[Double plate technique and tendon fixation of long head of biceps brachii in treating Neer 3 to 4 partial fractures of proximal humerus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of double plate technique in treating Neer 3 to 4 partial fractures of proximal humerus. METHODS: From May 2018 to December 2020, 38 patients with proximal humeral classified to Neer 3 to 4 partial fractures were treated with double plate technique and long head tendon fixation of biceps brachii, including 23 males and 15 females, aged from 41 to 89 years old with an average of (67.00 ± 9.76) years old;23 patients classified to Neer 3 fracture, 15 classified to Neer 4 fracture;the time from injury to operation ranged from 5 to 12 days with an average of (8.00±2.86) days. Degree of pain was evaluated by numerical rating scale(NRS) on the third day after operation; change of height of humeral head and angle of humeral neck stem were measured and compared between 2 days and 1 year after operation. Neer score was used to evaluate recovery of shoulder joint after operation at 1 year after operation. RESULTS: All 38 patients were followed up for 12 to 19 months with an average of (14.00±1.59) months. NRS score at 3 days after operation was (1.95±0.73) points. Fracture healing time ranged from 2.2 to 3.2 months with an average of(2.60±0.27) months. There were no significant difference in the height of humeral head and angle of humeral neck trunk between two days and 1 year after operation(P>0.05). Four Neer 4 fracture patients occurred absorption of greater tubercle of humerus and partial cystic change of humeral head, but the activity function of shoulder joint was good. Postoperative Neer score at 1 year was 89.50±5.19, and 20 patients got excellent results, 16 good, and 2 moderate. CONCLUSION: Double plate technique and long head tendon fixation of biceps brachii were used to treat Neer 3 to 4 fractures of proximal humerus has good clinical effect, and postoperative pain was mild, without special instruments.

Mycobacterium vaccae Nebulization in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is associated with strong infectiousness and has no effective therapy. We aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of Mycobacterium vaccae nebulization in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we included 31 adult patients with moderate COVID-19 who were admitted to the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning (Nanning, China) between January 22, 2020 and February 17, 2020. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A (standard care group) and group B (M. vaccae in combination with standard care group). The primary outcome was the time interval from admission to viral RNA negative conversion (oropharyngeal swabs were used in this study). Secondary outcomes included chest computed tomography (CT), mortality, length of hospital stay, complications during treatment, and so on. Patients were followed up to 4 weeks after discharge (reexamination of viral RNA, chest CT, etc.). Results: Nucleic acid test negative conversion time in group B was shorter than that in group A (2.9 days [2.7-8.7] vs. 6.8 days [3.3-13.8]; p = 0.045). No death and no conversion to severe or critical cases were observed in both groups. Two weeks after discharge, neither "relapse" nor "return to positive" cases were found. Four weeks after discharge, it was found that there was no case of " relapse " or "return to positive" in group B, and 1 patient in group A showed "return to positive", but there was no clinical manifestation and imaging progression. No adverse reactions related to M. vaccae were found during observation period. Conclusion:M. vaccae treatment might shorten the time interval from admission to viral RNA negative conversion, which might be beneficial to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000030016.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG1 regulates rheumatoid synovial invasion and proliferation by interaction with PTBP1.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) present proliferative and aggressive cell phenotype. RA-FLSs are the essential effector cells that lead to symptoms like synovial inflammation and joint destruction. Currently, the cause of RA-FLSs involving in the pathological process of RA remains unknown. Accumulate researches have demonstrated that lncRNAs may play a critical role in regulating the biological behaviors of RA-FLSs, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we found that lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) is up-regulated in RA-FLSs compared with FLSs from trauma arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. The results suggest that SNHG1 in RA-FLSs helps to sustain the cellular functions of proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, the regulation mechanism depends on the interaction between SNHG1 and polypyridine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1). This interaction influences PTBP1 expression that participates in the regulation of RA-FLSs biological behaviors. Our results suggest that up-regulated SNHG1 of RA-FLSs may contribute to synovial aggression and disease progression in RA and be favourable for RA treatment target RA-FLSs.

