Evaluation of placental growth potential and placental bed perfusion by 3D ultrasound for early second-trimester prediction of preeclampsia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether placental parameters measured by three-dimensional ultrasound are associated with preeclampsia (PE) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). METHODS: In total, 1163 pregnancies at 11-14 weeks of gestation were recruited between October 8, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Placenta volume (PV), placental bed vascularization flow index (PBVFI), and uterine arteries pulse index (UtA-PI) were measured. Placental quotient (PQ = PV/weeks of gestation) was calculated. All participants were re-examined 4 weeks later. The placental volume growth rate (PVGR = placental volume difference between the two examinations/interval days) was also calculated. Patients were divided into four groups by the gestational age at the onset of PE and birth weight: early-onset PE (E-PE, n = 18), late-onset PE (L-PE, n = 36), isolated SGA5 (birth weight less than the fifth percentile for gestational age without PE, n = 9), and unaffected (n = 1100) groups. RESULTS: A predictive model for E-PE was established, which consisted of unnatural conception, chronic hypertension, PBVFI (of second examination), and PVGR for E-PE; 94.4% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, decreased placental growth potential and low placental bed perfusion in the early second trimester have potential in predicting E-PE.

Early Prediction of Objective Response of Fibrinogen in a Real-World Cohort of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cases Treated by Programmed Cell Death Receptor-1 and Lenvatinib.

BACKGROUND: This cohort study aimed to investigate the influence of fibrinogen on progression-free survival and overall survival in unresectable HCC cases treated by PD-1 and lenvatinib. METHODS: A total of 57 unresectable HCC cases who received lenvatinib and PD-1, such as toripalimab, camrelizumab, or sintilimab, in Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Vascular invasion, high FIB (>2.83g/L), and metastasis were highly correlated with low PFS. There was a significant correlation between a raised risk of death and metastasis and increased FIB (>2.83g/L). CONCLUSION: FIB is associated with outcomes of unresectable HCC cases treated by PD-1 and lenvatinib.

Preparation and properties of aflatoxins imprinted polymer grafted onto the surface of mesoporous silica SBA-15 functionalized with double bonds.

Mesoporous silica Santa Barbara-15 was functionalized by methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. Taking this as the carrier material, a new mesoporous silica surface imprinted polymer was synthesized by using the C=C bond, functional monomer α-methacrylic acid, and crosslinker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, which was used to extract aflatoxin from grain efficiently. It is different from the preparation of surface imprinted polymers which is physically wrapping carrier materials with polymer layers. The chemical grafting method makes the coating of the polymer layer more controllable. A new method for selective separation, enrichment, and determination of trace aflatoxin in grain was established by using the polymers as the filter of the solid-phase extraction column and high-performance liquid chromatography. The linear range of the method was 0.5-100 µg/kg, R2  = 0.9990-0.9993. The recovery of aflatoxin G2, G1, B2, and B1 was 98.9-119.7% and the relative standard deviation was 3.07-5.76%. By comparing the self-made column with the immunoaffinity column, it was found that the self-made column had better extraction performance for aflatoxins than the immunoaffinity column. It can be used for the analysis and detection of aflatoxins in cereal.

Prognostic significance of preoperative circulating FAR and FCI scores in patients with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian malignancy is among the most common lethal cancers in gynaecology. It has been considered that nutrition status and inflammation are two essential factors associated with the poor survival rates of patients suffering from multiple tumours. METHODS: This research included 174 subjects who suffered from FIGO stage I-IV OC and underwent surgeries between May 2008 and March 2013. RESULTS: The results showed that FAR, T3-T4 depth, high CA125, stage III-IV and metastasis were highly associated with low overall survival rates. Moreover, higher FCI was markedly correlated with decreased survival in patients with OC. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of FAR and CA125 could be a new non-invasive marker in blood and probably assist physicians in evaluating the prognosis of patients.

Application of surface-imprinted polymers supported by hydroxyapatite in the extraction of zearalenone in various cereals.

Surface-imprinted polymers supported by hydroxyapatite (HAP@MIPs) were prepared using coumarin-3-carboxylic acid and naringenin as dummy template molecules of zearalenone (ZEA). HAP@MIPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The adsorption performance was studied. The results showed that it could reach the adsorption equilibrium within 6 min. The adsorption amount could reach 6.77 µg mg-1, while the concentration was 20 µg mL-1. The self-made solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns were prepared with HAP@MIPs as sorbents for the separation and purification of ZEA in cereal samples. The method was established by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The recoveries were in the range of 70.09-101.88%; the relative standard deviation was 2.06-8.47%. Finally, millet, coix lachryma, and corn were placed under extreme conditions to produce ZEA. The method was used to extract and analyze ZEA in the above samples. The results showed that self-made SPE columns with HPLC could be used for the separation and enrichment of ZEA in real samples. Graphical abstract.

Synthesis and application of magnetic-surfaced pseudo molecularly imprinted polymers for zearalenone pretreatment in cereal samples.

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a fungal contaminant widely found in grains. In cereal samples, trace zearalenone was extracted and enriched using magnetic-surfaced pseudo molecularly imprinted polymers (SPMIPs) and detected. SPMIPs were prepared with Fe3O4 as the magnetic core, modified halloysites nanotubes as supporting materials, and selective imprinted polymers as shells. Vinyl was modified on the surface of halloysites nanotube. SPMIPs were synthesized with pseudo templates. SPMIPs as the adsorbent of dispersed-solid phase extraction (µ-SPE) were used to purify and enrich ZEA from maize samples. After optimized, the pretreatment method was evaluated. The linearity of the method was ranged within 10-200 ng mL-1. LOD and LOQ were 2.5 ng mL-1 and 8 ng mL-1 respectively. The ZEA spiking recoveries in maize samples ranged within 74.95-88.41% were with good RSDs lower than 4.25%. The developed method was successful applied in maize, oat, and wheat sample treatments and compared.

An amino-functionalized zirconium-based metal-organic framework of type UiO-66-NH2 covered with a molecularly imprinted polymer as a sorbent for the extraction of aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 from grain.

A surface imprinted polymer of type UiO-66-NH2@MIP was prepared by combining molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) and an amino-functionalized zirconium-based metal-organic framework. Quercetin is used as the virtual template, UiO-66-NH2 acts as the carrier to which the monomer acrylamide can be copolymerized. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was used as a sorbent in a solid-phase extraction column. The extraction conditions were optimized. The adsorption capacities for aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 by this SPE and by the commercial SPE were compared. The method was successfully applied to quantify the aflatoxins in grain. Figures of merit include (a) good linearity (range from 0.20-45 µg·kg-1) with R2 (range from 0.9986-0.9994), (b) low detection limits (90-130 ng·kg-1), (c) acceptable reproducibility (1.0-5.9%; for n = 6), and (d) relatively satisfactory recovery rates (74.3-98.6%). The new sorbent has good selectivity and reusability. Graphical abstractUiO-66-NH2@MIPs were synthesized with modified UIO-66-NH2 as core and quercetin as pseudo template. A cartridge was prepared with the polymers as the sorbent, and its performance was compared with different commercial SPE cartridges.

Prognostic significance of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fifth among malignancies globally. Previous studies have shown that systemic inflammatory response, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) are associated with poor prognosis of various types of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed using an internal cooling electrode with a 2- or 3-cm exposed tip. The LMR was calculated as the ratio of lymphocytes to monocytes. In order to explore the influence of pretreatment with PLR and LMR on survival of HCC patients undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and RFA, 204 cases with HCC which accepted RFA and TACE were retrospectively analyzed and assigned into 2 groups based on optimal cutoff values for LMR (low: ≤2.13 or high: >2.13) and PLR (low: ≤95.65 or high: >95.65). RESULTS: Patients with a lower PLR had a longer overall survival (OS) compared to those with a higher PLR (median OS, 20 versus 13 months), and patients with a higher LMR had a longer OS than those with a lower LMR (OS, 22 versus 10 months). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for multiple prognostic factors and identified PLR and LMR as prognostic factors for OS of HCC cases. CONCLUSION: We conclude that PLR and LMR, whose detection is generally available and affordable, may be novel noninvasive circulating markers to potentially assist doctors assess the prognosis of patients.

Prognostic significance of the CRP/Alb and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing TACE and RFA.

