[Dragon-tiger fighting needling therapy in treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effect on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) between dragon-tiger fighting needling and pregabalin capsules. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with PDPN were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. On the base of treatment with routine anti-hyperglycaemic measures and nutritional neurotherapy, the dragon-tiger fighting needling was exerted at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Xuehai (SP 10) in the observation group, once daily. Pregabalin capsules were prescribed for oral administration in the control group, 75 mg, twice a day. The treatment for 2 weeks was as one course and 2 courses of treatment were required in total. The score of visual analogue scale (VAS), the score of MOS item short form health survey (SF-36) and nerve conduction velocity before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, VAS score was reduced as compared with before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). The reducing range of VAS score in the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of median nerve and posterior tibial nerve were all improved as compared with before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). SNCV and MNCV in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the score of each item in SF-36 was increased as compared with before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05) and the score of each item in SF-36 in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the observation group, better than 60.0% (18/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The dragon-tiger fighting needling therapy relieves painful symptoms, improves the quality of life and increases nerve conduction velocity in the patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the therapeutic effect is better than oral administration of pregabalin capsules.

Impact of Anxiety or Depression Symptoms on Propofol Requirements for Sedation in Females: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Mental disorders are thought to affect various clinical outcomes during the perioperative period. Among them, anxiety and depression are 2 of the most common types. However, the impacts of anxiety or depression on propofol requirements remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of anxiety or depression symptoms on the propofol requirements for sedation in females. This study recruited female patients aged 18 to 65 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of 1 to 2, who were scheduled for hysteroscopic surgery under propofol-based intravenous anesthesia. The day before surgery, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression within the past 6 months. Target-controlled propofol was gradually titrated to achieve 3 desired levels of sedation: Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale (MOAA/S) score 3, MOAA/S score 1, and MOAA/S score 1 and Narcotrend Index <65. The effect-site concentration of propofol correlated with HADS-Anxiety scores for the sedation levels of MOAA/S 3 and 1 (r = .249, P = .008; and r = .190, P = .045, respectively). However, the propofol requirements did not correlate with HADS-Depression scores at any sedation level. In conclusion, female patients with anxiety symptoms, but not depression symptoms, required a higher dose of propofol for sedation in hysteroscopy.

14-CpG-Based Signature Improves the Prognosis Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic dysregulation via alteration of DNA methylation often occurs during the development and progression of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the past, many patterns of single-gene DNA methylation have been extensively explored in the context of HCC prognosis prediction. However, the combined model of a mixture of CpGs has rarely been evaluated. In the present study, we aimed to develop and validate a CpG-based signature model for HCC patient prognosis. METHODS: Data from methylation profiling of GSE73003, GSE37988, and GSE57958 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and 371 HCC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were downloaded. The 371 HCC patients were randomly divided into a development cohort (N = 263) and a validation cohort (N = 263) and a validation cohort (. RESULTS: Fourteen differential CpGs associated with OS were identified in HCC patients. The MSH, based on these 14 differential CpGs, could effectively divide HCC patients into two distinct subgroups with high risk or low risk of death (P < 0.0001) in the development cohort (26.35 vs 83.18 months, HR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.56-5.90, P < 0.0001) in the development cohort (26.35 vs 83.18 months, HR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.56-5.90, P < 0.0001) in the development cohort (26.35 vs 83.18 months, HR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.56-5.90. CONCLUSION: The 14-CpG-based signature is significantly associated with OS and may be used as a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.

Ahypoxia-related signature enhances the prediction of the prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients and correlates with sorafenib treatment response.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cancer death and is the primary malignancy of the liver. Tumor hypoxia is the stressor that is involved in tumorigenesis and significantly increased the aggressiveness of HCC. Here, we systematically analyzed the expression profiles and prognostic values of 84 hypoxia associated genes in HCC. mRNA expression of 84 hypoxia associated genes and clinical parameters of HCC patients were downloaded from TCGA, GSE14520, GSE109211 and ICGC. Consensus clustering analysis was performed for unsupervised classes on the basis of 84 hypoxia associated genes. Univariate and LASSO analysis were used to develop the risk signature. A risk signature was developed, including the expression of APEX1, ATR, CTSA, DNAJC5, ENO1, EPO, HMOX1, LDHA, NDRG1, and PER1, and found to be significantly related with OS and DFS of HCC patients. We stratified HCC patients into the high-risk group and low-risk group by means of the risk signature. Patients of high-risk group had shorter OS and DFS, while that of the low-risk group had longer OS and DFS. The risk signature showed better predictive efficiency than the TNM staging in predicting OS and DFS. Also, macrophage M0 cells, regulatory T cells, and neutrophils were found to be significantly enriched in patients of high-risk group. Next, we validated the discrimination and prognostic value of the risk signature in GSE14520 and the ICGC HCC cohort. Finally, significantly lower risk scores were found in sorafenib treatment responders of GSE109211 cohort, and the AUC for predicting sorafenib treatment response was 0.881. In conclusion, a risk signature developed with the expression of 10 hypoxia associated genes improved the prognosis prediction of HCC and correlated with sorafenib treatment response.

