Magnetostriction, piezomagnetism and domain nucleation in a Kagome antiferromagnet.

Whenever the elastic energy of a solid depends on magnetic field, there is a magnetostrictive response. Field-linear magnetostriction implies piezomagnetism and vice versa. Here, we show that Mn3Sn, a non-collinear antiferromanget with Weyl nodes, hosts a large and almost perfectly linear magnetostriction even at room temperature. The longitudinal and transverse magnetostriction, with opposite signs and similar amplitude are restricted to the kagome planes and the out-of-plane response is negligibly small. By studying four different samples with different Mn:Sn ratios, we find a clear correlation between the linear magnetostriction, the spontaneous magnetization and the concentration of Sn vacancies. The recently reported piezomagnetic data fits in our picture. We show that linear magnetostriction and piezomagnetism are both driven by the field-induced in-plane twist of spins. A quantitative account of the experimental data requires the distortion of the spin texture by Sn vacancies. We find that the field-induced domain nucleation within the hysteresis loop corresponds to a phase transition. Within the hysteresis loop, a concomitant mesoscopic modulation of local strain and spin twist angles, leading to twisto-magnetic stripes, arises as a result of the competition between elastic and magnetic energies.

Clinical and Economic Insights into Parkinson's Disease Hospitalization: A Comprehensive Study of 19,719 Inpatient Cases in Hubei Province, China.

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a profoundly incapacitating neurodegenerative disorder, which presents a substantial challenge to the economic sustainability of the global healthcare system. The present study seeks to clarify the factors that contribute to the costs associated with PD hospitalization and analyze the economic burden it imposes. METHODS: We examined data of 19,719 patients with a primary diagnosis of PD who were admitted to hospitals in Hubei Province, China, during the study period. Healthcare data were obtained from the database of electronic medical records. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the demographic characteristics and investigates the factors that affect their healthcare expenditure. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 10,442 (53.0%) males and 9,277 (47.0%) females. The age-group of 66-70 years experienced the highest incidence of hospitalization among PD patients, with a mortality rate of 0.76‰. The average length of stay for patients was 9.9 ± 8.6 days and the average cost per patient was USD 1,759.9 ± 4,787.7. Surgical interventions were conducted on a mere 2.0% of the total inpatient population. The primary cost component for these interventions was material expenses, accounting for 70.1% of the total. Non-surgical patients primarily incurred expenses related to diagnosis and medication. Notably, surgical patients faced a substantial out-of-pocket rate, reaching up to 90.6%. Surgery was identified as the most influential factor that negatively affected both length of stay and hospitalization costs. Inpatients exhibited significant associations with prolonged length of stay and increased medical expenditure as age increased. Male patients had significantly longer hospital stays and higher medical costs than did females. Additionally, patient's occupation and type of medical insurance exerted significant effects on both length of stay and medical expense. CONCLUSION: Age significantly affects PD hospitalization costs. Given the prevailing demographic shift toward an aging population, the government's medical insurance burden related to PD will continue to escalate. Meanwhile, high treatment expenses and out-of-pocket rates impose substantial financial burdens on patients, limiting surgical intervention access to a small fraction of patients. Addressing these issues is of utmost importance in order to ensure comprehensive disease management for the majority of individuals affected by PD.

Implantation of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells improves erectile function in a bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of the skin-derived precursor Schwann cells for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury. RESULTS: The skin-derived precursor Schwann cells-treatment significantly restored erectile functions, accelerated the recovery of endothelial and smooth muscle tissues in the penis, and promoted nerve repair. The expression of p-Smad2/3 decreased after the treatment, which indicated significantly reduced fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Cette étude a été menée pour étudier le potentiel thérapeutique des cellules de Schwann dérivées de la peau pour le traiter la dysfonction érectile survenue dans un modèle de lésion bilatérale du nerf caverneux chez le rat. RéSULTATS: Le traitement par des cellules de Schwann dérivées de la peau a significativement restauré les fonctions érectiles, accéléré la récupération des tissus endothéliaux et des tissues musculaires lisses du pénis, et a favorisé la réparation nerveuse. L'expression de p-Smad2/3 a diminué après le traitement, ce qui indique une fibrose significativement réduite dans le corps caverneux. CONCLUSION: L'implantation de cellules de Schwann dérivées de la peau est une stratégie thérapeutique efficace pour traiter la dysfonction érectile induite par une lésion bilatérale du nerf caverneux.

