[Clinical study on the relationship between the exosomes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma and the severity of lung injury and outcome in early acute respiratory distress syndrome patients].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the levels of exosomes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma and the severity of lung injury and its outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Patients who were admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University and received invasive mechanical ventilation were selected from August 2020 to April 2021, and they were divided into ARDS group and non-ARDS group. Finally, 33 ARDS patients were included, including 18 males and 15 females, aged (65.5±15.5) years; 10 non-ARDS patients, 8 males and 2 females, aged (57.2±15.3) years. The BALF and plasma of the two groups of patients were collected within 24 hours after enrollment, and the total exosomes of the samples were collected by ultracentrifugation. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) was used to detect and compare the differences in exosome content between the two groups. Correlation of content with the severity and prognosis of lung injury in ARDS patients. Results: There was no significant difference in gender and age between ARDS group and non-ARDS group (both P>0.05). The exosome in plasma of ARDS group was significantly higher than that of non-ARDS group [(25.3±1.2)/ml vs (24.2±1.6)/ml, P=0.031], while the exosomes in BALF of ARDS group was also higher than that of non-ARDS group [(26.5±1.6)/ml vs (24.6±1.1)/ml, P=0.001]. The exosomes in BALF of patients with ARDS caused by intrapulmonary causes was higher than that in ARDS group caused by extrapulmonary causes [(26.9±1.5)/ml vs (25.2±0.9)/ml, P=0.01], and the infection caused by bacterial shows that the highest exosome level in BALF. The exosomes in the BALF of the mild ARDS group was significantly lower than that of the severe ARDS group [(25.7±1.3)/ml vs (27.2±1.5)/ml, P=0.038]; the exosomes in BALF of ARDS patients was negatively correlated with P/F ratio (r=-0.38, P=0.03); and it was positively correlated with Murray lung injury score (r=0.47, P=0.01). However, the static compliance levels, length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and 28-day outcome were not associated with the exosomes in BALF. Conclusion: Compared with non-ARDS patients, ARDS patients have significantly higher levels of exosomes in BALF and plasma, there is a certain correlation between exosomes derived from BALF and the severity of lung injury in ARDS.

Gender-specific SBNO2 and VPS13B as a potential driver of osteoporosis development in male ankylosing spondylitis.

To identify the critical genes and pathways that related to OP development in male AS patients, bioinformatic gene analysis and qRT-PCR validation were performed. SBNO2 and VPS13B were identified as the potential target for OP development, which may be valuable for the prevention of OP in male AS patients. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis (OP) is common in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The specific pathogenesis of OP in AS, however, is still unclear. The present study attempted to identify potential genes associated with the development of OP in males with AS. METHODS: Gene expression profiles were downloaded from the GSE73754 and GSE35959 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Data from OsteoporosAtlas were downloaded as a supplement. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined with the limma package. The overlapping DEGs between male AS-related genes and OP-related genes were determined. The DEGs were validated by qRT-PCR in the blood samples of males with AS. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to establish a co-expression network to identify the hub genes. RESULTS: A total of 17 overlapping DEGs were identified; 6 genes in 17 overlapping DEGs were verified as the essential genes in the pathogenesis of OP in male AS by qRT-PCR analysis. After WGCNA, the modules of MEblue (> 0.6) and MEred (> 0.8) were screened out by the correlation analysis and were determined to function mainly in MAPK signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Analysis of the two modules revealed VPS13B and SBNO2 as key genes due to the high degree of correlation. Both genes play an important role in bone metabolism regulation in male AS. Two hub genes MYD88 in MEblue and NCK1 in MEred with high degree of connectivity were selected. CONCLUSIONS: Gender-specific SBNO2 and VPS13B may be key genes involved in OP in male AS.

Exploring of the Mechanism of Rib Fracture Caused by Landing on Different Parts of the Trunk after Falls from Height Using Finite Element Method.

