopsis under low-temperature stress.

Utilizing phenotypic characteristics of metastatic brain tumors to improve the probability of detecting circulating tumor DNA from cerebrospinal fluid in non-small-cell lung cancer patients: development and validation of a prediction model in a prospective cohort study

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has become a promising surrogate for genomic profiling of central nervous system tumors. However, suboptimal ctDNA detection rates from CSF limit its clinical utility. Thus precise screening of suitable patients is needed to maximize the clinical benefit.

Patients and methods

Between February 2017 and December 2020, 66 newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain parenchymal metastases were prospectively enrolled as a training cohort and 30 additional patients were enrolled as an external validation cohort. CSF samples and matched primary tumor tissues were collected before treatment and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS). The imageological characteristics of patients’ brain tumors were evaluated by radiologists using enhanced magnetic resonance imaging images. The clinical and imageological characteristics were evaluated by complete subsets regression, Akaike information criteria, and Bayesian information criteria methods to establish the prediction model. A nomogram was then built for CSF ctDNA detection prediction.

Results

The somatic mutation detection rate of genes covered by our targeted NGS panel was significantly lower in CSF ctDNA (59.09%) than tumor tissue (91.84%). The T_size (diameter of the largest intracranial lesion) and LVD_min (minimum lesion–ventricle distance for all intracranial lesions) were significantly associated with positive CSF ctDNA detection, and thus, were selected to establish the prediction model, which achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.819 and an accuracy of 0.800. The model’s predictive ability was further validated in the independent external cohort (AUC of 0.772, accuracy of 0.767) and by internal cross-validation. The CSF ctDNA detection rate was significantly improved from 58.18% (32/55) to 81.81% (27/33) in patients after model selection (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

This study developed a regression model to predict the probability of detecting CSF ctDNA using the phenotypic characteristics of metastatic brain lesions in NSCLC patients, thus, maximizing the benefits of CSF liquid biopsies.

•

Intracranial tumor size and distance to nearest ventricle were significantly correlated with positive CSF ctDNA detection.

•

A prediction model incorporating T_size and LVD_min was developed and validated to evaluate the odds of CSF ctDNA positivity.

•

The CSF ctDNA detection rate was significantly improved in patients after model selection.

Nomogram to predict survival of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Nomograms are rarely employed to estimate the survival of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). Herein, we developed a comprehensive approach to using a nomogram to predict survival probability in patients with advanced and metastatic PC.

METHODS

A total of 323 patients with advanced and metastatic PC were identified from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital. A baseline nomogram was constructed using baseline variables of 323 patients. Additionally, 233 patients, whose tumors showed initial responses to first-line chemotherapy, were enrolled in the chemotherapy response-based model. 128 patients and 108 patients with advanced and metastatic PC from January 2019 to April 2021 were selected for external validating baseline model and chemotherapy response-based model. The 1-year and 2-year survival probability was evaluated using multivariate COX regression models. The discrimination and calibration capacity of the nomograms were assessed using C-statistic and calibration plots. The predictive accuracy and net benefit of the nomograms were evaluated using ROC curve and DCA, respectively.

RESULTS

In the baseline model, six variables (gender, KPS, baseline TB, baseline N, baseline WBC and baseline CA19-9) were used in the final model. In the chemotherapy response-based model, nine variables (KPS, gender, ascites, baseline N, baseline CA 19-9, baseline CEA, change in CA 19-9 level at week, change in CEA level at week and initial response to chemotherapy) were included in the final model. The C-statistics of the baseline nomogram and the chemotherapy response-based nomogram were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62-0.71) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69-0.77), respectively.

CONCLUSION

These nomograms were constructed to predict the survival probability of patients of advanced and metastatic PC. The baseline model and chemotherapy response-based model performed well in survival prediction.

The analysis of osteosarcopenia as a risk factor for fractures, mortality, and falls

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concomitant occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis/osteopenia. This study aimed to clarify whether osteosarcopenia implies a greater risk of fractures, mortality, and falls and to draw attention to osteosarcopenia.

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcopenia, which is characterized by the co-existence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and sarcopenia, is one of the most challenging geriatric syndromes. However, the association between osteosarcopenia and the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality is controversial.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from their inception to March 18, 2021, for cohort studies on the relationship between osteosarcopenia and fractures, falls, and mortality. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A pooled analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed or random-effects models.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies including 19,836 participants showed that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fracture (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.83-3.30, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.006, I² = 63.0%), three cohort studies involving 2601 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of mortality (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.26, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.214, I² = 35.2%), and three cohort studies involving 3144 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of falls (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.04, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.219, I² = 34.1%). No publication bias existed among the studies regarding the association between osteosarcopenia and fractures. The findings were robust according to the subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis demonstrated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fractures, falls, and mortality, thus highlighting its relevance in daily life. Therefore, we suggest that elderly persons should be aware of the risks associated with osteosarcopenia.