Regulation of γδT17 cells by Mycobacterium vaccae through interference with Notch/Jagged1 signaling pathway.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Jagged 1 and gamma delta T17 (γδT17) cells in asthmatic mice. An asthma mouse model was established through immunization with ovalbumin (OVA). Gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) was used to block the Notch signaling pathway. M. vaccae was used to treat asthma, and related indicators were measured. Blocking Notch signaling inhibited the production of γδT17 cells and secretion of cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, which was accompanied by a decrease in Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression in the treated asthma group compared with the untreated asthma group. Similarly, treatment with M. vaccae inhibited Jagged1 expression and γδT17 cell production, which was associated with decreased airway inflammation and reactivity. The Notch signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma through the induction of Jagged1 receptor. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of M. vaccae on Jagged1 receptor in γδT17 cells could be used for the prevention and treatment of asthma.

Regulation of γδT17 cells by Mycobacterium vaccae through interference with Notch/Jagged1 signaling pathway

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Jagged 1 and gamma delta T17 (γδT17) cells in asthmatic mice. An asthma mouse model was established through immunization with ovalbumin (OVA). Gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) was used to block the Notch signaling pathway. M. vaccae was used to treat asthma, and related indicators were measured. Blocking Notch signaling inhibited the production of γδT17 cells and secretion of cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, which was accompanied by a decrease in Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression in the treated asthma group compared with the untreated asthma group. Similarly, treatment with M. vaccae inhibited Jagged1 expression and γδT17 cell production, which was associated with decreased airway inflammation and reactivity. The Notch signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma through the induction of Jagged1 receptor. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of M. vaccae on Jagged1 receptor in γδT17 cells could be used for the prevention and treatment of asthma.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Mediates Proliferation and Migration of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis via MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are the major effector cells that lead to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis and joint destruction. Our previous studies showed that Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is involved in aberrant activation of RA-FLSs and inhibition of SHH pathway decreases proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs. The objective of this study was to investigate if the SHH pathway mediates proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs via the mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway. SHH signaling was studied by using SHH agonist (Purmorphamine) and antagonist (Cyclopamine) targeting the Smoothened (SMO) in FLSs. U0126-EtOH was used to inhibit the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 (p-ERKl/2) was examined by western blot. Cell viability was detected using cell proliferation and cytotoxicity kit-8 (CCK8), and cell cycle distribution and proliferating cells were evaluated by the flow cytometry. Cell migration was examined by Transwell assay. Results showed that, compared with the control group, Purmorphamine increased the levels of p-ERK1/2 in concentration-and time-dependent manners (P < 0.01). Co-treated with Purmorphamine and U0126-EtOH or Cyclopamine both decreased the levels of p-ERK1/2 (P < 0.05). RA-FLSs treated with Purmorphamine resulted in alteration of cell cycle distribution, increasing of proliferating cells, cell viability, and migration cells compared to controls (P < 0.01). However, the above phenomenon can be abolished by U0126-EtOH (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that SHH signaling pathway mediates proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs via MAPK/ERK pathway and may contribute to progression of RA. Targeting SHH signaling may have a therapeutic potential in patients with RA.

