Loss of periostin function impairs ligament fibroblast activity and facilitates ROS-mediated cellular senescence.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries pose a significant challenge due to their limited healing potential, often resulting in premature arthritis. The factors and mechanisms contributing to this inadequate healing process remain elusive. During the acute phase of injury, ACL tissues express elevated periostin levels that decline over time. The functional significance of periostin in ligament biology remains understudied. In this study, we investigated the functional and mechanistic implications of periostin deficiency in ACL biology, utilizing ligament fibroblasts derived from patients and a murine model of ACL rupture. Our investigations unveiled that periostin knockdown compromised fibroblast growth characteristics, hindered the egress of progenitor cells from explants, and arrested cell-cycle progression, resulting in the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and moderate apoptosis. Concurrently, a significant reduction in the expression of cell-cycle and matrix-related genes was observed. Moreover, periostin deficiency triggered apoptosis through STAT3Y705/p38MAPK signaling and induced cellular senescence through increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, inhibition of ROS production mitigated cell senescence in these cells. Notably, in vivo data revealed that ACL in Postn-/- mice exhibited a higher tearing frequency than wild-type mice under equivalent loading conditions. Furthermore, injured ACL with silenced periostin expression, achieved through nanoparticle-siRNA complex delivery, displayed an elevated propensity for apoptosis and senescence compared to intact ACL in C57BL/6 mice. Together, our findings underscore the pivotal role of periostin in ACL health, injury, and potential for healing.

Membrane-Free Electrosynthesis of Epichlorohydrins Mediated by Bromine Radicals over Nanotips.

The industrial manufacture of epichlorohydrin (ECH) often suffers from excessive corrosive chlorine and multistep processes. Here, we report a one-pot membrane-free Br radical-mediated ECH electrosynthesis. Bromine radicals electro-oxidized from Br- ions initiate the reaction and then eliminate HBr from bromohydrin to give ECH and release Br- ions for reuse. A high energy barrier for *OH oxidation and isolated Br adsorption sites enables NiCo2O4 to suppress the competitive oxygen and bromine evolution reactions. The high-curvature nanotips with an increased electric field concentrate Br- and OH- ions to accelerate ECH electrosynthesis. This strategy delivers ECH with a Faradaic efficiency of 47% and a reaction rate of 1.4 mol h-1 gcat-1 at a high current density of 100 mA cm-2, exceeding the profitable target from the techno-economic analysis. Economically profitable electrosynthesis, methodological universality, and the extended synthesis of epoxide-drug blocks highlight their promising potential.

Ethnic, Botanic, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Acorus L. Genus: A Review.

The genus Acorus, a perennial monocotyledonous-class herb and part of the Acoraceae family, is widely distributed in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Acorus is rich in biological activities and can be used to treat various diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and digestive system, including Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, hyperlipidemia, and indigestion. Recently, it has been widely used to improve eutrophic water and control heavy-metal-polluted water. Thus far, only three species of Acorus have been reported in terms of chemical components and pharmacological activities. Previously published reviews have not further distinguished or comprehensively expounded the chemical components and pharmacological activities of Acorus plants. By carrying out a literature search, we collected documents closely related to Acorus published from 1956 to 2022. We then performed a comprehensive and systematic review of the genus Acorus from different perspectives, including botanical aspects, ethnic applications, phytochemistry aspects, and pharmacological aspects. Our aim was to provide a basis for further research and the development of new concepts.

Finite element analysis of 3 internal fixations for distal type C3 femur fractures with medial wall bone defects. / æœ‰é™å ƒåˆ†æž3ç§å† å›ºå®šæ–¹å¼æ²»ç–—ä¼´æœ‰å† ä¾§éª¨ç¼ºæŸçš„C3型股骨远端骨折.

