Innovative pancreas-guided technique for splenic flexure mobilization in laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is a major challenge in laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of the pancreas-guided SFM technique during laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. METHODS: From January 2018 to December 2023, 352 patients with left-sided colon cancer underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Based on the SFM method used, the patients were divided into the pancreas-guided group (167 cases) or the "Three Approaches Roundabout"/classic group (185 cases). Clinicopathologic characteristics and intraoperative and postoperative variables were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups had no significant differences in baseline indicators (P > 0.05). All surgeries were successful without needing to convert to laparotomy, and there were no combined organ resections involving the spleen or pancreas in either group. The mean duration of surgery was significantly lower in the pancreas-guided group than in the classic group (P < 0.01). The median volume of intraoperative blood loss in the pancreas-guided group was lower than that in the classic group (P < 0.01). Through video playback, it was found that the retro-pancreatic space had been entered during operation in 8 cases (4.3%) in the classic group, while there were no such occurrences in the pancreas-guided group. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in the number of lymph nodes cleared, postoperative hospital stays, and incidence of complications were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05) between the groups. CONCLUSION: The pancreas-guided SFM technique is a safe and feasible option for laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Our study's findings suggest that this approach facilitates accurate access to the correct anatomic plane, potentially improving surgical efficiency.

Feasibility and value of modular splenic hilar lymphadenectomy technique in laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a retrospective-controlled research.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and value of modular splenic hilar lymphadenectomy (MSHL) in LTG for advanced PGC located at the greater curvature. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective-controlled research included 54 patients diagnosed with advanced PGC located at the greater curvature who underwent LTG combined with spleen-preserving hilar lymphadenectomy between January 2020 and December 2022 at the same treatment center. A total of 20 patients underwent classic splenic hilar lymphadenectomy (CSHL) using a medial approach (classic group), while 34 patients underwent MSHL (modular group). We summarized the technical points, caveats, and critical steps of the MSHL technique and observed and compared clinical indexes between the two groups. RESULTS: All operations were successful without conversion to laparotomy. The mean operation time, mean splenic hilar lymph node dissection (LND) time, median intraoperative blood loss, and blood loss from splenic hilar LND were all significantly lower in the modular group than in the classic group (p < 0.05). The amount of NO.10 lymph nodes (LNs) was significantly higher in the modular group than in the classic group (p < 0.05). In the classic group, one patient experienced intraoperative splenic vein injury, and one experienced spleen laceration, whereas no intraoperative complications occurred in the modular group. The median postoperative feeding time, exhaust time, defecation time, and postoperative stay were all significantly lower in the modular group compared to the classic group (p < 0.05). In the modular group, one patient experienced Clavien-Dindo I complication and one Clavien-Dindo II complication, while in the classic group, one patient experienced Clavien-Dindo II complication and one Clavien-Dindo IIIa complication. There were no patient was re-hospitalized within 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: The modular splenic hilar LND technique can simplify complicated surgical procedures in SPSHL and reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding and collateral damage.

Association between vascular aging and cognitive function in Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Vascular health has been associated with cognition but related evidence is limited in Chinese. The objective of this study was to examine the association of vascular aging assessed by arterial stiffness and blood pressure with cognitive function in an unselected Chinese population. METHODS: In the Tianning Cohort (N = 5158), indicators of arterial stiffness and blood pressure including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse pressure (PP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. We applied Poisson regression and logistic regression to examine the associations of vascular aging and blood pressure with cognitive function. RESULTS: 76 (1.47%) participants had impaired cognitive function diagnosed by a MMSE score of less than 24 points. Participants with a higher level of PP were more likely to have a decreased score of MMSE (ß=-0.0121, P < 0.001 for log-transformed pulse pressure) and a higher risk of having impaired cognitive function (OR = 5.95, 95%CI: 2.02-17.79, P < 0.001 for log-transformed PP). Per standard deviation increment in SBP was significantly associated with lower MMSE score (ß=-0.0020, P < 0.001) and impaired cognitive function (OR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.38-2.06, P < 0.001). No significant associations were found regarding other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Blood pressure and hypertension were associated with cognitive function in Chinese adults. PP may be a potential predictor for impaired cognitive function.

