Application of CuFeLDH-NCNT in ultrasound-assisted-Fenton-like process for removing ciprofloxacin from aqueous solutions.

In this study, the mesoporous material NCNT was prepared by treating carbon nanotubes (CNT) with hydrazine and subsequently loaded with Cu-Fe layered double hydroxide (CuFeLDH) to create a multiphase catalyst (CuFeLDH-NCNT). Its application as a multiphase catalyst was investigated in an ultrasound-assisted Fenton process for ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation in aqueous solution. In addition, the impacts of catalyst dosage, ultrasonic power, H2O2 dosage, and beginning pH on CIP removal efficiency were carefully evaluated to maximize the removal efficiency of CIP. The findings indicated that the elimination rate of the initial CIP concentration of 20 mg/L surpassed 94.66% after a mere 100 min, while the TOC degradation rate was 70.4%. The high removal rate was due to the synergistic action between the nanoparticles, H2O2, and ultrasonography. The degradation intermediates of CIP were examined, and putative degradation pathways and mechanisms were postulated.

Knockdown of miR-24 Suppressed the Tumor Growth of Cervical Carcinoma Through Regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most prevalent malignant tumor in gynecology. Despite routine surgery, advanced CC is hard to remove completely. MicroRNA-24 (miR-24) regulates several types of tumors, but its regulatory function in CC was previously unknown. We established stable knockdown of miR-24 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in CC cells. We measured mRNA and protein expression with RT-PCR and western blotting. We evaluated cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis with CCK8, Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry, respectively. We also examined the influence of miR-24 and PTEN on tumor growth in a metastatic tumor model in nude mice. The expression of miR-24 was significantly increased in CC tissues and cell lines (C-33A, HeLa S3, SiHa). MiR-24 inhibitor greatly suppressed PTEN/PI3K/AKT, while miR-24 mimic markedly activated this signaling pathway. Knockdown of PTEN significantly reversed the effects of miR-24 inhibitor on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of CC cells. The significant inhibition effect of tumor growth and ki67 expression caused by miR-24 inhibitor was reversed by si-PTEN. MiR-24 inhibitor significantly suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and tumor growth, while promoting cell apoptosis. However, the influence of miR-24 inhibitor was markedly reversed by si-PTEN. Targeting miR-24 could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of CC.

Down-regulation of miR-424 inhibited the metastasis of endometrial carcinoma via targeting PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Background: The incidence of endometrial carcinoma (EC) has been increasing annually, and treatment of advanced cases remains challenging. MicroRNA-424 (miR-424) was reported to affect several types of tumors, but its role in EC has not been studied. Methods: We generated transient knockdown models of miR-424 and PTEN in EC cells. We measured mRNA and protein expression using RT-PCR and western blotting. We evaluated cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis using CCK8, Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. We also investigated the effect of miR-424 and PTEN on tumor growth using a metastatic tumor model in nude mice. Results: The expression of miR-424 was significantly elevated in EC tissues and cell lines. MiR-424 inhibitor significantly restrained PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling, while miR-424 mimic activated this pathway. Knockdown of PTEN significantly reversed the effects of miR-424 inhibitor on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis in EC cells. The significant inhibition of tumor growth and ki67 expression caused by miR-424 inhibitor were markedly promoted by sh-PTEN. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR-424 inhibitor could inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and tumor growth, while promoting apoptosis in EC. However, the effects of miR-424 inhibitor were markedly reversed by sh-PTEN. This study provides a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of EC by targeting miR-424.

Prognostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient in neuroendocrine carcinomas of the uterine cervix.

Objectives: This research was designed to examine the associations between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and clinicopathological parameters, and to explore the prognostic value of ADC values in predicting the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and outcome of patients suffering from neuroendocrine carcinomas of the uterine cervix (NECCs). Methods: This retrospective study included 83 patients with NECCs, who had undergone pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between November 2002 and June 2019. The median follow-up period was 50.7 months. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn manually by two radiologists. ADC values in the lesions were calculated using the Functool software. These values were compared between different clinicopathological parameters groups. The Kaplan-Meier approach was adopted to forecast survival rates. Prognostic factors were decided by the Cox regression method. Results: In the cohort of 83 patients, nine, 42, 23, and nine patients were in stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. ADCmean, ADCmax, and ADCmin were greatly lower in stage IIB-IVB than in stage I-IIA tumours, as well as in tumours measuring ≥ 4 cm than in those < 4 cm. ADCmean, FIGO stage, and age at dianosis were independent prognostic variables for the 5-year overall survival (OS). ADCmin, FIGO stage, age at diagnosis and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic variables for the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) in multivariate analysis. For surgically treated patients (n = 45), ADCmax was an independent prognostic parameter for both 5-year OS and 5-year PFS. Conclusions: ADCmean, ADCmin, and ADCmax are independent prognostic factors for NECCs. ADC analysis could be useful in predicting the survival outcomes in patients with NECCs.

Biomarker Assessment of Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Association With Progression-Free Survival After Surgery.

Identifying BRCA mutations and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is the key to choosing patients for poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) therapy. At present, a large amount of research focuses on the application of HRD detection in ovarian cancer. However, few studies have discussed the relationship between HRD detection and postoperative survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This study included 38 consecutive patients with EOC who underwent cytoreduction surgery. Owing to tissue availability, only 29 patients underwent molecular profiling and survival analysis. Overall, 21 (72.4%) tumors had HRD scores of ≥42. Mutations in BRCA were observed in 5/29 (17.2%) patients. In this cohort, an HRD score of ≥42 was more common in serous ovarian tumors. We found no statistically significant association between homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes and HRD scores except for tumor protein P53 (TP53) mutation. We also found a strong positive association between HRD scores and chromosomal instability (CIN). In the survival analysis, an HRD score of >23 was correlated with better postoperative progression-free survival (pPFS). With increased depth of research, an appropriate HRD score threshold may serve as a prognostic tool and should be assessed in future studies to predict the clinical value of PARPi.

Lymphatic leakage after pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to evaluate the clinical features and management of postoperative lymphatic leakage (PLL) in patients with cervical cancer who received pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study screened consecutive patients with cervical cancer (stage Ia2-IIb). RESULTS: Among 3427 cases screened, 63 patients (1.8%) were diagnosed with PLL, which manifested as persistent abdominal drainage (42/63, 66.7%), chylous ascites (12/63, 19.0%) or vaginal drainage (9/63, 14.3%). Median time from surgery to onset of PLL was 6 days (range, 4-21 days). All cases resolved in a median 10 days (range, 3-56 days) after conservative treatment; although one case experienced recurrence of vaginal drainage after 26 days, this also resolved after conservative therapy. Multivariate analysis showed that two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 3.283; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.289-8.360; P = 0.013), a decrease in hemoglobin level of ≥20 and < 30 g/L (OR, 6.175; 95%CI, 1.033-10.919; P = 0.046) or ≥ 30 g/L (OR, 8.467; 95%CI, 1.248-17.426; P = 0.029), and postoperative albumin level ≥ 30 and < 35 g/L (OR, 2.552; 95%CI, 1.112-5.857; P = 0.027) or < 30 g/L (OR, 5.517; 95%CI, 2.047-18.148; P = 0.012) were associated with PLL. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative anemia and postoperative hypoproteinemia are risk factors for PLL.

