Evaluation of the inhibitory effects of drugs on the growth of Babesia gibsoni using relative quantification real-time PCR

@#To evaluate the inhibitory effects of drugs on the growth of Babesia gibsoni, relative quantification real-time PCR method was developed in this study. The 18S rRNA gene was used as a target gene for the 2–ΔΔCt method analysis. Additionally, chicken RNA was added to the parasitized blood before total RNA extraction. The chicken β-actin gene was selected as an internal control gene for the 2–ΔΔCt method analysis. The 100 µL parasitized blood samples with different percentages of parasitized erythrocytes (PPEs) (3%, 1.5%, 0.75%, 0.375% and 0.1875%) were prepared for relative quantification of B. gibsoni. Regression analysis results revealed significant linear relationships between the relative quantification value and parasitemia. 18S rRNA gene expression was significantly decreased after treatment with diminazene aceturate and artesunate in vitro drug sensitivity test. This result suggested that this relative quantification real-time PCR method can be used to evaluate the effects of drug inhibition.

Genotyping and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strain isolated from pigs in Hubei province, central China

@#Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous pathogen that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, can cause severe complications to the infected people and animals as well as serious economic losses and social problems. Here, one local strain (TgPIG-WH1) was isolated from an aborted pig fetus, and the genotype of this strain was identified as ToxoDB #3 by the PCR RFLP typing method using 10 molecular markers (SAG1, SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, C22-8, C29-2 and Apico). A comparison of the virulence of this isolate with other strains in both mice and piglets showed that TgPIG-WH1 was less virulent than type 1 strain RH and type 2 strain ME49 in mice, and caused similar symptoms to those of ME49 such as fever in piglets. Additionally, in piglet infection with both strains, the TgPIG-WH1 caused a higher IgG response and more severe pathological damages than ME49. Furthermore, TgPIG-WH1 caused one death in the 5 infected piglets, whereas ME49 did not, suggesting the higher virulence of TgPIG-WH1 than ME49 during piglet infection. Experimental infections indicate that the virulence of TgPIG-WH1 relative to ME49 is weaker in mice, but higher in pigs. This is probably the first report regarding a ToxoDB #3 strain from pigs in Hubei, China. These data will facilitate the understanding of genetic diversity of Toxoplasma strains in China as well as the prevention and control of porcine toxoplasmosis in the local region.

Blockade of IL-27 signaling ameliorates herpes stromal keratitis with upregulated CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells influx in mice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the production of IL-27 p28 and EBI3 in the ocular inflammatory sites, and the role of IL-27 signaling in a model of HSV-1 induced herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). Methods: The BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally (24 h before infection) with anti-IL-27 antibody or IgG antibody as control, infected with HSV-1 via corneal scarification, and then injected intraperitoneally with anti-IL-27 antibody or IgG antibody at 1, 3, and 5 days postinfection. Slit lamp and histopathology were used to assess disease outcome. The levels of IL-27 p28 and EBI3 in corneas were determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, viral titers were determined, and immune cell infiltrates were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: We found that the levels of IL-27 p28 and EBI3 in corneas were elevated significantly at the peak of HSK, and both of them were expressed simultaneously in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium of corneas. In the group of anti-IL-27 treatment, the severity of the corneal lesion and CD4+ T cells infiltration were significantly decreased, and the percentage of CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs was upregulated markedly in the spleen, DLNs and cornea of HSK mice compared to IgG treatment. Conclusion: These results provided evidence that IL-27 as a pathogenic pro-inflammatory cytokine controlled CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs production in HSK, which ultimately resulted in promoting the progression of HSK and poor prognosis.

