Clinical efficacy of sclerotonyxis for acute angle-closure glaucoma with persistent high intraocular pressure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of sclerotonyxis in acute angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) with persistent high intraocular pressure (IOP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 50 eyes from 50 patients (mean age: 68.9±7.19 years) with acute ACG and persistently high IOP who were admitted to our department between January 2012 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who were administered the maximum dose of systemic and topical anti-glaucoma drugs and still had an IOP of >40 mmHg 24 hours after admission underwent sclerotonyxis. After the IOP control, an individualized phase II treatment plan was designed according to the patient's ocular condition. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients showed improvement in their visual acuity 6 months postoperatively compared to their preoperative values. The mean IOPs were 54.84±7.82 mmHg and 21.34±7.81 mmHg 24 hours pre and postoperatively, respectively. The mean anterior chamber depth showed statistically significant differences pre and postoperatively (1.75±0.16 mm and 1.84±0.17 mm, respectively) (p<0.05). After IOP stabilized, four patients underwent YAG laser peripheral iridectomy, 18 underwent simple cataract phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, 21 underwent cataract phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation and goniosynechialysis under a gonioscope, and 7 patients underwent combined surgery of glaucoma and cataract. The mean IOPs were 15.94±3.3 mmHg and 15.64±2.99 mmHg 1 week and 6 months after stage II surgery, respectively. Moreover, 42 eyes (84%) attained complete success and 8 eyes (16%) attained conditional success 6 months postoperatively. No serious complications, such as corneal endothelial decompensation, malignant glaucoma, vitreous or eruptive choroidal hemorrhage, and retinal detachment, were observed intraoperatively or postoperatively in both procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotonyxis can rapidly lower IOP, release the pupillary blockage, reconstruct the anterior chamber, and reduce systemic complications caused by long-term high-dose antiglaucoma drugs. Thus, it normalizes the IOP and provides a safe operating space for stage II surgery, effectively reducing complications in patients in a persistent high IOP state.

[Associations of cardiometabolic multimorbidity with grip strength and gait speed among older Chinese adults].

Objective: To investigate the associations of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) with grip strength and gait speed among older Chinese adults. Methods: This study included participants aged ≥60 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey during 2011-2015. Generalized estimating equation models were employed to estimate the associations of CMM with grip strength and gait speed. Results: A total of 6 357 participants were included to measure grip strength and 6 250 participants to measure gait speed. Compared with no cardiometabolic disease, participants with 1 (ß=-0.018, 95%CI: -0.026--0.010), 2 (ß=-0.029, 95%CI: -0.041- -0.018), and ≥3 (ß=-0.050, 95%CI: -0.063- -0.037) cardiometabolic diseases were associated with a decreased grip strength. The associations between cardiometabolic disease counts (1: ß=-0.052, 95%CI: -0.326-0.222; 2: ß=-0.083, 95%CI: -0.506-0.340; ≥3: ß=-0.186, 95%CI: -0.730-0.358) and gait speed were not statistically significant. The predictive value of gait speed of the participants with 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 cardiometabolic diseases were found to be 1.98 (95%CI: 1.38-2.58), 1.93 (95%CI: 1.34-2.51), 1.89 (95%CI: 1.18-2.61), and 1.79 (95%CI: 1.10-2.48) m/s respectively, which was clinically significant for the magnitude of the decrease. Cardiometabolic combinations with a higher risk of decreased grip strength and gait speed mainly seen in diabetes. Conclusions: Cardiometabolic disease counts and combinations were associated with grip strength and gait speed. Grip strength and gait speed can be used to measure CMM severity.

[Analysis of characteristics and trends of randomized controlled trials of gastric cancer between 2000 and 2019].

Objectives: To analyze the current development status of gastric cancer (GC) randomized controlled trials (RCT) between 2000 and 2019, and to review the basic characteristics of published RCT. Methods: ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for phase 3 or 4 RCT conducted between January 2000 and December 2019 with the keyword "gastric cancer", and the development trend of different types of RCT during different time periods was described. Basic features of registered RCT such as intervention, study area, single-center or multicenter, sample size, and funding were presented. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to judge the publication status of studies completed until June 2016. The adequacy of the report was estimated by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. Design flaws were evaluated by Cochrane tool and/or whether a systematic literature review was cited. The data was analyzed by χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Results: There were 262 RCT including in the present study. The number of GC-RCT registered on ClinicalTrials.gov had been on the rise from 1 case in 2000 to 30 cases in 2015. The proportion of RCT associated with targeted therapy or immunotherapy increased from 0 during 2000-2004 to 37.1% (36/97) during 2015-2019. The RCT registered in Asia was 191 cases, while that in non-Asia region was 71 cases. The proportion of multi-center RCT from non-Asia was higher than that from Asia (70.4% (50/71) vs. 50.3% (96/191), χ²=8.527, P=0.003). The proportion of RCT published was 59.1% (81/137). Among the published RCT, 65 (80.2%) studies were reported adequately, but 63 (77.8%) studies had avoidable design limitations. Conclusions: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have become research hotspots in the treatment of GC. At present, there are inadequate multicenter RCT in Asia, and the publication rate of RCT is low. A considerable number of published RCT are reported inadequately and have avoidable design flaws.

[Analysis of characteristics and trends of randomized controlled trials of gastric cancer between 2000 and 2019].

Objectives: To analyze the current development status of gastric cancer (GC) randomized controlled trials (RCT) between 2000 and 2019, and to review the basic characteristics of published RCT. Methods: ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for phase 3 or 4 RCT conducted between January 2000 and December 2019 with the keyword "gastric cancer", and the development trend of different types of RCT during different time periods was described. Basic features of registered RCT such as intervention, study area, single-center or multicenter, sample size, and funding were presented. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to judge the publication status of studies completed until June 2016. The adequacy of the report was estimated by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. Design flaws were evaluated by Cochrane tool and/or whether a systematic literature review was cited. The data was analyzed by χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Results: There were 262 RCT including in the present study. The number of GC-RCT registered on ClinicalTrials.gov had been on the rise from 1 case in 2000 to 30 cases in 2015. The proportion of RCT associated with targeted therapy or immunotherapy increased from 0 during 2000-2004 to 37.1% (36/97) during2015-2019. The RCT registered in Asia was 191 cases, while that in non-Asia region was 71 cases. The proportion of multi-center RCT from non-Asia was higher than that from Asia (70.4% (50/71) vs. 50.3% (96/191), χ²=8.527, P=0.003). The proportion of RCT published was 59.1% (81/137). Among the published RCT, 65 (80.2%) studies were reported adequately, but 63 (77.8%) studies had avoidable design limitations. Conclusions: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have become research hotspots in the treatment of GC. At present, there are inadequate multicenter RCT in Asia, and the publication rate of RCT is low. A considerable number of published RCT are reported inadequately and have avoidable design flaws.

[Relationship between obesity and death by multi-morbidity status in older adults in China].

Objective: To explore the relationship between obesity status and death stratified by different multi-morbidity status in older adults in China. Methods: Data for older Chinese adults aged ≥65 years were from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Multi-morbidity patterns based on 13 chronic conditions were explored using exploratory factor analysis. Cox models were used to examine relationships between obesity status and death stratified by disease count and multi-morbidity patterns at baseline, respectively. Besides, obesity status was defined by baseline body mass index and waist circumference. Results: A total of 6 272 participants were included in the analyses. Multi-morbidity including cardio-metabolic, sensory perception and other patterns were identified. For those without any chronic condition, compared with those without central obesity, central obesity was associated with a higher risk for death (HR=1.66, 95%CI:1.04-2.66). For those only with one chronic condition, compared with normal weight, underweight was associated with a higher risk for death (HR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.10-1.80). For those with multi-morbidity, compared with normal weight, underweight increased the risk for death (HR=1.19, 95%CI:1.05-1.34). Compared with those without central obesity, central obesity decreased the risk for death (HR=0.88, 95%CI:0.78-0.99). Conclusions: Relationships between obesity status and death varied by multi-morbidity status in older adults in China. Underweight and non-central obesity were associated with increased risks for death in older adults with only one chronic disease or multi-morbidity. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to multi-morbidity status in the management of obesity in older adults and provide effective targeted body weight management plan.

MicroRNA-590-5p suppresses the proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating GAB1.

OBJECTIVE: Some specific microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to regulate the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MiR-590-5p was found to involve in the carcinogenesis of human cancers. This study aims at exploring the role of miR-590-5p in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressions of miR-590-5p and GAB1 were measured by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The biological functions of miR-590-5p and GAB1 on cell viability and invasion were investigated through MTT and transwell assays. The binding site between miR-590-5p and GAB1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay (DLR). RESULTS: MiR-590-5p expression was downregulated in NSCLC. MiR-590-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, miR-590-5p was confirmed to directly target GAB1. GAB1 knockdown had the same effect as overexpression of miR-590-5p in NSCLC. Moreover, overexpression of GAB1 partially reversed the suppressive effect of miR-590-5p on NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-590-5p suppressed cell proliferation and invasion of NSCLC by inhibiting GAB1 expression, indicating that miR-590-5p was a suppressive miRNA in NSCLC.

[The expression of trypsin in serum and vital organs of septic rats].

Objective: Pancreatic enzymes may spread into the injured intestine, bloodstream,and cause the cascade of inflammatory reactions.Our objective was to explore trypsin expression in serum and vital organs in septic rats. Methods: Trypsin levels in serum,heart,lung and jejunum were tested and compared between Escherichia coli endotoxin injected rats(SS), SS treated with a protease inhibitor(ulinastatin) and control group(SHAM).The correlations between serum trypsin,intestinal proteins and inflammation indices were assessed.Two components of mucosal barrier, i.e. mucin-2 and E-cadherin,were measured to evaluate the intestinal mucosal barrier function.The levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα),interleukin-6(IL-6) and neutrophil elastase(NE) were measured to determine the inflammation indices. Results: Compared to SHAM group, trypsin levels in serum[(73.71±9.14) ng/ml vs. (12.12±2.36) ng/ml],heart[(51.60±15.06) ng/ml vs. (6.39±3.53) ng/ml],lung [(54.73±5.57) ng/ml vs. (5.24±3.08) ng/ml] and jejunum(1.19±0.48 vs. 0.40±0.12) were significantly higher in SS group (all P<0.05). The level of serum trypsin had negative correlation with mucin-2 and E-cadherin, and positive correlation with TNFα, IL-6 and NE (all P<0.05). In rats treated with ulinastatin, trypsin levels were significantly decreased compared with those in SS group including in serum [(65.79±4.88)ng/ml]], heart [(26.33±12.03)ng/ml], lung [(28.73±14.46) ng/ml] and jejunum (0.80±0.20) (all P<0.05).Serum TNFα[(247.34±16.97)ng/L vs. (178.78±40.81)ng/L] revealed similar changes in ulinastatin and SS group,whereas mucin-2 (0.58±0.14 vs. 0.89±0.17) and E-cadherin (0.11±0.04 vs. 0.23±0.06) were both significantly elevated after administration of ulinastatin (both P<0.05) . Conclusion: Serum and tissue trypsin is elevated in septic rats. Protease inhibitor ulinastatin protects intestinal function by reducing inflammatory reaction.

[Research advances in risk factors for alcoholic liver disease].

Only a small number of people may develop severe alcoholic liver disease after continuous or excessive drinking, which is different from the harm caused by smoking, and some people may even develop alcoholic liver disease associated with inflammation, liver cirrhosis, or primary liver cancer. There are complex risk factors for liver injury in these people; besides ethnic and genetic factors, drinking volume, and drinking duration, more important factors are involved in the pathophysiological changes of the liver, such as the type and quality of alcohol, drinking pattern, socioeconomic status, and government public policy, which may be the determining factors for the development of alcoholic liver disease. On the basis of literature review, this article proposes the concept that "liquor does not equal to alcohol" , which has important guiding significance for healthy drinking and the prevention of alcoholic liver disease.

[A prospective control study of Saccharomyces boulardii in prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in the older inpatients].

Objective: To study the value of Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in older inpatients. Methods: A total of 163 older patients who were treated with wide-spectrum antibiotics at least three days during January 2014 to December 2015 were randomly divided into control and study group. In study group, 81 patients were administrated with oral Saccharomyces boulardii 500 mg twice a day for 21 days. The control group was of no intervention. Morbidity rate of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, frequency and duration of diarrhea were recorded. Results: The incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in study group was significantly lower than that in control group [14.8%(12/81) vs 28.0%(23/82), P<0.05], whereas no difference was seen in the incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea [3.7%(3/81) vs 4.9%(4/82), P>0.05] in two groups. The frequency and duration of diarrhea in the study group were significantly lower and shorter than those in control group[(4.3±1.7) times/day vs (6.9±2.0) times/day; (3.0±1.1) days vs (5.7±1.8) days, both P<0.01]. Conclusion:Saccharomyces boulardii may reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea therefore improving the symptom of diarrhea in older inpatients.

A new sesquiterpene lactone glucoside with inhibitory effect on K562 cells from Ixeris sonchifolia (Bge) Hance.

A new minor sesquiterpene lactone glucoside, ixerin ZA (1), together with 16 known compounds, were isolated from the whole plants of Ixeris sonchifolia (Bge) Hance. The structure of 1 was elucidated as 1(10),3,11(13)-guaiatriene-12,6-olide-2-one-3-O-[6'-(p-metheoxyphenylacetyl)]-beta-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Compound 1 exhibited an inhibitory effect on K562 cells.

Cloning and sequencing of cDNAs encoding two self-incompatibility associated proteins in Solanum chacoense.

We have isolated and sequenced cDNAs for S2- and S3-alleles of the self-incompatibility locus (S-locus) in Solanum chacoense Bitt., a wild potato species displaying gametophytic self-incompatibility. The S2- and S3-alleles encode pistil-specific proteins of 30 kDa and 31 kDa, respectively, which were previously identified based on cosegregation with their respective alleles in genetic crosses. The amino acid sequence homology between the S2- and S3-proteins is 41.5%. This high degree of sequence variability between alleles is a distinctive feature of the S-gene system. Of the 31 amino acid residues which were previously found to be conserved among three Nicotiana alata S-proteins (S2, S3, and S6) and two fungal ribonucleases (RNase T2 and RNase Rh), 27 are also conserved in the S2- and S3-proteins of S. chacoense. These residues include two histidines implicated in the active site of the RNase T2, six cysteines, four of which form disulfide bonds in RNase T2, and hydrophobic residues which might form the core structure of the protein. The finding that these residues are conserved among S-proteins with very divergent sequences suggests a functional role for the ribonuclease activity of the S-protein in gametophytic self-incompatibility.