Modulation of mucin secretion using combined polyethylene glycol–propylene glycol topical formulation in a hyperosmotic stress-based explant model

Purpose: Ocular surface discomfort and dry eye disease are caused by a dysfunctional tear film. The efficacy of lubricating eye drops on the human eye is known, but the compositions may show differential effects on rescuing the tear film. Mucins form a critical layer of the tear film, a reduction of which may be causative for ocular surface conditions. Therefore, it is essential to develop relevant human?derived models to test mucin production. Methods: Human corneoscleral rims were obtained from a healthy donor (n = 8) post?corneal keratoplasty and cultured in DMEM/F12 media. Hyperosmolar stress mimicking dry eye disease was induced by exposing the corneoscleral rim tissues to +200 mOsml NaCl?containing media. The corneoscleral rims were treated with polyethylene glycol–propylene glycol (PEG–PG)?based topical formulation. Gene expression analysis was performed for NFAT5, MUC5AC, and MUC16. Secreted mucins were measured by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Elabscience, Houston, TX, USA) for MUC5AC and MUC16. Results: The corneoscleral rims responded to hyperosmolar stress by upregulating NFAT5, a marker for increased osmolarity, as observed in the case of dry eye disease. The expression of MUC5AC and MUC16 was reduced upon an increase in hyperosmotic stress. The corneoscleral rim tissues showed induction of MUC5AC and MUC16 expression upon treatment with PEG–PG topical formulation but did not show significant changes in the presence of hyperosmolar treatments. Conclusion: Our findings showed that PEG–PG?based topical formulation slightly alleviated hyperosmolar stress?induced decrease in MUC5AC and MUC16 gene expression that is encountered in DED

Exploration of phase angle used to construct PG-SGA nutritional assessment and prediction model for malignant tumor patients / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the value of phase angle (PA) in constructing a predictive model of nutrition evaluation for tumor patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1 129 patients with malignant tumors hospitalized in the Cancer Center of Changzhi People's Hospital from June 2020 to February 2021. PA values of six parts of the body were measured by the body composition analyzer, including: left arm (LA), right arm (RA), left leg (LL), right leg (RL), the trunk (TR), and the whole body (WB). Patients' body mass index (BMI) was calculated and patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) was assessed. The differences of PA values of six parts were compared and their correlations with BMI and PG-SGA in combination with age, gender and tumor disease types were analyzed, binary classification regression on BMI and PG-SGA was performed, and the functions of the best prediction model was fitted. Decision tree, random forest, Akaike information criterion in a Stepwise Algorithm (stepAIC) and generalized likelihood ratio test were used to select appropriate variables, and the logit logistic regression model was used to fit the data. Results: Comparing the PA values of six parts in pairs, it was found that the PA values of LA and RA, LL and RL, and TR and WB were linearly correlated and the coefficient was close to 1 (P<0.001). Binary classification regression was performed for BMI and PG-SGA, respectively. In order to make the data have clinical significance, 18.5 kg/m(2) was used as the classification point for BMI, 4 and 9 were used as the classification points for PG-SGA score, and the models of A, B and C were obtained. Suitable variables including PA-LA, PA-TR and tumor disease types were used as variables to fit BMI classification; BMI, PA-LA and age were used as variables to fit the PG-SGA model with 9 as the classification point. PA-LA, PA-TR, BMI, age and tumor disease types were used as variables to fit the PG-SGA model with 4 as the classification point. In this study, the predicted values of models A, B and C obtained by R-studio were imported into SPSS 26.0 software, and the cut-off values of classification were obtained by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The ROC analytic results showed that the best cut-off values of Model A, B and C were 0.155, 0.793 and 0.295. Model A recommended when the probability is >0.155, a patient's nutritiond tatus should be classified as BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2) group. Model B recommended that PG-SGA<9 group be classified as the probability is >0.793. Model C recommended that PG-SGA < 4 group should be classified when probability is >0.295. Conclusions: The PG-SGA classification prediction model is simple to operate, and the nutritional status of patients can be roughly divided into three groups: normal or suspected malnutrition group (PG-SGA<4), moderate malnutrition group (4≤PG-SGA<9), and severe malnutrition group (PG-SGA≥9). This model can more efficiently predict the nutritional status of cancer patients, greatly simplify the nutritional assessment process, and better guide the standardized treatment of clinical malnutrition.

Effects of TYROBP Deficiency on Neuroinflammation of a Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model Carrying a PSEN1 p.G378E Mutation / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective To study the effects of TYRO protein kinase-binding protein (TYROBP) deficiency on learning behavior, glia activation and pro-inflammatory cycokines, and Tau phosphorylation of a new Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model carrying a PSEN1 p.G378E mutation.Methods A new AD mouse model carrying PSEN1 p.G378E mutation was built based on our previously found AD family which might be ascribed to the PSEN1 mutation, and then crossed with TYROBP deficient mice to produce the heterozygous hybrid mice (PSEN1G378E/WT; Tyrobp+/-) and the homozygous hybrid mice (PSEN1G378E/G378E; Tyrobp-/-). Water maze test was used to detect spatial learning and memory ability of mice. After the mice were sacrificed, the hippocampus was excised for further analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the cell that expresses TYROBP and the number of microglia and astrocyte. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of Tau and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau), and ELISA to measure the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results Our results showed that TYROBP specifically expressed in the microglia of mouse hippocampus. Absence of TYROBP in PSEN1G378E mutation mouse model prevented the deterioration of learning behavior, decreased the numbers of microglia and astrocytes, and the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the hippocampus (all P < 0.05). The ratios of AT8/Tau5, PHF1/Tau5, pT181/Tau5, pT231/Tau5 and p-ERK/ERK were all higher in homozygous hybrid mice (PSEN1G378E/G378E; Tyrobp-/- mice) compared with PSEN1G378E/G378E mice (all P < 0.05). Conclusions TYROBP deficiency might play a protective role in the modulation of neuroinflammation of AD. However, the relationship between neuroinflammation processes involving microglia and astrocyte activation, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and p-Tau pathology needs further study.

Identification of a novel PHGDH covalent inhibitor by chemical proteomics and phenotypic profiling

The first rate-limiting enzyme of the serine synthesis pathway (SSP), phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), is hyperactive in multiple tumors, which leads to the activation of SSP and promotes tumorigenesis. However, only a few inhibitors of PHGDH have been discovered to date, especially the covalent inhibitors of PHGDH. Here, we identified withangulatin A (WA), a natural small molecule, as a novel covalent inhibitor of PHGDH. Affinity-based protein profiling identified that WA could directly bind to PHGDH and inactivate the enzyme activity of PHGDH. Biolayer interferometry and LC-MS/MS analysis further demonstrated the selective covalent binding of WA to the cysteine 295 residue (Cys295) of PHGDH. With the covalent modification of Cys295, WA blocked the substrate-binding domain (SBD) of PHGDH and exerted an allosteric effect to induce PHGDH inactivation. Further studies revealed that with the inhibition of PHGDH mediated by WA, the glutathione synthesis was decreased and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated, leading to the inhibition of tumor proliferation. This study indicates WA as a novel PHGDH covalent inhibitor, which identifies Cys295 as a novel allosteric regulatory site of PHGDH and holds great potential in developing anti-tumor agents for targeting PHGDH.

Solute carrier transporters: the metabolic gatekeepers of immune cells

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters meditate many essential physiological functions, including nutrient uptake, ion influx/efflux, and waste disposal. In its protective role against tumors and infections, the mammalian immune system coordinates complex signals to support the proliferation, differentiation, and effector function of individual cell subsets. Recent research in this area has yielded surprising findings on the roles of solute carrier transporters, which were discovered to regulate lymphocyte signaling and control their differentiation, function, and fate by modulating diverse metabolic pathways and balanced levels of different metabolites. In this review, we present current information mainly on glucose transporters, amino-acid transporters, and metal ion transporters, which are critically important for mediating immune cell homeostasis in many different pathological conditions.

Suppression of OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B enhanced the sensitivity of bladder cancer cells T24 to cisplatin / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 pseudogene 5 (OCT4-pg5) and octamer-binding transcription factor 4B (OCT4B) expression on cisplatin sensitivity of bladder cancer T24 cells. Methods: The expression of OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B in bladder cancer cells and tissues were quantified by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To examine the effect of OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B on cisplatin sensitivity, cells were transfected with OCT4-pg5 si-RNA, OCT4B si-RNA and their control si-RNA by lipofectamine 2000 followed by a 48 h cisplatin treatment. CCK8 was used to assess the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin in T24 cells. OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B expression were detected by RT-qPCR or Western blot. Next, flow cytometry was used to examine the effects of OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B on T24 cells apoptosis and cell-cycle distribution. Results: RT-qPCR results showed that OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B were highly expressed in bladder cancer cells and tissues. Moreover, OCT4-pg5 expression was positively correlated with OCT4B expression in 23 bladder cancer tissues. Cells transfected with OCT4-pg5 si-RNA or OCT4B si-RNA showed a much lower IC50 of cisplatin, compared with cells in the control group. RT-qPCR or Western blot results showed OCT4-pg5 or OCT4B expression was significantly down-regulated after being transfected with OCT4-pg5 si-RNA or OCT4B si-RNA in cisplatin treated T24 cells. The flow cytometry results showed that OCT4-pg5 suppression or OCT4B suppression of cisplatin treated T24 cells resulted in a significant increase of cell apoptosis and marked the transition from the S phase to G0/G1 phase. Conclusions Downregulating OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B could enhance the sensitivity of bladder cancer T24 cells to cisplatin.

La vertical verdadera al punto A´(blando), al Pg´(blando), al Labrale superior y al Labrale inferior en posición ideal asistida de la cabeza (PIAC) / The true vertical from point A´(soft), to Pg´ (soft), to superior Labrale and inferior Labrale in Ideal Assisted Head Position (PIAC)

El 81,3% de una encuesta realizada a 96 ortodoncistas y ortopedistas calificados y técnicos radiólogos consultados informan que ubican la cabeza del paciente en una posición ideal, subjetiva del profesional instruido que lo asiste, ya que muchas de sus fotografías y telerradiografías no son posiciones naturales de la cabeza genuinas. Se ha utilizado la vertical verdadera como parámetro para mediciones, todas angulares, para definir la disposición ánteroposterior del punto A´ (de construcción) para el cuerpo del labio superior, el punto Pg´para el mentón, el Labrale superior y el Labrale inferior para el bermellón de cada labio, con la finalidad de planificar correcciones ortopédicas, ortodóncicas u ortodóncicas-quirúrgicas de acuerdo a la anomalía detectada (AU)

The inhibitory effect of ozone water on bad breath pathogens in vitro / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To study the inhibitory effect of ozone water on bad breath pathogens in vitro. Methods: In vitro cultured bad breath pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were identified by Gram stain and a PCR test. Ozonated water by was prepared by ozone generator and the concentration of ozone in water was measured using iodine titration. Artificial saliva was used to observe its interference on ozone function. Results: Gram stain and PCR results were consisted with strain characteristics. The ozone concentration of ozonated water reached to the maximum of 0. 2 mg/L. Ozone water with the concentration was 0. 05, 0. 1 and 0. 2 mg/L inhibited the proliferation of Pg, Pi and Fn. But the inhibitory effect was weakened when the concentration decreased. The artificial saliva reduced the effect of ozone water. Conclusion: The Pg, Pi and Fn can be inhibited by ozone water. Artificial saliva may reduce the effects of ozone water on the bacteria.

Pharmacodynamics and mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao Intragastric Floating Tablets based on unification of medicines and excipients / 中草药

Objective: To study the pharmacodynamic effect of “unification of medicines and excipients” and the mechanism of action about Shaoyao Gancao Intragastric Floating Tablets (SGIFT). Methods: Rabbits were randomly divided into control group and model group, Shenmei Yangwei Granule group (1.0 g/kg), Shaoyao Gancao Decoction extract group (1.0 g/kg), low-dose SGIFT group (1.0 g/kg), high-dose SGIFT group (1.5 g/kg), chitosan blank excipients group (1.0 g/kg). The acute gastric ulcer model was established in the blank excipient group without chitosan (1.0 g/kg). Six rats in each group, fasting for 24 h after 13 d of continuous administration, and gastric administration of anhydrous ethanol (2.5 mL/single). The blood and gastric tissue were taken out after 1.5 h to observe the pathological damage in each group. The expression of GAS, MDA, PG, epidermal growth factor (EGF) in serum and EGF, PGE2, TFF1 in gastric tissue of each group were detected. Results: Compared with the model group, the other groups can improve the gastric histopathology of rabbits with acute gastric ulcer effectively. The content of EGF in serum and EGF, PGE2, and TFF1 in gastric tissue of rabbits was increased in varying degrees, and the content of GAS, MDA, and PG in serum was all decreased in different degrees. Conclusion: SGIFT had certain therapeutic effects on rabbits with anhydrous ethanol gastric ulcer. The mechanism might be related to protecting gastric mucosa, increasing the content of protective factors, and reducing the content of attack factors.

Construction of PC9 cell lines stably transfectedwith human LncRNAMIR31HG gene and its effects on cell proliferation and migration / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To detect the effect of over expressed human MIR31HG gene on the proliferation and m grat on of PC9 ce Is, and to clarify the mechan sm of oncogene MIR31 HG Methods: The ful length sequence of ong non coding RNA (LncRNA) MIR31HG was amp fed by RT PGR and cloned nto the pcDNA3 1 ( ) eukaryot c expression vector. The PG9 cells were transfected w th the pcDNA3 1 MIR31HG overexpress on vector and control vector pcDNA3 1. The construction of MIR31HG overexpress on vector was detected by enzymatic digest on identification. The stab e cell 1 nes w th overexpress on of MIR31HG (PC9 pcDNA3 1 MIR31HG∗ stab e transfection group) and control ce 1 1 nes (PC9 pcDNA3 1, empty vector group) were established by G418 drug screen ng. and the express on evel of MIR31 HG gene n stably transfected cell ine was detected by RT PGR CCK 8 method and scratch heal ng assay were used to detect the proliferation act vities and m gration ab 1 ties of PC9 eel s. Results: The agarose gel e ectrophoresis resu ts showed that the spec f c gene fragment of MIR31HG was obta ned by amplif cation successfu ly. The gene fragments of target gene and vector were produced by double enzyme digest on of MIR31HG eukaryotic expression vector. The RT PGR resu ts showed that the MIR31HG RNA expression leve in the cells n stable transfect on group was sign ficantly h gher than that in empty vector group (P< 0 05). The results of CGK 8 test showed that the pro iferat on act vities of the eels in stable transfection group were s gnif cant y higher than those in empty vector group at 24, 36 and 48 h after culture ( P<0 01). The results of scratch healing assay showed that the scratch heal ng rate of ce Is n stable transfect on group was sign ficantly h gher than that in empty vector group at 48 h after culture ( P<0 05). Conclusion: The eukaryotic overexpression vector and the PG9 eel line stably transfected w th human LncRNA MIR31 HG gene are constructed successfully, and M1R31 HG overexpression can promote the pro iferat on and m grat on of ung cancer PG9 cells.

Expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in the hippocampus in an AD mouse model / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in the hippocampus in AD mice. Methods AD mice were created by knocking in PSEN1 p.G378E gene in C57BL/6 mice. The expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), cystine-glutamate exchanger (SLC7A11), long-chain fattyacyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein1 (PEBP1) in the hippocampus were compared among PSEN1 p.G378E-/-、 PSEN1 p.G378E-/+and WT mice. Results The expression levels of GPX4, PEBP1, SLC7A11 and ACSL4 proteins in the hippocampus were significantly increased in PSEN1 p.G378E-/-mice than in either PSEN1 p.G378E-/+or WT mice (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the expression levels of GPX4 and PSEN1 proteins were higher in PSEN1 p.G378E-/+mice than in WT mice (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in expression levels of SLC7A11 and ACSL4 proteins between PSEN1 p.G378E-/+mice and WT mice (P>0.05). Conclusion Expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins are significantly increased in the hippocampus of PSEN1 p.G378E knock-in mice.

Function-Preserving Surgery in Gastric Cancer

The rising incidence of early gastric cancer has enabled the development of function-preserving gastrectomy with the focus on post gastrectomy quality of life and adherence to sound oncologic principles. It is concurrent with the growing popularity of minimally invasive surgery; and both are commonly used together. The different kinds of function-preserving gastrectomy included in this review are: pylorus-preserving and proximal gastrectomy, vagus nerve preservation, sentinel node navigation, and various endoscopic & minimally-invasive techniques. In this article the indications, techniques, oncologic safety, functional benefit, and outcomes of each kind of function-preserving gastrectomy are discussed.

Periodontal pathogens and the association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis in Korean adults

PURPOSE: Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share a similar inflammatory pathogenesis. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) can induce anticyclic-citrullinated peptide autoantibodies (anti-CCP antibodies), a key factor in the development of RA. This study aimed at evaluating the relationships between the 2 diseases and identifying the clinical implications thereof, with a focus on periodontal pathogens in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 260 RA patients and 86 age- and sex-matched control patients without arthritis were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Periodontal indices and the prevalence and amount of periodontal pathogens were compared between the groups. Correlations between periodontal and RA indices were examined, as were correlations between 9 periodontal pathogens and RA indices. RESULTS: The RA group had significantly higher values than the control group for all investigated periodontal indices (P < 0.05) except the number of teeth. The gingival index (GI) was correlated with the disease activity score 28 (DAS28) (r = 0.125, P = 0.049), RA disease duration (r = 0.253, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = 0.162, P = 0.010), and anti-CCP antibody titer (r = 0.205, P = 0.004). Probing pocket depth (PPD) was correlated with ESR (r = 0.139, P = 0.027) and anti-Pg antibody titer (r = 0.203, P = 0.001). Bleeding on probing (BOP) was correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.137, P = 0.030), RA disease duration (r = 0.202, P = 0.001), ESR (r = 0.136, P = 0.030), anti-Pg antibody titer (r = 0.177, P = 0.005), and anti-CCP antibody titer (r = 0.188, P = 0.007). Clinical attachment level (CAL) and periodontitis severity were correlated with anti-Pg antibody titer (the former r = 0.201, P = 0.002; the latter r = 0.175, P = 0.006). The quantity of Pg was positively correlated with the serum anti-Pg antibody titer (r = 0.148, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The GI, BOP, and PPD showed positive relationships with several RA indices. The anti-Pg antibody titer had positive relationships with PPD, BOP, CAL, and periodontitis severity. Thus, increasing values of periodontal indices could be used as a risk indicator of disease development in RA patients, and an increasing anti-Pg antibody titer could be considered as a warning sign in RA patients suffering with periodontitis.

Mechanism of thermosensitive moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis in rabbit models / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the impacts of thermosensitive moxibustion (TSM) on the expressions of nitric oxide (NO), typeⅠdisintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), typeⅡcollagen and proteoglycan (PG) in the rabbit models of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and explore the mechanism of TSM on KOA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 42 Japanese long-eared male rabbits were divided into a blank group (6 rabbits), a model group (6 rabbits), a moxibustion group (24 rabbits) and a sham-operation group (6 rabbits) according to the random number table. In the blank group, the rabbits were fed normally. In the model and moxibustion groups, the papain injection was given to establish KOA models. The rabbits in the sham-operation group were treated with the intracavity injection of 0.9% NaCl solution. The rabbits were forced to move for 30 min every day, continuously for 15 days during modeling. At the end of modeling, in the moxibustion group, moxibusiton was applied at "Dubi" (ST 35), once a day, 40 min each time, for 14 days totally. According to the temperature changes during moxibustion, the rabbits were divided into a TSM group and a non-TSM group. 6 rabbits were collected randomly from the two groups. The usual feeding was given in the blank group, the model group and the sham-operation group, without any intervention. The body mass and behavioristics changes were observed in each group. At the end of treatment, the nitrate reduction method was adopted to determine NO expression in the serum. The real-time PCR was adopted to determine the expressions of ADAMTS-4, typeⅡcollagen and PG in the cartilage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>① After modeling, compared with the blank group, the body mass was all reduced and the Lequesne MG score was increased in the model group, TSM group, non-TSM group and sham-operation group (<0.05, <0.01). After intervention, compared with the blank group, the body mass was decreased and the Lequesne MG score was increased in the model and sham-operation groups (<0.05, <0.01). Compared with the model group, the body mass was increased and the lequesne MG score was decreased in the TSM, non-TSM, and sham-operation groups (<0.05, <0.01). Compared with the non-TSM group, the body mass in the TSM group was increased remarkably (<0.05), but the difference in Lequesne MG score was not statistically significant (>0.05). ② After intervention, compared with the blank group, the expressions of NO and ADAMTS-4 were all increased and the expressions of typeⅡcollagen and PG were decreased in the model group, TSM group, non-TSM group and sham-operation group (<0.05, <0.01). Compared with the model group, the expressions of NO and ADAMTS-4 were all remarkably lower and the expressions of typeⅡcollagen and PG were increased in the TSM group, non-TSM group and sham-operation group (<0.05, <0.01). Compared with the non-TSM group, the expressions of NO and ADAMTS-4 were all remarkably lower and the expressions of typeⅡcollagen and PG were increased in the TSM group after intervention (all <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The thermosensitive moxibustion alleviates the inflammatory reactions and protects the joint cartilage through inhibiting the expressions of NO and ADAMTS-4 to achieve the effects in the treatment of KOA.</p>

Evaluating the Nutritional Status of Oncology Patients and Its Association with Quality of Life / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The primary aim of the study was to compare two nutritional status evaluation tools: the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002). Using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the second aim was to provide constructive advice regarding the quality of life of patients with malignancy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study enrolled 312 oncology patients and assessed their nutritional status and quality of life using the PG-SGA, NRS-2002, and EORTC QLQ-C30.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The data indicate that 6% of the cancer patients were well nourished. The SGA-A had a higher sensitivity (93.73%) but a poorer specificity (2.30%) than the NRS-2002 (69.30% and 25.00%, respectively) after comparison with albumin. There was a low negative correlation and a high similarity between the PG-SGA and NRS-2002 for evaluating nutritional status, and there was a significant difference in the median PG-SGA scores for each of the SGA classifications (P < 0.001). The SGA-C group showed the highest PG-SGA scores and lowest body mass index. The majority of the target population received 2 points for each item in our 11-item questionnaire from the EORTC QLQ-C30.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The data indicate that the PG-SGA is more useful and suitable for evaluating nutritional status than the NRS-2002. Additionally, early nutrition monitoring can prevent malnutrition and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.</p>

The Influence of different nutrition treatment approaches in the fibula muscle flap reconstruction of the mandibular defect postoperative patients / 肠外与肠内营养

Objective:NRS 2002 nutritoanl risk assessment and PG-SGA scale were used to evaluate the effect of different nutritional treatments on fibula myocutaneous flap reconstruction of mandibular defect postoperative patients,and to find the appropriate timing and method of nutritional support for this kind of patients.Methods:50 cases of fibula myocutaneous flap reconstruction of mandibular defect postoperative patients were divided into two groups according to the nutritional risk assessment and the opinions of the research team including the mixed nutrition support treatment group (SPNS + EN) and the conventional nutrition support treatment group (TEN).The indexes of the patients on the day before surgery and 1,7,13 postoperative days were monitored,including lymphocyte count (LYM),serum albumin (ALB),hemoglobin (HB),potassium (K),sodium (NA),chloride (CL) and nutritional risk screening score (NRS) and other indicators to evaluate therapeutic effect of two groups.Results:The indicators showed no significant differences in the two groups before operation.For K and Na,the levels of the SPN + EN group was higher than that of the TEN group.Hemoglobin (HB) and NRS score on the 13rd day after surgery were statistically different between the two groups (P ＜ 0.05).Besides,Lymphocyte count (LYM) and chloride (CL) on the 1st and 7th after operation showed significant different,too(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion:By nutritional risk assessment in patients with NRS 2002 before operation,PG-SGA after operation,we corrected the electrolyte and acid-base imbalance,improved stress state of postoperative patients with adjustment of nutritional therapy and intervention to timely and effectively provide plenty of energy and protein.

The last dinosaurs of Brazil: The Bauru Group and its implications for the end-Cretaceous mass extinction

ABSTRACT The non-avian dinosaurs died out at the end of the Cretaceous, ~66 million years ago, after an asteroid impact. The prevailing hypothesis is that the effects of the impact suddenly killed the dinosaurs, but the poor fossil record of latest Cretaceous (Campanian-Maastrichtian) dinosaurs from outside Laurasia (and even more particularly, North America) makes it difficult to test specific extinction scenarios. Over the past few decades, a wealth of new discoveries from the Bauru Group of Brazil has revealed a unique window into the evolution of terminal Cretaceous dinosaurs from the southern continents. We review this record and demonstrate that there was a diversity of dinosaurs, of varying body sizes, diets, and ecological roles, that survived to the very end of the Cretaceous (Maastrichtian: 72-66 million years ago) in Brazil, including a core fauna of titanosaurian sauropods and abelisaurid and carcharodontosaurid theropods, along with a variety of small-to-mid-sized theropods. We argue that this pattern best fits the hypothesis that southern dinosaurs, like their northern counterparts, were still diversifying and occupying prominent roles in their ecosystems before the asteroid suddenly caused their extinction. However, this hypothesis remains to be tested with more refined paleontological and geochronological data, and we give suggestions for future work.

Adaptação e validação brasileira do instrumento de avaliação do luto prolongado: PG-13 / Adaptation and validation for the brazilian population to assessment instrument prolonged grief disorder: PG-13 / Adaptación y validación para la población brasileña la herramienta de evaluación de duelo prolongado: PG-13

O luto pode ser definido como um conjunto de reações emocionais, físicas, comportamentais e sociais que surgem como resposta a uma perda significativa. O objetivo do estudo foi traduzir, adaptar e validar para a população brasileira o instrumento de avaliação do luto prolongado PG-13. A amostra foi constituída por 115 familiares enlutados que preencheram um questionário on-line. Desses familiares, 76,5% eram do sexo feminino, 50,4% casados, idade média de 41,32 anos, e com tempo médio de luto de 29,29 meses. A incidência de luto prolongado foi de 10,43%. Todos os itens do modelo reestruturado do PG-13 apresentaram pesos fatoriais superiores a 0,5, eram estatisticamente significativos e com confiabilidades individuais adequadas. A consistência interna foi de 0,940 e a validade convergente avaliada pela VEM foi de 0,593. É possível concluir que o PG-13 apresenta confiabilidade individual, de construto e validade convergente, podendo assim contribuir para o diagnóstico do luto prolongado.

Grief may be defined as a set of emotional, physical, behavioral, and social reactions that appear in response to a significant loss. The study aims at translating, adapting and validating, for the Brazilian population, the assessment tool of prolonged grief PG-13. The sample consisted of 115 bereaved family members who completed a questionnaire online. Of these families, 76,5% were female, 50,4% were married, mean age of 41,32 years and a mean time of grief 29,29 months. The incidence of prolonged grief was 10,43%. All items on the restructured model PG-13 showed higher factor weights 0,5, they were statistically significant and had appropriate individual reliabilities. The Cronbach's alpha was 0,940 and the convergent validity assessed by VEM was 0,593. Therefore, we conclude that the PG-13 has individual and construct reliability and convergent validity that could also contribute to the diagnosis of prolonged grief.

El duelo puede ser definido como un conjunto de reacciones emocionales, físicas, conductuales y sociales que surgen en respuesta a una pérdida significativa. El objetivo de este estudio fue traducir, adaptar y validar para la población brasileña la herramienta de evaluación de duelo prolongado PG-13. La muestra está formada por 115 familiares en duelo que han cumplimentado el cuestionario en línea. De estas familias, el 76,5% eran mujeres, el 50,4% estaban casadas, la edad media de 41,32 años y con una media de 29,29 meses de duelo. La incidencia de duelo prolongado fue 10,43%. Todos los elementos del modelo reestructurado PG-13 mostraron pesos factoriales superiores 0.5, fueron estadísticamente significativos y con fiabilidades individuales adecuados. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,940 y la validez convergente evaluado por VEM fue 0,593. Se concluyó que PG-13 tiene fiabilidad individual, de constructo y validez convergente, que contribuyen al diagnóstico de duelo prolongado.

Efficacy of Indomethacin in Pharmacological Closure of PDA in Preterm Neonates: A Prospective Study from Tertiary Care Centre in Rural India

Background Patent ductusarteriosus (PDA) is a fetal shunt necessary for intrauterine survival of the baby, however its closure at birth occurs as pulmonary vascular resistance drops and lungs get expanded for participating in ventilation. However, PDA remains patent in a large proportion of preterm babies and by day -7, 87% of babies <24 wk gestation have a PDA which hinders in ventilation and causes ductal steal to vital organs. Hence, we aimed to study pharmacological closure of ductus in preterm babies. Aims and Objectives 1) To study the efficacy of COX inhibitor, Indomethacin in ductal closure in preterm babies <34 wk gestation. 2) To compare the symptomatology of PDA in different groups of preterm babies <34 wk GA. Methods A Hospital-based prospective study was conducted in tertiary care NICU.A total of 104 consecutive, eligible preterm babies <34 wk with echocardiographically documented PDA. Indomethacin (COX inhibitor) was administered orally in a dose of 0.2 mg/kg 12 h for 3 doses and the babies underwent Echo study in first 48 h, after2 days, 7days, and weekly thereafter till PDA closure. A second cycle of indomethacin was repeated if PDA did not respond to the initial treatment. Results 75/104 (72%) PDAs closed with indomethacin while 13(12.5%) did not respond, and 16(15.38%) showed a reduction in the calibre of PDA. 26–30 wk group showed a brisk response to ductal closure with indomethacin within 108.1±12.44 h, and a mean no. of cycles of indomethacin of 0.98±5.75. Conclusion With indomethacin we achieved 72% (75/104) closure rates. The best response to indomethacin was noted in 30–32 wk GA group, while maximum nonresponders were in 32–34 wk; suggesting as gestation increases, response to PG inhibitors decreases.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life of Oncology Patients Prior to Pelvic Radiotherapy

Introduction: Malnutrition among cancer patients is associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal toxicity which develops during treatment and may affect quality of life (QOL). Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the nutritional status and QOL of 30 oncology patients (mean age 50.0+10.7 years) prior to pelvic radiotherapy at Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru. Methods: Patients were assessed for anthropometry measurements, 24-h diet recall and nutritional status using Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire while the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Care Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess QOL two weeks prior to the initiation of pelvic radiotherapy. Results: Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of patients was 23.3+3.3kg/m2 and 33% of patients experienced weight loss prior to pelvic radiotherapy. The PG-SGA rating indicated that 63% of patients were at Stage A (well-nourished) and 37% were in Stage B (moderate malnutrition). The PG-SGA numerical score was a significant predictor of QOL, after adjusting for socio-demographic factors (R2=0.861, p<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the low nutritional status of the patients indicates the need for early nutritional assessment, education and intervention in ensuring optimal nutritional status throughout the pelvic radiotherapy treatment.