Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation exercises on swallowing function and cerebral perfusion in dysphagic stroke patients.Methods Sixty-two stroke pa- tients with dysphagia were randomly divided into a treatment group(n=32)and a control group(n=30).The treat- ment group received electroacupunture,rehabilitation exercise and conventional medical treatment,while the control group received only rehabilitation exercise and conventional medical treatment.They were treated once a day,6 times a week for 4 weeks.Water drinking test,stethocatharsis scores and swallowing fluorography were used to assess the swallowing function before and after treatment.Single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)was also em- ployed to observe the status of cerebral perfusion before and after treatment.Results It was shown that the swallo- wing function and cerebral perfusion in the treatment group were significantly better than the control group after treat- ment.The effective rate in the treatment group was 96.88% while that of the control group was 66.67%.Conclu- sion Electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation exercises is effective in treating the dysphagic stroke patients, and can significantly improve the brain perfusion of these patients.

This study aimed to assess the relationship of OAS2 rs739901 5'-flanking C/A polymorphisms with the susceptibility to Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection.We investigated 294 hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) Chinese children with EV71 infection (165 mild cases and 129 encephalitis cases).The improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique was used to test the genotypes.In EV71-infected patients,the CA genotype distribution (P=0.007),A allele frequency (OR 1.32,95％ CI 1.0-1.7,P=0.034)and CA+AA carriage frequency (P=0.003) of OAS2 rs739901 5'-flanking were obviously elevated as compared with controls,but there were no statistically significant differences between mild cases and encephalitis cases.In EV71-infected patients,the counts of white blood cells (P=0.034) and blood glucose concentrations (P=0.042) were raised in A carriers (CA+AA).Among different genotypes of encephalitis cases,the contents of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed no significant differences.IFN-γ levels in EV71-infected patients were higher than those in controls (mild group vs.control group,P＜0.01;encephalitis group vs.control group,P＜0.001).In encephalitis cases,IFN-γ levels were reduced (P＜0.05) in A carriers compared to CC genotype,however,there were no significant differences between genotypes CA and AA (P=0.226).These findings suggest that OAS2 rs739901 5'-flanking C/A genetic polymorphisms involve the susceptibility to EV71 infection,and A allele might be a risk factor of the susceptibility to EV-71 infection.

Objective: To explore the role of mitochondrial biogenesis and the neuroprotective mechanism of resveratrol in fluoride neurotoxicity. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells in exponential phase were treated with different concentrations (20, 40, 60 mg/L) of sodium fluoride (NaF) for 24 h. Co-treatment with 60 mg/L NaF, 20 μmol/L resveratrol (RSV) was administrated in the resveratrol intervene trial. Western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis key regulating factor of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) , nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in SH-SY5Y cells. The mRNA levels of PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM were determined by Quantitative Real-time PCR in SH-SY5Y cells, as well as the relative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contents and mRNA expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes subunit CO1 and ATP8. Flow cytometry was used to determine mitochondrial membrane potential in SH-SY5Y cells. Results: Both the protein and mRNA levels of PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM were decresed after 60 mg/L NaF treatment in SH-SY5Y cells (P<0.05) . The relative mtDNA contents and mRNA expression of complexes subunit CO1 and ATP8 were also significantly decreased compared with control (P<0.05) . Mitochondrial membrane potential were also significantly decreased after 60 mg/L NaF treatment in SH-SY5Y cells (P<0.05) . Compared with 60 mg/L NaF group, the protein and mRNA levels of PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM in 20 μmol/L RSV+60 mg/L NaF group were significantly increased (P<0.05) . The relative mtDNA contents, mitochondrial membrane potential and mRNA levels of complexes subunit CO1 and ATP8 in 20 μmol/L RSV+60 mg/L NaF group were also significantly higher than that in 60 mg/L NaF group (P<0.05) . Conclusion Resveratrol may alleviate the fluoride-induced mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical application of three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D DCE MRA) in diagnosis of angiostenosis after liver transplantation.

METHODSTwenty recipients of liver transplantation underwent 3D DCE MRA examination. The blood vessel rating grades were accessed and the relative diameter of vascular anastomosis was measured; and the results were compared with those of US or DSA examination.

RESULTSSatisfactory angiography images were obtained in all cases by 3D DCE MRA, including 11 cases with normal and mild stenosis, 5 with moderate and 4 with severe stenosis in hepatic artery. Except one case in which 3D DCE MRA showed severe stenosis but DSA showed moderate stenosis, the results of MRA were all consistent with those of US or/and DSA in the stenosis degree of the portal vein, hepatic vein and the postcava.

CONCLUSION3D DCE MRA is an effective technique to evaluate the degree of angiostenosis after liver transplantation.

Adult ; Constriction, Pathologic ; diagnosis ; Contrast Media ; Female ; Hepatic Artery ; pathology ; Hepatic Veins ; pathology ; Humans ; Image Enhancement ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Liver ; blood supply ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portal Vein ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo examine the role of Polo-like kinase 1(PLK1) in the migration and invasiveness of human colorectal cancer cells.

METHODSNine colorectal cancer cell lines were cultured. Cell lines with the highest level of PLK1 expression was selected by PCR and Western blot. Three siRNA oligo segments targeting PLK1 were designed and selected cell lines transfected. Successful transfection was confirmed using real-time PCR and Western blot. Changes in migration and invasiveness of the selected cell line were evaluated by Transwell test.

RESULTSColorectal cancer cell line SW1116 was selected with the highest expression of PLK1 at both mRNA level and protein level. The expression of PLK1 in SW1116 was reduced by the three siRNA oligo segments to varying degrees, and the No.1 siRNA oligo segment was the most efficient. In migration test, the number of cells crossing through chambers in PLK1-siRNA group was 44 ± 14, which was lower than that in the negative control group (242 ± 40) and in blank control group(240 ± 38). In invasion test, the number of cells crossing through chambers in PLK1-siRNA group was 62 ± 3, which was lower than that in negative control group (207 ± 12) and in blank control group (211 ± 15). These differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPLK1 silencing by siRNA may inhibit the migration and invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that PLK1 might play an important role in the infiltration and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Cell Cycle Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

Objective To summarize the experience of microsurgical operation via single nostril-sphenoid sinus approach or via subfrontal approach on giant pituitary adenoma. Methods Microsurgical operations were performed on 51 cases of giant pituitary adenoma via single nostril-sphenoid sinus approach (n=13) or via subfrontal approach (n=38). Results Total resection was achieved in 18 cases by the operation via subfrontal approach, most resection in 13 cases, partial resection in 4 cases, postoperative death in 3 cases. Another a few patients were operated via single nostril-sphenoid sinus approach, in which total resection was executed in 7 cases, most resection in 4cases, partial resection in 2 cases. The statistical differences in the total removal rate and curative effect were meaningless between the two groups. Conclusion The giant pituitary adenoma can be treated by microsurgical operation via single nostril-sphenoid sinus approach or via subfrontal approach. The cure rate of giant pituitary adenoma can be increased by postoperative treatments with bromocriptine and γ-knife.

Objective: To investigate the effect of 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) on the mitochondrial mass in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and the potential mechanisms. Methods: Highly differentiated PC12 cells were divided into control, 1, 10 or 20 μmol/L PBDE-47-treated groups and cultured for 24 h. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the changes in mitochondrial morphology and quantity in PC12 cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure the fluorescence intensity of Nonyl Acridine Orange (NAO) , a fluorescent indicator of mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin, to reflect mitochondria mass. Western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of Mitofusion 1 (Mfn1) and Fission 1 (Fis1) proteins. To further explore the role of abnormal mitochondrial fusion and fission in PBDE-47-induced mitochondrial mass changes, PC12 cells were divided into control group, 5 μmol/L M1 treatment group, 20 μmol/L PBDE-47 treatment group and 5 μmol/L M1+20 μmol/L PBDE-47 combined treatment group and cultured for 24 h, then the fluorescence intensity of NAO and expression levels of Mfn1 and Fis1 proteins were detected. Results: The control group showed numerous mitochondria with normal morphology, while the number of mitochondria decreased after PBDE-47 treatment. Especially, the disappeared cristae, swelling and vacuoles of mitochondria and decreased fluorescence intensity of NAO (P<0.05) were observed in 10 and 20 μmol/L PBDE-47-treated groups. Meanwhile, the expression levels of Mfn1 and Fis1 proteins in the 10 and 20 μmol/L PBDE-47-treated groups were significantly decreased compared with control group (P<0.05) . However, 5 μmol/L M1 co-treatment with 20 μmol/L PBDE-47 significantly increased the levels of Mfn1 and Fis1 proteins and fluorescence intensity of NAO compared with the 20 μmol/L PBDE-47 group (P<0.05) . Conclusion PBDE-47 can inhibit the mitochondrial fusion and fission process, thus leading to damage of mitochondria mass in PC12 cells.

Objective To observe the cage subsidence after oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF)for lumbar spondylo-sis,summarize the characteristics of the cage subsidence,analyze causes,and propose preventive measures.Methods The data of 144 patients of lumbar spine lesions admitted to our hospital from October 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively ana-lyzed.There were 43 males and 101 females,and the age ranged from 20 to 81 years old,with an average of(60.90±10.06)years old.Disease types:17 patients of lumbar intervertebral disc degenerative disease,12 patients of giant lumbar disc hernia-tion,5 patients of discogenic low back pain,33 patients of lumbar spinal stenosis,26 patients of lumbar degenerative spondy-lolisthesis,28 patients of lumbar spondylolisthesis with spondylolisthesis,11 patients of adjacent vertebral disease after lumbar internal fixation,7 patients of primary spondylitis in the inflammatory outcome stage,and 5 patients of lumbar degenerative scoliosis.Preoperative dual-energy X-ray bone mineral density examination showed 57 patients of osteopenia or osteoporosis,and 87 patients of normal bone density.The number of fusion segments:124 patients of single-segment,11 patients of two-seg-ment,8 patients of three-segment,four-segment 1 patient.There were 40 patients treated by stand-alone OLIF,and 104 patients by OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw.Observed the occurrence of fusion cage settlement after operation,conducted monofactor analysis on possible risk factors,and observed the influence of fusion cage settlement on clinical results.Results All operations were successfully completed,the median operation time was 99 min,and the median intraoperative blood loss was 106 ml.Intraoperative endplate injury occurred in 30 patients and vertebral fracture occurred in 5 patients.The mean follow-up was(14.57±7.14)months from 6 to 30 months.During the follow-up,except for the patients of primary lumbar interstitial in-flammation and some patients of lumbar spondylolisthesis with spondylolisthesis,the others all had different degrees of cage subsidence.Cage subsidence classification:119 patients were normal subsidence,and 25 patients were abnormal subsidence(23 patients were grade Ⅰ,and 2 patients were grade Ⅱ).There was no loosening or rupture of the pedicle screw system.The height of the intervertebral space recovered from the preoperative average(9.48±1.84)mm to the postoperative average(12.65±2.03)mm,and the average(10.51±1.81)mm at the last follow-up.There were statistical differences between postop-erative and preoperative,and between the last follow-up and postoperative.The interbody fusion rate was 94.4％.The low back pain VAS decreased from the preoperative average(6.55±2.2 9)to the last follow-up(1.40±0.82),and there was statistically significant different.The leg pain VAS decreased from the preoperative average(4.72±1.49)to the final follow-up(0.60± 0.03),and the difference was statistically significant(t=9.13,P＜0.000 1).The ODI index recovered from the preoperative av-erage(38.50±6.98)％to the latest follow-up(11.30±3.27)％,and there was statistically significant different.The complication rate was 31.3％(45/144),and the reoperation rate was 9.72％(14/144).Among them,8 patients were reoperated due to fusion cage subsidence or displacement,accounting for 57.14％(8/14)of reoperation.The fusion cage subsidence in this group had obvious characteristics.The monofactor analysis showed that the number of abnormal subsidence patients in the osteopenia or osteoporosis group,Stand-alone OLIF group,2 or more segments fusion group,and endplate injury group was higher than that in the normal bone mass group,OLIF combined with pedicle screw fixation group,single segment fusion group,and no endplate injury group,and the comparison had statistical differences.Conclusion Cage subsidence is a common phenomenon after 0-LIF surgery.Preoperative osteopenia or osteoporosis,Stand-alone OLIF,2 or more segments of fusion and intraoperative end-plate injury may be important factors for postoperative fusion cage subsidence.Although there is no significant correlation be-tween the degree of cage subsidence and clinical symptoms,there is a risk of cage migration,and prevention needs to be strengthened to reduce serious complications caused by fusion of cage subsidence,including reoperation.

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. Thesafety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR12 rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5–94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8–97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2–100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR12 were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR12, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16–14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P<0.001). Conclusions SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis.

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. Thesafety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR12 rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5–94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8–97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2–100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR12 were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR12, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16–14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P<0.001). Conclusions SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis.