Objective To evaluate the effects of interferon therapy after curative surgical intervention on improving prognosis of patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods We searched randomized clinical trials from 1990 to 2015 on interferon therapy after curative surgical intervention in patients with hepatitis C-related HCC from the Cochrane Library,the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,MEDLINE and Embase.A Meta-analysis was carried out using Revman 5.Results There were 7 studies included in this research.The results showed that interferon therapy after curative surgical intervention in patients with hepatitis C-related HCC reduced the recurrence rate of HCC at 3 years (RR =0.84,95％ CI 0.73 ～0.97,P ＜0.05).The therapy could not improve the 3-year survival rate in these patients (RR =1.04,95％ CI 0.90 ～ 1.21,P ＞ 0.05).Stratified subgroup analyses showed interferon therapy after liver resection reduced the recurrence rate (RR =0.62,95 ％ CI 0.39 ～ 1.00,P =0.05).For patients with tumors less than 3 cm,interferon therapy reduced the recurrence rate (RR =0.82,95％ CI 0.69 ～ 0.98,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Interferon therapy after curative surgical intervention improved prognosis in patients with hepatitis C-related HCC.

Objective:To investigate the expression of serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and analyze its correlation with bone erosion and disease activity.Methods:100 RA patients diagnosed in the First People's Hospital of Changde from July 2018 to December 2019 were selected as the RA group, and 35 healthy volunteers who came to the hospital for physical examination at the same time were selected as the control group. The clinical data of the patients were collected, and the serum MMP-3 levels of the patients and healthy volunteers were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum MMP3 levels of RA patients with different disease activity, different imaging stages and different bone mineral density were compared, and the correlation with clinical indicators were analyzed.Results:⑴ RA patients were grouped according to the Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28. Serum MMP-3 levels in the highly active group (300.87±15.93)ng/ml and in the moderately active group (213.78±12.79)ng/ml were higher than those in the clinical remission group (82.87±8.19)ng/ml increased significantly. ⑵ The serum MMP3 level in the RA group (190.98±13.43)ng/ml was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group (69.97±10.63)ng/ml. ⑶ There were significant differences in serum MMP-3 levels among RA patients with different imaging stages ( P<0.05). The level of MMP-3 in stage Ⅲ (206.18±13.58)ng/ml and stage Ⅳ (301.72±13.43)ng/ml were significantly higher than those in stage Ⅰ (89.16±10.13)ng/ml. ⑷ RA patients were divided into normal group, osteopenia group, and osteoporosis group according to bone mineral density. The serum MMP-3 level in the osteopenia group (180.87±12.69)ng/ml and osteoporosis group (289.54±13.28)ng/ml were significantly higher than that in the normal group (121.05±8.45)ng/ml. ⑸ Serum MMP-3 levels were positively correlated with C-reaction (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), DSA 28, rheumatoid factor (RF), joint swelling index, joint tenderness index, and platelet count in the RA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The serum MMP-3 plays an important role in the progression of RA, and is closely related to RA disease activity and bone erosion. It is expected to become a serological indicator for predicting RA bone erosion and radiological progress.

OBJECTIVETo study the changes and significance of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) on platelets, CD86 on lymphocytes and concentrations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in serum in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were collected from 24 children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP), 21 children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP) and 20 normal children (control group). Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on platelets and CD86 on lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were measured using ABC-ELISA.

RESULTSThe expression of CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ in the AITP and the CITP groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.01). The AITP group had lower expression of CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ than the CITP group (p<0.01). The expression of CD86+ in the AITP and the CITP groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.01). The serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma in the AITP and the CITP groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ expression. CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ expression were negatively correlated with CD86+ expression and serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10.

CONCLUSIONSThe detections of TLR2 and TLR4 on platelets, CD86 on lymphocytes and serum concentrations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 are of great value in understanding the pathogenesis and predicting types of ITP in children.

Adolescent ; B7-2 Antigen ; blood ; Blood Platelets ; chemistry ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Humans ; Infant ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; immunology ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; blood ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; blood

