Prenatal ultrasonographic features and follow-up outcomes of 19 cases of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts diagnosed during the foetal period.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prenatal ultrasonographic features and case characteristics of the congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IHPSS) diagnosed during the foetal period and analyse its prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with IHPSS between 2016 and 2021. IHPSS was defined as an abnormal connection between the foetal intrahepatic portal and the hepatic veins. RESULTS: In this study, 19 foetuses were identified, including 12 cases of single shunt and 7 cases of multiple shunts, with a gestational age of 33.8 ± 4.5 (range 25-40) weeks at diagnosis. In the single-shunt group, the origin position of the shunts was all from the left branch of the portal vein (LPV), whereas in the multiple-shunt group, the origin position of the shunts was from the LPV in six cases. Common concomitant intrauterine abnormalities of IHPSS include foetal growth restriction (47.4%) and foetal cardiac enlargement (21.1%). The postnatal manifestations of IHPSS include biochemical abnormalities (increased gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin levels), neonatal hypoglycaemia, neonatal hyperammonaemia, pulmonary hypertension, multiple intrahepatic hyperechoic nodules, and cutaneous haemangiomas. Spontaneous closure of shunts occurred in ten cases, and the mean time to shunt closure was 8.1 months (1-28 months). CONCLUSIONS: Most IHPSS found during the foetal period is located in the left branch of the portal vein, and the gestational age at diagnosis is usually in the late second or third trimester. Spontaneous closure of shunts can occur in most live births, and the prognosis is good.

Ultrasonographic characteristics and outcome of Type III umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt.

AIMS: According to a novel in-utero classification termed "umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt (UPSVS)" recently proposed for an abnormal umbilical, portal and ductal venous system, the portal-systemic shunt belongs to type III UPSVS. This study was designed to examine the ultrasonographic characteristics and outcome of type III UPSVS.Material and methods: All cases of Type III UPSVS diagnosed at our department from April 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with type III UPSVS including 12 type IIIa and 5 IIIb cases were identified. Sonography showed a shunt between the inferior left portal vein and the left hepatic vein in all type IIIa cases. Three cases of type IIIb had a combination of another shunt (2 with type I and one with type IIIa). Integrate intrahepatic portal vein system was not seen in those 2 cases of type IIIb combined with type I UPSVS, leading to termination of pregnancy (TOP). TOP occurred in 4 patients with type IIIa as requested by the parents. Two cases (type IIIa and type IIIb each) underwent surgical procedure for the closure of the shunt. Spontaneous complete closure in 4 type IIIa cases and partial closure in one type IIIb case occurred during a period of 3-16 months. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients had type IIIa UPSVS presenting a good outcome. The lack of integrate intrahepatic portal vein system was the main reason for TOP in patients with type IIIb UPSVS. These data suggest the UPSVS classification is a useful tool for a prognosis prediction of type III UPSVS.

Mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between self-compassion and postpartum depression in premature mothers separated from their infants / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the status and correlation of 6 weeks postpartum self-compassion, alexithymia and postpartum depression in preterm mothers separated from their infants.Methods:Convenience sampling method was used to select 300 premature mothers separated from their infants in Binzhou Medical University Hospital as the research objects. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by the general data, the Chinese version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-C), the Chinese version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).Results:The total scores of SCS-C, TAS-20 and EPDS at 6 weeks postpartum were (19.94 ± 2.64), (48.74 ± 3.87) and (10.61 ± 3.07) respectively. The self-compassion ability was negatively correlated with alexithymia and postpartum depression ( r = -0.365, -0.313, both P<0.01), alexithymia was positively correlated with postpartum depression ( r = 0.657, P<0.01). Alexithymia played a partial mediating role in the relationship between self-compassion and postpartum depression, accounting for 72.83% of the total effect. Conclusions:Self-compassion and alexithymia are both important factors affecting postpartum depression in premature mothers separated from their infants. By enhancing emotional cognition and processing ability of premature mothers, self-compassion ability can be improved to reduce the incidence of postpartum depression.

