Increased Burden of Second Bladder Cancer and Rectal Cancer in Prostate Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy: Results From Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have confirmed the higher risk of bladder cancer (BC) and rectal cancer (RC) development among prostate cancer (PCa) patients receiving radiotherapy. In this study, we intend to explore the long-term trend in second BC and RC incidence among PCa patients undergoing radiotherapy. METHOD: We identified first primary PCa patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2014 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-9 cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated by calendar year of diagnosis among PCa patients receiving radiotherapy and not. P trends were evaluated using Poisson regression. 10-year cumulative incidence of BC and RC was calculated utilizing competing risk regression model. RESULT: Of PCa patients treated with radiotherapy, SIRs of BC increased from .82 (95% CI: .35- 1.61) in 1980-1984 to 1.58 (95% CI: 1.48-1.68) in 2010-2014 (Ptrend=.003). SIRs of RC increased from 1.01 (95% CI: .27-2.58) in 1980-1984 to 1.54 (95% CI: 1.31-1.81) in 2010-2014 (Ptrend=.025). No statistically significant change in both BC and RC incidence was observed. The 10-year cumulative incidence of BC increased from 1975-1984 (.04%) to 2005-2014 (.15%) among PCa treated with radiotherapy. Simultaneously, the 10-year cumulative incidence of RC was demonstrated to range from 1975-1984 (.02%) to 2005-2014 (.11%). CONCLUSION: we have observed an increasing trend in second BC and RC incidence in PCa patients receiving radiotherapy. There was no significant change in the incidence of second BC and RC in PCa without radiotherapy. These results reflect the increasing clinical burden of second malignant tumors in PCa patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 12 suppresses tumor progression in osteosarcoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 12 (PTPN12) plays a prominent role in various cancers as a tumor suppressor. However, the expression of PTPN12 and its biological functions in osteosarcoma (OS) remains to be determined. METHODS: PTPN12 expression in OS was explored in public databases and detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation. The cell migration and invasion were assessed by the Transwell assay. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. To investigate the related mechanism, the levels of EGFR and downstream proteins were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: PTPN12 expression was significantly decreased in OS samples in GEO database and our hospital. OS cell lines in Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database and our cultured OS cells also demonstrated low PTPN12 expression. Lentivirus-induced overexpression of PTPN12 significantly inhibited the cell viability, migration and invasion of 143B and U2OS cells. The results of flow cytometry found that PTPN12 overexpression promoted cell apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in 143B and U2OS cells. The phosphorylation levels of EGFR and subsequent proteins of the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways were inactivated as a result of PTPN12 overexpression in OS. CONCLUSION: PTPN12 plays a tumor suppressive role in OS cells. Restoring of PTPN12 activity may provide new insights for the treatment of this disease.

Bandgap tuning of two-dimensional materials by sphere diameter engineering.

Developing a precise and reproducible bandgap tuning method that enables tailored design of materials is of crucial importance for optoelectronic devices. Towards this end, we report a sphere diameter engineering (SDE) technique to manipulate the bandgap of two-dimensional (2D) materials. A one-to-one correspondence with an ideal linear working curve is established between the bandgap of MoS2 and the sphere diameter in a continuous range as large as 360 meV. Fully uniform bandgap tuning of all the as-grown MoS2 crystals is realized due to the isotropic characteristic of the sphere. More intriguingly, both a decrease and an increase of the bandgap can be achieved by constructing a positive or negative curvature. By fusing individual spheres in the melted state, post-synthesis bandgap adjustment of the supported 2D materials can be realized. This SDE technique, showing good precision, uniformity and reproducibility with high efficiency, may further accelerate the potential applications of 2D materials.

A robust magnesiothermic reduction combined self-activation strategy towards highly-curved carbon nanosheets for advanced zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors applications.