Prognostic factors and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the uterine cervix based on the FIGO 2018 staging system: a single-institution study of 172 patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the prognostic factors and outcomes of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the cervix and to determine appropriate treatment. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective analysis of 172 patients with NETs was performed based on the new International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO 2018) staging system. RESULTS: Among the 172 eligible patients, 161 were diagnosed with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC), six with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, four with typical carcinoid tumors and one with SCNEC combined with an atypical carcinoid tumor. According to the FIGO 2018 staging guidelines, 31 were stage I, 66 were stage II, 57 were stage III, and 18 were stage IV. The 5-year survival rates of patients with stage I-IV disease were 74.8%, 56.2%, 41.4% and 0%, respectively. The 5-year progression-free survival rates of patients with stage I-IV disease were 63.8%, 54.5%, 30.8% and 0%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, advanced FIGO stage, large tumor and older age were identified as independent variables for 5-year survival in patients with stage I-IV disease. FIGO stage, tumor size and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for 5-year progression-free survival in patients with stage I-IV disease. For the patients receiving surgery (n = 108), tumor size and pelvic lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for 5-year survival, and pelvic lymph node metastasis for 5-year progression-free survival. In stage IVB, at least six cycles of chemotherapy (n = 7) was associated with significantly better 2-year OS (83.3% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001) and 2-year PFS (57.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.01) than fewer than six cycles of chemotherapy(n = 11). CONCLUSION: Advanced FIGO stage, large tumor, older age and lymph node metastasis are independent prognostic factors for NETs of the cervix. The TP/TC and EP regimens were the most commonly used regimens, with similar efficacies and toxicities. Standardized and complete multimodality treatment may improve the survival of patients with NETs.

Decreased hospital charges and postoperative pain in septoplasty by application of enhanced recovery after surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Septoplasty has been the definitive treatment for nasal septum deviation, but its postoperative procedure may affect patients' quality of life. While new procedures in general surgery, such as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), can speed up postoperative rehabilitations to improve quality of life, it is rarely applied in the ear-nose-throat field. This study therefore aims to evaluate the application of ERAS in patients with nasal septum deviation as a means of improving perioperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with nasal septum deviation undergoing septoplasty were randomized as ERAS or control group (25 patients in both groups). Patients were investigated for outcomes including length of stay, operating time, bleeding volume, total cost, complications, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and visual analog symptom score of nasal obstruction, sleep disturbance, and head facial pain. RESULTS: The preoperative anxiety in ERAS group (SAS 35.4±6.2) was lower than the control group (SAS 43.6±8.6). The anxiety levels in ERAS group (SAS 31.6±5.4) was also reduced compared to the control group (SAS 38.1±10.4) in the 3 days postsurgery, but showed no significant difference thereafter at 7 days postsurgery. In addition, the length of stay and total cost were significantly lower for the ERAS group as well. The visual analog symptom score of nasal obstruction, sleep disturbance, and head facial pain in ERAS group were all also found to be lower than the control group. The only outcomes with no significant differences were the operation time, blood volume, and complications between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated ERAS application can reduce hospital charges and postoperative pain in septoplasty, thereby improving patient quality of life and hospital expenses at the same time.

Sinus computed tomography predicts clinical response to corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease usually characterized by chronic eosinophilia in the sinonasal mucosa, which often requires glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. However, the therapeutic response varies markedly between individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic values of sinus computed tomography (CT) for GC-sensitivity in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-blinded study of 47 consecutive patients with CRSwNP. These patients were given a course of oral prednisone (30 mg daily for 14 days) and subsequently classified into objectively GC-sensitive and -insensitive subgroup according to the change in nasal polyp size score, or subjectively GC-sensitive and -insensitive subgroup according to the change in total nasal symptom score. The following parameters were compared between GC-sensitive and GC-insensitive subgroups: Lund-Mackay scores, olfactory cleft (OC) scores, and blood eosinophil counts and ratio (percentage of the total white blood cells). RESULTS: 25/47 (53.2%) and 29/47 (61.7%) patients were objectively and subjectively sensitive to GC therapy, respectively. The OC score and the blood eosinophil counts and ratio in GC-sensitive subgroup were significantly higher than those in GC-insensitive subgroup, defined either objectively or subjectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that OC score was independent risk factor for objective or subjective GC-sensitivity. The OC score exhibited comparable accuracy with the blood eosinophil ratio as predictor of objective and subjective GC-sensitivity (the OC score AUC = 0.775 and 0.829, respectively). A OC score of 3.5 could act as a reliable indicator for predicting the clinical response to GC therapy in CRSwNP. CONCLUSION: Our prospective findings validate the potential value of sinus CT scan in predicting GC-sensitivity in CRSwNP patients.

