Percutaneous Radiofrequency Sympatholysis in the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Retrospective Case-Controlled Study of Rib-Based Anatomical Targeting.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy, adverse reactions, quality of life, and patient satisfaction of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) thoracic sympatholysis at different rib-based anatomic targets for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPHH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with PPHH were divided according to the target, namely, the upper edge (Group U) and lateral border (Group L) of the fourth rib; there were 30 patients (mean age, 24.9 years; women, 31, 51.7%) and 60 cases in each group. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. RESULTS: From before RF sympatholysis to 12 months after, the proportion of patients with HDSS Grades III and IV (100%-26.7%) and the DLQI (19.78 ± 5.08 to 4.98 ± 4.18) decreased significantly (P < .001). At 3, 6, and 12 months after RF, the HDSS grades were better in Group L than in Group U (P = .005, .002, and .004). At 6 and 12 months after RF, the DLQI in Group L was lower than that in Group U (P = .012 and .016), and at 1, 6, and 12 months after RF, patient satisfaction was higher than that in Group U (P = .025, .014, and .009). Adverse events were mild; 8 patients (13.3%) demonstrated compensatory hyperhidrosis at 12 months after RF, and there was no difference between the 2 groups (P = .448); neuralgia and pneumothorax also did not differ (P = .522 and .643). CONCLUSIONS: RF sympatholysis targeting the lateral border of the fourth rib had higher efficacy, better quality of life, and higher patient satisfaction.

Factors affecting sufentanil consumption for intravenous controlled analgesia after hepatectomy: retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pain control after hepatectomy is usually achieved by opioids. There are significant individual differences in the amount of opioids used after hepatectomy, and the metabolism of opioids is liver-dependent. The purpose of our study was to explore the possible risk factors for opioid consumption during the first 48 h after surgery. METHODS: In a retrospective study design involving 562 patients undergoing open or laparoscopic hepatectomy, all patients were treated with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) along with continuous and bolus doses of sufentanil for a duration of 48 h after surgery during the time period of August 2015 and February 2019. The primary endpoint was high sufentanil consumption 48 h after hepatectomy, and patients were divided into two groups: those with or without a high PCA sufentanil dosage depending on the third quartile (Q3). The secondary endpoint was the effect of a high PCA sufentanil dosage on various possible clinical risk factors. The relevant parameters were collected, and correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The median operation time was 185 min (range, 115-250 min), and the median consumption of sufentanil 48 h after the operation was 91 µg (IQR, 64.00, 133.00). Factors related to the consumption of sufentanil at 48 h after hepatectomy included age, operation time, blood loss, intraoperative infusion (red blood cells and fresh-frozen plasma), pain during movement after surgery (day 1 and day 2), preoperative albumin, and postoperative blood urea nitrogen. Age (≤ 60 and > 60 years), extent of resection (minor hepatic resection and major hepatic resection), surgical approach (laparoscope and open) and operation time (min) were independent risk factors for sufentanil consumption at 48 h postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Age younger than 60 years, major hepatic resection, an open approach and a longer operation are factors more likely to cause patients to require higher doses of sufentanil after hepatectomy, and the early identification of such patients can increase the efficacy of perioperative pain management.

Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous T4 Thoracic Sympathetic Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Retrospective Observational Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous T4 thoracic sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPHH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients who underwent bilateral thoracic sympathetic RFT at the T4 level were analysed. Hyperhidrosis Severity Scale (HDSS), Dermatologic Quality of Life Index (DLQI), patient satisfaction, and adverse events were evaluated within 12 months after RFT. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 25.27 years, and 95 (60.1%) were females. The technical success, defined as planned needle placement and completion of RFT, was 99.4%. After the procedure, 243 hands (77.4%) were completely dry; and 58 hands (18.4%) were partially dry. From before RFT to 12 months after RFT, the proportion of hands with the HDSS grades 3 and 4 from 100% decreased to 31.9%; and that with the DLQI scores D and E from 100% decreased to 4.0% (P < .001). The clinical success rate was 76.6%, and the patient satisfaction rate was 80.8% at 12 months after RFT. During the procedures, there was unilateral local bleeding in two patients (0.6%) and bradycardia in five patients (3.2%); after the procedures, unilateral pneumothorax occurred in 15 patients (4.7%) and closed thoracic drainage was performed in two patients (0.6%); thoracic neuralgia occurred in 24 patients (15.2%). The incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) 12 months after RFT was 15.2%. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided percutaneous T4 thoracic sympathetic RFT is safe, effective, and minimally invasive for the treatment of PPHH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2 observational study with dramatic effect.