Aqueous zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors are considered to be a newly emerging electrochemical energy storage devices. However, the exploration and design of advanced cathode materials remain a huge challenge. Herein, we developed a versatile one-step magnesiothermic reduction and self-activation process for the synthesis of highly-curved carbon nanosheets (HCCNs) with hierarchical pore structures. In this process, low-molecular weight organic potassium salts (e.g. potassium bitartrate, potassium acetate, potassium oxalate, potassium formate, potassium oleate, potassium sorbate), which usually used as the chemical activating reagents, serve as the carbon source whereas the Mg power acts as the reducing agent. The resulting HCCNs possess hierarchical porosity and unique HCCN geometry which can afford abundant active sites for charge accumulation as well as the highly efficient ions diffusion kinetics. Because of the high ratio of surface-controlled capacitive contribution and high ions diffusion coefficient, the optimized sample can exhibit excellent charge storage performance with an impressive reversible capacity (200.2 mAh g-1), excellent rate capability, and good cyclic stability. The excellent capacitive behaviors combined with the feasible synthetic procedure make the present synthetic protocol a promising choice towards well-designed nanocarbons for electrochemical energy storage applications.

[Application of PeriCam PSI blood flow imaging perfusion system in rat brain ischemia reperfusion injury models].

OBJECTIVE: : To study the feasibility and effect of PeriCam PSI system guiding the establishment of ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rats. METHODS: : A total of 70 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the control group(n=6), PSI monitoring group(n=34) and traditional operation group(n=30). Ischemia reperfusion model was established with reference to improve Zea-Longa line plug method. After the model established, the blood flow to the brain of control group, PSI monitoring group (ischemic 2 h, 24 h reperfusion) were observed and recorded respectively with PSI. The rats were then executed after 24 h, and the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and HE staining were used to observe the brain tissue. RESULTS: : The survival rate and modeling success rate of PSI monitoring group were higher than those of the traditional operation group(all P<0.05). The blood perfusion in the brain and the distribution of blood vessels were clearly observed in the control group, and the data were normal. In 2 h ischemic group, the arterial flow was interrupted in the right cerebral artery, and the blood flow in the middle arterial blood supply was significantly decreased than that in the control group(P<0.05). After the recovery of 24 h, the artery in the right side of the brain was restored to blood flow, but the blood flow in the partial supply area decreased, unable to recover to normal level. The TTC staining results indicated that there were obvious infarcts in the right brain tissue of PSI monitoring group,and the infarct area was more stable than that of the traditional operation group. The results of HE staining showed that the structure of brain tissue in the control group was normal, and the morphological rules of nerve cells were not change. While in brain tissue from PSI monitoring group, cortex and ischemia half dark stripe, nerve cell degeneration, necrosis and glial fiber disintegration, liquefaction, and light color, screen mesh in ischemic central area were observed. CONCLUSIONS: : PSI system can guide ischemia reperfusion model building and improve the success rate of the model.

In vivo cervical vertebrae kinematic studies based on dual fluoroscopic imaging system measurement: A narrative review.

Understanding the motion characteristics of cervical spine through biomechanical analysis aids in the identification of abnormal joint movements. This knowledge is essential for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of related disorders. However, the anatomical structure of the cervical spine is complex, and traditional medical imaging techniques have certain limitations. Capturing the movement characteristics of various parts of the cervical spine in vivo during motion is challenging. The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) is able to quantify the motion and motion patterns of individual segments. In recent years, DFIS has achieved accurate non-invasive measurements of dynamic joint movements in humans. This review assesses the research findings of DFIS about the cervical spine in healthy and pathological individuals. Relevant study search was conducted up to October 2023 in Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCO databases. After the search, a total of 30 studies were ultimately included. Among them, 13 studies focused on healthy cervical spines, while 17 studies focused on pathological cervical spines. These studies mainly centered on exploring the vertebral bodies and associated structures of the cervical spine, including intervertebral discs, intervertebral foramina, and zygapophyseal joints. Further research could utilize DFIS to investigate cervical spine motion in different populations and under pathological conditions.

Advanced oxidation protein products induce inflammatory response in fibroblast-like synoviocytes through NADPH oxidase -dependent activation of NF-κB.