OBJECTIVES: Managing 33-C3 femur fractures with medial wall bone defects poses a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The gold standard treatment for arbeitsgemeinschaftfür osteosynthesefragen (AO)/orthopedic trauma association (OTA) 33-C3 distal femur fractures with medial wall bone defects remains elusive. This study employs finite element analysis to compare the stability and mechanical behavior of 3 internal fixation patterns (single lateral distal locking plate, retrograde intramedullary nail, and dual plates) for 33-C3 femur fractures with medial wall bone defects. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of internal fixation modalities in clinical practice. METHODS: Enrollment included a 43-year-old male volunteer weighing 60 kg, without a history of femur fracture. Bilateral femur normality was verified through X-ray and CT scan assessments. A finite element simulation model of AO/OTA 33-C3 distal femur fracture with medial wall bone defect was established. Three fixation methods, named single lateral locking plate (single-plate group), retrograde intramedullary nail (retrograde intramedullary nail group), and dual plates (dual-plate group), were evaluated using finite element analysis under an axial load of 300 N. The assessment included an examination of von Mises stress distribution, shear stress, and displacement patterns at the internal fixation and femur fracture sites. RESULTS: The finite element analysis revealed that dual-plate fixation effectively reduced the concentration of von Mises stress at the plate on the fracture site. Under full weight-bearing conditions, the maximum von Mises stress in the implants occurred at the distal femur defect level, with values of 149.30, 59.281, and 58.03 MPa for single-plate fixation, retrograde intramedullary nail, and dual-plate fixation methods, respectively. Similarly, the maximum shear stress in the implants was 77.867, 30.136, and 33.505 MPa for single-plate fixation, retrograde intramedullary nail, and dual-plate fixation methods, respectively, all presenting at the distal femur defect level. The maximum relative displacements of implants during compressive loading were 1.34, 1.25, and 0.83 mm for the single-plate , retrograde intramedullary nail, and dual-plate groups, respectively. Consistently, the maximum loading-point displacements of fracture sites were 1.529, 1.264, and 0.880 mm for the single-plate fixation group, retrograde intramedullary nail group, and dual-plate fixation group, respectively. Furthermore, at the distal femur defect level, the maximum von Mises stress was 72.682, 112.430, and 40.716 MPa for the single-plate, retrograde intramedullary nail, and dual-plate fixation groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-plate fixation demonstrates superior biomechanical outcomes and exhibites the lowest maximum von Mises stress and shear stress, along with minimal relative movements between fracture fragments. This configuration offers optimal mechanical stability for managing AO/OTA 33-C3 distal femur fractures with medial wall bone defects. Consequently, dual-plate fixation emerges as a better treatment strategy for patients presenting with comminuted intra-articular distal femur fractures accompanied by medial wall bone defects.

Novel mechanistic role of Kif26b in adipogenic differentiation of murine multipotent stromal cells.

Emerging evidence delineates that obesity, a complex metabolic disorder, impairs the structure and function of stromal cells residing in various tissues. The exuberant adipose tissue mass observed in obesity is, in part, associated with hyperplasia of adipocytes resulting from recruitment of multipotent stromal cells within the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissues. However, a clear understanding of the causal role of stromal cells and biological factors in obesity is lacking. In our quest to understanding the role of kinesin family member 26B (KIF26B), we found that KIF26B regulates osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of stromal/progenitor cells. In this study, we sought to examine the effects of Kif26b loss-of-function on adipogenic differentiation of murine C3H10T1/2 multipotent stromal cells. In vitro loss-of-function studies demonstrated that Kif26b knockdown by lentivirus mediated shRNA markedly dampened the differentiation potential of C3H10T1/2 cells to adipocytes and suppressed the expression of adipogenesis-related genes e.g., Pparg, C/ebpα, Fabp4 and Adipoq. Analysis of cell cycle revealed that Kif26b knockdown resulted in elevated expression of cyclins (Ccnd1, Ccnb1, Ccna2) along with rapid cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S and G2 phases. Mechanistically, reduced adipogenic differentiation of Kif26b-deficient cells was partly dependent on PPARγ, a key transcription factor implicated in adipogenesis. This observation was experimentally supported as loss of adipogenesis was partially rescued by the addition of PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone in Kif26b-deficient cells. We further found that silencing of Kif26b lessened the protein levels of phospho-AKT(Ser473), phospho-S6(Ser235/236), and phospho-mTOR(Ser2448), the major component of AKT/mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling at the basal level. Together, these data define a novel role of Kif26b in regulating the commitment of C3H10T1/2 multipotent stromal cells to the adipocyte lineage and provide a practical framework for further experiments to establish its therapeutic potential for the treatment of problems associated with adipogenesis such as obesity at the cellular and molecular level.