Steatosis grading consistency between controlled attenuation parameter and MRI-PDFF in monitoring metabolic associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: The consistency in steatosis grading between magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) before and after treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of steatosis grading between MRI-PDFF and CAP using liver biopsy as standard and to evaluate the value of monitoring changes in steatosis grading with CAP during follow-up utilizing MRI-PDFF as a reference. METHODS: Consecutive patients from a biopsy cohort and a randomized controlled trial were included in this study and classified into 3 groups (the biopsy, orlistat treatment, and routine treatment subgroups). Hepatic steatosis was measured via MRI-PDFF and CAP at baseline and at the 6th month; the accuracy and cutoffs were assessed in the liver biopsy cohort at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 209 consecutive patients were enrolled. MRI-PDFF and CAP showed comparable diagnostic accuracy for detecting pathological steatosis [⩾S1, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.984 and 0.972, respectively]; in contrast, CAP presented significantly lower AUCs in grades S2-3 and S3 (0.820 and 0.815, respectively). The CAP values correlated well with the MRI-PDFF values at baseline and at the 6th month (r = 0.809 and 0.762, respectively, both p < 0.001), whereas a moderate correlation in their changes (r = 0.612 and 0.524 for moderate-severe and mild steatosis, respectively; both p < 0.001) was observed. The AUC of CAP change was obtained to predict MRI-PDFF changes of ⩾5% and ⩾10% (0.685 and 0.704, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The diagnostic agreement of steatosis grade changes between MRI-PDFF and CAP was weak (κ = 0.181, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CAP has decreased value for the initial screening of moderate-severe steatosis and is limited in monitoring changes in steatosis during treatment. The confirmation of steatosis grading with MRI-PDFF remains necessary.

Amniocentesis and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-Based Noninvasive Prenatal DNA Testing (NIPT) for Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Chromosomal Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate and analyze the results of karyotyping by amniocentesis and next generation sequencing (NGS)-based noninvasive prenatal DNA testing (NIPT) for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal disorders. METHODS: A total of 2267 high-risk pregnant females with the indications for prenatal diagnosis who met the enrollment criteria between January 2015 and May 2019 at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University were included and underwent NGS-based NIPT in the present study. Amniocentesis, chromosome karyotyping by cell culture, and follow-up of the pregnancy outcomes were also conducted in the NIPT-positive pregnant females to assess the consistency between NIPT and results of karyotyping by amniocentesis. RESULTS: Among the 2267 cases, 29 cases were positive for NIPT, including 10 cases with a high risk of trisomy 21, 2 cases with a high risk of trisomy 18, 2 cases with a high risk of chromosome 13, and 20 cases with sex chromosome abnormalities. All the above NIPT-positive cases underwent amniocentesis, and 20 cases were eventually diagnosed. The sensitivity and specificity of NIPT for the diagnosis of trisomy 21, trisomy 13, and trisomy 18 were 100%, 99.96%, 100%, and 99.96%, 100%, 100%, respectively, and the positive predictive values were 91.67%, 66.67%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: NGS of the fetal free DNA from the peripheral blood of pregnant females was an important complement to the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders represented by fetal chromosome aneuploidy with high sensitivity and specificity. In combination with the traditional karyotyping by amniocentesis, it could improve the diagnostic efficacy for fetal chromosomal disorders.

Prenatal Ultrasound Analysis of Umbilical-Portal-Systemic Venous Shunts Concurrent With Trisomy 21.

OBJECTIVES: A classification termed umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt (UPSVS) for an abnormal umbilical vein (UV), portal vein (PV), and ductus venosus (DV) was proposed recently. According to this classification, there are 3 types of UPSVSs: types I, II, and III. Trisomy 21 associated with UV-PV-DV anomalies has been described, but the incidence of trisomy 21 in UPSVS cases, the relationship between UPSVS types and trisomy 21, and the pregnancy outcome are poorly documented. This study aimed to address these issues. METHODS: All UPSVS cases diagnosed at our department from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively studied. The English literature describing UV-PV-DV anomalies and trisomy 21 from 2000 to 2019 was searched, and the retrieved cases were analyzed. RESULTS: Four of 20 UPSVS cases identified by us also had trisomy 21, with 2 type I and 2 type II UPSVSs. Ultrasound markers of Down syndrome were observed in all 4 cases that underwent termination of pregnancy (TOP). The literature search retrieved 12 reports including 279 patients, with 29 also having trisomy 21, giving a pooled trisomy 21 incidence rate of 10.4%. Of the 29 cases, 16 had type I, and 9 had type II, whereas UPSVS types in 4 were undeterminable, and 22 cases underwent TOP. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of trisomy 21 in UPSVS cases. Trisomy 21 is associated with a type I or II UPSVS. Most cases with the combined defect underwent TOP. These findings may be used to direct prenatal counseling and management of the combined condition.