BACKGROUND: Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), a marker of oxidative stress, are prevalent in many kinds of disorders. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), mainly resulting from the dysfunction of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), is related to oxidative stress. Although the increased levels of AOPPs in RA patients were reported, the effect of AOPPs on FLSs function still remains unclear. Therefore, our study aims to investigate whether AOPPs have an effect on the inflammatory response of FLSs in vitro. METHODS: FLSs obtained from both knees of rats were treated with or without AOPPs-modified rat serum albumin (AOPPs-RSA) in vitro. The mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1ß, matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)-3, MMP-13 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected by fluorescent microscope and fluorescence microplate reader. Immunoprecipitation, Co-Immunoprecipitation and western blot were performed to examine the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). RESULTS: Exposure of FLSs to AOPPs upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, MMP-3, MMP-13 and VEGF in a concentration dependent manner. AOPPs treatment triggered ROS production in FLSs, which was significantly abolished by ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), NADPH oxidase inhibitors diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and apocynin. Challenged AOPPs induced phosphorylation of p47(phox), triggered an interaction between p47(phox), p22(phox) and gp91(phox), and significantly upregulated expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p47(phox), p22(phox) and gp91(phox). IκB degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 induced by AOPPs were significantly blocked by SOD, NAC, DPI and apocynin. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that AOPPs induce inflammatory response in FLSs is medicated through NADPH oxidase-dependent activation of NF-κB.

Machine learning-based predictive model for the differential diagnosis of ≤ 5 cm gastric stromal tumor and gastric schwannoma based on CT images.

The clinical symptoms of ≤ 5 cm gastric stromal tumor (GST) and gastric schwannoma (GS) are similar, but the treatment regimens are different. This study explored the value of computed tomography (CT) combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms to find the best model to discriminate them. A total of 126 patients with GST ≤ 5 cm and 35 patients with GS ≤ 5 during 2013-2022 were included. CT imaging features included qualitative data (tumor location, growth pattern, lobulation, surface ulcer status, necrosis, calcification, and surrounding lymph nodes) and quantitative data [long diameter (LD); short diameter (SD); LD/SD ratio; degree of enhancement (DE); heterogeneous degree (HD)]. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 112) and test set (n = 49) using 7:3 stratified sampling. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors. Five ML algorithms were used to build prediction models: Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, Extra Trees, and Extreme Gradient Boosting Machine. The analysis identified that HDv, lobulation, and tumor growth site were independent risk factors (P < 0.05). We should focus on these three imaging features of tumors, which are relatively easy to obtain. The area under the curve for the SVM, KNN, RF, ET, and XGBoost prediction models were, respectively, 0.790, 0.895, 0.978, 0.988, and 0.946 for the training set, and were, respectively, 0.848, 0.892, 0.887, 0.912, and 0.867 for the test set. The CT combined with ML algorithms generated predictive models to improve the differential diagnosis of ≤ 5 cm GST and GS which has important clinical practical value. The Extra Trees algorithm resulted in the optimal model.

Comprehensive analysis of the expression, prognosis and biological significance of FSCN family in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Fascin (FSCN) is an actin-binding protein that serves a critical role in cell migration and invasion, contributing to tumor metastasis. However, there is little known about the function of FSCN family in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). The present study used the UALCAN, gene expression profiling interactive analysis, The Cancer Genome Atlas, cBioPortal, STRING and The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource databases to investigate the transcription level, genetic alteration and biological function of FSCNs in KIRC and their association with the prognosis value and immune cell infiltration in patients with KIRC. Results showed that the expression of FSCN1 and FSCN3 was markedly upregulated in patients with KIRC, while the expression of FSCN2 showed an opposite trend, which was the same as the experiments. Furthermore, the expression levels of FSCNs were associated with pathological stage, molecular subtypes and tumor grade. The expression levels of FSCNs were statistically correlated with the immune cell infiltration in KIRC. Higher expression levels of FSCN1 and FSCN3 were associated with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free interval of patients bearing KIRC. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that FSCN2 was an independent risk factor for OS time in KIRC. Furthermore, mutations in FSCNs were significantly associated with poor OS and progression-free survival in patients with KIRC. The FSCNs were involved in pathways including focal adhesion, endocytosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, regulation of actin cytoskeleton. The results indicated that FSCN2 might serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS of KIRC and that FSCN1 and FSCN3 can be used as favorable biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes in KIRC.

