Latest Issue
Issue 7 ， 2017
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Retrospective cytological evaluation of indeterminate thyroid nodules according to the British Thyroid Association 2014 classification and comparison of clinical evaluation and outcomes
Abstract：The cytology of 130 indeterminate nodules (Thy 3) was retrospectively reviewed according to the British Thyroid Association 2014 classification. Nodules were divided into Thy 3a (atypical features) and Thy 3f (follicular lesion) categories. Histology was available as a reference for 97 nodules. Pre-surgical evaluations comprised biochemical tests, color-Doppler ultrasonography (US), semi-quantitative elastography-US (USE), contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), and mutation analysis from cytological slides. Thyroid malignancy was the final diagnosis for 19% of surgically-treated nodules. No statistically significant difference in the risk of malignancy was found between Thy 3a (26%) and Thy 3f (14%) nodules. Histology of the Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules showed a higher incidence of Hurtle cell adenomas in Thy 3f (29%) than in Thy 3a (3%) nodules (P=0.01). The only pre-surgical difference concerned the BRAF V600E mutation, which was positive in some Thy 3a but not in any Thy 3f nodules (P=0.04). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to obtain cut-off values from US (score), USE (ELX 2/1 strain index), and CEUS (time-to-peak index and peak index) data. The cut-off values were similar for Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules. Data showed that malignancy can be suspected if the US score is >2, ELX 1/2 strain index >1, time-to-peak index >1, and peak index <1. In a sub-group of 24 revised nodules (12 Thy 3a and 12 Thy 3f) with histology as a reference, the diagnostic power of cumulative pre-surgical analysis by means of US, USE, and CEUS showed high positive and negative predictive values (83% and 100%, respectively) for the presence of malignancy in Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules. In conclusion, in our series of revised Thy 3 nodules, malignancy was low and displayed no significant differences between Thy 3a and Thy 3f categories. The use of cut-offs based on histology as a reference could reduce surgery. Our data support the conviction that, in mutation-negative Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules, observation should be the first choice when not all instrumental results are suspect.Keywords：Indeterminate thyroid nodules;British Thyroid Association 2014 classification;Clinical evaluation;Outcome- 11
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Risk analysis of new oral anticoagulants for gastrointestinal bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage in atrial fibrillation patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis#
Abstract：Background:Antithrombotic therapy using new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been generally shown to have a favorable risk-benefit profile. Since there has been dispute about the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), we sought to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis using Bayesian inference to analyze the risks of GIB and ICH in AF patients taking NOACs.Methods:We analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials of 91 671 AF patients receiving anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or placebo. Bayesian network meta-analysis of two different evidence networks was performed using a binomial likelihood model, based on a network in which different agents (and doses) were treated as separate nodes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were modeled using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Results:Indirect comparisons with the Bayesian model confirmed that aspirin+clopidogrel significantly increased the risk of GIB in AF patients compared to the placebo (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01–0.92). Warfarin was identified as greatly increasing the risk of ICH compared to edoxaban 30 mg (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.22–7.24) and dabigatran 110 mg (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.10–8.45). We further ranked the NOACs for the lowest risk of GIB (apixaban 5 mg) and ICH (apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 110 mg, and edoxaban 30 mg). Conclusions:Bayesian network meta-analysis of treatment of non-valvular AF patients with anticoagulants suggested that NOACs do not increase risks of GIB and/or ICH, compared to each other.Keywords：Anticoagulation;New oral anticoagulant;Atrial fibrillation;Meta-analysis;Gastrointestinal bleeding;Intracranial hemorrhage- 18
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Factors affecting cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Abstract：Objective:Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is recognized far more commonly than ever before. Though usually characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, some patients with SIH are observed to have normal pressure values. In this study, we aimed to confirm the proportion of patients with normal CSF opening pressure (CSF OP) and explore the factors affecting CSF OP in SIH patients.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 206 consecutive SIH patients and analyzed their clinical and imaging variables (including demographic data, body mass index (BMI), duration of symptoms, and brain imaging findings). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the potential factors affecting CSF OP.Results:In a total of 114 (55.3%) cases the CSF OP was ≤60 mmH2O (1 mmH2O=9.806 65 Pa), in 90 (43.7%) cases it was between 60 and 200 mmH2O, and in 2 (1.0%) cases it was >200 mmH2O. Univariate analysis showed that the duration of symptoms (P<0.001), BMI (P<0.001), and age (P=0.024) were positively correlated with CSF OP. However, multivariate analysis suggested that only the duration of symptoms (P<0.001) and BMI (P<0.001) were strongly correlated with CSF OP. A relatively high R2 of 0.681 was obtained for the multivariate model.Conclusions:Our study indicated that in patients without a low CSF OP, a diagnosis of SIH should not be excluded. BMI and the duration of symptoms can influence CSF OP in SIH patients, and other potential factors need further investigation.Keywords：Spontaneous intracranial hypotension;Low cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure;Body mass index;Magnetic resonance imaging- 17
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Protective mechanisms of hypaconitine and glycyrrhetinic acid compatibility in oxygen and glucose deprivation injury
Abstract：This study investigated the protective effect of the compatibility of hypaconitine (HA) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on H9c2 cells under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury, and the possible mechanisms. We found that HA+GA significantly improved pathology and morphology of the nucleus and ultrastructure of H9c2 cells under OGD as determined by Hoechst 33342 staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) tests. It also reduced the releases of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme (CK-MB), and aspartate transaminase (AST) from the cultured supernatant of H9c2 cells, which were tested by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In addition, it lessened the apoptotic rate as determined by a fluorescein isothiocyanate-annexin V/propidium iodide (FITC-AV/PI) double staining assay. It was also found that HA+GA might regulate the protein expression associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Overall, the study demonstrated that HA+GA protected H9c2 cells against OGD-induced injury, and the signaling mechanism might be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Keywords：Hypaconitine (HA);Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA);H9c2 cells;Apoptosis;PI3K/Akt- 18
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Cytotoxicity of anti-tumor herbal
Marsdeniae tenacissimae extract on erythrocytesAbstract：Marsdeniae tenacissimae extract (MTE) has been used as an adjuvant medicine for cancer therapy for a long time. Although massive studies demonstrated its considerable anti-cancer effect, there is no research on its influence on erythrocytes, which are firstly interacted with MTE in the circulation. To investigate the influence of MTE on erythrocytes, we used a flow cytometer to detect the MTE-treated alternations of morphology, calcium concentration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in erythrocytes. We used hemolysis under different osmotic solutions to evaluate the fragility of erythrocytes. Data showed that MTE treatment dose-dependently increased the ratio of erythrocyte fragmentation (P<0.001) and shrinking, and elevated the forward scatter (FSC) value (P<0.001) and calcium accumulation (P<0.001). MTE induced ROS production of erythrocytes under the high glucose condition (P<0.01) and consequently caused a rise in fragility (P<0.05). These results suggest that MTE induces cytotoxicity and aging in erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and presents the possibility of impairment on cancer patients’ circulating erythrocytes when MTE is used as an anti-cancer adjuvant medicine.Keywords：Marsdeniae tenacissimae extract;Erythrocyte;Calcium;Reactive oxygen species (ROS);Fragility- 154
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A simple method for removing low-density granulocytes to purify T lymphocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Abstract：Objective:Low-density granulocytes (LDGs) can form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) spontaneously and excessively. When peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are used for studying T lymphocytes, LDGs contained in the PBMCs may decrease the threshold of activating T lymphocytes by forming NETs. This study focused on the profiles of LDGs in common autoimmune diseases and methods for removing LDGs from PBMCs.Methods:The percentages of LDGs in PBMCs from 55 patients with dermatomyositis (DM), 15 with polymyositis (PM), 42 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 25 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 19 healthy controls were determined by flow cytometry. Three methods of removing LDGs were explored and compared. After removal, PBMCs from six patients with positive T-SPOT.TB were tested again to find out if LDGs contained in the PBMCs could influence T lymphocyte reactions.Results:Significantly higher LDG percentages were found in PBMCs from patients with DM ((8.41±10.87)%, P<0.0001), PM ((8.41±10.39)%, P<0.0001), RA ((4.05±6.97)%, P=0.0249), and SLE ((7.53±11.52)%, P=0.0006), compared with the controls ((1.28±0.73)%). The T-SPOT.TB values significantly decreased after LDGs were removed. Increasing relative centrifugal force (RCF) within a limited range can decrease the LDG percentage from an initial high level, but not markedly increase the LDG clearance rate. Compared with the whole blood sediment method, the PBMC adherence method can significantly remove LDGs yet scarcely influence the T lymphocyte percentage in PBMCs.Conclusions:The LDG percentage in PBMCs is significantly increased in patients with SLE, DM, PM, and RA. The influence of LDGs on T lymphocytes cannot be ignored in PBMC cultures. The adherence method is a simple and easy-to-use method for removing LDGs and purifying T lymphocytes from PBMCs.Keywords：Low-density granulocyte;Neutrophil extracellular trap;Peripheral blood mononuclear cells;Autoimmune disease;T-SPOT.TB- 106
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Effects on cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties of the incorporations of silver nanoparticles into the surface coating of dental alloys
Abstract：The aim of this study was to research the changes in cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties after silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated into the surface coating of dental alloys. AgNPs were attached to cobalt chromium alloys and pure titanium using a hydrothermal method, according to the reaction: AgNO3+NaBH4→ Ag+1/2H2+1/2B2H6+NaNO3. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the alloys when in contact with osteogenic precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) from mice and mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) from rats. The antibacterial properties of dental alloys incorporating three different concentrations (10, 4, and 2 μmol/L) of AgNPs were tested on Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Streptococcus mutans (MS). High cytotoxicity values were observed for all dental alloys that contained 0% of AgNPs (the control groups). The incorporation of AgNPs reduced cytotoxicity values. No significant difference was observed for antibacterial performance when comparing dental alloys containing AgNPs to the respective control groups. The results demonstrated that the cobalt chromium alloys and pure titanium all had cytotoxicity to MC3T3-E1 and BMSC and that the incorporation of AgNPs could reduce this cytotoxicity. The concentrations of AgNPs adopted in this study were found to have no antibacterial action against SA or MS.Keywords：Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs);Dental casting;Cytotoxicity;Antibacterial;MC3T3-E1;BMSC- 25
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Functional characterization of the promoter of carbonyl reductase 1 gene in porcine endometrial cells
Abstract：Prostaglandins (PGs) play a critical role in porcine reproduction, of which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) exert antiluteolytic and luteolysis actions, respectively. As a rate-limiting enzyme, carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) catalyzes the conversion of PGE2 to PGF2α. A high ratio of PGE2:PGF2α is beneficial to the establishment and maintenance of porcine pregnancy. PG is essential for the establishment of pregnancy which resembles the proinflammatory response and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is involved in the process. Bioinformatic analysis has shown that NF-κB is a possible factor bound to two cis-regulatory elements in CBR1 promoter. In this study, we cloned the 2997 bp (−2875/+122) of the promoter, and constructed six 5'-deleted dual-luciferase reporter recombinant vectors. In endometrial cells, the region of P2 (−1640/+7) exhibited the greatest transcriptional activity at driving luciferase expression, but not significantly different from that of P1 (−2089/+7). The activity of P1, P2, and P3 (−1019/+7) was highly significantly higher than that of others (P<0.01), suggesting that two positive regulatory elements were likely present in the regions of −1640/−1019 and −1019/−647. The results also showed that the −1640/−647 region was indispensable for the promoter. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated that the NF-κB subunit p65 binds to one site around −1545/−1531. Using four reference genes, we found that the over-expression of p65 enhanced the expression of CBR1 (P<0.05) in porcine endometrial epithelial cells, while knockdown of the p65 did not down-regulate the CBR1 expression. These results indicated that NF-κB (p65) could bind to the special element of CBR1 gene promoter in porcine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. The binding site of NF-κB was a positive regulator for the CBR1 gene promoter, but was not necessary for the basic expression.Keywords：Pig;Carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1);Promoter;NF-κB;Endometrium- 122
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Response of linear and cyclic electron flux to moderate high temperature and high light stress in tomato
Abstract：Objective:To evaluate the possible photoprotection mechanisms of cyclic and linear electron flux (CEF and LEF) under specific high temperature and high light (HH) stress.Methods:Six-leaf-stage tomato seedlings (“Liaoyuanduoli”, n=160) were divided into four parts: Part 1, served as control under 25 °C, 500 μmol/(m2·s); Part 2, spayed with distilled water (H2O) under 35 °C, 1000 μmol/(m2·s) (HH); Part 3, spayed with 100 μmol/L diuron (DCMU, CEF inhibitor) under HH; Part 4, spayed with 60 μmol/L methyl viologen (MV, LEF inhibitor) under HH. Energy conversion, photosystem I (PSI), and PSII activity, and trans-thylakoid membrane proton motive force were monitored during the treatment of 5 d and of the recovering 10 d.Results:HH decreased photochemical reaction dissipation (P) and the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), and increased the excitation energy distribution coefficient of PSII (β); DCMU and MV aggravated the partition imbalance of the excitation energy (γ) and the photoinhibition degree. With prolonged DCMU treatment time, electron transport rate and quantum efficiency of PSI (ETRI and YI) significantly decreased whereas acceptor and donor side limitation of PSI (YNA and YND) increased. MV led to a significant decline and accession of yield of regulated and non-regulated energy YNPQ and YNO, respectively. Membrane integrity and ATPase activity were reduced by HH stress, and DCMU and MV enhanced inhibitory actions.Conclusions:The protective effects of CEF and LEF were mediated to a certain degree by meliorations in energy absorption and distribution as well as by maintenance of thylakoid membrane integrity and ATPase activity.Keywords：Photoinhibition;Photoprotection;Thylakoid membrane;Tomato- 59
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Published：2022-01-05
Article
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Toxic epidermal necrolysis after dactinomycin and vincristine combination chemotherapy for nephroblastoma
Abstract：In this study, we describe a 2-year-old boy patient with nephroblastoma who has developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) associated with the combination chemotherapy administration of dactinomycin and vincristine. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of TEN, and with methylprednisolone pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and supportive care, the patient improved significantlyKeywords：Drug reaction;Malignant neoplasms;Toxic epidermal necrolysis;Chemotherapys;Nephroblastoma- 17
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Published：2022-01-05
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