[Association between SCN1A rs3812718 polymorphism and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between SCN1A rs3812718 polymorphism and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), and to provide potential molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of GEFS+. METHODS: The iPLEX technique in the MassARRAY system was used to determine SCN1A rs3812718 polymorphism, genotype frequency, and allele frequency in 50 patients with GEFS+ and 50 healthy controls. RESULTS: As for the frequencies of CC, CT, and TT genotypes in SCN1A rs3812718, there was a significant difference in the frequency of TT genotype between the GEFS+ group and the control group (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference in the frequency of T allele between the two groups (P<0.05). Compared with those carrying CC genotype or C allele, the individuals with CT genotype , TT genotype or T allele had a higher risk of developing GEFS+ (CT/CC: OR=4.05, 95%CI: 1.04-15.69; TT/CC: OR=30.60, 95%CI: 6.46-144.85; T/C: OR=4.64, 95%CI: 2.54-8.48). CONCLUSIONS: SCN1A rs3812718 polymorphism is a risk factor for GEFS+, and the population carrying T allele may have an increased risk of GEFS.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion through regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urologic malignancy. Long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) has been suggested as serving pivotal roles in tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance and biological role of CCAT2 in ccRCC remains elusive. The purpose of this study is to identify the function of CCAT2 in ccRCC and its possible molecular mechanism. Expression of CCAT2 was analyzed in 61 ccRCC tissues and two ccRCC cell lines (786-O and ACHN) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The functional roles of CCAT2 in ccRCC were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometric analysis. The influence of CCAT2 on tumorigenesis was monitored by in vivo mice xenograft model. The activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway was evaluated by the TOP/FOP Wnt luciferase reporter assay and western blot assay. CCAT2 expression was markedly higher in ccRCC cell lines and tissues, being positively associated with tumor size and tumor stage in ccRCC patients. Patients with higher CCAT2 expression had a markedly poorer overall survival than did patients with low CCAT2 expression. Knocking down CCAT2 expression led to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis of ccRCC cells in vitro as well as the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, and CCAT2 overexpression remarkably enhanced these oncogenic properties. In vivo mice xenograft model also showed that knocking CCAT2 expression inhibited the growth of ccRCC xenografts. In conclusion, these results indicated that CCAT2 may play a critical role in ccRCC progression and will be further considered as a biomarker for predicting the survival of ccRCC patients and a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC intervention.

Smoothened Regulates Migration of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis via Activation of Rho GTPase Signaling.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) acquire aggressive phenotypes characterized with enhanced migration abilities and inherent invasive qualities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Smoothened (Smo) is a key component of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and contributes to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of Smo in the modulation of cell migration and explore the underlying molecular mechanism(s). FLSs were isolated from RA synovium. Shh levels were regulated by a Smo agonist (purmorphamine), Smo antagonist (KAAD-cyclopamine), or small interfering RNA targeting the Smo gene (Smo-siRNA) in RA-FLSs. Expression of Smo was detected by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Cell migration was examined by Transwell assay and activation of Rho GTPases was measured by pull-down assays. Incubation with purmorphamine resulted in a significant increase of cell migration and activation of Rho GTPase signaling compared to controls (P < 0.05). However, treatment with KAAD-cyclopamine or transfection with Smo-siRNA suppressed migration of RA-FLSs and showed an inhibitory effect of Rho GTPase signaling. Together, these results suggest that Smo plays an important role in RA-FLSs migration through activation of Rho GTPase signaling and may contribute to progression of RA, thus, targeting Shh signal may have a therapeutic potential in patients with RA.

Inhibition of smoothened decreases proliferation of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) contribute to synovial hyperplasia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Smoothened (Smo) is a key component of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and contributes to tumor cell proliferation. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Smo in RA synoviocyte proliferation. FLSs were isolated from RA synovium. Shh signaling was studied using a Smo antagonist (GDC-0449) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the Smo gene in FLSs. Cell proliferation was quantified by using kit-8 assay and cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell cycle-related genes and proteins were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. FLSs treated with GDC-0449 or Smo-siRNA showed significantly decreased proliferation compared to controls (P < 0.05). Incubation with GDC-0449 or transfection with Smo-siRNA resulted in a significant increase of G1 phase cells compared to controls (P < 0.05). Cell cycle arrest was validated by the significant increase in cyclin D1 and E1 mRNA expression, decrease in cyclin-dependent kinase p21 mRNA expression in Smo-siRNA transfected cells (P < 0.05). Protein expression of cyclin D1 was also downregulated after Smo gene knockdown (P < 0.05). The results suggest that Shh signaling plays an important role in RA-FLSs proliferation in a Smo-dependent manner and may contribute to synovial hyperplasia. Targeting Shh signaling may help control joint damage in patients with RA.