Potential probiotics Lactobacillus casei K11 combined with plant extracts reduce markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice

AIMS

Probiotics and plant extracts have been used to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study aimed to explore the effect of the interaction between potential probiotics and bitter gourd extract (BGE) or mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on T2DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Potential probiotics were tested for their gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation combined with BGE and MLE in vitro. The diabetes model was constructed in C57BL/6 mice, and the potential effect and mechanism of regulating blood glucose were verified. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), gas chromatography (GC), ELISA, and RT-PCR were also used for analysis. The results showed that Lactobacillus casei K11 had outstanding gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation with plant extracts. Administration of L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly reduced blood glucose levels and ameliorated insulin resistance in diabetic mice than the administration of Lactobacillus paracasei J5 combined with BGE and MLE. Moreover, in L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE groups, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were regulated. Furthermore, the results indicated that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE improved free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) upregulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE modified the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to improve T2DM.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study identified a new modality for evaluating interactions between potential probiotics and plant extracts. Our findings revealed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly promoted the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to inhibit T2DM.

Bedaquiline in the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in China

BACKGROUND: Multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB) continues to be a challenge in China. Bedaquiline (BDQ) is associated with accelerated sputum culture conversion and favourable treatment outcomes when added to a preferred background regimen. This post-hoc study aimed to assess the outcomes of BDQ treatment in Chinese patients with MDR/XDR-TB.METHODS: Data from 51 Chinese patients who participated in a global Phase 2, open-label, single-arm study (TMC207-C209) were analysed for effectiveness and safety of the BDQ-containing regimen.RESULTS: During the 24-week BDQ treatment, adverse events (AEs) occurred in 48 patients (94.1%), with the most common AE being hyperuricemia. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was reported in 13 patients (25.5%); serious DILI was reported in one patient (2.0%). Seven (13.7%) AEs were considered to be possibly related to BDQ by the investigators. Only one Grade 1 QTc prolongation was reported; no QTcF >500 ms was reported. One death occurred after BDQ treatment due to progressive TB. The median time to sputum culture conversion was 85 days based on the 24-week data. The sputum culture conversion rate was 82% at 24 weeks and 78% at 120 weeks; 66% of patients achieved a cure.CONCLUSIONS: BDQ was well-tolerated and effective for treating MDR-TB among Chinese patients.

Structural analysis of pulsed magnets considering interface characteristics

The aim of traditional designs of pulsed magnets is to keep the von-Mises stress on the midplane less than the ultimate tensile strength of materials. However, recently failed high-field experiments showed that some short circuits occurred at the magnet end, which is most possibly caused by the axial displacement of wires. This indicates that the former design is inadequate and accurate axial mechanical analysis of magnets is necessary. In this paper, a finite element model of pulsed magnets considering interface characteristics is proposed. Both the contact status and interfacial friction between the conductor layers and reinforcements can be accounted for Simulations are conducted with a failed 95 T dual-coil prototype, which was originally designed with the self-developed Pulsed Magnet Design Software (PMDS) software. The simulation results show that all the originally expected separations calculated by the PMDS software disappear due to the compression. This makes the calculated maximal von-Mises stress of the inner four reinforcement layers about 600 MPa less than the former designs. The influence of the interfacial friction is also presented. Besides, the simulations show that the maximum axial displacement at the magnet end is up to 8 mm at the designed peak field, which is deadly to the insulations. Hence, we suggest that the axial displacement at the magnet end should also be one design objective of pulsed magnets. At last, the factors affecting the axial displacement are analyzed.

Identification and characterization of long non-coding RNAs as competing endogenous RNAs in the cold stress response of Triticum aestivum

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in plant development and stress responses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. It is not clear how lncRNA-mediated plant responses to cold stress and how lncRNAs, miRNAs and target mRNAs cooperate subject to the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). We interpreted the function of lncRNAs in the winter wheat cultivar Dongnongdongmai 1 (Dn1). A total of 9970 putative lncRNAs were initially identified from three Dn1 lncRNA libraries (5 °C, -10 °C and -25 °C) using high-throughput sequencing. Among the 14,626 genes detected via weighted gene co-expression network analysis, 7435 lncRNAs were co-expressed with 7191 mRNAs. We found six modules related to cold resistance in the lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression network, and the functions of mRNAs were similar in each module. Antioxidant systems and hormones played important roles in low-temperature responses. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that interactions between the 384 lncRNAs and 70 miRNAs were required for ceRNA activity. According to ceRNA activity, 225 lncRNAs, 60 miRNAs and 621 target mRNAs were involved in the regulatory networks of the cold stress response. Notably, a conserved region was found in the complementary regions of lncRNAs and miR164/408 but had reverse expression trends in the ceRNA network. Our results reveal possible roles of lncRNAs-mRNAs in the regulatory networks associated with tolerance to low temperature and provide useful information for more strategic use of genomic resources in wheat breeding.

