Impact of perinatal factors on meconium aspiration syndrome in full-term newborns and the construction of a column chart prediction model: An observational study.

To explore the influence of perinatal-related factors on meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in full-term neonates and construct a nomogram prediction model for risk stratification of neonatal MAS and adoption of preventive measures. A total of 424 newborns and their mothers who were regularly examined at our hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 who had meconium-contaminated amniotic fluid during delivery were retrospectively selected as participants. Neonates were divided into MAS and non-MAS groups based on whether MAS occurred within 3 days after birth. Data from the 2 groups were analyzed, and factors influencing MAS were screened using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The R3.4.3 software was used to construct a nomogram prediction model for neonatal MAS risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the performance of the model, and its clinical effectiveness was evaluated using a decision curve. Among the 424 neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, 51 developed MAS within 3 days of birth (12.03%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a low amniotic fluid index before delivery (OR = 2.862, P = .019), advanced gestational age (OR = 0.526, P = .034), cesarean section (OR = 2.650, P = .013), severe amniotic fluid contamination (OR = 4.199, P = .002), low umbilical cord blood pH (OR = 2.938, P = .011), and low neonatal Apgar 1-min score (OR = 3.133, P = .006) were influencing factors of MAS in full-term neonates. Based on the above indicators, a nomogram prediction model for MAS risk of full-term newborns was constructed. The area under the ROC curve of the model was 0.931. The model was also tested for goodness-of-fit deviation (χ2 = 3.465, P = .903). Decision curve analysis found that the model was clinically effective in predicting the net benefit of MAS risk in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The construction of a column chart prediction model for neonatal MAS risk based on prenatal amniotic fluid index, gestational age, delivery method, amniotic fluid contamination level, newborn umbilical blood pH value, and Apgar 1-min score has a certain application value.

High SNRPA1 expression leads to poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: SNRPA1, a subunit of spliceosome complex, has been implicated in diverse cancers, while its biological effect in LUAD remains elusive. Therefore, we sought to decipher the relationship between SNRPA1 expression and the prognosis of patients with LUAD and reveal the underlying molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the clinical data from TCGA databases, the multivariate Cox model was constructed to screen the prognostic value of SNRPA1. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to examine SNRPA1 mRNA and protein expression in LUAD. The effect of SNRPA1 on LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transformation were examined using colony formation assays, wound healing, and western blot assays, respectively. Finally, the influence of SNRPA1 on LUAD immune microenvironment were validated from the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database. RESULTS: SNRPA1 was significantly upregulated in both LUAD tissues and cell lines, and highly expressed SNRPA1 contributed to poor prognosis of LUAD patients. In vitro, SNRPA1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration, as well as delayed the EMT differentiation of LUAD cells. Lastly, SNRPA1 was found to be positively associated with immune infiltration and some immune-check-point markers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that SNRPA1 may be a new biomarker for prognostic prediction and a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of LUAD.

Construction of a fatty acid metabolism-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and immune response in breast cancer.

Background: Breast cancer has the highest incidence among malignant tumors in women, and its prevalence ranks first in global cancer morbidity. Aim: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a prognostic model for patients with breast cancer based on the differential expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism. Methods: The mRNA expression matrix of breast cancer and paracancer tissues was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The differentially expressed genes related to fatty acid metabolism were screened in R language. The TRRUST database was used to predict transcriptional regulators related to hub genes and construct an mRNA-transcription factor interaction network. A consensus clustering approach was used to identify different fatty acid regulatory patterns. In combination with patient survival data, Lasso and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models were used to establish polygenic prognostic models based on fatty acid metabolism. The median risk score was used to categorize patients into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the survival differences between both groups. The Cox regression analysis included risk score and clinicopathological factors to determine whether risk score was an independent risk factor. Models based on genes associated with fatty acid metabolism were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. A comparison was made between risk score levels and the fatty acid metabolism-associated genes in different subtypes of breast cancer. The differential gene sets of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes for screening high- and low-risk populations were compared using a gene set enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we utilized CIBERSORT to examine the abundance of immune cells in breast cancer in different clustering models. Results: High expression levels of ALDH1A1 and UBE2L6 prevented breast cancer, whereas high RDH16 expression levels increased its risk. Our comprehensive assessment of the association between prognostic risk scoring models and tumor microenvironment characteristics showed significant differences in the abundance of various immune cells between high- and low-risk breast cancer patients. Conclusions: By assessing fatty acid metabolism patterns, we gained a better understanding of the infiltration characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Our findings are valuable for prognosis prediction and treatment of patients with breast cancer based on their clinicopathological characteristics.

Mapping network connectivity between internet addiction and residual depressive symptoms in patients with depression.

Background and aims: Depression often triggers addictive behaviors such as Internet addiction. In this network analysis study, we assessed the association between Internet addiction and residual depressive symptoms in patients suffering from clinically stable recurrent depressive disorder (depression hereafter). Materials and methods: In total, 1,267 depressed patients were included. Internet addiction and residual depressive symptoms were measured using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), respectively. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified via centrality indices. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure. Results: The prevalence of IA within this sample was 27.2% (95% CI: 24.7-29.6%) based on the IAT cutoff of 50. IAT15 ("Preoccupation with the Internet"), IAT13 ("Snap or act annoyed if bothered without being online") and IAT2 ("Neglect chores to spend more time online") were the most central nodes in the network model. Additionally, bridge symptoms included the node PHQ1 ("Anhedonia"), followed by PHQ2 ("Sad mood") and IAT3 ("Prefer the excitement online to the time with others"). There was no gender difference in the network structure. Conclusion: Both key central and bridge symptoms found in the network analysis could be potentially targeted in prevention and treatment for depressed patients with comorbid Internet addiction and residual depressive symptoms.

Correction: Polysaccharides from Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller inhibit cell proliferation via activating MAPK signaling in A549 and H1650 cells.

Correction for 'Polysaccharides from Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller inhibit cell proliferation via activating MAPK signaling in A549 and H1650 cells' by Juan Juan Yang et al., Food Funct., 2021, 12, 6915-6924, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1FO00294E.

The prevalence of internet addiction and its association with quality of life among clinically stable patients with major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Internet addiction (IA) is associated with mental health problems but its impact on quality of life (QOL) is understudied. We examined the prevalence of IA and its association with QOL in clinically stable patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey between September 2020 and July 2021, the Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered to 1267 patients with MDD. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of IA, while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the association between IA and QOL." RESULTS: The prevalence of IA (IAT total scores ≥50) was 27.2 % (95 % CI: 24.7 %-29.6 %) in MDD patients. Compared to patients without IA, those with IA had lower QOL (F(1, 1267) = 19.1, P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that higher education (senior high school and above; OR = 1.85, 95 % CI: 1.13-3.03), family history of psychiatric disorders (OR = 1.72, 95 % CI: 1.08-2.73), and higher PHQ-2 total score (OR = 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.14-1.32) were positively associated with IA while older age (OR = 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.91-0.96) was inversely related to IA. CONCLUSION: IA is much more common in clinically stable patients with MDD compared to the reported figures in the general population. It would be prudent to screen and monitor internet use in MDD patients and treat those with IA.

Suicidality in clinically stable bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a disproportionate impact on vulnerable subpopulations, including those with severe mental illness (SMI). This study examined the one-year prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI), suicide plans (SP), and suicide attempts (SA) in bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) patients during the pandemic. Prevalence rates were compared between the two disorders and associated factors were examined. A survey was conducted in six tertiary psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units. People with a diagnosis of BD or SCZ were invited to participate. SI, SP, and SA (suicidality for short) were assessed and associated factors were examined using binary logistical regression. The 1-year prevalence of SI, SP and SA in BD patients were 58.3%, (95% CI: 54.1-62.6%), 38.4% (95% CI: 34.3-42.6%) and 38.6% (95% CI: 34.5-42.8%), respectively, which were higher than the corresponding figures in SCZ patients (SI: 33.2%, 95% CI: 28.6-37.8%; SP: 16.8%, 95% CI: 13.2-20.5%; SA: 19.4%, 95% CI: 15.5-23.3%). Patients with younger age, experience of cyberbullying, a history of SA among family or friends, a higher fatigue and physical pain score, inpatient status, and severe depressive symptoms were more likely to have suicidality. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased risk of suicidality, particularly in BD patients. It is of importance to regularly screen suicidality in BD and SCZ patients during the pandemic even if they are clinically stable.

Internet addiction and its association with quality of life in patients with major depressive disorder: a network perspective.

Depressive disorders and internet addiction (IA) are often comorbid. The aims of this study were to examine the network structure of IA in patients with major depressive disorders (MDD) and explore the association between IA and quality of life (QoL) in this population. This was a multicenter, cross-sectional survey. IA and QoL were assessed with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version, respectively. Node expected influence (EI) was used to identify central symptoms in the network model, while the flow network of QoL was generated to examine its association with IA. A total of 1,657 patients with MDD was included. "Preoccupation with the Internet," "Job performance or productivity suffer because of the Internet," and "Neglect chores to spend more time online" were central symptoms. The symptom "Form new relationships with online users" had the strongest direct positive relation with QoL, while "Spend more time online over going out with others" and "Job performance or productivity suffer because of the Internet" had the strongest direct negative relations with QoL. Neglecting work caused by IA correlated with QoL, while making friends online appropriately was related to better QoL among MDD patients. Appropriate interventions targeting the central symptoms may potentially prevent or reduce the risk of IA in MDD patients.

Prevalence of suicidality in clinically stable patients with major depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems including suicide in many subpopulations, but its influence on stable patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has been studied fleetingly. This study examined the one-year prevalence of suicidality including suicidal ideation (SI), suicide plans (SP), and suicide attempts (SA) as well as their correlates in clinically stable MDD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between October 1, 2020, and October 15, 2021, in six tertiary psychiatric hospitals. Socio-demographic information, clinical data and one-year prevalence of suicidality were recorded. RESULTS: Altogether, 1718 participants who met the eligibility criteria were included. The overall one-year prevalence of suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic was 68.04% (95% confidence intervals (CI) =65.84-70.25%), with one-year SI prevalence of 66.4% (95%CI = 64.18-68.65%), SP prevalence of 36.26% (95%CI = 33.99-38.54%), and SA prevalence of 39.35% (95%CI = 37.04-41.66%). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed male gender, married marital status, college education level and above and age were negatively associated with risk of suicidality. Urban residence, unemployed work status, experiences of cyberbullying, a history of suicide among family members or friends, and more severe fatigue, physical pain, and residual depressive symptoms were positively associated with risk of suicidality. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidality is common among clinically stable MDD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular suicide screening and preventive measures should be provided to clinically stable MDD patients during the pandemic.

Minimally invasive open reduction of greater tuberosity fractures by a modified suture bridge procedure.

BACKGROUND: Most greater tuberosity fractures can be treated without surgery but some have a poor prognosis. The surgical procedures for avulsion fractures of the humeral greater tuberosity include screw fixation, suture anchor fixation, and plate fixation, all of which have treatment-associated complications. To decrease surgical complications, we used a modified suture bridge procedure under direct vision and a minimally invasive small incision to fix fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus. AIM: To investigate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of minimally invasive modified suture bridge open reduction of greater tuberosity evulsion fractures. METHODS: Sixteen patients diagnosed between January 2016 and January 2019 with an avulsion-type greater tuberosity fracture of the proximal humerus and treated by minimally invasive open reduction and modified suture bridges with anchors were studied retrospectively. All were followed up by clinical examination and radiographs at 3 and 6 wk, 3, 6 and 12 mo after surgery, and thereafter every 6 mo. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by a visual analog scale (VAS), the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score (ASES), and range of motion (ROM) for shoulders. RESULTS: Seven men and nine women, with an average age of 44.94 years, were evaluated. The time between injury and surgery was 1-2 d, with an average of 1.75 d. The mean operation time was 103.1 ± 7.23 min. All patients achieved bone union within 3 mo after surgery. VAS scores were significantly decreased (P = 0.002), and the mean degrees of forward elevation (P = 0.047), mean degrees of abduction (P = 0.035), ASES score (P = 0.092) were increased at 3 wk. The UCLA score was increased at 6 wk (P = 0.029) after surgery. The average degrees of external rotation and internal rotation both improved at 3 mo after surgery (P = 0.012 and P = 0.007, respectively). No procedure-related deaths or incision-related superficial or deep tissue infections occurred. CONCLUSION: Modified suture bridge was effective for the treatment of greater tuberosity evulsion fractures, was easier to perform, and had fewer implants than other procedures.

MiR-205-5p promotes lung cancer progression and is valuable for the diagnosis of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as potential diagnostic biomarkers in various cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of miR-205-5p in lung cancer progression and diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MiR-205-5p was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The effect of miR-205-5p on cell proliferation and metastasis was estimated by MTT and flow cytometry. The expression of TP53INP1 and related genes was analyzed by immunoblotting. The diagnostic value of miR-205-5p was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: The miR-205-5p was increased in lung cancer tissues. MiR-205-5p mimics were promoted but its inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis compared with control treatment in vitro and in vivo. By regulating the 3' untranslated region, miR-205-5p could negatively regulate TP53INP1 expression, which further inhibited the expression of RB1 and P21, but increased that of cyclinD1. Moreover, the serum miR-205-5p levels of patients with lung cancer were significantly higher than those of normal controls, and they were correlated with patients' gender, drinking status, and clinical stage. The area under the ROC curve of serum miR-205-5p in the diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer was 0.8250, respectively. The finding supported its possession of high diagnostic efficiency for lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-205-5p promoted lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by negatively regulating the novel target TP53INP1, which further affected the expression of P21, RB1, and cyclin D1. Serum miR-205-5p is a novel and valuable biomarker for lung cancer diagnosis.

The Treatment of Subtrochanteric Fracture with Reversed Contralateral Distal Femoral Locking Compression Plate (DF-LCP) Using a Progressive and Intermittent Drilling Procedure in Three Osteopetrosis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application of reversed contralateral distal femoral locking compression plate (DF-LCP) inserted through a progressive and intermittent drilling procedure in the treatment of osteopetrotic subtrochanteric fracture (OSF). METHODS: Three patients (one male and two females with an average age of 45.33 ± 11.09 years) with OSF hospitalized between September 2015 and September 2020, were included in this present study. Lateral approach was applied in all patients who accepted open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a reversed contralateral DF-LCP inserted through a progressive and intermittent drilling procedure. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded to evaluate the efficiency of this surgical method. Physical examination and imaging examination of the fracture site were used to evaluate the fracture union status, the position and stability of the implant, and the alignment of the injured limb at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, then a subsequent visit was conducted at least once a year. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to evaluate the hip joint function at 6 and 12 months after operation. RESULTS: The average operation time was 140 ± 21.60 min (110, 160, and 150 min); The average intraoperative blood loss was about 333.33 ± 23.57 ml (300, 350, and 350 ml). The average follow-up time was 22.33 ± 7.41 months (29, 26, and 12 months). All patients achieved bone union with an average time of 6.67 ± 0.94 months (6, 8, and 6 months). At the time of 6 months after operation, case 1 and 3 were almost pain-free and could walk with full weight bearing while case 2 could walk only with partial weight bearing using a crutch. The HHS scores of cases 1, 2, and 3 were 84/100, 74/100, and 92/100, respectively. At the follow-up at 12 months after operation, the HHS score improved to 91/100, 81/100, and 96/100, respectively. The contralateral incomplete old subtrochanteric fracture was deteriorated in case 1 at 26 months after operation. After 3 months of limited weight bearing using a crutch, bone union was verified in radiograph imaging. Fresh contralateral subtrochanteric fracture occurred in case 2 at 26 months after operation, which was treated using a similar surgical approach, and its clinical outcome is under follow-up. Moreover, no perioperative complications including operation-related death, vascular/nerve injury, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and incision infection, and long-term complications involving malunion, nonunion, implant failure, ankylosis, heterotopic ossification, osteonecrosis, and osteomyelitis were identified. CONCLUSION: The application of reversed contralateral DF-LCP in OSF is practicable and reliable. Progressive and intermittent drilling is a safe and efficient method for implant insertion in this complicated situation.

The Prevalence of Depressive and Insomnia Symptoms, and Their Association With Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Rural Areas in China.

Background: There are few studies on the epidemiology of depression, insomnia, and their association with quality of life (QOL) in older adults living in rural China. This study examined the prevalence of depressive and insomnia symptoms, and their association with QOL in community-dwelling older adults in a rural area in Anhui province, China. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the rural areas of four cities (Hefei, Huaibei, Anqing, and Xuancheng) in Anhui province between July and October, 2019 using random sampling method. All community-dwelling residents from the selected villages who met the study entry criteria were invited to participate in this study. Depressive and insomnia symptoms and QOL were assessed with the Chinese version of self-reported Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale (CES-D), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Results: A total of 871 older adults were included. The prevalence of overall depressive symptoms, insomnia symptoms, and comorbid depressive and insomnia symptoms were 34.0% [95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 30.8-37.1%], 45.7% (95% CI: 42.4-49.0%) and 20.3% (95% CI: 17.6-23.0%), respectively. Older adults with depressive symptoms, insomnia symptoms, and comorbid depressive and insomnia symptoms had lower scores in QOL compared to those without. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with living with families [Odd Ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.31-2.54] and negatively associated with current drinking (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.33-0.72). Insomnia symptoms were negatively associated with fair and good financial status (fair: OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.38-0.75; good: OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.14-0.64) and current drinking (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.45-0.93), and positively associated with more frequent major medical conditions (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.16-1.51). Comorbid depressive and insomnia symptoms were positively associated with living with families (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.36-3.00), and negatively associated with fair and good financial status (fair: OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41-0.89; good: OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.12-0.95) and current drinking (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.35-0.92). Conclusion: Depressive and insomnia symptoms were common in older adults living in rural areas in China. Considering the negative health outcomes caused by depressive and insomnia symptoms, regular screening and effective treatments should be developed for this population.

Polysaccharides from Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller inhibit cell proliferation via activating MAPK signaling in A549 and H1650 cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), have recently been reported to cause a significant increase in the production and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are closely correlated with lung cancer metastasis. The aim of the present study is to determine the inhibitory effects of a polysaccharide isolated from Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller (U. prolifera) on the invasive potential of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and further to explore the underlying mechanisms connected to that potential. The data showed that increased MMP-9 resulting from H2O2 exposure was mediated by activating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Pre-treatment with polysaccharides suppressed the activation of H2O2-mediated MAPK pathways and cell invasion. Hence, MMP-9 production triggered by H2O2 was demonstrated by activating MAPK signaling in a Myc-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggested that polysaccharides suppress H2O2-induced cell invasion by inhibiting Myc-mediated MMP-9 gene transcription through the MAPK signaling pathway in A549 and NCI-H1650 cells. Our data also suggested that polysaccharides may be useful in minimizing the development of lung cancer metastasis. In the future, pretreatment with polysaccharides because of their antioxidant properties might be beneficial to enhance surgical outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for Antipsychotic-Related Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Constipation is a common but often ignored side effect of antipsychotic treatment, although it is associated with adverse outcomes. The results of the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM) in treating constipation are mixed across studies. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy and safety of TCM compared to Western medicine (WM) in treating antipsychotic-related constipation. Methods: Major international electronic (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and Chinese (Wanfang, WeiPu VIP, SinoMed, and CNKI) databases were searched from their inception to November 29, 2020. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Results: Thirty RCTs with 52 arms covering 2,570 patients in the TCM group and 2,511 patients in the WM group were included. Compared with WM, TCM alone was superior regarding the moderate response rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.165; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.096-1.238; P < 0.001], marked response rate (RR = 1.437; 95% CI: 1.267-1.692; P < 0.001), and remission rate (RR = 1.376; 95% CI: 1.180-1.606; P < 0.001) for constipation, while it was significantly associated with lower risk of rash (RR = 0.081; 95% CI: 0.019-0.342; P = 0.001). For the moderate response rate, meta-regression analyses revealed that publication year (ß = -0.007, P = 0.0007) and Jadad score (ß = 0.067, P < 0.001) significantly moderated the results. For the remission rate, subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed that the geographical region (P = 0.003), inpatient status (P = 0.035), and trial duration (ß = 0.009, P = 0.013) significantly moderated the results. Conclusions: The efficacy of TCM for antipsychotic-related constipation appeared to be greater compared to WM, while certain side effects of TCM, such as rash, were less frequent.

Taxonomic studies on the genus Isotrema (Aristolochiaceae) from China III: I.pseudohei, a new species from Yunnan, Southwest China.

Isotremapseudohei, a new species from Yunnan, Southwest China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to I.hei and I.moupinense, but differs from the former in the colour of flower and throat, the size of throat and the shape of gynostemium lobes, and from the latter in the shape of lamina and gynostemium lobes.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of AcrySof® IQ and TECNIS® toric intraocular lenses: A real-world study.

Corneal astigmatism significantly compromises uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) after phacoemulsification with implantation of traditional spherical or non-spherical monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). Toric IOL provides an effective way to gain favorable postoperative UCVA for the patients with cataracts with corneal astigmatism. There are numerous types of toric IOLs; however AcrySof® IQ toric IOL (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) and TECNIS® toric IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision; Johnson & Johnson) are most frequently used in our clinical practice. The purpose of the current study was to compare the clinical efficacy of AcrySof IQ with TECNIS toric IOL implantation, and to provide a clinical basis on selecting an appropriate toric IOL before cataract surgery for patients with corneal astigmatism. A total of 30 patients with cataract (44 eyes) with corneal astigmatism [0.82-7.27 diopters (D)], who have undergone phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation between October 2012 and December 2017, were included in the current retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups: One group (26 eyes) received the AcrySof IQ toric IOL (AcrySof group) and the other group (18 eyes) received the TECNIS toric IOL (Tecnis group). The indexes of curative effect, such as uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, respectively), refractive outcomes, contrast sensitivity (CS), IOL rotation, and satisfaction, were evaluated. Both toric IOLs significantly improved UDVA and CDVA. Postoperative mean residual astigmatism was similar in the AcrySof group and in the Tecnis group (0.75±0.50 and 0.78±0.90 D; P=0.896). There was no statistically significant between postoperative CS in the AcrySof and Tecnis groups. Rotations of >10˚ were considered to be significant and were identified in three eyes. The mean IOL rotation showed no statistically significant difference (AcrySof group, 0.24±5.54˚; Tecnis group, -0.19±6.28˚; P=0.416). The mean patient satisfaction score was 8.46±1.21 in the AcrySof group and 8.78±1.44 in the Tecnis group (P=0.260). The results of the current study indicated that patients with cataracts with corneal astigmatism undergoing phacoemulsification with AcrySof IQ and TECNIS toric IOL implantation achieved similar clinical efficacy in term of visual outcomes, refraction correction, CS, rotational stability and satisfaction.

Roles of HOTAIR in lung cancer susceptibility and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding (lncRNA) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the susceptibility to the development of various malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) and its SNPs in lung cancer. METHODS: Initially, the expression of HOTAIR in different tumors was investigated using the online Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) resource. Three SNPs (rs920778, rs1899663, and rs4759314) of HOTAIR were identified using the MassArray system. Following this, the relationship between these SNPs and susceptibility to lung cancer was investigated. RESULTS: Expression of HOTAIR was found to increase in a variety of cancers, including nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We found that the genotypes of these SNPs (rs920778, rs1899663, and rs4759314) were not significantly associated with lung cancer type, family history, lymph node metastasis, or lung cancer stage. In gender stratification, the results of rs920778 genotypes showed that, compared to genotype AA, the AG (OR = 0.344, 95% CI: 0.133-0.893, p = .028) and AG + GG (OR = 0.378, 95% CI: 0.153-0.932, p = .035) genotypes of rs920778 are protective factors against NSCLC in females. In smoking stratification, compared with AA of rs920778, the genotype AG + GG (OR = 0.507, 95% CI: 0.263-0.975, p = .042) was a protective factor against NSCLC in nonsmoking people. No statistical differences were observed in the classifications of rs1899663 and rs4759314 genotypes. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed a high linkage disequilibrium between the rs920778 and rs1899663 (D' = 0.99, r2  = .74), rs920778 and rs4759314 (D' = 0.85, r2  = .13), and rs1899663 and rs4759314 (D' = 0.79, r2  = .00). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that HOTAIR expression increased in NSCLC, and that the genotypes of rs920778 could be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.

Immune biomarkers alterations in post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported the changes of immune biomakers in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the results were conflicting. Our aim was to investigate the changes of immune biomarkers in PTSD. METHODS: Literatures investigating the changes of immune markers in PTSD published in English were systematically searched through PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. We conducted random effects meta-analyses relating PTSD to immune biomarker concentrations and using subgroup analyses to resolve heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 2606 articles were screened and 42 samples were included by the systematic review. The levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß, P = 0.01), IL-2 (P = 0.006), IL-6 (P = 0.0002), interferon-γ (IFN-γ, P = 0.004), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, P = 0.004), C-reactive protein (CRP, P = 0.0003) and white blood cell (WBC, P = 0.01) were higher in PTSD than healthy controls (HC). Subgroup meta-analyses for psychotropic medication showed the levels of IL-1ß and IL-2 were not increased in the PTSD. Subgroup meta-analyses for whether HC exposed to trauma showed the levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 were not increased in the PTSD. Egger´s test revealed there was no publication bias. However, there was significant heterogeneity across studies for immune markers other than for WBC (P = 0.14, I2 = 45%). Subgroup analyses based on sex, HC exposed to trauma, PTSD comorbid major depressive disorder, PTSD on psychotropic medications partially or completely resolved heterogeneity for some immune biomarkers. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides evidence for elevation of IFN-γ, TNF-α, CRP, and WBC in PTSD.

[Shallow Fire-needle Acupuncture Stimulation Plus Cupping Relieves Neuralgia and Down-regulates Serum Substance P Level in Patients with Acute Herpes Zoster].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of repeated shallow fire-needle acupuncture stimulation plus cupping on local neuralgia and serum substance P(SP)content in patients with acute herpes zoster (AHZ). METHODS: A total of 60 cases of AHZ patients were randomly divided into control (medication) group and treatment (medication plus fire-needle) group (n＝30 in each). Patients of both groups were ordered to take Famciclovir (0.25 g/time, three times a day) and Mecobalamin (0.5 g/time, three times a day) orally for 7 days. In addition, patients of the treatment group were also treated by repeated shallow fire-needle stimulation and cupping, once a day for 7 days. Before and after the treatment, the patient's pain severity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and serum SP concentration was measured using ELISA. RESULTS: After the treatment, the VAS scores and serum SP concentrations in both groups were significantly decreased in comparison with those of their own pre-treatment (P<0.01), and were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.01). There was a highly positive correlation between the decreased VAS score and serum SP content in the treatment group(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Repeated shallow fire-needle stimulation plus cupping can accelerate the relief of local neuralgia in AHZ patients, which may be associated with its effect in down-regulating serum SP level.