Albendazole and Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Solitary Cysticercus Granuloma: A Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Solitary cysticercus granuloma (SCG) is the commonest form of neurocysticercosis in the Indian subcontinent and in travelers. Several different treatment options exist for SCG. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to identify the best treatment option to prevent seizure recurrence and promote lesion resolution for patients with SCG. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases (up to June 1, 2015) were searched for RCTs that compared any anthelmintics or corticosteroids, alone or in combination, with placebo or head to head and reported on seizure recurrence and lesion resolution in patients with SCG. A total of 14 RCTs (1277 patients) were included in the quantitative analysis focusing on four different treatment options. A Bayesian network model computing odds ratios (OR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) and probability of being best (Pbest) was used to compare all interventions simultaneously. Albendazole and corticosteroids combination therapy was the only regimen that significantly decreased the risk of seizure recurrence compared with conservative treatment (OR 0.32, 95% CrI 0.10-0.93, Pbest 73.3%). Albendazole and corticosteroids alone or in combination were all efficacious in hastening granuloma resolution, but the combined therapy remained the best option based on probability analysis (OR 3.05, 95% CrI 1.24-7.95, Pbest 53.9%). The superiority of the combination therapy changed little in RCTs with different follow-up durations and in sensitivity analyses. The limitations of this study include high risk of bias and short follow-up duration in most studies. CONCLUSIONS: Dual therapy of albendazole and corticosteroids was the most efficacious regimen that could prevent seizure recurrence and promote lesion resolution in a follow-up period of around one year. It should be recommended for the management of SCG until more high-quality evidence is available.

Early cervical cancer impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty combined with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy improved sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) in combination with peritoneal vaginoplasty (PV) in improving sexual function after radical hysterectomy (RH) in patients with early cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 79 patients with early-stage cervical cancer younger than 45 years were assigned to receive LRH in combination with PV (the LRH-PV group; n = 31) or LRH alone (the LRH group; n = 48). Other 40 healthy females were selected as controls (the control group). The sexual function was assessed with Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI). The FSFI scores and sexual function in the postoperative 1 year were compared between the LRH-PV and LRH groups, LRH-PV and control groups, and LRH and control groups, respectively. RESULTS: Patients with LRH-PV showed significantly higher scores in sexual satisfaction, lubrication, pain, and total score than those with LRH alone (P < 0.05) but were not statistically different in scores regarding sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm (P > 0.05). Healthy controls showed the highest in total scores and 6 domains among all subjects. In addition, the FSFI total scores in the LRH-PV group, LRH group, and LRH-PV + LRH group were significantly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal vaginoplasty to lengthen the vagina improves sexual function of patients with early cervical cancer receiving LRH in sexual satisfaction, lubrication, and pain.

Analyzing simultaneous positive expression of EZH2 and P53 protein to improve predictive value in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was undertaken to investigate the predictive value of simultaneous enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and P53 expression in lesions of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Quantum dot double fluorescence staining was applied to detect EZH2 and P53 protein in biopsy tissue of 168 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. The expression was classified into double positive (EZH2 and P53 were positively expressed), single positive (either EZH2 or P53 was positively expressed), and double negative (neither was positively expressed). The EZH2 and P53 expression, clinical stages of cervical cancer, lymph node metastasis, progression-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: A relationship of EZH2 and P53 expression with the clinical stage of cervical cancer and lymph node metastasis was indicated. Simultaneous detection of both proteins could partly predict prognosis, consistent with previous studies' results. The current study demonstrated that the expression levels of EZH2 and P53 in tumor tissue and the proportion of cases with double-positive expression significantly increased with increasing clinical stages of cancer, also confirming up-regulated expression of EZH2 and P53 with increasing stages. These findings may suggest that the 2 proteins were involved in the development of cervical cancer, but the nature of their interaction is undefined. The increase of EZH2 and P53 expression in patients with lymph node metastasis indicated that they may be involved in metastasis of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous positive EZH2 and P53 expression could improve the predictive value of a poor prognosis in cervical cancer.

Successful treatment of cervical incompetence using a modified laparoscopic cervical cerclage technique: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We introduce a modified surgical method for laparoscopic cervical cerclage (LCC) and compare the operative data and obstetric outcomes to those obtained by traditional vaginal cerclage (TVC). STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study in a university-affiliated hospital from August 2008 through February 2013. Nineteen patients treated by LCC were prospectively monitored and the treatment outcomes were compared to a control group consisted of 25 patients that were retrospectively studied and treated with TVC using traditional McDonald suture. Laparoscopic cervical cerclage was performed with Mersilene tape and a modified surgical technique. Perioperative complications and obstetric outcomes were compared between LCC and TVC treatment groups. RESULTS: No perioperative complications occurred during LCC treatment. Of the 19 LCC patients, 15 (78.9%) became pregnant during the study period. The fetal salvage rate was 92.3% (12/13) and no adverse events were encountered. The mean gestational age in LCC group was 36.4 weeks, and it was 17.4 weeks longer than their previous pregnancy age, which was significantly higher than obtained by TVC. CONCLUSION: This modified technique for laparoscopic cervical cerclage demonstrates good obstetric outcomes with low risk of adverse events, which may provide a reasonable alternative to achieve pregnancy success in patients with cervical incompetence.