Spontaneous rupture of adult Wilms' tumor: A case report and review of the literature.

Wilms' tumour is rare in adults, and spontaneous rupture with retroperitoneal hemorrhage as the presenting sign of renal tumour is also uncommon. We present a case of a 20-year-old woman with spontaneous rupture of Wilms' tumour by describing the course of diagnosis and treatment. The patient underwent an open left radical nephrectomy, and was treated with 18 weeks of adjuvant chemotherapy with vincristine and actinomycin D. The follow-up of 12 months demonstrated no recurrence. We also reviewed the limited number of related reports. These suggest that the preoperative diagnosis of adult Wilms' tumour is very difficult, and radical nephrectomy and postoperative comprehensive therapy are equally important in the treatment of these patients. Factors of prognosis for adults with Wilms' tumour include tumour stage, histopathology, and time and type of therapy.

[Reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament in treating Rockwood - III Acromioclavicular dislocation by palmaris longus muscle with polyester suture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore therapeutic effects of reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament for the treatment of Rockwood-III Acromioclavicular dislocation by palmaris longus muscle with polyester suture. METHODS: From August 2011 to November 2013,37 cases with Rockwood-III acromioclavicular dislocation were treated with reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament by palmaris longus muscle with polyester suture. Among patients, 24 were males and 13 were females, ranging the age from 19 to 46 years old, with an average of 32 years old. There were 11 cases on the left side and 26 cases on the right side. Twenty-nine cases were fresh dislocation and 8 cases were old dislocation. Blood loss, operative time were observed, and Karlsson evaltae standard were applied for assessing postoperative recovery of shoulder joint function. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 2.5 to 5 months with an average of 3.5 months. Operative time ranged from 52 to 98 (meaned 72) min, blood loss ranged from 50 to 180 (meaned 75) ml. All operative incision were healed at the satge I . According to Karlsson standard, 32 cases obtained excellent results and 5 cases were moderate. CONCLUSION: For Rockwood-III acromioclavicular dislocation,reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament by palmaris longus muscle with polyester suture has advantages of simple operation, and rapid recovery of shoulder joint function.

Sonic hedgehog signalling pathway regulates apoptosis through Smo protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of smoothened protein (Smo), a sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling component, in synovium of RA and its role in the survival and apoptosis of endothelial cells. METHODS: The expression of Smo pxrotein in RA synovial tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR and western blotting techniques were employed to measure the expression of Shh signalling components in EA.hy926 endothelial cells exposed to TNF-α in the presence or absence of cyclopamine (a Smo-specific antagonist). Lastly, the effect of cyclopamine and Smo small interfering RNA on apoptosis induced by TNF-α and actinomycin D (ActD) was determined. RESULTS: We found that Smo was highly expressed in synovial tissues of RA, especially in endothelial cells, compared with the trauma group. TNF-α significantly increased the expression of Shh signalling components in EA.hy926 endothelial cells, while cyclopamine decreased the expression of Shh signalling components. EA.hy926 endothelial cells treated with various concentrations of cyclopamine (2-8 µmol/l) showed a significant decrease in cell viability and cell survival rate, and an increase in the rate of cell apoptosis compared with endothelial cells treated with TNF-α and ActD (P < 0.05). EA.hy926 endothelial cells transfected with Smo-siRNA also showed a lower cell survival rate and higher apoptotic rate, compared with cells in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Shh signalling pathway plays a role in regulating endothelial cell apoptosis in a Smo-dependent manner.

