bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of brain death: confirmatory tests after clinical test
Authors: Su Yingying , Yang Qinglin , Liu Gang , Zhang Yan , Ye Hong , Gao Daiquan , Zhang Yunzhou , Chen Weibi
Published: January 2024

Background

The brain death confirmation tests occupy a different position in each country's diagnostic criteria (or guideline); the choices of tests are also different. China brain death criteria include clinical judgment and confirmation tests. This study aimed to confirm the preferred confirmatory test and complementary confirmatory tests.

Methods

We did a clinical brain death determination on deep coma patients, and then divided them into brain death group and non-brain death group. According to the Chinese standards for determining brain death, both the groups accepted confirmatory tests including electroencephalograph (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), and transcranial Doppler (TCD). The sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate, and false negative rate were calculated to evaluate the accuracy of the confirmatory tests.

Results

Among the 131 cases of patients, 103 patients met the clinical criteria of brain death. Respiratory arrest provocation test was performed on 44 cases and 32 cases (73%) successfully completed and confirmed that they have no spontaneous breathing. Of the three confirmation tests, EEG had the highest completion rate (98%) and good sensitivity (83%) and specificity (97%); TCD had followed completion rate (54%) and not good sensitivity (73%) and specificity (75%); SEP had the lowest completion rate (49%), good sensitivity (100%), and not good specificity (78%). After the combination of SEP or TCD with EEG, the specificity can increase to 100%.

Conclusions

The completion rate of respiratory arrest provocation test remains a problem in the clinical diagnosis of brain death. If the test cannot be completed, whether to increase a confirmatory test is debatable. SEP had an ideal sensitivity, and the specificity will reach 100% after combining with TCD or EEG. When a confirmed test was uncertain, we suggest increasing another confirmatory test.
Sporadic fundic gland polyps are not associated with proton pump inhibitors therapy but negatively correlate with Helicobacter pylori infection in China
Authors: Cao Hailong , Qu Rui , Zhang Zhihua , Kong Xinyue , Wang Shan , Jiang Kui , Wang Bangmao
Published: January 2024

Background

Sporadic fundic gland polyps (FGPs) are common gastric polyps. Some studies reported that FGPs dramatically increased due to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and a decreased prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Western countries. However, data are still controversial. This study aimed to identify the relationships between these two factors and FGPs in China.

Methods

Consecutive patients with FGPs detected were retrospectively analyzed. Data including patients’ age, sex, symptoms, H. pylori infection, history of PPIs use, and the polyps were documented. Each patient was compared with two randomly selected age- and sex-matched controls with similar symptoms in the same period.

Results

During the period from March 2011 to March 2012, a total of 328 patients were diagnosed as FGPs in 23 047 patients who underwent routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 656 patients without FGPs as controls. The mean age was (55.12±12.61) years, and 75.91% were women. The prevalence of H. pylori in patients with FGPs was significantly lower than in those without FGPs (22.30% (64/287) vs. 42.26% (224/530), P <0.001, OR 0.392, 95% Cl 0.283–0.544). Overall, a total of 54 patients with FGPs (54/328, 16.46%) and 136 patients without FGPs (136/656, 20.73%) received PPIs therapy (P=0.110). According to the different duration of PPIs use, no significant differences of PPIs use were found between the cases and controls among all subgroups. Moreover, the PPIs use was also similar, regardless of age, sex, H. pylori infection, and the number of polyps.

Conclusion

Sporadic FGPs may not be induced by PPIs therapy but negatively correlate with H. pylori infection in China, which is not the same with the data in Western countries.
Locking plate fixation combined with iliac crest bone autologous graft for proximal humerus comminuted fracture
Authors: Zhu Lian , Liu Yueju , Yang Zongyou , Li Han , Wang Juan , Zhao Changping , Chen Xiao , Zhang Yingze
Published: January 2024

Background

Although the use of an intramedullary fibular allograft together with locking plate fixation can provide additional medial support and prevent varus malalignment in displaced proximal humeral fractures with promising results, the fibular autograft donor site often sustains significant trauma and cannot restore the articular surface of comminuted fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a locking plate and crest bone autologous graft for treating proximal humerus comminuted fractures.

Methods

We assessed the functional outcomes and complication rates in 40 patients with proximal humerus comminuted fractures. Eighteen patients were treated with a locking plate and an autologous crest bone graft (experimental group), and 22 were treated with only the locking plate and no bone graft (control group). Postoperative assessments included radiographic imaging, range of motion analysis, pain level based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the SF-36 (Short Form (36) Health Survey), as well as whether patients could return to their previous occupation.