Effect of feeding grape seed Proanthocyanidin extract on production performance, metabolic and anti-oxidative status of dairy cattle / Efeito da alimentação do extrato de semente de uva Proanthocyanidin sobre o desempenho da produção e o status metabólico e antioxidante de gado leiteiro

Aims to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on production performance, metabolism, and anti-oxidative status of Holstein dairy cattle in early lactation. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cattle were assigned to four groups (CON, G20, G40 and G80) and supplied with 0, 20, 40, and 80mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day. G20 significantly increased milk yield compared with other groups. Milk protein and non-fat-solids were increased in G20, G40 and G80 groups compared with the control group only at the 7th day during the experiment. No significant difference was observed in milk fat and somatic cell count, nor on parameters of energy metabolism in blood, liver function and kidney function between the four groups. There was no significant difference in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and hydrogen peroxide between the groups; but the malondialdehyde content of G20 significantly increased at day 14 in comparison with CON, and tended to increase at the 28th day. In conclusion, feeding 20mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day was associated with a significant increase in milk yield without detrimental effects on liver or kidney function and with substantial energy metabolism and antioxidant parameters improvement in early lactation dairy cattle.(AU)

O presente trabalho visa investigar os efeitos do extrato de semente de uva Proanthocyanidin (GSPE) sobre o desempenho da produção, o metabolismo e o status antioxidante de gado leiteiro Holstein em lactação precoce. Quarenta e oito vacas leiteiras multíparas Holstein foram divididas em quatro grupos (CON, G20, G40 e G80) e receberam 0, 20, 40 e 80mg de GSPE/kg de peso corporal/dia, respectivamente. O G20 aumentou significativamente o rendimento do leite em comparação com os outros grupos. A proteína e os sólidos não gordurosos do leite foram aumentados nos grupos G20, G40 e G80 somente no sétimo dia durante a experiência. Não foi observada diferença significativa na gordura do leite e na contagem de células somáticas, bem como nos parâmetros de metabolismo energético no sangue, na função hepática e na função renal entre os grupos em relação ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença significativa na glutationa peroxidase, na dimutase de superóxido, na capacidade antioxidante total e no peróxido de hidrogênio entre os grupos, mas o conteúdo malondialdeído do G20 aumentou significativamente no dia 14 em comparação com o CON, e tendia a aumentar no dia 28. Em conclusão, a alimentação de 20mg de GSPE/kg de peso corporal/dia foi associada a um aumento significativo no rendimento do leite, sem efeitos nocivos sobre a função hepática ou a renal, com o metabolismo de energia substancial e a melhoria dos parâmetros antioxidantes de gado leiteiro no início da lactação.(AU)

First report of palpebral conjunctival inflammatory nodule associated with Demodex species

Demodex mite infestation of the palpebral conjunctiva as focal inflammatory nodule has been not reported. A 46-year-old man presented with lower palpebral conjunctival nodules in his left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed focal inflammatory nodules at the inferior palpebral conjunctiva accompanied by conjunctival hyperemia and purulent secretion. Excisional biopsy of this lesion was performed. Pathological evaluations revealed inflammatory granuloma associated with Demodex species in the palpebral conjunctiva. This is the first report of Demodex-related palpebral conjunctival inflammatory nodule and may be helpful in future Demodex-associated studies.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep from northern China

@#Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite causing significant health problems to humans and animals. In recent years, a number of investigations about the seroprevalence of T. gondii in China have been reported, but little is known on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in northern China. In the present study, a total of 288 sheep serum samples were collected from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Hebei provinces of northern China for T. gondii antibody survey using a latex agglutination test (LAT). Of these, 87 (30.2%) serum samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and the antibody titres ranged from 1:64 to 1:1,024. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep was 17.1% in Inner Mongolia, 33.8% in Heilongjiang, 24.6% in Jilin and 46.3% in Hebei. Age and rearing system significantly affected seropositivity. The present survey indicates antibodies to T. gondii are widely prevalent in sheep in northern China, which may cause public health problems in these provinces.

Association between polymorphisms in the APOB gene and hyperlipidemia in the Chinese Yugur population