The Third Hand of Neurosurgeons - a novel intraoperative malleable adjustable continuous suction tube.

Objective: We designed a novel intraoperative malleable adjustable continuous suction tube to obtain clear surgical fields, reduce intracranial pressure, and lower the temperature of the surgical area. Methods: This device consists of six parts: continuous suction tube head and cotton patty, suction tube, fixed wire position, fixed clip, spiral plastic pressure regulating valve, and tail. It can continuously extract blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and rinsing solution from surgical fields, with minimal contact and trauma to tissues, nerves, and blood vessels, while also having a negligible impact on the surgeon's focus and procedure. Result: The excellent and safe performance (simple, malleable, adjustable, space-saving, inexpensive, safe, and effective) of this device in clearing the operating field has been proven in more than 2000 neurosurgical operative procedures. We encountered no complications associated with this device, such as cerebral hematoma, postoperative low intracranial pressure, or vascular and nerve injuries. Conclusion: The newly innovated intraoperative malleable adjustable continuous suction tube is effective and safe for microneurosurgery.

A new neurosurgical adjustable pressure suction apparatus with a mechanically controlled air inlet: the study of precise regulation and atraumatic suction.

Background: An essential surgical tool in neurosurgery is the suction tube. The skillful and accurate use of a suction tube facilitates the neurosurgical operation. Objective: This study is to verify the practicality of an adjustable pressure suction tube (APS tube) and to explore the ideal APS tube diameter and tip negative pressure for different intracranial structures. Methods: APS tubes were used to aspirate brain tissues and carotid arteries of rats. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was used to record the blood flow velocity (BFV). We measured APS tube diameter, air inlet size, tip negative pressure and central negative pressure and calculated the correlation between them. In our department, intraoperative real-time parameters including APS tube diameter, length, air inlet size, and central negative pressure were recorded, and the tube tip negative pressure suitable for different intracranial structures and parts was calculated. Results: All experiments were carried out using APS tubes. Experiments on rats objectively reflected a severe structural damage to the brain and blood vessels by the suction tube, which might even result in an irreversible reduction in blood flow., Rat carotid arteries and brain tissue suffered severe damage when the tip negative pressure exceeded 33.4 ± 1.8 and 29.2 ± 2.0 kPa, respectively. BFV failed to return to the preoperative level 3 min after the operation (p < 0.05), and this decrease was more pronounced when the suction tube diameter was large (p < 0.05). The tip negative pressure was positively and negatively correlated with central negative pressure and the air inlet size, and was independent of APS tube diameter. A total of 50 operations including 39 tumor resection operations and 11 moyamoya disease bypass operations were recorded. Large-diameter APS tubes (3.5 mm) with an closed air inlet were frequently used to maintain a greater tip negative pressure before the incision of dura mater. When important structures such as motor cortex and brainstem were involved, 1.5- or 2.0-mm-diameter APS tubes were mostly used, and an air inlet was opened up to 0.7-2.1 mm to maintain a safe tip negative pressure (7.4-27.9 kPa). Conclusion: APS tubes with a mechanical knob provide stable and precise adjustment of the tip negative pressure, avoiding excessive negative pressure that causes serious damage to the intracranial structure. And, this allows the surgeon to hold the suction tube more freely and operate at any angle with an appropriate fulcrum near the incision to achieve efficient atraumatic suction and enhance surgical safety.

An EPO-loaded multifunctional hydrogel synergizing with adipose-derived stem cells restores neurogenic erectile function via enhancing nerve regeneration and penile rehabilitation.

