Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in Tenofovir-Treated and Untreated Chronically Infected Mothers and Their Immunoprophylaxis Failure Infants.

BACKGROUND: Maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy during late pregnancy can reduce mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). We investigated HBV mutations associated with maternal TDF therapy and their role in infant immunonophylaxis failure (IPF). METHODS: Serum samples from untreated (n = 89) and TDF-treated (n = 68), highly viremic, chronically infected mothers and their infants were analyzed for HBV DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. RESULTS: At delivery, compared with untreated mothers, TDF-treated mothers had a lower HBV DNA titer and a higher frequency of basal core promoter (BCP) gene mutations, but they had similar frequencies in pre-S/S and pre-core/core mutations. The 14 mothers harboring surface "a" determinant mutants did not transmit the mutants to their immunized infants. Such mutants were found in 3 of 13 IPF infants; the 13 mothers had wild-type hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). In univariable analysis, maternal HBV DNA titer (odds ratio [OR]: 1.54; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.02-2.33; P = .039), genotype C (OR: 4.18; 95% CI: 1.28-13.62; P = .018) and pre-S1 wild-type sequence (OR: 6.33; 95% CI: 1.85-21.68; P = .003) at delivery were associated with infant IPF. Multivariable analyses showed that maternal genotype C (OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.11-12.36; P = .033) and pre-S1 wild-type (OR: 6.34; 95% CI: 1.79-22.44; P = .004) were associated with infant IPF independently of maternal viremia. CONCLUSIONS: Along with high maternal HBV DNA titer at delivery, maternal genotype C and pre-S1 wild-type sequence were potential risk factors for infant IPF, although BCP mutations were not. The offspring of pregnant women harboring "a" determinant mutants as major strains seemed to be protected by immunoprophylaxis. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01312012.

Cytochrome P450 1A1 enhances inflammatory responses and impedes phagocytosis of bacteria in macrophages during sepsis.

The hydroxylase cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is regulated by the inflammation-limiting aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but CYP1A1 immune functions remain unclear. We observed CYP1A1 overexpression in peritoneal macrophages (PMs) isolated from mice following LPS or heat-killed Escherichia. coli (E. coli) challenge. CYP1A1 overexpression augmented TNF-α and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 cells (RAW) by enhancing JNK/AP-1 signalling. CYP1A1 overexpression also promoted 12S-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE) production in activated RAW, while a 12(S)-HETE antibody attenuated and 12(S)-HETE alone induced inflammatory responses. Macrophages harbouring hydroxylase-deficient CYP1A1 demonstrated reduced 12(S)-HETE generation and LPS-induced TNF-α/IL-6 secretion. CYP1A1 overexpression also impaired phagocytosis of bacteria via decreasing the expression of scavenger receptor A (SR-A) in PMs. Mice injected with CYP1A1-overexpressing PMs were more susceptible to CLP- or E. coli-induced mortality and bacteria invading, while Rhapontigenin, a selective CYP1A1 inhibitor, improved survival and bacteria clearance of mice in sepsis. CYP1A1 and 12(S)-HETE were also elevated in monocytes and plasma of septic patients and positively correlated with SOFA scores. Macrophage CYP1A1 disruption could be a promising strategy for treating sepsis. Video abstract.

Correction to: Cytochrome P450 1A1 enhances inflammatory responses and impedes phagocytosis of bacteria in macrophages during sepsis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Risk assessment of gene variants for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common disorder during neonatal period in Taiwan. Gene variants may play an important role in the development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The current study investigated the association between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and common gene variants involving the production and metabolism of bilirubin. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 444 healthy infants born in the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Taipei from 2013-2015. Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as a total bilirubin ≥ 15 mg/dL. A log-binomial model was used to assess the risk of gene variants. RESULTS: The most common genetic variant was short heme oxygenase (HO)-1 promoter GT-allele (<24 repeats) (39.4 %), followed by GA at nt388 in hepatic solute carrier organic anion transporter 1B1 (SLCO1B1) (31.1 %), GA at nt211 in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) (29.3 %), ABO incompatibility (16.2 %), alpha thalassemia (5.0 %), and G6PD deficiency (3.2 %). The log-binomial analysis demonstrated greater risks of hyperbilirubinemia in infants with GA at nt211 in UGT1A1 (RR = 1.548; 95 % CI = 1.096-2.187), short HO-1 promoter GT-repeat (RR = 2.185; 95 % CI = 1.527-3.125), and G6PD deficiency (RR = 1.985; 95 % CI = 1.010-3.901). The other gene variants - including blood type, alpha thalassemia, and SLCO1B1 - carried no significant risk. CONCLUSIONS: G6PD deficiency, short HO-1 promoter GT-repeat and GA at nt211 in UGT1A1 are risk factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The data provide clinical evidence to explain the high incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Taiwan.

