The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the clinical outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To determine the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in the treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI), we conducted a meta-analysis of the available evidence. METHODS: Data sources were PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and reference lists. The study included observational trials that compared HBO with non-HBO, or standard care. The primary outcome was the mortality rate. Secondary outcomes were the number of debridement, amputation rate and complication rate. Relative risks or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: A total of retrospective cohort and case-control studies were included, including 49,152 patients, 1448 who received HBO and 47,704 in control. The mortality rate in the HBO group was significantly lower than that in the non-HBO group [RR = 0.522, 95% CI (0.403, 0.677), p < 0.05]. However, the number of debridements performed in the HBO group was higher than in the non-HBO group [SMD = 0.611, 95% CI (0.012, 1.211), p < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in amputation rates between the two groups [RR = 0.836, 95% CI (0.619, 1.129), p > 0.05]. In terms of complications, the incidence of MODS was lower in the HBO group than in the non-HBO group [RR = 0.205, 95% CI (0.164, 0.256), p < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications, such as sepsis, shock, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current evidence suggests that the use of HBO in the treatment of NSTI can significantly reduce the mortality rates and the incidence rates of complications. However, due to the retrospective nature of the studies, the evidence is weak, and further research is needed to establish its efficacy. It is also important to note that HBO is not available in all hospitals, and its use should be carefully considered based on the patient's individual circumstances. Additionally, it is still worthwhile to stress the significance of promptly evaluating surgical risks to prevent missing the optimal treatment time.

miR-151-3p Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Colon Cancer Cell by Targeting Close Homolog of L1.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Cases of colon cancer have experienced dramatic growth for the past few decades in China, while the rate of rectal cancer descends 3% every year in the West. The purpose of this study is to reveal the potential impact of miR-21-5p on the occurrence process of CRC and its connection with a close homolog of L1 (CHL1). In this study, the expression level of the miR-151-3p was found to be significantly higher in colon adenocarcinoma tissue compared with adjacent normal tissues, while the CHL1 was lower in colon adenocarcinoma tissues. The expression of miR-151-3p was inversely correlated with the expression of CHL-1, as it was confirmed with correlation analysis. miR-151-3p deregulates the expression of CHL1. CHL1 overexpression can restrain the proliferation and invasion of CRC. Tumorigenesis experiments showed that the tumor growth rate of CHL1-OV was significantly reduced in mice, and its effect could be reversed by miR-151-3p mimics. Taken together, our study may provide new insights into the potential mechanisms of progression of CRC, and may provide a theory for targeted drug therapy.

The efficacy and safety of probiotics for patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on seventeen randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: & Objectives: Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is functional bowel disorders that may involve disturbance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of probiotics in patients with IBS-C. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to 1 May 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with IBS-C that compared probiotics to placebo or no therapy were eligible for the analysis. Dichotomous symptom data were pooled to calculate the relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of remaining symptoms after therapy. Continuous data were pooled using a standardized or weighted mean difference (MD) with the 95% CI. Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. The analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.2. RESULTS: Seventeen RCTs involving 1469 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, probiotics significantly increased stool frequency by 1.29 bowel movements (BM)/wk (95% CI: 0.69 to 1.89 BM/wk; P < 0.0001), and improved stool consistency (SMD: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.82; P = 0.0001). Compared with placebo, patients using probiotics experienced a shorter gut transit time by 12.36 h (95% CI: -20.74 to -3.98 h; P = 0.004). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, probiotics may be safe and may improve whole gut transit time, stool frequency, and stool consistency. However, adequately powered RCTs are required to better determine the species or strains, doses, and duration of use of probiotics that are most efficacious. Further research and evidence is required before probiotics is adopted as one of treatments of IBS-C.

Ligustrazine inhibits the viability and motility of colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, the disease remains a major threat worldwide. Ligustrazine (LSZ) is an alkaloid with anti-tumor activity. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-tumor qualities of LSZ on colon cancer cells in vitro and vivo, as well as its involved mechanism. METHODS: In this study, CCK-8, colony formation, transwell invasion assay and flow cytometry were employed to examined the cells behaviors. Moreover, the proteins related to the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) process were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Then, the expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were tested by western blotting. Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the role of LSZ in vivo. RESULTS: LSZ treatment (0.1, 0.5 and 1.5 mM) significantly inhibited SW480 cells' efforts to proliferate, migrate and invade and also induced SW480 cell apoptosis. In addition, LSZ inhibited EMT process. Meanwhile, Western blotting indicated that LSZ treatment administered on a dose-dependent basis inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Furthermore, in our animal experiments, the weight of colon cancer was significantly lower in LSZ-treated mice than in untreated ones, and the expression of Ki67 and N-cadherin positive cells was significantly lower in the treated mice than in their control group counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Together, the results suggested that LSZ inhibited proliferation, motility, and EMT of colon cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in vitro and in vivo.

[Effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination on urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination on urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Eighty patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a routine group, 40 cases in each group. Anesthesia at Yaoshu (GV 2) was given in the two groups. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3)，Guanyuan (CV 4)，Pangguangshu (BL 28) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency. After operation, induced urination was given, namely hot compress of bladder area and sound of hearing water. In the routine group，induced urination was given after operation. The score of the first urination waiting time, the distension of lower abdomen on the evening of the postoperative, the first time urinary volume and incidence of urinary retention were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The scores of the first urination waiting time after operation and distension of lower abdomen in the evening of the postoperative in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the routine group, the first time urinary volume was more than that in the routine group, and the incidence of urinary retention was lower than that in the routine group (5.0% (2/40) vs 22.5% (9/40), all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination can effectively prevent the incidence of urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

[Effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning with different frequencies on anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning with different frequencies on anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group A (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency), an electroacupuncture group B (continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency) and an electroacupuncture group C (continuous wave, 100 Hz in frequency), 40 cases in each group. Electroacupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Chengshan (BL 57) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation in all groups. The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the 3 groups, the visual anal pain score (VAS) and limb activity score at 4, 12, and 24 h after operation, the maximum VAS score within 24 h after surgery and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine were compared. RESULTS: The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the electroacupuncture group A, the electroacupuncture group B and the electroacupuncture group C were 4, 5, 4 respectively, and there was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the anal pain VAS score and limb activity score at 4 h after operation among the 3 groups (P>0.05), at the 12 h after operation, the VAS scores and limb activity scores in the electroacupunctures group A and B were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group C (P<0.05), at 24 h after operation, the VAS score and limb activity score in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C (P<0.05), the maximum VAS score within 24 h and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine within 24 h after operation in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Different frequency electroacupuncture preconditioning has the effect of alleviating anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture with different frequencies is different. The electroacupuncture analgesic effect of 2 Hz /100 Hz dilatational wave is better than 2 Hz and 100 Hz continuous waves.

[Clinical observation of electroacupuncture combined with auricular point sticking therapy for anal pain of mixed hemorrhoid after external excision and internal ligation].

OBJECTIVE: On the basis of western medication, to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with auricular point sticking therapy for anal pain of mixed hemorrhoid after external excision and internal ligation，so as to explore the method of improving its effect. METHODS: Ninety patients of mixed hemorrhoids who received external excision and internal ligation were randomly assigned into an EA group, an auricular point sticking group and a combined group, 30 cases in each one. All the treatment was applied 30 min before surgery. Electroacupuncture was used at Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1) in the EA group, once a day. The auricular points were bilateral shenmen (TF4), pizhixia (AT4), jiaogan (AH6a) and gangmen (HX5) in the auricular point sticking group, pressing 3-6 times every day, once 3-5 min. EA and auricular point sticking therapy were applied in the combined group. When the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was above 6, aminophenol dihydrocodeine was applied in the three groups. The scores of anal pain VAS and limb activity at the 4th, 12th, 24th, 48th, 72th hours after operation were compared among the three groups, as well as the maximum scores of VAS in 24 hours (T24max VAS) of 1-3 days after operation, the total dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine 72 h after operation. RESULTS: The VAS and limb activity scores at all the time points after operation, the T24max VAS on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days after operation and the dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine in the combined group were better than those in the EA and auricular point sticking groups (all P<0.05). The VAS and limb activity scores at 4, 12, 24 h after operation and T24max VAS on the 1st day after operation in the EA group were lower than those in the auricularpoint sticking group (all P<0.05). The VAS and limb activity scores at 48, 72 h after operation, and the T24max VAS on the 2nd and 3rd days in the auricular point sticking group were lower than those in the EA group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with auricular point sticking therapy are better than simple EA and auricular point sticking therapy for anal pain of mixed hemorrhoid after external excision and internal ligation. The analgesic effect of EA is rapider, and the effect of auricular point sticking therapy is longer. The combination of the two methods own coordination effect.

Trimethylamine N-oxide prime NLRP3 inflammasome via inhibiting ATG16L1-induced autophagy in colonic epithelial cells.

Recently, the intricate relationship between Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of growing interest. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays crucial roles in gut homeostasis and determining the severity of inflammation in IBD, however, the precise roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in IBD are still debated. ATG16L1 mediates the cellular degradative process of autophagy and is considered a critical regulator of inflammation based on its genetic association with IBD. Whether TMAO prime NLRP3 inflammasome via ATG16L1-induced autophagy remains unclear. This study observed the expression of ATG16L1, LC3-II and p62 and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome stimulated by TMAO in fetal human colon cells (FHCs), aiming to elucidate the mechanism by which the TMAO may contribute to colonic epithelial inflammation. Our results demonstrated that TMAO significantly inhibited ATG16L1, LC3-II and p62 expression, and triggered the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and production of ROS in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, TMAO-mediated effects were observably reversed by over-expression ATG16L1 and siRNA-mediated knockdown NLRP3.The present results support the hypothesis that TMAO may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD by impacting ATG16L1-induced autophagy and activating NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting a potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of IBD and TMAO-associated complications.

[Clinical observation on anal pendant expansion after PPH of mixed hemorrhoid treated with acupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1)].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the clinical efficacy on anal pendant expansion after PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids) of mixed hemorrhoid between acupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Chang-qiang (GV 1) and oral administration of diosmin. METHODS: Sixty cases of mixed hemorrhoids after PPH were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, since the 1st day, acupuncture had been applied to Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1). The needles were retained for 30 min after qi arrival, and the treatment was given once a day, totally for 7 days. In the control group, diosmin tablets had been prescribed for oral administration since the 1st day, 0.9 g each time, twice a day, totally for 7 days. The degree, persistent time and the pain score of anal pendant expansion were compared on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th days after PPH between the two groups and the efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: On the 1st day after PPH, the diffe-rences in the scores of the degree and persistent time of anal pendant expansion were not significant statistically between the two groups (all P>0.05), but the pain score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05) and lower than that before treatment (P<0.05). On the 2nd, 3rd and 7th days after PPH, the degree and persistent time of anal pendant expansion and pain score in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment (all P<0.05). The results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0.05). At the end of treatment (on the 7th day after PPH), the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[90.0% (27/30) vs 83.3% (25/30),P<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1) achieves the superior efficacy on anal pendant expansion after PPH of mixed hemorrhoids as compared with diosmin tablets.

[Effect of preconditioning of thermopaste application at Shenque (CV 8) on stretch reflex induced by procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids in patients with hemorrhoids].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical effect, feasibility and security of preconditioning of thermopaste application at Shenque (CV 8) for relieving stretch reflex induced by procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH). METHODS: A total of 100 cases of mixed hemorrhoids (stage III and IV) patients were randomized into 1.0 h, 0.5 h, 0 h and control (no application) groups (n = 25 in each group) according to a random number table. Thermopaste was applied to Shenque (CV 8) 1.0 h and 0.5 h before PPH or conducted simultaneously with PPH. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation of patients before and after anastomose operation, and the incidence of adverse reactions within 24 hours after the procedure were monitored and recorded. The patient's pain degree was assessed by using visual analogue scale. RESULTS: After the preconditioning, of the 25 patients in the 0.5 h group (0.5 h G), 14 experienced marked improvement (in the stretch reflex during PPH), 10 had an improvement, and 1 was invalid, respectively. The markedly effective rate and the total effective rate were 56% and 96%, respectively. The therapeutic effects for inhibiting stretch reflect being from the better to the poorer were 0.5 h G > 1.0 h G > 0 h G >NG. The heart rate and blood pressure from more stable to lesser stable were 0.5 h G> 1.0 h G > 0 h G > NG. The patients' pain reaction during operation and their adverse effects of nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention and abdominal pain, etc. occurred during operation also presented the same tendency in the 4 groups. CONCLUSION: Thermopaste application to Shenque (CV 8) can effectively prevent and control visceral reflex in patients undergoing PPH, which effect is significantly better when conducted 0.5 hour before the operation.