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (nED) is one of the most common and intractable postoperative complications of rectal and prostate cancer surgery and sometimes accompanies patients lifelong. The transplantation of stem cells has been proved a promising way for treatment. However, the therapeutic efficacy is severely impaired by excessive cell loss and death and poor accumulation in the injury site along with the traditional implantation strategy. Herein, an EPO-loaded multifunctional hydrogel was designed. The hydrogels' adhesive property and mechanical strength were enhanced by adding catechol-catechol adducts, thus significantly improving adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) retention and rescuing cell loss in the injury site. Meanwhile, the sustained release of EPO effectively ameliorated the viability and paracrine activity of ADSC, leading to enhanced migration of Schwann cells and differentiation of PC12 cells in vivo. On a bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model, the present stem cell-EPO-hydrogel implanted strategy could significantly alleviate erectile dysfunction. The higher expression of Tuj1 and lower expression of GFAP in the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) indicated the acceleration of neural differentiation while the suppressing development of astrocytes. Also, the combined therapy restored the expression levels of eNOs, nNOs, and α-SMA in penile tissues, suggesting the rehabilitation of the penis. Further analysis of Masson trichrome staining and apoptosis evaluation of the corpus cavernosum showed the preservation of vascular endothelium content and the prevention of penile fibrosis after denervation. Overall, we believe that this combined strategy presents a promising way not only for restoring neurogenic erectile function but also for the clinical translation of stem cell therapy.

Remote Programming in Patients With Parkinson's Disease After Deep Brain Stimulation: Safe, Effective, and Economical.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficiency, and cost expenditure of remote programming in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Methods: A total of 74 patients who underwent DBS at the Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between June 2018 and June 2020 were enrolled in this study. There were 27 patients in the remote programming group and 47 patients in the outpatient programming group. Clinical data, programming efficiency, adverse events, expenditure, and satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 36 times of remote programming were performed on the 27 patients in the remote programming group, and four had mild adverse events during programming, and the adverse events disappeared within 1 week. The satisfaction questionnaire showed that 97.3% of the patients were satisfied with the surgical effect. The patients in the remote programming group (88.9%) were more likely to receive long-term programming after DBS than the patients in the outpatient programming group (74.5%). The Parkinsonism symptoms improved in both programming groups. The majority (18/27) of patients in the remote programming group lived away from the programming center, while the majority (27/47) of patients in the outpatient programming group lived in Wuhan, where the programming center was located (P = 0.046). The cost per patient per programming was US$ 43.5 in the remote programming group and $59.5 (56-82.7) in the outpatient programming group (P < 0.001). The median time cost for each visit was 30 min (25-30) in the remote programming group and 150 min (135-270.0) in the outpatient programming group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Remote programming is safe and effective after DBS in patients with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, it reduces expenditure and time costs for patients and achieves high satisfaction, particularly for patients living far from programming centers.

Evaluation of preoperative efficacy of levodopa in subthalamic deep brain stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: Withdrawal of levodopa (L-dopa) the night before subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) procedures have been a standard practice, although some patients experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. In this cohort study, we investigated the effects of continuing preoperative L-dopa therapy on intraoperative microelectrode recording (MER), intraoperative cooperation and the clinical outcome for deep brain stimulation (DBS) which was performed under local anesthesia. METHODS: The study included 99 patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated with bilateral STN-DBS between October 2014 and August 2018. The patients were followed for 12 months postoperatively and divided into "on-medication" and "off-medication" groups. The length of MER recordings, the number of microelectrode tracks, intraoperation cooperation, operation duration, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The length of MER recording was longer in the "on-medication" group in both the left and right subthalamic nucleus (STN; P<0.001 and P=0.007, respectively). The unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) motor score indicated better improvement in the "on-medication" group at postoperative one month, six months and twelve months (P=0.045, P=0.034 and P=0.001 respectively). Patients in "on-medication" group could cooperate better with a shorter operation duration (177.9 vs. 195 min, P=0.038). Reduction in L-dopa equivalent dose (LED) and improvement of Hoehn-Yahr scale were comparable between the two groups during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The continuation of L-dopa therapy prior to DBS procedures had no impediment on MER and can contribute to reducing the duration of operation, and benefit the electrode insertion, as well as the clinical outcomes.

