Volume 14, Issue 1

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed cancer in Western male population. In this study, we insert mK5 (the mutational kringle5 of human plasminogen) into a DD3-promoted (differential display code 3) oncolytic adenovirus to construct OncoAd.mK5.DD3. E1A.dE1B, briefly, O Ad .DD3.mK5. DD3 is one of the most prostate cancer specific promoters which can transcriptionally control adenoviral replication. mK5 has been proved to be able to inhibit the tumor angiogenesis and inhibit cell proliferation. Our results suggested that targeting PCa with O Ad .DD3.mK5 elicited strong antitumor effect.

Herein, we report a pediatric case of acute paradoxical cerebral embolism complicated by serious acute pulmonary embolism that was caused by an extremely small patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient had no medical history suggestive of any other reason. Paradoxical cerebral embolism may occur even with an extremely small PFO because of the increased right-side pressure of the heart and a resulting right-to-left shunt from the acute pulmonary embolism. Although pediatric cases of pulmonary embolism are rare, when diagnosed, clinicians should consider the risk of a concurrent paradoxical cerebral embolism resulting from a latent PFO. The possibility of PFO should be assessed extremely carefully in pediatric critical care by checking for a thrombogenesis tendency and the existence of deep vein thrombosis in the patient.

Background The associations between incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the ambient temperature were mixed in prior studies. Methods Data of 2033 consecutive admissions of AMI in a central tertiary hospital in North China from 1st Jan 2003 to 31st Dec 2011 were collected. The weather data in this period were from the local meteorological department. Based on the ambient temperature information, we defined several ambient temperature indices, including daily average temperature, extremely low temperature, and daily temperature range, then characterized the independent associations between them and the incidence of AMI. Results The daily average temperature one day before was independently associated with AMI incidence rate: a rise of 5°C of the daily average temperature led to a 5% decrease in AMI admissions. Daily average temperature and temperature range two days before were independently associated with AMI incidence rate: a rise of 5°C of the daily average temperature led to a fall of 6% in AMI admissions, and a rise of 2°C of the daily temperature range led to a rise of 4% in AMI admission. Conclusion Low ambient temperature has substantial association with AMI, and can play an important role in warning and forecasting the incidence.

We aim to report a CML case that had fluid retention and serum creatinine increase under long-term imatinib mesylate (IM) treatment. A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, and IM was started in 2002 with a dose of 400 mg/day. She had achieved complete hematological, molecular and cytogenetic remission under IM treatment. In September 2015, her creatinine level was 1.7 mg/dl. In May 2016, she was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea. Hypervolemia secondary to fluid retention was detected in our patient. Her laboratory tests results showed hemoglobin 9.7 gr/dl, white blood cell 7.6x103/μl, platelet 157x103/μl, creatinine 3.2 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 88 mg/dl. In her X-ray chest film, bilateral pleural effusion was detected. The effusion was detected as transuda. The other reasons of pleural effusion were excluded and the development of pleural effusion was considered secondary to IM. IM was also considered responsible for the acute rise of serum creatinine levels of our patient. Therefore for these two reasons IM was stopped. After the discontinuation of IM, her creatinine levels decreased to 1.6 mg/dl and her pleural effusions disappeared. IM treatment was considered as the reason of serum creatinine elevation since serum creatinine levels decreased after the discontinuation of IM. All of the side-effects disappeared after discontinuation of IM.

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) was originally known to be responsible for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA. Recent studies have found that METTL3 plays important roles in a variety of tumors by regulating the translation of oncogenes. However, the functional and regulating mechanisms of METTL3 in human gastric cancer have not yet been understood. Here we knocked down METTL3 in human gastric cancer cell lines, AGS and MKN45, by using shRNA transfection. RT-qPCR assay and western blotting verified the effectiveness of RNA interference on mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Then we found that METTL3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in AGS and MKN45 cells. Moreover, METTL3 knockdown decreased Bcl2 and increased Bax and active Caspase-3 in gastric cancer cells, which suggested the apoptotic pathway was activated. Mechanistic investigation suggested that METTL3 led to inactivation of the AKT signaling pathway in human gastric cancer cells, including decreased phosphorylation levels of AKT and expression of down-stream effectors p70S6K and Cyclin D1. In conclusion, our study reveals that down-regulation of METTL3 inhibits the proliferation and mobility of human gastric cancer cells and leads to inactivation of the AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that METTL3 may be a potential target for the treatment of human gastric cancer.

Folate metabolism makes a crucial contribution towards late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Moreover, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) constitutes the primary enzyme of the folate pathway. We hypothesize that there is an association of C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene with the susceptibility to LOAD. Previous published research has investigated the link between the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and LOAD susceptibility; nevertheless, the findings have continued to be not only controversial, but also indecisive. Accordingly, we carried out the present meta-analysis for the assessment of the potential link that exists between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the susceptibility to LOAD. Furthermore, we carried out a literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and WanFang database up to August 10, 2018. The odds ratios (ORs) with the respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were put to use for the evaluation of the robustness of the link of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism with the vulnerability to LOAD. All statistical analyses were carried out using STATA 15.0. An aggregate of 14 case-control research works was retrieved, involving 2,467 LOAD patients as well as 2,877 controls. We found that a substantial link exists between C677T polymorphism and LOAD risk in a codominant framework (TC vs. CC: OR=1.22, 95%CI=1.00-1.49, P=0.049). In addition to the stratified analysis based on ethnicity, which suggested that C677T polymorphism was likely linked only to an augmented threat of LOAD in Asians, it did not exist among Caucasians. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis carried out using APOE ɛ4 status, a substantial increase in the susceptibility to LOAD was detected in APOE ɛ4 carriers as well as non-APOE ɛ4 carriers. In sum, the current meta-analysis revealed that MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to LOAD. Further extensive case-control studies are required.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor leading to the most cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment efficiency of lung cancer remains poor mainly due to chemotherapy drug resistance, including cisplatin. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to chemotherapy resistance of tumor cells. Here, we illustrated the underlying mechanism of miR-1236-3p on the DDP resistance in lung cancer cells. In this study, we found that the expression level of miR-1236-3p was significantly decreased in lung cancer tissues and A549 cell line. In addition, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DDP in A549 cells was significantly lower than that in A549/DDP cells, while the expression level of miR-1236-3p was prominently down-regulated in A549/DDP cells. Combining the online tool TargetScan and a dual-luciferase reporter assay, tumor protein, translationally-controlled 1 (TPT1) was proved to be the direct target gene of miR-1236-3p. The MTT and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that up-regulation of miR-1236-3p could markedly inhibit A549/DDP cell proliferation but promote apoptosis, which could be significantly reversed by pcDNA3.1-TPT1 plasmids. Finally, we further demonstrated that miR-1235-3p could restrain the expression levels of TPT1, Pim-3, phosphate-Bcl-2-associated death promoter (p-BAD) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL) in A549/DDP cells, while the inhibition could be reversed by pcDNA3.1-TPT1 as well. In a word, our study demonstrated that miR-1236-3p could reverse DDP resistance by modulation of TPT1 gene and inhibition of Pim-3 signaling pathway in lung cancer cells.

Depression and bipolar disorder are two major psychiatric illnesses whose pathophysiology remains elusive. Newly emerging data support the hypothesis that the dysfunction of the immune system might be a potential factor contributing to the development of these mental disorders. The most common organ affected by autoimmunity is the thyroid; therefore, the link between autoimmune thyroid disorders and mental illnesses has been studied since the 1930s. The aim of this review is to discuss the associations between thyroid autoimmunity, depression and bipolar disorder.

Background A growing body of evidence indicates that aberrant expression of miR-107 plays a core role in cancers. This study aims to demonstrate the function of miR-107 and its roles in chemo-drug resistance in breast cancer cells. Methodology CCK-8 assays were carried out to test the effect of miR-107 mimics on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The apoptosis level of each group was detected by flow cytometry. miR-107 level, mRNA levels of Bcl-2/Bax and TRIAP1 were detected by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Protein levels of Bcl-2/Bax, p-Akt/Akt in MCF-7 cells were detected by using Western Blot. Lastly, the dual luciferase reporter gene assay system was used to confirm interaction between miR-107 and its target gene TRIAP1. Results CCK-8 assays indicated that miR-107 mimics augmented Taxol-induced cell viability inhibition. Flow cytometry showed that miR-107 mimics augmented Taxol-induced elevation of cell apoptosis. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that miR-107 mimics inhibited the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and induced the mRNA level of Bax. Western Blotting indicated that miR-107 mimics inhibited the expression of proteins Bcl-2 and p-Akt, and induced the expression of Bax, while showing no significant effects on Akt. The relative luciferase activity revealed that oncogene TRIAP1 is a potential target gene of miR-107. Conclusions miR-107 plays a role in regulating chemo-drug sensitivity in mammary cancer cell by targeting TRIAP1.

Lower intraluminal colonic pH is an indication for the development of inflammatory bowel disease including active ulcerative colitis. Involvement of intestinal sulfate-reducing bacteria in decreasing bowel pH by the production of H 2 S and acetate as well as their sensitivity has never been reported before. The study of the relative pH and survival of Desulfovibrio piger Vib-7 by monitoring sulfate reduction parameters was the aim of this work. Monitoring was done through the measurement of bacterial growth (biomass), dissimilatory sulfate reduction parameters: sulfate consumption, lactate oxidation, hydrogen sulfide and acetate production. According to our results, we observed that lower pH (<5) significantly inhibited D. piger Vib-7 growth. This inhibition was also noticed when alkaline media (>9 pH) was used, though the reduction was not at the rate as in media with pH of 4. The research indicates that the growth of D. piger Vib-7 is inhibited at pH of 4 which is not as low as the pH found in people with severely developed inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Certainly the interaction (synergistic effect) between both hydrogen sulfide and acetate accumulation can also play an important etiological role in the development of bowel inflammation in humans and animals.

Rheumatic musculoskeletal manifestations are increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are associated with a variety of musculoskeletal pathologies, from peripheral arthritis to axial involvement, and from localized or regional pathologies to diffuse metabolic disorders. Recent advances, especially in imaging techniques, allow a better understanding of these pathologies, and assist their recognition even in the preclinical phase. This review aims to describe the musculoskeletal clinical and imaging manifestations in IBD with special emphasis on the current concepts and the updated radiological work-up.

Introduction This study aims to investigate the potential effects of regional hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy (RHCT) as a treatment strategy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Method 118 AGC patients were randomly divided into treatment plans with chemotherapy (CT) alone or with RHCT. The prognostic value of clinicopathologic characteristics was assessed in terms of overall survival of AGC patients. Results The disease control rate was determined to be 70.9% and 46.0% for the RHCT and CT group, respectively (P = 0.006). The median survival was determined to be 23.5 months for the RHCT group and 14.0 months for the CT group (P = 0.010). The 3-year survival rate for the RHCT group was 11.4% and 0% for the CT group (P = 0.018). No difference in grade 3 or 4 adverse events was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that hyperthermia, disease stage, Glasgow prognostic score, and abdominal metastasis were closely associated with the prognosis of these AGC patients. Conclusion The study suggests that combination treatment with RHCT for AGC has clinical potential for both short- and long-term curative effects without compromising toxicity.

Background Hormone receptors of breast cancer, such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2), are important prognostic factors for breast cancer. Objective The current study aimed to develop a method to retrieve the statistics of hormone receptor expression status, documented in pathology reports, given their importance in research for primary and recurrent breast cancer, and quality management of pathology laboratories. Method A two-stage text mining approach via regular expression-based word/phrase matching, was developed to retrieve the data. Results The method achieved a sensitivity of 98.8%, 98.7% and 98.4% for extraction of ER, PR, and Her-2 results. The hormone expression status from 3679 primary and 44 recurrent breast cancer cases was successfully retrieved with the method. Statistical analysis of these data showed that the recurrent disease had a significantly lower positivity rate for ER (54.5% vs 76.5%, p=0.001278) than primary breast cancer and a higher positivity rate for Her-2 (48.8% vs 16.2%, p=9.79e-8). These results corroborated the previous literature. Conclusion Text mining on pathology reports using the developed method may benefit research of primary and recurrent breast cancer.

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and isokinetic strength asymmetry and magnitude in young athletes. Methods One hundred and thirty nine male subjects (soccer, floorball, non-athletes) were measured for proportion of muscle mass between upper extremities (BADΔ) and lower extremities (BLDΔ). Moreover, the peak muscle torque of knee extensors (PTE) and flexors (PTF), ipsilateral (H:Q) and bilateral strength ratio (Q:Q, H:H) were measured. Results We found significant differences in observed parameters with respect to different sport activities (F = 13.02, p = 0.00, η p 2 $\eta^2_p$= 0.80). Higher values of BADΔ were observed in the non-active (0.19 ± 0.11 kg) group compared with soccer players (0.10 ± 0.11 kg). We found a lower value of BLDΔ in floorball players (0.32 ± 0.11 kg) compared with soccer players (0.58 ± 0.27 kg) and non-active boys (0.63 ± 0.28 kg). Results revealed significantly higher PTE in soccer players compared with non-active boys and floorball players and higher Q:Q ratio in soccer players (10.99 ± 7.75%) compared with non-active boys (7.47 ± 5.92%). Conclusions This study revealed that there are morphological and strength asymmetries in the observed groups, which may have potential maladaptive effects (e.g. uncompensated overload of extremity) in athletes affected by specific load.

Objective To examine the feasibility of fractional exhaled nitrous oxide (FeNO) guided stepped care in patients with chronic persistent asthma. Methods 160 patients with asthma were enrolled and randomly divided into study and control groups, and were given standardized treatment according to GINA 2014. All patients were evaluated every 3 months and their medication was adjusted according to the results of evaluation. The control group was adjusted according to the recommended protocol from GINA, while the study group was adjusted on the basis of the control group and combined with the results of FeNO. The complete control rate, failure rate of stepwise treatment, ACQ score, lung function, and peripheral blood eosinophil count were compared between the two groups. Results In both study and control groups, the patient condition was effectively controlled. Strikingly, the failure rate of step therapy in study group was lower than that of control group (P<0.05), although there were no significant differences between the two groups on total control rate, ACQ score, lung function, and peripheral blood eosinophil count (P>0.05). Furthermore, the levels of FeNO positively correlated with ACQ scores and eosinophil counts or negatively with lung function. Conclusions The dynamic monitoring of FeNO could effectively guide the medication and reduce the rate of treatment failure, which could be used to inform standardized management of asthma.

The aim of the present study was to verify the effectiveness of physiological ischemic training (PIT) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and compare differences in clinical outcomes between isometric exercise training (IET) and cuff inflation training (CIT). Fifty-five CHD patients were randomized into three groups: IET group (n=19), CIT group (n=18), and no-exercise group (n=18). PIT was practiced in the IET and CIT groups. Changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded. The cardiac structure and function were evaluated and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measured. SBP and DBP decreased significantly in both PIT groups after 3-month training (P<0.01). Cardiac function and structure were significantly improved in both PIT groups after 3-month training (P<0.01). Cardiac structure and function in the IET group were both superior to those in the CIT group by the end of training (P<0.01). The VEGF level in both PIT groups increased significantly after 3-month training (P<0.01). PIT was safe and feasible when performed in CHD patients. An appropriate period of PIT helped improve blood pressure and the cardiac structure and function, with the outcome more positive in the IET group.

Background To analyze the cardio-protective effects of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome with S-T segment elevation. Methods The sample was 200 patients who had been diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome accompanied by diabetes Mellitus type II. Only patients having ST segment elevation before the treatment were included. Then, the subjects were further randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group of 100 patients received clopidogrel; the observation group of 100 patients of ticagrelor. The serous creatine kinase CK-MB, functional cardiac indexes of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDD), cardiac troponin I, ventricular ejection fraction, and relevant major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were compared between the two groups. Results One month after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) the observation group showed better results against angina, stent thrombosis, and all-cause mortality compared with those of the control subjects. Six months after treatment, both groups suffered adverse reactions. The number of patients who suffered adverse reactions in respiratory tract in the observation group was higher than in the control group. The inhibition of platelet aggregation IPA of ticagrelor was found to be significantly higher than clopidogrel, having a significant p value. Conclusion Ticagrelor can effectively protect myocardial function for patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome accompanied by diabetes and can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions..

Samter’s Triad is a disorder characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (NPs), asthma, and intolerance to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. However, there have been no studies investigating the prediction of Samter’s Triad using imaging findings. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in computed tomography (CT) findings between patients who have CRS with NPs and those with Samter’s Triad. Patients were classified into a CRS group and a Samter group. Opacification was measured using data from CT scans by scoring each sinus on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 4. The opacification scores of the ethmoid and frontal sinuses were significantly higher in the Samter’s Triad group. Furthermore, Samter’s Triad was more common in patients who scored ≤ 2 for maxillary opacification (7/16) than in those who scored ≥3 (4/45, p=0.005). Patients with Samter’s Triad exhibited a tendency toward higher opacification scores for the ethmoid and frontal sinuses, with a relatively lower opacification score for the maxillary sinus. These findings could be helpful in distinguishing patients with Samter’s Triad from those who have CRS with NPs, and to plan treatment strategies without having to perform additional laboratory or radiological tests.

We present a rare case of spinal subdural hematoma induced by guidewire-based lumbar drainage in a subarachnoid hemorrhage patient with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Decreased muscle strength and muscle tension of bilateral lower limbs were noted, and an MRI confirmed the spinal subdural hematoma from the sacral to the thoracic segments. The spinal subdural hematoma evacuation and spinal canal decompression were performed by laminectomy. However, the patient did not benefit from the surgery and developed lower limb muscle atrophy. The complication of the spinal subdural hematoma after lumbar drainage is extremely rare; only limited approaches are available for the treatment of spinal hematoma to improve the outcome and avoid severe consequences. Thus, the present case might suggest refraining from use of a guidewire during lumbar drainage for the prevention of spinal subdural hematoma and close observation of the related symptoms and signs for the early detection of spinal hematoma after the procedure. In addition, full decompression can be performed by complete hematoma evacuation and laminectomy of related segments for the treatment of spinal subdural hematoma induced by lumbar drainage.

Liver cancer is one of the most malignant tumors with poor prognosis. Finding molecular markers that can predict prognosis is very important for the treatment of liver cancer. The present research is trying to find a new biomarker for human liver cancer. The analysis of abnormal expression genes and prognosis value on liver cancer by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, the Pathology Atlas of the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and Kaplan Meier-plotter (KM plotter), proved that B3GAT3 might be one of the important candidates. Furthermore, we investigated the specific role of B3GAT3 on liver cancer through the transfection of B3GAT3 siRNA in HepG2 cells. The proliferation was detected using CCK8, and migration and invasion were determined using Transwell assay. Our results proved that knockdown of B3GAT3 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, B3GAT3 knockdown inhibited the expression of EMT related proteins, N-cad, Snail, and Twist, while promoting the expression of E-cad, suggesting that B3GAT3 knockdown reversed the EMT process of liver cancer cells. In conclusion, overexpressed B3GAT3 promotes the process of tumor EMT, which is an independent prognostic marker to predict the prognosis of liver cancer and might be a potential new target for liver cancer therapy.

Light touch is the combination of cutaneous and kinesthetic inputs. The literature suggests that light touch compensates for a reduced amount of center of pressure information in older peoples, blind subjects and patients with neurological disorder. This study investigated the effects of light touch applied to an external bar, on the postural sway in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. We used a cross sectional study, fifteen individuals with stroke and 15 healthy age-matched adults stood as still as possible on a force plate. Experimental trials (duration, 30 s) included two visual conditions (open eyes and closed eyes), two somatosensory conditions (no touch and light touch) and two support surface conditions (firm and foam surfaces). The area of center of pressure (COP) and the mean velocity of COP in the medio-lateral and anterior-posterior directions were assessed. For both groups, COP velocity and area decreased with light touch regardless of the visual or surface conditions. The effects of light touch were similar in both groups. In addition, results show that the effectiveness of light touch in reducing postural sway was greater on a foam surface than on a firm surface. Our findings indicate that light touch could be beneficial in postural control for individuals with hemi-paretic stroke

Objective Accumulating reports reveal that serving as an oncogenic factor LAMTOR5 is involved in the progression of many specific cancers. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is frequently identified in many cancers. However, it remains unexplored whether GLUT1 plays a role in LAMTOR5-enhanced liver cancer. Here, we aim to decipher the function of LAMTOR5 in the regulation of GLUT1 in liver cancer. Methods The effect of LAMTOR5 on GLUT1 was analyzed using Western blotting and RT-PCR assay. Dose-increased over-expression or silencing of LAMTOR5 was performed through transient transfection. LAMTOR5-activated GLUT1 promoter was revealed by luciferase reporter assay. The regulation of GLUT1 by LAMTOR5/NF-κB was examined via Western blotting and luciferase reporter assays. Results The data showed that in liver cancer cells under the administration with dose-increased LAMTOR5, the level of mRNA and protein of GLUT1 was obviously raised. Our data revealed that the activities of GLUT1 promoter were induced by LAMTOR5. Then, we found that the elevation of GLUT 1 mediated by LAMTOR5 slowed when the inhibitor or siRNAs of NF-κB was introduced into the liver cancer cells. Conclusion. LAMTOR5 is responsible for the activation of GLUT1 via transcription factor NF-κB in liver cancer.

Objective Our objective is to explore the effects of budesonide combined with noninvasive ventilation on procalcitonin (PCT), soluble myeloid cell triggering receptor-1 (sTREM-1), thoracic and lung compliance, humoral immune function, and quality of life in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) complicated with type II respiratory failure. Methods There were 82 patients with AECOPD complicated with type II respiratory failure admitted into our hospital between March, 2016-September, 2017. They were selected and randomly divided into observation group (n=41) and control group (n=41). The patients in the control group received noninvasive mechanical ventilation and the patients in the observation group received budesonide based on the control group. The treatment courses were both 10 days. Results The total effective rate in the observation group (90.25%) was higher than the control group (65.85%) (P<0.05). The scores of cough, expectoration, and dyspnea were decreased after treatment (Observation group: t=18.7498, 23.2195, 26.0043, control group: t=19.9456, 11.6261, 14.2881, P<0.05); the scores of cough, expectoration, and dyspnea in the observation group were lower than the control group after treatment (t=11.6205, 17.4139, 11.6484, P<0.05). PaO2 was increased and PaCO2 was decreased in both groups after treatment (Observation group: t=24.1385, 20.7360, control group: t=11.6606, 9.2268, P<0.05); PaO2 was higher and PaCO2 was lower in the observation group than the control group after treatment (t=10.3209, 12.0115, P<0.05). Serum PCT and sTREM-1 in both groups were decreased after treatment (Observation group: t=16.2174, 12.6698, control group: t=7.2283, 6.1634, P<0.05); serum PCT and sTREM-1 in the observation group were lower than the control group after treatment (t=10.1017, 7.8227, P<0.05). The thoracic and lung compliance in both groups were increased after treatment (Observation group: t=30.5359, 17.8471, control group: t=21.2426, 13.0007, P<0.05); the thoracic and lung compliance in the observation group were higher than the control group after treatment (t=10.8079, 5.9464, P<0.05). IgA and IgG in both groups were increased after treatment (Observation group: t=9.5794, 25.3274, control group: t=5.5000, 4.7943, P<0.05), however IgM was not statistically different after treatment (Observation group: t=0.7845, control group: t=0.1767, P>0.05); IgA and IgG in the observation group were higher than the control group (t=4.9190, 4.7943, P<0.05), however IgM was not statistically different between two groups after treatment (t=0.6168, P>0.05). COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were decreased in both groups after treatment (Observation group: t=20.6781, control group: t=9.0235, P<0.05); CAT score in the observation group was lower than the control group after treatment (t=12.9515, P<0.05). Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) and forced expiratory volume in one second/ forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1/FVC) were increased in both groups after treatment (Observation group: t=15.3684, 15.9404, control group: t=10.6640, 12.8979, P<0.05); FEV1% and FEV1/FVC in the observation group were higher than the control group (t=6.9528, 7.3527,P<0.05). The rates of complication were not statistically different between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Budesonide combined with noninvasive mechanical ventilation has good curative effects in treating AECOPE patients complicated with type II respiratory failure. It can decrease serum PCT and sTREM-1, increase thoracic lung compliance, and improve the humoral immune function and life quality.

Lymphadenectomy is critical in the clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Therefore, we assessed whether lymph node ratio (LNR) has predictive value on overall survival (OS) of patients with serous epithelial ovarian cancer (SEOC). A total of 7,815 eligible SEOC patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, who underwent surgical resection between 1973 and 2013. We used the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under curve to determine the optimal cut-off value of LNR. The predictive role of LNR was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression model. The effects of LNR and positive lymph nodes (PLN) on OS were evaluated by comparing the time-dependent ROC curves. The time-dependent ROC curves showed that the optimal LNR cut-off value was 42.0% for nodal-positive SEOC. As shown in Kaplan-Meier survival curves, survival was significantly poorer for all patients with LNR≥42.0% (log-rank test: P<0.0001), regardless of the stage. In the multivariate Cox analysis, LNR≥42.0% remained a significant and independent predictor of mortality risk for all patients [hazards ratio: 1.526, 95% confidence interval: 1.415-1.647; P<0.0001], compared with those LNR<42.0%. These results suggest that LNR, rather than the number of PLN or stage, could be regarded as a promising predictor of mortality risk, particularly in stage-III SEOC patients.

Regional anaesthesia techniques in ophthalmology are usually utilized for day case surgery. During various procedures, profound akinesia of the eye and anaesthesia of the surgical site are required, both of which are achieved with retrobulbar block. Due to the anatomy of the eye, life-threatening complications are possible. An 82-year-old female with secondary post-herpetic uveitic glaucoma of the right eye presented at the Department of Ophthalmology for an elective trans-scleral laser cyclophotocoagulation. She was given a retrobulbar block to the right eye with 2 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 2 mL of 2% lidocaine. The procedure was technically performed without any issues. 2-3 minutes after the injection she became lethargic and 5 minutes later she lost consciousness and developed severe hypotension with bradycardia and respiratory arrest. She was successfully intubated and resuscitated, using mechanical ventilation, vasoactive medications, fluid therapy and intravenous lipid emulsion. There are three mechanisms for local anaesthetic (LA) to reach the central nervous system after a retrobulbar block: systemic absorption of LA, direct intra-arterial injection and retrograde flow into the cerebral circulation, and injecting LA into the subdural space via puncturing the dural optic nerve sheath, the latter being most common. The clinical picture of our patient was very consistent with subdural anaesthesia after exposure of the pons, midbrain and cranial nerves to LA, i.e. brainstem anaesthesia. Following appropriate life support measures taken in our case, there was a successful outcome. To minimize the chance for brainstem anaesthesia after retrobulbar block, we recommend low volume with low concentration of LA and block performance by an experienced ophthalmologist or anaesthesiologist with proper technique. Patients receiving retrobulbar anaesthesia should be carefully monitored at least 20 minutes after the block. Life support equipment should be available before performing retrobulbar block.

Infertility patients are willing to travel abroad to receive the medical treatment of choice. A 2010 study reported that approximately 25,000 couples travel abroad annually seeking infertility treatment. The purpose of this review is to analyze the criteria and risks related to cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) from the perspective of the patients and explore the issues raised regarding the country of origin and the destination country. A computerized search was performed in PubMed employing respective keywords. The total number of published articles provided by our PubMed search was 1905. Criteria for selecting the destination country include: the economic status, legislation, quality of care and anonymity. Despite the fact that CBRC is becoming a familiar concept, it raises concerns for the practitioner and issues of a social and bioethical nature. Most of them stem from the fact that health care acquires a commercialization aspect. Medical tourism entails several risks, such as misconceptions regarding the destination country, and legal issues arising from differences in the judiciary systems. Larger studies evaluating all aspects of CBRC are imperative. Quality assurance, a consensus and a common platform of practice, along with a system of international governance based on human rights, are a necessity for CBRC patients.

To compare serum inflammatory cytokines between laparoscopic-assisted and open radical gastrectomy in the perioperative period, 80 cases of advanced gastric cancer were chosen for the study. They were divided into laparoscopy group (40 cases) and abdominal open surgery group (40 cases), performed laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrostomy and conventional open radical gastrectomy, respectively. Serum Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP were measured by ELISA on preoperative day 1, post-operative day 1 and post-operative day3. Serum HO-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP had no significant difference between the laparoscopy group and the open group on pre-operative day 1. Serum HO-1, IL-6 and CRP of the laparoscopy group were significantly lower than that of the open group on post-operative day 1 and day 3 except for Serum TNF-α which had no significant difference. Laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy was minimally invasive compared with conventional open radical gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer patients.

Background Behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) form an important sub-syndrome of dementia. We assessed the frequency and severity of BPSD in a random sample of Hungarian treatment-naïve dementia patients. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between cognitive symptoms and BPSD and the pattern of BPSD in specific types of dementias. Methods Patients (n=131) were classified into 3 groups: Alzheimer’s (AD), vascular (VD), and mixed (MD) dementia. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) neuropsychological tests were employed. Results Mean age and MMSE score did not differ significantly among groups. BPSD was frequent (100% prevalence, NPI mean total Frequency score: 14.58, SD=7.55); abnormal motor behaviour showed the highest frequency. Hallucinations and delusions were related to the aetiology of dementia and were independent of the level of cognitive deterioration, whereas irritability, sleep-wake cycle dysfunctions, and eating-appetite change were associated with cognitive deterioration and were independent from aetiology. Both aberrant motor behaviour and disinhibition were significantly associated with aetiology and cognitive deterioration. Conclusions BPSD symptoms are significant constituents of dementia syndromes, affecting quality of life and substantially contributing to the caregiver’s burden. Specific symptom patterns can be identified in different types of dementia.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance image (MRI) and bone scintigraphy (BS) in the diagnosis of breast cancer bone metastases. Methods Searching in the databases including PubMed, Embase about the comparative study of MRI and bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of breast cancer bone metastases during 2000~2018. After we screened further, the extracted effective data were calculated by Meta-Disc 1.4 software. Results We obtained 4 articles. The pooled estimates for sensitivity of MRI, BS were 0.99 (95% CI, [0.95, 1.00]) and 0.93 (95% CI, [0.88, 0.97]) respectively; For specificity were 0.99 (95% CI, [0.95, 1.00]) and 0.86 (95% CI, [0.79, 0.92]) respectively. The AUC of SROC curve for MRI and BS were 0.9948 and 0.9675 respectively. Conclusion MRI remains to be a satisfactory method for the diagnosis of breast cancer bone metastases and should first be considered for patients.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of clinical variables on the poor prognosis at 90-day follow-up from acute stroke onset, and compare the diagnostic performance between back propagation artificial neural networks (BP ANNs) and Logistic regression (LR) models in predicting the prognosis. Methods We studied the association between clinical variables and the functional recovery of 435 acute ischemic stroke patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to modified Rankin Scale scores evaluated on the 90th day after stroke onset. Both BP ANNs and LR models were established for predicting the poor outcome and their diagnostic performance were compared by receiver operating curve. Results Age, free fatty acid, homocysteine and alkaline phosphatase were closely related with the poor outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients and finally enrolled in models. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of BP ANNs were 80.15%, 75.64% and 82.07% respectively. For the LR model, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity was 70.61%, 88.46% and 63.04% respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the BP ANNs and LR model was 0.881and 0.809. Conclusions Both BP ANNs and LR model were promising for the prediction of poor outcome by combining age, free fatty acid, homocysteine and alkaline phosphatase. However, BP ANNs model showed better performance than LR model in predicting the prognosis.

This retrospective study was carried out to investigate factors affecting the prognosis of gliomas for better management of treatment. Clinical data from 186 glioma patients treated in our hospital from January 2013 to June 2016 were analyzed. There was slightly more male than female patients in the cohort. The main clinical symptoms included sudden limb twitching, headache and fatigue, vomiting, vision reduction and speaking disorders. The malignancy was high and the prognosis was poor in the patients, with an overall survival rate of 54.84 % by October 2017. Univariate analysis showed that the prognosis was mainly affected by age, tumor grade, preoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS), surgical method, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and postoperative use of temozolomide (TMZ). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for the prognosis were old age (≥ 60), advanced tumor, partial tumor resection, KPS of < 70, no chemotherapy after operation and < 4 courses of postoperative TMZ. The prognosis is negatively affected by age, tumor grade, KPS, and partial tumor resection. Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy and multi-course use of TMZ prolongs the survival time of patients.

Background Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) has a favorable prognosis. Due to irregular nuclei and nuclear pleomorphism, chRCC has a high Fuhrman nuclear grade (FNG). The chromophobe tumor grade (CTG) is a novel three-tier grading system that has been reported to be a better prognosticator than the traditional FNG. We compared the two nuclear grading systems in terms of patients’ clinical outcomes. Patients and Method We performed this retrospective chart review of all patients with chRCC from 2000 to 2017. All pathologic features and CTG and FNG results were re-evaluated. Result Eighteen patients’ records were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 70.6 months. The nuclear grading distribution was as follows: FNG 2, 56%; FNG 3, 39%; FNG 4, 5%; CTG 1, 78%; CTG 2, 17%; and CTG 3, 6%. Only one patient died. This patient had adrenal invasion, lung metastasis, sarcomatoid change and tumor necrosis, and the tumor was graded as FNG 4 and CTG 3. Overall survival was associated with both FNG and CTG. Conclusion Chromophobe RCC was associated with a low rate of cancer-specific death and sarcomatoid differentiation. Both FNG and CTG were associated with overall survival.

Signet ring B cell lymphoma is an unusual non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is similar to signet ring cell carcinoma and liposarcoma in morphology which should be distinguished. We treated a 63-year-old male patient who suffered from abdominal pain for two months. Multiple enlarged lymph nodes were found in the retroperitoneum by CT scan. The needle biopsy showed neoplastic cells distributed uniformly with clear cytoplasm and the nucleus squeezed to the side mimicking the appearance of signet ring in morphology. By special staining, the neoplastic cells were positive for CD45, Vimentin, Bcl-2 and CD20 but negative for AE1/AE3, S-100, CD3, EMA, CD5, CD10, Bcl-6, MUM1 , Kappa, Lambda and PAS . Ki67 proliferation index was much more than 80%. Based on the histological characters, a diagnosis of signet ring B cell lymphoma was made. Although the patient received six courses of R-CHOP therapy, he died of tumor recurrence at the 34th month after diagnosis.

Intraneural injection of a local anesthetic can damage the nerve, yet it occurs frequently during distal sciatic block with no neurological sequelae. This has led to a controversy about the optimal needle tip placement that results from the particular anatomy of the sciatic nerve with its paraneural sheath. The study population included patients undergoing lower extremity surgery under popliteal sciatic nerve block. Ultrasound-guidance was used to position the needle tip subparaneurally and to monitor the injection of the local anesthetic. Sonography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess the extent of the subparaneural injection. Twenty-two patients participated. The median sciatic cross-sectional area increased from 57.8 mm2 pre-block to 110.8 mm 2 immediately post-block. An intraneural injection according to the current definition was seen in 21 patients. Two patients had sonographic evidence of an intrafascicular injection, which was confirmed by MRI in one patient (the other patient refused further examinations). No patient reported any neurological symptoms. A subparaneural injection in the popliteal segment of the distal sciatic nerve is actually rarely intraneural, i.e. intrafascicular. This may explain the discrepancy between the conventional sonographic evidence of an intraneural injection and the lack of neurological sequelae.

Background Numbers of the elderly have been on a steady increase both in Poland and other countries of the world. As they age, their health declines and they need help with their housekeeping. This, coupled with the transformation of intergenerational into single-generation or nuclear family structures, causes a markedly rising demand for institutional care. Holistic care of an elderly nursing home resident requires a comprehensive approach and consideration for their feelings. Loneliness and solitude are increasingly common among these feelings, undoubtedly affecting quality of life. Method 250 elderly residents of seven nursing home situated in Mazovia, Poland, have been examined using: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire, Basic Hope Scale (BHI-12), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Results Loneliness affects nearly 40% residents of the homes surveyed. Quality of their residents’ lives is reduced. Relations with their families and levels of motor efficiency imply a sense of loneliness. Degrees of illness acceptance, ability to adjust to change, and life satisfaction influence the level of loneliness felt. Conclusion 40% of nursing home residents exhibit a sense of loneliness, while the greater loneliness and solitude, the lower the quality of life.

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) are regarded as precancerous lesions that can progress to cervical carcinoma; however, it is very difficult to effectively differentiate these precancerous cells from cancerous cells based on morphology alone. Additionally, the difference between precancerous cells and cancerous cells in regard to biological behaviour remains unclear. We previously cultured primary normal uterine cervical keratinocytes from human normal cervical tissue and cervical precancerous cells that were naturally infected with human papillomavirus from small-sized neoplastic cervical tissues. Here, we extended our study to further observe the in vitro proliferative characteristics of cervical precancerous cells at the cellular and molecular levels. In this study, we found that the growth rate of precancerous cells was significantly faster than that of normal cervical cells and slower than that of Caski cells. However, the proliferative capacity of such precancerous cells was similar to that of cancerous cells of the cervix at the molecular level. These results suggest that the surrounding environment of the cells may play an important role in the development of cervical cancer, which provides an important basis for the further study of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix.

A Bankart lesion is a common traumatic sports injury of the glenohumeral joint. When the shoulder is dislocated, the connective tissue surrounding the joint may tear or rupture. This study aimed to describe the initial dislocation, treatment, medical treatment, rehabilitation outcomes at 3 and 8 months, and return to daily life for three patients. Patient 1 was a 28-year-old male office worker who enjoyed fitness and weight training. His injury was sustained by a fall from his bicycle and subsequent performance of pull-up exercises. Surgery was recommended for repair of the anterior and inferior labrum tear. Reassessment of the surgery was performed after 2 months of rehabilitation. The patient was asked to exercise once a week at a rehabilitation center and to perform home-based exercises. In the first 2 months, the main exercise consisted of range of motion (ROM) exercises and stretching. Thereafter, muscle strengthening, using tubing, equipment and body weight exercises, and proprioceptive exercises were performed to gradually improve muscle strength and for return to daily activities. ROM progressively increased, with recovery of normal range at 2 months post-surgery. However, pain decreased only slightly, with a visual analog score of 6 out of 10 at 2 months post-surgery. At 8 months, the pain was bearable, without causing discomfort. Muscle strength remained almost unchanged initially but gradually recovered, although with a residual deficit of 20–30% in flexion, adduction and internal rotation. Considering the prolonged rehabilitation after surgery, future studies are warranted to analyze the long-term effects of non-surgical therapies by accumulating more cases and developing effective exercise rehabilitation programs.

Background According to the National Trauma Data Bank, the liver, after the spleen, is the first most injured organ in closed abdominal trauma. Methods From June 2010 to December 2015 we observed in our department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit of the A.O.R.N. A. Cardarelli of Naples 40 patients affected by hepatic trauma. In our retrospective study, we review our experience and propose portal vein ligation (PVL) as a first – line strategy for damage control surgery (DCS) in liver trauma. Results 26/40 patients (65%) which received gauze-packing represented our study group. In 10 cases out of 26 patients (38,4%) the abdominal packing was enough to control the damage. In 7 cases (18,4%) we performed a liver resection. In 7 cases, after de-packing, we adopted PVL to achieve DCS. Trans Arterial Embolization was chosen in 6 patients. 2 of them were discharged 14 days later without performing any other procedure. In 3 cases we had to perform a right epatectomy in second instance. Two hepatectomies were due to hemoperitoneum, and the other for coleperitoneum. Two patients were treated in first instance by only doing hemostasis on the bleeding site. We observed 6 patients in first instance. Five of them underwent surgery with hepatic resection and surgical hemostasis of the bleeding site. The other one underwent to conservative management. In summary we performed 15 hepatic resections, 8 of them were right hepatectomies, 1 left hepatectomy, 2 trisegmentectomies V-VI-VII. So in second instance we operated on 10 patients out of 34 (30%). Conclusions The improved knowledge of clinical physio-pathology and the improvement of diagnostic and instrumental techniques had a great impact on the prognosis of liver trauma. We think that a rigid diagnostic protocol should be applied as this allows timely pathological finding, and consists of three successive but perfectly integrated steps: 1) patient reception, in close collaboration with the resuscitator; 2) accurate but quick diagnostic framing 3) therapeutic decisional making. Selective portal vein ligation is a well-tolerated and safe manoeuvre, which could be effective, even if not definitive, in treating these subjects. That is why we believe that it can be a choice to keep in mind especially in post-depacking bleeding.

Background This study evaluated the functions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and assessed the effects of MMP2 on HCC cell sensitivity to cisplatin. Methodology HepG2 and Huh7 cells were cultured. A pre-experiment was performed to explore the optimal transduction conditions of the MMP2-siRNA lentivirus (si-MMP2). Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assays were performed to measure the expression levels of MMP2 in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. An MTT assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation, and flow cytometry analysis was applied to examine cell apoptosis. A Transwell assay was carried out to assess cell invasion. Results The optimal virus:cell ratio was 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI) for both cells, and the optimal transduction times for HepG2 and Huh7 cells were 48 h and 72 h, respectively. MMP2 knockdown significantly decreased the mRNA and protein levels of MMP2 in both cell lines (P<0.01). MMP2 knockdown significantly decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of HepG2 and Huh7 cells (P<0.01). Co-treatment with si-MMP2 and cisplatin significantly increased the sensitivity of HepG2 and Huh7 cells to cisplatin (P<0.01). Conclusion MMP2 may act as an oncogene and may be a potential therapeutic target in HCC.

Objective The aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence to evaluate the effects of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and open radical nephrectomy (ORN) in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar to identify all relevant studies. 8 published studies were included in this meta-analysis. We pooled the odds ratios (OR), standardised mean difference (SMD) and conducted heterogeneity, and quality assessment. Results The outcome of treatment effects included surgical blood loss, surgical time, postoperative complications, and post-operative length of hospital stay. Comparing open radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer patients, the pooled SMD of surgical time was 0.47, (95% confidential index CI = [0.09, 0.85]), the pooled SMD of operative blood loss was -68.98, (95% CI = [-99.63, -38.34]), the pooled SMD of post-operative length of hospital stay was -4.32, (95% CI = [-4.62, -4.03]), and the pooled OR of postoperative complications was 0.52, (95% CI = [0.30, 0.91]). Conclusion LRN was found to significantly decrease patients’ blood loss. In addition, LRN offers less post-operative length of hospital stay.

In recent years, radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been increasingly used for treating hepatic hemangiomas attributing to its unique advantages, such as minimal invasiveness, definite efficacy, high safety, fast recovery, and wide applicability. However, complications related to RF ablation had been frequently reported, especially while being used for treating huge hemangioma (≥10 cm). Cautious measures had been taken to prevent the incidence of ablation-induced complications, but still unexpected complications occurred. Herein we reported a case of severe myocardial dysfunction along with systemic inflammatory response syndrome occurring immediately post RF ablation of a 10.7 cm hemangioma. This serious complication was effectively managed by supportive care with the full recovery in a short period of time.

Solar urticaria is a rare type of photodermatosis that significantly reduces the quality of life of the subjects affected, with a risk of anaphylaxis should the entire body be exposed to the sun. Patients are forced to modify and limit their normal activities, and since the symptoms are triggered by exposure to sun, which is difficult if not impossible to avoid in everyday life, a safe and effective therapy appears to be essential. Unfortunately, traditional therapies in a discrete number of patients are unable to provide adequate and safe answers. We describe the case of an 18-year-old woman who began to manifest the first symptoms walking under the spring sunshine. A few minutes after sun exposure, itching and burning sensation began, followed immediately by erythema appearance in the photoexposed skin areas. She was treated with non-sedating H1-blocking antihistamines and leukotriene antagonist with no success, so we decided to treat with omalizumab. The satisfactory response after the failure of previous standard therapeutic strategies, confirms the effectiveness of this molecule in the treatment of solar urticaria, which despite what reported in several studies, has not yet been recognized and authorized by the competent Health Authorities in the treatment of this condition.

Objective The present study sought to: 1) assess the prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and abnormal eating behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates; 2) compare patients with and without BED as regards to eating disturbances, psychological characteristics, and health status; 3) individuate which factors were significantly related to binge eating severity. Methods Sixty-three preoperative patients (17 males and 46 females) were screened by means of an ad hoc socio-demographic schedule, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Disorders Inventory-3, the Binge Eating Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire-28. BED diagnosis was performed through a clinical interview. Results BED and disordered eating, such as episodes of binge eating, sense of lack of control over eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, appear common in patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Significant differences between BED and non-BED subjects in relation to eating disturbances and psychological characteristics emerged. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only emotional dys-regulation significantly predicted binge eating vulnerability. Conclusion The recognition of factors involved in the development and maintenance of disordered eating in bariatric patients may support the choice of particular therapeutic strategies and improve bariatric surgery outcome. Further studies on this issue would be useful.

Introduction Pediatric patients require deep sedation at least for cardiac catheterizations (CCs). Usually, we perform these CCs applying propofol, but we have seen several side effects of this sedative. We have had good experience with 4-hydroxybutyric acid for other sedations. To optimize our standardized CC procedure, we initiated a prospective, randomized trial to compare the two substances. Methods We analyzed our sedation protocols of all CCs within a period of 12 months. In addition to the primary endpoints, the feasibility of the CCs and the occurrence of severe complications, several other parameters were included in the analysis (vital parameters, blood gas analysis, intervention measures). The protocols were blinded for the first part of the evaluation. Results During the 12-month-period, 36 patients were included in each group. The propofol group showed lower blood pressure values towards the end of the sedations, while the blood gas analyses revealed lower pH levels and higher pCO2 values. The complication rate was low in both groups. Conclusion Both procedures are suited for the safe performance of deep sedations for CCs. The application of 4-hydroxybutyric acid seems to have a few advantages with regard to spontaneous breathing, gas exchange, stability of cardiocirculatory parameters and sedation quality.

Objective To assess the effects of two different nutritional mode on the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods 70 patients admitted to the ICU and under mechanical ventilation, were randomly divided into the nasointestinal tube group and nasogastric tube group. Patients from both groups received enteral nutrition, using the same nutritional agent, through intubation. The duration of stay in the ICU, duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of VAP, nutritional state, and survival of the intestinal tract were compared between the two groups. Results The duration of stay in the ICU, duration of mechanical ventilation and incidence of VAP in the nasointestinal tube group was lower than that in the nasogastric tube group (P<0.05). There was an increase in the levels of prealbumin and transferrin in the nasointestinal tube group (P<0.05). However, there were no obvious difference in the nasogastric tube group (P<0.05). The incidence of abdominal distension, diarrhea, regurgitation, aspiration, and hyperglycemia in the nasointestinal tube group was much lower than that in the nasogastric tube group (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that enteral nutrition delivery using a nasointestinal way can effectively reduce the incidence of VAP and improve the nutritional status of patients under mechanical ventilation.

Background We evaluated the endotracheal tube cuff pressure (P cuff ) changes during pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the correlations between body mass index (BMI), pneumoperitoneum time, and P cuff changes. Methods Total 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were allocated to either a study group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ) or a control group (BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ). The endotracheal intubation was performed with a high-volume low-pressure cuffed oral endotracheal tube. A manometer was connected to the pilot balloon using a 3-way stopcock and the cuff was inflated. The change in P cuff was defined as the difference between the pressure just before intra-abdominal CO 2 insufflation and the pressure before CO 2 desufflation. Results P cuff increased to 5.3 ± 3.6 cmH 2 O in the study group and 5.7 ± 5.4 cmH 2 O in the control group. There was no significant difference between two groups. While BMI was not correlated with change in P cuff (r = 0.022, p = 0.867), there was a significant correlation between change in P cuff and the duration of pneumoperitoneum (r = 0.309, p = 0.016). Conclusion The change in P cuff was not affected by BMI and was significantly correlated with pneumoperitoneum time. We recommend regular measurement and adjustment of P cuff during laparoscopic surgery.

Permanent hypoparathyroidism is the most common long-term complication after thyroidectomy. We evaluated whether iPTH concentrations on the first postoperative day may be a good predictor of this complication. Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in our Unit between January 2017 and February 2018 who developed postsurgical hypoparathyroidism were analysed. According to iPTH values on the first postoperative day and on the basis of the detection threshold of the iPTH test used, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (iPTH < 6.3 pg/mL, undetectable), Group B (iPTH ≥ 6.3 pg/mL). Seventy-five patients were included in this study: 64 in Group A and 11 in Group B. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 14 (21.88%) patients in Group A, while none developed this complication in Group B. When iPTH was < 6.3 pg/mL, the sensitivity for the prediction of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 100%, the specificity was 18.03%, the positive predictive value was 21.88% and the negative predictive value was 100%. No patient with iPTH ≥ 6.3 pg/mL on the first postoperative day developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. On the other hand, iPTH concentrations < 6.3 pg/mL have not proved to be a strong predictor of this condition. However, this cut-off value can be useful to identify patients at risk of developing this complication.

Purpose Angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive malignant tumour of endothelial origin, most frequently compelling the skin. The kidney is a rare site of primary occurrence of AS with a quite challenging diagnosis and poor prognosis, mainly due to its raw metastasising power. We described our first case of AS treatment. A comprehensive literature review in this field is also carried out. Patients and methods We report the case of a 56-years-old man with radiological appearance of an 11 cm poor vascularised left renal mass. The pre-operative imaging ruled out distant metastases and inferior vena cava thrombosis. Thus, after radioembolization, we performed a transperitoneal open radical nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy with the removal of the middle portion of the ileo-psoas muscle, followed by two lines of adjuvant chemotherapy. We analysed all the papers concerning primary kidney AS until December 2018. Results Estimated intraoperative blood loss was 200 mL with an operative time of 100 minutes. No postoperative complications were recorded, with the patient discharge in the 8th postoperative day. The pathological assessment showed a pT3a N0, M0 tumour compatible with AS of the kidney. An immune-histochemical study showed a vascular positive for CD31, CD34, Fli-1 with a Ki-67/Mib 1 of 50%. One month after surgery the patient began adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine. After 45 days from surgery, a Computed Tomography scan showed lung and liver metastases with disease relapse in the left kidney lodge. The response to the first-line treatment was excellent, unlike the second-line, encountering a chemo-refractory disease. The cancer-specific survival was of 15 months. We included 66 cases in our review. Conclusion This is the first case of treatment of kidney AS performed at our Institute. Our findings added new information about the unclear biology and progression of this subset of tumours, demonstrating an abysmal prognosis.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Chinese women. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer patients. However, a side effect of paclitaxel is the severe drug resistance. Previous studies demonstrated that dysregulation of microRNAs could regulate sensitivity to paclitaxel in breast cancer. Here, the present study aimed to lucubrate the underlying mechanisms of miR-107 in regulating the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to PTX. The results demonstrated that miR-107 was down-regulated in breast cancer tumor tissues, while TPD52 was significantly up-regulated compared with the non-tumor adjacent tissues. After confirming that TPD52 may be a major target of miR-107 via a dual-luciferase reporter assay, the western blot and RT-qPCR assays further demonstrated that miR-107 may reduce the expression level of TPD52 as well. In addition, miR-107 may prominently enhance PTX induced reduction of cell viability and the promotion of cell apoptosis in breast cancer, and the variation could be reversed by co-transfected with pcDNA3.1-TPD52. Finally, miR-107 could further reduce the decreased expression of TPD52, Wnt1, β-catenin and cyclin D1 that was induced by PTX in both mRNA and protein levels, which were rescued by pcDNA3.1-TPD52 indicating that miR-107 regulated breast cancer cell sensitivity to PTX may be targeting TPD52 through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) is an imaging technology increasingly used in dentistry. Depending on the size of the examination area, visualization of anatomical structures outside the indication area may reveal incidental findings (IF). The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to 1) evaluate the frequency, location and different types of incidental findings (IF) revealed during CBCT examinations; 2) identify potential influencing factors such as gender or age; 3) highlight what the family doctor should know about CBCT and the benefits for medical care. 70 retrospective studies were included. 60% of IF are in the naso-oropharyngeal airway and paranasal sinuses. Carotid calcifications were observed with a mean prevalence of 9% CI95% [2-21]). Meta-regression showed a significant association of this prevalence with age, irrespective of gender. Given the high frequency of IF, with varying severity, the whole medical community is fully involved, and its opinion should be sought to ensure the best possible management for the patients. Physicians may also require CBCT examinations that would have been previously prescribed by a dentist, that may serve to better orientate investigations toward another imaging technique. The family doctor is therefore the dentist’s main interlocutor and the main coordinator of the follow-up of IF.

Background Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and metabolic syndrome were separately associated with cognitive impairment and depression. However, whether metabolic syndrome adds to cognitive impairment and depression in patients who already have CSVD remained unanswered. Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the association of metabolic syndrome with cognitive impairment and depression in patients with CSVD who have lacunar lesions or white matter hyperintensities. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia. Main outcomes of the study were cognitive assessment, and assessment of depression among hospitalized patients with or without CSVD. Results The study included 74 inpatients, 25 of them having lacunary infarctions, 24 with the white matter hyperintensities, and 25 control patients without CSVD. The CSVD was accompanied by impairment of cognition and depression, the patients with lacunary lesions being more cognitively impaired and more depressive than the patients with the white matter hyperintensities. The patients with CSVD who also had metabolic syndrome were more cognitively impaired and depressed than the patients with CSVD alone. Conclusions In conclusion, our study showed that metabolic syndrome is associated with further worsening of already impaired cognition and existing depression in patients with CSVD.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Methods Meta-analysis was applied using Review Manager V5.3 software and the retrieved clinical trials comparing RALP with LRP for the treatment of localized prostate cancer published from 2000 to 2018 in PubMed, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE datasets were analyzed. Results This meta-analysis included 16 articles, totaling 7952 patients, with 5170 RALP patients and 2782 LRP patients. Meta-analysis showed that RALP postoperative complications were fewer (P=0.0007), and the postoperative urinary continence rate was better at 1 year after surgery (P<0.00001). There was no statistical significance between RALP and LRP with regards to the positive incidence of surgical margin (P = 0.18). Conclusion As an emerging technology, RALP is superior to LRP for localized prostate cancer treatment in terms of postoperative complications, and postoperative urinary continence rate.

Background and Aim Splenectomy is a frequent component of the diagnosis and treatment of hematological disorders. The aim of this study was to define the indications and outcomes of splenectomy for benign and malign hematological disorders. Materials and Methods One hundred and two patients with hematological disease who had splenectomy at Hacettepe University Hospital between the years of 2010 and 2018 were evaluated. Results A total of one hundred and two patients were included in this study. The median age was 52 (20-82) years at the time of splenectomy. Most of the patients were female (57.9%). The median follow up time was 11.0 (0.03-87.9) months after splenectomy. Splenectomy was performed to diagnose thirty patients (29.4%). Seventy-two patients underwent splenectomy for the treatment of hematological disease (70.6%). Twenty-seven patients (90%) were diagnosed with various lymphomas. Two patients (6.7%) were diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia and one patient (3.3%) was diagnosed with large granular lymphocytic leukemia. Conclusion In conclusion, an improvement in medical therapy, especially with monoclonal antibodies, the indications and outcomes of splenectomy for hematologic disorders have changed extremely in last years. Nevertheless, splenectomy has an important role for diagnosis and treatment of benign and malign hematological disorders.

Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most important causes of death worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed in the advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. This study was to investigate the expression and significance of CENPE in NSCLC. Method Collecting information about CENPE in the Oncoming database, and perform a further analysis of the data in the current database to conduct a meta-analysis for its functional role in NSCLC. Patient life cycle analysis using Kaplan-Meier Plotter and GEPIA databases are used to perform patient survival analysis. Result A total of 12 studies involved the expression of CENPE in NSCLC cancer tissues and normal tissues, including 1195 samples. CENPE was highly expressed in NSCLC cell carcinoma compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of CENPE was correlated with the overall survival rate of CENPE. The overall survival rate of patients with high expression of CENPE was poor, and the prognosis of patients with low expression of CENPE was better (P<0.05). Conclusion We propose high expression of CENPE in NSLCL tissue is related to the prognosis of NSCLC, which may provide important basis for the development of tumor drugs.

Although minimally invasive surgery is recognized as the gold standard of many surgical procedures, laparoscopic suturing is still considered as the most difficult skill in laparoscopic surgery. The introduction of barbed sutures facilitates laparoscopic suturing because it is not necessary to tie a knot. The efficacy of this method has been evaluated in different types of surgery; however, less is known about general surgery. We retrospectively analysed data from 378 patients who had undergone bariatric or surgical treatment for colic or gastric malignancy requiring a closure of gastroentero, entero-entero or enterocolotomy from January 2014 to January 2019, admitted to the General Surgery Unit and Operative Unit of Surgical Endoscopy of the University Federico II (Naples, Italy). We registered 12 anastomotic leaks (3.1%), 16 anastomotic intraluminal bleedings (4.2%) and 7 extraluminal bleedings. Other complications included 23 cases of postoperative nausea and vomit (6%), 14 cases of postoperative ileus (3.7%) and 3 cases of intra-abdominal abscess (0.8%). Overall complications rate was 19.8% (75/378). No postoperative death was registered. Thus, by pooling together 378 patients, we can assess that barbed suture could be considered safe and effective for closure of holes used for the introduction of a branch of mechanical stapler to perform intracorporeal anastomosis.

Purpose The aims of this study were to determine whether post transplant renal scan performed at around 1 week can predict graft failure, and to identify the best predictive factors among easy-to-measure variables. Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent Tc-99m DTPA renal scan at approximately 1 week after renal transplantation. They were separated into two categories at 3 months after the operation; graft failure and non-failure. Graft failure was confirmed by biopsy (rejection). Non-failure was confirmed either by biopsy or clinical follow-up with serum creatine (Cr). Scan parameters including glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Hilson perfusion index, peaks of the iliac and graft perfusion curves were analyzed. Clinical variables including age, sex, height, weight, systolic blood pressure, serum Cr, type of donated kidney, side of transplant, and immunosuppressant were also analyzed. Results Among total 45 patients, graft failure was present in 11 cases. The serum Cr level was significantly higher in the failure group. Among scan variables, only the GFR was significantly different between groups. GFR of <44.48 mL/min was predictive of graft failure (sen 88.9%). Serum Cr level >2.13 mg/dL was also predictive (sen 72.7%). Conclusion GFR on renal scan at approximately 1 week after kidney transplant can predict graft failure.

Pseudogenes are pivotal funtional non-coding RNAs in tumorigenesis. Cumulative evidences have shown that pituitary tumor-transforming 3, pseudogene (PTTG3P), serves as an oncogene in multiple human cancers. However, its expression pattern, biological function, and potential targets in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. Here, by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 50 cases of ESCC, we found that the expression of PTTG3P, PTTG1 and PTTG2 in esophageal squamous cancer tissues and cell lines were significantly higher than their normal counterparts (P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the PTTG3P expression was positively correlated with the PTTG1 and PTTG2 expression in ESCC tissue samples (P<0.05). Additionally, the high expression of PTTG3P in ESCC was significantly correlated with tumor depth, lymph node invasion and TNM stage (P<0.05). We also assessed the function of PTTG3P in vitro by gain-of-function studies. Results showed that enhanced expression of PTTG3P stimulated the migration and invasion of ESCC cells, and promoted the expression level of PTTG1 and PTTG2 in vitro. Furthermore, PTTG3P fulfilled its oncogenic functions by positively regulating its parent gene PTTG1 and PTTG2. Overall, our study indicated that PTTG3P is distinctly overexpressed and exhibited oncogenic role in a PTTG1 and PTTG2 mediated manner in ESCC.

Objective This study aims to establish the actual validity of the lymph node ratio (LNR) as a prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients, and to verify differences of survival and disease-free interval. Methods Patients referred with colorectal cancer who underwent potentially curative surgery between January 1997 and December 2011 were included. Lymph node ratio, TNM staging and survival were extracted from surgical, histological and follow-up records. Results Two hundred eigthy six patients with different stages of colorectal cancer underwent surgery, with comparison of survival prediction based on lymph node ratio and TNM staging. The overall survival rate was 78.3%, the recurrence rate was 11.9% and the mortality rate was estimated as 21.7%. Univariate analysis in relation to survival was significant for the following variables: serum level of CEA, CA 19.9 value, degree of histological differentiation, and tumor growth. There weren’t any statistically significant differences for the LNR (LNR </ ≥0.16: p = 0.116). The TNM system was effective both in discriminating between survival stages (Stage II vs. Stage III: p = 0.05) and in differentiating sub-groups (p = 0.05). Conclusions LNR alone could not be considered a better prognostic factor than the TNM system. However, future studies are needed in a larger number of patients with a standardized surgical, pathological and medical protocol.

The management of chronic pilonidal disease remains controversial, but recently, new minimal invasive approaches have been proposed. Whereas in the conventional surgical treatment an elliptical wedge of skin and subcutaneous tissue is created to remove the sinus and its lateral tracks, the basis for our new treatment is to create a minimal elliptical wedge of the subcutaneous tissue, including all the inflamed tissue and debris while leaving the overlying skin intact. The mechanism of an endoscopic approach relies on use of the endoscope without cutaneous tissue damage. Advantages include shorter operative time and time to discharge, which impact resource management in both primary and secondary care: patients undergoing endoscopic technique have a high satisfaction rate, probably due to the low level of postoperative pain and early return to work and daily activities. However, it is mandatory that further studies would analyze surgical approaches to pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) with a consistent and adequate follow-up of at least 5 years. Both sinusectomy and endoscopic approach to PSD were found to be safe and effective compared with conventional techniques. Publishedresults of studies of newer approaches have demonstrated a low short-term complication rate, comparable to conventional surgery results.

Purpose To determine the workspace through an anatomical dimensional study of the skull base to further facilitate the design of the robot for endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal (EET) surgery. Methods There were 120 cases having a paranasal sinus CT scan in the database. The internal volumes of the nasal cavities (NC), the volumes of the sphenoid sinuses (SS), and the distance between the anterior nasal spine and base of the sellar (d-ANS-BS) were measured. Results The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) between the relevant distances and the volumes of the right NC was 0.32; between the relevant distances and the volumes of the left NC was 0.43; and between the relevant distances and volumes of NC was 0.41; with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). All PCCs had a statistically significant meaningful difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion The volume of NCs were significantly correlated with distances (p < 0.05). The safest and shortest distance to guide the robotic arm length in the EET approach could be represented by d-ANS-BS. This result was also used as primary information for further robotic design.

Objective Bone mineral density (BMD) is a very important factor in spinal fusion surgery using instrumentation. Our aim was to investigate the utility of Hounsfield units (HU) obtained from preoperative lumbar computed tomography (CT) to predict osteoporosis coupling with data of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Methods We reviewed 180 patients that underwent both QCT and lumbar CT for spine surgery. HU was retrospectively calculated on the lumbar CT of 503 lumbar vertebrae from L1 to L3. Femur DEXA was performed in all patients and spine DEXA was tested in 120 patients (331 vertebrae). BMD was grouped as osteoporosis (QCT<80mg/cm 3 , DEXA T score≤-2.5) and non-osteoporosis (QCT≥80mg/cm 3 , DEXA T score>-2.5) for comparison of HU value. Results HU value and BMD showed significant correlations. The optima cut-off value based on QCT was higher than that of DEXA scans which had the best correlation for predicting osteoporosis. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that HU value with QCT of 146 has a sensitivity of 94.3% and a specificity of 87.5% for osteoporosis. Conclusions Significant correlation was found between HU measurement and BMD value. These findings provide evidence that HU measurement can be established as a means for predicting osteoporosis before spine fusion surgery with reduced radiation hazard.

Recent epidemiological and preclinical studies have revealed that aspirin possesses antitumor properties; one of the mechanisms results from inhibition of angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms of such action remain to be elucidated, in particular, the effect of aspirin on glucose metabolism of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) has not yet been reported. Herein, we demonstrate that glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), a main glucose transporter in ECs, can be down-regulated by aspirin. Exposure to 4-mM aspirin significantly decreased GLUT1 at the mRNA and protein level, resulting in impaired glucose uptake capacity in vascular ECs. In addition, we also showed that exposure to 4-mM aspirin led to an inhibition of intracellular ATP and lactate synthesis in vascular ECs, and a down-regulation of the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 was observed. Taken together, these findings indicate 4-mM aspirin inhibits glucose uptake and glucose metabolism of vascular ECs through down-regulating GLUT1 expression and suggest that GLUT1 has potential to be a target for aspirin in vascular ECs.

Introduction Ifosfamide (IF) is a cytostatic that exhibits adverse nephrotoxic properties. Clinically, IF-induced nephrotoxicity takes various forms, depending on applied dose and length of treatment. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the two proteins: osteopontin (OP) and fatty acid binding protein (FABP), as markers of kidney function in rats treated with ifosfamide. Material and Methods Rats receiving a single IF dose (250 mg/kg b.w.; group 1) or treated with five consecutive IF doses administrated on following days (50mg/kg b.w.; group 3), compared with control groups 2 and 4, respectively, were studied. Kidney function was assessed using classical (urea, creatinine) and novel (FABP, OP) laboratory parameters and by histopathology. Results Single IF dose administration resulted in significant total proteinuria with urinary concentrations and 24-hour excretions of both FABP and OP comparable to the appropriate control. In rats treated with five consecutive IF doses, the urinary concentrations and 24-hour excretion of both FABP and OP were significantly higher compared to the appropriate control. The development of cystitis was revealed in groups 1 and 3, which was not accompanied by significant histopathological kidney damage. Conclusions Both OP and FABP may be useful laboratory markers of tubulopathy in the early stage of chronic nephrotoxicity of ifosfamide.

Background There is currently no standard treatment for desmoid tumors (DTs) associated with familial polyposis coli (FAP). Familial adenomatous polyposis in DT patients is sometimes a life-threatening condition. Methods We enrolled all consecutive patients with FAP treated at Unit of General Surgery and Transplant, University of Naples Federico II and evaluated the incidence of DTs on FAP between 1996 and 2016. Results We observed 45 consecutive patients with FAP; of these 5 were DT-FAP-associated. All 5 cases with FAP were young women, age 25 to 65 years, previously treated by colectomy. Of these, 4 patients presented a parietal localization and had been treated with a wide surgical exeresis; one patient had an intra-abdominal, mesenteric tumor that was unresectable at laparotomy. We performed CT-guided drainage, ureteral stenting, medical therapy (sulindac+tamoxifene), and chemotherapy (dacarba-zine+doxorubicine). All patients were alive and underwent follow-ups for 5 years post-surgery; only 1 patient with parietal localization showed a local relapse after 2 years. Conclusions We propose a modulated approach to the single patient with FAP, with surgery as treatment of choice for parietal localization disease and integrating different kinds of therapies (surgery alone or associated with RT, CT) for the intra-abdominal tumor.

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly malignant tumor. MicroRNA-27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) was a tumor oncogene in various cancers. However, the role and mechanism of miR-27a-3p in ovarian cancer are still unknown. In this study, we found that miR-27a-3p over-expression could significantly promote the viability of SK-OV-3 cells, enhance cell migration and invasion, and reduce cell apoptosis. Besides, results from western blot assay showed that miR-27a-3p over-expression could increase Bcl-2 protein expression and decrease Bax protein expression. Furthermore, TargetScan and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that BTG anti-proliferation factor 1 (BTG1) was a direct target of miR-27a-3p. In addition, we found that miR-27a-3p down-regulation suppressed SK-OV-3 cell viability, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. All the effects of miR-27a-3p down-regulation on SK-OV-3 cells were reversed by BTG1-siRNA. Therefore, miR-27a-3p/BTG1 axis may be a new potential target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Objective We aimed to determine the function of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) on progression of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) and related mechanism. Methods The TCGA database provided us expression profiles of PYCR1 and overall survival rates. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown PYCR1; quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were conducted to identify the expression levels of mRNA and protein. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to explore cell viability in Ketr-3 cells. The migration and invasion of Ketr-3 cells were investigated by transwell assays. Results We found that PYCR1 was over-expressed in PRCC tissues and cells, causing poor outcomes. Moreover, reduction of PYCR1 played a negative role on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in tumor cells. The important Akt/mTOR pathway proteins, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), also showed lower levels compared with control groups. Conclusion These findings showed that disordered expression of PYCR1 could modulate PRCC progression through the Akt/mTOR pathway, implying a theoretical basis for PYCR1 as a potential therapeutic target in future clinical PRCC treatment.

Research has failed to resolve the dilemma experienced by localized prostate cancer patients who must choose between radical prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiotherapy (RT). Because the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a measurable factor that affects survival events, this research seeks to validate the potential of the CCI to improve the accuracy of various prediction models. Thus, we employed the Cox proportional hazard model and machine learning methods, including random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), to model the data of medical records in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). In total, 8581 individuals were enrolled, of whom 4879 had received RP and 3702 had received RT. Patients in the RT group were older and exhibited higher CCI scores and higher incidences of some CCI items. Moderate-to-severe liver disease, dementia, congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, and cerebrovascular disease all increase the risk of overall death in the Cox hazard model. The CCI-reinforced SVM and RF models are 85.18% and 81.76% accurate, respectively, whereas the SVM and RF models without the use of the CCI are relatively less accurate, at 75.81% and 74.83%, respectively. Therefore, CCI and some of its items are useful predictors of overall and prostate-cancer-specific survival and could constitute valuable features for machine-learning modeling.

Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has a significant role in downstaging cancer. It improves the local control of the disease and can make conservative resection of rectal cancer possible. Methods We enrolled 114 patients with subperitoneal rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradio-therapy and radical excision with total mesorectal excision (TME). The primary endpoint was oncological outcomes and the secondary endpoint was surgical outcomes.We evaluate the experience of a multidisciplinary team and the role of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in integrated treatment of cancer of the subperitoneal rectum. Results Surgical procedures performed were abdominal perineal resection in 4 cases (3.5%), anterior resection in 89 cases (78%), Hartmann’s procedure in 5 cases (4.4%), and ultralow resection with coloanal anastomosis and diverting stoma in 16 patients (14%). Local recurrence occurred in 6 patients (5.2%), the overall survival was 71.9% at 5 years and disease-free survival was about 60%. Conclusions The effect of pathological downstaging amounted to 58.8%, including cPR. The pathologic complete remission occurred in 8.8% of cases. The outcomes of neoadjuvant therapy can be achieved when this treatment is associated with correct surgical technique with TME and the prognosis is defined by an anatomopathological examination performed according to Quirke’s protocol.

Folate metabolism plays quite a critical role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous published research works have studied the link existing between the folate metabolism genetic polymorphisms and PD susceptibility; nevertheless, the results continue having controversies and inconclusiveness. Accordingly, we carried out the present meta-analysis for the assessment of the potential link between the folate metabolism genetic polymorphisms and the susceptibility to PD. In addition we carried out a literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and WanFang databases till November 10, 2018. The odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% credible interval (95%CI) were put to use for evaluating the strength of the association of three folate metabolism genetic polymorphism ( C677T, A1298C, and A2756G) with the susceptibility to PD. Each statistical analysis was carried out with the use of STATA 15.0. An aggregate of twenty-one case-control investigations were retrieved, which involved 3,944 PD patients and 4,412 controls. We discovered the existence of no substantial link between the C677T and A1298C polymorphism and PD risk in any genetic framework comparisons. With regard to A2756G polymorphism, we discovered that there was an association between the A2756G genetic polymorphism and an augmented threat of PD in the co-dominant genetic framework (GG vs. AA: OR=1.86, 95%CI=1.02-3.37, P=0.042) and the recessive genetic model (GG vs. GA+AA: OR=1.90, 95%CI=1.06-3.41, P=0.031). To summarize, our research work indicates that the A2756G polymorphism of the folate metabolism gene had an association with an augmented threat of PD. Also, A1298C polymorphisms is unlikely to significantly contribute towards the susceptibility to PD. Further large-scale case-control studies are still required.

Background Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and homocysteine (Hcy) were found to be up-regulated in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the present study aimed to investigate whether metformin (MT) can influence the serum levels of IL-33 and Hcy in patients with DN. Methods Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were divided into DM group (albumin: Alb <20 mg/L), DN group (Alb >20mg/L), and DN+ MT treatment group, with 20 cases in each group. Patients in each group were treated with insulin for 3 months, and patients in DN+MT group was treated with insulin+MT for 3 months. The serum levels of IL-33, urinary microalbumin excretion rate (UAE), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), creatinine (Cr), cystatin C (CysC) and Hcy were measured before and after medication. Twenty normal subjects were involved as control. Results BMI, Hcy and TC were reduced and HDL-C was increased of patients had been treated with metformin and insulin. UAE, Cr, Ccr and CysC had no differences before and after treatment. The serum level of IL-33 significantly up-regulated in patients with DN, and MT treatment significantly decreased the serum level of IL-33 in patients with DN. Conclusion Metformin could alleviate the symptom of patient with DN through decreasing the serum level of IL-33 and Hcy.

A 48-year-old woman suffered from life-threatening injuries in head and chest caused by six pistol shots fired at close range in an attempted homicide. We report here on our successful airway management and bleeding control at the scene of crime and the multidisciplinary surgical treatment of the associated head and neurovascular injuries.

To date, we found no published reports on the effects of metabolic syndrome and physical activity levels on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in elderly women aged over 65 years. Our study involved patients with echocardiographically normal LV ejection fractions (≥50%) and normal LV dilatation diameters (≤55 mm). Elderly women with metabolic syndrome (n = 20) and healthy elderly women (n = 17) were selected and assessed with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, a metabolic syndrome diagnostic instrument. We compared the LV function indices and physical activity levels according to the presence (metabolic syndrome group) or absence (normal group) of metabolic syndrome. The LV end-systolic (LVES) diameter was significantly smaller (p = 0.037) and LV outflow tract (LVOT) diameter was significantly larger (p = 0.030) in the metabolic syndrome group. The left arterial dimension at end-systole (p = 0.024), left arterial volume (LAV) index (p = 0.015), early peak mitral inflow velocity (E, p = 0.031), early diastolic mitral annulus motion velocity (Eʹ-septal, p = 0.044), (Eʹ-lateral, p = 0.008), and E/late peak mitral inflow velocity ratio (E/A, p = 0.006) values were significantly lower and physical activity levels (p = 0.034) were significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group. These results indicated that the metabolic syndrome group had relatively high physical activity levels compared to the normal group, which may have positively affected the LVES, LVOT, left atrial volume index, E, Eʹ, and E/A values.

Safety and effectiveness evaluation of subarachnoid anesthesia implemented with hyperbaric Prilocaine in reduced dose (30mg) in combination with Fentanyl (20mcg), for the purpose of ensuring an optimal analgesia in open inguinal hernia repair. Although the local anesthesia is the first line treatment for open inguinal hernia repair, a minority of patients is not eligible because of obesity or big groin hernia, requiring a high dose of local anesthetic. Subarachnoid anesthesia implemented with hyperbaric Prilocaine in reduced dose in combination with Fentanyl may be a good alternative. Thirty patients were treated with intrathecal association of Prilocaine 30 mg and Fentanyl 20 mcg (group PF); they were compared to a group of fifty three ones, previously treated with a classic procedure with intrathecal Prilocaine 60 mg (group P). The sensitive blockage remained within an higher limit at T12 level in the patients of PF group, and a lower limit at S1 level 50 minutes after the anesthesia, while in the P group the anesthetic tended to migrate (p<0.0001). In PF group 70 minutes after the anesthesia 21 patients had a Bromage score equal to 0 and 9 patients equal to 9 (in P group, 19 patients had a score equal to 3, 8 to 2 and 3 to 1, p<0.0001). Subarachnoid anesthesia using Prilocaine 30 mg + Fentanyl 20 mcg could be stated as a viable alternative to local anesthesia in selected patients.

Background and aim In the past, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was considered as one of the most rapidly lethal form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The objective of this study was to assess clinical parameters affecting early death (ED) in patients with APL. Materials and methods Forty-three patients with APL who were diagnosed at Hacettepe University Hospital between the years of 2005 and 2018 were evaluated. Results In univariate analyses, presentation with hemorrhage, DIC or infection at diagnosis, ECOG performance score, blast percentage on bone marrow, Sanz score, leukocyte, thrombocyte, fibrinogen and LDH levels were found to be statistically significantly different between patients with ER and patients without ED. In multivariate analysis, presentation with hemorrhage, DIC or infection at diagnosis, ECOG performance score, blast percentage on bone marrow, Sanz score, leukocyte, thrombocyte, fibrinogen, and LDH levels were found to be independent factors that are related with higher rate of ED in 30 days after treatment. Conclusion Induction chemotherapy should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis of APL. Improving ED rates may become the greatest challenge for the future treatment of the diseases.

Surgery for rectal cancer has been completely revolutionized thanks to the adoption of new technologies and up-to-date surgical procedures that have been applied to the traditional milestone represented by Total Mesorectal Excision (TME). The multimodal and multidisciplinary approach, with new technologies increased the patients’ life expectancies; nevertheless, they have placed the surgeon in front of newer issues, represented by both oncological outcomes and the patients’ need of a less destructive surgery and improved quality of life. In this review we will go through laparoscopic, robotic and transanal TME surgery, to show how the correct choice of the most appropriate technique, together with a deep knowledge of oncological principles and pelvic anatomy, is crucial to pursue an optimal cancer treatment. Novel technologies might also help to decrease the patients’ fear of surgery and address important issues such as cosmesis and improved preservation of postoperative functionality.

Background Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) accelerated vascular diseases progression, like atherosclerosis and restenosis. MicroRNAs were reported to participate in modulating diverse cellular processes. Here, we focused on exploring the role of miR-638 in VSMCs glycolysis and underlying mechanism. Methods Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to measure cell viability. Western blot assay was conducted to determine the expression of cell proliferation markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67, as well as Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). VSMCs migration and invasion were evaluated by Transwell assay. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to validate the target relationship between miR-638 and LDHA. LDHA and miR-638 expression were also determined. Glycolysis of VSMCs was tested by corresponding Kits. Results Platelet-derived growth factor-bb (PDGF-bb) promoted the VSMCs viability and down-regulated miR-638. Overexpression of miR-638 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of VSMCs. LDHA was identified as a target of miR-638, and counter-regulated by miR-638. Loss of miR-638 attenuated the suppressor effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of VSMCs induced by LDHA down-regulation. MiR-638 inhibited the glycolysis of VSMCs by targeting LDHA. Conclusion MiR-638 is down-regulated by PDGF-bb treatment and suppressed the glycolysis of VSMCs via targeting LDHA.

Epidemiological study has confirmed that PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) is associated with the incidence and progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Accordingly, this study was undertaken to investigate the pro-metastatic effects of PM2.5 on human HCC cell line SMMC-7721 in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the effect of PM2.5 on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells; scratch wound assay and transwell matrigel system has been used to examine the effect of PM2.5 on the migration and invasion ability of SMMC-7721 cells; furthermore, effect of PM2.5 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SMMC-7721 cells were examined by examining the EMT markers vimentin, ɑ-smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), and E-cadherin; furthermore, the roles of microRNA-16 (miR-16) and its target Twist1 in PM2.5 induced carcinogenic effects were also examined. Results of CCK-8 assay suggested that PM2.5 promoted the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. PM2.5 also markedly promoted the migration and invasion ability of SMMC-7721 cells. Moreover, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was also triggered by PM2.5. On the other hand, microRNA-16 (miR-16) and its target Twist1 was found to be mediated by PM2.5, and miR-16 mimic could suppress the metastatic ability of SMMC-7721 cells exposure to PM2.5 via inversely regulating the expression of Twist1. Furthermore, dual Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the specifically binding of miR-16 to the predicted 3′-UTR of Twist1. The present study confirmed the pro-proliferative and pro-metastatic effect of PM2.5 on HCC cell line SMMC-7721. The possible mechanisms were EMT process induced by PM2.5 in SMMC-7721 cells, which was accompanied by a decrease in miR-16 and increase in Twist1 expression.

The Hippocratic Oath is the foundation for the moral ideals and goals of Western medicine. We aimed to develop a research tool to determine the perception among diverse groups of physicians and to determine the current perception of the Hippocratic Oath. We used the semantic differential to map the connotative meaning of the Oath. We selected 34 research articles with abstracts from a literature search. The attributes (adjectives) used to describe the Oath were added to adjectives from a semi-structured questionnaire filled in at the Olomouc military hospital. We modified the factors and selected 8 scales by optimizing the semantic differential. Overall, Czech physicians perceived the Oath highly positively based on the factor of evaluation. Negative and even neutral viewpoints were rare. The strongest factor– progressivity–revealed that the topicality of the Hippocratic Oath is very important to physicians. A statistically significant difference was found between female physicians and their male counterparts, with women rating the Oath’s progressivity higher than men, as well as perceiving the Oath generally more positively than men. Our analysis confirmed the importance and success of continuing education. The standardized methodology can be used in medical education to analyze the semantic space of the Hippocratic Oath.

Fournier’s gangrene is a potentially fatal emergency condition characterized by necrotizing fasciitis and supported by an infection of the external genital, perineal and perianal region, with a rapid and progressive spread from subcutaneous fat tissue to fascial planes. In this case report, a 52-year-old man, with a history of hepatitis C-virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease and cocaine use disorder for which he was receiving methadone maintenance therapy, was admitted to the Emergency Department with necrotic tissue involving the external genitalia. Fournier’s gangrene is usually due to compromised host immunity, without a precise cause of bacterial infection; here it is linked to a loco-regional intravenous injection of cocaine. A multimodal approach, including a wide surgical debridement and a postponed skin graft, was needed. Here we report this case, with a narrative review of the literature.

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is the most frequent source of infection in surgical patients and the second most frequent cause of hospital-acquired infection. The primary aim of this prospective study was to compare SSI occurrences between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open urological surgery. Secondly, perioperative outcomes were evaluated in two different approaches. A consecutive group of 60 patients undergoing urological surgery were prospectively enrolled in a single high-volume center between May and October 2018. We included procedures that were performed by minimally invasive or traditional techniques. We evaluated and compared the incidence of SSI and perioperative outcomes in terms of intraoperative bleeding, post-operative complications, postoperative pain, patient satisfaction with the analgesic treatment, time to flatus, time of oral intake and mobilization, and length of hospital stay. The two groups were homogeneous with regard to demographic data. Superficial incisional SSIs were diagnosed in 10% of cases (3/30) in the second group and 0% in the first (p<0.05); space/organ SSIs developed in 4 patients, which were diagnosed by ultrasound scan and confirmed by abdominal CT: 1 patient (3.3%) in group 1 showed an infected lymphocele, whereas 1 case of infected lymphocele and 2 cases of pelvic abscess were detected in group 2 (10%, p<0.05). All the perioperative outcomes as well as were overall complication rate favored MIS (p<0.05). The use of minimally invasive techniques in urological surgery reduced the risk of SSI by comparison with a traditional approach. In addition, MIS was associated with better perioperative outcomes and a lower overall complication rate.

Microglia plays a complex role in neuroinflammation, which has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of Dihydromyricetin (DHM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in microglial BV-2 cells. Cell viability was measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and/or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of p-p65, p-IκBα, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) were analyzed by western blot. The present study showed that DHM treatment alleviated LPS-induced viability reduction, suppressed the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL‐1β and TNF-α, inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, and attenuated the activation of NF-кB and TLR4 signaling in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, DHM exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells, possibly through TRL4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in patients older than 65 years. Emergency presentation represents about 30% of cases, with increased morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative outcome between elderly and non-elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery. Method We retrospectively analysed CRC patients that underwent emergency surgery at the Departments of Surgery of the Sapienza University Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome, and at San Donato Hospital in Arezzo, between June 2012 and June 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: non-elderly (< 65 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years). Variables analysed were sex, onset symptoms, associated disease, ASA score, tumor site and TNM stage, surgical procedures and approach, and morbidity and mortality. Results Of a total of 123 patients, 29 patients were non-elderly and 94 patients were elderly. No significant differences were observed in sex, onset symptoms and tumor site between the two groups. Comorbidities were significantly higher in elderly patients (73.4% vs 41.4%, p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in surgical approach and the rate of one-stage procedures. Elderly patients were more frequently treated by Hartmann’s procedure compared to non-elderly patients (20.2% vs 6.9%). Left colorectal resection with protective ileostomy was most frequent in the non-elderly group (27.6% vs 11.7%). No significant differences were found in the pT and pN categories of the TNM system between the two groups. However, a higher number of T3 in non-elderly patients was observed. A consistent number of non-oncologically adequate resections were observed in the elderly (21.3% vs 3.5%; p<0.03). The morbidity rate was significantly higher in the elderly group (31.9 % vs 3.4%, p<0.001). No significant difference was found in the mortality rate between the two groups, being 13.8% in the elderly and 6.9% in the non-elderly. Conclusions Emergency colorectal surgery for cancer still presents significant morbidity and mortality rates, especially in elderly patients. More aggressive tumors and advanced stages were more frequent in the non-elderly group and as a matter it should be taken into account when treating such patients in the emergency setting in order to perform a radical procedure as much as possible.

Appendix bleeding is an uncommon clinical phenomenon. In this article, we reported a case of appendix bleeding with painless bloody diarrhea. With the analysis of clinical features, clinical examination, experimental test and literature review, we diagnosed that the appendix bleeding might be caused by granulomatous appendicitis. This successfully cured case might be a reference for later diagnosis and treatment of appendix bleeding with painless bloody diarrhea.

Background We aim to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms in specneuzhenide (SPE) on renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Results SPE could inhibit the decrease of body weight compared with the model group (P<0.05), and trigger improvement in the renal index (P<0.05). High dose and low dose SPE could trigger a significant decrease in serum IL1β, IL-6 and TNF-α compared with the model group (P<0.05). SPE could attenuate the glomerular lesions in DN rats. SPE induced up-regulation of podocin and CD2AP (P<0.05). Conclusion SPE showed protective effects on renal injury through attenuating the pathological injury and urine protein. This process may be closely related to the modulation of CD2AP and podocin expression.

Emerging evidence shows that the pituitary tumour-transforming gene (PTTG)-binding factor (PBF) functions as a proto-oncogene in some tumors. However, the precise functions of PBF in tumorigenesis and its action mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here for the first time we demonstrated that PBF was associated with a tumor-related cell phenotype in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) and identified the involved signaling pathways. PBF was up-regulated in ESCA tissues (Data from GEPIA) and cells. Then we down-regulated PBF in ESCA cell lines, Eca-109 and TE-1, by using RNAi technology. Cell function analysis suggested that down-regulation of PBF could inhibit tumor-related cell phenotypes, including proliferation, motility, apoptosis and cell cycle, in Eca-109 and TE-1 cells. Mechanism investigation suggested that apoptosis induced by PBF knockdown may be mediated by the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and cell cycle arrest. AKT/mTOR and Wnt3a/β-catenin, key pathways in regulating tumor proliferation and metastasis, were found to be inactivated by the down-regulation of PBF in ESCA cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that PBF functions as a proto-oncogene in ESCA in vitro, which may be mediated through AKT/mTOR and Wnt3a/β-catenin pathways.

Administration of rituximab, one of the basic drugs for the therapy of B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases, during pregnancy has been suspected to cause developmental fetal events, particularly if given during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, use in pregnancy is not permitted. Howe ver, several cases of pregnant women being treated with rituximab are reported herein; an exception is often made in cases with grave illness. We describe an exceptional case of a woman with non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type where rituximab was given as a single agent without interruption during two consecutive pregnancies. This case can certainly supply important indications on the safety of rituximab.

The prevalence of chronic pain is between 33% to 64% and is due to cancer pain, but it has also been observed in non-cancer patients. Chronic pain is associated with lower quality of life and higher psychological distress and depressive/anxiety disorders in patients without a history of disorder. In this study we evaluated in clinical practice the effectiveness of the intrathecal pump in 140 patients who underwent pain therapy at our Center. These patients were consecutively enrolled from January 2010 to July 2018. Follow-up was carried out over these eight years regarding the infusion modalities. Pain relief was obtained in 71 (50,7%) patients out of the 140 that experienced satisfactory pain control globally. Intrathecal therapy is one of the best options for chronic severe refractory pain. The greatest advantage of this therapy is due to the possibility of treating the pain with minimal dosages of the drug, avoiding the appearance of troublesome side effects.

A 14-year female presented with an atypical looking tooth #7 with a sinus tract on tooth #8. A gutta-percha point inserted into the sinus tract confirmed the affected tooth #7. A radiographic examination of tooth showed a lateral radiolucency with respect to tooth #7. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging was done for the three-dimensional reconstruction analysis. Dens invaginatus (Oehler’s type III) with pulp necrosis and chronic apical periodontitis was the definitive diagnosis. Use of the dental operating microscope and ultrasonics helped in the removal of the invaginated structure. At the two year follow-up, no clinical and radiographic evidence of infection was observed.

Objective To investigate the risk factors and drug resistance of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in pneumonia patients. Methods From January 2013 to February 2016, 98 pneumonia patients with MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in our hospital ICU were selected as the observation group, and 49 pneumonia patients with not-MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in our hospital ICU were selected as the control group in accordance with the proportion of 2:1. Sputum samples were collected from the two groups for drug resistance, and the risk factors and prognosis of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in pneumonia patients were given survey analysis. Results The observation group was highly resistant to cefotaxime, piperacillin, imipenem, levofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and ceftazidime, and was only sensitive to polymyxin. In addition to piperacillin, polymyxin B, the other antimicrobial drug resistance rates in the control group was significantly lower than in the observation group (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that diabetes, infection before hospitalization, admission 24h score of APACHE II and GCS scores, deep venous catheterization, and mechanical ventilation were related to the MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in pneumonia patients(P<0.05). Non conditional logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus, infection before hospitalization, admission 24h score of APACHE II and GCS scores were the independent risk factors for the MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in pneumonia patients(P<0.05). Conclusion MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in pneumonia patients in ICU is common, where diabetes infection before hospitalization, admission 24h score of APACHE II and GCS scores are the main risk factors, and the vast majority of the antibiotics are resistant to the MDR Acinetobacter baumannii that can lead to poorer prognosis and followed-up of patients with increased mortality.

Detailed characterization of the permeability and vascular volume of brain tumor vasculature can provide essential insights into tumor physiology. In this study, we evaluated the consistency of measurements in tumor blood volume and examined the feasibility of using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) versus gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) as contrast agents for MR perfusion imaging of brain gliomas in C6 Rats. Eighteen rats were intracerebrally implanted with C6 glioma cells, randomly divided into two groups and examined by 3.0T perfusion MR imaging with Gd-DTPA and USPIO. Tumor relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and relative maximum signal reduction ratio (rSRRmax) were created based on analysis of MR perfusion images. The mean values for rCBV were 2.09 and 1.57 in the USPIO and the Gd-DTPA groups, respectively, and rSRRmax values were 1.92 and 1.02 in the USPIO and the Gd-DTPA groups, respectively, showing signifi cant differences in both rCBV and rSRRmax between the USPIO and the Gd-DTPA groups (P < 0.05). The results showed that early vascular leakage occurred with gadolinium rather than USPIO in perfusion assessment, revealing that USPIO was useful in perfusion MR imaging for the assessment of tumor vasculature.

Aim Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by continuing inflammation and progressive gut damage. Despite many scoring indices of CD, there is a lack of more global assessment tools for the evaluation of the total disease impact on the gut. Methods Fift y-three adult patients with proven CD underwent magnetic resonance enterocolonography (MR-EC), colonoscopy, and clinical activity assessment, including CRP. Quality of life was assessed using IBDQ. MR-EC was used to evaluate the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA- global (G)) and the Lemann Index (LI). The CD Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) was used to score the endoscopic activity of the disease. Results A signifi cant correlation between the LI and IBDQ was found (r=-0.812, P<0.01). LI and MaRIA-G correlated moderately, while the LI did not correlate significantly with CRP and CDEIS. For the detection of endoscopically active CD, MaRIA-G was more sensitive and specific (83.3%; 73.3%) compared to the LI (66.7%; 60.0%). There was a moderate correlation between CRP and MaRIA-G, as well as CRP and CDEIS (r=0.496; r=0.527,<0.01). Conclusion A signifi cant negative correlation between the LI and quality of life, measured by IBDQ, was found in our study, suggesting that the LI could resemble more global features of the disease, besides inflammatory activity of the gut.

Münchausen syndrome can be characterized by simulated illness, pathological lying and wandering from place to place (the patient typically presents to numerous hospitals). Individuals with elevated blood pressure due to non-adherence to medication have the so-called pseudo-resistant hypertension. A 45-year-old woman was admitted to hospital on an emergency basis because of a hypertensive crisis. Despite combination antihypertensive treatment, normalization of blood pressure was not achieved and a device to produce a therapeutic arteriovenous fi stula was implanted. Aft er the procedure, a signifi cant increase in pulmonary artery pressure was observed and closure of the fistula was performed by implantation of the stent graft . The suspicion was raised that the patient had not been taking her prescribed medications. Therefore, blood samples were taken and the serum was analyzed for presence of the prescribed drugs (atorvastatin, bisoprolol, chlorthalidone, clonidine, doxazosin, furosemide, nitrendipine, oxazepam and valsartan). The results confirmed suspected failure of the patient to take the prescribed medications. Münchausen syndrome is usually first suspected when inexplicable laboratory test results are noted. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Münchausen syndrome with pseudo-resistant hypertension leading to the implantation of a device to produce a therapeutic arteriovenous fi stula.

Introduction Renal artery embolization is performed before radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal mass in order to induce preoperative infarction and to facilitate surgical intervention through decrease of intraoperative bleeding. Moreover, in metastatic renal cancer it seems to stimulate tumour-specific antibodies, even if no established benefits in clinical response or survival have been reported. The role of preoperative renal artery embolization (PRAE) in management of renal masses has been often debated and its real benefits are still unclear. Nevertheless, in huge and complex renal masses, which are often characterized by a high and anarchic blood supply and rapid local invasion, radical nephrectomy can be challenging even for skilled surgeons. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PRAE in complex masses by comparing perioperative outcomes of RN with and without PRAE. Materials and methods From December 2015 to May 2018 we enrolled prospectively 64 patients who underwent RN for localized (T2a-b) or locally advanced (T3 and T4) or advanced (N+, M+) renal cancers. Patients were divided in two groups. The first group included 30 patients who underwent PRAE; in the second group we enrolled 34 patients who did not undergo RN without PRAE. Perioperative outcomes in terms of operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate and length of hospitalization were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 6.0 software. Results Median blood loss was 250 ml (50-500) and 400 ml (50-1000) in the first and second group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0066). Median surgical time was 200 min (90-390) and 240 min (130-390) in PRAE and No-PRAE group (p=0.06), respectively. No major complications occurred after embolization. Overall complication rate in Group 1 and 2 was 46.7% (14/30) and 50% (17/34), respectively (p=0.34). No major complications occurred in both groups. The mean follow up was 21,5 months. Conclusions Our results prove PRAE to be a safe procedure with low complications rate. To our experience, PRAE seems to be a useful tool in surgical management of a large mass and advanced disease.

Background The expression and significance of CD276 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was explored. Method The BioGPS database was used to analyze the expression level of CD276 in normal tissues. Studies on the expression of CD276 in NSCLC patients using the Oncomine database. The prognostic roles of CD276 in NSCLC was studied using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Result The BioGPS database showed CD276 expression in all the human normal tissues. Compared with normal lung tissue, CD276 gene highly expressed in NSCLC tissue at mRNA level (P<0.05). The expression level of CD276 gene was negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) of NSCLC patients. Subgroup analysis showed that CD276 expression level had a significant effect on OS of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, while in squamous cell carcinoma its expression level had no significant effect on OS. Conclusion According to the information mined from the tumor gene database, CD276 mRNA was found highly expressed in NSCLC tissue and the expression of CD276 has a significant impact on survival of NSCLC patients, which provides an important theoretical basis for further study of the role of CD276 in the occurrence and development of NSCLC.

Background Clinically relevant potential drug-drug interactions are considered preventable adverse drug reactions. Objective The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions in acute ischemic stroke patients and to explore factors associated with occurrence of potentially contraindicated drug-drug interactions. Methods This observational retrospective cohort and nested case-control study was carried out among patients treated for acute ischemic stroke at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit in the Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. The potentially drug-drug interactions for each day of hospitalization were identifi ed using Micromedex® soft ware. Based on the existence or absence of potentially contraindicated drug-drug interactions, the participants were divided into a group of cases (n=111) and the control group (n=444). Results A total of 696 patients were analysed. All patients had a minimum of one potential drug-drug interaction during hospitalization. The most common drugs involved in potential drug-drug interactions were aspirin (8.02%), diclofenac (7.49%) and warfarin (7.14%). The number of medications prescribed for simultaneous use during hospitalisation and the use of antipsychotics in therapy signifi cantly increased the likelihood of potentially contraindicated drug-drug interactions aft er adjustment by means of logistic regression for 1.2 and 3 times, respectively. Conclusions This study suggests that patients with acute ischemic stroke are frequently exposed to potential drug-drug interactions. It is essential to identify potentially drug-drug interactions in these patients as early as possible in order to prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure safe recovery. Besides, full attention should be paid when adding each new medication in therapy, particularly when a neurologist decides to prescribe antipsychotics, such as risperidone.

Cigarette smoking is known to induce serious lung diseases, but there is not an effective method to solve this problem. The present study investigated vitamin D3 on over-expression of CXCR3 and CXCL10 in mice induced by cigarette smoking. A pulmonary airway model was designed, and morphological assessment of emphysema, IL-4, IFN-γ and CXCL10 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, expression of CXCR3 and CXCL10 were detected. Emphysema of the mice only exposed to cigarette smoke was significant, and concentration of IL-4, IFN-γ and CXCL10 was also increased. In addition, CXCR3 and CXCL10 were over-expressed. The degree of emphysema, concentration of IL-4, IFN-γ and CXCL10, and expression of CXCR3 and CXCL10 in mice administrated with low dose vitamin D3 were similar to the normally treated mice. Low dose of vitamin D3 can effectively protect the lung from the damage induced by cigarette smoke.

A majority of the patients with advanced prostate cancer initially respond to androgen deprivation therapy and enzalutamide therapy, but eventually enter the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) phase. Some studies have shown that the activation of other signalling pathways in CRPC cells replaces the function of the androgen receptor, as well as promotes cell metastasis and progression. However, the mechanisms underlying this side effect remain unclear. The present study aims to explore the continued progression of cells after enzalutamide resistance. Low expression of circRNA-UCK2 (circUCK2) was detected in enzalutamide-resistant (EnzR) cells. Moreover, miR-767-5p was found to be resistant to EnzR cells when the level of circUCK2 is increased. The decrease in free miR-767-5p increases the expression of TET1 protein through the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA, thereby inhibiting cell invasion and proliferation. Knocking down circUCK2 in enzalutamide-sensitive cells reduces the concentration of TET1, thereby increasing cell invasion and proliferation. A preclinical study using in vivo mouse models also showed that a high expression of circUCK2 inhibited the EnzR cell growth. Thus, this study might aid in developing a novel therapy to better suppress the CRPC progression.

Twin pregnancy of a hydatidiform mole with a coexistent live fetus is very rare, and complete molar pregnancy is involved in most cases. A partial molar pregnancy almost always ends in miscarriage due to a triploid fetus. Here, we report a case of a 32-year-old Chinese woman with ultrasound diagnosis of a partial molar pregnancy. Amniocentesis suggested mosaicism, but the fetus was morphologically normal. The woman chose to continue the pregnancy after fully understanding the risk. The infant was delivered prematurely, and the presence of a large single placenta with molar changes. The baby’s peripheral blood chromosomes were diploid, and the pregnant woman had no serious complications. The diagnosis, management, and monitoring of this condition will remain challenging because of its rarity. Partial hydatidiform mole combined with pregnancy can result in delivering of a normal fetus and live birth under proper management.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly pruritic chronic inflammatory skin disease. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a unique ingredient of P. notoginseng which is a well-known medicinal herb for its long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, has been identified to have various biologically active properties that include anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of NGR1 on AD remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of NGR1 on the in vitro cell model of AD induced by LPS stimulation. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS to establish the in vitro cell inflammation model of AD. RAW264.7 cells were treated with various concentrations of NGR1 (0.1, 1, and 10 μM); then, an MTT assay was performed to determine the cell viability. An ELISA assay detected the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, IL-1β; interleukin-6, IL-6; tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α). Additionally, NO production was measured using a nitrate/nitrite assay kit. Results indicated that LPS induced increases in the levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and NO production was significantly reduced by NGR1 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Further, NGR1 treatment inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway, and the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The study data indicated that NGR1 might relieve atopic dermatitis via inhibiting inflammation through suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Previous studies indicated that chromosome 9 translocations are involved in reduced male fertility and increased chance of miscarriage in the female partner. The aim of this study was to review the clinical features and genetic counselling requirements of infertile men carrying chromosome 9 translocations. This study analyzed fertile-age male carriers of chromosome 9 translocations, and included 12 clinical cases in our hospital. In our cases, three cases had oligozoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, while nine cases had normal semen. Of the latter nine cases, seven were associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions, and two produced a phenotypically normal child as confirmed by amniocentesis. Male chromosome 9 translocations and specific breakpoints from reported papers were searched using PubMed and CNKI database. A literature review identified 76 male patients who carried chromosome 9 translocations. Breakpoints at 9p12, 9p11, 9p10 and 9q34.1 were related to pregestational infertility, while breakpoints at 9p21, 9q10, 9q11, 9q13, 9q21.1, 9q22, 9q22.2, 9q22.3, 9q34, 9q34.2 and 9q34.3 exhibited gestational infertility. Chromosome translocations involving chromosome 9 lead to increased risk of miscarriage. Carriers of chromosome 9 translocations should be counselled to consider in vitro fertilization accompanied by preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in various malignant tumors. MiR-663b has been found to have important roles in several cancers, however, the role of miR-663b in T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) remains unclear. Therefore, we speculated that miR-663b might also play a crucial role in the development and process of T-ALL. In the present study, we found that miR-663b was up-regulated in the blood of children with T-ALL and T-ALL cell lines. TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assay results showed that CD99 was a direct target of miR-663b. In order to further study the biological function of miR-663b in the development of T-ALL and to clarify its potential molecular mechanism, we detected the changes in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of T-ALL cell line Jurkat before and after miR-663b inhibitor transfection. We found that miR-663b inhibitor inhibited Jurkat cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In addition, miR-663b inhibitor repressed Jurkat cell migration and invasion. All these effects of miR-663b inhibitor on Jurkat cells were eliminated by CD99-silencing. These results have provided a new theoretical basis and strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of T-ALL.

Mature cystic teratoma of the pancreas is an extremely rare benign neoplasm. Only 51 cases have been reported in the literature. Its cystic nature often appears to have malignant potential in preoperative image studies. Moreover, no characteristic features could be shown on image studies, such as abdominal CT scan or pancreas MRI. The accurate diagnosis is generally obtained after surgical resection. We present a rare case of a 53-year-old male with mature cystic teratoma of the pancreas, which was confirmed on pathology after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

Objective To analyze the difference between exercised-based pre-rehabilitation and postoperative rapid rehabilitation of gastric cancer patients. Methods The clinical data of 120 patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2016 and 2018 in our hospital with pathologically confirmed gastric cancer were retrospectively reviewed. According to the different treatments during the perioperative period, they were divided into exercised-based pre-rehabilitation group and postoperative rapid rehabilitation group. Factor analysis was used to analyze pre-rehabilitation and postoperative rehabilitation of patients with gastric cancer after stress response, nutritional status, insulin resistance, and inflammatory response in patients with gastric cancer, and to further evaluate the value of pre-recovery accelerated postoperative recovery. Results The postoperative stress response, insulin resistance, and inflammatory response in the pre-rehabilitation group were lower than the conventional treatment group. The nutritional status was improved faster than the traditional treatment group. Exercised-based pre-rehabilitation for the rapid recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function in patients with gastric cancer surgery has significant value. Conclusion Exercised-based pre-rehabilitation has great significance for the accelerated rehabilitation of patients with gastric cancer during perioperative period.

Objectives Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a gastrointestinal and vascular emergency in which the detection of patients requiring intestinal resection is mandatory. Methods Registered data of 55 consecutive patients admitted to our center between January 2010 and December 2016 that underwent an explorative laparotomy for a suspected diagnosis of irreversible transmural intestinal necrosis (ITIN) were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and CT findings were statistically analyzed in order to search predictive factors of ITIN and their correlation to its clinical spectre. Results Tobacco use was the most statistically significant (p<0.01) cardiovascular disease risk factor involved in ITIN. Among lab tests, Serum lactate levels ˃ 2mmol/L resulted in a statistically significant association with ITIN (p=0.0001). Organ failure (defined as Marshall score> 2) and the three main CT findings (decreased bowel wall enhancement, bowel loop dilation and demonstrated vessel occlusion) were strongly associated with ITIN (p values: 0.001, 0.007, 0.0013, 0.0005). Only serum lactate levels>2 mmol/L resulted as statistically significant as predictive factors of ITIN in multivariate analysis using logistic regression (OR 49.66 and p-value 0.0021). Conclusion Our univariate and multivariate analysis identified multiple factors (Serum lactate levels ˃ 2mmol/L, Organ failure, CT signs) that could suggest patients that require a surgical approach for ITIN.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on model rats of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods Rats were divided into NC, model, Dex-L (1μg/ kg), Dex-M (5μg/kg) and Dex-H (10μg/kg) groups. Rats in all groups except in the NC group were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) combined with right nephrectomy. Rats in Dex (1, 5 and 10μg/kg) groups received gavage with Dex (1, 5 and 10μg/kg). After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed and kidneys were collected. HE staining was performed for a renal injury. Masson staining was applied to detect the fibrotic accumulation in rat kidney. Radioimmunoassay was used to test the renal function. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect protein expressions of RhoA, p-MYPT and Nox4 in rat kidney. Results Compared with the NC group, the levels of urine microalbumin in protein, α1-MG and β2-MG, renal fibrotic accumulation, RhoA, p-MYPT, Nox4 and α-SMA in model group increased significantly (P＜0.001, respectively). Compared with the model group, Dex low, medium and high groups improved the deposition of renal fiber in rats, inhibited the expression levels of microalbumin, α1-MG and β2-MG in urine and decreased expression of RhoA, p-MYPT, Nox4 and α-SMA proteins (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Conclusion Dex is possible to inhibit the expression of α-SMA and renal fibrous substance deposition in rat kidney via RhoA/ROCK/Nox4 signaling pathway, thereby reducing early kidney damage in model rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of miR-181a-5p in sepsis, and to further explore the molecular mechanism. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS for 4 hours. Firstly, qRT-PCR and ELISA was adopted to evaluate the expression of miR-181a-5p and p ro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 macrophages a fter LPS stimulation. Results showed that pro-inflammatory cytokines and miR-181a-5p were significantly increased after LPS treatment. Then, we identified that sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) was a direct target of miR-181a-5p and it was down-regulated in LPS treated RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the data suggested that the miR-181a-5p inhibitor significantly inhibited LPS enhanced inflammatory cytokines expression and NF-κB pathway activation, and these changes were eliminated by SIRT1 silencing. Moreover, the role of the miR-181a-5p inhibitor on sepsis was studied in vivo. We found that the miR-181a-5p inhibitor significantly decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors, and the levels of creatine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in a serum for mice with sepsis. However, all the effects were reversed by SIRT1-siRNA. In summary, these results indicated that miR-181a-5p was involved in sepsis through regulating the inflammatory response by targeting SIRT1, suggesting that miR-181a-5p may be a potential target for the treatment of sepsis.

Background In patients with non-communicating hydrocephalus impairment of cerebral compliance can occur pre- but also intraoperatively. Methodology In such patients (n = 6) undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), the present study aimed to investigate the effect of ETCO2 (e.g 40 mmHg and 60 mmHg) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (e.g. 6 cm and 12 cm H2O) on intraventricular pressure (IVP). Findings Before but not after ETV, hypercapnia in contrast to PEEP increased IVP (before ETV (PEEP-6/ ETCO2-40: 2.6 ± 2.4 mmHg) vs. (PEEP-6/ ETCO2-60: 12 ± 6.4 mmHg*); (PEEP-12/ ETCO2-40: 4.2 ± 4.1 mmHg) vs. (PEEP-12/ ETCO2-60: 13.7 ± 7.6 mmHg*), * significant, P ≤ 0.05; after ETV (PEEP-6/ ETCO2-40: 2.0 ± 1.2 mmHg) vs. (PEEP-6/ ETCO2-60: 4.4 ± 3.1 mmHg); (PEEP-12/ ETCO2-40: 1.6 ± 1.3 mmHg) vs. (PEEP-12/ ETCO2-60: 6.6 ± 2.6 mmHg), * significant, P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Patients with non-communicating hydrocephalus showed that hypercapnia but not PEEP increases significantly IVP before but not after ETV.

Objective To investigate the involvement of miR-520e in the modulation of cancer-promoting cyclinD1 in breast cancer. Methods A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to test the regulation of miR-520e on cyclinD1. The binding of miR-520e to 3’-untranslated region (3’UTR) of cyclinD1 mRNA was predicted by an online bioinformatics website. The effect of miR-520e on the luciferase reporters with binding sites of miR-520e and 3’UTR of cyclinD1 mRNA was revealed using a luciferase reporter gene assay. The correlation between miR-520e and cyclinD1 in clinical breast cancer samples was detected through quantitative real-time PCR. Results The expression of cyclinD1 was gradually reduced as the dose of miR-520e increased. Anti-miR-520e obviously induced cyclinD1 in breast cancer cells. After anti-miR-520e was introduced into the cells, the inhibition of cyclinD1 expression mediated by miR-520e was reversed. The binding of miR-520e with cyclinD1 was revealed via bioinformatics. Under the treatment of dose-increasing miR-520e or anti-miR-520e, the luciferase activities of cyclinD1 3’UTR vector were lower or higher by degrees. However, the activity of the mutant vector was not affected at all. Finally, in clinical breast cancer tissues the negative correlation of miR-520e with cyclinD1 was revealed. Conclusion In conclusion, cyclinD1 is a new target of miR-520e in breast cancer.

Background Neural cell adhesion molecules like close homolog of L1 protein (CHL1) and neuronal glia related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) play an important role in development and regeneration of the central nervous system. However, they are also associated with cancerogenesis and progression in adult malignancies, thus gain increasing importance in cancer research. We therefore studied the expression of CHL1 and NrCAM according to the course of disease in children with neuroblastoma. Methods CHL1 and NrCAM expression levels were histologically assessed by tissue microarrays from surgically resected neuroblastoma specimens of 56 children. Expression of both markers was correlated to demographics as well as clinical data including metastatic dissemination and survival. Results CHL1 was expressed in 9% and NrCAM in 51% of neuroblastoma tissue samples. Expression of CHL1 was higher in patients with low Hughes grade 1a/b (p=0.01). NrCAM was more often detected in patients with a low International Staging System (INSS) score 1/2 (p=0.04). Conclusion CHL1 and NrCAM expression was associated with low-grade pediatric neuroblastoma. These adhesion molecules may play a role in early tumor development of neuroblastoma.

Background Postoperative sepsis is a major type of sepsis. Sociodemographic characteristics, incidence trends, surgical procedures, comorbidities, and organ system dysfunctions related to the disease burden of postoperative sepsis episodes are unclear. Methods We analyzed epidemiological characteristics of postoperative sepsis based on the ICD-9-CM codes for the years 2002 to 2013 using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Databases of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Results We identified 5,221 patients with postoperative sepsis and 338,279 patients without postoperative sepsis. The incidence of postoperative sepsis increased annually with a crude mean of 0.06% for patients aged 45–64 and 0.34% over 65 years. Patients with postoperative sepsis indicated a high risk associated with the characteristics, male sex (OR:1.375), aged 45–64 or ≥ 65 years (OR:2.639 and 5.862), low income (OR:1.390), aged township (OR:1.269), agricultural town (OR:1.266), and remote township (OR:1.205). Splenic surgery (OR:7.723), Chronic renal disease (OR:1.733), cardiovascular dysfunction (OR:2.441), and organ system dysfunctions had the highest risk of postoperative sepsis. Conclusion Risk of postoperative sepsis was highest among men, older, and low income. Patients with splenic surgery, chronic renal comorbidity, and cardiovascular system dysfunction exhibited the highest risk for postoperative sepsis. The evaluation of high-risk factors assists in reducing the disease burden.

Atherosclerosis and chemokines are strongly related, but the role of the chemokine CXCL17 in atherogenesis is still poorly understood. We aim to investigate the serum CXCL17 levels in different stages of patients with coronary heart disease and explore whether these differences contribute to atherosclerosis. In the current prospective study, we enrolled 48 patients with unstable angina (UA), 51 patients with stable angina (SA) and 41 patients for the control group (CG). All subjects were diagnosed by coronary angiography and Gensini score was used to evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease. The CXCL17 levels were determined using ELISA, while lipid metabolism indicators and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. We observed that the unstable angina group had higher CXCL17 levels compared with the stable angina and the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that CXCL17 was an independent risk factor for unstable angina. Our results showed that CXCL17 was also statistically correlated with hs-CRP, while it was irrelevant with Gensini score. CXCL17 levels were associated with activity of inflammatory response and the instability of atherosclerotic plaques. These results suggest that CXCL17 elevation may be a potential new biomarker of unstable angina.

Background Approximately 30% of patients do not respond to implantation of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy – Defibrillators (CRT-D). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for cardiac strain speckle tracking to optimize the performance of CRT-D in non-responding patients. Methods 30 patients not responding to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillators after 3 months were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. Atrioventricular interval was adjusted so that E and A waves did not overlap, the interventricular interval was subsequently optimized to yield maximum improvement of the sum of longitudinal+radial+circumferential strains. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and NYHA improvement 3 months after optimization were evaluated and use of other strain combinations assessed. Results A significant correlation between the (combined) strain change and LVEF improvement was detected (p<0.01). 75% of patients with non-ischemic etiology of heart failure who did not respond to the original CRT-D reacted favorably with significant LVEF and NYHA improvement. The area strain was the best predictor of LVEF/NYHA improvement in those patients. No significant improvement was recorded in patients with ischemic etiology. Conclusions AV and VV optimization based on speckle tracking is a very promising method potentially leading to a significant improvement of the outcome of CRT-D, especially in patients with non-ischemic etiology of heart failure.

Background Cardiac arrest related to nerve blockade using a local anaesthetic is a rare event. We report a case of bupivacaine severe cardiovascular toxicity following cervical paravertebral nerve block. Case presentation A 44-year-old female was admitted to Republican Vilnius University Hospital, with symptoms of sustained severe pain in her neck that radiated to both arms. Multiple cervical intervertebral hernias with spinal stenosis were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Following infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue with a 0.5 % bupivacaine solution, an 18-gauge spinal needle was used to perform the paravertebral block at the C6 level. Bupivacaine was injected in incremental doses to a total of 10 mL. Rapid loss of consciousness and cardiovascular collapse suggested a neuraxial injection of bupivacaine. Long-lasting cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including chest compressions, defibrillation attempts for refractory ventricular fibrillation, medications, mechanical ventilation, and intravenous lipid emulsion infusion, was successful. No severe adverse outcomes other than acute kidney injury and chest pain related to prolonged chest compressions were documented. Conclusions This case report emphasizes the necessity of ensuring adequate safety precautions to avoid local anaesthetic systemic toxicity. Lipid emulsion preparations should be available in all hospital settings where local anaesthetics are used for regional anaesthesia or pain management.

Background Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) is a concentration of second generation autologous growth factors compared to platelet rich plasma (PRP) and represents a multifactorial stimulation system that can be used for the management and treatment of chronic skin ulcers. Aim The aim of this work is to evaluate the additional benefits of the CGF compared to the standard of dressing and its effects on the dynamics of the healing process. Methods Autologous CGFs were obtained from 100 patients with chronic mixed ulcers (venous ulcers in patients with II stage claudication) of the lower limbs in a multicentric controlled randomized study. Results The results showed a significant advantage in the use of CGF in association with cleansing and selective compression in the healing time and stabilization of mixed ulcers of the lower extremities. Conclusions These results support the CGF’s clinical use for improving clinical outcomes in mixed ulcers of the legs.

Carotid body tumor (CBT) are slow-growing tumors that develop in the cervical region at the carotid bifurcation. . In a randomized study, 33 patients were treated for CBT excision: 10 patients performed preoperative embolization (PE) and 23 were treated only by isolated traditional surgery (N-PE). The first group includes patients undergoing preoperative embolization. The second group of patients (N-PE) included 11 males and 12 females. Intraoperative complications were lower in patients treated with a hybrid procedure (PE): sections of the cranial nerves were recorded in 7% of cases compared to 12% of the surgical procedure (P-value = 0.72); while the reversible nerve lesions (P value = 0.21) and the permanent ones (P value = 0.46), were instead similar in both procedures. The comparative blood loss during the operative procedure shows a P-value of 0.02. Operating times, reversible damage of the cranial nerves , incidence of stroke (0% vs1%, P value> 0.99) and post-operative hospital stay (4.1 vs. 4.2 days, P value = 0.91) did not show differences in the two groups of patients. The analysis of the results detects pre-operative embolization of CBT in reducing intraoperative blood loss and resection of the cranial nerves..