Biochar coupled with multiple technologies for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from water: A review.

Water eutrophication caused by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) has become a global environmental issue. Biochar is a competent adsorbent for removing N and P from wastewater. However, compared with commercial activated carbon, biochar has relatively limited adsorption capacity. To broaden the field scale application of biochar, biochar coupled with multiple technologies (BC-MTs) (such as microorganisms, electrochemistry, biofilm, phytoremediation, etc.) have been extensively developed for environmental remediation. Nevertheless, due to the fluctuations and differences in biochar types, coupling methods, and wastewater types, various techniques show different removal mechanisms and performance, hindering the promotion and application of BC-MTs. A systematic review of the research progress of BC-MTs is highly necessary to gain a better understanding of the current research status and progress, as well as to promote the application of these techniques. In this paper, the application of pristine and modified biochar in adsorbing N and P in wastewater is critically reviewed. Then the removal performance, influencing factors, mechanisms, and the environmental applications of BC-MTs in wastewater are systematically summarized. In addition, the cost analysis and risk assessment of BC-MTs in environmental applications are conducted. Finally, suggestions and prospects for future research and practical application are put forward.

Formation mechanisms and degradation methods of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biochar: A review.

Biochar has been widely used in soil amendment and environmental remediation. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could be produced in preparation of biochar, which may pose potential risks to the environment and human health. At present, most studies focus on the ecotoxicity potential of biochar, while there are few systematic reviews on the formation mechanisms and mitigation strategies of PAHs in biochar. Therefore, a systematical understanding of the distribution, formation mechanisms, risk assessment, and degradation approaches of PAHs in biochar is highly needed. In this paper, the distribution and content of the total and bioavailable PAHs in biochar are reviewed. Then the formation mechanisms, influencing factors, and potential risk assessment of PAHs in biochar are systematically explored. After that, the effective strategies to alleviate PAHs in biochar are summarized. Finally, suggestions and perspectives for future studies are proposed. This review provides a guide for reducing the formation of biochar-associated PAHs and their toxicity, which is beneficial for the development and large-scale safe use of environmentally friendly biochar.

Chronic periodontitis induces the proliferation of pancreatic ß-cells to cause hyperinsulinemia in a rat model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic periodontitis (CP) may induce hyperinsulinemia and may have the effect of on pancreatic ß-cell proliferation in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the CP group and the control group (Con group). The following contents were evaluated: pathological changes in periodontal soft and hard tissues; serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level, serum fasting insulin (FINS) level, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) ß (HOMA-ß) index; histopathological examination of islets; immunohistochemistry of insulin and p-Smad2 expression in islets; immunofluorescence of changes in the relative number of ß-cells and the number of Ki67-positive ß-cells. Western blotting was used to analyze p-Smad2/Smad2 levels. Results were analyzed by two independent samples t tests. RESULTS: Increased serum LPS level, FINS level, and HOMA-ß index were observed in the rats of the CP group; FBG level did not change significantly; histological assessments showed an enlarged islet area, increased insulin content, relatively increased ß-cells, increased Ki67-positive ß-cells, and decreased p-Smad2 expression in islets in the rats of the CP group. CONCLUSION: Our study results link CP-induced hyperinsulinemia with changes in islets, such as islet hyperplasia and compensatory ß-cell proliferation, by using a CP rat model.

Microwave biochar produced with activated carbon catalyst: Characterization and adsorption of heavy metals.