Application of the FreeStyle®Libre Glucose Monitoring System in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients aged 1-4 years.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the analytical accuracy, safety performance, and user satisfaction (guardians of study participants) of the FreeStyle®Libre Glucose Monitoring System in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), in children aged <4 years. METHODS: Sixteen hospitalized children with new onset T1DM, aged 4 months to 4 years, were enrolled in this study. Patients wore the sensor for 14 days; sensor scans were performed immediately and at 5, 10, and 15 min after capillary blood glucose (BG) measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of the device and the lag effect. RESULTS: The consensus error grid showed that 96.40% of values fell within zone A (no clinical impact) and 3.60% within zone B (little/no clinical impact). Overall, the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) was 9.34%, and was higher in the capillary BG <4.0 mmol/L group (15.18%) than in the 4-10 mmol/L (9.63%) and >10 mmol/L (7.17%) groups. The MARD increased gradually with scanning time extension, indicating a short lag effect. Regression analysis showed that a higher BG level was associated with a greater difference in FreeStyle®Libre System measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the FreeStyle®Libre System in children aged 1-4 years is accurate and safe, and may be accurate down to 4 months, independent of patient characteristics.

Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of rivaroxaban in Chinese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, is widely used for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The aim of this study was to conduct a population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) analysis of rivaroxaban in Chinese patients with NVAF to assess ethnic differences and provide model-based precision dosing. A total of 256 rivaroxaban plasma concentrations and 244 prothrombin time (PT) measurements were obtained from 195 Chinese NVAF patients from a prospective clinical trial. The population PK-PD model was developed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM) software. The PK of rivaroxaban was adequately described using a one-compartment model with first-order adsorption and elimination. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was identified as a major covariate for apparent clearance. No single nucleotide polymorphism was identified as a significant covariate. PT exhibited a linear relationship with rivaroxaban concentration. Total bilirubin (TBIL) and eGFR were identified as significant covariates for baseline PT. According to the Monte Carlo simulation, 15 mg for Chinese patients with eGFR ≥50 mL/min and normal liver function yielded an exposure comparable to 20 mg for Caucasian patients. Patients with moderately impaired renal function may require a lower dose of rivaroxaban to avoid overexposure. Moreover, there was an approximate 26% increase in PT levels in patients with TBIL of 34 µmol/L and eGFR of 30 mL/min, which could increase the risk of major bleeding. The established population PK-PD model could inform individualized dosing for Chinese NVAF patients who are administered rivaroxaban.

Deep venous thrombosis in an individual with statin-exposed anti-SRP myopathy: case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is characterized by proximal muscle weakness, elvated serum muscle enzyme levels, myopathic electromyography findings, and necrotic muscle fiber with few inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle biopsies. Statins, the first line drug to lower triglyceride and cholesterol level in blood, have been reported to be associated with statins-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (SINAM). Although anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme-A reductase (anti-HMGCR) myopathy is considered as the leading myopathy related to the statins medication, anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) myopathy were also identified in several cases with statin exposure. The risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is substantially high in individuals with autoimmune inflammatory diseases. But few studies have reported the occurrence and recommendation for treatment of DVT in patients with anti-SRP myopathy. Here, we reported a statin-exposed anti-SRP myopathy individual developed DVT who was successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and systemic anticoagulants therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old Chinese female came to the outpatient room with gradually progressive bilateral lower-extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed myopathy in bilateral thighs. Serum anti-SRP antibody was positive. She was diagnosed with anti-SRP myopathy. When treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, the patient developed mild edema and pain of left lower extremity. Angiography and ultrasound revealed diffuse venous thrombosis of left lower extremity. Therapy was initiated with CDT and lower molecular weight heparin, then switched to once daily oral rivaroxaban. Meanwhile, steroids combined with tacrolimus were also carried on while simvastatin was discontinued. One month later, patient's symptoms were resolved and only partial thrombosis in left femoral vein was remained. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DVT in patient with anti-SRP myopathy was rare. No well-established treatment strategy is available to manage the IMNM and DVT at the same time. The systemic anticoagulants therapy combined CDT can be an effective therapeutic approach to address extensive DVT in patient with anti-SRP myopathy.

Estimation of the Reliability of a Stress-Strength System from Poisson Half Logistic Distribution.