Copper-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylalkylation of alkynes: access toward conjugated enynes

A copper-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylalkylation of alkynes with α-haloacetamides for the construction of conjugated enynes has been developed.

Are left ventricular muscle area and radiation attenuation associated with overall survival in advanced pancreatic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy?

AIM

To evaluate whether cardiac muscle area and radiation attenuation, determined using pre-chemotherapy computed tomography (CT), are associated with therapeutic response and overall survival (OS) in chemotherapy-treated advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-eight chemotherapy-treated APC patients who underwent pre-chemotherapy CT between 2009 and 2018 were considered. Left ventricular muscle area (LVMA) and left ventricular muscle radiation attenuation (LVMRA) were measured using pre-chemotherapy arterial-phase CT. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyse potential factors affecting OS and PFS.

RESULTS

Patients with low LVMRA, low LVMA at baseline CT, and multiple metastases had a significantly shorter median OS than patients with high LVMRA, high LVMA, and without multiple metastases (8.8 versus 14 months, p=0.017; 12.2 versus 18.1 months, p=0.038; 7.3 versus 13.5 months, p<0.001, respectively). Patients with low LVMRA and distant metastasis had a shorter median PFS than patients with high LVMRA and those without distant metastasis (4.9 versus 8.3 months, p=0.032; 5.4 versus 9.9 months, p=0.002, respectively). Moreover, the mean LVMRA was the highest in the partial response group (p=0.028).

CONCLUSION

LVMRA could well predict PFS and OS in chemotherapy-treated APC patients.

Combined therapy of infusion of DC from rats with higher expression of IDO and CD40L on rejection post heart transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) can inhibit rejection of graft via inducing T cell apoptosis. CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibits T cell activation. However, the effects of the combination of infusion of dendritic cell (DC) from IDO over-expressed donor mice and CD40L mAb on the treatment of graft rejection after heart transplantation have not been reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Allogeneic heart transplantation mouse model was established. Recipient mice were divided into three groups, including control group, IDO group (in which DC donors received adenoviral vector of IDO) and combined therapy group (which received both IDO over-expressed DC infusion and CD40L mAb injection post transplantation). Survival time and cardiac function were observed, with IDO expression being quantified. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze T cell apoptosis, while enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to test the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

RESULTS

IDO expression was significantly elevated in both IDO and combined therapy groups, with enhanced T cell apoptosis compared to control group (p < 0.05). Both groups had better survival time and cardiac functions compared to control group, along with increased IL-10/IL-6 expression and suppressed INF-γ and IL-2 expression (p < 0.05). However, combined therapy had a better efficiency compared to IDO group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined therapy of high IDO expressed mouse DC perfusion with CD40L mAb can elongate the survival time of recipient heart and inhibit rejection reaction via facilitating T cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, combined therapy could also regulate the expression of some immune suppressant factors and mediate the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Notch3 signaling activation in smooth muscle cells promotes extrauterine growth restriction-induced pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early postnatal life is a critical developmental period that affects health of the whole life. Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) causes cardiovascular development problems and diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterized by proliferation, migration, and anti-apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). However, the role of PASMCs in EUGR has not been studied. Thus, we hypothesized that PASMCs dysfunction played a role in EUGR-induced pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here we identified that postnatal nutritional restriction-induced EUGR rats exhibited an elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling at 12 weeks old. PASMCs of EUGR rats showed increased cell proliferation and migration features. In EUGR-induced PAH rats, Notch3 signaling was activated. Relative mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3 intracellular domain (Notch3 ICD), and Notch target gene Hey1 in PASMCs were upregulated. We further demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of Notch3 activity by using a γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, which blocked the cleavage of Notch proteins to ICD peptides, could effectively inhibit PASMC proliferation. Specifically knocked down of Notch3 in rat PASMCs by shRNA restored the abnormal PASMC phenotype in vitro. We found that administration of Notch signaling inhibitor DAPT could successfully reduce mean pulmonary arterial pressure in EUGR rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that upregulation of Notch3 signaling in PASMCs was crucial for the development of EUGR-induced PAH. Blocking Notch3-Hey1 signaling pathway in PASMCs provides a potential therapeutic target for PAH.