Novel microwave biochar derived from wheat straw (WS) using a range of power levels, with activated carbon catalyst as microwave absorber, was produced, characterized and tested as adsorbent of three heavy metals (Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+). The microwave biochar with the greatest specific surface area (156.09 m2 g-1) and total pore volume (0.0790 cm3 g-1) were produced at 600 W (WS600) and 500 W (WS500) power level, respectively. Maximum adsorption capacities of WS500 to Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ were 139.44 mg g-1, 52.92 mg g-1, and 31.25 mg g-1, respectively. Optimal pH value for heavy metal removal was at range of 5-6, and Pb2+ showed the strongest affinity in competitive adsorption experiments. The adsorption data were fitted better by pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm, indicating that adsorption process was mainly explained by monolayer adsorption, and chemical adsorption occupied important role. The predominant adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals on microwave pyrolysis biochar included complexation with oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., carboxylic acid CO and -OH) and precipitation with carbonate. In addition, reused WS600 maintained 76.17% and 96.07% of their initial adsorption capacity for Cu2+ and Cd2+, respectively. These results suggest that microwave biochar produced with activated carbon catalyst has excellent potential for efficient use in the removal of heavy metals from waste water.

Periodontitis-induced oral microbiome alterations provide clues on how periodontitis exacerbates colitis.

AIM: To evaluate whether and how microbiota-derived metabolites associated with periodontitis aggravate colitis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mouse model of periodontitis and colitis was constructed. Unbiased transcriptomic analyses of the colon were performed to explore important pathways through which periodontitis exacerbated colitis. Oral and gut bacteria were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to observe the alterations of oral and gut metabolites. Isolated intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry. Inflammasome pathway was detected using qRT-PCR, Western blotting or ELISA. RESULTS: Periodontitis activated the colonic inflammasome pathway and altered the gut microbial composition and metabolite profiles in mice with colitis. Notably, periodontitis induced increase of the faecal metabolite isoleucine (Ile) which was synthesized by microbiota and plants. Moreover, periodontitis upregulated the Ile levels in saliva, but not in serum, indicating that Ile might be an oral pathobiont-synthesizing metabolite that transited from the oral cavity to the gut. Ile triggered the inflammasome pathway, upregulated the number of inflammatory IL-1ßhigh MHCIIhigh Ly6Chigh monocytes in colonic lamina propria, and exacerbated colitis. Further studies found that the Ile metabolite acetyl-coenzyme A positively regulated NLRP3 inflammasome by KAT5-mediated acetylation of NLRP3. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that alteration in periodontitis-induced microbial metabolites deteriorated colitis in a mouse model and that this was associated with Ile production.

Enhanced removal of sulfonamide antibiotics from water by phosphogypsum modified biochar composite.

Antibiotic pollution has become a global eco-environmental issue. To reduce sulfonamide antibiotics in water and improve resource utilization of solid wastes, phosphogypsum modified biochar composite (PMBC) was prepared via facile one-step from distillers grains, wood chips, and phosphogypsum. The physicochemical properties of PMBC were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. The influencing factors, adsorption behaviors, and mechanisms of sulfadiazine (SD) and sulfamethazine (SMT) onto PMBC were studied by batch and fixed bed column adsorption experiments. The results showed that the removal rates of SD and SMT increased with the increase of phosphogypsum proportion, while decreased with the increase of solution pH. The maximum adsorption capacities of modified distillers grain and wood chips biochars for SD were 2.98 and 4.18 mg/g, and for SMT were 4.40 and 8.91 mg/g, respectively, which was 9.0-22.3 times that of pristine biochar. Fixed bed column results demonstrated that PMBC had good adsorption capacities for SD and SMT. When the solution flow rate was 2.0 mL/min and the dosage of PMBC was 5.0 g, the removal rates of SD and SMT by modified wood chips biochar were both higher than 50% in 4 hr. The main mechanisms of SD and SMT removal by PMBC are hydrogen bonding, π-π donor-acceptor, electrostatic interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. This study provides an effective method for the removal of antibiotics in water and the resource utilization of phosphogypsum.