Changes in the serum metabolomic profiles of subjects with NAFLD in response to n-3 PUFAs and phytosterol ester: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease and threatens human health worldwide. As shown in our previous study, co-supplementation with phytosterol ester (PSE) (3.3 g day-1) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (450 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 1500 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day) was more effective at ameliorating hepatic steatosis than treatment with PSE or n-3 PUFAs alone. In the present study, we further investigated the changes in the serum metabolic profiles of subjects with NAFLD in response to n-3 PUFAs and PSE. Thirty-one differentially altered serum metabolites were annotated using the nontargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE) analysis technique. Multivariable statistical and clustering analyses showed that co-supplementation of n-3 PUFAs and PSE was more effective at improving metabolic disorders in patients with NAFLD than treatment with n-3 PUFAs or PSE alone. The regulated metabolic pathways included metabolism of retinol, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Overall, the co-supplementation of n-3 PUFAs and PSE significantly increased the serum levels of PUFA-containing phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), perillyl alcohol and retinyl ester in patients with NAFLD after 12 weeks of intervention, and the levels of PC (14:0/20:5, 15:0/20:5), LysoPC (20:5, 22:6) and retinyl ester correlated negatively with the degree of hepatic steatosis. The regulatory effect of co-supplementation of n-3 PUFAs and PSE on metabolomic profiles may explain their potential role in alleviating hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD.

Lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells improve erectile function in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) often occurs due to cavernous nerve injury (CNI) after colorectal surgery. Cell-based therapies have great potential for the treatment of CNI-related ED; however, it needs to be optimised. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (L-ADSCs) on CNI-induced ED in rats. RESULTS: The results of this in vitro study revealed that low-dose lipopolysaccharide could increase the viability of ADSCs, inhibit caspase 3 activation induced by hydrogen peroxide and promote cell migration. Compared with the ADSC supernatant, the L-ADSC supernatant could better reduce fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 protein. In the in vivo study, it was compared to ADSCs therapy, where the L-ADSCs therapy indicated that could better improve erectile function by increasing smooth muscle content and alleviating penile fibrosis in rats 2 weeks after CNI. The outcome may be related to the increase in the hepatocyte growth factor content in the corpus cavernosum and myelin basic protein in the major pelvic ganglion. CONCLUSIONS: L-ADSC treatment may be a promising approach for restoring erectile function after CNI.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: La dysfonction érectile (DE) survient souvent en raison d'une lésion du nerf caverneux après une chirurgie colorectale. Les thérapies cellulaires ont un grand potentiel dans le traitement de la DE liée aux lésions du nerf caverneux; cependant, ces thérapies doivent être optimisées. Dans cette étude, nous avons exploré les effets thérapeutiques des cellules souches adipeuses (ADSC) allogéniques préconditionnées par lipopolysaccharides (L-ADSC) sur la dysfonction érectile induite par lésion du nerf caverneux chez le rat. RéSULTATS: Les résultats de l'étude in vitro ont révélé que les lipopolysaccharides à faible dose pourraient augmenter la viabilité des cellules souches adipeuses, inhiber l'activation de la caspase 3 induite par le peroxyde d'hydrogène, et favoriser la migration cellulaire. Comparé au surnageant des cellules souches adipeuses, le surnageant des cellules souches préconditionnées (L-ADSC) pourrait mieux réduire la fibrose, dans les cellules musculaires lisses du corps caverneux, induite par la transformation du facteur de croissance-protéine bêta 1. Dans l'étude in vivo, par comparaison au traitement par ADSC, la thérapie par L-ADSC indiquait une meilleure amélioration de la fonction érectile en augmentant le contenu musculaire lisse et en soulageant la fibrose pénienne chez le rat 2 semaines après lésion du nerf caverneux. Le résultat pourrait être lié à l'augmentation de la teneur en facteur de croissance hépatocytaire dans le corps caverneux, et de la protéine de base de la myéline dans le ganglion pelvien majeur. CONCLUSIONS: Le traitement par cellules souches adipeuses (ADSC) allogéniques préconditionnées par lipopolysaccharides (L-ADSC) pourrait être une approche prometteuse pour restaurer la fonction érectile après lésion du nerf caverneux.