S-nitrosylation of Src by NR2B-nNOS signal causes Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in levodopa-induced dyskinetic rat model

Abnormality in Src PSD-95 NR2B signaling complex assemble occurs in levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by Src family protein tyrosine kinases is closely associated with dyskinesia. Src autophosphorylation (p-Src) is an important part of Src-catalyzed phosphorylation of NR2B. In addition, the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-derived NO (nNOS/NO) signal which was also involved in dyskinesia recently was proved to participate in the regulation of Src function. Yet, the detailed signal mechanism about the interactions of NR2B, nNOS, and Src is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the influences of nNOS on Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in dyskinetic rat model by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. The results demonstrated that chronic levodopa treatment resulted in downregulation of p-nNOS-S847, one marker of nNOS overactivation. Coinstantaneously, the S-nitrosylation (SNO-Src) and autophosphorylation (p-Src) of Src and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation were upregulated in dyskinetic rat model. Conversely, administration of 7-NI, one nNOS inhibitor, reversed all these effects of levodopa treatment. Besides, NR2B-containing NMDAR (NR2B/NMDAR) antagonist CP-101,606 could upregulate p-nNOS-S847 and thus attenuate nNOS activation and simultaneously reduce the SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, the S-nitrosylation of Src is caused by nNOS/NO signal, which is overactivated via Ca²⁺ influx dependent on NR2B/NMDAR, and subsequently facilitates Src auto-tyrosine phosphorylation and further phosphorylates NR2B. The "NR2B/NMDAR-nNOS/NO-SNO-Src-p-Src-NR2B/NMDAR" signaling cycle may be the molecular basis of NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation upward positive feedback, which demonstrates the possibility as one latent target for dyskinesia therapy.

[The attentional bias of emotion in medical workers of emergency department in one hospital and it's relationship with mood state]

Objective: To study the characteristics of attentional bias to emotional stimulus in medical workers of emergency department and explore the relationship between the emotional Stroop effect and mood states, thus providing a reference to the assessment and intervention of emergency medical workers' mental health. Methods: Two kinds of emotional Stroop tasks with words and pictures and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were administered to thirty-six medical workers of emergency department and thirty-six medical workers of other departments. Results: The reaction time to negative and positive words and pictures were all higher than the reaction time to neutral stimulus, thus showing the significant Stroop effect in medical workers. The Stroop effect to negative emotional stimulus in medical workers of emergency department was significantly smaller than that in medical workers of other departments, while the difference of Stroop effect to positive stimulus was not significant between the two groups. Correlation analyses revealed that the correlations between Stroop effect size to positive pictures and tension and angry of POMS were all negatively significant (r value was -0.314 and -0.330 respectively) , and the correlation between Stroop effect size to negative pictures and fatigue was negatively significant (r=-0.303) . Conclusions: There is a significant emotional Stroop effect in medical workers. Although the ability of anti-interference to emotional stimulus in medical workers of emergency department was better than medical workers of the other departments, the long-term avoidance to negative emotional stimulus was still has a negative effect on the mood states of individuals.

Expression and significance of peripheral myeloid-derived suppressor cells in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exert their suppressive effects on multiple immune response and contribute to the development of many diseases. However, limited data is available on the involvement of MDSCs in human chronic HBV infection.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the progression of chronic HBV infection was associated with imbalance of MDSCs.

METHODS

The percentages of MDSCs, regulatory T (Treg), Th1 and Tc1 cells in the peripheral blood from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls (HC) were determined by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γ were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The potential association of the frequencies of MDSCs with clinical parameters was assessed.

RESULTS

The percentages of MDSCs and Treg cells were significantly higher in CHB patients than those in HC. The percentages of MDSCs were negatively correlated with Th1 cells. Increased plasma IL-10 level and decreased IFN-γ level were found in CHB patients compared with HC. Moreover, the frequencies of MDSCs and plasma IL-10 levels were positively correlated with serum HBV DNA loads, as well as liver function impairment.

CONCLUSION

The expanded peripheral MDSCs may contribute to poor viral clearance and disease progression during chronic HBV infection.

An Effective α/β Nucleating Agent Compoundfor the Preparation of Polypropylene

The crystallization behavior and mechanical properties were investigated by mixing the traditional α-form nucleating agent (sodium benzoate, SB) and commercialized β-form nucleating agent (TMB-5) in isotactic polypropylene (iPP). Mechanical properties were evaluated by universal testing machines. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to illustrate the crystallization behavior. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) was adopted to observe the crystal morphologies. The experimental results show that the weight ratio of two types of nucleating agents determines the final crystal structure and mechanical properties of iPP. When the weight ratio of [SB] : [TMB-5] is 4 : 1, the impact strength and flexural modulus of iPP reach a maximum value. Compared with the single component β-form nucleating agent, the compound nucleating agent exhibits significant synergistic effect and shows better mechanical properties. It is expected that this new nucleation system will have potential industrial applications.

