Local application of zoledronate inhibits early bone resorption and promotes bone formation.

Nonunion resulting from early bone resorption is common after bone transplantation surgery. In these patients, instability or osteoporosis causes hyperactive catabolism relative to anabolism, leading to graft resorption instead of fusion. Systemic zoledronate administration inhibits osteoclastogenesis and is widely used to prevent osteoporosis; however, evidence on local zoledronate application is controversial due to osteoblast cytotoxicity, uncontrolled dosing regimens, and local release methods. We investigated the effects of zolendronate on osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis and explored the corresponding signaling pathways. In vitro cytotoxicity and differentiation of MC3T3E1 cells, rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and preosteoclasts (RAW264.7 cells) were evaluated with different zolendronate concentrations. In vivo bone regeneration ability was tested by transplanting different concentrations of zolendronate with ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bone substitute into rat femoral critical-sized bone defects. In vitro, zolendronate concentrations below 2.5 × 10-7 M did not compromise viability in the three cell lines and did not promote osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3E1 cells and BMSCs. In RAW264.7 cells, zoledronate inhibited extracellular regulated protein kinases and c-Jun n-terminal kinase signaling, downregulating c-Fos and NFATc1 expression, with reduced expression of fusion-related dendritic cell­specific transmembrane protein and osteoclast-specific Ctsk and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (. In vivo, histological staining revealed increased osteoid formation and neovascularization and reduced fibrotic tissue with 500 µM and 2000 µM zolendronate. More osteoclasts were found in the normal saline group after 6 weeks, and sequential osteoclast formation occurred after zoledronate treatment, indicating inhibition of bone resorption during early callus formation without inhibition of late-stage bone remodeling. In vivo, soaking ß-TCP artificial bone with 500 µM or 2000 µM zoledronate is a promising approach for bone regeneration, with potential applications in bone transplantation.

Treatment withdrawal experiences of women with breast cancer: A phenomenological study.

AIM: To obtain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences, values, and beliefs of Taiwanese women with breast cancer who withdrew from cancer treatment. BACKGROUND: Fear of side effects, negative experiences and personal beliefs were identified as reasons for withdrawing from cancer treatments. Body-mind consciousness and body autonomy play a crucial role in cancer treatment decisions. DESIGN: Descriptive phenomenological approach. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured, face-to-face and in-depth interviews with 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants were purposefully selected from the Cancer Registry database. Employing a phenomenological approach, our aim was to explore the lived experiences of these individuals. Data analysis followed Giorgi's five-step process. To ensure a comprehensive report the COREQ checklist was applied. FINDINGS: 'The Determination to Preserve Me' is the essence of treatment withdrawal, identified by three themes and seven sub-themes. 'Raising Body-Mind Consciousness' was generated using body autonomy and preventing repeated psychological trauma from the participant's view. Their lifestyles, maintaining the family role, and returning to a normal trajectory help develop 'Maintaining Stability for Being a Patient and a Family Carer'. 'Self-Defending Against the Body Harm' was generated by concerns about maintaining health and preventing harm. CONCLUSION: Women's behaviours became transformed by suffering. Actions were influenced by physical and psychological distress, misconceptions about treatments, and appearance changes by self-determination through self-protection. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should respect women's autonomy and work collaboratively to ensure their decision-making with accurate information and awareness of the potential risks and benefits of treatment withdrawal need to concern.

Catalpol attenuates ischemic stroke by promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Currently, there is a lack of clinically effective treatments for the brain damage following ischemic stroke. Catalpol is a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Rehmannia glutinosa and shown to be protective in various neurological diseases. However, the potential roles of catalpol against ischemic stroke are still not completely clear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to further elucidate the protective effects of catalpol against ischemic stroke. METHODS: A rat permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was established to assess the effect of catalpol in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Behavioral tests were used to examine the effects of catalpol on neurological function of ischemic rats. Immunostaining was performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) as well as the angiogenesis in each group. The protein level of related molecules was detected by western-blot. The effects of catalpol on cultured NSCs as well as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) subjected to OGD in vitro were also examined by similar methods. RESULTS: Catalpol attenuated the neurological deficits and improved neurological function of ischemic rats. It stimulated the proliferation of NSCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ), promoted their migration to the ischemic cortex and differentiation into neurons or glial cells. At the same time, catalpol increased the cerebral vessels density and the number of proliferating cerebrovascular endothelial cells in the infracted cortex of ischemic rats. The level of SDF-1α and CXCR4 in the ischemic cortex was found to be enhanced by catalpol treatment. Catalpol was also shown to promote the proliferation and migration of cultured NSCs as well as the proliferation of BMECs subjected to OGD insult in vitro. Interestingly, the impact of catalpol on cultured cells was inhibited by CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Moreover, the culture medium of BMECs containing catalpol promoted the proliferation of NSCs, which was also suppressed by AMD3100. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that catalpol exerts neuroprotective effects by promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway, suggesting the therapeutic potential of catalpol in treating cerebral ischemia.

Nivalenol disrupts mitochondria functions during porcine oocyte meiotic maturation.

Oocyte maturation is important for fertility in mammals, since the quality of oocytes directly affects fertilization, embryo attachment and survival. Nivalenol is widely present in nature as a common toxin that contaminates grain and feed, and it has been reported to cause acute toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and carcinogenic effects. In this study, we explored the impact of nivalenol on the porcine oocyte maturation and its possible mechanisms. The extrusion of the first polar body was significantly inhibited after incubating oocytes with nivalenol. Meanwhile, nivalenol exposure led to the abnormal distribution of mitochondria, aberrant calcium concentration and the reduction of membrane potential caused a significant decrease in the capacity of mitochondria to generate ATP. In addition, nivalenol induced oxidative stress, and the level of ROS was significantly increased in the nivalenol-treated group, which was confirmed by the perturbation of oxidative stress-related genes. We found that nivalenol-treated oocytes showed positive Annexin-V and γH2A.X signals, indicating the occurrence of apoptosis and DNA damage. In all, our data suggest that nivalenol disrupted porcine oocyte maturation through its effects on mitochondria-related oxidative stress, apoptosis and DNA damage.

A randomized control study: The effectiveness of multimedia education on self-care and quality of life in patients with enterostomy.

Colorectal cancer is typically treated through surgery, and self-care skills play a crucial role in disease adaptation and quality of life improvement. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a multimedia patient education intervention on enhancing the self-care and quality of life among patients with a postoperative stoma as well as on establishing an easy-to-use ostomy self-care skills assessment. The sample comprised 108 patients with new ostomies who were randomly assigned to two groups. Data were collected from June 2018 to March 2019. The conventional education service program group received individual education in the hospital environment, consisting of four 3-h sessions delivered over 4 consecutive days. The multimedia group viewed a multimedia educational program using a laptop. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months after the intervention using a demographic questionnaire, an ostomy self-care ability scale and the Stoma Quality of Life Scale. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in self-care ability and quality of life scores between the two groups (p = 0.764 and p = 0.466, respectively). However, 3 months after the intervention, the group that received the multimedia software intervention showed significantly higher self-care ability and quality of life scores compared to the group that received conventional education services (p < 0.001). When a set threshold is reached, self-care ability and a good quality of life can be met. The threshold value of the ostomy self-care skill scale was determined to be 20 points, resulting in a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 75.5%. The results indicate that the multimedia education program enhanced home self-care ability and quality of life among patients with enterostomy.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel modified dual-target shikonin derivatives for colorectal cancer treatment.

Warburg effect provides energy and material essential for tumor proliferation, the reverse of Warburg effect provides insights into the development of a novel anti-cancer strategy. Pyruvate kinase 2 (PKM2) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) are two key enzymes in tumor glucose metabolism pathway that not only contribute to the Warburg effect through accelerating aerobic glycolysis, but also serve as druggable target for colorectal cancer (CRC). Considering that targeting PKM2 or PDK1 alone does not seem to be sufficient to remodel abnormal glucose metabolism and achieve significant antitumor activity, a series of novel benzenesulfonyl shikonin derivatives were designed to regulate PKM2 and PDK1 simultaneously. By means of molecular docking and antiproliferative screen, we found that compound Z10 could act as the combination of PKM2 activator and PDK1 inhibitor, thereby significantly inhibited glycolysis that reshaping tumor metabolism. Moreover, Z10 could inhibit proliferation, migration and induce apoptosis in CRC cell HCT-8. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor activity of Z10 was evaluated in a colorectal cancer cell xenograft model in nude mice and the results demonstrated that Z10 induced tumor cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor cell proliferation with lower toxicity than shikonin. Our findings indicated that it is feasible to alter tumor energy metabolism through multi-target synergies, and the dual-target benzenesulfonyl shikonin derivative Z10 could be a potential anti-CRC agent.