Impact of serum vitamin D level on risk of bladder cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin D has important biological functions including modulation of the immune system and anti-cancer effects. There was no conclusive finding of the impact of serum vitamin D level on bladder cancer risk. A systemic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the impact of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level on bladder cancer risk. The pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was used to assess the impact of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level on bladder cancer risk. A total of 89,610 participants and 2238 bladder cancer cases were finally included into the meta-analysis. There was no obvious heterogeneity among those included studies (I(2) = 0%). Meta-analysis total included studies which showed that a high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level could obviously decrease risk of bladder cancer (RR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.65-0.87, P < 0.001). In addition, the pooled RRs were not significantly changed by excluding any single study. The findings from the meta-analysis suggest an obvious protective effect of vitamin D against bladder cancer. Individuals with higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels suffer from less risk of subsequent bladder cancer.

A(3)-Coupling catalyzed by robust Au nanoparticles covalently bonded to HS-functionalized cellulose nanocrystalline films.

We decorated HS-functionalized cellulose nanocrystallite (CNC) films with monodisperse Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form a novel nanocomposite catalyst AuNPs@HS-CNC. The uniform, fine AuNPs were made by the reduction of HAuCl4 solution with thiol (HS-) group-functionalized CNC films. The AuNPs@HS-CNC nanocomposites were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), TEM, ATR-IR and solid-state NMR. Characterizations suggested that the size of the AuNPs was about 2-3 nm and they were evenly distributed onto the surface of CNC films. Furthermore, the unique nanocomposite Au@HS-CNC catalyst displayed high catalytic efficiency in promoting three-component coupling of an aldehyde, an alkyne, and an amine (A(3)-coupling) either in water or without solvent. Most importantly, the catalyst could be used repetitively more than 11 times without significant deactivation. Our strategy also promotes the use of naturally renewable cellulose to prepare reusable nanocomposite catalysts for organic synthesis.

[Factors influencing urinary continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy].

Radical prostatectomy is one of the most effective treatments for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Though technical innovations,especially laparoscopic techniques,have developed rapidly for the last decade, urinary incontinence remains one of the most troubling side effects of the operation. While the injury of urethral sphincter and its innervations was considered as the most important reason for incontinence, factors influencing postoperative continence that have been considered include clinical features of patients, such as the patient's age, size of the prostate, prior prostatic surgery and features of the surgical technique itself, such as preservation of full functional-length urethra, preservation of the neurovascular bundles, bladder neck preservation or reconstruction and pelvic floor muscle training during the early phase after the surgery. Nonetheless, many factors above have not been clearly established, and controversy goes on among different studies. This article reviews factors that may influence urinary continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

[Postoperative urinary continence and learning curve after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urinary continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), and explore the learning curve for continence. METHODS: Between May 2006 and May 2011, 200 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent LRP in Peking University Third Hospital, of whom 160 were performed by a single surgeon and followed up successfully. The average age was (71.9±5.5) years (their age range: 56 to 85 years). All the patients were continent before operation. Of these patients, 11 had undergone previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and the other 149 were diagnosed by transrectal prostate biopsy. No metastasis was found before surgery. The data about the patients and the operations were recorded. The time from operation till urinary continence was obtained and accessed by interviews. Continence was defined as the use of no pad and no urinary leakage or loss of a few drops occasionally. The patients were divided into 4 equal groups in the 40 consecutive series to determine whether continence was statistically different in group A (1-40) as compared with the other groups. RESULTS: All the operations were performed laparoscopically without any conversion to open surgery. The mean operative duration was (230±57) min (ranging from 110 to 493 min), the median estimated blood loss was 200 mL (ranging from 30 to 1 200 mL), 12 patients (7.5%) received blood transfusions intraoperatively, and the average hospital stay after surgery was (11.8±7.9) d (ranging from 5 to 60 days). The distribution of pathologic stages was as follows: T2a 20%, T2b 16.9%, T2c 40%, T3a 15%, T3b 5.6% and T4 2.5%. The overall positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 32.5%. The overall continence rates (no pad) were 14.4% after 1 month, 48.8% after 3 months, 77.5% after 6 months and 86.3% after 12 months. At the end of the follow-up, 21 patients (13.1%) were still incontinent . There was a significant difference in continence between the early (Group A) and later groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Continence results after LRP were encouraging, which were comparable to the results in previously published open series. Continence could be improved with increasing surgical experience, and it takes 40-50 cases to reach a plateau for surgeons who have some experiences of laparoscopic operations.

