Cold EMR vs. Hot EMR for the removal of sessile serrated polyps larger than 10 mm: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) appears to be a promising technique for the removal of sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) ≥ 10 mm. To assess the effectiveness and safety of EMR for removing SSPs ≥ 10 mm, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We conducted a thorough search of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies reporting on EMR of SSPs ≥ 10 mm, up until December 2023. Our primary endpoints of interest were rates of technical success, residual SSPs, and adverse events (AE). RESULTS: Our search identified 426 articles, of which 14 studies with 2262 SSPs were included for analysis. The rates of technical success, AEs, and residual SSPs were 100%, 2.0%, and 3.1%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the technical success rates were the same for polyps 10-19 and 20 mm, and en-bloc and piecemeal resection. Residual SSPs rates were similar in en-bloc and piecemeal resection, but much lower in cold EMR (1.0% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.034). AEs rates were reduced in cold EMR compared to hot EMR (0% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.168), in polyps 10-19 mm compared to 20 mm (0% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.255), and in piecemeal resection compared to en-bloc (0% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.169). CONCLUSIONS: EMR is an effective and safe technique for removing SSPs ≥ 10 mm. The therapeutic effect of cold EMR is superior to that of hot EMR, with a lower incidence of adverse effects. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023388959.

Diagnostic Value of Combined Detection via Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist II, Alpha-Fetoprotein, and D-Dimer in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: We aimed to explore the clinical diagnostic value of combined detection via protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and D-dimer (D-D) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed PIVKA-II, AFP, and D-D levels in 291 subjects comprising liver cirrhosis (LC) patients (n = 143) and HCC patients (n = 148). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze and compare the clinical diagnostic value of the three biomarkers for HBV-related HCC alone and in combination. Results: The levels of PIVKA-II, AFP, and D-D were positively correlated with tumor size in HCC patients. The levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in early-stage HCC, advanced HCC, HBV DNA+ HCC, and HBV DNA- HCC patients were higher than those in LC patients, while the levels of D-D were lower. The area under the curve for combined detection was greater than that for single-index detection in early-stage HCC, advanced HCC, HBV DNA+ HCC, and HBV DNA- HCC patients. Conclusion: D-D may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of HBV-related HCC. The combined detection of PIVKA-II, AFP, and D-D had better diagnostic value for different types of HCC than the detection of individual biomarkers.

Prognostic biomarker replication factor C subunit 5 and its correlation with immune infiltrates in acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of replication factor C subunit 5 (RFC5) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from four aspects: expression, prognosis, biological functions, and its effects on the immune system. METHODS: The RFC5 gene expression and survival analyses, biological function analyses including functional enrichment analysis of genes co-expressed with RFC5, RFC5-interacted gene network construction, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and immune infiltration analysis were performed using data based on GDC TCGA and GEO. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to quantify immune cell fractions. All the statistical analyses were performed in SPSS software, GraphPad Prism, and R software. RESULTS: RFC5 expression was abnormally expressed in AML (P <0.05). Notably, differential RFC5 expression was observed among different FAB AML subtypes and hematopoietic lineages (all P <0.05). More importantly, high RFC5 expression served as an independent prognostic factor for the poor overall survival of AML patients (P <0.001). Enrichment analyses revealed that RFC5 was involved in cell cycle-related pathways in AML. CIBERSORT analysis showed high proportions of M2 macrophages in the high RFC5 expression group. CONCLUSIONS: RFC5 might serve as an effective and robust biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of AML. RFC5 might be involved in the AML progression via cell cycle regulation. Moreover, the correlation between RFC5 and immune cells might provide potential assistance for AML treatment.

Expression and Correlation of IgG4 and IL-21 in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats.

PURPOSE: We explored the expression levels of IgG4 and interleukin (IL)-21 in the serum and ankle joints of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats at different disease stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal and model groups, and the latter group was administered bovine type II collagen to induce arthritis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed at 21, 28, 35, and 42 days to detect IgG4 and IL-21 in the serum, followed by histological and immunohistochemical analyses of IgG4 and IL-21r in the ankle joint of rats. RESULTS: The contents of IgG4 and IL-21 in the serum of the CIA model group were positively correlated and increased with disease progression. The expression of IgG4 and IL-21 receptors in the ankle joint of the CIA model group was significantly higher than that in the control group. These proteins were closely related to the pathological score. The serum IL-21 level in the model group was closely related to the level of IL-21 receptor in the ankle joint. CONCLUSION: IL-21 may promote the occurrence and development of rheumatoid arthritis by combining with IL-21r to regulate the content of IgG4.