Plant-derived exosomal nanoparticles: potential therapeutic for inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation. However, currently available disease-modifying anti-IBD drugs exhibit limited efficacy in IBD therapy. Furthermore, existing therapeutic approaches provide only partial relief from IBD symptoms and are associated with certain side effects. In recent years, a novel category of nanoscale membrane vesicles, known as plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs), has been identified in edible plants. These PDENs are abundant in bioactive lipids, proteins, microRNAs, and other pharmacologically active compounds. Notably, PDENs possess immunomodulatory, antitumor, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly promising for the treatment of intestinal diseases. Moreover, PDENs can be engineered as targeted delivery systems for the efficient transport of chemical or nucleic acid drugs to the site of intestinal inflammation. In the present study, we provided an overview of PDENs, including their biogenesis, extraction, purification, and construction strategies, and elucidated their physiological functions and therapeutic effects on IBD. Additionally, we summarized the applications and potential of PDENs in IBD treatment while highlighting the future directions and challenges in the field of emerging nanotherapeutics for IBD therapy.

Platinum-Based Mcl-1 Inhibitor Targeting Mitochondria Achieves Enhanced Antitumor Activity as a Single Agent or in Combination with ABT-199.

Discovery of small molecule inhibitors targeting Mcl-1 (Myeloid cell leukemia 1) confronts many challenges. Based on the fact that Mcl-1 is mainly localized in mitochondria, we propose a new strategy of targeting mitochondria to improve the binding efficiency of Mcl-1 inhibitors. We report the discovery of complex 9, the first mitochondrial targeting platinum-based inhibitor of Mcl-1, which selectively binds to Mcl-1 with high binding affinity. Complex 9 was mainly concentrated in the mitochondria of tumor cells which led to an enhanced antitumor efficacy. Complex 9 induced Bax/Bak-dependent apoptosis in LP-1 cells and synergized with ABT-199 to kill ABT-199 resistant cells in multiple cancer models. Complex 9 was effective and tolerable as a single agent or in combination with ABT-199 in mouse models. This research work demonstrated that developing mitochondria-targeting Mcl-1 inhibitors is a new potentially efficient strategy for tumor therapy.

Nobiletin attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension through PI3K/Akt/STAT3 pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Nobiletin is a flavonoid found in the peel of Citrus sinensis (oranges). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Nobiletin can alleviate the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The PAH rat model was replicated by subcutaneous injection of MCT. Nobiletin (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) was administered by gavage from day 1 to day 21. After 21 days of MCT injection, the mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, Fulton Index, pulmonary artery remodelling, blood routine parameters, liver and kidney functions was measured. The level of inflammatory cytokines and PI3K/Akt/STAT3 were detected by qPCR, ELISA and western blot, the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) was evaluated by CCK-8. KEY FINDINGS: Nobiletin (10 mg/kg) inhibited the MCT-induced increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary artery remodelling in rats. Nobiletin decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation level of PI3K/Akt/STAT3 in lungs of MCT-treated rats. Nobiletin inhibited the proliferation and lowered the inflammatory cytokines level induced by PDGF-BB in PASMCs. CONCLUSION: Nobiletin attenuates MCT-induced PAH, and the potential mechanism is to inhibit inflammation through PI3K/Akt/STAT3 pathway.

Stem Cell Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of Achievements and Challenges.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Repeated inflammation can lead to complications, such as intestinal fistula, obstruction, perforation, and bleeding. Unfortunately, achieving durable remission and mucosal healing (MH) with current treatments is difficult. Stem cells (SCs) have the potential to modulate immunity, suppress inflammation, and have anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic effects, making them an ideal therapeutic strategy to target chronic inflammation and intestinal damage in IBD. In recent years, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown efficacy in treating IBD. In addition, numerous clinical trials have evaluated the efficiency of MSCs in treating the disease. This review summarizes the current research progress on the safety and efficacy of SC-based therapy for IBD in both preclinical models and clinical trials. We discuss potential mechanisms of SC therapy, including tissue repair, paracrine effects, and the promotion of angiogenesis, immune regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. We also summarize current SC engineering strategies aimed at enhancing the immunosuppressive and regenerative capabilities of SCs for treating intestinal diseases. Additionally, we highlight current limitations and future perspectives of SC-related therapy for IBD.