Prognostic nomogram for estimating survival in patients with resected muscle-invasive bladder cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Background: Chemotherapy has been proven to bring survival benefit in patients with resected muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), which is increasingly recommended. Our objective was to establish an effective model for estimating the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in these patients. Methods: 2,030 patients diagnosed with resected MIBC receiving chemotherapy were acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database, which were randomized 7:3 into a primary set (1,421 patients) and an internal validation set (609 patients). Significant predictors for OS and CSS were identified by Cox regression models, which were then utilized to develop prognostic nomogram. The performance of the model was assessed by utilizing calibration, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Six independent prognostic factors, including age, race, histology, T stage, N stage and regional nodes examined, made up the nomogram. The AUCs of the primary cohort was 0.751 and 0.753 for 3- and 5- year OS and 0.751 and 0.754 for 3-and 5- year CSS, respectively. The calibration plots proved the nomograms' satisfactory discrimination. The results of DCA manifested that our models had an excellent clinical applicability. In addition, a risk stratification system was established according to the nomogram' risk score. Obvious difference was found in different groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The established prediction nomogram provides a simple-to-use tool for estimating the survival probability of resected MIBC patients treated with chemotherapy, which can assist clinicians make individualized treatment plans.

Comprehensive analysis of the expression, prognostic value and biological importance of OVO­like proteins in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

This study examined the expression levels of OVO-like proteins (OVOLs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissues and their value in predicting disease prognosis. The transcript levels, genetic alterations, and biological functions of OVOLs and their correlation with tumor immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity and survival outcomes, as well as their prognostic values, in patients with ccRCC were analyzed based on data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, cBioPortal, and GSCALite databases. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed using R software (Bioconductor, clusterProfiler packages). A protein-protein interaction network was established and visualized using the R software with the ggplots package. The ggstatsplot package was used to plot the correlation between gene expression and immune cell infiltration. The mRNA expression levels of OVOL1 and OVOL2 were significantly downregulated in patients with ccRCC, whereas those of OVOL3 were upregulated. OVOL1 expression was correlated with tumor stage and histological grades. The OVOL1, OVOL2, and OVOL3 levels were significantly correlated with the prognosis of patients with ccRCC, the infiltration of immune cells, and drug sensitivity. Multivariate and univariate analyses showed that the expression of OVOL1 was an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival (OS) of patients with ccRCC. The OVOL proteins were associated with various pathways, including tight junction, cell adhesion molecules, and ether lipid metabolism. Additionally, OVOL3 upregulation, and OVOL1 and OVOL2 downregulation in clinical ccRCC samples were experimentally verified. Thus, OVOL1 and OVOL2 are potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for ccRCC. Additionally, OVOL1 can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with ccRCC.