1-year outcomes in hospital survivors with COVID-19: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The full range of long-term health consequences of COVID-19 in patients who are discharged from hospital is largely unclear. The aim of our study was to comprehensively compare consequences between 6 months and 12 months after symptom onset among hospital survivors with COVID-19. METHODS: We undertook an ambidirectional cohort study of COVID-19 survivors who had been discharged from Jin Yin-tan Hospital (Wuhan, China) between Jan 7 and May 29, 2020. At 6-month and 12-month follow-up visit, survivors were interviewed with questionnaires on symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and received a physical examination, a 6-min walking test, and laboratory tests. They were required to report their health-care use after discharge and work status at the 12-month visit. Survivors who had completed pulmonary function tests or had lung radiographic abnormality at 6 months were given the corresponding tests at 12 months. Non-COVID-19 participants (controls) matched for age, sex, and comorbidities were interviewed and completed questionnaires to assess prevalent symptoms and HRQoL. The primary outcomes were symptoms, modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, HRQoL, and distance walked in 6 min (6MWD). Multivariable adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors of 12-month outcomes. FINDINGS: 1276 COVID-19 survivors completed both visits. The median age of patients was 59·0 years (IQR 49·0-67·0) and 681 (53%) were men. The median follow-up time was 185·0 days (IQR 175·0-198·0) for the 6-month visit and 349·0 days (337·0-361·0) for the 12-month visit after symptom onset. The proportion of patients with at least one sequelae symptom decreased from 68% (831/1227) at 6 months to 49% (620/1272) at 12 months (p<0·0001). The proportion of patients with dyspnoea, characterised by mMRC score of 1 or more, slightly increased from 26% (313/1185) at 6-month visit to 30% (380/1271) at 12-month visit (p=0·014). Additionally, more patients had anxiety or depression at 12-month visit (26% [331/1271] at 12-month visit vs 23% [274/1187] at 6-month visit; p=0·015). No significant difference on 6MWD was observed between 6 months and 12 months. 88% (422/479) of patients who were employed before COVID-19 had returned to their original work at 12 months. Compared with men, women had an odds ratio of 1·43 (95% CI 1·04-1·96) for fatigue or muscle weakness, 2·00 (1·48-2·69) for anxiety or depression, and 2·97 (1·50-5·88) for diffusion impairment. Matched COVID-19 survivors at 12 months had more problems with mobility, pain or discomfort, and anxiety or depression, and had more prevalent symptoms than did controls. INTERPRETATION: Most COVID-19 survivors had a good physical and functional recovery during 1-year follow-up, and had returned to their original work and life. The health status in our cohort of COVID-19 survivors at 12 months was still lower than that in the control population. FUNDING: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, Major Projects of National Science and Technology on New Drug Creation and Development of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, the China Evergrande Group, Jack Ma Foundation, Sino Biopharmaceutical, Ping An Insurance (Group), and New Sunshine Charity Foundation.

OPENER Is a Nuclear Envelope and Mitochondria Localized Protein Required for Cell Cycle Progression in Arabidopsis.

Currently one-third of the proteins encoded by the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome are of unknown function. Some of these unknown proteins are likely to be involved in uncharacterized vital biological processes. Evolutionarily conserved single copy genes in flowering plants have been shown to be enriched in essential housekeeping functions. This together with publicly available gene expression data allows for a focused search for uncharacterized essential genes. Here we identify an essential single copy gene called OPENER (OPNR) in Arabidopsis. We show that OPNR is predominantly expressed in actively dividing cells and performs essential functions in seed development and root meristem maintenance. Cell cycle tracking using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining and fluorescent cell cycle markers together with the increased size of nucleolus and nucleus in opnr mutants indicate that OPNR is required for cell cycle progression through the S or G2 phases. Intriguingly, OPNR localizes to the nuclear envelope and mitochondria. Furthermore, the nuclear envelope localization of OPNR is dependent on its interaction with nuclear inner membrane Sad1/UNC-84 (SUN) domain proteins SUN1 and SUN2. Taken together our results open a line of investigation into an evolutionarily conserved essential cellular process occurring in both the nuclear envelopes and mitochondria of dividing cells.

Effect of a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser on the physicochemical properties of contaminated titanium surfaces and macrophage polarization.