This paper discussed the estimation of stress-strength reliability parameter R=P(Y

Association between anemia and cognitive decline among Chinese middle-aged and elderly: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to characterize the relationship of anemia and hemoglobin concentrations with cross-sectional cognitive functions and changes in cognitive functions over 2 years in a large sample of Chinese middle aged and elderly. METHODS: Ten thousand nine hundred eighteen adults aged 45 years or older participating in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used for cross-sectional analyses and 9324 were used for longitudinal analysis. Cognitive functions were assessed by memory recall (episodic memory), mental status (TICS), and global cognitive function at baseline survey (Visit 1) and first follow-up survey (Visit 2). The lower the cognitive test score, the worse the cognitive function. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentrations lower than 13 g/dl for men and lower than 12 g/dl for women. Adjusted multivariate regression analyses were used to explore the relationships of different cognitive domains with anemia and hemoglobin concentration. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 12.86% and the mean hemoglobin concentration was 14.37 ± 2.20 g/dl. After adjusting for socio-demographic and health-related covariates, the cross-sectional association between anemia and global cognitive function [ß (95%CI) = - 0.49(- 0.69~ - 0.29)], episodic memory [ß (95%CI) = - 0.14(- 0.23~ - 0.05)], and TICS [ß (95%CI) = - 0.23(- 0.38~ - 0.08)] were significant and did not differ by gender. The hemoglobin concentration was also associated with global cognitive function among the whole sample (P < 0.05 for all). The longitudinal analyses showed global cognitive function and episodic memory were associated with anemia independent of covariates (P < 0.05 for all). Sensitivity analyses further provided significant results showing the association between anemia and cognition decline (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a cross-sectional and longitudinal association between anemia and accelerated decline in cognitive functions in Chinese middle-aged and elderly. This suggests that anemia and low hemoglobin concentrations are independent risk factors of cognitive decline.

[Suppression of miR-30a/HMGA2-mediated autophagy in osteosarcoma cells impacts chemotherapeutics-induced apoptosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of miR-30a/HMGA2-mediated autophagy in osteosarcoma cells on apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics. 
 Methods: A total of 30 osteosarcoma tissues of sensitive and resistant to chemotherapeutics were divided into a chemotherapy-sensitive group and a chemotherapy-resistant group. The mRNA expression levels of miR-30a and high mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) in the chemotherapy-sensitive group and the chemotherapy-resistant group, and the mRNA expression levels of miR-30a in osteosarcoma U2-OS cells treated by cisplatin, doxorubicin and methotrexate at different concentrations were detected by real-time PCR. The expression levels of autophagy related protein Beclin 1, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) and autophagy factor P62 were detected by Western blotting. The osteosarcoma U2-OS cells were transfected with miR-30a mimics and miR-30a inhibitors to construct a miR-30a high expression group, a miR-30a low expression group and a control group. The expression levels of Beclin 1, LC3B and P62 in osteosarcoma U2-OS cells after treatment of cisplatin and doxorubicin in these 3 groups were detected by Western blotting; the level of autophagy was detected by monodansylcada (MDC) staining; the level of ROS was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE); the level of cell surviving rate was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8); the level of apoptosis was detected by annexin APC/PI double staining; the level of mitochondria oxidative damage was detected by mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit with JC-1 (JC-1 method). The interaction between miR-30a and HMGA2 was detected by dual luciferase reporter assay. The osteosarcoma U2-OS cells were transfected with HMGA2 mimics and HMGA2-shRNA to construct a high HMGA2 group, a low HMGA2 group, and a control group. The expression levels of Beclin 1, LC3B and P62 in osteosarcoma U2-OS cells after the treatment of cisplatin were detected by Western blotting.
 Results: The level of miR-30a in the chemotherapy-resistant tissues was significantly lower than that in the chemotherapy-sensitive tissues (P<0.05), and the expression of HMGA2 was opposite comparing to that of miR-30a (P<0.05). After the treatment by low concentration (5 µmol/L) of chemotherapeutics, the level of miR-30a was down-regulated in osteosarcoma U2-OS cells, accompanied with up-regulation of Beclin 1 and LC3B (P<0.01) and down-regulation of P62 (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Beclin 1 and LC3B were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression level of P62 was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the miR-30a high expression group, which was opposite in the miR-30a low expression group. In the miR-30a high expression group treated by chemotherapeutics, the level of autophagy and the cell survival rate were lower than those in group with low expression of miR-30a, while the levels of ROS, the mitochondrial oxidative damage and the apoptosis were higher than those in group with low expression of miR-30a (all P<0.05). The targeting interaction between HMGA2 and miR-30a were verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Beclin 1 and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expression level of P62 was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the HMGA2 high expression group, which was opposite in the HMGA2 low expression group.
 Conclusion: Suppression of miR-30a/HMGA2-mediated autophagy in osteosarcoma cells is likely to enhance the therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutics.