Predictive Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy for End-Stage Arteriosclerosis Obliterans of the Lower Extremities.

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic effect of chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) on ischemic diseases of the lower limbs varies greatly among individuals. The time to peak (TTP) response in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can reflect the perfusion disorder of the calf skeletal muscle and the collateral circulation. In this study we evaluated the predictive value of CEUS in patients treated with CLS for end-stage atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremity (ASO-LE). METHODS: This was a prospective study that included patients with end-stage ASO-LE and moderate to severe pain who had undergone a CEUS examination and CLS procedure and who were observed for 12 months after surgery. The patients' characteristics and prognostic factors, including lower limb pain score, skin temperature, walking distance, and ulcer and gangrene healing, were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with a mean age of 66.24 (range 58-78) years were included in the study, of whom 42 (71.41%) were men. Following the CLS procedure, the numerical rating scale (NRS)-measured pain decreased significantly, and the skin temperature of the affected limb increased significantly (P < 0.05). The satisfaction rate of lower limb pain relief 1 year after operation was 53.45%. Correlation analysis showed that preoperative TTP response was correlated with the NRS score and skin temperature of the affected limb at 6 months and 12 months post surgery (P < 0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that a longer preoperative TTP response was associated with a higher risk of poor pain relief after CLS (odds ratio 1.126, 95% confidence interval 1.058-1.205). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that preoperative TTP response had a certain predictive value on CLS treatment effect, with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.5% and 83.9%, respectively. When the preoperative TTP response was > 77.5, the risk of poor response after CLS increased. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TTP response was able to predict the therapeutic effect of CLS to a certain extent, and thus may aid physicians in determining the choice of CLS treatment for patients with ASO-LE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChicTR1900028424 (principal investigator: Yue Wu; date of registration: 21 December 2019).

Production and identification of wheat-Agropyron cristatum 6P translocation lines.

The narrow genetic background of wheat is the primary factor that has restricted the improvement of crop yield in recent years. The kernel number per spike is the most important factor of the many potential characteristics that determine wheat yield. Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn., a wild relative of wheat, has the characteristics of superior numbers of florets and kernels per spike, which are controlled by chromosome 6P. In this study, the wheat-A. cristatum disomic addition and substitution lines were used as bridge materials to produce wheat-A. cristatum 6P translocation lines induced by gametocidal chromosomes and irradiation. The results of genomic in situ hybridization showed that the frequency of translocation induced by gametocidal chromosomes was 5.08%, which was higher than the frequency of irradiated hybrids (2.78%) and irradiated pollen (2.12%). The fluorescence in situ hybridization results of the translocation lines showed that A. cristatum chromosome 6P could be translocated to wheat ABD genome, and the recombination frequency was A genome > B genome > D genome. The alien A. cristatum chromosome 6P was translocated to wheat homoeologous groups 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. We obtained abundant translocation lines that possessed whole-arm, terminal, segmental and intercalary translocations. Three 6PS-specific and four 6PL-specific markers will be useful to rapidly identify and trace the translocated fragments. The different wheat-A. cristatum 6P translocation lines obtained in this study can provide basic materials for analyzing the alien genes carried by chromosome 6P. The translocation line WAT33-1-3 and introgression lines WAI37-2 and WAI41-1, which had significant characteristics of multikernel (high numbers of kernels per spike), could be utilized as novel germplasms for high-yield wheat breeding.

IL-17 contributed to the neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury by promoting astrocyte proliferation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

Central neuroinflammation is important in the pathophysiological processes of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Recently, interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been detected in different inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system and contributes to neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The present study, based on the rat model of spinal nerve ligation, analyzed the infiltration of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells and the expression of IL­17 in the spinal cord during the maintenance phase of neuropathic pain, and investigated central inflammatory reaction and astrocyte activation. The results demonstrated that the infiltrated CD4+ T cells in the spinal cord increased in the rat model of spinal nerve ligation, and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the CD4+/IL­17+ cells were located at superficial laminae of spinal dorsal horn. This was accompanied by significant upregulation of IL­17. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of IL­1ß and IL­6 were also significantly enhanced in model rats compared with the sham and control groups in the spinal dorsal horn. In vitro, the proliferation ability and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines notably increased in the IL­17­stimulated astrocytes. Results from the present study indicate that IL­17 may contribute to neuropathic pain by promoting the proliferation of astrocytes and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in spinal nerve ligation­induced neuropathic pain.