Spermidine Inhibits Joints Inflammation and Macrophage Activation in Mice with Collagen-Induced Arthritis.

PURPOSE: Spermidine (SPD) is a naturally occurring polyamine. In this study, we examined the role and possible mechanism of SPD in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CIA mice were intraperitoneally injected with SPD (2 and 50 mg/kg), dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg), or saline daily for 21 days. The severity of the disease and inflammatory responses in the serum and joint tissue were assessed through macroscopic, immunohistochemical, and histological analyses. RESULTS: Macroscopic and histological results indicated that SPD protected against the development of CIA. SPD suppressed the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1ß and increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in the serum. Immunohistochemical staining showed that 50 mg/kg SPD inhibited iNOS expression in synovial macrophages in the ankle joints of CIA mice. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SPD may protect CIA mice by inhibiting the polarization of M1 macrophages in the synovial tissue, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promoting anti-inflammatory factor release.

Lipid nanoparticles co-loaded with miRNA-22 and methotrexate for enhanced anti-inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis.

Present investigation was aimed at developing methotrexate (MTX) and miR-22 mimics-loaded lipid nanoparticles for the effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The dual therapeutics loaded nanoparticles was prepared and subjected to in vitro and in vivo characterizations. The in vivo study was performed on adjuvant- induced arthritis model. The addition of IL-1ß significantly decreased the expression of miR-22 levels in negative control groups, whereas miR-22 mimics treated cells showed significantly higher miR-22 expression compared to both the NC groups. MTX+miR-22 showed significantly lower cell viability compared to that of free MTX indicating a synergistic anti-inflammatory in the MH7A cells. To be specific, MTX/miR-22-loaded lipid nanoparticles (MTmiR-NP) showed the significantly lower cell viability compared to any other group indicating the potential of lipid nanoparticles. Consistently, MTmiR-NP exhibited a significantly higher cell apoptosis (~50%) compared to any other tested group further reiterating the nanoparticle-based combinational therapeutics. MTmiR-NP exhibited the significant reduction in the paw thickness and significantly lower arthritic score compared to all other groups on all time points. Present study clearly highlights the potential of lipid nanoparticles-based synergistic combination of MTX and miR-22 in achieving higher therapeutic response in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

What factors influence PM2.5 emissions in China? An analysis of regional differences using a combined method of data envelopment analysis and logarithmic mean Divisia index.

This study uses a combined data envelopment analysis and logarithmic mean Divisia index (DEA-LMDI) method to decompose affecting factors for PM2.5 emissions into effects related to the potential emission intensity (PEI), environmental efficiency and technology, production efficiency and technology, regional economic structure, and national economic growth, and investigates differences in the effects on PM2.5 emissions, considering the diversity among different areas and periods in China. This study provides a new insight in the decomposition method, which can decompose the emissions into new effects compared with the exiting studies. This study reveals that the regional environmental-based technology (EBT) effect is the key curbing factor for PM2.5 emissions, followed by the regional PEI effect. The curbing effect of regional EBT on PM2.5 emissions is strong in East China and weak in Northeast China. The environment-oriented scale efficiency (ESE), environment-oriented management efficiency (EME), production-oriented scale efficiency (PSE), production-oriented management efficiency (PME), and production-based technology (PBT) had relatively small effects on PM2.5 emissions on the whole. The effects differ among different areas and periods in China. The emission reduction potential of these efficiency effects has not been realized. The national economic growth greatly promotes PM2.5 emissions. The regional economic structure effect slightly increases PM2.5 emissions because of the unbalanced development of regional economy. The relative policy suggestions are put forward based on the findings of this study.

Influence of fully covered metal stenting on the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: A large multicenter study·.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) have been increasingly used in the management of benign or malignant biliary disorders. However, the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) with transpapillary placement of the FCSEMS remains controversial. This study therefore aimed to investigate the risk of PEP in patients who received FCSEMS implantation. METHODS: In total, 602 patients who underwent endoscopic transpapillary FCSEMS placement at five Chinese medical centers, between 2011 and 2018, were included in this retrospective study. Patients who were younger than 18 years and with stent placement above the papilla were excluded from the study. PEP and the risk factors were reviewed. RESULTS: PEP occurred in 56 (9.3%) patients, and eight (1.3%) of them experienced moderate-to-severe PEP. The incidence of PEP rose to 14.6% (51/349) when patients had no pancreatic duct (PD) dilation, and even to 18.6% if no prophylactic approaches were adopted. Prophylactic PD stenting showed better efficacy in reducing the incidence of PEP than did rectal use of indomethacin (3.5% vs 10.8%, P = 0.023). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that difficult cannulation (OR 2.837, 95% CI 1.245-6.465, P = 0.013), PD dilation (OR 0.145, 95% CI 0.05-0.422, P < 0.001), and PD stenting (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.089-0.686, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with PEP risk. Post-procedure cholecystitis was found in 4.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: The risk of post-procedure pancreatitis is modestly increased in patients receiving transpapillary FCSEMS placement, particularly when there is absence of PD dilation. Thus, prophylactic pancreatic stenting is recommended in such a condition.