Trends in use of lymphadenectomy in surgery with curative intent for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of routine lymph node dissection (LND) in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends of LND use in the surgical treatment of ICC.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative intent resection for ICC in 2000-2015 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. Use of lymphadenectomy was evaluated over time and by geographical region (West versus East); LND use and final nodal status were analysed relative to AJCC T categories.

RESULTS

Among the 1084 patients identified, half (535, 49·4 per cent) underwent concomitant hepatic resection and LND. Between 2000 and 2015, the proportion of patients undergoing LND for ICC nearly doubled: 44·4 per cent in 2000 versus 81·5 per cent in 2015 (P < 0·001). Use of LND increased over time among both Eastern and Western centres. The odds of LND was associated with the time period of surgery and the extent of the tumour/T status (referent T1a: OR 2·43 for T2, P = 0·001; OR 2·13 for T3, P = 0·016). Among the 535 patients who had LND, lymph node metastasis (LNM) was noted in 209 (39·1 per cent). Specifically, the incidence of LNM was 24 per cent in T1a disease, 22 per cent in T1b, 42·9 per cent in T2, 48 per cent in T3 and 66 per cent in T4 (P < 0·001). AJCC T3 and T4 categories, harvesting of six or more lymph nodes, and presence of satellite lesions were independently associated with LNM.

CONCLUSION

The rate of LNM was high across all T categories, with one in five patients with T1 disease having nodal metastasis. The trend in increased use of LND suggests a growing adoption of AJCC recommendations in the treatment of ICC.

The effect of aspirin on circulating tumor cells in metastatic colorectal and breast cancer patients: a phase II trial study

PURPOSE

Aspirin could reduce the risk of cancer metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a key factor of cancer metastasis, but no evidence has revealed how aspirin affects CTCs and its epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we conducted a clinical trial to investigate how aspirin affects CTCs in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) and breast cancer patients (MBC).

METHODS

The trial is retrospective registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02602938). The eligible patients are given 100 mg aspirin q.d. for 8 weeks, and CTCs are evaluated at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks for absolute number, phenotype (epithelial type, E+, mesenchymal type, M+, and biophenotypic type, B+), and vimentin expression.

RESULTS

Data on 21 MCC and 19 MBC patients are analyzed, and it revealed that the CTC numbers decreased with aspirin treatment in MCC (p < 0.001) but not MBC (p = 0.0532); besides, ratio of E+ CTCs increased (p = 0.037) and M+ CTCs decreased at 2 months in MCC (p = 0.013), but neither the ratio of E+ or M+ CTCs changes significantly in MBC; vimentin expression of M+ CTCs is higher than E+ and B+ CTCs either in MBC or MCC patients at baseline (p < 0.01); and aspirin suppresses the vimentin expression in M+ (p = 0.002)and B+ (p = 0.006) CTCs of MCC and M+ CTCs of MBC (p = 0.004); besides it find vimentin expression in B+ (p = 0.004) or M+ (p < 0.001), CTCs are markedly decreased in patients with total CTC numbers declined.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin could decrease CTCs numbers and block EMT transition in MCC patients and part of MBC patients.

RNA-sequencing study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in sporadic Ménière's disease patients: possible contribution of immunologic dysfunction to the development of this disorder

To date, the pathogenesis of Ménière's disease (MD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between potential immune system-related genes and sporadic MD. The whole RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to analyse the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of three MD patients and three control individuals. Of 366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 154 genes were up-regulated and 212 genes were down-regulated (|log₂ fold change| > 1 and P < 0·05). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis illustrated that immune relevant factors played a key role in the pathogenesis of MD. Of 366 DEGs, we focused upon analysing the possible immune-related genes, among which the significantly up-regulated genes [glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), transmembrane protein 176 (TMEM176)B, TMEM176A] and down-regulated genes [solute carrier family 4 member (SLC4A)10 and SLC4A1] especially drew our attention. The mRNA expression levels of GSTM1, TMEM176B, TMEM176A, SLC4A1 and SLC4A10 were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The serum concentration of GSTM1, TMEM176B and SLC4A10 proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Considering the results of qRT-PCR and ELISA, it was noteworthy that GSTM1 exhibited the highest fold change between two groups, which was consistent with the deep sequencing results by RNA-seq. In conclusion, our study first offers a new perspective in MD development on the basis of RNA expression patterns, suggesting that immune factors might be involved in the MD pathogenesis. Remarkably, GSTM1 might be a possible candidate gene for the diagnostic biomarker of MD and provides the basis for further biological and functional investigations.