Results

All fractures healed both clinically and radiologically in the experimental group. There was no more than 2 mm collapse of the humeral head, and no osteonecrosis or screw penetration of the articular surface. In contrast, two patients had a nonunion in the control group, and they eventually accepted total shoulder replacements. The average time from surgery to radiographic union was significantly shorter in the experimental group ((4.66±1.63) months) compared with the control group ((5.98±1.57) months) (P <0.05). For the experimental versus controls groups, the mean shoulder active flexion (148.00±18.59 vs. 121.73±17.20) degrees, extension (49.00±2.22 vs. 42.06±2.06) degrees, internal rotation (45.00±5.61 vs. 35.00±3.55) degrees, external rotation (64.00±9.17 vs. 52.14±5.73) degrees, and abduction (138.00±28.78 vs. 105.95±15.66) degrees were all significantly higher (all P <0.001). The median SF-36 in the experimental group ((88.00±5.71) points) was significantly higher than that of the control group ((69.45±9.45) points; P <0.001). The median VAS pain level (mean rank, 10.50) in the experimental group was lower than that (mean rank, 47.19) of the control group (P <0.001). All but one patient (17 of 18, 94.4%) in the experimental group returned to their previous activities or occupations, and that one patient changed to a different occupation because of slight restrictions to activities. On the other hand, four patients could not return to their previous activities or occupations in the control group.

Conclusion

Locking plate fixation combined with an iliac crest bone graft is an effective technique for treating proximal humerus comminuted fractures.
En bloc resection concept for endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy: surgical anatomy and outcome
Authors: Ning-i Hsu , Ping-hung Shen , Siew-shuen Chao , Yew-kwang Ong , Cho-shun Li
Published: January 2024

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients have a 19%-56% locoregional recurrence rate after primary therapy. For those recurrent NPC (rNPC) patients, re-irradiation may cause some complications. In recent years, endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy (EEN) has become a surgical option for rNPC patients. Here we introduce the concept of en bloc excision (EBE) technique for EEN, including the surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted covering September 2009 to May 2013, involving the collection of locoregional rNPC cases from two institutions (Kuang-Tien General Hospital (KTGH) in Taiwan and National University Health System (NUHS) in Singapore). These patients failed prior therapy and then underwent EEN. We reported the 2-year overall survival rate, the 2-year disease-free survival rate, and related complications.

Results

Nine patients (five from KTGH and four from NUHS) completed this study, with five, two, and two patients of recurrence tumors (rT1), rT2, and rT3, respectively. The mean age was 46.4 years (range 32-63); the mean follow-up period was 24.9 months (range 10-45). The 2-year survival rate and the 2-year disease-free rate were 100% and 80%, respectively, in five patients. No significant complications or cases of mortality occurred.

Conclusions

The EBE concept of EEN is suitable for early rT1 and has relatively encouraging short-term outcomes. In selected rT2, careful EBE can be performed by expanding the surgical field. A clear view of the internal carotid arteryrelated anatomy is indispensable. In the future, more series may be needed to determine the role of EEN in rNPC patients.
Angiogenesis effect of Astragalus polysaccharide combined with endothelial progenitor cells therapy in diabetic male rat following experimental hind limb ischemia
Authors: Tu Sheng , Shao Anwen , Ren Lihong , Chen Tin , Yao Dingguo
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease accompanied with a high incidence of hind limb ischemia (HLI). In recent years, numerous studies demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in angiogenesis and maintenance of vascular integrity following HLI. On the other side, it has been proved that Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) could promote angiogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of APS and EPCs on enhancing angiogenesis after experimental HLI caused by femoral artery ligation in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.

Methods

Rats (n=110) were randomly assigned to the following groups: sham group, ischemia group, APS group, EPCs group and APS+EPCs group. APS, EPCs or an equal volume of vehicle was administered intramuscularly after HLI induction, and 6 rats were assessed by angiography at 28 days after induction of HLI, 6 rats were sacrificed at the same time point to take histological studies, biochemical tests were also performed at that point in the rest rats.

Results

APS or EPCs treatment induced an increase, respectively, in the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (36.61%, 61.59%), VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) (35.50%, 57.33%), VEGFR-2 (31.75%, 41.89%), Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) (37.57%, 64.66%) and Tie-2 (42.55%, 76.94%) (P <0.05), after HLI injury. And combined therapy of APS and EPCs enhanced the effort of angiogenesis after HLI induction in diabetic rats, through elevating protein expression of VEGF (99.67%), VEGFR-1 (105.33%), VEGFR2 (72.05%), Ang-1 (114.30%) and Tie-2 (111.87%) (P<0.05). Similarly, mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR2, Ang-1, Tie-2 also show similar trends as well as protein expression (P<0.05).

Conclusion

APS or EPCs could enhance angiogenesis, and the combined treatment leads to better effort, at least, partially via VEGF/VEGFR and Ang-1/Tie-2 signaling pathway.
Triglycerides and ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are better than liver enzymes to identify insulin resistance in urban middle-aged and older non-obese Chinese without diabetes
Authors: Sun Yu , Li Wenjuan , Hou Xinguo , Wang Chuan , Li Chengqiao , Zhang Xiuping , Yang Weifang , Ma Zeqiang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Zheng Huizhen , Ma Aixia , Song Jun , Lin Peng , Liang Kai , Liu Fuqiang , Gong Lei , Wang Meijian , Xiao Juan , Yan Fei , Yang Junpeng , Wang Lingshu , Tian Meng , Liu Jidong , Zhao Ruxing , Zhu Ping , Chen Li
Published: January 2024

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important pathophysiological role in the development of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, IR can occur even in non-obese people without diabetes. However, direct detection of IR is complicated. In order to find a simple surrogate marker of IR early in non-obese people, we investigate the association of commonly-used biochemical markers (liver enzymes and lipid profiles) with IR in urban middle-aged and older non-obese Chinese without diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1 987 subjects (1 473 women). Fasting blood samples were collected for measurement of glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, lipid profiles and creatinine. Subjects whose homeostasis model of assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) index values exceeded the 75th percentile (2.67 for women and 2.48 for men) of the population were considered to have IR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the power of potential markers in identifying IR.