[Analysis of nine kinds of elements contents in the milk powder by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of determination of nine kinds of elements contents in the milk powder by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). METHODS: The milk powder is analyzed by ICP-AES. At the same time, the optimum conditions of digesting and analyzing sample are chosen. RESULTS: The method detection limit of nine kinds of elements are in the range of 0.05-50 mg/kg, the relative standard deviations are in the rang of 0.3%-4.5%, the recovery rate are in the range of 91.0%-105.8%. CONCLUSION: The method has the advantage of simplicity, reacting completion, high sensitivity, wide range of linear and small distraction. The determined results are accurate and the reproducibility is good. The method is fit for the determination of micro-element and macro-element in the milk powder.

Non-tumor tissue derived interleukin-17B activates IL-17RB/AKT/ß-catenin pathway to enhance the stemness of gastric cancer.

Inflammation is a critical component involved in tumor progression. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) belongs to a relatively new family of cytokines that has been associated with the progression of cancers. However, the role of IL-17B/IL-17RB (IL-17 receptor B) signaling to stemness of gastric cancer remains unknown. Here, we confirmed that the expression of IL-17RB in gastric cancer tissues was significantly increased, that overexpression was associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients, and that overexpression was positively correlated with some stemness markers. Interestingly, the expression of IL-17B was upregulated in patient serum rather than gastric tumor tissues. Furthermore, exogenous rIL-17B significantly promoted the stemness of gastric cancer cells depending on IL-17RB and induced the expression of IL-17RB. Simultaneously, the expression of phosphorylated AKT, GSK-3ß, and ß-catenin as well as the nuclear translocation of ß-catenin were significantly increased in the MGC-803 cell in a dose-dependent manner, when treated with rIL-17B. The AKT inhibitor, LY294002, and the knockdown of AKT expression reversed the rIL-17B-induced upregulation of ß-catenin and some stemness markers. Together, our results indicate that the IL-17B/IL-17RB signal can promote the growth and migration of tumor cells, and upregulate cell stemness through activating the AKT/ß-catenin pathway in gastric cancer, suggesting that IL-17RB may be a novel target in human gastric cancer therapy.

Effects of Lead on Ultrastructure of Isoetes sinensis Palmer (Isoetaceae), a Critically Endangered Species in China.

Isoetes sinensis Palmer (Isoetaceae) is a critically endangered fern that is a marsh plant (that is an aquatic or amphibious plant) in China. To evaluate damage or influence of lead (Pb) on cell ultrastructure in I. sinensis, we used 2000mg·L-1 Pb(NO3)2 solution to treat I. sinensis for 35d, and used transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe the cell ultrastructure of leaf blades and roots of the plant. Our results indicated that Pb induced distinct changes of the organelles including chloroplast, mitochondria, nucleolus and vacuole. The level of damage organ was lower leaf > upper leaf > root The typical performance of the damages caused by lead shown that part of the nucleolus cracked; the cristae dilated, matrix vacuolized and membrane structure blurred in mitochondria; the vacuole cracked; grana lamella decreased, stroma lamella loosed, starch grains decreased, and membrane structure was disrupted in chloroplasts; Pb deposits were present on cell wall. The damages to chloroplasts and mitochondria were relatively severe, while damage to the nucleus was relatively lighter. The damage to the cell ultrastructure of leaf blades with direct contact with Pb was more severe than that without direct contact with Pb.

Determination, characterization and cytotoxicity on HELF cells of ZnO nanoparticles.

Three kinds of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with different size were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). The potential cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs with various concentrations has been investigated using human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) cells. The cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs on the normal HELF cell was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenltetrazoliumhromide (MTT) assay and characterized with photo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that ZnO NPs aqueous suspensions with concentrations varying from 2.5 to 150mgL(-1) were harmful to the HELF cells and the cytotoxicity to HELF showed obviously concentration dependence. With concentrations higher than 20mgL(-1), ZnO NPs led to the livability of the tested cells lower than 10%. These results highlighted the need for caution during the use of ZnO NPs above 1.2-1.6mgL(-1) for safety. Finally, an UV-vis spectroscopic approach was developed for the determination of ZnO NPs concentration in the linear range 2-50mgL(-1) (correlation coefficients more than 0.9990), and the detection limit was 1.0mgL(-1).