The complete chloroplast genome of Mentha spicata, an endangered species native to South Europe

Mentha spicata, also known as mint, is the best known source of aromatic essential oil. It was widespread in Europe and Asia. But due to human activity, it has been classified as Least Concern (LC) species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Here, we presented the complete chloroplast genome of M. spicata. The circular genome is 16,430 bp in length and contains 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes (PCG), 37 transfer RNA genes (tRNA) and eight ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). The overall nucleotide composition is: 30.7% A, 19.2% C, 18.6% G, 31.5% T, with a total G + C content of 37.85%. The phylogenetic tree was constructed to explore the taxonomic status of M. spicata, which contributes to phylogenetic studies and further conservation strategies for this species.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) using illumina paired-end sequencing

Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.), as a kind of commercial fruit tree in the family Sapindaceae, is widely cultivated in South Asia. In this study, we obtained the complete chloroplast genome sequence of longan using Illumina paired-end sequencing. It has 160,833 bp in length, containing a pair of IR regions (28,428 bp) separated by a small single-copy region (18,270 bp) and a large single-copy region (85,707 bp). The overall GC contents of the chloroplast genome were 37.8%. This circular genome contains 130 annotated genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs and 8 rRNAs. The phylogenetic analysis using maximum–likelihood (ML) and neighbour-joining (NJ) method showed that longan has the closest relationship with Litchi chinensis, Sapindus mukorossi and Dodonaea viscosa. This complete chloroplast genomes can be subsequently used for the genetic breeding of this valuable species.

Comparative efficacy of five long-term weight loss drugs: quantitative information for medication guidelines

Quantitative information is scarce in current obesity medication guidelines, and they do not clearly reflect the differences in the efficacy characteristics among various drugs. This study quantitatively assessed the efficacy characteristics of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss drugs. Potentially eligible studies were obtained from public databases. Using the differences in the weight change from baseline between the drug group and the corresponding placebo group as the major indicator of efficacy, a time-effect model was established, and crucial pharmacodynamic parameters, such as the maximal efficacy, drug onset time and rate of body weight regain after the maximal efficacy point, were used to reflect the differences in efficacy among the five drugs. Finally, 50 reports (involving 43,443 participants) were included. After deducting the placebo effects, the maximal efficacies (95% CI) of orlistat (120 mg), lorcaserin, naltrexone-bupropion, phentermine-topiramate (PT, 7.5/46 mg) and liraglutide were -2.94 (-5.82, -1.27), -3.06 (-4.39, -1.71), -6.15 (-9.78, -3.25), -7.45 (-9.76, -3.88) and -5.50 (-10.62, -2.97) kg at weeks 60, 54, 67, 59 and 65 respectively, and their rates of body weight regain were 0.51, 0.48, 0.91, 1.27and 0.43 kg per year respectively. The 1-year dropout rates of orlistat, lorcaserin, naltrexone-bupropion, PT and liraglutide were 29.0, 40.9, 49.1, 34.9 and 24.3% respectively. In addition, a significant dose-effect correlation was observed for orlistat and PT. This study provides valid quantitative information for medication guidelines.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.5 is upregulated in intrauterine growth retardation rats with exaggerated pulmonary hypertension

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with the development of adult-onset diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. However, the underlying mechanism of the early nutritional insult that results in pulmonary vascular dysfunction later in life is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of voltage-gated potassium channel 1.5 (Kv1.5) in this prenatal event that results in exaggerated adult vascular dysfunction. A rat model of chronic hypoxia (2 weeks of hypoxia at 12 weeks old) following IUGR was used to investigate the physiological and structural effect of intrauterine malnutrition on the pulmonary artery by evaluating pulmonary artery systolic pressure and vascular diameter in male rats. Kv1.5 expression and tyrosine phosphorylation in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were determined. We found that IUGR increased mean pulmonary artery pressure and resulted in thicker pulmonary artery smooth muscle layer in 14-week-old rats after 2 weeks of hypoxia, while no difference was observed in normoxia groups. In the PASMCs of IUGR-hypoxia rats, Kv1.5 mRNA and protein expression decreased while that of tyrosine-phosphorylated Kv1.5 significantly increased. These results demonstrate that IUGR leads to exaggerated chronic hypoxia pulmonary arterial hypertension (CH-PAH) in association with decreased Kv1.5 expression in PASMCs. This phenomenon may be mediated by increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.5 in PASMCs and it provides new insight into the prevention and treatment of IUGR-related CH-PAH.

Quantitative analysis of efficacy and associated factors of calcium intake on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

A model-based meta-analysis method was performed to quantitatively analyze the efficacy characteristics of calcium intake in BMD increase among postmenopausal women. We found that age and calcium intake dose were key factors affecting the efficiency and onset of BMD change, and daily 1200 mg calcium was suggested to be a beneficial dosage.