AIM(S): The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the physical and chemical properties of titanium surfaces contaminated by a Nd:YAG laser with different levels of energy and the regulation of macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The titanium specimens were divided into four groups. The blank control group consisted of the above-mentioned contaminated titanium specimens, and the conditioned control group consisted of sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces. The blank control and condition control groups were sealed and preserved in a sterile dark box. There were two experimental groups treated with the Nd:YAG laser-one with 0.5 W and the second with 1.0 W. Surface characteristics were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry, and contact angle assays. The macrophage viability and proliferation of mouse RAW246.7 were analysed, and the macrophage surface markers, macrophage cytokines, and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes were expressed. RESULTS: The Nd:YAG laser increased the hydrophilicity and roughness of the titanium surface after decontamination. Fewer RAW264.7 cells were observed on the titanium surface after Nd:YAG decontamination than on the contaminated titanium surface expressing the M1-type macrophage marker CCR7, whereas more cells were observed after decontamination than on the contaminated titanium surface expressing the M2-type macrophage marker CD206. Following Nd:YAG laser treatment, the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α by RAW264.7 cells on the titanium surface was decreased, whereas the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 was increased. RAW264.7 cells cultured for 3 days on the titanium surface after Nd:YAG decontamination treatment expressed significantly reduced levels of the inflammation-related genes IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS. The expression of the anti-inflammatory genes Arg-1, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-ß by RAW264.7 cells was significantly up-regulated after 3 days of incubation on the titanium surface after Nd:YAG decontamination treatment. CONCLUSION(S): The Nd:YAG laser increased the hydrophilicity and roughness of the titanium surface after decontamination, and this change inhibited M1-type macrophage polarization and promoted M2-type macrophage polarization.

Performance of lignin impregnated biochar on tetracycline hydrochloride adsorption: Governing factors and mechanisms.

Corn stalk-based and wheat straw-based biochar were modified by lignin impregnation and applied to adsorb tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in wastewater. Porous properties of lignin impregnated biochar were improved and showed better adsorption performance for TCH. Lignin impregnated wheat straw biochar (WS-L) had the maximum adsorption capacity of 31.48 mg/g, which was 1.89 times compared to corresponding pristine biochar, because excellent pore structure developed via the lignin impregnation and carbonization. The adsorption behavior of TCH molecules on biochar could be interpreted well by two-step process, and it postulated to be a physical adsorption process based on pore filling, hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction, and electrostatic interactions. And cations including Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Al3+ could compete with TCH for adsorption, while Ca2+ could promote TCH adsorption by forming tetracycline-Ca2+ complexes. Maximum TCH adsorption occurred at pH of 7. The best performing lignin impregnated biochar was WS-L that demonstrated the biochar modulated by lignin had the potential to remove antibiotics from aqueous solutions.

Cellulose Synthase Stoichiometry in Aspen Differs from Arabidopsis and Norway Spruce.

Cellulose is synthesized at the plasma membrane by cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) containing cellulose synthases (CESAs). Genetic analysis and CESA isoform quantification indicate that cellulose in the secondary cell walls of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is synthesized by isoforms CESA4, CESA7, and CESA8 in equimolar amounts. Here, we used quantitative proteomics to investigate whether the CSC model based on Arabidopsis secondary cell wall CESA stoichiometry can be applied to the angiosperm tree aspen (Populus tremula) and the gymnosperm tree Norway spruce (Picea abies). In the developing xylem of aspen, the secondary cell wall CESA stoichiometry was 3:2:1 for PtCESA8a/b:PtCESA4:PtCESA7a/b, while in Norway spruce, the stoichiometry was 1:1:1, as observed previously in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, in aspen tension wood, the secondary cell wall CESA stoichiometry changed to 8:3:1 for PtCESA8a/b:PtCESA4:PtCESA7a/b. PtCESA8b represented 73% of the total secondary cell wall CESA pool, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of CESA transcripts in cryosectioned tension wood revealed increased PtCESA8b expression during the formation of the cellulose-enriched gelatinous layer, while the transcripts of PtCESA4, PtCESA7a/b, and PtCESA8a decreased. A wide-angle x-ray scattering analysis showed that the shift in CESA stoichiometry in tension wood coincided with an increase in crystalline cellulose microfibril diameter, suggesting that the CSC CESA composition influences microfibril properties. The aspen CESA stoichiometry results raise the possibility of alternative CSC models and suggest that homomeric PtCESA8b complexes are responsible for cellulose biosynthesis in the gelatinous layer in tension wood.

Zebrafish fatty acids receptor Gpr84 enhances macrophage phagocytosis.

GPR84 was identified as a receptor for medium-chain fatty acids with carbon chain lengths of 9-14. It has previously been reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces significantly up-regulation of zebrafish gpr84, and zebrafish gpr84 overexpression markedly increased the LPS-stimulated production of the cytokine IL-12. Here we expanded on these studies to further investigate the roles of zebrafish Gpr84 in immune reaction. Flow cytometric assay was used to assess the effects of zebrafish Gpr84 on the phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages. It was found that overexpression of zebrafish gpr84 significantly increased both the phagocytic ability (PA) and phagocytic index (PI) values of the macrophages engulfing the bacteria, suggesting that zebrafish Gpr84 was able to promote the phagocytosis of bacteria by the macrophages. The data proves the direct effect of Gpr84 in immune reaction.

Different Types of Family History of Stroke and Stroke Risk: Results Based on 655,552 Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Many studies concentrated on the relationships between different types of family history and stroke, but they have not arrived at an unified conclusion. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to further evaluate the associations. METHODS: Different databases were searched for related studies published from 1990 to August 2017. The relative risk was considered as the common measure of association across different studies. Heterogeneity of effects across studies was quantified by I2. RESULTS: Sixteen published studies (total participants: 655,552) were eligible in this study. The pooled multifactorial adjusted relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.40 (1.18, 1.67) for individuals with paternal history, 1.36 (1.20, 1.53) for those with maternal history, and 1.44 (1.17, 1.77) for those with sibling history. Based on cohort studies, the pooled adjusted RRs (95%CIs) for paternal, maternal, and sibling history were 1.33 (1.11-1.59), 1.28 (1.14-1.45), and 1.24 (1.01-1.51), respectively, all of which were smaller than those based on case-control and cross-sectional studies. In studies with large sample size, the respective adjusted RR (95%CI) of stroke for paternal, maternal, and sibling history was 1.30 (1.09, 1.56), 1.30 (1.18, 1.44), and 1.26 (1.02, 1.56), which was lower than that in studies with small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Each type of family history of stroke was associated with an increased stroke risk. We could not find significant differences among stroke risks relating to different types of family history of stroke. Thus, paternal, maternal, and sibling history require our equal attention in the stroke prevention and control work.

Comparison of early osseointegration between laser-treated/acid-etched and sandblasted/acid-etched titanium implant surfaces.

This study was designed to compare the early osseointegration of titanium surfaces prepared via laser-treated/acid-etched (LA) and sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) in dogs. Titanium implants were divided into two groups: Surfaces of the experimental group were treated via LA, while in the control group, surfaces were treated via SLA. The physical and chemical properties of LA and SLA surfaces were tested and compared. Sixteen implants with LA or SLA surfaces were placed into the tibias of four beagle dogs, each treatment group received two implants per single tibia. The dogs were sacrificed two and four weeks after implant placement. Scanning electron microscopy showed that both the LA and SLAs surface exhibited rough structures with micro pores sized 1-3 µm. In the LA surface, regular melting points were observed. However, in the SLA surface, the structure was irregular and few oxide aluminum particles still remained. Only titanium and a small amount of titanium compounds were detected on LA surfaces, while Al was found of SLA surfaces. The LA surface roughness was above that of SLA surfaces (LA: Ra: 2.1 µm; SLA: Ra :1.53 µm; P < 0.01). Both groups exhibited good osseointegration and no significant differences were found in the BIC% at two or four weeks between both groups (P > 0.05). Both groups exhibited good osseointegration; however, the LA surface was cleaner and more uniform than the SLA surface, and no significant differences were found between both groups.

[Safety and efficacy of sensor augmented insulin pump versus double C therapy in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, safety and efficiency of sensor augmented insulin pump (SAP) versus double-C therapy in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 81 patients with T2DM, HbA1c ≥ 9%, were divided randomly into SAP or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (double C) group for both 6 days. RESULTS: In both groups, mean blood glucose (MBG), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) and 24 h area under the curve at 10 (AUC10) significantly decreased after therapy (P < 0.05). These parameters in SAP group were lower than those in double C group (P < 0.05). No significant difference existed in 24 h area under the curve at 3.9 (AUC3.9) (P > 0.05). Compared with double C group, time spend to-blood glucose-target was shorter and in-target range proportion higher in SAP group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that 2 h C peptide (CP)/fasting C peptide (FCP), HbA1c and sensor alert on (all P < 0.05) were independently correlated with up-to blood glucose target. CONCLUSION: Compared with double C, SAP therapy may decrease blood glucose (BG), reduce glucose fluctuation and improve up-to target proportions without a higher risk of hypoglycemia.

An overview of current research on cancer stem cells: a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a potential mechanism contributing to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. The objective of this study is to investigate the status quo and advancements in CSC research utilizing bibliometric analysis. METHODS: Publications related to CSCs from 2010 to 2022 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Various analytical tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and GraphPad Prism were used to visualize aspects such as co-authorship, co-occurrence, and co-citation within CSC research to provide an objective depiction of the contemporary status and developmental trajectory of the CSC field. RESULTS: A total of 22,116 publications were included from 1942 journals written by 95,992 authors. Notably, China emerged as the country with the highest number of publications, whereas the United States exerted the most significant influence within the field. MD Anderson Cancer Center emerged as the institution making the most comprehensive contributions. Wicha M.S. emerged as the most prolific and influential researcher. Among journals, Cancers emerged as a focal point for CSC research, consistently publishing a wealth of high-quality papers. Furthermore, it was observed that most journals tended to approach CSC research from molecular, biological, and immunological perspectives. The research into CSCs encompassed a broad array of topics, including isolation and enrichment techniques, biomarkers, biological characteristics, cancer therapy strategies, and underlying biological regulatory mechanisms. Notably, exploration of the tumor microenvironment and extracellular vesicles emerged as burgeoning research frontiers for CSCs. CONCLUSION: The research on CSCs has garnered growing interest. A trend toward multidisciplinary homogeneity is emerging within the realm of CSCs. Further investigation could potentially center on the patients of extracellular vesicles and the tumor microenvironment in relation to CSCs.

The malnutrition in AECOPD and its association with unfavorable outcomes by comparing PNI, GNRI with the GLIM criteria: a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: The management of nutritional risk has garnered significant attention in individuals diagnosed with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) due to the high prevalence of malnutrition and its correlation with unfavorable outcomes. While numerous rating scales exist to assist in assessment for both clinical and research purposes, there is considerable variability in the selection of scales based on the characteristics of the study participants and the study design. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in identifying malnutrition and predicting prognosis in elderly AECOPD patients. Methods: From January 2022 to December 2022, a consecutive inclusion of elderly AECOPD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University was conducted. Diagnosing malnutrition in patients using PNI and GNRI, comparing the results with the diagnostic outcomes based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria through Receiver Operating Characteristic curves. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the risks associated with length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) based on GLIM, GNRI, or PNI. Results: A total of 839 elderly AECOPD patients were investigated in the study. The GNRI and PNI demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.5 and 74.1%, specificity of 77.2 and 66.4%, and an area under the curve of 0.834 and 0.702, respectively. The identification of high malnutrition-risk cases using the GLIM, GNRI and PNI were associated with a significant increase in the risk of LOS over 7 days [odds ratio (95% CI) for GLIM, GNRI, PNI: 1.376 (1.033-1.833); 1.405 (1.070-1.846); 1.875 (1.425-2.468)] and higher hospitalization expenses [OR (95% CI) for GLIM, GNRI: 1.498 (1.080-2.080); 1.510 (1.097-2.079)], but not with the CCI. Conclusion: According to our study, it is possible to use GNRI and PNI as alternatives to GLIM in the context of AECOPD, which makes it easier to identify malnutrition. The utilization of GNRI and PNI as alternatives to GLIM in the context of AECOPD enables the identification of malnutrition. The presence of malnourished individuals experiencing AECOPD is correlated with higher probabilities of extended hospital stays and escalated in-hospital expenses.