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy versus traditional three-hole laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children by senior pediatric surgeons: a multicenter study from China.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of single-incision laparoscopy appendectomy (SILA) and traditional three-hole laparoscopy appendectomy (THLA) for the treatment of acute appendicitis in children. Methods: The clinical data of children (<14 years old) who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Hubei Provincial Maternal Health Hospital and Qingdao Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the operation method, the patients were assigned to the SILA group or the THLA group. The clinical data, including the efficacy, and the surgical details, including the complications, of the two surgical methods were compared. The personal information of the children and the time of disease onset were recorded. Results: In this study, the data of 588 patients, including 385 patients in the THLA group and 203 patients in the SILA group were collected. The baseline characteristics between the two groups of patients before surgery were comparable. There was no significant difference in the average operation time between the THLA group and the SILA group (56.31 ± 1.83 min vs. 57.48 ± 1.15 min, P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the average length of hospital stay between the THLA group and the SILA group (6.91 ± 0.24 days vs. 7.16 ± 0.36 days, P > 0.05). However, the FLACC scores of the SILA group (3.71 ± 0.78) were significantly lower than those of the THLA group (3.99 ± 0.56) on the second postoperative day, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The score of the questionnaire evaluating cosmetic appearance of the postoperative abdomen was significantly higher in the SILA group (15.81 ± 0.36) than in the THLA group (13.10 ± 0.24) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SILA is more advantageous in terms of postoperative FLACC scores and cosmetic appearance in children than THLA. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications or other aspects between the two surgical methods.

Evaluation of Bacterial Cellulose Dressing versus Vaseline Gauze in Partial Thickness Burn Wounds and Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Two-Center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

Objective: Bacterial cellulose (BC) dressing, which can maintain a moist environment and prevent the invasion of pathogens, has become a competitive dressing material for burn wound treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment efficacy of a novel China-made BC dressing for the treatment of second-degree burn wounds and skin graft donor sites. Methods: 212 patients with second-degree burn wounds or skin graft donor sites were enrolled from two research centers. They were randomly assigned to the BC dressing group (study group) or the Vaseline gauze (VG) dressing group (control group). Wound conditions were assessed before and after treatment. Dressings were changed according to the condition of the wound bed. Healing rate and healing time were recorded as primary endpoints to evaluate the efficacy of BC dressing against VG dressing. Erythema, swelling, exudation, bleeding, subeschar purulence, and pain were assessed as secondary endpoints. Results: 207 participants completed the trial and their wounds all healed within 28 days. The average healing times for superficial and deep secondary burn wounds and skin graft donor sites in the BC group were 8.12, 15.77, and 10.55 days, respectively. In the VG group, the average healing times for superficial and deep secondary burn wounds and skin graft donor sites were 9.30, 15.27, and 11.19 days, respectively. The healing time of superficial burn wounds in the BC group was statistically shorter than that in the VG group. There was no difference in the frequency of dressing changing between two groups. The BC dressing showed equal efficacy with the VG dressing at all secondary endpoints. Conclusion: The novel BC dressing could be used for the management of second-degree burn wounds and skin graft donor sites. With a shorter healing time in superficial secondary burn wound than that of the VG dressing, the BC dressing showed noninferiority in the treatment of superficial and deep secondary burn wounds and skin graft donor sites versus the VG dressing. This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registry number: ChiCTR1800014377 (http://www.chictr.org.cn)).

Risk and prognosis of secondary malignant neoplasms after radiation therapy for bladder cancer: A large population-based cohort study.

Objective: To investigate the association between radiotherapy and the risk of second malignant neoplasm (SMN) development among patients with bladder cancer (BC). Overall survival (OS) is compared among patients developing SMN and without. Method: We identified patients diagnosed with BC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The development of an SMN is defined as any SMN occurring more than 5 years after the diagnosis of BC. The Fine-Gray competing risk regression is used to estimate the probability of SMN. The radiotherapy-associated risk (RR) for SMNs is assessed by Poisson regression. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the OS of patients with SMNs. Propensity score matching (PSM) is performed. Results: A total of 76575 BC patients are enrolled in our study. The probability of SMNs in the radiotherapy cohort is statistically higher than in the non-radiotherapy cohort. In competing risk regression analysis, radiotherapy is proven to be associated with a higher risk of SMN (Hazard ratio: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.102-1.368). The radiotherapy-associated risks significantly increase in the radiotherapy cohort (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.14-1.43). In site-specific analysis, statistically significant results are observed in lung and bronchus (LAB) cancer and hematological malignancies. The OS rate in patients developing SMN is significantly lower than that among matched patients with primary BC. Conclusion: Radiotherapy for BC is associated with SMN. Radiotherapy increases the risk of secondary low-dose area cancer development, including LAB cancer or hematological malignancies. Notably, this effect is not observed in the high-dose area involving pelvic tumors. Patients developing SMN showed poorer OS.