INTRODUCTION

This paper aims to quantify the efficacy of calcium intake in preventing bone mineral density (BMD) decrease among postmenopausal women and to investigate the factors that may affect the efficacy.

METHODS

Comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE from January 2016. Placebo-controlled or no-treatment controlled randomized trials focused on calcium intake for the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women were included. The clinical and demographic characteristics of participants and efficacy data, defined as the mean percentage change of spine BMD (L2-L4) at each observation time point compared with that of baseline, were extracted from the studies. Model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) was used to describe the time course of BMD change by calcium intake and identify the related factors.

RESULTS

This study includes 17 trials involving 2537 subjects. The results showed that a classic pharmacodynamic maximal effect (E _max) model could describe the time course of BMD change by calcium intake. Using this model, we found that age and calcium intake dose were key factors affecting the efficiency and onset of BMD change. A 60-year-old woman administered with 800 mg/day calcium can achieve a maximum BMD increasing rate of 2.38%, and the time to reach 50% of this maximum (known as onset time) was 9.44 months. An increase of 0.0817% per year was noted in the maximal effect value for women aged between 50 and 83 years. For calcium dose interval from 250 to 2000 mg/day, the onset time was expressed as 9.44 × (dose/800)^-1.33 months. Two-year calcium intake of 700, 1200, and 2000 mg/day resulted in a maximum efficacy of BMD of 68.0, 81.3, and 89.6%, respectively. This indicates that the final efficacy had already reached the plateau (>80% E _max) under the 1200-mg/day dose.

CONCLUSION

Calcium intake can effectively postpone the tendency of BMD decrease in postmenopausal women. An increased calcium dose contributes to the shortening of the onset time. Considering the drug-acting rate and safety into account, menopausal women can be administered with a rational dose of 1200 mg/day to reduce bone loss.

Long-term outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for patients with achalasia: a retrospective single-center study

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been widely applied to the treatment of achalasia. The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the long-term outcome of POEM in patients with achalasia. Patients undergoing POEM at our center with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were enrolled in this study. Relief of patients' symptom was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophageal emptying, symptoms relapse, and clinical reflux adverse events. The Chi-square test was performed to determine the potential predictors of surgical failure. Sixty-seven patients (aged 40.7 ± 15.3 years) were recruited in the study, with a mean follow-up period of 40.1 ± 2.8 months. At the final follow-up, the median Eckardt score reduced from 7.6 ± 2.3 preoperatively to 1.9 ± 1.7 (P < 0.001), the lower esophageal sphincter pressure was reduced from 35.4 ± 13.7 mmHg preoperatively to 8.9 ± 4.1 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the height of the barium column at 5 min after barium swallowed was reduced from 9.7 ± 1.6 cm preoperatively to 2.9 ± 2.1 cm (P < 0.001). Eight patients had symptoms relapse and nine patients developed reflux esophagitis. Type III achalasia was found to be indicative of surgical failure. POEM was a promising treatment for patients with achalasia, which can yield a long-term relief of the symptom and a low rate of clinical reflux adverse events.

[One of the pitfalls in the surgical treatment of maisonneuve fractures: a case report]

There exist controversies in the surgical treatment of maisonneuve injury with regard to reduction and fixation of syndesmosis and management of proximal fibular fracture. It is very important for the orthopaedic surgeons to learn more techniques and avoid pitfalls from clinical practice. We summarized the clinical data of 1 failed case, a 20-year-old girl with big body weight who underwent a primary surgery for the treatment of maisonneuve fracture with minimally invasive reduction and fixation of ankle syndesmosis and posterior malleolus and open reduction and internal fixation of medial malleolus, then a revision surgery for the treatment of iatrogenic syndesmotic malreduction with open reduction and re-stabilization of ankle syndesmosis supplemented with open reduction and internal fixation of proximal fibular facture. The malreduction of distal fibula was not found until finishing the postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan 2 weeks after the primary surgery, then the patient experienced an revision surgery including removal of the screws installed primarily for fixation of ankle syndesmosis, and open reduction and internal fixation of proximal fibular fracture, and limited open reduction and re-stabilization of ankle syndesmosis. Then the patient rehabilitated regularly under the direction of the surgeon who performed these two operations, and the postoperative recovery was smooth, then the hardwares for fixation of ankle syndesmosis and fracture of proximal fibula and medial malleolus were removed at different postoperative time. The patient experienced an excellent outcome at the end of the 3-year follow-up. The reasons for the failure in this case might include the overemphasized minimally invasive technique in the process of reduction, inaccurate assessment of intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative radiographs, and inappropriate utilization of the reduction clamp. Attention should be paid to the fact that an obliquely placed clamp for closed reduction of diastasis of ankle syndesmosis could result in syndesmotic malreduction. The worsened alignment of the fracture end of proximal fibula observed by intraoperative fluoroscopy may alert surgeons to syndesmotic malreduction. Partial exposure of syndesmosis and anatomical reduction and fixation of proximal fibular fracture may be useful measurres to avoid malreduction of ankle syndesmosis in the surgical treatment of maisonneuve injury in some patient, especially the patient with critically destabilized ankle.