Enrichment and separation of steroidal saponins from the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus using macroporous adsorption resins.

In this study, a simple and effective strategy for the enrichment of total steroidal saponins (TSS) from the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker-Gawl. (FROJ) using macroporous adsorption resin was systematically developed. XAD-7HP resin was selected from six macroporous resins for further study because of the highest static adsorption and desorption capacities. The static adsorption of TSS on XAD-7HP resin fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo second-order kinetic model; the thermodynamics test showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The dynamic tests on XAD-7HP resin columns demonstrated that the breakthrough volume was 16 bed volume (BV), and 6 BV of 80% ethanol was suitable for dynamic desorption. In a lab scale-up separation under optimal dynamic conditions, the content of TSS in the resin-enrichment fraction increased from 1.83% in the crude extracts to 13.86% by 7.59-fold with a recovery yield of 82.68%. Three steroidal saponins were obtained from the resin-enrichment fraction, and showed protective effects against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury. Overall, these results suggested that XAD-7HP resin chromatography was an effective strategy for the large scale enrichment of TSS from FROJ, which showed the potential for functional food and pharmaceutical application.

Optimized Axillary Vein Technique versus Subclavian Vein Technique in Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Implantation: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: The conventional venous access for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) is the subclavian vein, which is often accompanied by high complication rate. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of optimized axillary vein technique. METHODS: A total of 247 patients undergoing CIED implantation were included and assigned to the axillary vein group or the subclavian vein group randomly. Success rate of puncture and complications in the perioperative period and follow-ups were recorded. RESULTS: The overall success rate (95.7% vs. 96.0%) and one-time success rate (68.4% vs. 66.1%) of punctures were similar between the two groups. In the subclavian vein group, pneumothorax occurred in three patients. The subclavian gaps of three patients were too tight to allow operation of the electrode lead. In contrast, there were no puncture-associated complications in the axillary vein group. In the patient follow-ups, two patients in the subclavian vein group had subclavian crush syndrome and both of them received lead replacement. The incidence of complications during the perioperative period and follow-ups of the axillary vein group and the subclavian vein group was 1.6% (2/125) and 8.2% (10/122), respectively (χ2 = 5.813, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Optimized axillary vein technique may be superior to the conventional subclavian vein technique for CIED lead placement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02358551; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02358551?term=NCT02358551& rank=1.

Steroidal sapogenins and glycosides from the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata var. prolifera with anti-inflammatory activity.

Two new steroidal glycosides (1 and 2), together with 15 known compounds (3-17) were isolated from the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus, and three new steroidal glycosides (18-20), together with 14 known compounds (21-34) were isolated from the fibrous roots of Liriope spicata var. prolifera. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive one-dimensional (1D)- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses and mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Most of these steroidal glycosides showed significant inhibitory activity against neutrophil respiratory burst stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate.

Negative methylation status of vimentin predicts improved prognosis in pancreatic carcinoma.

AIM: To determine the existence of a potential relationship between the methylation state of the Vimentin gene and its prognostic value in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Sixty-four primary tumor specimens and normal tissues were collected consecutively from pancreatic cancer patients during surgery at Hangzhou First People's Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of the Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force. DNA was extracted from the samples and subsequently quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the Vimentin methylation status of the samples. All of the patients were followed up to December 2012. χ(2) test, Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression statistical models were used. RESULTS: Out of 64 pancreatic cancer tissues, 21 were marked as Vimentin methylation-positive, and 43 were marked as Vimentin methylation-negative. The location of pancreatic carcinoma was related to the Vimentin methylation state. The pathological T staging (P < 0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.003) and the Vimentin methylation state (P = 0.037) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: In our study, Vimentin methylation status can predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. However, additional experiments and clinical trials are needed to accurately validate this observation.

Optimization of total polysaccharide extraction from Herba Lophatheri using RSM and antioxidant activities.