Study on the wound healing, anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial activities of Jinjianling cream: A Chinese herbal compound.

The aim of the present study was the healing effect and anti-inflammatory effect of Jinjianling cream on skin lesions and to investigate the antibacterial activity in vitro, which proved that the preparation is safe and effective. The mouse scald model was established to observe the wound healing time and wound healing rate of mice, serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1 were measured by the ELISA method. The model of eczema in mice was induced by DNCB, and the degree of ear swelling in mice was calculated. The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to make pathological sections and count inflammatory cells, and the change of serum IL-2 level was determined by the ELISA method. The bacteriostasis rate was determined by pour plate method, the diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) was determined by filter paper diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by double dilution method. After treatment, the effect of Jinjianling cream groups on the healing of damaged skin in scalded mice was significant. The serum levels of TNF-a and IL-1 decreased, which were lower than those in the model group (p<0.05, p<0.01). In the mouse eczema model, the degree of ear swelling improved significantly, serum IL-2 level was decreased, and inflammatory cell count was significantly than the model group (p<0.05, p<0.01). The results of antibacterial experiments showed that bacteriostasis rate was positively correlated with drug concentration. DIZ values of bacteriostatic circle on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 17.25mm and 25.62mm. Moreover, the MIC values of two kinds of bacteria all were 64µg/mL. Jinjianling cream can promote the healing ability of damaged skin and reduce inflammation of the wound. It also has a strong inhibitory effect on wound pathogenic bacteria, can significantly improve wound healing and effectively treat dermatitis, eczema and other skin diseases.

Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Activities of Melilotus officinalis (Linn.) Pall.

Two new p-hydroxybenzoic acid glycosides, namely p-hydroxybenzoic acid-4-O-α-d-manopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (compound 1) and 4-O-α-l-rhamnopyran-osyl-(1 → 6)-α-d-manopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (compound 2), and seven known compounds, compound 3, 6, 7 (acid components), compound 8, 9 (flavonoids), compound 4 (a coumarin) and compound 5 (an alkaloid), were isolated from the 70% ethanol aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis (Linn.) Pall. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by use of extensive spectroscopic methods Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), High resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and ¹H and 13C-NMR). Sugar residues obtained after acid hydrolysis were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity of all the compounds was evaluated by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⁺) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds were also evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. All compounds were shown to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) production by suppressing the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibitory effect of all the compounds on MCF-7 cells was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The results showed that compounds 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 exhibited better antioxidant activity compared to the other compounds. compounds 1-9 had different inhibitory effects on the release of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by LPS, of which compound 7 was the most effective against inflammatory factors. compounds 1 and 2 have better antitumor activity compared to other compounds. Further research to elucidate the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Melilotus officinalis (Linn.) Pall is of major importance towards the development and foundation of clinical application of the species.

Reproductive risk factors associated with breast cancer in women in Bangui: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (breast Ca) is recognised as a major public health problem in the world. Data on reproductive factors associated with breast Ca in the Central African Republic (CAR) is very limited. This study aimed to identify reproductive variables as risk factors for breast Ca in CAR women. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 174 cases of breast Ca confirmed at the Pathology Unit of the National Laboratory in Bangui between 2003 and 2015 and 348 age-matched controls. Data collection tools included a questionnaire, interviews and a review of medical records of patients. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 20. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the likelihood of developing breast Ca were obtained using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 522 women with a mean age of 45.8 (SD = 13.4) years were enrolled. Women with breast Ca were more likely to have attained little or no education (AOR = 11.23, CI: 4.65-27.14 and AOR = 2.40, CI: 1.15-4.99), to be married (AOR = 2.09, CI: 1.18-3.71), to have had an abortion (AOR = 5.41, CI: 3.47-8.44), and to be nulliparous (AOR = 1.98, CI: 1.12-3.49). Decreased odds of breast Ca were associated with being employed (AOR = 0.32, CI: 0.19-0.56), living in urban areas (AOR = 0.16, CI: 0.07-0.37), late menarche (AOR = 0.18, CI: 0.07-0.44), regular menstrual cycles (AOR = 0.44, CI: 0.23-0.81), term pregnancy (AOR = 0.26, CI: 0.13-0.50) and hormonal contraceptive use (AOR = 0.62, CI: 0.41-0.93). CONCLUSION: Breast Ca risk factors in CAR did not appear to be significantly different from that observed in other populations. This study highlighted the risk factors of breast Ca in women living in Bangui to inform appropriate control measures.