Case report and literature review: Small bowel intussusception due to solitary metachronous metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction: Solitary metachronous small bowel metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare. In contrast to idiopathic intussusception frequently occurring in children, adult intussusception is fairly uncommon and usually indicates a malignancy. Case presentation: We presented an 84-year-old man with small bowel intussusception and obstruction due to a solitary metachronous metastasis from RCC. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast revealed small bowel obstruction and a 4 × 4 cm intraluminal soft-tissue mass with moderate enhancement. During urgent exploratory laparotomy, a pedunculated tumor of the distal ileum was found to be the lead point of intussusception. Hence, reduction of the intestinal invagination and segmental resection of the ileum with functional end-to-end anastomosis were performed. Histological examination finally confirmed the diagnosis. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged without any complications on postoperative day 6. Conclusion: The case report highlights the rarity of solitary metachronous small bowel metastases from RCC and suggests that life-long follow-up of RCC patients is critical due to its unpredictable behavior and the possibility of a long period of dormancy. Complete surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment for such patients.

[Action mechanism of Professor Xu Fusong's Shuilu Erxian Dan in the treatment of premature ejaculation: An exploration based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the potential action mechanism of Shuilu Erxian Dan in the treatment of premature ejaculation based on network pharmacology. METHODS: The TCMSP database was searched for the main chemical constituents of Euryale and golden cherry, the core components of Shuilu Erxian Dan. Oral bioavailability and medicinal properties were set as the parameters for screening active components, premature ejaculation-related disease targets retrieved from the DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD databases, the common targets of drug pairs and diseases identified with the Wayne diagram, and a drug-active ingredient-target-disease network map constructed with the software Cytoscape. A PPI network map designed through the STRING platform, the website Metascape used for GO and KEGG analyses of the common targets, and the protein receptors and small molecular ligands of the core genes employed for molecular docking and PyMOL visualization. RESULTS: A total of 7 chemical constituents and 171 predictive targets, 1 918 premature ejaculation targets and 113 common targets were identified. GO analysis showed significant enrichment of BP in response to toxic substances and inorganic substances, CC in membrane raft and plasma membrane protein complex, and MF in transcription factor binding and kinase binding. KEGG analysis manifested markedly enriched TNF signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway and Cocaine addiction. The results of molecular docking exhibited a good binding energy between the core gene and the component. CONCLUSION: Network pharmacology has revealed the potential action mechanism of Shuilu Erxian Dan in the treatment of premature ejaculation, which has paved the theoretical ground for verification of the effectiveness of Shuilu Erxian Dan in the treatment of premature ejaculation via animals and cells.

Alleviating the effect of quinoa and the underlying mechanism on hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome and has attracted widespread attention due to its increased prevalence. Daily dietary management is an effective strategy for the prevention of NAFLD. Quinoa, a nutritious pseudocereal, is abundant in antioxidative bioactive phytochemicals. In the present study, the effects of different amounts of quinoa on the progression of NAFLD and the related molecular mechanism were investigated. METHODS: Male SD rats were simultaneously administered a high fat diet (HF) and different amounts of quinoa (equivalent to 100 g/day and 300 g/day of human intake, respectively). After 12 weeks of the intervention, hepatic TG (triglyceride) and TC (total cholesterol) as well as serum antioxidative parameters were determined, and hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) staining was used to evaluate hepatic steatosis. Differential metabolites in serum and hepatic tissue were identified using UPLC-QTOF-MSE. The mRNA expression profile was investigated using RNA-Seq and further verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Low amounts of quinoa (equivalent to 100 g/d of human intake) effectively controlled the weight of rats fed a high-fat diet. In addition, quinoa effectively inhibited the increase in hepatic TG and TC levels, mitigated pathological injury, promoted the increase in SOD and GSH-Px activities, and decreased MDA levels. Nontarget metabolic profile analysis showed that quinoa regulated lipid metabolites in the circulation system and liver such as LysoPC and PC. RNA-Seq and RT-PCR verification revealed that a high amount of quinoa more effectively upregulated genes related to lipid metabolism [Apoa (apolipoprotein)5, Apoa4, Apoc2] and downregulated genes related to the immune response [lrf (interferon regulatory factor)5, Tlr6 (Toll-like receptor), Tlr10, Tlr11, Tlr12]. CONCLUSION: Quinoa effectively prevented NAFLD by controlling body weight, mitigating oxidative stress, and regulating the lipid metabolic profile and the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and the immune response.