[Treatment of humeral supracondylar fracture in children with internal fixation using Kirschner wires and biodegradable tension band through double small incisions].

OBJECTIVE: To study therapeutic effects of internal fixation with Kirschner wires and biodegradable tension band through double small incisions for the treatment of humeral supracondylar fracture in children. METHODS: From 2006 to 2010,82 children with humeral supracondylar fractures were treated with internal fixation using crossed Kirschner wires combined with biodegradable tension bands. Among the patients, 53 patients were male and 29 patients were female, ranging from 5 to 12,with an mean of 7 years old. The elbow joint function and Carrying angle were observed before and after treatment. The Flynn criteria was used to evaluate therapeutic effects. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration was six months. The average limitation angle of elbow joint was (2.8 +/- 3.7) degrees,and the Carrying angle was (12.7 +/- 2.2) degrees. According to Flynn clinical evaluation, 80 patients got an excellent result, 2 good. CONCLUSION: Treatment of child humeral supracondylar fracture with internal fixation using Kirschner wires and biodegradable tension bands through double small incisions is believed to be a good method, which has advantages of minimal trauma, reliable fixation, early exercises and rapid recovery.

[Analysis of perioperative complications of laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate operation process and perioperative complications of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC). METHODS: The clinical data of 49 cases of LRC from October 2004 to June 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Perioperative complications and mortality were analyzed, and so were the operative time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay. Perioperative complications were defined as any adverse event within 30 days of surgery. All complications were graded according to an established five-grade modification of the original Clavien system. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 418 minutes, the mean blood loss was 514 mL, the transfusion rate was 36.7%, the mean transfusion volume was 578 mL, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 20 d. For urinary diversion, ileal conduits were constructed in 27 patients (55.1%), ileal neobladders in 16 patients (32.7%), and ureterocutaneostomies in 6 patients (12.2%). A total of 17 patients (34.7%) developed at least one perioperative complication. Complications of grades 1-2 occurred in 12 patients (24.5%), which included subileus, urinary tract infections, deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, pneumonia, etc. Complications of grades 3-5 occurred in 5 patients(10.2%), and one patient died of pulmonary embolism. Ileal neobladders and ileal conduits were similar at the operation time, blood loss, transfusion rates, postoperative hospital stay and morbidity of perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: Morbidity of perioperative complications following LRC was still high. The most frequent complications were subileus and urinary tract infections. The surgery should be performed on selected patients, and measures need to be taken to prevent these complications. Compared with ileal conduits, ileal neobladders did not increase the operation time, blood loss and morbidity.

Inhibiting effects of Leflunomide metabolite on overexpression of CD147, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PMA differentiated THP-1 cells.

Recent studies have reported elevated expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 147 on CD14(+) monocytes of the peripheral blood of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and a correlation of CD147 expression with Disease Activity Score. Thus, CD147 may be a new target for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of leflunomide in blocking the up-regulation of CD147 and in blocking the down-regulation of metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in active macrophages has not yet been established. In this study we investigated the effect of A771726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, on expression of CD147 and on the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) differentiated THP-1 cells. The expression of CD147, MMP-2, and MMP-9 mRNAs were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, the levels of cellular surface expression of CD147 were determined by flow cytometry, and the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by zymography. Our results showed that A771726 significantly inhibited the expression of CD147 on the cell surface of activated THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), inhibited the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), and inhibited the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 at concentration of 15 µg/ml and 45 µg/ml (P<0.01). Our results indicate that A771726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, inhibited CD147 expression at the protein level and inhibited gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells.