[The value of a nomogram based on clinical data and contrast enhanced CT radiomics in the preoperative prediction of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the value of a nomogram based on clinical data and enhanced CT radiomics in the prediction of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma(EBVaGC). Methods: The data of 136 patients, including 100 males and 36 females, aged [M (Q1, Q3)] 65 (53, 71) years, with gastric cancer confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed. According to Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization, those patients were divided into Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive group (n=32) and EBV negative group (n=104). All patients underwent multi-phase enhanced CT scanning before surgery and randomly assigned to the training group (n=95) and validation group (n=41) in a ratio of 7︰3. MaZda software was used to extract radiomics features of enhanced CT images. The intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC), variance analysis and minimum absolute shrinkage and selection algorithm (LASSO) regression were used to reduce the dimensionality of the radiomics features, and then the radiomics score (Radscore) was calculated. The nomogram model was based on combined clinical data, morphological features and Radscore. The predictive power of the nomogram was evaluated according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the net clinical benefit of the nomogram was evaluated by the decision curve and calibration curves were drawn according to the data of the training group and the validation group to analyze the consistency of the nomogram model. Results: After selection, six optimal radiomics features were obtained, including Mean, Skewness, S(1, 0) Sum entropy, S(1, 1) Contrast, 99% percentile and S(2, 2)Angular second moment. Radscore of EBV positive group were higher than that of the EBV negative group (training group: 3.78±0.83 vs 2.80±0.98; validation group: 3.81±0.47 vs 2.94±0.95) (both P<0.05) both in the training group and validation group. The AUC of the radiomics model in training group and validation group were 0.773(95%CI:0.612-0.962)and 0.792(95%CI:0.597-0.927)respectively,and the sensitivity and specificity were 63.6% and 93.1%, 70.0% and 87.1%, respectively. The AUC of the nomogram model based on clinical data and radiomics in the training group and the validation group were 0.883(95%CI:0.644-0.984) and 0.851(95%CI:0.715-0.996), respectively. The nomogram model showed superior predictive performance (both P<0.05). Conclusion: The nomogram model based on clinical data and radiomics has better efficacy in the prediction of Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric cancer.

Efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for infertile women before embryo transfer: meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was intended to evaluate the effects of intrauterine perfusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on the pregnancy outcomes including clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates, live birth rates and miscarriage rates of infertile women who were undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. By searching Pubmed, Embase database, five articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included, and 1173 women were enrolled (intrauterine PBMC group: n = 514; NO-PBMC group: n = 659). For the entire IVF/ICSI population and one or two embryo transfer failure patients, there was no significant difference in endometrial thickness, embryo implantation rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates between the PBMC group and NO-PBMC group. Although the clinical pregnancy rates of the PBMC group were higher than that of the NO-PBMC group, the confidence interval was close to the line of unity. As for the patients with three or more implantation failures, the clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates and live birth rates were much higher in the PBMC group than that of the NO-PBMC group. In summary, current evidence suggests that intrauterine perfusion of PBMC can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in patients who have three or more implantation failures.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? An increasing number of studies have shown that immune cells play an important role in embryo transfer. There is no reliable evidence to confirm the clinical efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of PBMC.What do the results of this study add? The current evidence suggests that intrauterine perfusion of PBMC can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in patients who have three or more implantation failures.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? To the best of our knowledge, this meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the effect of intrauterine perfusion of PBMC on pregnancy outcomes before embryo transfer. Our study indicated that intrauterine perfusion of PBMC significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates, and live birth rates in patients who failed more than three implants.

[Effect of Fei-Liu-Ping ointment combined with cyclophosphamide on lung cancer cell proliferation and acidic microenvironment].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Fei-Liu-Ping ointment and chemotherapy on mice with lung cancer, and to explore the inherent mechanism of action from the point of acidic microenvironment and apoptosis. METHODS: First of all, the Lewis lung cancer transplanted mouse model was established. Therefore, they were treated by Fei-Liu-Ping ointment, cyclophosphamide, Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide and the saline as control. All the groups' tumor size, tumor growth rate and food consumption were recorded. The mice were sacrificed and the tumors were took out after 15 days' interventions. Then lactate relative concentrations were detected with lactate kits and the protein expressions of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), hexokinase 1 (HK1), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), carbonic anhydrase-IX (CA-IX) were detected through immunohistochemical staining. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the percentage of apoptotic tumor cells and regulatory T cells (Treg), and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, interleukin-2 (IL-2) were tested through western blot. RESULTS: The strongest inhibition effect and the lowest tumor growth rate was found in Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide group. There were significant differences between Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide group and saline group(P<0.05). And the highest food consumption was found in Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide group while there were no significant differences between Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide group and saline group (P>0.05). Further molecular biological detections found that the lowest lactate level and regulatory T cells ratio were found in Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide group and these expressions of GLUT4, HK1, GRP78, CA-IX were suppressed. There were significant differences between Fei-Liu-Ping ointment+cyclophosphamide group and saline group (P<0.05). In addition, the Fei-Liu-Ping ointment + cyclophosphamide group's cell apoptosis increased significantly compared with saline group and there were significant differences on expressions of HIF-1α, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, IL-2 for this group compared with saline group. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy and Fei-Liu-Ping ointment had the synergistic effect on inhibiting tumor growth and improving the general conditions of tumor-bearing mice. The effect was partly owed to the improvement on tissue hypoxia, the inhibition of HIF-1α expression and the regulations on its downstream proteins, such as GLUT4, HK1, GRP78, and CA-IX. And then all these alterations led to the modulation tumor acidic microenvironment, the induced tumor cells apoptosis and suppression of T cells to regulatory T cells differentiation.

The prevalence and determinants of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in Chinese mid-life women: a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in Chinese mid-life women. METHODS: A cross-sectional single-center study was performed among 40-65-year-old women who participated in physical examinations at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital from December 2015 to December 2016. The participating women were questioned about their genitourinary symptoms, and the relationships between these symptoms and the women's demographic characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of GSM was 30.8%, the most frequent symptom was decreased sexual desire (18.4%), and the frequency of vulvovaginal symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms was 17.5% and 14.8%, respectively. In addition, most of the symptoms were mild. In postmenopausal women, the prevalences of GSM and the three aforementioned symptoms were higher than those in perimenopausal women (p < 0.05). Based on binary logistic regression analysis, GSM was found to be associated with postmenopause (p = 0.007; odds ratio (OR) 1.52), at least two abortions (p = 0.035; OR 1.42), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 (p = 0.032; OR 1.91) and diabetes (p = 0.041; OR 1.94). CONCLUSIONS: GSM is common in Chinese mid-life women, and associations between GSM and postmenopause, abortion, BMI and diabetes were identified. Health-care practitioners should actively discuss urogenital symptoms with middle-aged female patients and take appropriate interventions to improve the health of their urogenital tract and quality of life.

Association of body composition with menopausal symptoms in (peri-)menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation of body composition with the severity of menopausal symptoms, as well as each classic menopausal symptom. METHODS: A total of 758 (peri-)menopausal women were recruited (aged from 40 to 67 years) from the Menopause Clinic in the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Different regions of fat mass, lean mass and fat-free mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, while menopausal symptoms were evaluated by valid modified Kupperman's index (KMI) in the Chinese version. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression revealed that trunk lean mass (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.99) was the independent determinant of moderate to severe menopausal symptoms (KMI ≥ 16). In multiple regression analysis, significant relationships were found between body mass index and hot flushes/sweating and diabetes (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between lean mass and muscle/joint pain and sexual problems (p < 0.05). We also observed significant relationships between fat mass and hot flushes/sweating and muscle/joint pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that trunk lean mass was an independent protective factor for moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Strengthening the trunk lean mass may alleviate menopausal symptoms.

[Effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms of RS1826690 located in UGT2B4 gene on the pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients].

Objective: To evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RS1826690 located in UGT2B4 gene and pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Methods: A total of 146 breast cancer patients were enrolled to detect the SNPs of RS1826690 by sequenom. The relationship between SNPs of RS1826690 and pCR, predictors of pCR were analyzed by univariate or multivariate analysis. Results: The frequency of CC, CT and TT genetype of RS1826690 was 20.6%, 39.7% and 39.7%, respectively. Of the 171 patients, pCR was achieved in 39 cases (26.7%), with CC allele in 14 cases, CT allele in 7 cases and TT allele in 18 cases, and statistically significant difference was observed (χ(2)=16.684, P=0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SNPs of RS1826690 was an independent predictor of pCR (95% CI: 2.311-28.810, P=0.001) . SNPs of RS1826690 was statistically associated with estrogen receptor (ER) status (χ(2)=7.872, P=0.020). Conclusion: SNPs of RS1826690 was associated with pCR, and breast cancer patients with CC allele were more likely to achieve pCR.

[Operative strategy and clinical results of complex four part distal radius fractures by combined palmar and dorsal internal fixation].

Objective: To explore a standard procedure for the treatment of combined dorsal and palmar internal fixation for complex four part distal radius fractures and assess its clinical results. Methods: From May 2009 to October 2016, 38 patients(39 sides)who suffered from complex four part distal radius fractures were performed operatively with open reduction and internal fixation via combined dorsal and palmar approach in Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University(Qingdao). The series included 22 males(22 sides) and 16 females(17 sides). Age of the patients was 53.5 years ranging from 25 to 79 years.According to Melone classification, there were 34 sides of type of Ⅳ, 5 of type Ⅴ.According to Frykman classification, there were 15 sides of type Ⅶ, 24 sides of type Ⅷ, and all the cases were type C3 according to AO/OTA classification.Preoperatively, the key articular fragments in four part distal radius fractures were identified and the individual fracture patterns from conventional X-ray and CT-scan were analyzed. All the patients were performed combined volar and dorsal fixation.Firstly, a palmar approach which gave access to and fix the palmar-ulnar fragment and the radial styloid fragment was performed.Then a limited dorsal approach across the third extensor compartment which gave access to the dorso-ulnar fragment and a limited dorsal arthrotomy to visualize the radiocarpal joint when necessary were performed.Through dorsal approach, we can address the dorso-ulnar fragment, free intra-articular fragment and direct visualize the joint.Use of a retinacular flap was routinely advocated to help prevent against tendon irritation and rupture.The follow-up control included conventional X-ray, range of motion(ROM), grip strength, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand index(DASH), as well as the patient-rated wrist evaluation(PRWE) score for functional outcome at 6 and 12 months. Results: Thirty-three patients(34 sides) were followed up for at least 12 months.The would healed well in all cases 2 weeks postoperatively, and no soft tissue infections, necrosis or neurovascular complications occurred.All the fractures of 38 cases(39 sides)healed averaged 3.6 months(ranging from 2.5-5.7 months), and no loss of reduction occurred postoperatively.Anatomic reconstruction with a step or gap of <1 mm was achieved in 37 cases(38 sides), Whereas 5 patients were lost to follow-up at 12 months postoperatively.ROM and grip strength were all recovered to over 85% of the unaffected side(exception of the bilateral patient). Median DASH-index and PRWE were 6.5(0-17) and 9.3(0-20)respectively. Conclusion: Combined volar and dorsal approaches allow achieving anatomic reconstruction in complex four part intra-articular distal radius fractures and reveal good functional outcomes at intermediate follow-up.

Butyrylcholinesterase regulates central ghrelin signaling and has an impact on food intake and glucose homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin is the only orexigenic hormone known to stimulate food intake and promote obesity and insulin resistance. We recently showed that plasma ghrelin is controlled by butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which has a strong impact on feeding and weight gain. BChE knockout (KO) mice are prone to obesity on high-fat diet, but hepatic BChE gene transfer rescues normal food intake and obesity resistance. However, these mice lack brain BChE and still develop hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, suggesting essential interactions between BChE and ghrelin within the brain. METHODS: To test the hypothesis we used four experimental groups: (1) untreated wild-type mice, (2) BChE KO mice with LUC delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in combined intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebral (i.c.) injections, (3) KO mice given AAV for mouse BChE (i.v. only) and (4) KO mice given the same vector both i.v. and i.c. All mice ate a 45% calorie high-fat diet from the age of 1 month. Body weight, body composition, daily caloric intake and serum parameters were monitored throughout, and glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were performed at intervals. RESULTS: Circulating ghrelin levels dropped substantially in the KO mice after i.v. AAV-BChE delivery, which led to normal food intake and healthy body weight. BChE KO mice that received AAV-BChE through i.v. and i.c. combined treatments not only resisted weight gain on high-fat diet but also retained normal glucose and insulin tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate a central role for BChE in regulating both insulin and glucose homeostasis. BChE gene transfer could be a useful therapy for complications linked to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) promotes fracture healing in ovariectomized rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Ovariectomized (OVX) rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with femur fracture received vehicle, insulin, or insulin plus parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment for 2 and 3 weeks. Radiography, histomorphometry, histology, and immunohistochemistry in callus were evaluated. INTRODUCTION: Reports about effects of PTH plus insulin on callus formation of osteoporotic fracture with T2DM were limited. This study was designed to investigate the effects of the combination of PTH and insulin on fracture healing in OVX rats with T2DM. METHODS: Two-month-old female rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal fracture (F), OVX fracture (OF), T2DM + OVX fracture (DOF), insulin-treated (2-4 u/daylight, 4-6 u/night, DOFI), and treated with insulin and PTH (50 µg/kg/day, 5 days/week, DOFIP). A closed mid-shaft fracture was established in the right femurs of all rats after 6 weeks of OVX. Rats were euthanized at 2 and 3 weeks post-fracture according to the time schedule, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of insulin alone or insulin combined with PTH significantly increased mineralized bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and connectivity density (Conn.D) compared with those of the DOF group at 3 weeks post-fracture and also increased cartilaginous callus area ratio in the DOFI and DOFIP groups at 2 weeks and bony callus area ratio in the DOFIP groups at both the 2 and 3 weeks post-fracture. CONCLUSIONS: OVX rats with T2DM exhibited a marked delay in the fracture healing process; insulin treatment ameliorated these effects, and the healing process was enhanced following treatment with a combination of insulin and PTH.

[The situation and associated factors of facility-based HIV testing among men who sex with men in Beijing].

Objective: To understand the prevalence of facility-based HIV testing and its associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing city. Methods: An application-based cross-sectional survey was employed to understand HIV site test situation and associated factors. The survey was carried out from May 14(th) to 21(st), 2016. Users of a smart phone application for gay dating were recruited and those eligible for this survey were investigated with an online self-administered questionnaire. Information of demographics, sexual behaviors, facility-based HIV testing history and recreational drug abuses were collected. The multivariate logistic regression was used to make comparison among different groups and assess associated factors. Results: A total of 7 494 participants were enrolled in the survey with mean age of (28.81 ± 7.38) years, 87.14% (6 530/7 494) sought sexual partners through internet. The proportion of facility-based HIV testing in 1 year was 42.55% (3 189/7 494), MSM who were 25-29 years had higher proportion of facility-based HIV testing in 1 year, the proportion was 45.56%(1 104/2 423). Among MSM who could insist in using condom during anal sex (50.46% (1 539/3 050)), the proportion of HIV site testing in 1 year was higher. The MSM who reported seeking healthcare for symptoms of a sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past year or ever using recreational drug had higher proportion of facility-based HIV testing, the proportions were 56.81% (409/720) and 52.00% (1 340/4 917), respectively. Compared with alone cohabitation, cohabitating was associated with decreased odds of HIV facility-based testing in past 1 year(odds ratio (OR)= 0.79, P<0.001). Compared with homosexual sexual orientation, bisexual sexual orientation was associated with decreased odds of facility-based HIV testing (OR=0.83, P=0.004). With the increasing of number of male anal sex partners, the odds of HIV facility-based testing was increasing (OR=1.31, P<0.001) But with the decreasing of the frequency of condom using with male anal sex partners, the odds of facility-based HIV testing was decreasing (OR=0.85, P=0.014). Using recreational drugs (OR=1.36, P<0.001) and seeking healthcare for symptoms of a STI in the past 1 year (OR=1.73, P<0.001) were associated with decreased odds of HIV site testing. Conclusion: MSM in Beijing had lower proportion of facility-based HIV testing in past 1 year. Multiple anal sex partners, using recreational drugs, seeking healthcare for symptoms of a STI in the past year, cohabitating, bisexual sexual orientation, and lower frequency of condom using with male anal sex partners were associated with the odds of HIV facility-based testing in past 1 year.

The 341C/T polymorphism in the GSTP1 gene and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have evaluated the association between the 341C/T polymorphism in glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and lung cancer risk. However, there are conflicting results from previous studies. To derive a more precise estimation of the association, we conducted this meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify the eligible studies examining the GSTP1 341C/T polymorphism and lung cancer risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. The meta-analysis results showed that the GSTP1 341C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with lung cancer risk (TT vs CC: OR = 3.33, 95%CI = 1.49-7.44; CT vs CC: OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.10-1.65; dominant model: OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.05-1.96; recessive model: OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.14-0.70). The results indicate that the GSTP1 341C/T polymorphism may contribute to lung cancer risk. Conclusive evidence on the effects of this variant in lung cancer should be addressed in further studies.

HPV16 E6 mutations and p53 codon72 polymorphism among women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3 in China.

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of HPV16 E6 gene mutations and p53 codon72 polymorphism among women with HPV16+ cervical precancerous lesions and explore their relationship with the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2, 3. Materials and Meth- ods: This study analyzed a total of 112 cases of exfoliated HPV16+ cervical cell specimens which were divided into group I (normal and CIN1, 55 cases) and group2 (CIN2, 3, 57 cases). Among the 112 specimens, 85 cases were successfully amplified for HPV E6 gene by PCR and the PCR products were sequenced directly. P53 codon72 region was also amplified from the 112 specimens and the PCR products were sequenced directly and compared with the standard sequence. RESULTS: Among the 85 amplified HPV sequences, point mutations such as T178G, T350G, G132A, A442C, T310G, G94T, C551A, etc. were found, among which, T178G showed the highest rate (51.76%). The rate of HPV16 E6 mutation T178G in CIN2, 3 group was significantly higher than that in normal and CINI group, i.e., in the 112 amplified p53 codon72 sequences, the distribution of Pro/Pro genotype in normal, and CIN1 group was significantly different from that in CIN2, 3 groups, and the disease risk of Pro/Pro genotype was much higher than that of Arg/Arg and Arg/Pro genotypes. CONCLUSION: HPV16 E6 T178G mutation increases the disease risk of CIN2, 3. Meanwhile, compared with Arg/Arg and Arg/Pro genotypes, p53 codon72 Pro/Pro genotype more associated with the disease risk of CIN2, 3.

[Preliminary study for the roles and mechanisms of 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 and PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticles in the Lewis lung cancer mice].

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively observe the effects of 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 and PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticles on the Lewis lung cancer mice and to explore the mechanisms of Rg3 and PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticle anti-cancer in vivo. METHODS: Lewis lung cancer mouse model was established and 60 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups with twelve in each group: PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticles group(Rg3-N), PEG-PLGA group (PEG), Rg3 group (Rg3), normal control group(C), saline control group(NS), and received intragastric administration for 14 days. The weights of the mice were measured every 2 days and the weight curves were obtained. At the same time, the color pattern, activity and mental status were observed. The mice were sacrificed when the administration was over, and the effects of 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 and PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticles on tumor weight, and the tumor:weight ratios were analysed. In addition, the tumor microvessel density (MVD) was measured by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD31 antibody to compare the effects of Rg3 and PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticles on the tumor angiogenesis in vivo. Furthermore, the levels of such angiogenesis and proliferation factors as MMP-9, HIF-1α, VEGF, Ki-67 were examined by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry to explore the internal molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor effects in vivo. RESULTS: The trends of variation of the mice weights in NS group and PEG group were rising early but declining later. In contrast, the trends of the other three groups were rising early and became stable later. In comparison with NS group, the mice of Rg3 group and Rg3-N group had better general status: brighter color, more active and better spirit. Compared with NS group,the tumor weight in PEG group, Rg3 group and Rg3-N group showed no significant difference but the tumor:weight ratio and MVD in Rg3 group and Rg3-N group declined significantly (P<0.01). Besides, there was no significant difference between Rg3 group and Rg3-N group. At the same time, the level of VEGF mRNA, the protein expression of MMP-9, HIF-1α, VEGF in Rg3 group and Rg3-N group decreased compared with NS group. Furthermore, the level of each index above-mentioned in Rg3-N group was lower than that in Rg3 group. The expression of Ki-67 in PEG group, Rg3 group and Rg3-N group showed no significant difference compared with NS group. CONCLUSION: Rg3 and PEG-PLGA-Rg3 nanoparticle may suppress the expression of VEGF, MMP-9 and HIF-1α in Lewis lung cancer mice, thereby indirectly contributing to their antitumor effects and alleviating the mice's general status. In addition, PEG-PLGA nanoparticles embedding can promote Rg3 antitumor effect in vivo.

[Comparison of intensified myeloablative conditioning regime without antithymocytic globulin (ATG) with myeloablative conditioning regime for single-unit unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation in hematological malignancies].

OBJECTIVE: To campare the effect and tolerance beween intensified myeloablative conditioning regime (IMCR) without antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and myeloablative conditioning regime (MCR) for single-unit unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (sUCBT) in hematological malignancies. METHODS: The clinical data of 190 patients with hematological malignancies undergoing sUCBT between April 2000 and December 2013 at Department of Hematology, Anhui Provincial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, of whom 156 received IMCR without ATG (IMCR group), including 79 patient receiving total body irradiation (TBI)/cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C)/cyclophosphamide (CY) regime, 47 receiving fludarabine (Flu)/busulfan (Bu)/CY regime, and 30 receiving Ara-C/Bu/CY regime, and all of the 156 received a combination of cyclosporine A (CsA) and mycophelonate mofetil (MMF) for the prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); the remaining 34 patients received MCR (MCR group), 30 patients receiving Bu/CY regime, and 4 receiving TBI/CY regime, all using CsA/MMF±ATG or methotrexate (MTX) for the prophylaxis of GVHD. The two groups were compared in disease status at the time of transplantation, characteristics of graft, transplantation effect, and transplantation-related complications. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender, disease type, human leukocyte antigen match, ABO blood type match, and disease status at the time of transplantation (all P>0.05). The median age and body weight at transplantation in the IMCR group were significantly higher than those in the MCR group (13 years vs 9 years, P=0.003; 44 kg vs 26 kg, P=0.000). The median doses of infused total nucleated cells (×10(7)/kg) and CD34(+) cells (×10(5)/kg) in the IMCR group were significantly lower than in the MCR group (3.87 vs 4.99, P=0.002; 2.00 vs 3.17, P=0.000). The cumulative incidence of myeloid engraftment on the 42th day and platelet engraftment on the 120th day in the IMCR group were remarkably higher than in the MCR group [96.33%(95%CI: 96.27%-96.39%)vs 82.30%(95%CI: 80.67%-83.93%), P=0.000; 86.44%(95%CI: 86.28%-86.60%)vs 51.17%(95%CI: 49.02%-53.32%), P=0.002]. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of grade Ⅱ to Ⅳ acute GVHD, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ acute GVHD, and 2-year chronic GVHD(P=0.482, 0.928, 0.579). The incidence of pre-engraftment syndrome in the IMCR group was higher than in the MCR group(82.70% vs 47.06%, P=0.000). And 180-day transplantation-related mortality (TRM) in the IMCR group was lower than that in the MCR group [20.50%(95%CI: 20.28%-20.71%)vs 42.20% (95%CI: 41.32%-45.09%), P=0.004]. Up to October 2015, with a median follow-up of 44.2(22.7-188.9)months, the estimated 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival in the IMCR group were both significantly higher than those in the MCR group (62.90% vs 34.10%, P=0.000; 58.60% vs 34.10%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: IMCR without ATG may improve the engraftment without increasing complications, reduce early transplantation-related mortality, and improve survival.

[The outcome of trial of labor after cesarean section].

Objective: To explore the outcome of trial of labor after cesarean section(TOLAC). Methods: Totally 614 TOLAC were conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from July 2013 to June 2016. Among them, 586 cases of singleton pregnancy with one prior cesarean section(gestational age≥28 weeks)were studied retrospectively. The maternal and neonatal outcomes among the vaginal birth after cesarean(VBAC)group(481 cases), failed TOLAC group(105 cases)and the elective repeat cesarean section(ERCS)group(1 145 cases)were compared. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of admission to neonatal intensive care unit(NICU). Results: (1)The TOLAC rate was 29.62%(614/2 073)from July 2013 to June 2016, and the VBAC rate was 82.6%(507/614). The cesarean section rate was reduced by VBAC by 3.147%(507/16 112).(2)The comparison of adverse maternal outcomes: in the VBAC group, the postpartum hemorrhage volume was(431±299)ml, the rate of postpartum fever was 6.4%(31/481), the birth weight of the neonates was(3 085± 561)g, and the rate of large for gestational age was 2.9%(14/481). All were significantly lower than those in the failed TOLAC group and the ERCS group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other adverse maternal outcomes[the uterine rupture rate(0.2% ,1/481), the bladder injury rate(0), the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage volume≥1 500 ml(1.0%, 5/481), the blood transfusion rate(3.7%, 18/481)]and adverse perinatal outcomes[the rate of neonatal 5-minute Apgar score<7(0.4%, 21/481), the rate of umbilical arterial pH<7.0(0.6% , 3/481), the rate of the NICU admission and the perinatal mortality rate(12.3%, 59/481)]among the 3 groups(P>0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed no association between VBAC and admission to the NICU(OR=0.84, 95%CI: 0.58-1.21). The isolated risk factors for admission to the NICU were preterm birth(OR=16.71, 95% CI: 11.44-24.40), hypertensive disorder complicating pregnamcy(OR=3.89, 95% CI: 2.39-6.35), meconium stained amniotic fluid(OR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.62-3.80), small for gestational age(OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.19-3.36)and diabetes mellitus(OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.14-2.50). Conclusions: VBAC reduces cesarean section rate, with good outcomes in both mother and neonate. It is a safe and feasible way of labor in women with only one cesarean section history.

The tumour necrosis factor-α 308G>A genetic polymorphism may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of acne. AIM: To estimate the association between the TNF-α 308G>A polymorphism and the pathogenesis of acne. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed and CNKI databases from inception to December 2013 was conducted. Meta-analyses were performed, and the OR and 95% CI calculated. The strength of association was assessed under five genetic models: allele (A vs. G), dominant (AA+AG vs. GG), recessive (AA vs. GG+AG), homozygous (AA vs. GG), and heterozygous (AA vs. AG). RESULTS: Seven case-control studies were included, with a total of 987 patients with acne and 1078 healthy controls. The meta-analysis result showed a significant association between TNF-α 308G>A and the pathogenesis of acne under the recessive (OR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.67-5.86, P < 0.001), homozygous (OR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.63-5.63, P < 0.001) and heterozygous (OR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.61-6.20, P < 0.001) models. The subgroup analysis showed a significant association with male sex (recessive: OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.26-11.25, P = 0.02, homozygous: OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.03-10.22, P = 0.04) and severe acne (recessive: OR = 4.62, 95% CI 1.73-12.34, P < 0.01; homozygous: OR = 3.41, 95% CI 1.18-9.89, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that genotype AA of TNF-α 308G>A may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne. Thus, detection of the TNF-α 308G>A polymorphism may be a promising biomarker for the early detection of acne.

Association of ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms with vitiligo risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) such as ApaI or BsmI may affect the risk of vitiligo. However, the results have been inconsistent. AIM: To evaluate the association between two common polymorphisms (ApaI and BsmI) in the VDR gene and the susceptibility to vitiligo. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched, and OR with 95% CI was calculated. The strength of association and vitiligo risk was assessed under five genetic models: allele, dominant, recessive, homozygous and heterozygous. RESULTS: Six relevant studies were identified, including five studies that assessed the ApaI polymorphism and four the BsmI polymorphism (some overlapped). The meta-analysis results indicated that either the ApaI or the BsmI gene polymorphism may increase the risk of vitiligo in East Asian populations (aa + Aa vs. AA: OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.96, P < 0.05; bb vs. Bb + BB: OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.59, P < 0.01). No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis suggests that the ApaI a allele or BsmI bb genotype are associated with the risk of vitiligo in East Asian populations. Thus, these polymorphisms could be potential biomarkers for early detection of vitiligo.

Body color development and genetic analysis of hybrid transparent crucian carp (Carassius auratus).

The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic mechanism of the transparent trait in transparent crucian carp. We observed body color development in transparent crucian carp larvae and analyzed heredity of color in hybrids produced with red crucian carp, ornamental carp, and red purse carp. The results showed that the body color of the newly hatched larvae matured into the adult pattern at approximately 54 days post-hatching. Two inter-species reciprocal crosses between transparent crucian carp and red crucian carp, and self-cross F1 of transparent crucian carp and self-cross F1 of red marking transparent crucian carp were conducted, and results indicated that the transparent-scaled trait is dominant over the normal-scaled trait. Furthermore, the transparent trait is a quantitative trait. All offspring in the four inter-genera reciprocal crosses of transparent crucian carp with ornamental carp and red purse carp were hybrids of common carp and crucian carp, and had a relatively low survival rate of 10-20%. Moreover, the transparent-scaled trait was observed to be dominant over the normal-scaled trait in the hybrid fish. In conclusion, our results suggest that the genetic mechanism underlying the color of goldfish is complex and requires further investigation.

A myeloablative conditioning regimen with fludarabine demonstrates good results in UCBT for 30 pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficacy of a myeloablative conditioning regimen with fludarabine (FLU) in unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT) of 30 pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies. The conditioning regimen consisted of FLU, busulfan (BU) and cyclophosphamide (CY). All of the patients received Cyclosporine (CSA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. We achieved high engraftment rates (96.7%) and rapid hematopoietic reconstitution. Acute GVHD occurred in 12 cases of the 29 engraftment patients (41.4%), and 6 cases (20.7%) were of grade III-IV. Chronic GVHD only occurred in 1 of 28 evaluable patients (3.6%). Twenty-three patients (76.7%) became infected, and 3 cases (10.0%) died of severe infections. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation occurred in 70.0% of the patients, but no CMV diseases were observed, nor did any patients die of CMV infection. The cumulative incidence of relapse (6.7%) was significantly reduced, and none of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients relapsed. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 73.3% and 70.0%, respectively. The 3-year OS and EFS of the ALL patients was 75.0%. This conditioning regimen demonstrates good results and security in UCBT, especially in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

[Exploring the factors affecting music-related quality of life in post-lingual deaf adults with cochlear implants].

Objective: To observe the feelings of listening to music and the importance of music in the daily life of post-lingual deaf adults with cochlear implants, and to explore the relevant influencing factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study. From January 2021 to August 2021,the Music-Related Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate the music needs and music experiences of 63 post-lingual deaf adults who met the inclusion criteria, including 27 males and 36 females, aged (40.7±12.3) years, at the time of surgery (36.8±13.1) years, and with a preoperative hearing aid ineffective time of (3.9±5.8) years. Indicators analyzed included age, duration of ineffective preoperative hearing aid wear, preoperative music preference, duration of postoperative cochlear implant use, current hearing aid modality, and auditory rehabilitation outcomes. Whether the six factors mentioned above constituted an influence on the subjects' music listening was investigated using SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Results: All of the observations in the scale were correlated with a single factor. The two sub-dimensions of music experience section were related to the effect of auditory rehabilitation. In the importance section, the effect of auditory rehabilitation was the influential factor of the dimension of "participation importance", and the preoperative enjoyment of music was the relevant influential factor of the dimension of "perceived importance". There was a significant difference between the groups when they were grouped by the above factors (P value<0.05), while there was no statistically significance between the groups when they were grouped by other factors (P value>0.05). Conclusions: Post-lingual deaf adults show the need and attempt to listen to music after cochlear implantation. The effectiveness of auditory rehabilitation and the degree of music preference preoperatively are two important factors that influence music listening in implant recipients. Once the level of auditory communication has been restored to a certain degree, it is important to pay more attention to the needs of music for implant recipients and train them in time, especially for those with music preferences preoperatively.