Identification of SAA and ACTB as potential biomarker of patients with severe HFMD using iTRAQ quantitative proteomics.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease caused by a variety of enterovirus infections, and the most common types of virus infections are the newenterovirus71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A group 16 (CoxA16). A small fraction of HFMD will cause further severe HFMD. A rapid and accurate diagnosis biomarker of severe HFMD is important for the timely treatment. In the study, we conducted a clinical biomarker discovery study using iTRAQ combined with MS. Serum proteome alterations in severe HFMD group (n = 32) and health control group (n = 32) were analyzed. 47 proteins were upregulated (fold change > 1.5) between the severe HFMD group and HC group. The identified proteins were classified into different groups according to the molecular function, biology processes, cellular component. During the up-regulated proteins, serum amyloid A (SAA) and human ß-actin (ACTB), were confirmed in the serum of the severe HFMD and HC by ELISA assay. SAA and ACTB levels were significantly higher in the sever HFMD patients (P < .01), consistent with iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS analysis. In summary, Our results showed that SAA and human ß-actin (ACTB) may be served as a potential biomarker of the clinical diagnosis of severe HFMD.

Rare Skin Fistulas Relating to Ascending Colonic Carcinoma: An Unusual Mode of Revelation.

Chronic or nonhealing wounds is a complex disease influenced by a multitude of factors, such as infection, ischemia, malnutrition, and diabetes and infrequently relates to retroperitoneal carcinoma. We present a case of an adenocarcinoma of ascending colon in a 68-year-old male who had lumbago and waist fistulas with retroperitoneal abscesses preceding other signs or symptoms of colonic malignancy. Supplemental information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of nonhealing wounds and colon carcinoma has also been included in the report. Adenocarcinoma of ascending colon is rarely associated with nonhealing wounds; nevertheless, it should be considered in cases with long-term healing complications. Precise diagnostic deliberation is crucial in the management and treatment of all chronic and long-term nonhealing lesions, and appropriately performed biopsies are essential to determine whether malignancy is the primary cause.

Skin perfusion pressure as a predictor of ischemic wound healing potential.

Skin perfusion pressure (SPP) is the blood pressure that is the requisite for the restoration of microcirculatory or capillary flow following controlled occlusion and subsequent flow return. The purpose of the current review was to evaluate the value of SPP for the prediction of wound healing in patients with limb ischemia. Articles published up to January 31, 2017 were searched in the PubMed database and Chinese database CNKI, using the keywords of 'skin perfusion pressure', 'limb ischemia' and 'wound healing'. Articles were obtained and reviewed to analyze the predictive value of SPP with regard to the healing potential of ischemia wounds on limbs. Three different types of techniques are currently used for the measurement of SPP, namely radioisotope clearance, photoplethysmography and laser Doppler, with laser Doppler as the most widely applied technique, due to its noninvasiveness and ease of operability. SPP may effectively assess wound healing potential in ischemic limbs with high sensitivity and specificity; however, its optimum cut-off point remains uncertain. Compared with other noninvasive microcirculatory assessment tools including ankle-brachial index, toe blood pressure and transcutaneous oxygen pressure, SPP has its advantages including that it is not affected by vascular calcification, anatomical structure or patient condition. In conclusion, SPP may be used as an index to accurately predict wound healing in patients with limb ischemia. However, it is difficult to determine the optimum cut-off of SPP due to the limitations of current data. Further study is necessary to confirm the optimum cut-off value of SPP in predicting wound healing potential.