Abietane diterpenoids from Orthosiphon wulfenioides with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitory activity.

Wulfenioidones A - K (1-11) were abietane diterpenoids with highly oxidized 6/6/6 aromatic tricyclic skeleton isolated from the whole plant of Orthosiphon wulfenioides, and their planar structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation, electronic circular dichroism calculation as well as X-ray crystallography analysis. Bioactivity screening indicated that compounds 1-4, 6 and 8 exhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibition effect with IC50 values ranging from 0.23 to 3.43 µM by preventing the mononuclear macrophage cell pyroptosis induced by double signal stimulation of LPS and nigericin. Western Blot analyses of Caspase-1 and IL-1ß down-regulation exhibited that compound 1 could selectively inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome, and the cell morphological observation further supported that compound 1 prevented macrophage cell pyroptosis.

Impact of early palliative care on the quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining caregivers' quality of life (QoL) is critical to sustaining the care needed for cancer patients. One of the interventions applied to cancer patients' caregivers is early palliative care (EPC). AIMS: This systematic review synthesized the implementation of EPC on the QoL of caregivers of cancer patients. METHODS: The search was undertaken using seven electronic databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses (PQDT). The search strategy integrated relevant terms of early palliative care, caregivers, cancer, and quality of life and was conducted until March 14, 2022. The thematic data analysis approach was used to integrate the results. RESULTS: Using advanced search features, 4193 studies were obtained on the initial search. After screening and quality assessment, eight studies were included. Eight studies depicted that EPC interventions were delivered for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer, that is, those with a life expectancy of at least 4-24 months or considered intermediate to poor prognosis. One study provided the intervention for caregivers of patients newly diagnosed with cancer. None of the studies had the same protocol or content in delivering EPC for caregivers. Four studies gave similar details on addressing the strategies for caregivers in several aspects, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. There was no difference in the QoL between caregivers with cancer patients who received EPC compared with usual care. EPC was noted to influence other factors, such as caregivers' psychological distress and burden. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The data on EPC interventions portray no beneficial effects on the QoL of caregivers with cancer patients. Further studies on developing standard protocols of EPC, multidisciplinary team, and how early it should be given to caregivers are strongly recommended.

[Comparison of active components in different parts of Perilla frutescens and its pharmacological effects].

Perilla frutescens is a widely used medicinal and edible plant with a rich chemical composition throughout its whole plant. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorizes P. frutescens leaves(Perillae Folium), seeds(Perillae Fructus), and stems(Perillae Caulis) as three distinct medicinal parts due to the differences in types and content of active components. Over 350 different bioactive compounds have been reported so far, including volatile oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, and fatty acids. Due to the complexity of its chemical composition, P. frutescens exhibits diverse pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antidepressant, and antitumor activities. While scholars have conducted a substantial amount of research on different parts of P. frutescens, including analysis of their chemical components and pharmacological mechanisms of action, there has yet to be a systematic comparison and summary of chemical components, pharmacological effects, and mechanisms of action. Therefore, this study overviewed the chemical composition and structures of Perillae Folium, Perillae Fructus, and Perillae Caulis, and summarized the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of P. frutescens to provide a reference for better development and utilization of this valuable plant.

nHA-loaded gelatin/alginate hydrogel with combined physical and bioactive features for maxillofacial bone repair.

Critical-sized maxillofacial bone defects have been a tough clinical challenge considering their requirements for functional and structural repair. In this study, an injectable in-situ forming double cross-linked hydrogel was prepared from gelatin (Gel), 20 mg/mL alginate dialdehyde (ADA), 4.5 mg/mL Ca2+ and borax. Improved properties of composite hydrogel might well fit and cover irregular geometric shape of facial bone defects, support facial structures and conduct masticatory force. We innovatively constructed a bioactive poly-porous structure by decoration with nano-sized hydroxyapatite (nHA). The highly ordered, homogeneous and size-confined porous surface served as an interactive osteogenic platform for communication and interplay between macrophages and bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs). Effective macrophage-BMSC crosstalk well explained the remarkable efficiency of nHA-loaded gelatin/alginate hydrogel (nHA@Gel/ADA) in the repair of critical-size skull bone defect. Collectively, the composite hydrogel constructed here might serve as a promising alternative in repair process of complex maxillofacial bone defects.

LINC00536 knockdown inhibits breast cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration through regulation of the miR-4282/centromere protein F axis.