Nociceptor-localized cGMP-dependent protein kinase I is a critical generator for central sensitization and neuropathic pain.

Patients with neuropathic pain often experience exaggerated pain and anxiety. Central sensitization has been linked with the maintenance of neuropathic pain and may become an autonomous pain generator. Conversely, emerging evidence accumulated that central sensitization is initiated and maintained by ongoing nociceptive primary afferent inputs. However, it remains elusive what mechanisms underlie this phenomenon and which peripheral candidate contributes to central sensitization that accounts for pain hypersensitivity and pain-related anxiety. Previous studies have implicated peripherally localized cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) in plasticity of nociceptors and spinal synaptic transmission as well as inflammatory hyperalgesia. However, whether peripheral PKG-I contributes to cortical plasticity and hence maintains nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity and anxiety is unknown. Here, we demonstrated significant upregulation of PKG-I in ipsilateral L3 dorsal root ganglia (DRG), no change in L4 DRG, and downregulation in L5 DRG upon spared nerve injury. Genetic ablation of PKG-I specifically in nociceptors or post-treatment with intervertebral foramen injection of PKG-I antagonist, KT5823, attenuated the development and maintenance of spared nerve injury-induced bilateral pain hypersensitivity and anxiety. Mechanistic analysis revealed that activation of PKG-I in nociceptors is responsible for synaptic potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex upon peripheral neuropathy through presynaptic mechanisms involving brain-derived neurotropic factor signaling. Our results revealed that PKG-I expressed in nociceptors is a key determinant for cingulate synaptic plasticity after nerve injury, which contributes to the maintenance of pain hypersensitivity and anxiety. Thereby, this study presents a strong basis for opening up a novel therapeutic target, PKG-I, in nociceptors for treatment of comorbidity of neuropathic pain and anxiety with least side effects.

Chaetocin:a review of its anticancer potential and mechanisms / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Chaetocin is a natural metabolite product with various biological activities and pharmacological functions isolated from Chaetomium species fungi belonging to the thiodiketopyrazines. Numerous studies have demonstrated a wide range of antitumor activities of chaetocin in vitro and in vivo. Several studies have demonstrated that chaetocin sup?presses the growth and proliferation of various tumour cells by regulating multiple signalling pathways related to tumour initiation and progression, inducing cancer cell apoptosis (intrinsic and extrinsic), enhancing autophagy, inducing cell cycle arrest, as well as inhibiting tumour angiogenesis, invasion and migration. The antitumor effects and molecular mechanisms of chaetocin are reviewed and analysed in this paper, and the prospective applications of chaetocin in cancer prevention and therapy are also discussed. Our review provides the theoretical basis for exploiting the clinical applica?tion of chaetocin in cancer treatment.