Skin perfusion pressure for the prediction of wound healing in critical limb ischemia: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the value and efficacy of skin perfusion pressure (SPP) for the prediction of wound healing in patients with critical limb ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception until December 31, 2014 using combinations of the following keywords: skin perfusion pressure, limb ischemia, wound healing, prediction. Randomized controlled trials, 2-arm prospective studies, and retrospective studies that measured SPP in patients with limb ischemia were included. The outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of SPP for the prediction of wound healing. RESULTS: Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The mean patient age ranged from 62.2 to 71.5 years, and the majority were male. The pooled sensitivity of SPP for the prediction of wound healing was 79.9% using 30 mm Hg as the cut-off, 67.1% using 40 mm Hg, and 76.1% for all included studies (95% CI: 73.9-84.9%, 55.8-76.8%, and 70.7-80.8%, respectively). The pooled specificity was 78.2% using 30 mm Hg, 84.2% using 40 mm Hg, and 82.1% for all included studies (95% CI: 61.5-89.0%, 74.0-90.9%, 73.7-88.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Skin perfusion pressure can accurately predict wound healing in patients with critical limb ischemia.

TIP, a T-cell factor identified using high-throughput screening increases survival in a graft-versus-host disease model.

A coordinated effort combining bioinformatic tools with high-throughput cell-based screening assays was implemented to identify novel factors involved in T-cell biology. We generated a unique library of cDNAs encoding predicted secreted and transmembrane domain-containing proteins generated by analyzing the Human Genome Sciences cDNA database with a combination of two algorithms that predict signal peptides. Supernatants from mammalian cells transiently transfected with this library were incubated with primary T cells and T-cell lines in several high-throughput assays. Here we describe the discovery of a T cell factor, TIP (T cell immunomodulatory protein), which does not show any homology to proteins with known function. Treatment of primary human and murine T cells with TIP in vitro resulted in the secretion of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-10, whereas in vivo TIP had a protective effect in a mouse acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) model. Therefore, combining functional genomics with high-throughput cell-based screening is a valuable and efficient approach to identifying immunomodulatory activities for novel proteins.

[Effectiveness of distal femoral osteotomy assisted by three-dimensional printing technology for correction of valgus knee with osteoarthritis].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of distal femoral osteotomy aided by three-dimensional (3D) printing cutting block for correction of vaglus knee with osteoarthritis. Methods: Between January 2014 and January 2016, 12 patients (15 knees) with vaglus deformity and lateral osteoarhritis underwent medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy. There were 5 males and 7 females, aged 30-60 years (mean, 43.8 years). The mean disease duration was 6.6 years (range, 1-12 years). The unilateral knee was involved in 9 cases and bilateral knees in 3 cases. According to Koshino's staging system, 1 knee was classified as stage I, 9 knees as stage II, and 5 knees as stage III. The X-ray films of bilateral lower extremities showed that the femorotibial angle (FTA) and anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) were (160.40±2.69)° and (64.20±2.11)° respectively. Mimics software was used to design and print the cutting block by 3D printing technique. During operation, the best location of distal femoral osteotomy was determined according to the cutting block. After osteotomy, internal fixation was performed using a steel plate and screws. Results: All incisions healed primarily; no complication of infection or deep vein thrombosis was observed. All patients were followed up 6-18 month (mean, 12.2 months). At 6 months after operation, the hospital for special surgery (HSS) score for knee was significantly improved to 89.07±2.49 when compared with preoperative score (65.27±1.49, t=-28.31, P=0.00); the results were excellent in 10 knees, good in 4 knees, and fair in 1 knee with an excellent and good rate of 93.3%. The bony union time was 2.9-4.8 months (mean, 3.3 months). Bone delayed union occurred in 1 case (1 knee). The postoperative FTA and aLDFA were (174.00±1.41)° and (81.87±1.06)° respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones ( t=-18.26， P=0.00; t=-25.19, P=0.00). The percentage of medial tibial plateau in whole tibial plateau was 49.78%±0.59%, showing no significant difference when compared with intraoperative measurement (49.82%±0.77%, t=0.14, P=0.89). Conclusion: 3D printing cutting block can greatly improve the accuracy of distal femoral osteotomy, and ensure better effectiveness for correction of vaglus knee with osteoarthritis.