Treatment of uterine arteriovenous malformation by myometrial lesion resection combined with artery occlusion under laparoscopy: a case report and literature review.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening condition, and the primary therapeutic method is embolization. We describe a case of a 36-year-old woman with acquired uterine AVM accompanied by abnormal vaginal bleeding. The diagnosis was established by Doppler flow ultrasonography combined with magnetic resonance arteriography. Because this uterine AVM was extensive and multiple, uterine arterial embolization could not be considered. We therefore employed a combined method under laparoscopy, in which the uterine arteries were first occluded, then uterine myometrial lesions were resected and abnormal pelvic blood vessels were ablated. Finally, the uterus was reconstructed with an intact uterine cavity. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was successfully stopped after operation, but amenorrhea due to uterine adhesions occurred. This method is suitable for the treatment of uterine AVM with extensive and multiple lesions, but it should be chosen cautiously for women of reproductive age with AVM and fertility requirement.

Laparoscopic uterine anastomosis for traumatic separation of the cervix from the uterine corpus caused by closed pelvic fracture: case report and literature review.

Primary amenorrhea caused by separation of the cervix from the uterine body resulting from pelvic trauma is exceptionally rare. This case report describes the diagnosis and successful laparoscopic approximation of traumatic separation of the cervix from the uterine corpus. A 16-year-old girl who was involved in a car accident at age 2 years had primary amenorrhea and cyclic abdominal pain. A closed pelvic fracture was managed nonsurgically, with an uneventful recovery. Since age 13 years, the patient has been experiencing cyclic abdominal pain. Ultrasonography suggested a 5-cm left adnexal mass. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed complete separation of the uterine corpus from the cervix, and an endometrioma in the left ovary. The uterine corpus was approximated to the cervix with circumferentially placed sutures under direct laparoscopic guidance. The endometrioma was resected concomitantly. Normal cyclic menstruation resumed 2 months postoperatively, without cyclic abdominal pain. This case report demonstrates successful laparoscopic approximation of traumatic separation of the uterine corpus from the cervix, manifested as primary amenorrhea.

Management and reproductive outcome of complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum: review of 21 cases.

AIM: To evaluate the reproductive outcomes of complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who have complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum were retrospectively reviewed in this study. In Group I, 11 patients with a poor reproductive outcome (spontaneous miscarriage or infertility) or dyspareunia underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty and removal of vaginal septum with the preservation of cervical septum. In Group II, 10 patients without a history of spontaneous miscarriage did not undergo hysteroscopic transection of the uterine septum. Of 10, four underwent vaginal septum incision due to dyspareunia, two underwent mere laparoscopic pelvic adhesiolysis because of infertility, and four without symptoms had no intervention. The primary endpoints included the pregnancy rate and outcomes of pregnancies. RESULTS: In Group I, the pregnancy rate after surgery is 81.8 % (9/11). Of nine women who conceived, six had term delivery, one encountered induced abortion due to the malformation of the fetal heart, and two had ongoing pregnancy. In Group II, among six patients accepting surgery, three had term delivery. The pregnancy rate after operation is 50 % (3/6). CONCLUSIONS: The uterine septum may not necessarily be transected for patients who have complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix and vaginal septum, and meanwhile have no a history of poor reproductive outcome.

Expression of human ß-defensin-2 in the eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues in patients with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of human ß-defensin-2 (hBD-2) in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis (EMS) and explore the potential role of hBD-2 in the pathogenesis of EMS. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. SAMPLE: 50 women including EMS patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and non-EMS patients undergoing hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. SETTING: Large university teaching hospital. METHODS: Patients were divided into EMS and non-EMS groups. The gene expressions of hBD-2, interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the endometrial tissues of each group were detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hBD-2 protein expression with immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The gene expression levels of hBD-2, TNF-α, and IL-1ß as well as the positive expression rate of hBD-2 protein in the ectopic endometrium of EMS patients were significantly higher than those in the eutopic endometrium of EMS and non-EMS patients (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the gene expression levels of hBD-2 in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of EMS patients were positively correlated with the gene expression levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: High levels of hBD-2 gene and protein expressions in the ectopic endometrium of EMS patients may be an important contributor in the pathogenesis of EMS. TNF-α and IL-1ß may promote the upregulation of hBD-2 expression.