Epidemiology of breast cancer: retrospective study in the Central African Republic.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is recognised as a major public health problem in developing countries; however, there is very limited evidence about its epidemiology in the Central African Republic. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and histopathological characteristics of breast cancer in Bangui. METHODS: This is a retrospective study based on the data collected from pathological anatomy records from 2003 to 2015 in Bangui. A questionnaire was designed to collect information and data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.83 (SD = 13.5) years. The age group of 45-54 years represented the majority of the study population (29.3%). Over 69.5% of the women were housewives with a moderate economic status (56.9%). Less than 14% of the study population had a level of academic degree and 85.6% lived in cities. The breast cancer prevalence was 15.27%. The age-standardized incidence and death by world population (ASW) were 11.19/100,000 and 9.97/100,000 respectively. 50-54 years were most affected. Left breast cancer is mainly common and the time between first symptoms and consultation is more than 48 months. Most (69%) of the samples analysed were lumpectomy. The most common morphology of breast cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma (64.9%). Scarff Bloom Richardson III was the main grade in both common pathological types, but their proportion showed no significant increase along with time (χ2 = 7.06, p = 0.54). Invasion of regional lymph node differed significantly among the pathological type of breast cancer (χ2 = 24.6, p = 0.02). Surgery and chemotherapy were appropriate treatment yet 84.5% of the cases died. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that breast cancer is common and mostly affected women. Epidemiological trends are more or less common to those of developing countries with a predominance of invasive ductal carcinoma. However, most of the women studied live in an urban area and developed the disease in advanced stage. The establishment of an appropriate framework will effectively contribute to promoting the early detection and reducing the incidence of this disease in the population.

Tectorigenin regulates adipogenic differentiation and adipocytokines secretion via PPARγ and IKK/NF-κB signaling.

CONTEXT: Obesity is associated with a number of diseases with metabolic abnormalities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVE: We investigate the effects of tectorigenin on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and adipocytokines secretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of tectorigenin on adipocyte differentiation were studied using Oil Red O staining. Effects of tectorigenin on adipogenesis-related genes expression and adipocytokines secretion were measured by the real-time quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA method, respectively. Reporter gene assays were performed to determine the PPARγ and NF-κB transactivation. We also used [(3)H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose to study the glucose uptake, and the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by western blot analysis. HFD/STZ rats were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies of tectorigenin. RESULTS: Tectorigenin 10, 25, 50, and 75 µM inhibited 3T3-L1 adipogenesis and related genes transcription. TNF-α-induced changes of IL-6, MCP-1, as well as adiponectin in 3T3-L1 were markedly reversed by tectorigenin at 75 µM. Further investigation using reporter gene revealed that tectorigenin was a partial PPARγ agonist with an IC50 value of 13.3 µM. Tectorigenin improved basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, tectorigenin antagonized TNF-α-induced NF-κB transactivation and p65 nuclear translocation. Although tectorigenin (50 and 100 mg/kg) displayed the ability to promote insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism in HFD/STZ rats, it did not cause significant side effects such as body weight gain, fluid retention, or cardiac hypertrophy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results suggest that tectorigenin may ameliorate hyperglycemia by blocking preadipocyte differentiation and adipocytokines secretion in which PPARγ and NF-κB signaling pathways were involved.

[Advance of adipose-derived stem cells in tendon tissue engineering].

Tendon tissue engineering is a novel therapeutic strategy for severe tendon injury and loss. Adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) have been studied extensively, due to their potency to differentiate into musculoskeletal tissue precursors such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and tendocytes under specific cues and high ability of proliferation. Resources of ASCs are ubiquitous and isolation of ASCs is secure, simple and minimally invasive. Mounting evidences demonstrate that ASCs may be involved in tendon tissue engineering and repair the severe injury of tendon under stimulation of various growth factors and other appropriate fittings.

