bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsurgical transverse 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy: effectiveness and rationality
Authors: ZHANG Hao , HUANG Wen-tao , RUAN Xing-xing , LI Liao-yuan , DI Jin-ming , LIU Xiao-peng , XIAO Heng-jun , GAO Xin , ZHANG Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

2-Suture longitudinal vasoepididymostomy shows superiority to transverse technique in an animal study; to date, this has not been consistently confirmed in human body. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of 2-suture transverse intussusception vasoepididymostomy and compared the rationality between transverse and longitudinal techniques.

Methods

From May 2007 to December 2008, we performed 2-suture transverse vasoepididymostomy in 19 consecutive patients, as described by Marmar with modification. Between March 2009 and January 2010, the internal diameter of the vas lumen and the outer diameter of the epididymal tube were measured using microruler (21 patients and 37 sides).

Results

Three patients lost to follow-up. At the first follow-up period (ranged from 10 to 24 months), the patency rate was 56.3% (9/16) and the natural pregnancy rate was 25% (4/16). At the second follow-up period (ranged from 46 to 63 months), the patency rate was 68.8% (11/16), the natural pregnancy rate was 37.5% (6/16), respectively, and the takehome baby rate was 31.3% (5/16). The diameter of the vas lumen and the outer diameter of the epididymal tubule were (0.512±0.046) mm and (0.572±0.051) mm (P <0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Transverse 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy is still an effective technique in treating obstructive azoospermia.
Factors influencing clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: HUANG Yin-hui , ZHUO Shi-tu , CHEN Ya-fang , LI Ming-mei , LIN You-yu , YANG Mei-li , CHEN Zhen-jie , CAI Ruo-wei
Published: January 2024

Background

Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) has gained international recognition, clinical outcomes following this thrombolytic therapy varied from patient to patient. Factors affecting clinical outcomes have not been well understood yet, so this retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate factors that may influence clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous rt-PA.

Methods

One hundred and one patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous rt-PA thrombolysis within 4.5 hours from disease onset were included. Patients were divided into good or poor outcome group according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, good outcome group: mRS score of 0-1; poor outcome group: mRS of 2-6. Stroke characteristics were compared between the two groups. Factors for stroke outcomes were analyzed via univariate analysis and Logistic regression.

Results

Of the 101 patients studied, patients in good outcome group (n=55) were significantly younger than patients in poor outcome group (n=46, (62.82±14.25) vs. (68.81±9.85) years, P=0.029). Good outcome group had fewer patients with diabetic history (9.09% vs. 28.26%, P=0.012), fewer patients with leukoaraiosis (7.27% vs. 28.26%, P=0.005) and presented with lower blood glucose level ((5.72±1.76) vs. (6.72±1.32) mmol/L, P=0.012), lower systolic blood pressure level ((135.45±19.36) vs. (148.78±19.39) mmHg, P=0.003), lower baseline NIHSS score (12.02±5.26 vs. 15.78±4.98, P=0.002) and shorter onset-to-treatment time (OTT) ((2.38±1.21) vs. (2.57±1.03) hours, P=0.044) than poor outcome group. Logistic regression analysis showed that absence of diabetic history (odds ratio (OR) 0.968 (95% CI 0.941-0.996)), absence of leukoaraiosis (OR 0.835 (95% CI 0.712-0.980)), lower baseline NIHSS score (OR 0.885 (95% CI 0.793-0.989)), lower pre-thrombolysis systolic blood pressure (OR 0.962 (95% CI 0.929-0.997)), and lower blood glucose level (OR 0.699 (95% CI 0.491-0.994)) before thrombolysis were significantly associated with better outcome.

Conclusion

Patients with no history of diabetes, no leukoaraiosis, low blood glucose level, low systolic blood pressure level and low baseline NIHSS score before thrombolysis have a better outcome.
γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT prevents neuronal death and memory impairment in sepsis associated encephalopathy in septic rats
Authors: Huang Man , Liu chunhui , Hu Yueyu , Wang Pengfei , Ding Meiping
Published: January 2024

Background

Brain dysfunction is a frequent complication of sepsis, usually defined as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Although the Notch signaling pathway has been proven to be involved in both ischemia and neuronal proliferation, its role in SAE is still unknown. Here, the effect of the Notch signaling pathway involved γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT on SAE in septic rats was investigated in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model.

Methods

Fifty-nine Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, with the septic group receiving the CLP operation. Twenty-four hours after CLP or sham treatment, rats were sacrificed and their hippocampus was harvested for Western blot analysis. TNF-αexpression was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining, and neuronal cell death was detected by H&E staining. Finally, a novel object recognition experiment was used to evaluate memory impairment.

Results

Our data showed that sepsis can increase the expression of hippocampal Notch receptor intracellular domain (NICD) and poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), as well as the inflammatory response, neuronal apoptosis, neuronal death, and memory dysfunction in rats. The γ-secretase inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) can significantly decrease the level of NICD and PARP-1, reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and death, attenuate TNF-α release and rescue cognitive impairment caused by CLP.