Breast cancer (BC) poses a huge threat to women's health. Growing evidence has shown lncRNAs play critical roles in BC progression. However, the effect of LINC00536 in BC remains unknown. LINC00536, miR-4282, and centromere protein F (CENPF) expressions in BC cells were determined using qPCR assay. Colony formation assay was employed to evaluate the cell proliferation of BC cells. Besides, cell migration and invasion were evaluated using the transwell assay. FISH assay was employed to analyze LINC00536 and miR-4282 locations in BC cells. Additionally, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the binding relationships between LINC00536 and miR-4282, miR-4282 and CENPF. Here, our results displayed that LINC00536 and CENPF were overexpressed in BC cells, while miR-4282 was downregulated. LINC00536 could negatively regulate miR-4282 expression via directly binding to miR-4282. LINC00536 silence suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells, which was abolished by miR-4282 inhibition. Additionally, miR-4282 could negatively regulate CENPF expression via directly binding to CENPF. MiR-4282 overexpression suppressed BC development, which was abolished by CENPF overexpression. Finally, we proved that LINC00536 silencing suppressed BC growth via regulating the miR-4282/CENPF axis in vivo. Our research displayed that LINC00536 acted as an oncogene in BC. LINC00536-enhanced BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, LINC00536 functioned as a ceRNA to exert malignant characteristics in BC via the miR-4282-CENPF axis. Collectively, our results demonstrated that the LINC00536-miR-4282-CENPF axis was a critical player in BC development and was a promising target for BC therapy.

[The Effectiveness of Acupressure in Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis].

BACKGROUND: Acupressure is one of the recommended non-pharmacologic treatments for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. However, few systematic review or meta-analysis studies have focused on the effect of acupressure on CRF. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing CRF and to identify the effective acupoints and frequencies of acupressure treatments. METHODS: The search and screening procedures were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2009 guidelines. The search database included Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I were used as appraisal tools. The statistical analysis, including effect size estimation, was computed using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: Twelve studies (15 sets of data) were included in the review and analysis. Nine hundred sixty patients with cancer who were currently undergoing or had completed treatment were enrolled as participants and received different levels of acupressure. The result showed the overall effect size of CRF in reducing acupressure to be SMD= -0.77, 95% CI [-0.90, -0.65]. In the subgroup analysis, the effect size of auricular acupressure was SMD= -0.98, 95% CI [-1.25, -0.71] and the body acupressure effect size was SMD= -0.70, 95% CI [-0.84, -0.56]. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on the results of this systematic review, acupressure may be applied to the body acupoints Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) once daily for 1-3 minutes each and to the auricular acupoints shenmen and subcortex once daily for 3 minutes each to effectively reduce cancer-related fatigue.

Long noncoding RNA HCP5 promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via the miR-29b-3p-LOXL2 axis.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumors in adolescents that causes cancer-related deaths. Previous studies have confirmed the promoting role of lncRNA HCP5 in the development of OS, but the specific mechanism is still not well understood. MiRNA levels were measured via RT-qPCR and protein expression was detected via western blotting. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assays and colony formations assay were conducted to measure colony formation ability. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the targeting relationship between HCP5 and miR-29b-3p, and between miR-29b-3p and LOXL2. Wound healing assays and Transwell assays were conducted to verify the migration and invasion abilities of OS cells. Correlations between the levels of HCP5 and miR-29b-3p, and between miR-29b-3p and LOXL2 were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. MiR-29b-3p expression was decreased and HCP5 and LOXL2 levels were increased in OS tissues and cell lines. MiR-29b-3p could directly act on LOXL2 and knockdown of LOXL2 restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. Moreover, transfection with sh-HCP5-1 and sh-HCP5-2 suppressed the malignant biological behavior of OS cells. HCP5 directly targeted miR-29b-3p, and promoted OS proliferation, migration, and invasion via the miR-29b-3p/LOXL2 axis. The lncRNA HCP5 may upregulate LOXL2 expression by targeting miR-29b-3p, thereby promoting OS proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Hemostasis Evaluation of Antibacterial and Highly Absorbent Composite Wound Dressings in Animal Hemostasis Models.

To reduce the bleeding time and to shorten the surgery time are vital to patients' prog-nosis, therefore, in this study, high moisture absorption nonwoven composites are proposed to attain hemostasis in time. Polyacrylate fiber and Tencel® fibers at different blending ratios (10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50) are used to form PT composite nonwoven. Next, composed of a 50:50 ratio, PT composite nonwoven exhibits the maximal vertical wicking height of 4.4 cm along the cross direction. Additionally, the UV-Vis absorption spectra analysis shows that at absorption waves of 413-415 nm, the occurring of distinct peaks suggests the presence of nanoparticles. The XRD patterns indicate the presence of silver nanoparticles with corresponding crystal planes of characteristic peaks at (111), (200), and (220). Polyacrylate/Tencel® nonwoven composites exhibit comparable adsorption capacity of blood and water molecules. In particular, 30PT composite nonwoven outperforms the control group, exhibiting 3.8 times and 4.7 times greater the water absorption and blood absorption, respectively. Moreover, a great number of red blood cells with a size of 4-6 µm agglomerate among fibers as observed in SEM images, while 6hr-PT composite dressing demonstrates the optimal antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, proven by the zone of inhibition being 1.9 mm and 0.8 mm separately. When in contact with plasma, hemostasis composites have plasma hemostasis prothrombin time of 97.9%, and activated partial thromboplastin time of 96.7%. As for animal hemostasis model, the arteria over the rats' thigh bones is cut open perpendicularly, generating mass arteria hemorrhage. To attain hemostasis, it takes 46.5% shorter time when using composite dressings (experimental group) than the control group.

Application of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound and Bosniak Classification to the Diagnosis of Cystic Renal Masses.

BACKGROUND: The Bosniak classification system based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is commonly used for the differential diagnosis of cystic renal masses. Contrastenhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a relatively novel technique, which has gradually played an important role in the diagnosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) due to its safety and lowest price. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the application value of CEUS and Bosniak classification into the diagnosis of cystic renal masses. METHODS: 32 cystic masses from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected. The images of conventional ultrasound (US), CEUS and CECT from subjects confirmed by surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed. The Bosniak classification system of cystic renal masses was implemented using CEUS and CECT, and the diagnostic ability was compared. RESULTS: For the 32 cystic masses, postoperative pathology confirmed 11 cases of multilocular CRCC, 15 cases of clear cell carcinoma with hemorrhage, necrosis and cystic degeneration, 5 cases of renal cysts, and 1 case of renal tuberculosis. The Bosniak classification based on CEUS was higher than that based on CECT, and the difference was statistically significant (P = .024). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of CEUS were comparable to CECT. There was no significant difference observed in the diagnosis of CRCC (P >.05). CONCLUSION: CEUS combined with Bosniak classification greatly improves the diagnosis of CRCC. CEUS shows a comparable diagnostic ability to CECT. In daily clinical routine, patients who require multiple examinations and present contraindications for CECT can particularly benefit from CEUS.

Predictors of cancer-related fatigue in women with breast cancer undergoing 21 days of a cyclic chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide and ranks first among Asian and Taiwanese women. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) affects patients' functioning significantly. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine changes in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and related factors among women with breast cancer undergoing a single chemotherapy, and to identify predictors of CRF's change over the course of the chemotherapy cycle. METHODS: Four self-report questionnaires were administered to assess CRF, sleep quality, depression and anxiety, and symptom distress. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed to evaluate autonomic nervous system activation related to CRF. Data were collected four times: (1) before initiation of the single chemotherapy cycle (T0), (2) after completion of the single cycle (T1), (3) 1 week post-chemo (T2), and (4) 3 weeks post-chemo (T3). Repeated measurement of variance and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were conducted to estimate the trajectories and predictors. RESULTS: One-hundred women with breast cancer (mean age 50.4 ± 9.42) participated. CRF (F = 7.46), sleep quality (F = 2.74), symptom distress (F = 9.99), anxiety (F = 5.72), and depression (F = 4.14) varied significantly over the single cycle of chemotherapy (p < .001), which the trajectories showed exacerbating at T2. HRV indicated a higher variation only on the day of injection (T0, T1). Results of the GEE revealed that anxiety, depression, and symptom distress were predictors of CRF's change over the single cycle of chemotherapy. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: CRF worsens at 1 week after a chemotherapy injection among Taiwanese women with breast cancer. Based on the risk predictors in CRF that included anxiety, depression, and symptom distress, multistrategy CRF-alleviating interventions should be provided prior to chemotherapy and targeted at the most disturbed period, that is, 1 week after injection.