Regulatory effects of Lactobacillus fermented black barley on intestinal microbiota of NAFLD rats.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and oxidative stress may play important roles in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fermented foods contain probiotics and other bioactive components that may improve gastrointestinal health and provide other health benefits. Here, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley on NAFLD rats. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: normal chow diet (NC), high-fat diet (HF), HF + fermented black barley treatment (HB) and HF + Lactobacillus treatment (HL). The rats in the HB and HL groups were continuously administered fermented black barley or Lactobacillus, respectively, for 12 weeks (1 mL/100 g·BW, containing 1 × 108 CFU/mL Lactobacillus). Compared with the HF treatment, HB treatment effectively inhibited the increase in body weight, liver and abdominal fat indexes and hepatic lipids (p < 0.01), increased hepatic SOD activity (p < 0.05), decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) (p < 0.01) and improved liver function. Moreover, Lactobacillus-fermented black barley exhibited regulatory effect on high-fat diet-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative microbiota abundance and diversity, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increasing the abundances of some intestinal probiotics (such as Akkermansia and Lactococcus), and influencing some of the fecal metabolites related to hormones and lipid metabolism. The supplementation of fermented cereal food might be a new effective and safe preventive dietary strategy against NAFLD.

Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley on high fat diet-induced fatty liver in rats.

A long-term high-fat (HF) diet can cause metabolic disorders, which might induce visceral obesity and ectopic triglyceride storage (e.g., hepatic steatosis), and increase hepatic oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of complications associated with obesity. Fermented whole cereal foods exhibit healthy potential due to their unique phytochemical composition and the presence of probiotics. In the present study, the regular nutrients and phytochemicals of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley (Hordeum distichum L.) were analyzed. Further, the black barley fermentation broth (1 mL per 100 g BW per d, equivalent to 1 mL per kg BW of daily human intake) was administered orally to the rats fed on a high fat diet (HF). The anti-oxidative activity and hepatic metabolic profile of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley were investigated. The results showed that the fermentation processing significantly increased the contents of polyphenols (e.g., ferulic acid, etc.), flavonoids (e.g., flavone, etc.), vitamin B1 and B2, partial mineral elements (e.g., Ca, etc.), and thymine. Furthermore, compared to the HF-fed only rats, fermented black barley treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH-PX (glutathione peroxidase), and decreased the level of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in serum, the levels of TG (triglyceride), TC (total cholesterol), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) in the liver, and the levels of TC, NEFA in the adipose tissue. This suggested the beneficial effects of fermented black barley on ameliorating oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis, which could be attributed to its regulatory role in the hepatic metabolism of glycerophospholipids, nicotinate and nicotinamide, glutathione, and nucleotide, and on the expression of genes related to oxidative stress (Heat shock protein 90 and reactive oxygen species modulator 1).

Effects of Adjuvant Therapy Compliance and Anastomotic Leakage on the Oncologic Outcomes of Patients With Rectal Cancer After Curative Resection.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage might be directly or indirectly related to the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether anastomotic leakage affects the oncologic outcomes in patients with rectal cancer. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a teaching hospital between January 2009 and December 2013. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent curative resection for primary rectal cancer were included. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to evaluate disease-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: The overall incidence of anastomotic leakage was 2.7% (107/3865). Local recurrence was more frequent in patients with anastomotic leakage than in those without (14.0% vs 6.7%; p = 0.007). By multivariate analysis, anastomotic leakage was associated with increased local recurrence rate (p = 0.014) and poorer overall survival (p = 0.011). In subgroup analysis, compared with other pathologic risk factors, anastomotic leakage was associated with higher occurrence of local and distant recurrence in patients with stage II rectal cancer (p = 0.031 and <0.001). In patients with stage III rectal cancers, adjuvant therapy was more likely to be delayed or canceled in those experiencing anastomotic leakage (63 vs 39 d, p < 0.001; 37.3% vs 66.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, this patient group had the worst survival outcome when compared with those without anastomotic leakage and those with timely adjuvant therapy (5-year disease-free survival rate, p = 0.013; 5-year overall survival rate, p = 0.001). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: There was a robust association between anastomotic leakage and local recurrence, while also potentially affect long-term survival of the patient group. Delayed or cancelled adjuvant therapy administration because of anastomotic leakage may partly account for the poorer survival in those patients with advanced rectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B459. EFECTOS DE OBSERVANCIA DE TERAPIA ADYUVANTE Y FUGA ANASTOMTICA, EN RESULTADOS ONCOLGICOS DE PACIENTES CON CNCER RECTAL, DESPUS DE UNA RESECCIN CURATIVA: ANTECEDENTES:La fuga anastomótica podría estar relacionada directa o indirectamente, con el pronóstico de los pacientes con cáncer de recto.OBJETIVO:El estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar si la fuga anastomótica afecta los resultados oncológicos, en pacientes con cáncer de recto.DISEÑO:Fue un análisis retrospectivo de datos recolectados prospectivamente.AJUSTE:El estudio se realizó en un hospital universitario entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2013.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a resección curativa por cáncer rectal primario.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se utilizaron análisis de Kaplan-Meier para evaluar la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y supervivencia general.RESULTADOS:La incidencia global de fuga anastomótica fue del 2,7% (107/3865). La recurrencia local fue más frecuente en pacientes con fuga anastomótica, que en aquellos sin ella (14,0% frente a 6,7%, p = 0,007). Por análisis multivariado, la fuga anastomótica se asoció con una mayor tasa de recurrencia local (p = 0,014) y una peor supervivencia general (p = 0,011). En el análisis de subgrupos, en comparación con otros factores de riesgo patológicos, la fuga anastomótica se asoció con una mayor incidencia de recidiva local y a distancia en pacientes con cáncer rectal en estadio II (p = 0,031 y <0,001, respectivamente). En pacientes con cáncer rectal estadio III, la terapia adyuvante tuvo más probabilidades de retrasarse o cancelarse en aquellos que sufrían fuga anastomótica (63 vs 39 días, p <0,001; 37,3% vs 66,7%, p <0,001). Y este grupo de pacientes tuvo el peor resultado de supervivencia en comparación con aquellos sin fuga anastomótica y aquellos con terapia adyuvante oportuna (tasa de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a 5 años, p = 0,013; tasa de supervivencia global a 5 años, p = 0,001).LIMITACIONES:El estudio está limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.CONCLUSIONES:Hubo una sólida asociación entre la fuga anastomótica y la recurrencia local, mientras que también afecta potencialmente la supervivencia a largo plazo, del grupo de pacientes. La administración de terapia adyuvante retrasada o cancelada debido a una fuga anastomótica, puede explicar en parte, la menor supervivencia en aquellos pacientes con cáncer rectal avanzado. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B459.

Critical point for Bose-Einstein condensation of excitons in graphite.

An exciton is an electron-hole pair bound by attractive Coulomb interaction. Short-lived excitons have been detected by a variety of experimental probes in numerous contexts. An excitonic insulator, a collective state of such excitons, has been more elusive. Here, thanks to Nernst measurements in pulsed magnetic fields, we show that in graphite there is a critical temperature (T = 9.2 K) and a critical magnetic field (B = 47 T) for Bose-Einstein condensation of excitons. At this critical field, hole and electron Landau subbands simultaneously cross the Fermi level and allow exciton formation. By quantifying the effective mass and the spatial separation of the excitons in the basal plane, we show that the degeneracy temperature of the excitonic fluid corresponds to this critical temperature. This identification would explain why the field-induced transition observed in graphite is not a universal feature of three-dimensional electron systems pushed beyond the quantum limit.

Comparative effectiveness of prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for resected low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN): A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Whether prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) offers long-term survival benefit to patients with low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) after resection surgery is still under heated debate. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to investigate the comparative effectiveness and safety of prophylactic HIPEC regimens in LAMNs METHODS:: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), clinicaltrials.gov and controlledtrials.com will be performed. All published RCTs and quasi-RCTs through July 20, 2020 with language restricted in English will be included in this review study. Two reviewers will independently conduct the procedures of study identification, data collection, and methodological quality assessment. The primary outcomes are overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The secondary outcomes consist of peritonitis and sepsis, colonic fistula, chemotherapy-associated adverse events, and adhesive intestinal obstruction. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) and relative 95% confident intervals (CIs) of each outcome measurement will be calculated. EndNote X9 software will be applied to manage all citations. The Stata software version 14.0 and R x64 software version 3.5.1 will be employed for main statistical analyses. DISCUSSION: This study will employ a network meta-analysis to summarize direct and indirect evidence in the specific area to provide detailed individualized guidance on surgical management for LAMNs. REGISTRATION: This protocol was registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) on 25 July 2020 (registration number INPLASY202070112).

Adult genitourinary sarcoma: Clinical characteristics and survival in a series of patients treated at a high-volume institution.

OBJECTIVES: To report our institutional experience in the management of adult genitourinary sarcoma. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of data on adult genitourinary sarcoma treated at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China from 1985 to 2010. Clinicopathological parameters were analyzed to determine their impact on overall, recurrence-free and metastasis-free survivals. RESULTS: A total of 46 women and 142 men were included, with a median age of 42 years. Of these, 152 cases were high-grade. The most common site was the paratesticular region. Surgical resection was carried out in 155 patients (82.4%), with negative margin in 106. After a minimum follow up of 5 years, 20 patients (11.6%) survived disease-free, 14 (8.1%) were alive with disease and 138 (80.2%) died of disease. Survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 91.3%, 64.0% and 47.7%. In univariate analyses, liposarcoma, high grade, metastasis at diagnosis, a lack of surgical resection and positive margin were predictive of unfavorable survival. In multivariate analyses, high grade, a lack of surgical resection and chemotherapy were independent predictors of poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: Adult genitourinary sarcoma is an aggressive malignancy, usually presenting at advanced stage, with a high incidence of recurrence and metastasis. Complete resection and selective combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy might constitute the optimal treatment for this disease.

LDL-lowering therapy and the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of 6 randomized controlled trials and 36 observational studies.

The role of statins in preventing prostate cancer is currently a controversial issue. The aim of this review is to investigate the effects of statins use on prostate cancer risk. Electronic databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched systematically up to April, 2015. Weighted averages were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistic heterogeneity scores were assessed with the standard Cochran's Q test and I(2) statistic. The pooled estimates of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies suggest that statins have a neutral effect on total prostate cancer (RR = 1·02, 95% CI: 0·90-1·14; and RR = 0·91, 95% CI: 0·79-1·02, respectively). This research provides no evidence to suggest that the use of statins for cholesterol lowering is beneficial for the prevention of low-grade or localized prostate cancer, although a plausible association between statins use and the reduction risk of advanced (RR = 0·87, 95% CI: 0·82-0·91) or high-grade prostate cancer (RR = 0·83, 95% CI: 0·66-0·99) is observed. Furthermore, it shows that prostate cancer risk does not statistically significant benefit from long-term statins use.