Results

Triglycerides (TG) and ratio of TG to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) discriminated IR better than other indexes for both sexes; areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) values were 0.770 (95% confidence interval 0.733-0.807) and 0.772 (0.736-0.809), respectively, for women and 0.754 (0.664-0.844) and 0.756 (0.672-0.840), respectively, for men. To identify IR, the optimal cut-offs for TG and TG/HDL-C ratio were 1.315 mmol/L (sensitivity 74.3%, specificity 71.0%) and 0.873 (sensitivity 70.1%, specificity 73.4%), respectively, for women, and 1.275 mmol/L (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 74.4%) and 0.812 (sensitivity 75.8%, specificity 69.2%), respectively, for men.

Conclusion

TG and TG/HDL-C ratio could be used to identify IR in urban middle-aged and older non-obese Chinese without diabetes.
Diagnostic utility of N-terminal-proBNP in differentiating acute pulmonary embolism from heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea
Authors: Ling Guo , Guanzhen Li , Yi Wang , Hao Liang , Xiaoxi Shan , Nannan Zhang , Maofen Wang , Dianjie Lin , Ling Zhu
Published: January 2024

Background

The plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is frequently elevated in dyspnoeic patients and increasingly used in emergency departments to assess the cause of acute dyspnea. In this study we prospectively tested NT-proBNP levels in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and/or acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and determined the utility of NT-proBNP for discriminating APE from CHF.

Methods

A cohort of 177 dyspnoeic patients with a diagnosis of APE and/or CHF was prospectively studied between June 2010 and March 2013. NT-proBNP was measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). All patients were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). APE was diagnosed in the presence of thrombi signs in the pulmonary arteries with computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or a high-probability lung ventilation/perfusion scan. Risk stratification was based on the evaluation on admission according to the ESC guidelines from 2008. The diagnosis of CHF was based on the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. Two physicians independently reviewed the records to determine the final diagnosis.

Results

Fifty-nine patients met the criteria for dyspnea caused by APE, and 113 patients were diagnosed with CHF. Most of the APE patients (41, 69.5%) were intermediate-risk. The symptoms and signs, such as orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and rales in the lungs, were more common in patients with CHF than in patients with APE (P <0.01). Median NT-proBNP was significantly lower in patients with APE compared to those in patients with CHF (2 855.9 pg/ml vs. 6 911.4 pg/ml, P <0.01). We constructed the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve in predicting the diagnosis of APE. At a cut point=1 582.750 pg/ml, NT-proBNP provided a specificity of 93% and a true positive rate (sensitivity) of 17% for the diagnosis. At a cut point=3 390.000 pg/ml, NT-proBNP had a specificity of 83% and a sensitivity of 84% for the diagnosis of APE. At a cut point=6 486.500 pg/ml, they were 54% and 93% respectively.

Conclusions

NT-proBNP can assist in excluding CHF patients from those admitted to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and identifying patients with a high probability of APE, which would reduce the missed diagnosis of APE. Larger studies are necessary to validate these findings.
Minocycline protects retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve crush injury in mice by delaying autophagy and upregulating nuclear factor-κB2
Authors: Jiao Xiaoling , Peng Yuan , Yang Liu
Published: January 2024

Background

Currently, no medicine is available that can prevent or treat neural damage associated with optic nerve injury. Minocycline is recently reported to have a neuroprotective function. The aims of this study were to exarmine the neuroprotective effect of minocycline on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and determine its underlying mechanisms, using a mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC).

Methods

ONC was performed in the left eye of adult male mice, and the mice were randomly divided into minocycline-treated group and saline-treated control group. The mice without receiving ONC injury were used as positive controls. RGC densities were assessed in retinal whole mounts with immunofluorescence labeling of βIII-tubulin. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect RGC morphologies, and Western blotting and real-time PCR were applied to investigate the expression of autophagy markers LC3-I, LC3-II, and transcriptional factors nuclear factor-κB1 (NF-κB1), NF-κB2.

Results

In the early stage after ONC (at Days 4 and 7), the density of RGCs in the minocycline-treated group was higher than that of the saline-treated group. Electron micrographs showed that minocycline prevented nuclei and mitochondria injuries at Day 4. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was reduced in the minocycline-treated group at Days 4 and 7, which meant autophagy process was inhibited by minocycline. In addition, the gene expression of NF-κB2 was upregulated by minocycline at Day 4.

Conclusion

The neuroprotective effect of minocycline is generated in the early stage after ONC in mice, partly through delaying autophagy process and regulating NF-κB2 pathway.
Myelin protein zero and its antibody in serum as biomarkers of n -hexane-induced peripheral neuropathy and neurotoxicity effects
Authors: Xiaowei Jia , Qingjun Liu , Yanshu Zhang , Yufei Dai , Huawei Duan , Ping Bin , Yong Niu , Jie Liu , Liuzhen Zhong , Jisheng Guo , Xiaofeng Liu , Yuxin Zheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic exposure to n-hexane can lead to peripheral neuropathy that no effective treatment regimen could be applied presently. This study investigated whether myelin protein zero (P0) protein and its antibody could be used to distinguish n-hexane intoxication and protect workers from peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

We compared P0 protein and its antibody among three levels of n-hexane-exposed groups, which included 18 patients with n-hexane-induced peripheral neuropathy as case group, 120 n-hexane-exposed workers as n-hexane-exposed control group, and 147 non-hexane-exposed participants used as control group. ELISA method was applied to detect P0 protein and its antibody.

Results

P0 protein in serum was significantly higher in the case group and n-hexane-exposed control group in comparison with the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the n-hexane-exposed control group, the case group also had significant increase of P0 protein (P<0.01). After 6 months therapy, P0 protein was observed to decrease significantly in the case group (P<0.01). The P0 antibody in serum was significantly higher in the n-hexane-exposed control group than in the control group (P<0.01), but not significantly different between cases and controls.

Conclusions

P0 antibodies in serum may be a short-term effect biomarker for n-hexane exposure. P0 protein in serum may be an early effective biomarker for peripheral nerve neuropathy and its biological limit value needs investigation in the future study.
Diagnostic confidence of sonoelastography as adjunct to greyscale ultrasonography in lateral elbow tendinopathy
Authors: Giyoung Park , Dongrak Kwon , Junghyun Park
Published: January 2024

Background

Conventional ultrasonography or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is commonly performed to obtain information about the severity of the disease, location of the injury, and differential diagnosis. The aim of this research was to investigate the diagnostic confidence of sonoelastography as an adjunct to greyscale ultrasonography in lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Methods

A single experienced physiatrist performed greyscale ultrasonography and sonoelastography in 28 patients (9 men, 19 women; mean age, 48.5 years; age range, 36–67 years) with unilateral symptoms of lateral elbow tendinopathy; the asymptomatic elbows were used as controls. Greyscale images were described as normal, tendinosis, partialthickness tear, and full-thickness tear. Sonoelastographic images of the common extensor tendon were analyzed qualitatively (scoring of the elastic spectrum) and quantitatively (based on a color histogram).

Results

Both the imaging methods had high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing lateral elbow tendinopathy. Considering the clinical diagnosis of lateral elbow tendinopathy, sonoelastography showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (96.4%) than ultrasonography (89.5%, P <0.01). Quantitative analysis showed objective interpretation of the sonoelastographic images that revealed greater intensity of green and blue pixels in symptomatic elbows (P <0.01).

Conclusion

Sonoelastography increases diagnostic confidence in tennis elbow pathology over greyscale ultrasonography alone and may be an additional powerful diagnostic tool in cases of lateral elbow tendinopathy with inconclusive greyscale ultrasonographic findings.
Aspirin and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: bedside to bench
Authors: Li Peng , Cheng Rui , Zhang Shutian
Published: January 2024

Objective

To review the advances of studies on clinical results of aspirin's chemopreventive effect against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and evidences for mechanisms of the antitumoural effects of aspirin in experimental research.

Data sources

A comprehensive search of the PubMed literatures without restriction on the publication date was carried out using keywords such as aspirin and esophageal cancer.

Study selection

Articles associated with aspirin and esophageal cancer are analyzed.

Results

This review focuses on the current evidence for use of aspirin as a chemopreventive agent in ESCC. Aspirin is the most widely used among all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which is cheap and acceptable to patients. Several observational results provide the further investigation of prevention and therapy of aspirin or similar drugs in esophageal cancer. Data from case control studies, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) also give some support of a beneficial role of aspirin on ESCC. Experimental data suggest that aspirin may prevent carcinogenesis of ESCC by favorably affecting proliferation, apoptosis, or other as yet unidentified growth-regulating processes. But the mechanism by which aspirin influence on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma needs further investigation.

Conclusion

A wealth of evidences ranging from clinical data to experimental results are building to suggest that aspirin has significant effects in reducing both the incidence and mortality of ESCC.
Acute lung injury induced by H9N2 virus in mice
Authors: Yan Li , Yunfeng Shan , Ying Chi , Tian Wen , Xiaodong Han
Published: January 2024

Background

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have repeatedly caused infections in mammals even humans in many countries. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the acute lung injury (ALI) caused by H9N2 viral infection in mice.

Methods

Six- to eight- week-old female SPF C57BL/6 mice were infected intranasally with 1×104 MID50 of A/HONG KONG/2108/2003 [H9N2 (HK)] virus. Clinical signs, pathological changes, virus titration in tissues of mice, arterial blood gas, and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were observed at different time points after AIV infection.