Effects of extraction temperature, extraction time and ratio of water to material as well as their interactions on the yield of total polysaccharide from Herba lophatheri were studied by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for the extraction of polysaccharides were determined to be the ratio of liquid to solid of 39.01, extraction time of 2.11h and extraction temperature of 97.09°C. Under these optimal conditions, the yield of polysaccharides obtained was 5.73±0.10%, which was well matched with the value predicted by the model. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that the polysaccharides HLP possessed significant inhibitory effects on superoxide radical. It also exhibited strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and its reducing power, ferrous ions chelating effect was also strong. These results suggested that H. lophatheri polysaccharides could be a suitable natural antioxidant and may be the functional foods for humans.

Octreotide for primary moderate to severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To systematically evaluate the effect and safety of octreotide on primary moderate to severe acute pancreatitis. METHODOLOGY: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E), and Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM) were searched in September 2011. Major outcomes contained mortality, incidence rate of complications, rate of surgical intervention, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Eleven randomized clinical trials with 720 participants were included and evaluated, only two of which had a high study quality and were combined in meta-analysis. The pool estimate of RR of mortality was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.53, 1.45) and that of incidence rate of complication was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.26), both of which had no significant difference. The other two outcomes could not be combined for lack of enough data. CONCLUSIONS: Present evidence does not approve octreotide's benefit in the major outcomes of moderate to severe acute pancreatitis and further randomized controlled trials with high quality and large sample size are required.

Composition and antioxidant activities of four polysaccharides extracted from Herba Lophatheri.

Four polysaccharides (BLF80-A, BLF80-B, BLF80-C and BLF80-D) were isolated by hot-water extraction and purified from the leaves of Herba Lophatheri by DEAE-Sepharose fast flow. Their chemical and physical characteristics were determined and antioxidant activities were investigated on the basis of DPPH radical assay, hydroxyl radical assay and superoxide radical assay. The results showed that four polysaccharides exhibited antioxidant activities in a concentration-dependent manner, and the higher molecular weight, the stronger antioxidant activities of polysaccharides. Besides, the monosaccharide compositions of polysaccharides also influence their antioxidant activities. BLP80-D showed the strongest scavenging ability, followed by BLP80-C, BLP80-B and BLP80-A.

Direct asymmetric N-specific reaction of nitrosobenzene with aldehydes catalyzed by a chiral primary amine-based organocatalyst.

Nitroso compounds have two reactive nitrogen and oxygen atoms. It is interesting and important to perform a nitrogen or oxygen selective reaction with interesting substrates. These atom specific reactions are crucial to specifically synthesis of specific compounds. An enantioselective N-specific reaction of nitrosobenzene with unmodified aldehydes was successfully achieved catalyzed first by a variety of primary amine-based organocatalysts with higher yield and enantioselectivity. The bulkier substituted groups of the organocatalyst and two hydrogen bonds from the organocatalyst and the oxygen atom of nitrosobenzene make the reaction preferentially N-specific and predominantly afford R products.

ADAMTS-1 expression in rat myocardium after ischemic preconditioning: age-associated differences.

BACKGROUND: It has been found that cardiac protection afforded by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is significantly reduced in the senescent myocardium. ADAMTS-1 (a disintesrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays. The aim of this study was to investigate the age-associated differences in ADAMTS-1 protein expression in rat myocardium after ischemic preconditioning. METHODS: Sixty-four young (4 months) and old (24 months) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to an IPC group (40 rats) or a sham group (rats). A model of delayed IPC was induced and rats were sacrificed and myocardial samples were harvested from the ischemic-reperfused region for immunohistochemical detection of ADAMTS-1 at serial time points after IPC. A model of myocardial infarction was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in additional sets of young and old rats after sham or IPC procedures, then age-associated myocardial infarction survival after IPC was calculated. RESULTS: ADAMTS-1 expression increased significantly in old rats compared to young rats (P < 0.05). The mean densities of ADAMTS-1 protein at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours in young-IPC group after IPC were 0.05 ± 0.01, 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.04, and 0.12 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.20 ± 0.03, 0.24 ± 0.05, and 0.21 ± 0.04 in old-IPC group. IPC resulted in diminished survival rates (5/35 vs. 6/14, old-IPC group vs. old-sham group, P < 0.05), reduced left ventricular fractional shortening ((13.9 ± 2.8)% vs. (18.3 ± 2.3)%, P < 0.05) and increased the myocardial infarction size ((37.9 ± 3.2)% vs. (32.8 ± 5.1)%, P < 0.05) in the older rats. CONCLUSIONS: Cardioprotection with IPC is attenuated in the older heart. ADAMTS-1 expression induced by IPC is greater in old rats. Over-expression of anti-angiogenic factors might be a potential mechanism behind reduced protection after IPC associated with aging.