BACKGROUND: The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (Alb) ratio (CAR) is a basic inflammatory factor that has been related to poor survival of patients with various tumors. Our research retrospectively examined the relationship between the CAR and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This study included 172 patients with HCC who were treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RESULTS: The CAR was weakly related to the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR, r = .159, P = .037) and the lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR, r = -.263, P = .001). The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) (0/1-2) was related to liver cirrhosis (P = .003), tumor number (P = .02), Child-Pugh grade (P = .001), the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR, P = .006), and the LMR (P = .021). Correlation analysis demonstrated that an elevated CAR was markedly correlated with the tumor size (P = .019), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (P = .033), thrombosis of the portal vein (P = .004), the NLR (P = .036), and the LMR (P = .001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the prognosis of the CAR-High and NLR-High cohort (mOS = 7 months) was significantly worse than those of the CAR-High or NLR-High cohort (mOS = 15 months) and the CAR-Low and NLR-Low cohort (mOS = 26.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of the NLR and the CAR represents a convenient, quick, and noninvasive biological marker that could improve prognostic prediction in patients with HCC.

Honeysuckle extract relieves ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis by inhibiting AR-induced inflammation and autoimmunity.

Honeysuckle has antiviral, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory reaction. Our study investigates whether honeysuckle extract (HE) has therapeutic effect on AR. An AR model of mice was established by ovalbumin (OVA). Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used to assess nasal mucosa damage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine serum histamine, IgE and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) from nasal lavage fluid. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein level from nasal mucosa tissue. We found that HE not only decreased nasal rubbing and sneezing in AR mice, but also reduced AR-induced damage to nasal mucosa. Moreover, HE lowered the levels of serum IgE and histamine and inhibited IL-4 and IL-17 levels from AR mice but raised IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in AR-induced nasal lavage fluid. Our results also showed that HE elevated the protein levels of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and T-box transcription factor (T-bet) in AR-induced nasal mucosa tissue, whereas it inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) protein levels. By regulating AR-induced inflammatory reaction and autoimmune response, HE also relieved OVA-induced AR. Thus, HE could be used as a potential drug to treat AR.

PTPN12 Affects Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Regulating EGFR.

OBJECTIVE: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) shows the leading morbidity in otorhinolaryngological malignant tumor. It is a common malignancy in China with obvious reginal distribution. NPC is a polygenic disease that is affected by numerous factors. Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 12 (PTPN12) regulates multiple tumor proliferation and development, including breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the role of PTPN12 in NPC occurrence and development has not been elucidated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: NPC cell line CNE2 was cultured in vitro and divided into three groups, including control, empty plasmid, and PTPN12 groups. PTPN12 mRNA and protein expressions were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. CNE2 cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Cell migration was determined by wound healing assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by caspase 3 activity detection. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression was assessed by Western blot. RESULTS: PTPN12 plasmid transfection increased PTPN12 mRNA and protein expressions, suppressed cell proliferation and migration, reduced EGFR level, and enhanced caspase 3 activity compared with control and empty plasmid groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTPN12 regulates NPC proliferation and migration through negative regulating EGFR. It could be treated as a molecular target for NPC diagnosis and prognosis analysis.

[Application of gastric pharyngeal anastomosis assisted by laparoscope and a report of 4 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application of gastric pharyngeal anastomosis assisted by laparoscope. METHOD: Apply laparoscope in the gastric pharyngeal anastomosis for 4 cases of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma and cervical esophageal carcinoma patients. RESULT: Gastric pharyngeal anastomosis assisted by laparoscope were successfully completed in all 4 patients, all patients avoided thoracotomy or laparotomy, one patient occurred pharyngeal fistula, and died six months later. One patient had cervical lymph node metastasis a year and a half later, without treatment again because of economicissue. The remaining two patients were still alive, one patient had survived 3 years and a half after operation, the other had survived 2 years and a half after operation. CONCLUSION: Gastric pharyngeal anastomosis assisted by laparoscope is feasible. It can reduce the operation wound, improve the safety of operation and patients' life quality.

[Small partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy for T1-2 stage glottic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and clinical characteristics of small partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy for T1-2 stage glottic carcinoma. METHOD: Forty-five patients with laryngeal squamaous cell carcinoma in T1-2 stage received small partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy. RESULT: All patients were primarily healed and were hospitalized for an average of 11.5 days post-operatively. In all patients, the function of respiration and the reflection of cough were normal, and laryngeal obstruction did not happen. The only postoperative complication was subcutaneous emphysema noted in 29 patients. Among them, subcutaneous emphysema extincted after 4-6 days in 26 patiens, only 3 patiens suffered from delayed healing because the subcutaneous emphysema extincted after 2 weeks. Mild subcutaneous emphysema did not affect the function of respiration and deglutition, healing of wound, and psychology of patients. All patients had been followed-up for 1-13 years. Only 2 patients died of tumor recurrence or metastasis. The function of respiration and deglutition were normal in the living patients, and no implanting metastasis on surface of trachea were found. CONCLUSION: The theoretical foundation of small partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy for T1-2 stage glottic carcinoma has been well established. This surgical technique is feasible, safe and effective. It can significantly improve clinical outcome of T1-2 stage glottic carcinoma with minimal invasiveness. Furthermore, it can obviously abate the surgical, physiological and psychological trauma on patients.