Results

H9N2-AIV-infected mice exhibited severe respiratory syndrome, with a mortality rate of 50%. Lung histopathological changes in infected mice included diffuse pneumonia, alveolar damage, inflammatory cellular infiltration, interstitial and alveolar edema, and hemorrhage. In addition, H9N2 viral infection resulted in severe progressive hypoxemia, lymphopenia, and a significant increase in interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon in BALF and serum.

Conclusions

The results suggest that H9N2 viral infection induces a typical ALI in mice that resembles the common features of ALI. Our data may facilitate the future studies of potential avian H9N2 disease in humans.
Effects of tacrolimus and cyclosporine treatment on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors after renal transplantation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Wenrui , Zhang Qiang , Xu Yue , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiaodong , Hu Xiaopeng
Published: January 2024

Background

The therapeutic success of renal transplantation has been largely attributable to the development of effective and balanced immunosuppressive treatment regimens. This study provides a meta-analysis of a series of randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of tacrolimus and cyclosporine on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular risk factors after renal transplantation.

Methods

We searched various electronic databases and bibliographies, including MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE, for relevant studies published prior to October 2012.

Results

Our meta-analysis included five randomized controlled trials that examined a total of 923 patients. The tacrolimus group and the cyclosporine group exhibited no significant differences in MetS incidence after renal transplantation; risk ratio (RR): 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–1.55, P=0.76. Cyclosporine treatment was associated with a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39–0.64, P <0.01). Although there were no statistically significant differences, cyclosporine treatment was associated with a higher incidence of hypertension (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00, P=0.06) after renal transplantation compared to tacrolimus treatment, and tacrolimus treatment was associated with a higher incidence of diabetes after renal transplantation (RR: 1.79, 95% CI: 0.98–3.27, P=0.06) compared to cyclosporine treatment.

Conclusions

Compared to tacrolimus treatment, cyclosporine treatment was associated with a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia. Future large-scale studies are expected to be conducted to further confirm our findings.
Association between interferon gamma receptor 1 -56C/T gene polymorphism and tuberculosis susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Ren Weicong , Zhang Xuxia , Liu Yi , Li Chuanyou
Published: January 2024

Background

Genetic variations in the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) receptor 1 gene (IFNGR1) may contribute to tuberculosis (TB) risk in different populations. Many studies have investigated the relationship between IFNGR1 56C/T polymorphism and the susceptibility to TB, but have yielded conflicting results. A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to provide a more accurate estimation of the relationship between them.

Methods

A literature search based on a combination of manual and computer-based methods was conducted on four English databases (PubMed, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and EBSCO) and three Chinese databases (Wanfang, CQVIP, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using either the fixed-effects model or the random-effects model for different genetic models based on the heterogeneity examination.

Results

A total of six studies comprising 1 497 confirmed TB cases and 1 802 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant association was observed between IFNGR1 -56C/T polymorphism and TB susceptibility (C vs. T, OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.69–1.17; CC vs. TT, OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.65–1.18; TC vs. TT, OR=1.031, 95% CI 0.872–1.219; CC+TC vs. TT, OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.64–1.26; CC vs. TC+TT, OR=0.92, 95% CI 0.66–1.29). In subgroup analysis, a significant association was found in the dominant model (CC+TC vs. TT, OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.51) in Africans, but not in Asians or Caucasians.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis did not provide enough powerful evidence to identify a significant association between IFNGR1 -56C/T polymorphism and TB susceptibility in the overall population. In subgroup analysis, it indicates that IFNGR1 -56C/T is possibly associated with increased TB risk in Africans, but not in Asians or Caucasians. However, larger sample size and better-designed case-control studies are needed to validate these findings.
Tea drinking and risk of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Junbao Wei , Long Chen , Xiaodong Zhu
Published: January 2024

Background

Epidemiologic studies have reported inconsistent results regarding tea consumption and the risk of pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether tea consumption is related to the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane library for studies published up to November 2013. We used a meta-analytic approach to estimate overall odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest versus the lowest tea consumption categories.

Results

The summary OR for high versus no/almost never tea drinkers was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.91–1.20), with no significant heterogeneity across studies (P=0.751; I
2=0.0%). The OR was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.77–1.28) in males and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.79–1.29) in females. The OR was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.85–1.34) in Asian studies, 1.05 (95% CI: 0.84–1.31) in European studies, and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.72–1.34) in the US studies. The OR was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.69–1.10) without adjustment for a history of diabetes and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.97–0.39) after adjustment for a history of diabetes. The OR was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.72–1.12) without adjustment for alcohol drinking and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.96–1.39) after adjustment for alcohol drinking. The OR was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.76–1.25) without adjustment for BMI and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.87–1.31) after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion

This systematic meta-analysis of cohort studies dose not provide quantitative evidence that tea consumption is appreciably related to the risk of pancreatic cancer, even at high doses.
Correlation between molecular biomarkers and risk factors for the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia using tissue microarray immunostaining
Authors: Ma Ding , Yang Bing , Zhou Zhe , Pan Dongliang , Zhang Xianghua
Published: January 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been widely studied, and several biomarkers are known to play roles in its development. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), androgen receptor (AR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cytochrome c, caspase-3, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the clinical progression of BPH.