Stool fatty acid soaps, stool consistency and gastrointestinal tolerance in term infants fed infant formulas containing high sn-2 palmitate with or without oligofructose: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Formula-fed (FF) infants often have harder stools and higher stool concentrations of fatty acid soaps compared to breastfed infants. Feeding high sn-2 palmitate or the prebiotic oligofructose (OF) may soften stools, reduce stool soaps, and decrease fecal calcium loss. METHODS: We investigated the effect of high sn-2 palmitate alone and in combination with OF on stool palmitate soap, total soap and calcium concentrations, stool consistency, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, anthropometrics, and hydration in FF infants. This double-blind trial randomized 165 healthy term infants 25-45 days old to receive Control formula (n = 54), formula containing high sn-2 palmitate (sn-2; n = 56), or formula containing high sn-2 palmitate plus 3 g/L OF (sn-2+OF; n = 55). A non-randomized human milk (HM)-fed group was also included (n = 55). The primary endpoint, stool composition, was determined after 28 days of feeding, and was assessed using ANOVA accompanied by pairwise comparisons. Stool consistency, GI tolerance and hydration were assessed at baseline, day 14 (GI tolerance only) and day 28. RESULTS: Infants fed sn-2 had lower stool palmitate soaps compared to Control (P = 0.0028); while those fed sn-2+OF had reduced stool palmitate soaps compared to both Control and sn-2 (both P < 0.0001). Stool total soaps and calcium were lower in the sn-2+OF group than either Control (P < 0.0001) or sn-2 (P < 0.0001). The HM-fed group had lower stool palmitate soaps, total soaps and calcium (P < 0.0001 for each comparison) than all FF groups. The stool consistency score of the sn-2+OF group was lower than Control and sn-2 (P < 0.0001), but higher than the HM-fed group (P < 0.0001). GI tolerance was similar and anthropometric z-scores were <0.2 SD from the WHO growth standards in all groups, while urinary hydration markers were within normal range for all FF infants. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing sn-2 palmitate in infant formula reduces stool palmitate soaps. A combination of high sn-2 palmitate and OF reduces stool palmitate soaps, total soaps and calcium, while promoting softer stools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: number NCT02031003.

Dose-dependent effects of nicotine on proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells and the antagonistic action of vitamin C.

A range of biological and molecular effects caused by nicotine are considered to effect bone metabolism. Vitamin C functions as a biological antioxidant. This study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of nicotine on human bone marrow stromal cells and whether Vitamin C supplementation show the antagonism action to high concentration nicotine. We used CCK-8, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Von Kossa staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot to evaluate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The results indicated that the proliferation of BMSCs increased at the concentration of 50, 100 ng/ml, got inhibited at 1,000 ng/ml. When Vitamin C was added, the OD for proliferation increased. For ALP staining, we found that BMSCs treated with 50 and 100 ng/ml nicotine showed a higher activity compared with the control, and decreased at the 1,000 ng/ml. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression and the calcium depositions decreased at 100 and 1,000 ng/ml nicotine, while the addition of Vitamin C reversed the down regulation. By real-time PCR, we detected that the mRNA expression of collagen type I (COL-I) and ALP were also increased in 50 and 100 ng/ml nicotine groups (P < 0.05), while reduced at 1,000 ng/ml (P < 0.05). When it came to osteocalcin (OCN), the changes were similar. Taken all together, it is found that nicotine has a two-phase effect on human BMSCs, showing that low level of nicotine could promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation while the high level display the opposite effect. Vitamin C could antagonize the inhibitory effect of higher concentration of nicotine partly.