[Diagnosis and treatment for the basicervical fractures of the trochanteric region]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of basicervical fractures and document their diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

From January 2005 to May 2016, 28 basicervical fractures of the 832 trochanteric fractures were collected and evaluated. The patients were treated with multiple screws, dynamic hip screw (DHS), intramedullary nail. Via the operation time, postoperative hospitalization, loss of blood duration the operation, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, mean union time and the final follow-up Harris hip score, the characteristics of different internal fixations were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of basicervical fractures was 3.37% (28/832) in our study. In the intramedullary nail group (16 patients), the operation time was 55 (20,120) min, the postoperative hospitalization was 3(2, 7) d, the intraoperative blood loss was 50 (5,100) mL, the hidden blood loss was 533.37 (376.19, 987.15) mL, and the total blood loss 627.35 (406.19, 1037.16) mL. The union time and final follow-up Harris score were 6 (3, 9) months and 90.25 (74,100) min. In the DHS group (8 patients), the operation time was 87.5 (65,115) min, the postoperative hospitalization was 5.5 (2, 17) d, the intraoperative blood loss was 100 (50,300) mL, the hidden blood loss was 278.11 (202.43, 849.97) mL, and the total blood loss 580.19 (368.55, 899.97) mL . The union time and final follow-up Harris score were 5.5 (4, 12) months and 85.5 (84, 87) min. In the multiple screws group (4 patients), the operation time was 47.5 (35, 75) min, the postoperative hospitalization was 5 (2, 12) d, the intraoperative blood loss was 20 (2, 70) mL, the hidden blood loss was 150 (100.00, 412.01) mL, and the total blood loss 195.00 (120.00, 414.01) mL. The union time and final follow-up Harris score were 4 (4, 6) months and 80 (61, 97) min. The patients treated with multiple screws and intramedullary nail had a shorter operation time than the DNS group, but no obvious difference was found between the other two groups (P=0.367). Postoperative hospitalization had no significant difference among the three groups. The intraoperative bleeding was more in the DHS group, the other two groups had no significant difference (P=0.100). However, the hidden blood loss was more in the intramedullary nail group, the other two groups had no significant difference (P=0.134). The total blood loss in the intramedullary nail group was more than multiple screw group, similar to the DHS group (P=0.483). One patient treated with multiple screws underwent internal fixation failure three months after operation. The mean union time and final follow-up Harris scores had no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Through this study, we found that the incidence of basicervical fractures is low. Fractures with no shift can be confirmed by preoperative X-ray. For displaced fractures, preoperative CT+3D reconstruction is recommended. Surgical treatment by closed reduction and internal fixation with DHS or intramedullary nail is shown to be very effective.

Liver Transplantation Using Donation After Brain and Cardiac Death: A Single-Center Experience in China

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LTx) using donation after brain and cardiac death (DBCD) has increased steadily in China. The aims of this study were to evaluate the outcomes of DBCD LTx and to assess its feasibility to expand the donor pool.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of DBCD donors and recipients, survival of allografts and recipients, and prognostic factors in DBCD LTx recipients from March 2010 to December 2014 in our institution.

RESULTS

DBCD LTx (n = 102) were performed in our institution during the research period, and the successful donation rate was 26.0%. Mean warm ischemia time and cold ischemia time were 14.39 minutes and 5.29 hours, respectively. The overall and biliary complication rates were 45.1% and 16.7%, respectively. Donor age (P = .043), intra-operative blood loss (P = .048), and operation time (P = .045) were significantly different between the complication and non-complication groups. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of patients and grafts were 88.0%, 84.6%, 84.6%, and 85.7%, 78.6%, and 78.6%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates of hepatocellular carcinoma patients were 91.9% and 80.5%, respectively whereas the recurrence-free survival rates were 84.9% and 77.2%, respectively. The patient and graft survival rates were not statistically different between the <55-year and ≥55 year groups, but complication rate was higher in the older group than in the younger group (P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of DBCD LTx is favorable in our institution, with careful donor and recipient selection and careful peri-operative management. DBCD is an optimized solution for organ shortage in today's China.