Conclusion

The neuroprotective effect of DAPT on neuronal death and memory impairment in septic rats, which could be a new therapeutic approach for treating SAE in the future.
Retrospective study of mycophenolate mofetil treatment in IgA nephropathy with proliferative pathological phenotype
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhang Junjun , Liu Dongwei , Quan Songxia , Xing Guolan , Liu Zhangsuo
Published: January 2024

Background

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) are widely used in treating various kidney diseases. However, whether they are effective and which one is better for treating IgA nephropathy patients with proliferative pathological phenotype in renal diseases, such as endocapillary proliferation, cellular crescents, and/or capillary loops fibrinoid necrosis is still unknown. We, therefore, initiated a study to compare the effects of MMF and CTX in treating IgA nephropathy with the above pathological lesions.

Methods

One hundred and nineteen patients with IgA nephropathy who had at least one of the three aforementioned lesions were enrolled. All patients were treated with prednisone; 48 patients received prednisone only (Pred group), 40 received MMF and prednisone (MMF + Pred group), and 31 were treated with CTX and prednisone (CTX + Pred group). The median time of follow-up was 30 months (maximum: 96 months). The primary endpoint was defined as renal survival. The incidence of remission of proteinuria was the secondary endpoint.

Results

Serum creatinine in all groups declined significantly at different follow-up times (P=0.002), and the differences among the three groups were significant (P<0.001). At 24 months of follow-up, the decline rates were 12.35%, 32.95%, and 24.14% in the Pred, MMF + Pred, and CTX + Pred groups respectively. For urine protein excretion, the decline rates were 49.12% (Pred), 73.67% (MMF + Pred), and 63.53% (CTX + Pred) respectively at 24 months of follow-up. The differences among the three groups were not significant (P=0.714). Renal survival (the primary endpoint) was significantly different (P=0.027); however, the sencondary endpoint was similar for all the three groups (P=0.100).

Conclusions

For IgA nephropathy patients with endocapillary proliferation, cellular crescents, and/or fibrinoid necrosis of capillary loops, prednisone combined with MMF was more effective in lowering the serum creatinine than with CTX. Combined MMF and prednisone treatment led to a better renal survival compared to that of prednisone with CTX.
Imaging and histopathological findings of lacrimal sac lymphoma
Authors: Guo Pengde , Yan Fei , Tian Cheng , Zhao Pengfei , Wang Zhenchang , Xian Junfang
Published: January 2024

Background

Lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is rare, often misdiagnosed clinically. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features of these tumors and provide suggestions to aid the diagnosis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, five cases were assessed according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and pathological findings. All five patients underwent MRI and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI), of which four patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and three patients underwent CT.

Results

Four cases and one case had a lymphoma in left and right medial canthus, respectively. Soft tissue surrounding the eyelids, subcutaneous tissue in the nasal dorsum, and involvement of the entire nasolacrimal canal were demonstrated in all five lesions. In two cases, the mass invaded the extraconal space. In one case, the mass invaded the adjacent medial rectus muscle and nasal area. Well-defined margins were observed in three cases and ill-defined margins in two cases. All cases showed homogeneous isointense lesions on T1WI. Four cases showed homogeneous isointensity and one case demonstrated heterogeneous isointensity on T2WI. After contrast injection, the lesion showed slight homogeneous isointensity and moderate enhancement in four cases and heterogeneous isointensity and moderate enhancement in one case. In the four patients who underwent DCE-MRI, a plateau pattern was revealed in three cases and washout pattern in one case. In the three cases who underwent CT, two cases had isointense and one case had hyperintense lesions. The lacrimal duct was remodeled and the surrounding bone compressed.

Conclusions

Tumors of the lacrimal sac showed homogeneous and isointense patterns on T1WI and T2WI with mildtomoderate enhancement and a plateau pattern on DCE-MRI. CT showed remodeling of the lacrimal duct with bone compression.
Evaluation of pelvic visceral functions after modified nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Li Bin , Zuo Jing , Zhang Gongyi , Yang Yeduo , Zeng Hongmei , Li Xiaoguang , Wu Lingying
Published: January 2024

Background

Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) was developed in an attempt to minimize complications after radical hysterectomy. Since 2008, a modified NSRH-nerve plane-sparing radical hysterectomy (NPSRH) has been developed at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NPSRH in improving postoperative pelvic visceral dysfunctions.

Methods

Eighty-three patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB1-IIA2 cervical cancer received NPSRH (the study group) from January 2008 to October 2012. One hundred and sixty-six patients who underwent conventional radical hysterectomy (CRH) were randomly selected as the control group. Age, pathological type and stage were matched between the two groups. The safety of surgery was assessed by duration of operation and blood transfusion rate. Postoperative short-term bladder function was analyzed by duration of catheterization. Long-term bladder, anorectal and sexual function were evaluated with questionnaires.

Results

Seventy-eight patients (94.0%) in the NPSRH group and one hundred and sixty patients (96.4%) in the CRH group completed the study. Median follow-up time was 31.9 months and 31.0 months respectively (P=0.708). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, FIGO stage, pathologic type, preoperative and postoperative therapy (P >0.05). The blood transfusion rate shared no difference between two groups (P=0.364). The operation time in the NPSRH group was significantly longer than CRH group (P <0.01). But the duration of catheterization and hospitalization in the NPSRH group was significantly reduced compared with CRH group (P <0.01). In addition, the incidence of long-term urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, straining to void, constipation and diarrhea was significantly lower in the NPSRH group (P <0.05). However, there was no significant difference regarding sexual function (P >0.05).

Conclusions

The current evidence indicated that NPSRH improved long-term bladder function compared to CRH. Moreover, it may improve long-term anorectal function as well.
Role of BKCa channels in diabetic vascular complications
Authors: Qian Lingling , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Ruxing
Published: January 2024

Objective

This review focuses on the role of the large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels in diabetic vascular complications.

Data sources

Relevant articles published in English or Chinese from 1981 to present were selected from PubMed. The search terms were “BKCa channels” and “diabetes”. Important references from selected articles were also retrieved.

Study selection

Articles regarding the role of BKCa channels in diabetic vascular complications and relevant mechanisms were selected.

Results

The BKCa channels are abundantly expressed in vascular smooth cells and play an important role in regulation of vascular tone. Multiple studies indicated that the expression and function of BKCa channels are altered by different mechanisms in diabetic vascular diseases such as coronary arterial disease, cerebral arterial disease, and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

BKCa channels may play an important role in diabetic vascular complications and may be an effective therapeutic target for relieving and reducing the burden of diabetic vascular complications.
Prostate cancer antigen 3 test for prostate biopsy decision: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Luo Yong , Gou Xin , Huang Peng , Chan Mou
Published: January 2024

Background

The specificity for early interventions of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer (PCa) is not satisfactory. It is likely that prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) can be used to predict biopsy outcomes more accurately than PSA for the early detection of PCa. We systematically reviewed literatures and subsequently performed a meta-analysis.

Methods

A bibliographic search in the database of Embase, Medline, Web of Science, NCBI, PubMed, CNKI, and those of health technology assessment agencies published before April 2013 was conducted. The key words used were “prostatic neoplasms”, “prostate”, “‘prostate,’ ‘carcinoma’ or ‘cancer’ or ‘tumor’, or ‘PCa,’” and free terms of “upm3”, “pca3”, “dd3”, “aptimapca 3”, and “prostate cancer antigen 3”. All patients were adults. The intervention was detecting PCA3 in urine samples for PCa diagnosis. We checked the quality based on the QUADAS criteria, collected data, and developed a meta-analysis to synthesize results. Twenty-four studies of diagnostic tests with moderate to high quality were selected.

Results

The sensitivity was between 46.9% and 82.3%; specificity was from 55% to 92%; positive predictive value had a range of 39.0%-86.0%; and the negative predictive value was 61.0%-89.7%. The meta-analysis has heterogeneity between studies. The global sensitivity value was 0.82 (95% CI 0.72-0.90); specificity was 0.962 (95% CI 0.73-0.99); positive likelihood ratio was 2.39 (95% CI 2.10-2.71); negative likelihood ratio was 0.51 (95% CI 0.46-0.86); diagnostic odds ratio was 4.89 (95% CI 3.94-6.06); and AUC in SROC curve was 0.744 1.

Conclusion

PCA3 can be used for early diagnosis of PCa and to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and endometriosis in Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lyu Jiangtao , Yang Hua , Lang Jinghe , Tan Xianjie
Published: January 2024

Background

Numerous studies have described the association between polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene and risk of endometriosis. However, the results remain controversial. Here we reviewed studies reporting the association between TNF gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk in Asians.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched. Twelve case-control studies assessing the role of multiple TNF gene polymorphisms in endometriosis were included. If no less than two articles evaluated one variant, meta-analysis was conducted; otherwise, narrative analysis was chosen. A fixed- or random-effects model was employed according to the heterogeneity among studies. The strength of the association between TNF gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk was assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

For TNF-α -238G>A, -308G>A, -857C>T, and -863C>A, no significant associations were identified from all genetic models. For TNF-α -850T>C, results from one study showed that patients harboring the heterozygote TC were less susceptible to endometriosis than patients harboring the homozygote TT. For TNF-α -1031T>C, a mild increase in endometriosis risk was found in the Asian population. Meta-analysis from two studies found that the TNF-β +252>G polymorphism had a protective effect in Chinese individuals. Due to the limitations of the included studies, it is necessitated to perform more studies to elucidate the possible roles of TNF gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Conclusions

TNF-α -1031T>C and TNF-β +252A>G were significantly associated with the risk of endometriosis in Asian and Chinese populations, respectively. To further evaluate these associations, more large-scale, rigorously designed studies are needed.
Difficulties in post-stroke gait improvement caused by post-stroke depression
Authors: Kijowski Stanislaw
Published: January 2024

Background

Depression is a common problem impeding post-stroke rehabilitation. Up to 70% of patients show depression symptoms during the first twelve months after stroke onset. However, the depression and its effect on functional recovery can be difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to use gait analysis as a tool to compare the recovery after stroke in patients with and without depression and to assess the impact of the initiation time of rehabilitation after stroke onset.

Methods

One hundred and forty five consecutive patients after first ever stroke admitted for designed rehabilitation program within 2 to 31 months after stroke onset participated. All patients received 4 weeks treatment program included comprehensive rehabilitation consisted of multipurpose activities 5 days a week. These included individual and group exercises, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and gait training. Gait analysis with Kistler force plates was employed to assess gait pattern symmetry before and after the treatment. Gait symmetry was evaluated based on seven gait parameters. Regaining of gait pattern symmetry was assumed as a measure of rehabilitation outcome.

Results

After rehabilitation program gait symmetry was regained in patients without depression. Gait asymmetry remained unchanged in patients diagnosed with depression. No major differences in outcome from rehabilitation were noted in regards to the initiation time of rehabilitation after the stroke onset.

Conclusions

Depression limits gait recovery after stroke. The time of initiation of rehabilitation after stroke onset does not limit the motor recovery after rehabilitation program.
An antiretroviral regimen containing 6 months of stavudine followed by long-term zidovudine for first-line HIV therapy is optimal in resource-limited settings: a prospective, multicenter study in China
Authors: Li Taisheng , Guo Fuping , Li Yijia , Zhang Chengda , Han Yang , Lye Wei , He Yun , Lu Hongzhou , Xie Jing , Huang Aiqiong , Li Yanling , Tang Xiaoping , Wang Hui , Zhang Tong , Gao Guiju , Lei Junkang , Zhang Xiaoying , Wu Xinhua , Sun Yongtao , Bai Jinsong , Luo Ling , Wang Huanling
Published: January 2024

Background

An zidovudine (AZT)-substitution regimen containing 24-week stavudine (d4T) followed by long-term AZT for HIV therapy is potential to trade off short-term AZT-related anemia and long-term risks associated with d4T in resourcelimited settings. However, evidence is scarce. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of AZT-substitution regimen, aiming to find a regimen with better efficacy, less adverse events, and more affordability in resource-limited settings.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter study enrolled 499 (190 on d4T regimen, 172 on AZT regimen, and 137 on AZTsubstitution regimen) HIV-1-infected subjects who initiated combined antiretroviral therapy and attended follow-up visits over 96 weeks from 2009 to 2011. Lamivudine (3TC) and either nevirapine (NVP) or efavirenz (EFV) were the other two drugs in the antiretroviral regimens. Virologic and immunologic responses and adverse events were monitored at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96.

Results

In terms of hematological adverse effects, AZT-substitution group had similar safety profiles to d4T group and was superior to AZT group. In comparison with AZT-substitution group, AZT group was associated with higher risk of developing anemia (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for anemia ≥ grade II, 8.44, 95% CI 1.81–39.46) and neutropenia (aHR for neutropenia ≥ grade II, 1.86, 95% CI 1.19–2.93). The prevalence of lipodystrophy in d4T group was 19.5%, while that in AZT-substitution group was zero. As to antiretroviral efficacy, these three groups showed no differences.

Conclusion

AZT-substitution regimen provides a relatively safe and effective first-line antiretroviral strategy in resource-limited settings.
Radial shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic constriction injury model in rats: a preliminary study
Authors: Fu Miao , Cheng Hao , Li Duoyi , Yu Xiaotong , Ji Nan , Luo Fang
Published: January 2024

Background

Pain physicians pay close attention to neuropathic pain (NP), since there is currently no ideal treatment. Radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) is a noninvasive treatment to chronic pain of soft tissue disorders. So far, there is no information on the use of RSWT for the treatment of NP. Therefore we observe the effects of RSWT on a NP model induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats.

Methods

Four different energy densities (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 bar) RSWT administered as a single session or repeated sessions in rats with NP induced by CCI of the sciatic nerve. The analgesic effect was assessed by measuring mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). The safety was assessed through calculating sciatic functional index (SFI).

Results

MWT and TWL increased after a single session of RSWT from day 1 to day 5 but returned to baseline levels by day 10. Following repeated sessions of RSWT, both the MWT and TWL were significantly higher than NP group (P< 0.01) for at least 4 weeks. In addition, no significant changes of SFI were observed in any groups after repeated sessions of RSWT and no increased pain or other side effects in any animals.

Conclusions

A single session of RSWT is rapidly effective in the treatment of CCI, but the efficacy maintained in a short period. However, repeated sessions of RSWT have prolonged efficacy.
An anatomical comparison of two minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgeries using fresh female cadavers
Authors: Wenyan Wang , Lan Zhu , Bing Wei , Jinghe Lang
Published: January 2024

Background

During the past decade, graft materials have been widespread used in the vagina in order to correct pelvic organ prolapse. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the exact anatomical position of the puncture devices and their relations to the relevant anatomical structures in the Prolift™ and a modified pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh.

Methods

Twelve fresh cadavers were allocated randomly to either the Prolift™ or the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery group. Each group had six fresh cadavers. Relevant distances between the puncture devices and anatomical structures were recorded in both minimally invasive puncture surgeries.

Results

The mean distances from the posterior puncture points of the obturator membrane to the posterior branch of obturator arteries were shorter ((0.60±0.36) cm and (0.78±0.10) cm) when compared with the distances to the anterior branch of obturator arteries ((1.53±0.46) cm and (1.86±0.51) cm) for the reconstruction of the anterior compartment in both surgeries (all P <0.05). The distance from the puncture points of the pelvic floor through the ischiorectal fossa to the coccygeal and inferior gluteal arteries in the Prolift™ technique ((0.88±0.10) cm) and ((1.59±0.36) cm)) were much shorter than that in the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery ((2.95±0.09) cm) and ((3.40±0.36) cm)) for the reconstruction of the middle and posterior compartments (all P <0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the Prolift™ technique, the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh would be safer not to cause great damage to the inferior gluteal arteries and the coccygeal arteries. The posterior branch of obturator arteries would be easier to be injured than the anterior branch of obturator arteries during anterior compartment reconstruction in both surgeries.
Association between CISH polymorphisms and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B virus in hepatitis B extracellular antigen–positive patients during immune active phase
Authors: Song Guangjun , Rao Huiying , Feng Bo , Wei Lai
Published: January 2024

Background

Some hepatitis B extracellular antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in their immune active phase can clear the virus spontaneously and enter into an inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier state, indicating a benign prognosis. In this study, the association between cytokine-inducible SRC homology 2 domain protein (CISH) gene polymorphisms at -292 (rs414171) and the spontaneous clearance of HBV in HBeAg-positive CHB patients in immune the active phase was investigated.

Methods

Seventy HBeAg-positive CHB patients in the immune active phase were followed up for 76 weeks without antiviral therapy. The alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, HBV DNA, HBeAg and hepatitis B extracellular antibody levels were tested regularly. At week 76, 27 patients were classified into group A (HBV DNA level below 2 104 IU/ml and the value of HBeAg declined below 10% of the baseline at week 76), and 43 patients were classified into group B (HBV DNA level higher than 2×104 IU/ml or the value of HBeAg did not decline substantially at week 76). CISH (rs414171) polymorphisms were also tested using the iPLEX system.

Results

The HBV DNA levels at week 12 were significantly greater in group B compared with group A (group A: (6.87±1.40) log10IU/ml; group B: (7.61±1.38) log10IU/ml, P=0.034) and the HBeAg values were greater in group B at week 28 compared with group A (P=0.001). The differences in HBV DNA and HBeAg values increased between the groups over time. Sixteen patients in group A and 11 in group B were genotype AA. Those with genotype AT or TT included 11 in group A and 31 in group B (AA vs. AT and TT, odds ratio 4.10 (95% confidence interval: 1.462-11.491), P=0.006).

Conclusion

CISH gene polymorphisms at -292 (rs414171) are associated with HBV clearance in HBeAg-positive CHB patients in the immune active phase, and AA is a favorable genotype for this effect.
Atorvastatin induces autophagy of mesenchymal stem cells under hypoxia and serum deprivation conditions by activating the mitogenactivated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Qian , Qian Haiyan , Jin Chen , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin
Published: January 2024

Background

The survival ratio of implanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the infarcted myocardium is low. Autophagy is a complex “self-eating” process and can be utilized for cell survival. We have found that atorvastatin (ATV) can effectively activate autophagy to enhance MSCs survival during hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD). The mitogenactivated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathway is a non-canonical autophagy pathway. We hypothesized that the MEK/ERK pathway mediated ATV-induced autophagy of MSCs under H/SD.

Methods

MSCs were pretreated with ATV (0.01–10 μmol/L) under H/SD for three hours. For inhibitor studies, the cells were pre-incubated with the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Cell autophagy was assessed by acidic vesicular organelles (AVO)-positive cells using flow cytometry, autophagy related protein using Western blotting and autophagosome using transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Autophagy was elevated in the H/SD group compared with the normal group. ATV further enhanced the autophagic activity as well as the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 evidenced by more AVO-positive cells ((8.63±0.63)% vs. (5.77±0.44)%, P <0.05), higher LC3-II/LC3-I ratio (4.36±0.31 vs. 2.52±0.18, P <0.05) and more autophagosomes. And treatment with U0126 downregulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and attenuated ATV-induced autophagy.

Conclusion

The MEK/ERK pathway participates in ATV-induced autophagy in MSCs under H/SD, and modulation of the pathway could be a novel strategy to improve MSCs survival.
Urodynamic analysis and treatment of male Parkinson's disease patients with voiding dysfunction
Authors: Xue Peng , Wang Tao , Zong Huantao , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2024

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an extrapyramidal neurological disorder. Urinary symptoms are frequently present in patients affected by PD. Symptoms such as urgency, frequency, nocturia, and urge incontinence significantly impact the patient's quality of life. We attempted to investigate the urodynamic changes and treatment of male PD patients with voiding dysfunction by means of a review.

Methods

Comprehensive urodynamic examinations were performed in 141 male patients with PD associated with voiding dysfunction. Appropriate treatments were given to subgroups that were divided based on test results, and the changes in urodynamic parameters as well as the treatment efficacy were observed.

Results

Detrusor hyperreflexia without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was observed in 35 patients, who exhibited significant improvements in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), bladder volume at the first desire to void, post-void residual (PVR), and bladder compliance. Detrusor hyperreflexia associated with BOO was observed in 59 patients. The patients exhibited significant improvements in IPSS, Qmax, PVR, and bladder compliance. Detrusor dysfunction without BOO was observed in 19 patients, for whom the IPSS and the bladder volume at the first desire to void were improved after treatment. Detrusor dysfunction with BOO was found in 28 patients, with no significant improvement in the urodynamic parameters after the treatment.

Conclusions

Urodynamic examination is recommended for male Parkinson's disease patients with voiding dysfunction. Early and effective treatment can improve the bladder function and quality of life of these patients.
Prostate specific membrane antigen knockdown impairs the tumorigenicity of LNCaP prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Zhenghui , Lai Yiming , Du Tao , Zhang Yiming , Chen Jieqing , Bi Liangkuan , Lin Tianxin , Liu Hao , Wang Wei , Xu Kewei , Jiang Chun , Han Jinli , Zhang Caixia , Dong Wen , Huang Jian , Huang Hai
Published: January 2024

Background

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) can facilitate the growth, migration, and invasion of the LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been clearly defined. Here, we investigated whether PSMA serves as a novel regulator of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling by employing PSMA knockdown model and PI3K pharmacological inhibitor (LY294002) in LNCaP prostate cancer cells.

Methods

PSMA knockdown had been stably established by transfecting with lentivirus-mediated siRNA in our previous study. Then, LNCaP cells were divided into interference, non-interference, and blank groups. We first testified the efficacy of PSMA knockdown in our LNCaP cell line. Then, we compared the expression of PSMA and total/activated Akt by Western blotting in the above three groups with or without LY294002 treatment. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry was performed to confirm the changes of activated Akt (p-Akt, Ser473) in groups. Besides, cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle were measured by CCK-8 assay, Transwell analysis, and Flow cytometry respectively.

Results

After PSMA knockdown, the level of p-Akt (Ser473) but not of total-Akt (Akt1/2) was significantly decreased when compared with the non-interference and blank groups. However, LY294002 administration significantly reduced the expression of p-Akt (Ser473) in all the three groups. The results of immunocytochemistry further confirmed that PSMA knockdown or LY294002 treatment was associated with p-Akt (Ser473) down-regulation. Decrease of cell proliferation, migration, and survival were also observed upon PSMA knockdown and LY294002 treatment.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results reveal that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibition may serve as a novel molecular mechanism in LNCaP prostate cancer cells of PSMA knockdown and suggest that Akt (Ser473) may play a critical role as a downstream signaling target effector of PSMA in this cellular model.
Investigation of molecular diagnosis in Chinese patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Li Mao , Wang Zhanjun , Cui Fang , Yang Fei , Chen Zhaohui , Ling Li , Pu Chuanqiang , Huang Xusheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disease caused by abnormal expansion of cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) repeats in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene. The clinical manifestations of DM1 are multisystemic and highly variable, and the unstable nature of CTG expansion causes wide genotypic and phenotypic presentations, which make molecular methods essential for the diagnosis. So far, very few studies about molecular diagnosis in Chinese patients with DM1 have been reported. Therefore, we carried out a study using two different methods in molecular diagnosis to verify the validity in detecting CTG expansion in Chinese patients showing DM signs.

Methods

A total of 97 Chinese individuals were referred for molecular diagnosis of DM1 using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) accompanied by Southern blotting and triplet primed PCR (TP-PCR). We evaluated the sensitivity and limitation of each method using percentage.

Results

By conventional PCR 65 samples showed only one fragment corresponding to the normal allele and 62 out of them were correctly diagnosed as DM1 by TP-PCR and three homologous non-DM1 samples were ruled out; Southern blotting analysis successfully made 13 out of 16 correct diagnoses with a more sensitivity using α-32P-labeled probes than dig-labeled probes.

Conclusion

Molecular analysis is necessary for the diagnosis of DM1 and TP-PCR is a reliable, sensitive, and easily performed method in molecular diagnosis which is worthy to be popularized.
Radiofrequency ablation versus partial nephrectomy for the treatment of clinical stage 1 renal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shangqian Wang , Chao Qin , Zhihang Peng , Qiang Cao , Pu Li , Pengfei Shao , Xiaobing Ju , Xiaoxin Meng , Qiang Lu , Jie Li , Meilin Wang , Zhengdong Zhang , Min Gu , Wei Zhang , Changjun Yin
Published: January 2024

Background

Over the past two decades, the clinical presentation of renal masses has evolved, where the rising incidence of small renal masses (SRMs) and concomitant minimal invasive treatments have led to noteworthy changes in paradigm of kidney cancer. This study was to perform a proportional meta-analysis of observational studies on perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

The US National Library of Medicine’s life science database (Medline) and the Web of Science were exhaustly searched before August 1, 2013. Clinical stage 1 SRMs that were treated with PN or RFA were included, and perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of a total of 9 565 patients were analyzed.

Results

Patients who underwent RFA were significantly older (P <0.001). In the subanalysis of stage T1 tumors, the major complication rate of PN was greater than that of RFA (laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN)/robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN): 7.2%, open partial nephrectomy (OPN): 7.9%, RFA: 3.1%, both P <0.001). Minor complications occurred more frequently after RFA (RFA: 13.8%, LPN/RPN: 7.5%, OPN: 9.5%, both P <0.001). By multivariate analysis, the relative risks for minor complications of RFA, compared with LPN and OPN, were 1.7-fold and 1.5-fold greater (both P <0.01), respectively. Patients treated with RFA had a greater local progression rate than those treated by PN (RFA: 4.6%, LPN/RPN: 1.2%, OPN: 1.9%, both P <0.001). By multivariate analysis, the local tumor progression for RFA versus LPN/RPN and OPN were 4.5-fold and 3.1-fold greater, respectively (both P <0.001).

Conclusions

The current data illustrate that both PN and RFA are viable strategies for the treatment of SRMs. Compared with PN, RFA showed a greater risk of local tumor progression but a lower major complication rate, which is considered better for poor candidates. PN is with no doubt the golden treatment for SRMs, and LPN has been widely accepted as the first option for nephron-sparing surgery by experienced urologists. RFA may be the best option for select patients with significant comorbidity.
Audiological evaluation in Chinese patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies
Authors: Liu Yuhe , Xue Junfang , Zhao Danhua , Chen Li , Yuan Yun , Wang Zhaoxia
Published: January 2024

Background

Hearing impairment has been reported to be common in patients with mitochondrial disorders, a group of diseases characterized by pleiomorphic clinical manifestations due to defects in oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria. This study aimed to investigate the audiological characteristics in a large cohort of patients with mitochondrial disease.

Methods

Comprehensive audiological evaluations, including pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, speech audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, electrocochleography and auditory brainstem evoked potentials, were performed in 73 Chinese patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy and with confirmed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects.

Results

Among the patients, 71% had hearing impairment. However, the incidence rate and severity of hearing impairment were much less in the chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) subtype than in the mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF) and Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) subtypes. While most of our patients had a predominantly cochlea origin for the hearing deficit, five patients had an auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and three patients had impairment of both cochlea and auditory cortex.

Conclusions

Various portions of the auditory system could be involved in patients with mitochondrial diseases, including cochlea, auditory nerve, auditory pathway and cortex. Hearing loss was more associated with multisystem involvement. Genotype, mutant load of mtDNA and other unknown factors could contribute to heterogeneity of hearing impairment in mitochondrial disease.
Association of interleukin-6 promoter polymorphism with knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhipeng Ai , Xianming Ning , Tao Shou , Wenru Tang , Ying Luo , Jihong Zhang
Published: January 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of human polyarthritis. Many genetic factors have been implicated in OA. It was reported that a polymorphism in the gene of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was associated with OA of knee. The aim of this study was to determine whether functional IL-6 promoter -174G/C (rs1800795) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to knee OA.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted on the association between the IL-6 polymorphism and knee OA. Electronic search at PubMed, EMBASE, Weipu database, and Wanfang database was conducted to select studies. Case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of IL-6 -174G/C were chosen, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of this association.

Results

A total of seven studies involving 6 464 subjects (knee OA 3 331 and controls 3 133) were considered in this study. The results suggested that the variant genotypes were not associated with knee OA risk in all genetic models (additive model: OR=1.144, 95% CI 0.934-1.402, P=0.194; recessive model: OR=1.113, 95% CI 0.799-1.550, P=0.526; dominant model: OR=1.186, 95% CI 0.918-1.531, P=0.191). A symmetric funnel plot, the Begg's test (P >0.05), suggested that the data lacked publication bias.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis does not support the idea that rs1800795 genotype is associated with increased risk of knee OA. However, to draw comprehensive and more reliable conclusions, further prospective studies with larger numbers of participants worldwide are needed to examine the association between rs1800795 polymorphism and knee OA.
Evaluation of CD24 as a marker to rapidly define the mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and its differentiation in human nucleus pulposus
Authors: Xiaoming Guan , Xun Ma , Li Zhang , Haoyu Feng , Zhuo Ma
Published: January 2024

Background

Recent studies have indicated that human nucleus pulposus contain mesenchymal stem cells (NP-MSCs). However, the immunophenotypic variation of NP-MSCs in vitro was unclear. The present study was conducted to address the immunophenotypic variation of mesenchymal stem cells in nucleus pulposus under continuous proliferation in vitro and show the difference between mesenchymal stem cells and nucleus pulposus cell.

Methods

Tissue samples were obtained from thoracolumbar burst fracture patients and degenerative disc disease patients who underwent discectomy and fusion procedures. Flow cytometric and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) were used to detect the variation of mesenchymal stem cells in nucleus pulposus which were expressing CD105 and CD24 in condition with or without transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1).

Results

More than 90% of the analyzed primary cells of mesenchymal stem cells in nucleus pulposus fulfilled the general immunophenotyping criteria for MSCs, such as CD44, CD105 and CD29, but the marker of mature NP cells characterized as CD24 was negative. In continuous cultures, the proportion of mesenchymal stem cells which were expressing CD44, CD105 and CD29 in nucleus pulposus gradually decreased. The mesenchymal stem cells in nucleus pulposus cells were positive for CD105 and CD29, with slight positivity for CD44. The CD24 expression gradually increased in proliferation. Bi-parametric flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of cells which were expressing CD105 and CD24 independently, and only a small part of cells expressed both CD105 and CD24 simultaneously. TGF-β1 could stimulate mesenchymal stem cells in nucleus pulposus to express CD24.

Conclusions

Non-degenerative and degenerative NP contains mesechymal stem cells. The variation of CD24 can be used as a marker to identify the NP-MSCs differentiation into NP-like cells.
Validation of quantitative computed tomography-derived areal bone mineral density with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in an elderly Chinese population
Authors: Xiaoguang Cheng , Ling Wang , Qianqian Wang , Yimin Ma , Yongbin Su , Kai Li
Published: January 2024

Background

The performance of computed tomography X-ray absorptiometry (CTXA) against the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as standard has not been studied in Chinese population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of this measurement and validate the value of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) by comparing CTXA results with DXA results in an elderly Chinese population.

Methods

One hundred and three females of 46 to 76 years old and 49 males of 52 to 76 years old were recruited from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. All subjects underwent hip scans by both QCT and DXA on the same day. For precision determination, 30 subjects had duplicate DXA hip scans. The hip QCT data of a subset of 27 subjects were separately analyzed by two observers and reanalyzed by one observer at a different time. The inter- and intra-observer variations of CTXA measurement were assessed, and the difference and correlation between CTXA and DXA results were analyzed.

Results

The inter- and intra-observer variations of CTXA were 0.070 and 0.024 g/cm2 in the femoral neck (FN), and 0.030 and 0.012 g/cm2 in the total hip (TH), which were comparable to the DXA inter-scan variations (0.013 g/cm2 for FN and 0.014 g/cm2 for TH). The results of CTXA bone mineral density (BMD) were highly correlated with those of DXA (R
2 = 0.810 for FN and R
2 = 0.878 for TH). The BMD values of CTXA in FN and TH were lower than those of DXA by 21.0% and 17.8% (P<0.05), respectively. However, after appropriate transformation, the difference was eliminated and a comparable T score could be obtained.

Conclusions

CTXA shows good agreement with DXA for the measurement of BMD in the proximal femur, which makes QCT suitable for the quantification of bone mineral content in the hip and helpful for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Construction of plasmid vector pAFP-HSVtk-IRES2-EGFP and its effect on the cytotoxicity of ganciclovir to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lai Zhiyong , Qin Qin , Yu Baofeng , Xie Jun , Gao Ranpeng , Zhang Tiantian , Li Chunfeng , Niu Kai , Xu Jun
Published: January 2024

Background

Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase phosphorylates ganciclovir to ganciclovir monophosphate, which is then converted to ganciclovir triphosphate by endogenous cellular nucleoside kinases. The ganciclovir triphosphate acts as a DNA chain terminator due to the lack of a functional 3′-OH group and terminates the process of DNA replication, hence leading to cell apoptosis. At present, HSVtk gene usually acts as suicide gene to kill tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the selective cytotoxicity of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSVtK/GCV) suicide gene system controlled by the α-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro.

Methods

pAFP-HSVtk-IRES2-EGFP recombinant plasmid vectors driven by the AFP promoter were constructed. HL-7702 liver cells, HUH-7 HCC, and HepG2 HCC were transfected with the recombinant plasmids. HSVtK gene expression was detected using Western blotting analysis. HepG2 cells line stably expressing HSVtk gene was selected by G418 reagent. The cytotoxicity of HSVtK/GCV suicide gene system on hepatoma cells was measured by CCK-8 reagents when different doses of ganciclovir were added.

Results

Plasmid pAFP-TK-IRES2-EGFP-expressed HSVtk gene was constructed successfully. HSVtk gene expression level was significantly higher in AFP-positive hepatoma cells than in AFP-negative liver cells. After G418 selection, a HepG2 cells line stably expressing HSVtk gene was acquired. With the increase of the dose of ganciclovir the optical density at 450 nm of HepG2 cells stably expressing HSVtk gene gradually decreased (P <0.05).

Conclusion

The HSVtK gene-specific expression in hepatoma cells as well as the cytotoxicity of the suicide gene system in HepG2 cells provided the basis for the targeted gene therapy of HCC.