Early effectiveness and safety analysis of belimumab in addition to standard treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the early effectiveness and safety of belimumab in addition to standard therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for 24 weeks. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 60 adult patients with active SLE between June 2020 and August 2022. The patients either received intravenous belimumab in addition to standard therapy (n=31; 24 females, 7 males; mean age: 33.7±14.1 years; range, 18 to 52 years) or only standard therapy (n=29; 22 females, 7 males; mean age: 34.1±13.4 years; range, 19 to 66 years) for 24 weeks. Outcome measures, including safety and effectiveness (Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index [SELENA-SLEDAI]), changes in biomarkers (double-stranded DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid]), serum complement levels, and immunoglobin G (IgG) were recorded. Adverse events were recorded. Results: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. More patients in the belimumab group achieved a reduction of ≥4 points in SELENA-SLEDAI at weeks 12 and 24 (week 12, 77.4% vs. 41.4%, p=0.008; week 24, 87.1% vs. 48.3%, p=0.002). The mean score of SELENA-SLEDAI was significantly lower in the belimumab group compared to the standard therapy group at week 12. However, a significant difference was not reached at week 24. Moreover, mean levels of serum C3 and C4 in the belimumab group were significantly higher than those in the standard therapy group at weeks 12 and 24. A higher proportion of patients in the belimumab group had a normal C3 level than in the standard therapy group. In addition, belimumab treatment resulted in a significant decrease in IgG levels at both weeks 12 and 24. At week 24, the belimumab group had a higher reduction in prednisone dose than the standard therapy group. Furthermore, the percentages of patients with more than 50% reduction in prednisone over baseline were significantly greater for belimumab versus standard therapy at week 12 (p=0.002). The occurrence of adverse events was similar between the two groups (standard therapy group, 44.8%; belimumab group, 51.6%). Conclusion: Intravenous belimumab was well tolerated and significantly improved disease activity in Chinese patients with SLE at the early stage of treatment. More importantly, belimumab treatment could result in a rapid reduction in prednisone dose as early as week 12.

Experimental study and finite element analysis of heavy-duty escalator truss under full load conditions.

The performance of the heavy-duty escalator truss greatly affects the stability and service life of the whole escalator system, and the manufacturing cost of truss structure accounts for more than 1/5. Thus, how to design the truss structure reasonably is a pivotal issue drawing the attention of numerous engineers and researchers. In this work, the experimental research of heavy-duty escalators under full load conditions were performed in terms of the end restraints, the docking port clearances, and the deflection. Based on the experimental results, the three-dimensional simulation model of truss structure was created, and the influences of various factors such as the internal chamfer of truss member, the lower deviation of truss member, the dead weight of escalator, and the pretension force of each bolt at the docking port were analyzed and quantified. Finally, the finite element model which can almost completely characterize the actual structure was obtained with slight difference. The conclusions drawn in this work provide the basis for the efficient design, correct simulation, low cost production and rapid installation of the heavy-duty escalator truss.

Early endovascular approaches for treating acute mesenteric arterial occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Among hemodialysis patients, acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis a condition with a high mortality rate. Very few larger case series have been reported. METHOD: We reviewed eight hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus and SMA thrombosis managed with endovascular therapy in our institution. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were described. The patency of the SMA was assessed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) at one month after the endovascular procedure. At the last visit, clinical symptoms and check of mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Multidetector CTA scan revealed severe stenosis of SMA in 6 patients and SMA occlusion in the other two patients. The severe stenosis of SMA were verified by angiography. Balloon angioplasty without stenting was performed to obtain satisfactory patency of SMA. Seven of eight patients achieved resolution of abdominal pain after the endovascular procedure. One patient died of suspected intestinal necrosis after 6 days of balloon angioplasty. All seven surviving patients did not experience a recurrence of symptoms with a median follow-up of 2 years. No significant residual stenotic or occlusive lesions were noted in follow-up CTA at one month after the endovascular procedure. CONCLUSION: SMA thrombosis should be systematically suspected in hemodialysis patients experiencing abdominal pain. Prompt diagnosis of SMA thrombosis as soon as possible and early endovascular therapy are required to obtain a favorable prognosis in the hemodialysis patient with SMA thrombosis.