Methods

Tissue specimens from 96 BPH cases who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate were processed and transferred to tissue microarrays. Patient age, prostate volume, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of all BPH cases were collected before surgery. The expression of CYR61, VEGF, AR, IL-6, cytochrome c, caspase-3, and PCNA was examined by immunostaining in the BPH specimens, and any possible correlation between the different biomarkers and risk factors for BPH clinical progression was analyzed.

Results

The expression of CYR61, VEGF, AR, IL-6, cytochrome c, caspase-3, and PCNA in the BPH cases was 68.8% (66/96), 77.1% (74/96), 43.8% (42/96), 31.3% (30/96), 35.4% (34/96), 56.3% (54/96), and 29.2% (28/96), respectively. The expression of both CYR61 and VEGF was positively correlated with patient age, prostate volume, and serum PSA level (P <0.05). Furthermore, cytochrome c and caspase-3 expression were inversely related to prostate volume (P <0.05), and AR expression was positively related to serum PSA level (P <0.05).

Conclusion

CYR61 and VEGF expression might serve as biomarkers for predicting the clinical progression of BPH due to effects on stromal cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Dynamic long-term microstructural and ultrastructural alterations in sensory nerves of rats of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Yuan Wu , Jun Li , Junfei Zhou , Yi Feng
Published: January 2024

Background

Paclitaxel, as a first line anti-neoplastic compound, frequently produces long-term pain after tumors have been treated. Clinical manifestations are varied and non-specific. Pathology of the nervous system during the development of the neuropathic pain is unclear. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is often unsatisfying for patients. This study aimed to promote considerate understanding of the structural alteration of sensory nerves.

Methods

All rats were simply randomized into 3 groups: paclitaxel group, vehicle group and saline group. An established rat model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (2 mg/kg) was chosen for our research, behavior tests were operated during the procedure of 56 days. All rats were sampled on days 0, 3, 7, 28 and 56. The hind paw plantar skin, sciatic nerves, dorsal root ganglion and attached fibers, and lumbar spinal cord were processed for light and electron microscopy. The differences among 3 groups were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

We affirmed that paclitaxel-induced mechano-allodynia and mechano-hyperalgesia occured after a 3-7-day delay, and this pain peaked at day 28 and persisted to day 56. Paclitaxel and vehicle treatment both evoked thermalhyperalgesia. Paclitaxel-induced axonal and myelin sheath degeneration was evident. At days 3 and 7, significant increases in atypical mitochondria in both myelinated axons and C-fibers of paclitaxel-treated nerves indicated that injured mitochondria correlated to specific paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, and the abnormity sustained till day 56. Microtubule was unaffected in myelinated axons or C-fibers in paclitaxel- or vehicle-treated rats. Significant increase of G ratio was evident with paclitaxel injection at days 7 and 28.

Conclusion

Our research suggests a causal role for axonal degeneration, abnormalities in axonal mitochondria, and structural modification of axonal microtubules in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, and the abnormal mitochondria could be connected to the chronic neuropathic pain.
Ischemic postconditioning alleviates lung injury and maintains a better expression of aquaporin-1 during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Cheng Chi , Li Shanshan , Wang Yong , Chen Song , You Lu , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2024

Background

It has found that ischemic postconditioning (IPO) might decrease pulmonary ischemia/reperfusion (I/ R) injury, which is one of the main reasons of lung injury caused by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). It was found that aquaporins (AQPs) play a role in the maintenance of fluid homeostasis. But it is still unclear whether IPO influences the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1). This study was designed to investigate whether IPO can reduce CPB-related lung injury and affect the expression of AQP1 of lungs.

Methods

Twelve healthy dogs were divided into control group (C group) and ischemia postconditioning group (IPO group). CPB procedures were implemented. Ten minutes later, the left pulmonary artery was separated and blocked. Postconditioning consisted of two cycles of 5-minute pulmonary artery reperfusion/5-minute reocclusion starting at the beginning of reperfusion. The 2×4 cm tissues of both sides of pulmonary apex, superior, middle and inferior lobe were taken before CPB (T1), before occlusion and reopening of left pulmonary artery (T2, T3), and 2 hours after CPB (T4). Samples were used to evaluate lung injury degrees and to detect the expression of AQP1. At T1 and T4, blood was collected from femoral artery to calculate pulmonary function.

Results

At T4, each pulmonary function showed significant deterioration compared with T1. Lung injury could be found at the onset of CPB. However, the expression of AQP1 decreased and wet to dry weight ratio (W/D) increased after T2. In the left lung of C group, the worst pulmonary function and structures were detected. The slightest changes were discovered in the right lung of C group. A close relationship between W/D and lung injury score was found. The lung injury score was negatively related with the expression of AQP1. It was found that the expression of AQP1 was negatively connected with W/D.

Conclusions

In dog CPB models, lung injury induced by CPB was related with down regulated expression of AQP1. AQP1 is believed to be involved in the mechanisms of lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by CPB. IPO increases the expression of AQP1, provides a protective effect on lung suffering from CPB, and alleviates CPB-related lung injury.
Progress in genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Xia Yong , Xiong Likuan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To review the common genotyping techniques of Chlamydia trachomatis in terms of their principles, characteristics, applications and limitations.

Data sources

Data used in this review were mainly from English literatures of PubMed database. The search terms were “Chlamydia trachomatis” and “genotyping”. Meanwhile, data from World Health Organization were also cited.

Study selection

Original articles and reviews relevant to present review's theme were selected.

Results

Different genotyping techniques were applied on different occasions according to their characteristics, especially in epidemiological studies worldwide, which pushed the study of Chlamydia trachomatis forward greatly. In addition, summaries of some epidemiological studies by genotyping were also included in this work for reference and comparison.

Conclusions

A clear understanding of common genotyping techniques could be helpful to genotype C. trachomatis more appropriately and effectively. Furthermore, more studies on the association of genotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis with clinical manifestations should be performed.
Hydrogen sulfide defends against the cardiovascular risk of Nw-nitro-L-argininemethyl ester-induced hypertension in rats via the nitric oxide/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway
Authors: Ji Wenqiang , Liu Shangyu , Dai Jing , Yang Tao , Jiang Xiangming , Duan Xiaocui , Wu Yuming
Published: January 2024

Background

Dyslipidemia caused by liver injury is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications. Previous studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects against multiple cardiovascular disease states in a similar manner as nitric oxide (NO), and NO/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway is the key route of NO production. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether H2S can ameliorate the high blood pressure and plasma lipid profile in Nw-nitro-L-argininemethyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats by NO/eNOS pathway.

Methods

Thirty-six 4-week old Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=6): control group, L-NAME group, control + glibenclamide group, control + NaHS group, L-NAME + NaHS group, and L-NAME + NaHS + glibenclamide group. Measurements were made of plasma triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (CHO), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) levels after 5 weeks. Then measurements of NO level and proteins expression of eNOS, P-eNOS, AKT, P-AKT were made in liver tissue.

Results

After 5 weeks of L-NAME treatment, the blood pressure, plasma TG ((1.22±0.12) mmol/L in L-NAME group vs. (0.68±0.09) mmol/L in control group; P <0.05) and LDL ((0.54±0.04) mmol/L in L-NAME group vs. (0.28±0.02) mmol/L in control group; P <0.05) concentration were significantly increased, and the plasma HDL ((0.26±0.02) mmol/L in L-NAME group vs. (0.69±0.07) mmol/L in control group; P <0.05) concentration significantly decreased. Meanwhile the rats treated with L-NAME exhibit dysfunctional eNOS, diminished NO levels ((1.36±0.09) mmol/g protein in L-NAME group vs. (2.34±0.06) mmol/g protein in control group; P <0.05) and pathological changes of the liver. H2S therapy can markedly decrease the blood pressure ((37.25±4.46) mmHg at the fifth week; P <0.05), and ameliorate the plasma TG ((0.59±0.06) mmHg), LDL ((0.32±0.04) mmHg), and HDL ((0.46±0.03) mmHg) concentration in L-NAME + NaHS group (all P <0.05). H2S therapy can also restore eNOS function and NO bioavailability and attenuate the pathological changes in the liver in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

Conclusion

H2S protects the L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats against liver injury via NO/eNOS pathway, therefore decreases the cardiovascular risk.
The impacts of COVID-19 on schools’ willingness to participate in research
Authors: Carter Sara , Griffin Jane , Lako Samantha , Harewood Cheryl , Kessler Lisa , Parish Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 had significant impacts on the field of education and, in turn, on school-based research. During this unprecedented time, nearly all schools closed, disrupting learning as schools shifted to a virtual format. Addressing the lasting effects of school closures is a major challenge in the post-pandemic education climate. Educators indicate these challenges have limited their willingness or ability to participate in research. We analyzed over 700 reasons for refusal in four recent education studies to examine the effects of COVID-19 on school-based research. About 4% of education leaders cited COVID-19 as the primary factor impacting their unwillingness to participate, while related factors such as learning loss, instructional time, or teacher shortage were cited approximately 16%. Over 40% of schools declined because of required testing and surveys. Given the voluntary nature of participation, the remaining schools declined for various reasons not necessarily related to COVID-19. Insufficient participation can be detrimental to research by impacting the quantity and quality of data collected and possibly introducing bias into the data, thus skewing findings. In the post-pandemic era, school-based researchers must be mindful of the challenges schools face and develop mitigation strategies to contend with the reluctance to participate in external research.
A New Phrygian Inscription from Gordion: A Pergamene Contingent in Phrygia in the early Reign of Antiochus I
Authors: Oreshko Rostyslav , Alagöz Umut
Published: January 2024

This article contains the first publication of a newly discovered inscription from Gordion which is written in Phrygian and probably dates to early reign of Antiochus I. The inscribed slab appears to have formed part of a funerary monument which is associated with a man named Parsaparnas who probably was a member of the Persian nobility originating from the region of Pergamon in Mysia and commanded a Pergamene military contingent deployed by Antiochus in the region of Gordion. This is the first and, so far, the only inscription known to mention the city of Gordion by name. After an introduction sketching out the situation at Gordion in the Hellenistic period, the article presents in turn the article presents in turn a description of the stone (§1), a detailed commentary on the epigraphical features of the inscription (§§2- 4) and a concise philological discussion (§5), followed by a translation (§6), comments on the geographical and ethnocultural background of the text (§§7-8), the nature of the associated monument (§9), and finally, conclusions about its date and historical context (§10).
1860-61 Suriye Olayları, Tazminat ve Şam Sergileri
Authors: Yetiş Doğan Esma Gül
Published: January 2024

Tarihsel süreç içerisinde sıklıkla karşılaşılan tazminat konusu savaş gibi olağanüstü durumlar sonucunda ortaya çıkmış ve bu ödemeleri gerçekleştirecek taraf için mali yükler getirmiştir. Osmanlı Devleti de son dönemlerinde yalnızca savaş tazminatları ödemek zorunda kalmayıp, bölgesel olarak ortaya çıkan şiddet olaylarıyla da uğraşmış ve mağdur olan kişilere tazminat ödemesi yapmıştır. 1860 yılı Mayıs ayında Lübnan’da, Dürziler ile Maruniler arasında başlayan çatışmalar giderek büyümüş ve Şam’a da sirayet etmiştir. Şam’daki Hristiyanlara yönelik şiddet olayları neticesinde hem can kaybı hem de maddi kayıplar yaşanmıştır. Bu konuda olayların çözüme kavuşturulması, olaylara sebebiyet verenlerin cezalandırılması ve zarara uğrayanlar için tazminat konusu gündeme gelmiştir. Avrupalı devletlerin de bu konuya müdahil olmasıyla kısa süre zarfında uluslararası bir sorun hâline dönüşmüştür. Mali kapasitesi kısıtlı olan devletin kendi imkanları ile zarar tazminleri yeterli olamamış ve bundan dolayı ileriye yönelik olan gelirlerini bugünden kullanarak borçlanmaya gitmek zorunda kalmıştır. Ayrıca uluslararası bir sorun hâline dönüşen bu meselenin üstesinden gelinmesi burada olayların daha da büyümesine engel olmuştur. Bu çalışmada Osmanlı Devleti’nin bu olaylar ile nasıl baş edebildiği, tazminat sürecine giden olayların ortaya çıkışı, ilerlemesi, siyasi ve mali sonuçları araştırılmıştır. Bu çerçevede tazminat ödemelerini karşılayabilmek için ihracına başvurulan “Şam sergileri” adlı iç borçlanma tahvilinin ihracına dair ayrıntılar ele alınmıştır. Osmanlı Devleti, söz konusu dönemde mali kapasitesi kısıtlı olmasına rağmen ihraç edilen sergiler ile mağdur olan kişilerin zararlarını tazmin etmek istemiş ve bölgedeki asayişin sağlanmasında bu finansal uygulamaların da etkili olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Çalışmada, birincil kaynak olarak dönemin arşiv kaynaklarından istifade edilmiştir.
Mithradates-Roma Savaşları ve Kurul Kalesi’nden Roma Silahları
Authors: Şenyurt S. Yücel , Zoroğlu Umut , Akçay Atakan
Published: January 2024

Bu çalışmada Ordu-Kurul Kalesi’nde 2010-2021 yılları arasında yürütülen kazı çalışmalarında ele geçen Roma özellikli silahlar ele alınmıştır. Kurul Kalesi, Pontos Krallığı’nın en önemli kralı VI. Mithradates Eupator Dionysos (MÖ 120-63) tarafından Orta ve Doğu Karadeniz coğrafyalarında inşa ettirilmiş olan çok sayıdaki kaleden biridir. VI. Mithradates ve Roma arasında üç büyük savaş gerçekleşmiştir. Mithradates-Roma savaşları olarak bilinen bu savaşlardan sonuncusu (MÖ 74-63) büyük oranda Karadeniz coğrafyasında yaşanmıştır. Pontos coğrafyası bu son savaş sırasında önce Lucullus, sonrasında ise Pompeius’un komutasında gerçekleştirilen iki büyük Roma istilasına maruz kalmıştır. VI. Mithradates’in müstahkem kalelerine ilk darbe Lucullus’un seferi sırasında indirilmiş olsa bile asıl yıkım Pompeius’un seferi sonucunda oluşmuştur. Pompeius’un komuta ettiği Roma ordusu VI. Mithradates Eupotor Dionysos’un tüm kalelerini yıkarak onları kullanılamaz duruma getirmiştir. Kurul Kalesi bu yıkımın izlerini bünyesinde barındıran en önemli yerleşmelerden biridir. Son Roma istilasından sonra bir daha yerleşim görmeyen Kurul Kalesi’nde ele geçen çok sayıda silah ve mühimmat o dönemde yaşananlarla ilgili birer kanıt niteliğindedir. Kurul Kalesi kazılarında çeşitli sektörlerde ele geçen silah ve mühimmatların büyük bir kısmı Pompeius’un istilasına denk gelen son mimari evreyle ilişkilidir. Silahlar arasındaki pilum demirleri, cirit uçları ve mızrak-orak (falx muralis) gibi geleneksel Roma silahlarının varlığı ise Kurul Kalesi’ndeki yıkımın faillerine işaret eden en önemli askerî teknolojilerdir.