Detection of GSK-3ß activation index in pediatric chronic tonsillitis is an indicator for chronic recurrent inflammation.

PURPOSE: Chronic tonsillitis (TC) is among the most common bacterial diseases in pediatric otolaryngology. We aimed to evaluate the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) in a cohort of children with chronic tonsillitis (TC), and the correlation between GSK-3ß activity index and inflammatory profiles of TC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of GSK-3ß was comparably evaluated between children with TC (n = 26) and tonsillar hypertrophy (TH, n = 26). GSK-3ß expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. The inflammatory profiles between the TC and TH groups were also evaluated. RESULTS: We found that while GSK-3ß was highly expressed in both TC and TH groups, no significant difference were detected at mRNA and protein levels between groups. The protein level of p-GSK-3ß was significantly lower in the TC group as compared to the TH group. Additionally, the inflammatory markers, including NF-κB, T-bet, and IFN-γ were higher in the TC group compared to TH group. The GSK-3ß activation index was positively correlated with the levels of NF-κB, T-bet, and IFN-γ in the TC group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that GSK-3ß activation index was demonstrated to be a clinically applicable indicator for chronic recurrent inflammation in pediatric TC.

Decreased frequency of adenoidectomy by a 12-week nasal budesonide treatment.

OBJECTIVE: There is little evidence on the role of topical budesonide in reducing the frequency of adenoidectomy, although it was reported that topical budesonide can effectively ameliorate the symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy (AH). This study was aimed to investigate the possibility and safety of alternatives to adenoidectomy with a 12-week treatment with nasal budesonide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with AH were randomized to receive either a double-blind budesonide (1 mg once daily) or placebo treatment for 2 weeks by transnasal nebulization. A further 12-week open study, budesonide spray (64 µg per nostril at bedtime) was administered to the treatment group. During the final 12 weeks of follow-up, the frequency of adenotonsillectomy, side effects, the degree of nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and snoring were assessed. RESULTS: Out of the 100 total enrolled patients, 92 children with AH completed the study. After the 2-week treatment with transnasal budesonide nebulization, the symptoms of AH significantly decreased compared to the control group. Responders (n=26) who had initially improved showed significantly decreased symptoms of AH, and the frequency of adenotonsillectomy during the follow-up (14 and 26 weeks) was compared with that of the control group and non-responders (n=21) who did not respond to the initial 2-week budesonide therapy. The 12-week nasal budesonide treatment did not suppress the growth rate of children's height or cause other side effects. CONCLUSION: AH children who had improved after an initial 2-week budesonide therapy can achieve clinical improvements and decreased frequency of adenoidectomy following the therapy with a 12-week treatment with nasal budesonide.

Effect of the co-culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells with human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) give origin to the marrow tromal environment that supports hematopoiesis. These cells present a wide range of differentiation potentials and a complex relationship with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and endothelial cells. In addition to bone marrow (BM), MSCs can be obtained from other sites in the adult or the fetus. Recent studies have shown that cocultured endothelial cells and osteoblasts are mutually promotive in bone tissues repair. In this study, we observed the effects of coculture of endothelial cells and osteoblasts at different ratios on vasculogenesis and bone formation, and we found that angiogenic effect is more effective when endothelial cells are cocultured with osteoblasts at the ratio of 4:1, and osteogenic effect is more effective at the ratio of 1:4. It is concluded that the co-culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells with human umbilical vein endothelial cells could be a promising culture system for bone tissue engineering applications.