The clinical significance of and the factors associated with macrolide resistance and poor macrolide response in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) infection is increasing worldwide. However, its clinical significance is still uncertain. METHODS: The data of the Laboratory Medicine Department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in northern Taiwan was searched for children with molecular confirmed macrolide-susceptible Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MSMP) and MRMP infections between January 2011 and December 2018. The clinical features, laboratory data, and chest image presentations were compared between patients with MRMP and MSMP infections and between patients with good and poor macrolide response, respectively. RESULTS: Records from 158 patients were recovered. Of the enrolled patients 34 (22%) suffered MRMP infection, 27 (17%) had pleural effusions, and 47 (32%) had poor macrolide response. The macrolide resistance rate was 12% in 2011, 20% between 2015 and 2016, and 50% between 2017 and 2018, respectively. Other than a poor macrolide response, the MRMP and MSMP infections are clinically indistinguishable. The presence of pleural effusion and MRMP infections were found to be independently associated with a poor macrolide response, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 14.3 (4.9-42.0) and 14.6 (5.4-40), respectively. The macrolide resistance rate of the patients with a poor macrolide response was 49% and 18% among all the patients enrolled and the patients with a pleural effusion, respectively. CONCLUSION: The macrolide resistance rate had possibly increased in recent years in Taiwan and should be continuously monitored. In addition, the macrolide response could be misleading in predicting a macrolide resistance especially for the patients with a pleural effusion.

Breast milk jaundice and maternal diet with chinese herbal medicines.

Our objective was to identify the association between maternal diet with Chinese herbal medicines and prolonged jaundice of breast-fed infants. Healthy infants at 25 to 45 days of age were eligible for enrollment into this prospective study. Jaundice was defined as a transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) value ≥ 5 mg/dL. A questionnaire survey asking feeding type, stool pattern, and maternal diet was conducted at the time of TcB measurement. A total of 1148 infants were enrolled, including 151 formula-fed, 436 combination-fed, and 561 breast-fed infants. The incidences of jaundice were 4.0% in formula-fed infants, 15.1% in combination-fed infants, and 39.8% in breast-fed infants (P < 0.001). In addition, jaundice was noted in 37.1% of preterm infants and 25.0% of term infants (P < 0.001). Furthermore, jaundice was more common in breast-fed infants whose mothers did not consume the traditional Chinese herbal medicines than in breast-fed infants whose mothers did consume such medicines (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this cohort study has identified late-preterm birth and breast feeding as the contributory factors for prolonged jaundice of apparently well infants. The data indicate that postpartum diet with Chinese herbal medicines is associated with breast milk jaundice.

Risk assessment for adverse outcome in term and late preterm neonates with bilirubin values of 20 mg/dL or more.

The aim of this study is to identify clinical, etiologic, and laboratory factors that potentiate adverse outcome of hyperbilirubinemia among term and late preterm neonates in logistic regression analysis. A retrospective cohort of infants with total serum bilirubin (TSB) ≥ 20 mg/dL from 1995 to 2007 was surveyed. Eighteen infants had adverse outcome. Controls were 270 infants without sequelae. Risks were significantly higher in infants with six etiologies causing hyperbilirubinemia: sepsis (odds ratio [OR] = 161.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.7 to 2242.8), gastrointestinal obstruction (OR = 39.2, 95% CI = 2.7 to 567.3), Rh incompatibility (OR = 31.0, 95% CI = 5.1 to 188.9), hereditary spherocytosis (OR = 19.6, 95% CI = 1.6 to 235.5), ABO incompatibility (OR = 5.1, 95% CI = 1.3 to 19.7), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.3 to 16.7). Infants with acute bilirubin encephalopathy were more likely to have adverse outcome than subjects without acute bilirubin encephalopathy (OR = 281.7, 95% CI = 25.8 to 3076.7). Adverse outcome was more common in infants with a positive direct Coombs test (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.3 to 15.4). Infants with hemoglobin < 10 g/dL tended to have adverse outcome more often than those with hemoglobin ≥ 13 g/dL (OR = 11.8, 95% CI = 3.3 to 42.9). Infants with TSB of 35 mg/dL or more (OR = 472.5, 95% CI = 47.8 to 4668.8) and of 30 to 34.9 mg/dL (OR = 9.5, 95% CI = 1.6 to 57.9) carry greater risks as compared with those with TSB of 20 to 24.9 mg/dL. In conclusion, this study quantitatively verified the potential risks for adverse outcome of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Coccygectomy for stubborn coccydynia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of coccygectomy in patients with coccydynia after a failure of conservative treatment. METHODS: From May 2002 to January 2010, 31 patients with coccydynia were treated by coccygectomy in our department after conservative measures had failed to produce significant relief. A questionnaire, which included the extent of relief in the painful area, improvement in quality of life, intensity of pain in the sitting position, and pain score during daily activities, was used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 1 to 6 years (mean 3.3 years). The results were excellent in 20 patients (64.5%), good in 7 patients (22.6%), moderate in 3 patients (9.7%) and poor in 1 patient (3.2%). The excellent and good rates amounted to 87.1%. All patients except one had complete resolution of their symptoms and were subjectively highly satisfied with the outcomes of the surgery. Only 2 cases of superficial infection were observed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Coccygectomy is a feasible management option for patients with coccygodynia that has no response to conservative treatments.

K-wire and tension band wire fixation in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation by K-wire and tension band wire fixation, and to improve the safety and stability of this technique. METHODS: This study consisted of 9 cases, 6 males and 3 females with the mean age of 25 years (range, 9-62 years). The causes were traffic accident in 7 cases, falling in 1 case and fight in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 2 hours to 7 days. There were 5 left dislocations and 4 right dislocations; 8 anterior dislocations and 1 posterior dislocation, including one combined with left scapular fracture and one with left olecranon fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires and tension band wires were performed to treat dislocations. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, 10 months on average. According to Rockwood's rating scale on postoperative sternoclavicular joint, 8 cases achieved excellent outcomes with an average score of 13.88, and the rest case achieved a good outcome with the score of 12. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all cases. There were no such postoperative complications as severe infection, injury to blood vessel and nerve, failure of fixation, etc. Patients were all satisfied with the anatomical reduction and functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of K-wire and tension band wire fixation is safe, simple, effective, less invasive and has been successfully used in orthopedic surgery. It is effective in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation though it has some disadvantages.

Intramedullary nailing of clavicular midshaft fractures in adults using titanium elastic nail.

OBJECTIVE: Studies showed elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of displaced midclavicular fractures has excellent outcomes, as well as high complication rates and specific problems. The aim was to discuss ESIN of midshaft clavicular fractures. METHODS: Totally 60 eligible patients (aged 18-63 years) were randomized to either ESIN group or non-operative group between January 2007 and May 2008. Clavicular shortening was measured after trauma and osseous consolidation. Radiographic union and complications were assessed. Function analysis including Constant shoulder scores and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores were performed after a 15-month follow-up. RESULTS: ESIN led to a signifcantly shorter time to union, especially for simple fractures. In ESIN group, all patients got fracture union, of which 5 cases had medial skin irritation and 1 patient needed revision surgery because of implant failure. In the nonoperative group, there were 3 nonunion cases and 2 symptomatic malunions developed requiring corrective osteotomy. At 15 months after intramedullary stabilization, patients in the ESIN group were more satisfied with the appearance of the shoulder and overall outcome, and they benefited a lot from the great improvement of post-traumatic clavicular shortening. Furthermore, DASH scores were lower and Constant scores were significantly higher in contrast to the non-operative group. CONCLUSION: ESIN is a safe minimally invasive surgical technique with lower complication rate, faster return to daily activities, excellent cosmetic and better functional results, restoration of clavicular length for treating mid-shaft clavicular fractures, resulting in high overall satisfaction, which can be regard as an alternative to plate fixation or nonoperative treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fractures.

Osteogenic capability of autologous rabbit adipose-derived stromal cells in repairing calvarial defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo osteogenic capability of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). METHODS: ASCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining. Some specific markers of osteogenic differentiation, including ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-ASCs composites were implanted into the rabbit calvarial defects created at each side of the longitudinal midline. After 6 weeks, histologic properties of the transplants were analyzed. RESULTS: ASCs were successfully induced into osteogenesis. ALP staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining showed positive results. The expressions of ALP, OCN and OPN were detected in ASCs after cultivation in osteogenic medium. Extensive new bone was observed in the defects transplanted with DBM-ASCs composites. CONCLUSION: ASCs have the potential to differentiate into osteogenic lineage and DBM-ASCs constructs are a promising method for regeneration in bone defects.

Breastfeeding in Relation to Neonatal Jaundice in the First Week After Birth: Parents' Perceptions and Clinical Measurements.

Background: Parents may consider interrupting breastfeeding to manage neonatal jaundice (NJ). Our aims were to determine correlations of breastfeeding with NJ by examining infants' manifestations in the first week after birth and to understand parents' perceptions toward NJ in relation to breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary medical center by examining infants and administering a questionnaire survey to their parents. All healthy infants admitted to the well-baby nursery were eligible for enrollment. A 16-item questionnaire was distributed to parents of enrolled infants from October 2017 to February 2019. Items of the questionnaire included perceptions and knowledge of NJ. In addition, clinical information of enrolled infants was obtained from medical records. Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as a peak transcutaneous bilirubinometer value ≥15 mg/dL. Results: In total, 449 parents completed the consent form and participated in the study. Results showed that exclusive breastfeeding was more common in infants with a vaginal delivery (p < 0.001), who were nonprimiparous (p = 0.004) and who had weight loss of >7% (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of exclusive breastfeeding with hyperbilirubinemia (p = 0.414). Approximately two-thirds of parents were worried about NJ occurring in their child. Most parents were aware of phototherapy as management of NJ. However, their knowledge of risk factors, complications, and assessments of NJ was relatively deficient. Overall, 29.6% of parents rated breastfeeding as a risk factor for NJ, and 24% of parents indicated that cessation of breastfeeding was a management option for NJ. Conclusions: The results indicated that NJ in the first few days after birth poses a significant barrier to breastfeeding. Our findings provide critical information for plotting strategies to enhance parents' willingness to continue breastfeeding.

Delivery management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive mothers.

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought catastrophic impact on the world since the beginning of December 2019. Extra precautionary measures against COVID-19 during and after delivery are pivotal to ensure the safety of the baby and health care workers. Based on current literature, it is recommended that delivery decisions be discussed between obstetricians and neonatologists prior to delivery, and designated negative pressure delivery rooms should be arranged for COVID person under investigation (PUI). During delivery, a minimal number of experienced staff attending delivery should don personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP). Positive pressure ventilation is best used in a negative pressure room if available. At-risk babies should be transported in an isolette, and tested for COVID-19 in a negative pressure room soon after bathing. Skin-to-skin contact and breast milk feed should continue under certain circumstances. Although newborns with COVID-19 infections often present with symptoms that mimic sepsis and one third of affected patients may demand some form of respiratory support, short-term prognoses are favorable and most recover within two weeks of symptoms onset. In this article, we will further elaborate on topics covering timing and mode of delivery, antenatal steroid, vertical transmission, delivery room management, airway management, transport, testing and isolation after birth, skin-to-skin contact, breast milk feeding, clinical features, outcomes, and discharge plans. In addition, we also share our experiences of encountering neonates born of suspected COVID-19 positive mothers.

Risk assessment of prolonged jaundice in infants at one month of age: A prospective cohort study.

Prolonged jaundice is a commonly evaluated condition. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors of jaundice in healthy infants at one month of age. This prospective cohort study enrolled 509 healthy infants from 2013 to 2018. Those with gestational age (GA) less than 35 weeks, birth weight less than 2000 grams, and illness were not enrolled. Jaundice was defined as a transcutaneous bilirubin value ≥5 mg/dL at 25-45 days of age. Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained to examine seven common gene variants. The incidence of prolonged jaundice was 32.2%. Prolonged jaundice was more common in infants with exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001), GA 35~37 w (p = 0.001), stool passage >4 times/d (p < 0.001), previous phototherapy (p < 0.001), and gene variant of G to A at nt 211 of UGT1A1 (p = 0.004). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the greatest risk for prolonged jaundice was exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 2.818, 95% CI = 1.851-4.292), followed by previous phototherapy (OR = 2.593, 95% CI = 1.716-3.919), GA 35~37 w (OR = 2.468, 95% CI = 1.350-4.512), and G to A at nt 211 of UGT1A1 (OR = 1.645, 95% CI = 1.070-2.528). In conclusion, infants with exclusive breastfeeding, GA 35~37 w, previous phototherapy, or G to A at nt 211 of UGT1A1 are at greater risk of prolonged jaundice. Healthcare professionals should consider these risk factors in their assessment of prolonged jaundice.

Comparative Survey of Holding Positions for Reducing Vaccination Pain in Young Infants.