We investigated the influence of apolipoprotein B gene (APOB) variants on the risk of hyperlipidemia (HL) in 631 middle-aged and elderly members of the Chinese Yugur population (HL, n=336; normolipidemia, n=295). APOB polymorphisms were identified using mass spectrometry, and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1042034, rs2163204, rs512535, rs676210, and rs679899) and serum lipids were further analyzed. rs1042034 and rs676210 were significantly associated with HL (P<0.05). Compared with the GG or AA genotype, individuals with AG and AG+AA in rs1042034 and with AG and AG+GG in rs676210 had a 1.67-fold (95%CI=1.20-2.33),1.63-fold (95%CI=1.19-2.24), 1.72-fold (95%CI=1.24-2.40), and 1.67-fold (95%CI=1.21-2.291) increased risk of high HL, respectively. rs2163204 was in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs1042034, rs676210, and rs679899, and strong disequilibrium was observed between rs1042034 and rs676210 (D′>0.9). Compared with the GTGAA haplotype, haplotypes ATGGA and ATAGG were more strongly associated with HL [odds ratio (OR)=1.46, 95%CI=0.02-2.11; OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.03-2.60, respectively]. The risk factors age (P=0.008), body mass index (P<0.0001), GA+GG genotype in rs676210 (P=0.009), and alcohol consumption (P=0.056) contributed strongly to HL development. The A allele of rs1042034 and the G allele of rs676210 may thus predispose middle-aged and elderly members of the Chinese Yugur population to HL in combination with other genetic or nutritional factors, and could be used as new genetic markers for HL screening.

Astragalus polysaccharides improve cardiomyopathy in STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous (SOD2+/-) knockout mice

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. In the present study, we determined whether the effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on diabetic cardiomyopathy was associated with its impact on oxidative stress. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous superoxide dismutase (SOD2+/-) knockout mice were administered APS. The hemodynamics, cardiac ultrastructure, and the apoptosis, necrosis and proliferation of cardiomyocytes were assessed to evaluate the effect of APS on diabetic and oxidative cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, H2O2 formation, oxidative stress/damage, and SOD activity in cardiomyocytes were evaluated to determine the effects of APS on cardiac oxidative stress. APS therapy improved hemodynamics and myocardial ultrastructure with reduced apoptosis/necrosis, and enhanced proliferation in cardiomyocytes from both STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous SOD2+/- knockout mice. In addition, APS therapy reduced H2O2 formation and oxidative stress/damage, and enhanced SOD activity in both groups of mice. Our findings suggest that APS had benefits in diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may be partly associated with its impact on cardiac oxidative stress.

Comparative efficacy and safety of contact force-sensing catheter and second-generation cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of the contact force (CF)-sensing catheter and second-generation cryoballoon (CB) ablation for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Six controlled clinical trials comparing ablation for AF using a CF-sensing catheter or second-generation CB were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The procedure duration was significantly lower in the CB group compared with that in the CF group [mean difference (MD)=29.4; 95%CI=17.84-40.96; P=0.01], whereas there was no difference between the groups for fluoroscopy duration (MD=0.59; 95%CI=-4.48-5.66; P=0.82). Moreover, there was no difference in the incidence of non-lethal complications (embolic event, tamponade, femoral/subclavian hematoma, arteriovenous fistula, pulmonary vein stenosis, phrenic nerve palsy, and esophageal injury) between the CB and the CF groups (8.38 vs 5.35%; RR=0.66; 95%CI=0.37-1.17; P=0.15). Transient phrenic nerve palsy occurred in 17 of 326 patients (5.2%) of the CB group vs none in the CF group (RR=0.12; 95%CI=0.03-0.43; P=0.001). A comparable proportion of patients in CF and CB groups suffered from AF recurrence during the 12-month follow-up after a single ablation procedure [risk ratio (RR)=1.03; 95%CI=0.78-1.35; P=0.84]. AF ablation using CF-sensing catheters and second-generation CB showed comparable fluoroscopy duration and efficacy (during a 12-month follow-up), with shorter procedure duration and different complications in the CB group.

MicroRNA-122 regulates caspase-8 and promotes the apoptosis of mouse cardiomyocytes

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis plays key roles in the pathogenesis of heart diseases such as myocardial infarction. MicroRNAs are important regulators of gene expression, which are also involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, cardiomyocyte apoptosis regulated by microRNA (miR)-122 is largely unexplored. The aim of this study focused on the role of miR-122 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from neonatal mice and primarily cultured. MiR-122 mimic and inhibitor were transfected to cardiomyocytes and verified by qRT-PCR. Cell viability and apoptosis post-transfection were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Changes in expression of caspase-8 were quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot. Results showed that miR-122 mimic and inhibitor successfully induced changes in miR-122 levels in cultured cardiomyocytes (P<0.01). MiR-122 overexpression suppressed viability and promoted apoptosis of cardiomyocytes (P<0.05), and miR-122 knockdown promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of caspase-8 were elevated by miR-122 overexpression (P<0.01) and reduced by miR-122 knockdown (P<0.001). These results suggest an inductive role of miR-122 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which may be related to its regulation on caspase-8.

Comparison of outcomes between off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in elderly patients: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to analyze if off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is associated with better treatment outcomes in elderly patients (>70 years of age) than on-pump CABG, using meta-analysis. Medline, PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases were searched until September 13, 2016. Sensitivity and quality assessment were performed. Twenty-two studies, three randomized control trials (RCTs) and 20 non-RCTs were included with 24,127 patients. The risk of death associated with on-pump or off-pump CABG in the RCTs were similar (pooled OR=0.945, 95%CI=0.652 to 1.371, P=0.766). However, in the non-RCTs, mortality risk was lower in patients treated with off-pump CABG than on-pump CABG (pooled OR=0.631, 95%CI=0.587 to 0.944, P=0.003). No differences were observed between the two treatment groups in terms of the occurrence of 30-day post-operative stroke or myocardial infarction (P≥0.147). In the non-RCTs, off-pump CABG treatment was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (pooled standardized difference in means=-0.401, 95%CI=-0.621 to -0.181, P≤0.001). The meta-analysis with pooled data from non-RCTs, but not RCTs, found that mortality was lower with off-pump compared with on-pump CABG, and suggested that there may be some benefit of off-pump CABG compared with on-pump CABG in the risk of mortality and length of hospital stay.

Retinoic acid protects from experimental cerebral infarction by upregulating GAP-43 expression

The aim of this study was to investigate whether exogenous retinoic acid (RA) can upregulate the mRNA and protein expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), thereby promoting brain functional recovery in a rat distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemia. A total of 216 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 300–320 g were divided into 3 groups: sham-operated group, MCAO+vehicle group and MCAO+RA group. Focal cortical infarction was induced with a distal MCAO model. The expression of GAP-43 mRNA and protein in the ipsilateral perifocal region was assessed using qPCR and immunocytochemistry at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after distal MCAO. In addition, an intraperitoneal injection of RA was given 12 h before MCAO and continued every day until the animal was sacrificed. Following ischemia, the expression of GAP-43 first increased considerably and then decreased. Administration of RA reduced infarction volume, promoted neurological functional recovery and upregulated expression of GAP-43. Administration of RA can ameliorate neuronal damage and promote nerve regeneration by upregulating the expression of GAP-43 in the perifocal region after distal MCAO.

FAMLF is a target of miR-181b in Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is closely related to the abnormal expression of genes. Familial acute myelogenous leukemia related factor (FAMLF; GenBank accession No. EF413001.1) is a novel gene that was cloned by our research group, and miR-181b is located in the intron of the FAMLF gene. To verify the role of miR-181b and FAMLF in BL, RNAhybrid software was used to predict target site of miR-181b on FAMLF and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) was used to detect expression of miR-181b and FAMLF in BL patients, Raji cells and unaffected individuals. miR-181b was then transfected into Raji and CA46 cell lines and FAMLF expression was examined by RQ-PCR and western blotting. Further, Raji cells viability and proliferation were detected by MTT and clone formation, and Raji cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that miR-181b can bind to bases 21–42 of the FAMLF 5′ untranslated region (UTR), FAMLF was highly expressed and miR-181b was lowly expressed in BL patients compared with unaffected individuals. FAMLF expression was significantly and inversely correlated to miR-181b expression, and miR-181b negatively regulated FAMLF at posttranscriptional and translational levels. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay identified that the 5′ UTR of FAMLF mRNA contained putative binding sites for miR-181b. Down-regulation of FAMLF by miR-181b arrested cell cycle, inhibited cell viability and proliferation in a BL cell line model. Our findings explain a new mechanism of BL pathogenesis and may also have implications in the therapy of FAMLF-overexpressing BL.

Salinomycin enhances doxorubicin sensitivity through reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cholangiocarcinoma cells by regulating ARK5

Chemotherapy response rates in patients with cholangiocarcinoma remain low, primarily due to the development of drug resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells is widely accepted to be important for metastasis and progression, but it has also been linked to the development of chemoresistance. Salinomycin (an antibiotic) has shown some potential as a chemotherapeutic agent as it selectively kills cancer stem cells, and has been hypothesized to block the EMT process. In this study, we investigated whether salinomycin could reverse the chemoresistance of cholangiocarcinoma cells to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. We found that combined salinomycin with doxorubicin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability compared with doxorubicin or salinomycin treatment alone in two cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (RBE and Huh-28). The dosages of both drugs that were required to produce a cytotoxic effect decreased, indicating that these two drugs have a synergistic effect. In terms of mechanism, salinomycin reversed doxorubicin-induced EMT of cholangiocarcinoma cells, as shown morphologically and through the detection of EMT markers. Moreover, we showed that salinomycin treatment downregulated the AMP-activated protein kinase family member 5 (ARK5) expression, which regulates the EMT process of cholangiocarcinoma. Our results indicated that salinomycin reversed the EMT process in cholangiocarcinoma cells by inhibiting ARK5 expression and enhanced the chemosensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma cells to doxorubicin. Therefore, a combined treatment of salinomycin with doxorubicin could be used to enhance doxorubicin sensitivity in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Differentiating origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias: a comparison of three different electrocardiographic algorithms

Our objective is to evaluate the accuracy of three algorithms in differentiating the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs). This study involved 110 consecutive patients with OTVAs for whom a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) showed typical left bundle branch block morphology with an inferior axis. All the ECG tracings were retrospectively analyzed using the following three recently published ECG algorithms: 1) the transitional zone (TZ) index, 2) the V2 transition ratio, and 3) V2 R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices. Considering all patients, the V2 transition ratio had the highest sensitivity (92.3%), while the R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices in V2 had the highest specificity (93.9%). The latter finding had a maximal area under the ROC curve of 0.925. In patients with left ventricular (LV) rotation, the V2 transition ratio had the highest sensitivity (94.1%), while the R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices in V2 had the highest specificity (87.5%). The former finding had a maximal area under the ROC curve of 0.892. All three published ECG algorithms are effective in differentiating the origin of OTVAs, while the V2 transition ratio, and the V2 R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices are the most sensitive and specific algorithms, respectively. Amongst all of the patients, the V2 R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude algorithm had the maximal area under the ROC curve, but in patients with LV rotation the V2 transition ratio algorithm had the maximum area under the ROC curve.

Angiotensin- (1-7) inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress to relieve lung injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissues and can lead to metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effects of angiotensin1–7 [Ang-(1–7)] on lung injury in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180–200 g) to normoxia control (NC), CIH-untreated (uCIH), Ang-(1–7)-treated normoxia control (N-A), and Ang-(1–7)-treated CIH (CIH-A) groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in lung tissues, and expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) and Nox subunits (p22phox, and p47phox) was determined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary pathological changes were more evident in the uCIH group than in the other groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemical staining showed that inflammatory factor concentrations in serum and lung tissues in the uCIH group were significantly higher than those in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of inflammatory factors was significantly higher in the CIH-A group than in the NC and N-A groups, but was lower than in the uCIH group (P<0.01). Oxidative stress was markedly higher in the uCIH group than in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of Nox4 and its subunits was also increased in the uCIH group. These changes were attenuated upon Ang-(1–7) treatment. In summary, treatment with Ang-(1-7) reversed signs of CIH-induced lung injury via inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Percutaneous computed tomography‑guided iodine‑125 seeds implantation for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: To examine the safety and clinical efficacy of computed tomography (CT)‑guided radioactive iodine‑125 (125I) seeds implantation for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 26 patients with pathologically confirmed unresectable pancreatic cancer underwent percutaneous CT‑guided 125I seeds implantation. Part of them received transarterial chemotherapy and/or percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage before or after seeds implantation. The primary endpoints were the objective response rates, local control rates, and overall survival. RESULTS: CT scan 2 months after treatment revealed complete response (CR) in 8 patients, partial response (PR) in 9 patients. Overall response rate (CR + PR) is 65.38%. Local control rate was 88.46%. Median survival of the whole group was 15.3 months, whereas for Stage III and IV was 17.6 and 9.1 months, respectively. The estimated 1‑year survival was 30.77%. CONCLUSIONS: We consider CT‑guided 125I seeds implantation as a safe, effective, uncomplicated treatment for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Microwave ablation as palliative treatment of locally recurrent colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering local recurrence of colorectal cancer which cannot be surgically removed are troubled with severe pain and poor quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)‑guided microwave ablation (MWA) as palliative treatment for recurrent unresectable colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty‑one patients were suffering locally recurrent colorectal cancer underwent MWA with CT guidance. The MWA power was set at 60–80 W, 6–8 min. Effectiveness was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) with a follow‑up of 6‑month. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. Mean VAS preprocedure was 7.10. Mean VAS postprocedure were as follows: 1 week, 2.65 (P < 0.001); 1 month, 0.81 (P < 0.001); 3 months 0.45 (P < 0.001); and 6 months 0.19 (P < 0.001). No serious complications were observed including intestinal fistulas, bladder fistulas, or peripheral vascular or nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS: CT‑guided MWA as treatment of recurrent colorectal cancer can quickly and effectively relieve pain. It is a minimally invasive, safe, and efficient palliative treatment of recurrent colorectal cancer.

Evaluation of primary thyroid lymphoma by ultrasonography combined with contrast‑enhanced ultrasonography: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the features of primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) by ultrasonography (US) combined with contrast‑enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 20 patients (8 male and 12 female) with PTL were evaluated by conventional US and among them, 10 patients underwent CEUS examination. The appearance of US features was classified into three types: Diffusive mass type, multiple nodular type and mixed type. The CEUS patterns included diffusive homogeneous enhancement and diffusive heterogeneous enhancement pattern. Parameters of CEUS time‑intensive curve were analyzed in primary tumor and involved lymph nodes compared to ipsilateral common carotid artery. RESULTS: Of 20 patients with PTL, 18 presented an enlarging neck mass that grew rapidly with an average duration of 3.2 months, and 17 were associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In conventional US, all patients had marked hypoechoic masses. Among them, 12 patients were diffusive mass type, 6 were multiple nodular type and 2 were mixed type. For CEUS patterns, 8 were diffusive homogeneous enhancement and 2 were diffusive heterogeneous enhancement. Necrosis areas were showed in diffuse heterogeneous pattern which were hardly seen in conventional US. In the quantitative analysis of CEUS parameters, the time to peak of time‑intensive curve in the primary tumors or involved lymph nodes was longer than that of the ipsilateral common carotid artery (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: PTL mainly demonstrated as a diffusive mass type with marked hypoechogenecity on conventional US and diffusive homogeneous enhancement pattern on CEUS. And the heterogeneous enhancement pattern is also helpful for detecting necrosis areas of PTL.

Association of body mass index with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

The objective of this observational, multicenter study was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A total of 339 patients (197 females, 142 males) diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis by high-resolution computed tomography were classified into four groups: underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5≤BMI<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0≤BMI<30.0 kg/m2), and obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2). Clinical variables expressing disease severity were recorded, and acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and survival rates were estimated during the follow-up period. The mean BMI was 21.90 kg/m2. The underweight group comprised 28.61% of all patients. BMI was negatively correlated with acute exacerbations, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, radiographic extent of bronchiectasis, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa and positively correlated with pulmonary function indices. BMI was a significant predictor of hospitalization risk independent of relevant covariates. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year cumulative survival rates were 94%, 86%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. Survival rates decreased with decreasing BMI (χ2=35.16, P<0.001). The arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, inspiratory capacity, age, BMI, and predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s independently predicted survival in the Cox proportional hazard model. In conclusion, an underweight status was highly prevalent among patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Patients with a lower BMI were prone to developing more acute exacerbations, worse pulmonary function, amplified systemic inflammation, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa. BMI was a major determinant of hospitalization and death risks. BMI should be considered in the routine assessment of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.