Objective To investigate the expression and significance of β-catenin and p28GANK in residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)cells after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).Methods We collected forty-five cases of surgical specimens of hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE ( TACE group ) and thirty cases of surgery without any treatment (pure surgery group).The expression of β-catenin and p28GANK were detected by using immunohistochemical SP method and compared between the two groups .Results The positive expression of β-catenin and p28GANK in TACE group were 77.78%and 75.56%respectively,which were significantly higher than those in pure surgery group (46.67%and 53.33%respectively,P<0.05).In the residual hepatocellular carcinoma cells of TACE group ,the positive expression of β-catenin showed correlation with the positive expression of p28GANK(Φ=0.318,P =0.033).The high expression of β-catenin and p28GANK were closely related to portal vein thrombosis and distant metastasis (P<0.05).Conclusion The ex-pression of β-catenin and p28GANK in the residual hepatocellular carcinoma cells were increased significantly after TACE.The high expression of β-catenin and p28GANK were closely related to portal vein thrombosis and distant metastasis.The high expression of β-catenin and p28GANK may be one of the reasons of hepatocellular carcinoma invasiveness and metastasis .

Objective To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of endovascular implantation of 125I seeds under the dual-guidance of ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with portal vein tumor thrombus. Methods A total of 30 patients with primary HCC complicated by portal vein tumor thrombus underwent implantation of 125I seeds via portal vein. Guided by ultrasound, percutaneous transhepatic puncturing of portal vein was performed first, then, catheter was inserted, which was followed by transcatheter 125I seeds implantation into the affected portal vein under DSA guidance. The technical success rate, postoperative complications, routine blood tests, liver function, the suppression of portal vein tumor thrombus and survival time were analyzed. Results Successful implantation of 125I seeds was achieved in all patients, no serious procedure-related complications occurred. All patients were followed up for 3-36 months, the portal vein tumor thrombus showed a significant shrinkage in all patients. The median survival time was about seven months. Conclusion For the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with portal vein tumor thrombus, endovascular implantation of 125I seeds under the dual-guidance of ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography is clinically safe and feasible. This treatment has satisfactory effect on the portal vein tumor thrombus.

Objective To analyze the effect of clinical pathways on single disease management.Methods Clinical controlled trials on tumors of uterine,benign biliary tract diseases and benign thyroid neoplasm were collected and related literatures were screened according to the criteria of inclusion.The literature so collected underwent a Meta analysis.Results A total of 21 literatures were included.Meta analysis indicated that statistical difference existed in the total cost of hospitalization(WMD=1046.06,95％CI:- 1281.15 ～ - 810.96,P＜0.00001) and length of hospital stay (WMD=- 2.18,95％CI:-2.59～- 1.76,P＜0.00001)between non-clinical pathways group and clinical pathways group.Conclusion Implementation of clinical pathways can further reduce hospital costs and shorten hospital days of the single disease management.

A gel permeation chromatography ( GPC ) coupled with solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric ( GPC-SPE-GC/MS ) method was developed to analyze seven kinds of organophosphate esters ( OPEs ) , including tri-n-butylphosphate, tri ( 2-chloroethyl ) phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tris ( 2-butoxyethyl ) phosphate, tri-o-tolylphosphate, tri-m-tolylphosphate, and tri-p-tolylphosphate) in human serum. The recoveries of cleanup methods between GPC-silica/alumina column and H2 SO4-silica/sulfuric acid gel column were compared. The purification method with the GPC-silica/alumina column didn’t destroy the structure of organophosphate esters ( OPEs ) and could effectively remove some protein and lipid matrix influence in serum. The developed method was verified using the spiked blank and the spiked serum, the good recoveries and reproducibilities were achieved. The recoveries of all of OPEs in spiked blank (n=3) were all more than 75%. The recoveries of d12-TCEP and d15-TPhP in human serum samples (n=9) were 86. 3%±21. 6% and 103. 1%±16. 5%, respectively. In human serum samples (n=9), the detection ratios for TnBP, TCEP, TPhP, TBEP and m-TTP were more than 90% in all of the serum samples, p-TTP was only 30%, o-TTP was not detectable. The concentrations of TnBP, TCEP, TPhP, TBEP and m-TTP in serum were 3. 4-46. 5 ng/g lipid, 248. 6-958. 2 ng/g lipid, n. d. -4. 2 ng/g lipid, n. d. -49. 9 ng/g lipid and n. d.-23. 1 ng/g lipid, respectively.

Objective To study the resistance and molecular profiles of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from the clinical specimens.Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested with 56 strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a hospital from May to November 2011.The mecA and pvl genes were detected.The spa genetic types were analyzed.Results A total of 21 (37.5%)Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to methicillin (MRSA)and 35 (62.5%)were sensitive to methicillin (MSSA).Nineteen of the 21 (90.5%)MRSA strains carried mecA gene.Compared with MSSA,MRSA were much less sen-sitive to rifampin,fluoroqunolones,tetracycline and gentamicin (P <0.05).All the MRSA isolates were susceptible to vanco-mycin,linezolid,tigecycline,quinupristin-dalfopristin and nitrofurantoin.Six spa types were identified among the MRSA strains.Type t030 was the most prevalent,accounting for 66.7% (14/21)of all the MRSA strains.MRSA-t030 and MRSA-t002 were resistant to multiple antibiotics.Eighteen spa types were identified among the MSSA strains.Type t189,t377 and t034 were the top three spa types of MSSA,accounting for 14.3%,14.3% and 11.4%,respectively.A new MSSA spa typ-ing strain new1 was isolated from pus.There were five Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive isolates,3 of which was MSSA-t189 type. Conclusions Type t030 is the most prevalent spa type among clinical MRSA strains,which is resistant to many kinds of antibiotics and widely spreads in the hospital setting.There are many different spa types a-mong the MSSA strains.Type t389,t377 and t034 are the top three spa types of MSSA.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of different treatments on the prognosis of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis(CLM).

METHODSClinicopathological data of 121 patients with synchronous CLM in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2010 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the metastatic lesions, patients were divided into simple operation group(22 patients, receiving operation only), simple chemotherapy group(43 patients, receiving chemotherapy only), and combination group(56 patients, receiving chemotherapy based on operation). The prognosis of patients in three groups was investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed through the long-rank test and Cox model to evaluate the related factors affecting prognosis.

RESULTSThe median survival time was 10(3-39) months in simple operation group, 7(3-36) months in simple chemotherapy group, and 18 (4-66) months in combination group. The differences among groups were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Extent of lymph node metastasis, number of liver metastatic lesion, size of liver metastatic lesion, resection edge extent of liver metastatic lesion, and treatment method were independent factors of synchronous CLM(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCombination therapy of a variety of treatment can prolong the survival of patients with synchronous CLM.

Objective:To investigate the influence of perioperative probiotics supplement on short-term clinical outcomes in gastric cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with radical gastrectomy.Methods:The prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 80 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with radical gastrectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from July 2020 to September 2021 were selected. Based on random number table, patients were allocated into two groups. Patients undergoing perioperative probiotics supplement were allocated into the experiment group, and patients undergoing perioperative conventional treatment were allocated into the control group, respectively. Observation indicators: (1) grouping situations of the enrolled patients; (2) intraoperative situations; (3) follow-up and postoperative situations; (4) inflammation related hematological indexes. Follow-up was conducted using telephone interview and outpatient examina-tion to detect postoperative complications and startup of adjuvant chemotherapy up to October 31,2021. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was performed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Repeated measurement data were analyzed by the repeated ANOVA or generalized estimating equation. Results:(1) Grouping situations of the enrolled patients. A total of 80 patients were selected for eligibility. There were 51 males and 29 females, aged 64(42-80)years. Of the 80 patients, there were 40 patients in the experiment group and 40 patients in the control group, respectively. (2) Intraoperative situations. All patients in the experiment group and the control group underwent radical gastrectomy successfully. Cases with yield pathologic TNM (ypTNM) stage 0, stage Ⅰ, stage Ⅱ, stage Ⅲ after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, cases undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy or Da Vinci robotic radical gastrectomy, the operation time, the volume of intraoperative blood loss, cases undergoing digestive tract recons-truction as Billroth Ⅱ anastomosis or Roux-en-Y anastomosis were 2, 7, 15, 13, 19, 21,205(180-240)minutes, 50(30-60)mL, 6, 34 in the experiment group, versus 4, 6, 12, 16, 23, 17, 218(190-251)minutes, 50(43-60)mL, 11, 29 in the control group, showing no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( U=683.00, χ2=0.80, U=668.00, 681.00, χ2=1.87, P>0.05). (3) Follow-up and postoperative situations. All the 80 patients were followed up for 1 month after surgery. Cases with postoperative infectious complications were 6 in the experiment group, versus 15 in the control group, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=5.23, P<0.05). The application of antimicrobial agent, time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative first defecation, time to tolerance of solid food, duration of postoperative hospital stay, time to postopera-tive startup of adjuvant chemotherapy were 3(3-6)doses, 53(49-66)hours, 72(62-82)hours, (72±18)hours, 6.0(5.5-7.0)days, 26.0(25.0-28.0)days in the experiment group, versus 6(3-10)doses, 66(60-88)hours, 94(82-112)hours, (107±23)hours, 7.0(6.4-8.3)days, 30.0(28.0-33.0)days in the control group, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( U=471.50, 432.00, 343.50, t=-7.62, U=411.50, 319.50, P<0.05). (4) Inflam-mation related hematological indexes. ① The white blood cell counts before surgery and at postoperative day 1, 3, 5 were (5.6±1.4)×10 9/L, (9.9±3.2)×10 9/L, (7.7±2.6)×10 9/L, (6.8±1.8)×10 9/L in the experiment group, versus (6.1±1.9)×10 9/L, (12.3±2.9)×10 9/L, (9.7±3.6)×10 9/L, (7.8±2.7)×10 9/L in the control group, meeting the mauchly′s test of sphericity ( χ2=4.17, P>0.05). Results of intrasubject effect test showed that there were significant differences in the time effect, intervention effect and interaction effect of white blood cell counts between the two groups ( F=106.61, 10.45, 4.56, P<0.05). ② The neutrophilic granulocyte percentages before surgery and at postoperative day 1, 3, 5 were 55%±10%, 76%±11%, 73%±9%, 69%±9% in the experiment group, versus 56%±9%, 84%±5%, 79%±8%, 74%±9% in the control group, not meeting the mauchly′s test of sphericity ( χ2=16.63, P<0.05). Results of multi-variate test showed that there were significant differences in the time effect, intervention effect and interaction effect of neutrophilic granulocyte percentages between the two groups ( F=92.42, 11.46, 5.55, P<0.05). ③ The levels of C-reactive protein before surgery and at postoperative day 1, 3, 5 were 1.35(1.15-1.97)mg/L, 14.94(8.24-21.22)mg/L, 33.39(13.02-66.02)mg/L, 18.36(8.27-60.43)mg/L in the experiment group, versus 1.62(0.97-2.27)mg/L, 24.03(10.42-36.52)mg/L, 81.66(31.20-116.76)mg/L, 46.84(28.30-80.26)mg/L in the control group, not meeting the normal distribution. Results of generalized estimation equation test showed that there were significant differences in the time effect, intervention effect and interaction effect of levels of C-reactive protein between the two groups ( Waldχ2=145.74, 9.48, 9.90, P<0.05). ④ The levels of procalcitonin before surgery and at postoperative day 1, 3, 5 were 0.02(0.02-0.04)μg/L, 0.08(0.06-0.12)μg/L, 0.12(0.07-0.21)μg/L, 0.09(0.06-0.15)μg/L in the experiment group, versus 0.02(0.02-0.04)μg/L, 0.14(0.07-0.71)μg/L, 0.35(0.14-0.71)μg/L, 0.24(0.10-0.48)μg/L in the control group, not meeting the normal distribution. Results of generalized estimation equation test showed that there were signifi-cant differences in the time effect, intervention effect and interaction effect of levels of procalcitonin between the two groups ( Waldχ2=62.88, 14.71, 18.33, P<0.05). Conclusion:Perioperative supple-ment of probiotics can reduce the incidence of postoperative infectious com-plications and the application of antimicrobial agent, promote recovery of gastrointestinal function, reduce the level of inflammation related indexes, shorten the duration of postoperative hospital stay and the time to postoperative startup of chemotherapy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with radical gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND:Although traditional screw fixation has been successful in treating ankle fractures,rigid fixation solutions tend to restrict ankle movement and delay fracture healing,whereas elastic fixation is more compatible with human mechanics and has unique advantages in patients with ankle fractures. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical effectiveness of elastic fixation and absolute fixation in repairing ankle fractures in the elderly with lower tibiofibular instability. METHODS:The clinical data of 108 elderly ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in Hengshui People's Hospital from August 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively collected.They were divided into screw group and elastic fixation group(n=54 per group)according to the surgical protocol,and traditional screw internal fixation and elastic internal fixation were performed respectively.The perioperative indicators,surgical results,economic benefits,and American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores were collected and compared between the two groups.Serum tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-8 levels,ankle cavity width,depth,and lower tibiofibular space were compared before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The full weight-bearing time was shorter in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group;the operating angle was greater in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group,and the complication rate was lower in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group(P<0.05).(2)Serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 levels in the elastic fixation group were lower than those in the screw group 3 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores in the two groups were higher than those before surgery at 6 and 12 months after surgery,and the depth and width of the inferior tibiofibular space and ankle cavity were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05);but no significant difference was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05).(5)There was no significant difference in the comparison of direct non-medical costs,direct medical costs,and total costs between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)It is indicated that elastic fixation for the repair of ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in the elderly can obtain effective outcomes,which can shorten the time of complete weight-bearing,diminish complications,and alleviate inflammatory stress.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is an avenue for the promotion of atherosclerosis (AS) and this effect is mediated partly via the circulating microbial metabolites. More microbial metabolites related to AS vascular inflammation, and the mechanisms involved need to be clarified urgently. Paeonol (Pae) is an active compound isolated from Paeonia suffruticoas Andr. with anti-AS inflammation effect. However, considering the low oral bioavailability of Pae, it is worth exploring the mechanism by which Pae reduces the harmful metabolites of the gut microbiota to alleviate AS. In this study, ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish an AS model. AS mice were administrated with Pae (200 or 400 mg·kg^-1) by oral gavage and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was conducted. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to investigate the composition of the gut microbiota, while metabolomics analysis was used to identify the metabolites in serum and cecal contents. The results indicated that Pae significantly improved AS by regulating gut microbiota composition and microbiota metabolic profile in AS mice. We also identified α-hydroxyisobutyric acid (HIBA) as a harmful microbial metabolite reduced by Pae. HIBA supplementation in drinking water promoted AS inflammation in AS mice. Furthermore, vascular endothelial cells (VECs) were cultured and stimulated by HIBA. We verified that HIBA stimulation increased intracellular ROS levels, thereby inducing VEC inflammation via the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway. In sum, Pae reduces the production of the microbial metabolite HIBA, thus alleviating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway-mediated endothelial inflammation in AS. Our study innovatively confirms the mechanism by which Pae reduces the harmful metabolites of gut microbiota to alleviate AS and proposes HIBA as a potential biomarker for AS clinical judgment.
Animals ; Mice ; Atherosclerosis/drug therapy* ; Diet, High-Fat ; Endothelial Cells ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species

Substantial progress in the use of chemo-photodynamic nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDS) for the treatment of the malignant breast cancer has been achieved. The inability to customize precise nanostructures, however, has limited the therapeutic efficacy of the prepared nano-DDS to date. Here, we report a structurally defined tandem-responsive chemo-photosensitive co-nanoassembly to eliminate primary breast tumor and prevent lung metastasis. This both-in-one co-nanoassembly is prepared by assembling a biocompatible photosensitive derivative (pheophorbide-diphenylalanine peptide, PPA-DA) with a hypoxia-activated camptothecin (CPT) prodrug [(4-nitrophenyl) formate camptothecin, N-CPT]. According to computational simulations, the co-assembly nanostructure is not the classical core-shell type, but consists of many small microphase regions. Upon exposure to a 660 nm laser, PPA-DA induce high levels of ROS production to effectively achieve the apoptosis of normoxic cancer cells. Subsequently, the hypoxia-activated N-CPT and CPT spatially penetrate deep into the hypoxic region of the tumor and suppress hypoxia-induced tumor metastasis. Benefiting from the rational design of the chemo-photodynamic both-in-one nano-DDS, these nanomedicines exhibit a promising potential in the inhibition of difficult-to-treat breast tumor metastasis in patients with breast cancer.