Correlation between HPV-negative cervical lesions and cervical microenvironment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV)-negative cervical lesions and cervical microenvironment in Inner Mongolia, China, and to find the pathogenic factors of HR HPV-negative cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 74 cases of HR HPV-negative healthy women and 80 cases of patients with cervical lesions (28 cases of LSIL, 49 cases of HSIL and 3 cases of CSCC) were selected as the study group; 26 cases of HPV-positive women and 352 cases of patients with cervical lesions (108 cases of LSIL, 214 cases of HSIL and 30 cases of CSCC) were control group. Questionnaires were collected from the study group and the control group and specimens were collected. Gram staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining microscopy, and substrate colorimetry method were used to detect vaginal micro-ecological indicators; ELISA was used to detect the concentration of SIgA, IgG, IL-2 and IL-10 in vaginal lavage fluid. Genetic testing was used to detect HPV, mycoplasma, and chlamydia infection. The changes of vaginal micro-ecology evaluation index and local immune factor concentration in healthy women and cervical lesions of all grades in the study group and the control group were compared. RESULTS: Patients with cervical lesions, compared with healthy women, had a decrease in dominant lactobacilli and dysbacteriosis (P < 0.05), and this trend became more apparent as the disease progressed. The diversity and concentration of the flora in the HPV-negative group increased, the abnormal composition ratio decreased, and the HPV-positive group showed the opposite trend. As the lesion progressed, H2O2 decreased first and then increased, and the overall trend of SNa, LE, GUS, and GADP increased. The infection rate of trichomoniasis, BV and chlamydia increased and infection rate of Candida decreased. Also, compared with healthy women, patients with cervical lesions showed changes in immune factor concentration (P < 0.05). As the lesion progressed, IL-2 decreased, IL-10 increased, and IL-2/IL-10 decreased. However, IL-2 expression in HPV-negative group was higher than HSIL. SIgA was significantly lower in patients with cervical lesions than in healthy women. IgG had an upward trend in the HPV positive group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that vaginal micro-ecological imbalance and weakening of local cervical immune function are important reasons for the development of cervical lesions. It is expected to inhibit the development of cervical lesions by regulating the balance of vaginal micro-ecology and enhancing local immune function. By detecting Lactobacillus vaginalis, pre-enzyme, IL-2, IL-10, SIgA, it can guide the further diversion of HPV-positive women and predict the development direction of cervical lesions after HPV infection.

Difference in vaginal microecology, local immunity and HPV infection among childbearing-age women with different degrees of cervical lesions in Inner Mongolia.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the difference in vaginal microecology, local immunity and HPV infection among childbearing-age women with different degrees of cervical lesions. METHODS: A total of 432 patients were included in this study. Among these patients, 136 patients had LSIL, 263 patients had HSIL and 33 patients had CSCC. These patients were assigned as the research groups. In addition, 100 healthy females were enrolled and assigned as the control group. RESULTS: The microbiological indexes of vaginal secretions were evaluated. Furthermore, the concentrations of SIgA, IgG, IL-2 and IL-10 in vaginal lavage fluid, as well as the presence of HPV, mycoplasma and Chlamydia in cervical secretions, were detected. The results is that: (1) Differences in evaluation indexes of vaginal microecology among all research groups and the control group were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). As the degree of cervical lesions increased, the number of Lactobacillus decreased, and there was an increase in prevalence of bacterial imbalance, and the diversity, density and normal proportion of bacteria was reduced. Furthermore, the incidence of HPV, trichomonads, clue cell and Chlamydia infection increased. Moreover, the positive rate of H2O2 decreased, while the positive rates of SNa and GADP increased. (2) Differences in the ratio of IL-2 and IL-10 in the female genital tract among all research groups and the control group were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: As the degree of cervical lesions increased, IL-2 decreased, IL-10 increased and IL-2/IL-10 decreased, while SIgA and IgG were elevated. The reduction of dominant Lactobacillus in the vagina, impairment of H2O2 function, flora ratio imbalance, pathogen infections, reduction in IL-2/IL-10 ratio, and changes in SIgA and IgG levels could all be potential factors that influenced the pathogenicity of HPV infection and the occurrence and development of cervical lesions.

Prenatal sonographic characteristics and postnatal outcomes of umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts under the new in-utero classification: A retrospective study.

An in-utero re-classification of umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt (UPSVS) has recently been proposed. We retrospectively reviewed the sonograms of a large cohort of fetuses, identified and analyzed UPSVS cases, and presented the prenatal sonographic characteristics, birth outcomes, and follow-up results following the new classification system.Sonograms and clinical data of all participants who visited our departments from April 2016 to July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Identified cases of UPSVS were analyzed according to the new classification: Type I: umbilical-systemic shunt (USS); Type II: ductus venosus-systemic shunt (DVSS); Type IIIa: intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (IHPSS) and Type IIIb: extrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (EHPSS). Postnatal follow-ups ranged from 3 months to 1 year.A total of 10 UPSVS cases were identified in 61,082 fetuses: 4 with Type I, 3 with Type II and 3 with Type IIIa. All 4 cases of USS had complete agenesis of the portal venous system, and had the umbilical vein drained into the inferior vena cava. Two USS cases also had trisomy 21. Pregnancy was terminated in all cases with a Type I shunt. Two fetuses with DVSS had normal portal venous system and were born full term. The pregnancy of 1 DVSS case was terminated due to the detection of trisomy 21. Three cases were IHPSS with full-term birth. One had chromosomal abnormality and 1 had surgery to repair the shunt 12-days post birth. In the 2 cases that did not receive repair surgery, sonographic examination revealed the portal-hepatic venous shunt was not closed at the 6-month follow-up period. However, the 1 case that had repair surgery appeared healthy at the 3-month follow-up period.UPSVS is extremely rare. Type I shunts have the poorest prognosis, and the presence of the intrahepatic portal venous system is key to live birth in UPSVS regardless of types. Chromosomal abnormalities and other organ anomalies can occur in any types of UPSVS. Therefore, karyotyping and examination of other organs should be performed once UPSVS is detected.