Background. Infant holding position may reduce vaccination pain. However, the optimal position for young infants remains controversial. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of holding infants in the supine position and the effectiveness of holding infants in upright position for relieving acute pain from vaccine injection. Methods. This prospective cohort study enrolled 6-12-week-old healthy infants. We examined infant pain responses by evaluating the following three categories: (1) crying, (2) irritability, and (3) facial expression. Results. In total, 282 infants were enrolled, with 103 and 179 held in the supine and upright positions, respectively. At 30 s after vaccination, the infants in the supine position showed a larger decrease in crying (p < 0.001), irritability (p = 0.002), and pained facial expression (p = 0.001) than did those in the upright position. However, there was no significant difference in pain response between two groups at 180 s after intervention. Conclusion. In 2-month-old infants, the supine position may reduce acute pain more effectively than does the upright position. Our findings provide a clinical strategy for relieving vaccination pain in young infants.

Research progress on osteoarthritis treatment mechanisms.

Osteoarthritis is a common disease and is frequently encountered in the older population; the incidence rises sharply with age. It is estimated that more than 360 million people suffer from OA. However, the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis remains unclear, and we cannot effectively prevent the progression of OA. The aim of this review was to explore the molecular markers and signaling pathways that induce chondrocyte apoptosis in OA. We searched, using the key words osteoarthritis, chondrocyte apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, molecular targets, and biomarkers, in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1994 to 2017. We also reviewed the signaling pathways and molecular markers associated with chondrocyte apoptosis and approaches aimed at inhibiting the apoptosis-inducing mechanism to at least delay the progression of cartilage degeneration in OA. This article provides an overview of targeted therapies and the related signaling pathways in OA.

Comparison of iatrogenic pain between rotavirus vaccination before and after vaccine injection in 2-month-old infants.

Oral rotavirus vaccine (RV) administration in conjunction with other injectable vaccines has been used worldwide. However, whether the sequence of RV administration is associated with the reduction of injection-induced pain remains unclear. In this randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 6-12-wk-old healthy infants. The pain response of the infants was scored on the basis of their crying, irritability, facial expression, gagging and distress. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to compare the pain response after adjustment for possible confounders. We enrolled 352 infants, of whom 176 infants received RV before injection (experimental group) and 176 infants received an RV after injection (comparison group). Sex, number of injections, main caregiver, feeding type, and RV type did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Multivariate regression analyses showed that, at 30 s after the intervention, the episode of gagging was more frequent in the comparison group than in the experimental group (p = 0.004). At 180 s after the intervention, the infants cried more often in the comparison group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the infants in the experimental group more often relaxed (p < 0.001), rested quietly (p = 0.001), and were smiling (p = 0.001) than did those in the comparison group. Our results indicate that compared with oral RV administration after injection, oral RV administration before injection is more effective in reducing injection-induced pain in 2-mo-old infants. The findings can provide a clinical strategy for relieving pain from vaccination in young infants.

Effect of partial splenic embolization on the immune function of cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism.

OBJECTIVE: To discover the effect of partial splenic embolization on the immune function of cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. METHODS: Patients involved in the study were enrolled and divided into three groups, including control group, experimental group, and complication group. Numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+)CDl27(low/-) Treg cells in the peripheral blood of patients before surgery, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery were analyzed by fluorescence active cell sorting (FACS). Contents of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) were analyzed by auto immunoassay analyzer. RESULTS: In the peripheral blood of patients from experimental group, numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells initially declined, but afterwards increased to normal level; in the peripheral blood of patients from complication group, CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells showed the same trend, but the number of CD4(+) T cells was below normal level at all detection times. Furthermore, CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the peripheral blood of patients from complication group were initially less than those in experimental group, and afterwards were comparable between two groups. In patients from both experimental group and complication group, the number of CD4(+) CD25(+) CDl27(low/-)Treg cells increased 1 month and 6 months after surgery, and gradually restored to normal level. CD4(+)CD25(+)CDl27(low/-) Treg cell counts in patients from complication group were initially more than those in patients from experimental group 1 month and 6 months after surgery, but then they were comparable. Furthermore, contents of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) were comparable in three groups at all detection times. CONCLUSION: Partial splenic embolization influenced the immune function of cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism in the short term but the immune function could afterwards gradually restore to normal. Our results implicated that measures that prevent infection and improve immune function were necessary in early stage after undergoing PSE in order to reduce complications.