Expression and distribution of dendritic cells in nasal polyps.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression, distribution and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and to study their role in nasal polyps. The study involved 55 participants, 45 of whom had nasal polyps and were the study group and 10 who had normal inferior turbinates and were the control group. Immunohistochemical staining was used to visualize the expression and distribution of the S-100 protein. A double immunostaining method was used to visualize the CD1a and CD40 expression and the images were analyzed with Axioplan 2 microscopy. The expression level of the S-100 protein in the nasal polyps was higher than that in the normal inferior turbinates with a significant difference (P<0.01). The distribution area, number and density of the double stained cells in the nasal polyps were all greater than in the normal inferior turbinates (P<0.01). The S-100 protein and double stained cells were mainly located in the lamina propria below the mucous membrane. The present study demonstrates that DCs are involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and the presence of CD40-positive DCs suggests that this was related to the reciprocal interaction between the DCs and T lymphocytes.

[Laryngeal function preservation in the surgical treatment of cervical esophageal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the indication and the methods of hypopharyngeal and esophageal reconstruction in the surgical treatment of cervical esophageal carcinoma with laryngeal function preservation. To explore the reasons of err inhaling after gastric-pharyngeal anastomosis and its prevention and treatment. METHOD: Clinical data of nine patients who underwent surgical treatment of cervical esophageal carcinoma with laryngeal function preservation from 1998 to 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients without preoperative hoarseness included two cases of pure cervical esophageal carcinoma, six cases of cervical esophageal carcinoma involved hypopharynx and one cases of cervical-thoracic esophageal poly primary malignant carcinoma. Eight patients were carried out total laryngeal function preservation and one patient was carried out partial laryngeal function preservation. The methods of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction included gastric-pharyngeal anastomosis (seven patients), free forearm flap (one patient) and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (one patient). RESULT: Good laryngeal function in four patients, moderate laryngeal function in two patients and bad laryngeal function in three patients. Everyone in seven patients underwent gastric-pharyngeal anastomosis had a very degree of gastric countercurrent, temporalitive disappearance of cough reflex and err inhaling, five of them laryngeal paralysis. The higher anastomosis gob, the heavier err inhaling. One patient with free forearm flap died of lethal haemorrhage. One patient with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap occurred anastomosis gob stricture. CONCLUSION: Patients with pure cervical esophageal carcinoma and cervical esophageal carcinoma involved hypopharynx less than 1 cm from the entrance of esophagus are feasible to undergo total laryngeal function preservation operation, while elder patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma involved hypopharynx more than 1 cm from the entrance of esophagus are feasible to undergo partial laryngeal function preservation operation or no laryngeal function preservation operation instead of total laryngeal function preservation operation. Err inhaling is nearly relevant to the disorder of deglutition function of the pharynx-esophagus and err inhaling prevention function of the larynx.

[Comprehensive evaluation of the middle ear function in children with secretory otitis media after tympanotomy tube insertion].

OBJECTIVE: To study the method on comprehensive evaluation of the middle ear function in children with secretory otitis media (SOM) after tympanotomy tube insertion. METHOD: Ear canal volume (ECV), pure tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) were carried out in 31 children(43 ears) with SOM before and 1 month after tube insertion,in the meantime Eustachian tube function was recorded. The tympanotomy tube was observed under microscope. RESULT: After one month of tube insertion, the hearing level was improved in 39 ears with an ECV > 2.0 ml. In addition,the detection rate and amplitude of DPOAE were significantly increased in these 39 ears. No case of the function of Eustachian tube was complete recovered. CONCLUSION: ECV, pure tone audiometry, DPOAE and inflation-deflation test are significantly clinical worth for comprehensive evaluation of the middle ear function in children with SOM after tympanotomy tube insertion.