Correlation between replicative senescence of endometrial gland epithelial cells in shedding and non-shedding endometria and endometriosis cyst during menstruation.

To investigate correlation between abnormal replicative senescence of endometrial gland epithelial cells (EGECs) in shedding and non-shedding endometria and endometriosis cyst during menstruation. Musashi-1 expression, ß-catenin expression, and EGECs ultrastructure in shedding and non-shedding endometrium when menstruation were observed through real-time PCR and transmission electron microscopy technologies. (1) Musashi-1 and ß-catenin exhibited a high expression in shedding and non-shedding endometria in experimental group, showing a positive correlation between each other; and were significantly higher than that in control group. However; there was no correlation between these two in control group. (2) Transmission electron microscopy results: In experimental group, organelles in EGECs in shedding endometrium obtained were abundant on the first day of menstruation, nuclei were irregular, double nucleoli could be observed, and chromatin was rich. Furthermore, morphology of EGECs in non-shedding endometrium was irregular, organelles were abundant, basement membrane was irregular with abnormal curvature, and a large amount of collagenic fibers were found in intercellular spaces. On the fifth day of menstruation, the cilia and microvilli on secretory cells in endometrium increased and prolongated, and organelles became extremely rich. EGECs have potentials of division, proliferation, invasion and migration; and is associated with formation of endometriosis cysts.

Novel nano-microspheres containing chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate deliver growth and differentiation factor-5 plasmid for osteoarthritis gene therapy / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

OBJECTIVE@#To construct a novel non-viral vector loaded with growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) plasmid using chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (OA) gene therapy.@*METHODS@#Nano-microspheres (NMPs) were prepared by mixing chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate. GDF-5 plasmid was encapsulated in the NMPs through electrostatic adsorption. The basic characteristics of the NMPs were observed, and then they were co-cultured with chondrocytes to observe their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression. Finally, NMPs loaded with GDF-5 were injected into the articular cavities of rabbits to observe their therapeutic effects on OA in vivo.@*RESULTS@#NMPs exhibited good physicochemical properties and low cytotoxicity. Their average diameter was (0.61±0.20) μm, and encapsulation efficiency was (38.19±0.36)%. According to Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, relative cell viability was 75%-99% when the total weight of NMPs was less than 560 μg. Transfection efficiency was (62.0±2.1)% in a liposome group, and (60.0±1.8)% in the NMP group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining results suggested that NMPs can successfully transfect chondrocytes and stimulate ECM protein expression in vitro. Compared with the control groups, the NMP group significantly promoted the expression of chondrocyte ECM in vivo (P<0.05), as shown by analysis of the biochemical composition of chondrocyte ECM. When NMPs were injected into OA model rabbits, the expression of ECM proteins in chondrocytes was significantly promoted and the progression of OA was slowed down.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Based on these data, we think that these NMPs with excellent physicochemical and biological properties could be promising non-viral vectors for OA gene therapy.

Clinical effect of 1g/L anthocyanin eye-patch for mild and moderate dry eye / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To evaluate the clinic efficacy of 1g/L anthocyanin eye-patch for mild and moderate dry eye. METHODS: ln this prospective and multicenter study, a total of 320 cases (640 eyes) with mild and moderate dry eye were enrolled from 8 Aier Eye Hospitals in Changsha, Chongqing, Wuhan and so on from October 2016 to April 2017. The patients were assigned to eye patch group (160 cases) and artificial tears group (160 cases) based on random number table. The patients in eye-patch group used 1g/L of anthocyanin eye-patch for more than 6h during night sleep, while the patients in artificial tears group used polyvinyl alcohol eye drops for 4 times per day. The evaluation of symptoms and signs were conducted on 1d before the treatment and 14d after the treatment. The evaluation of symptoms adopted the Ocular Surface Disease lndex ( OSDI), while the observation of signs included tear secretion test (Schirmer ︳ test, S︳t), first noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUTf) as well as average noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUTav) measured by Oculus ocular surface analyser. RESULTS: OSDI score, NITBUTf and NITBUTav in the two groups after treatment were significantly improved compared with that before treatment, and the difference had a statistical significance (P < 0. 05). While the difference of S︳t in the two groups before and after treatment had no statistical significance(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in OSDI score, NITBUTf, NITBUTav and S ︳ t between the two groups after treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The 1g/L anthocyanin eye-patch has similar efficacy with artificial tears for mild and moderate dry eye, which can effectively improve the symptoms and tear film stability.

[Clinical features of advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: analysis of 21 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with advanced ACC in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were treated in our department between February, 2007 and May, 2016. The clinical manifestations, T-stage, N-status, treatment, histological grade, recurrence and distant metastasis of the tumors were analyzed. Univariate survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test, and the factors affecting the prognosis of the patients were explored using multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Among the 21 patients, 10 (47.6%) had ACC containing less than 30% of solid tumor tissues and their overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 100% and 70%, respectively; in the 11 cases (52.4%) with solid tumor tissues no less than 30%, the overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 70%, 40% and 10%, respectively, showing significant differences between the two groups (P=0.02). The Log-rank test and survival analysis using the covariate variable model curve indicated a significant impact of the pathological classification on the patients' prognosis. The patients in T3 stage had slightly better prognosis than those in T4 stage; tumors originating from the maxillary sinus had a slightly better prognosis than those from the sphenoid sinus. Surgery combined with radiotherapy resulted in better outcomes of the patients than surgery or radiotherapy alone. Multiariable Cox regression model analysis showed that the pathological classification (P=0.045) and the disease course (P=0.028) were closely related with the prognosis of the patients. CONCLUSION: ACC in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses has a low incidence without specific symptoms. Its early diagnosis can be difficult, and most of the patients are in advanced stage upon diagnosis. We recommend comprehensive treatments combining surgery, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy for these patients. The pathological classification, disease course, lesion site, clinical stage, treatment approache, compromise of the peripheral nerves, status at the edge of resection, and postoperative radiotherapy dose can all be factors affecting the prognosis of patients with advanced ACC.

Synthesis of disulfides tethered pyrroles from ß-ketothioamides via a bicyclization/ring-opening/oxidative coupling reaction.

A DABCO-promoted three-component reaction of ß-ketothioamides (KTAs), arylglyoxals and 2-cyanoacetates to construct disulfides tethered pyrroles by using air as an oxidant has been disclosed. Importantly, this protocol involves a tandem sequence that includes Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, N-cyclization, O-cyclization, ring-opening and oxidative coupling.

Effects of rhBMP-2 gene transfection to periodontal ligament cells on osteogenesis.

The present study aims to investigate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. The expression vector of rhBMP-2 (pcDNA3.1-rhBMP-2) was established. PDL cells were obtained through the enzymatic digestion and tissue explant methods and verified by immunohistochemistry. Cells were classified into experimental (cells transfected with pcDNA3.1/rhBMP-2-EGFP), blank (cells with no transfection) and control group (cells transfected with empty plasmid). rhBMP-2 expression was assessed via Western blotting analysis. The mineralization ability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and level of related osteogenic biomarkers were detected to evaluate the osteogenic characteristics of PDL cells. The rhBMP-2 expression vector (pcDNA3.1-rhBMP-2) was successfully established. Primary PDL cells displayed a star or long, spindle shape. The cultured cells were long, spindle-shaped, had a plump cell body and homogeneous cytoplasm and the ellipse nucleus contained two or three nucleoli. Cells displayed a radial, sheaf-like or eddy-like arrangement after adherence growth. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that cells originated from mesenchymal opposed to epithelium. The experimental group exhibited an enhanced mineralization ability, higher ALP activity and increased expression of rhBMP-2 and osteogenic biomarkers (Runx2, collagen type I and osteocalcin) than the blank and control group. The present study demonstrated that rhBMP-2 transfection enhances the osteogenesis of PDL cells and provides a possibility for the application of rhBMP-2 expression products in dental disease treatment.

Clinical features of advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: analysis of 21 cases / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-one patients with advanced ACC in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were treated in our department between February, 2007 and May, 2016. The clinical manifestations, T-stage, N-status, treatment, histological grade, recurrence and distant metastasis of the tumors were analyzed. Univariate survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test, and the factors affecting the prognosis of the patients were explored using multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazard model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 21 patients, 10 (47.6%) had ACC containing less than 30% of solid tumor tissues and their overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 100% and 70%, respectively; in the 11 cases (52.4%) with solid tumor tissues no less than 30%, the overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 70%, 40% and 10%, respectively, showing significant differences between the two groups (P=0.02). The Log-rank test and survival analysis using the covariate variable model curve indicated a significant impact of the pathological classification on the patients' prognosis. The patients in T3 stage had slightly better prognosis than those in T4 stage; tumors originating from the maxillary sinus had a slightly better prognosis than those from the sphenoid sinus. Surgery combined with radiotherapy resulted in better outcomes of the patients than surgery or radiotherapy alone. Multiariable Cox regression model analysis showed that the pathological classification (P=0.045) and the disease course (P=0.028) were closely related with the prognosis of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ACC in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses has a low incidence without specific symptoms. Its early diagnosis can be difficult, and most of the patients are in advanced stage upon diagnosis. We recommend comprehensive treatments combining surgery, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy for these patients. The pathological classification, disease course, lesion site, clinical stage, treatment approache, compromise of the peripheral nerves, status at the edge of resection, and postoperative radiotherapy dose can all be factors affecting the prognosis of patients with advanced ACC.</p>

IL-7 suppresses osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells through inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are tissue-specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), having an important role in regenerative therapy for teeth loss. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a key cytokine produced by stromal cells including MSCs, and exhibits specific roles for B and T cell development and osteoblasts differentiation of multiple myeloma. However, the effect of IL-7 on osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study we determined whether IL-7 affects the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro and explored the associated signaling pathways for IL-7-mediated cell differentiation. The results demonstrated that the isolated human PDLSCs possessed MSCs features, highly expressing CD90, CD44, CD105, CD29 and CD73, and almost did not expressed CD34, CD45, CD11b, CD14 and CD117. IL-7 could not significantly affect the proliferation of PDLSCs, but it decreased their osteogenic differentiation and inhibited alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The results of quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting exhibited that the expression levels of Runx-2, SP7 and osteocalcin (OCN) were significantly reduced by IL-7. Further studies indicated that IL-7 did not significantly change JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 protein production, but markedly suppressed their phosphorylation levels. These data suggest that IL-7 inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs probably via inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

Resveratrol reverses chronic restraint stress-induced depression-like behaviour: Involvement of BDNF level, ERK phosphorylation and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in rats.

Chronic stress occurs in everyday life and induces depression-like behaviors, associated with proteins alterations and apoptosis in brain. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol enriched in polygonum cuspidatum and has diverse biological activities, including potent antidepressant-like effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether resveratrol administration influences chronic restraint stress (CRS) - induced depression-like behaviors and explores underlying mechanisms. Male Wistar rats were subjected to CRS protocol for a period of 3 weeks to induce depressive-like behavior. The results showed that resveratrol (80mg/kg/i.p) administrated for 3 weeks significantly reversed the CRS-induced behavioral abnormalities (reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time) in stressed rats. CRS exposure significantly decreased BDNF levels and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), accompanied by decreased Bcl-2 mRNA expression and increased Bax mRNA expression, while resveratrol treatment normalized these levels. All of these effects of resveratrol were essentially identical to that observed with fluoxetine. In conclusion, our studies showed that resveratrol exerted antidepressant-like effects in CRS rats, mediated in part by the apoptotic machinery and up-regulating BDNF and pERK levels in the brain region.