ABSTRACT: Objective To study the mechanism of rib fracture caused by landing on different parts of the trunk using finite element method, and to provide some new techniques and new ideas for the reconstruction of the whole process of falls from height. Methods The finite element method was used to study the rib fracture of human security model THUMS4.0 caused by landing on different parts of the trunk. Then the model was compared with actual cases and the mechanism of rib fracture caused by falls from height was analyzed from a biomechanical point of view. Results There were some differences in the stress and strain distribution as well as the rib fracture sites when different parts touched the ground. Ribs on both sides of the body were fractured when the front of the trunk touched the ground, and the fractures were mainly located in the junction of the ribs and costal cartilage and the midaxillary line area. When the right anterior part of the trunk touched the ground, rib fracture occurred first on the side that touched the ground, and rib fractures were mainly located in the area from the right midaxillary line to the posterior axillary line, and junction of ribs on both sides and costal cartilage. When the back of the trunk touched the ground, the fracture sites were mainly located on the back of the ribs on both sides. When the right posterior part of the trunk touched the ground, multiple rib fractures were likely to occur in the parts that touched the ground. The plastic strains were mainly concentrated at the fracture sites, while the von Mises stresses were not only concentrated at the fracture sites, but also at other sites. Conclusion There are some differences in rib fracture location sites and injury mechanisms when different parts of the trunk touch the ground.

Evaluation of 3D Measuring Methods for Body Surface Damage and Scars.

ABSTRACT: Objective To assess the accuracy and reliability of the two 3D measuring methods, structured-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry in forensic body surface damage and scar measurement. Methods The measuring results of 86 injuries by the ruler method, structured-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry were compared and evaluated. The area measuring results of 13 simulated scars by the structured-light scanning, single-camera photogrammetry, Photoshop lasso pixel method and PDF reading software were compared and evaluated. The time consumed was recorded. The known specification information of the stickers was used as the standard value to compare the measuring accuracy of the ruler method, structural-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry, and to calculate the root mean square error （RMSE）. The consistency evaluation of intraclass correlation coefficient （ICC） for the repeatability of 3 measuring results obtained by different operators and the same operator. Results The differences in results of the two 3D measuring methods and the ruler method had no statistical significance; the differences between measuring results made by the structured-light scanning, single-camera photogrammetry and PDF reading software and that of the Photoshop lasso pixel method had no statistical significance. The post-processing of the single-camera photogrammetry consumed more time than that of other methods. When the long-distance group （10-40 cm） was measured, the results obtained by the ruler method were shorter than the standard value. The RMSE value results were structured-light scanning < single-camera photogrammetry < ruler method. The ICC value intragroup and intergroup were greater than 0.99. Conclusion Both structured-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry can be applied in recording and measuring forensic body surface damage. The former has better performance in measurement accuracy and stability, while the latter has better color performance but longer post-processing time.

[All levels miniplate fixation and a modified hybrid fixation method in expansive open-door cervical laminoplasty: a retrospective comparative study].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare the effect of alternate levels miniplate and anchor fixation with the effect of all levels miniplate fixation in expansive open-door cervical laminoplasty (EOLP). METHODS: Patients with cervical spondylosis underwent EOLP between July 2015 and June 2016 were included in the study. There were 33 patients in the alternate group (alternate levels miniplate and anchor fixation group) and 34 patients in the miniplate group (all levels miniplate fixation group). Neurological function was evaluated with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and degree of pain was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Basic clinical and surgical data, complication rates and medical costs of the two groups were compared. In addition, radiological examinations were performed pre- and post-operatively and at the final follow-up. Relative imaging data such as anteroposterior diameter (APD), cervical curvature index (CCI) and open angle were collected and compared. RESULTS: (1) The mean follow-up time was 18.6 months in the alternate group and 18.9 months in the miniplate group. There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complication rates, post-operative hospital stays, VAS scores and neurological recovery rates preoperatively and at the final follow-up between the two groups. (2) Additionally, no obvious differences were observed about CCIs and APDs at the three follow-up time points between the two groups. Post-operative open angles at C4 and C6 in the alternate group were significantly smaller than those in the miniplate group. However, there were no significant differences in C3, C5 and C7 open angles between the two groups post-operatively. Notably, no significant differences were detected about the open angles at all levels between the two groups at the final follow-up. (3) When comparing radiologic data at different time points in each group, CCIs and open angles at each level had no significant differences, but APDs after surgery and at the final follow-up were significantly larger than pre-operative APDs. (4) Total costs in the alternate group were significantly lower than those in the miniplate group. CONCLUSION: The two surgical methods showed almost the same neurological recovery rates and complication rates. However, use of alternate levels miniplate and anchor fixation in EOLP can reduce medical expenses.

[Analysis of risk factors and consequences for concurrent obstructive sleep apnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients].

Objective: To compare clinical characteristics between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD -OSA overlap, and to analyze the risk factors for OSA in patients with COPD. Methods: A total of 431 patients with COPD were divided into a COPD-OSA group with AHI>15 events/h or a COPD group with AHI ≤ 15 events/h according to the results of polysomnography, and their clinical characteristics were summarized. Risk factors for OSA overlap in COPD patients were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: There were no significant differences in gender composition, dyspnea scale (mMRC) score, the numbers of acute exacerbations and hospitalizations in the last year, prevalence of coronary heart disease, or cor pulmonale or diabetes mellitus in the two groups (all P>0.05). Age, BMI, neck circumference, smoking index, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, the values of FEV(1) or FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC ratios, and the prevalence of hypertension in the COPD-OSA group with AHI>15 events/h were significantly higher than in the COPD group with AHI ≤15 events/h, while the duration of COPD and the proportion of severe COPD were lower than the COPD group with AHI≤ 15 (P<0.05). The scores of Charlson Comorbidity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Sleep Apnea Clinical Score (SACS) in the COPD-OSA group were significantly higher than in the COPD group with AHI≤ 15, with all P values<0.05. Risk factors for AHI>15 OSA coinciding in patients with COPD included BMI, neck circumference, ESS, SACS and CAT (P<0.05). Furthermore, BMI, ESS and CAT were independent risk factors for OSA in COPD patients (P<0.05). Compared with mild or moderate COPD cases, patients with severe COPD (FEV(1)%<50%) had a lower risk of having OSA (ß=-0.459, OR=0.632, 95% CI 0.401-0.997, P=0.048). Conclusions: Compared to COPD patients with AHI ≤ 15 events/h, OSA-COPD overlap patients (AHI>15 events/h) had a worse quality of life, more daytime sleepiness and higher prevalence of hypertension. BMI, ESS and CAT were independent risk factors for AHI>15 OSA in patients with COPD. The risk of having OSA in severe COPD patients was lower than cases with mild or moderate COPD.

[Application of three questionnaires in screening obstructive sleep apnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of three questionnaires [Sleep Apnea Clinical Score (SACS), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)] in screening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 198 patients with COPD were assessed the likelihood of OSA by using the SACS, BQ, ESS, which was confirmed by the overnight polysomnography (PSG). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the calculated likelihood ratios were used to compare the values of three scoring systems in predicting OSA in COPD patients. Results: The patients had an average age of (65.5±9.3) years and 92.9% (184 cases) of which were male, 14 cases (7.1%) were female; 27 cases (13.6%) had a high probability of OSA by SACS assessment, 61 cases (30.8%) had a high probability screened by BQ, and 72 (36.4%) had OSA high probability by ESS. The diagnosis of OSA in 75 patients (37.9%) were confirmed by PSG. OSA did not be accurately predicted by ESS screening in patients with COPD, with a ROC curve area under the curve of 0.592 (95% CI: 0.509-0.674, P=0.053). BQ had an area under the ROC curve of 0.706 (95% CI: 0.626-0.779, P<0.001). However, the prediction of SACS was much better, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.810 (95% CI: 0.737-0.871, P<0.001). Conclusion: SACS is superior to BQ and ESS in predicting OSA in this group of patients with COPD.

[5-HT(2A) receptor/protein kinase C pathway in mediating long-term facilitation of carotid sinus nerve discharge in chronic intermittent hypoxia rats].

Objective: To explore the role of 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway in mediating long-term facilitation (LTF) of carotid sinus nerve (CSN) discharge in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) rats. Methods: With number table, 24 adult SD rats were randomly divided into saline control group (group A, n=6), 5-HT(2A)R antagonist (ketanserin) group (group B, n=6), PKC inhibitor (PKC θ-pseudosubstrate) group (group C, n=6) and combined ketanserin with PKC θ-pseudosubstrate group (group D, n=6). All rats were placed into the animal chambers for CIH treatment, 8 h per day (from 9: 00 to 17: 00) for 4 consecutive weeks. 28 days later, 5 min × 3 times of stimulation with acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) were given, after that, stable CSN discharge activities were recorded and compared before and after intravenous injection of saline (group A), ketanserin (group B), PKC θ-pseudosubstrate (group C) or ketanserin + PKC θ-pseudosubstrate (group D), respectively. Results: There were no significant difference in the baseline (before AIH stimulation) average peak amplitude of CSN discharge among the four groups (P>0.05). In group A, the amplitude of CSN discharge at 30 min and 60 min after AIH were (5.01 ± 0.53) µV and (4.95 ± 0.34) µV respectively, which were significantly higher than that before AIH (P<0.01). The results implied that the CSN LTF could be induced by AIH in CIH pre-treatment rats. In group B, the amplitude of CSN discharge at 30 min and 60 min after AIH were (3.79 ± 0.42) µV and (3.73 ± 0.46) µV, respectively, which were still significantly higher than that before AIH (P<0.01), showing that carotid sinus nerve LTF couldn't be completely blocked by 5-HT(2A)R antagonist in rats. After injection of PKC θ-pseudosubstrate or ketanserin + PKC θ-pseudosubstrate in group C or D, there were no significant differences in CSN discharge amplitude before and after AIH (P>0.01), suggesting that inhibition of PKC alone or 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway could completely block the LTF of CSN. Conclusion: 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway was involved in mediating long-term facilitation of carotid sinus nerve discharge in CIH rats.

[Expression and regulation of CD36 mRNA in granulosa cells and its relation with clinical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of CD36 mRNA in granulosa cells (GCs) of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the impact of testosterone, insulin and PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone on GCs. METHODS: The expression of CD36 mRNA inGCs of patients with PCOS and normal controls were assayed byreal-time PCR.The level of CD36 mRNA after treatment with testosterone, insulin, and rosiglitazone in GCs ofnormal controls were also tested by real-time PCR. RESULTS: (1) The expression of CD36mRNA in the GCs of PCOS was significantly higher than that of the controls (P<0.05). (2) When testosterone concentration was 1 nmol/L, CD36 mRNA increased in the GCs, but there was no significantdifference compared to the blank control, (P>0.05). When testosterone concentration was 10 nmol/L, the expression of CD36 mRNA in the GCs was higher than that in the blank control with significant difference (P<0.05). When insulin concentration was 10 nmol/L, the expression of CD36 mRNA increased but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). When insulin concentration was 100 nmol/L, the expression of CD36mRNA in the GCswas higher than that in the blank control (P=0.05). When rosiglitazone concentration was 1nmol/L, the expression of PPARγ mRNA in GCs were significantly increased compared with the blank control (P<0.05). The expression of CD36 mRNA atrosiglitazone concentrationof 10 nmol/Lwere significantly increased compared to the concentration of 1 nmol/L (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High testosterone and insulin induced the expression of CD36 mRNA.Rosiglitazone increased CD36 mRNA in a dose-related manner in GCs.Increased CD36 mRNA in the GCs of PCOS may be related to the clinical characteristics of PCOS.

LONG-TERM PRECONDITIONING OF PLANTLETS: A PRACTICAL METHOD FOR ENHANCING SURVIVAL OF PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus Merr.) SHOOT TIPS CRYOPRESERVED USING VITRIFICATION.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient cryopreservation protocol for pineapple (Ananas comosus Merr.) shoot tips. OBJECTIVE: The optimal state of pineapple plantlets was investigated by using sucrose preconditioning to enhance survival after cryostorage. METHODS: To achieve a suitable state of plantlets before cryopreservation, 0.2 M to 0.4 M sucrose concentrations combined with short- (0-7 days), medium- (15-30 days), and long-term (75-150 days) preconditioning periods were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The highest survival (100 %) was achieved using the following procedure: intact plantlets underwent long-term preconditioning with 0.2 M sucrose for 135 days, dissected shoot tips were treated with a loading solution containing 2.0 M glycerol + 0.4 M sucrose for 60 min at 25 degree and the shoot tips were dehydrated in PVS2 for 2h at 0 degree C before being plunged in liquid nitrogen. Rewarming was conducted in a water-bath for 30 s at 40 degree C and PVS2 was replaced with a 1.2 M sucrose solution for 30 min at 25 degree C. The shoot tips were transferred on semisolid medium and left in the dark for 1 week, then in dim light for 3 weeks.

The effect of pre-procedure anxiety on sedative requirements for sedation during colonoscopy.

This study investigated the effects of pre-procedural anxiety (assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory) on sedative requirements in 135 patients undergoing sedation for colonoscopy. Deep sedation was defined as loss of consciousness and no response to colonoscopy, and was achieved by target-controlled infusion of propofol. Patients' characteristics, baseline haemodynamic profiles, Beck Anxiety Inventory scores, effect-site propofol concentration at loss of consciousness and characteristics of recovery were recorded. No correlations were found between Beck Anxiety Inventory scores and effect-site propofol concentration at loss of consciousness or baseline haemodynamic profiles. There was no statistical difference in the characteristics of recovery among patients with different levels of anxiety. In conclusion, in patients receiving deep sedation for colonoscopies, the level of pre-procedural anxiety did not relate to the sedative requirement or post-procedural recovery characteristics.

[Spatial and temporal characteristics of reported schistosomiasis cases in China based on a Bayesian interrupted time-series model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spatial-temporal characteristics of reported schistosomiasis cases in China from 2004 to 2017, so as to provide insights into the development of different schistosomiasis control strategies at various stages. METHODS: The monthly data of reported schistosomiasis cases at a provincial level of China from 2004 to 2017 were collected from the Public Health Science Data Center, and the spatial-temporal distribution of reported schistosomiasis cases was preliminarily identified using a descriptive statistical method. According to the goals at different stages proposed by the National Mid- and Long-term Program for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control in China (2004-2015), a Bayesian interrupted time-series model was established to analyze the provincial reported incidence, time trend and seasonal variations of schistosomiasis in China at different stages. RESULTS: The reported schistosomiasis cases were mainly concentrated in 5 provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan and 2 provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China from 2004 to 2017, and the number of reported cases in endemic areas decreased gradually. The incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases predominantly peaked during the period from May to September in the marshland and lake regions, while no regular seasonality was seen in hilly regions. Bayesian interrupted time-series analysis showed the peak incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases in 4 provinces of Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi between May and September and in Jiangsu Province from July to November; however, no regular seasonal cycle was identified in hilly regions. The number of reported schistosomiasis cases showed a tendency towards an increase in 2 provinces of Hubei and Hunan from 2008 to 2014, with a minor peak during the period between March and April, and since 2015, the seasonality was not remarkable any longer in 3 provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Jiangxi with a decline in the incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases, while the seasonality remained in Hubei Province. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial-temporal characteristics of schistosomiasis in China, notably seasonality, vary at different control stages. Bayesian interrupted time-series model is effective to identify the spatial-temporal changes of schistosomiasis, and the schistosomiasis control strategy may be adjusted according to the spatial-temporal changes to improve the schistosomiasis control efficiency.

LINC01116 promotes proliferation, invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells by silencing p53 and EZH2.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression pattern and potential function of LINC01116 in regulating the progression of osteosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression levels of LINC01116 in osteosarcoma tissues (n=52) and adjacent normal tissues (n=52) were detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Survival analysis and univariate analysis were performed in osteosarcoma patients based on the relative expression levels of LINC01116 and clinical data. Overexpression or silence of LINC01116 in osteosarcoma cells was achieved by transfection of plasmid complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (pcDNA)-LINC01116 or si-LINC01116, respectively. Subsequently, the regulatory effects of LINC01116 on cellular behaviors of osteosarcoma cells were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the potential mechanism of LINC01116 in regulating the progression of osteosarcoma was explored by RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Western blot. Potential target genes in osteosarcoma were searched, and their functions were clarified through a series of rescue experiments. RESULTS: LINC01116 expression in osteosarcoma tissues was significantly higher than adjacent normal tissues. The expression of LINC01116 was negatively correlated with overall survival, whereas positively correlated with tumor size and clinical grade of osteosarcoma patients. Transfection of pcDNA-LINC01116 significantly enhanced proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of U2OS cells, shortened G0/G1 phase period, and inhibited cell apoptosis. However, transfection of si-LINC01116 in MG63 cells obtained the opposite trends in the above-mentioned cellular behaviors. Furthermore, RIP assay confirmed the binding of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to LINC01116. Knockdown of LINC01116 significantly up-regulated the expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and p53. Moreover, EZH2 knockdown could reverse the inhibitory effect of LINC01116 on carcinogenesis of osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: LINC01116 is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. Up-regulated LINC01116 can promote cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle progression, while inhibiting the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, LINC01116 is involved in the development of osteosarcoma by binding to EZH2 to regulate expressions of PTEN and p53.

CalliSpheres® drug-eluting beads (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is equally efficient and safe in liver cancer patients with different times of previous conventional TACE treatments: a result from CTILC study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in liver cancer patients with different times of previous conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) treatments. METHODS: 367 liver cancer patients about to receive DEB-TACE treatment were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. All patients were divided into no previous cTACE group (NPC group), 1-2 times previous cTACE group (PC group) and triple or above previous cTACE group (TPC group) according to the times of previous cTACE treatments. RESULTS: There was no difference in complete response (CR) (P = 0.671) and objective response rate (ORR) (P = 0.062) among three groups. Additionally, no difference in overall survival (OS) among groups (P = 0.899) was found. As to liver function, most liver function indexes were deteriorative at 1 week after DEB-TACE operation, but returned to baseline at 1-3 months after DEB-TACE operation in all three groups, while percentage of abnormal total bile acid (TBA) patients was higher in TPC group than NPC and PC groups at 1-3 month post-DEB-TACE (P = 0.018). As for safety profiles, the incidence of pain during DEB-TACE operation was lower in TPC group compared to NPC and PC groups (P = 0.005), while no difference of other adverse events was found during and 1 month post-DEB-TACE treatment among three groups. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE treatment was equally efficient and tolerated in liver cancer patients with different times of previous cTACE treatments.

[The role of zinc finger protein A20 in airway allergic diseases].

Summary Zinc finger protein A20 is a key negative regulator of NF-κB, which plays an important role in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that A20 is involved in the development of airway allergic diseases.This article aims to review the structure, biological functions of A20 and its main pathways for inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, and the role of A20 in airway allergic diseases. Further studies will provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

An isoform of GTPase regulator DOCK4 localizes to the stereocilia in the inner ear and binds to harmonin (USH1C).

The driving forces for the regulation of cell morphology are the Rho family GTPases that coordinate the assembly of the actin cytoskeleton. This dynamic feature is a result of tight coupling between the cytoskeleton and signal transduction and is facilitated by actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Mutations in the actin bundling and PDZ domain-containing protein harmonin are the causes of Usher syndrome type 1C (USH1C), a syndrome of congenital deafness and progressive blindness, as well as certain forms of non-syndromic deafness. Here, we have used the yeast two-hybrid assay to isolate molecular partners of harmonin and identified DOCK4, an unconventional guanine exchange factor for the Rho family of guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GEF GTPases), as a protein interacting with harmonin. Detailed molecular analysis revealed that a novel DOCK4 isoform (DOCK4-Ex49) is expressed in the brain, eye and inner ear tissues. We have further provided evidence that the DOCK4-Ex49 binds to nucleotide free Rac as effectively as DOCK2 and DOCK4 and it is a potent Rac activator. By immunostaining using a peptide antibody specific to DOCK4-Ex49, we showed its localization in the inner ear within the hair bundles along the stereocilia (SC). Together, our data indicate a possible Rac-DOCK4-ABP harmonin-activated signaling pathway in regulating actin cytoskeleton organization in stereocilia.

Efficacy of tegaserod for functional constipation in Chinese subjects: a randomized double-blind controlled trial in a single centre.

BACKGROUND: Tegaserod has been shown to be effective in chronic constipation in Western population. Aim We investigated if tegaserod is equally effective in Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients were randomized to a double-blinded 8-week treatment of tegaserod 6 mg b.d. or placebo. Response during weeks 1-4 was defined as an increase in complete spontaneous bowel motion >/=1/week. Secondary efficacy included response during weeks 1-8, individual symptoms and scores, quality of life and global assessment of bowel habits and constipation. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients from the treatment group and 107 from the placebo group completed the 8-week treatment. Responder rates was 47.7% vs. 29% for the treatment and placebo groups (P = 0.005). The sustained complete spontaneous bowel motion rate was 29.4% vs. 15.7% in the two groups (P = 0.016). The response rates were higher than that reported previously in the Caucasian studies. There was improvement in the scores for stool form scale, bothersomeness of constipation, abdominal distension/bloating and satisfaction of bowel habit (P < 0.05). The mental score was higher in the treatment group (46.8 +/- 9 vs. 43.6 +/- 10, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Tegaserod is effective in relieving chronic constipation in Chinese population. The efficacy observed may be higher than that in Western population.

Positive association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome are common diseases which may be related. AIM: To examine the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in Chinese population in Hong Kong. METHODS: Randomly selected ethnic Chinese were invited to participate in a telephone survey in 1996. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was defined as subjects having heartburn and/or acid regurgitation once weekly or more. Irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed according to the Rome I criteria. The association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome was calculated using a statistical model which allows the odds ratio to be measured. RESULTS: One thousand six hundred and forty-nine subjects completed the interview (response rate 62%). The population prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome were 5% and 4%, respectively. Thirteen per cent of subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and 11% with irritable bowel syndrome suffered from both gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The OR of having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome together was estimated to be 3 (95% CI: 1.05, 6.27) indicating a positive association between the two diseases. This association occurred predominantly in male subjects [OR = 9.3, (95% CI: 2.3, 26.2)] but not as strong in females [OR = 1.5, (95% CI: 0.3, 4.3)]. Younger subjects were statistically more prone to the two diseases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and their association occurs predominantly in male subjects.