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the cranial and circumaxillary sutures react differently to maxillary expansion (ME) and alternate maxillary expansions and constrictions (Alt-MEC) in a rat model. Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were used and divided into three groups. In ME group (n=9), an expander was activated for 5 days. In Alt-MEC group (9 animals), an alternate expansion and constriction protocol (5-day expansion and 5-day constriction for one cycle) was conducted for 2.5 cycles (25 days total). The control group comprised 4 animals with no appliances used, each of two sacrificed on day 5 and day 25 respectively. Midpalatal suture expansion or constriction levels were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by bite-wing X-rays and cast models. Distances between two central incisors and two maxillary first molars were measured on cast models after each activation. Circumaxillary sutures (midpalatal, maxillopalatine, premaxillary, zygomaticotemporal and frontonasal suture) in each group were characterized histologically. Results showed that midpalatal suture was widened and restored after each expansion and constriction. At the end of activation, the widths between both central incisors and first molars in Alt-MEC group were significantly larger than those in ME group (P<0.05). Histologically, all five circumaxillary sutures studied were widened in multiple zones in Alt-MEC group. However, only midpalatal suture was expanded with cellular fibrous tissue filling in ME group. Significant osteoclast hyperplasia was observed in all circumaxillary sutures after alternate expansions and constrictions, but osteoclast count increase was only observed in midpalatal suture in ME group. These results suggested that cranial and circumaxillary sutures were actively reconstructed after Alt-MEC, while only midpalatal suture had active reaction after ME.
Animals ; Male ; Mandible ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Masticatory Muscles ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Maxilla ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Range of Motion, Articular ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The possible association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) was investigated. A total of 78 subjects with CIN were recruited in this case-control study. As a control group, 40 subjects without CIN were selected for comparison with the case group. All participants were evaluated for the prevalence of H. pylori infection by 14C-urea breath test. The corrected splenic index (CSI) was calculated, and serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and HsCRP levels were measured. The differences in CSI, serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and HsCRP levels were compared between CIN patients and controls, as well as between subjects with and without H. pylori infection. The positive rate of H. pylori was 87.18% in CIN group and 52.50% in control group, showing a significant difference (Fisher's exact, P=0.000). CSI values, and serum IL-6 and HsCRP levels in H. pylori positive-CIN patients were significantly higher than those in negative subjects (Mann-whitney U-test, P=0.016, P=0.001 and P=0.000 respectively), while IL-10 level declined significantly in H. pylori negative-CIN patients (Mann-whitney U-test, P=0.000). In control group, serum IL-6 and HsCRP levels in H. pylori positive individuals were also increased significantly (Mann-whitney U-test, P=0.000), while IL-10 level declined (Mann-whitney U-test, P=0.018). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that H. pylori infection and IL-10 were significant risk factors for CIN with odds ratio (OR): 3.09, 95.0% CI: 1.22-6.93; P=0.019, and OR: 0.17, 95.0% CI: 0.05-0.94; P=0.021, respectively. This prospective study confirmed the existence of an association between H. pylori infection and CIN, suggesting the screening for H. pylori infection and eradicating bacterium in positive cases seem appropriate and beneficial for those patients with CIN diagnosis.
Adult ; China ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Helicobacter Infections ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Male ; Neutropenia ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Prevalence ; Risk Assessment

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of imatinib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and analyse the treatment outcome and related factors.

METHODSNinety five CML patients were treated with imatinib in our hospital from May 2002 to May 2006. The outcomes and related factors were analysed.

RESULTS(1) One year after therapy, there were 95.5% of chronic phase (CP) patients achieved complete hematologic response (CHR). Fifty-two patients with complete cytogenetic dates were divided into primary-therapy group (n = 19) and secondary-therapy group (n = 33). The major cytogenetic responses (MCyR) at 6-, 12-, 18-, 24- and 30-months after therapy for the former group were 84.2%, 84.2%, 89.5%, 89.5% and 94.7%, and for the latter group were 36.4%, 39.4%, 39.4%, 39.4% and 39.4%, respectively (P < 0.01). The expected survival at 12-, 24-, 36- and 50-month after imatinib treatment for CP group was (98.1 +/-1.9)%, (87.8 +/- 7.1)%, (81.9 +/- 8.7)% and (81.9 +/- 8.7)%, respectively. (2) Twelve month after therapy, there are 70% of accelerated phase (AP) patients achieve CHR and 10% get MCyR. The expected survival at 12-, 24- and 36-month after imatinib treatment for AP group was (63.0 +/- 17.7)%, (15.8 +/- 14.3)% and (15.8 +/- 14.3)%, respectively. (3) Six month after therapy, 57.9% of blast crisis (BC) patients achieve CHR, with the expected survival at 12- and 24-month of (40.6 +/- 12.3)% and 0, respectively. (4) COX analysis CP group indicated that imatinib therapy administered for previously untreated was an independent favorable prognostic factor. Conclusion (1) Imatinib as a primary treatment for CP CML can significantly improve the survival time as compared with that AP or BC patients or with that used in previously treated patients. (2) Imatinib could induce hematologic, even cytogenetic response to a certain extent, in CP or BC patients and prolong the survival time.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Benzamides ; Female ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Pyrimidines ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate foot biomechanics characteristic of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODSThis study was conducted among 303 patients with type 2 diabetes. The whole foot was divided into 10 regions, namely the first toe (T1); the second to fifth toes (T2-5); the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5, respectively); midfoot (MF), and the heel medial (HM). Foot arch index, foot angle and maximum peak pressure (MPP) of the 10 regions were measured using a Footscan gait system.

RESULTSThe maximum peak pressure of 10 regions decreased in the order of M3>M2>HM>M4>HL>M1>M5>T1>ML>T2-5 for the left foot, and in the order of M3>M2>HM>M4>HL>M1>M5>T1>ML>T2-5 for the right foot. The MPP in M1 region was higher in the right than in the left foot (P<0.05). The MPP in M3, M4, M5, and MF was higher in the left than in the right foot (P<0.05). The percentage of high-risk foot (defined by a total plantar pressure ≥70 N/cm) was 34% on the left and 17.7% on the right. An increased BMI was associated with a significant increase in high-risk foot, but not for the right foot in underweight patients. Foot flat phase was extended and forefoot push-off phase shortened in stance phase in the patients. Compared with the right foot, the left foot showed a significantly increased foot arch index and increased low and high arch rates with a decreased normal arch rate. Total plantar pressure was higher in of the left high arch foot than in normal arch foot. The foot angle was significantly larger on the right than on the left. The bilateral total plantar pressures were significantly greater in male patients (P<0.05) and increased with age but were not associated with the duration of DM, foot angle, or glycosylated hemoglobin level.

CONCLUSIONDiabetic patients have obvious alterations in foot biomechanics with abnormalities of the plantar pressure, and the percentage of high-risk foot increases in overweight and obese patients, suggesting the need of body weight control in these patients when administering offloading treatment for prevention of diabetic foot ulcer.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; physiopathology ; Diabetic Foot ; prevention & control ; Female ; Foot ; physiopathology ; Gait ; Heel ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; physiopathology ; Overweight ; physiopathology ; Pressure

Objective To investigate the early diagnosis and surgery timing of strangulated intestinal obstruction.Methods The clinical data of 90 patients with strangulated intestinal obstruction who were admitted into our hospital from January 2013 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.And these patients were divided into the early stage group (28 cases) and the later stage group (62 cases).The rate of mortality and the rate of necrotic bowel resection of the two groups were analyzed.Results Among the 90 patients underwent emergency surgery,there were 88 cases cured and 2 cases died,and there were 10 cases (11.11％) of necrotic bowel resection among the survivor.In the early stage group,there were 8 cases of necrotic bowel resection and 1 case of death.In the later stage group,there were 2 cases of necrotic bowel resection and 1 case of death.Conclusion Early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment can reduce the mortality of strangulation obstruction and necrosis of bowel resection.

OBJECTIVEThere are very limited data on childhood acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), especially childhood APL treated with arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)).

METHODBetween January 1999 and December 2007, 76 children (< 18 years) with newly diagnosed APL were included.

RESULTSSix cases failed to achieve hematological complete remission (CR) due to early death. Three groups of patients were identified according to the different induction regimen. Forty-four patients were given all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) alone (group1, G1), 7 patients were given As(2)O(3) alone (group 2, G2), 19 patients (group 3, G3) were treated with combination of ATRA and As(2)O(3). The CR rate of G1 was 100%. The overall CR rate of G2 + G3 was 100%. Five children underwent hematologic relapse and 2 developed molecular relapse. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 13.8%, whereas event-free (EFS), disease-free (DFS) and overall survival rates were 79.5%, 86.3% and 90.5%, respectively. The 5-year estimate of EFS and DFS between G1 and G2 + G3 had no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONAs(2)O(3) is an effective and well tolerable therapy for children with APL and it may be used in those who not only cannot bear side effects of ATRA but also the newly diagnosed and relapsed APL.

Adolescent ; Arsenicals ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; drug therapy ; Male ; Oxides ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVEFMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is constitutively activated in (70-90)% pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and appears to confer an adverse prognosis. Although several FLT3-selective small molecule inhibitors and antibodies were developed with varied degrees of success, to address the specificity and resistance, new approaches for specifically targeted FLT3 are needed and RNA interference is a promising choice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of suppression of FLT3 induced by small hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) on myeloproliferation and apoptosis in an acute monocytic leukemia (AMOL) cell line THP-1.

METHODSFLT3-targeted small hairpin interfering RNA (FLT3-shRNA) was designed and synthesized by transcription system in vitro was transfected into THP-1 cells. Firstly FLT3 mRNA level was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and FLT3 protein level was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) to verify the efficacy on FLT3-shRNA interference at 48 h after transfection. Cell growth viability was measured at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after treatment with CCK-8. The distribution of cell cycle was assayed by FCM, and apoptosis was analyzed by DNA Ladder and Annexin V-FITC Staining at 48 h.

RESULTSFLT3 targeted shRNAs was synthesized successfully and the concentration of 15 nmol/L for 48 h could obtain desirable downregulation of FLT3 expression, the inhibitory percentages of FLT3 mRNA and protein were (72.95 +/- 2.07)% and (65.39 +/- 5.57)%, respectively. The suppression of FLT3 induced by FLT3-shRNA resulted in marked inhibition of cell growth and the inhibitory percentages were (36.66 +/- 3.67)% at 48 h, (35.56 +/- 0.73)% at 72 h. FLT3-shRNA induced the inhibition of cell cycle from G(0)/G(1) phase to S phase, the percentage of sub-G(0)/G(1) phase (65.71 +/- 4.47)% was higher than those in the PBS-control group (52.23 +/- 2.98)%, NC-shRNA control group (51.81 +/- 1.44)%, P < 0.01; the percentage of S phase (25.11 +/- 2.70)% was lower than those in the PBS-control group (34.41 +/- 4.07)% and NC-shRNA control group (32.50 +/- 1.46)%, P < 0.05. Furthermore treatment with FLT3-shRNA for 48 h resulted in clear apoptosis ladder, the percentage of early apoptosis detected by Annexin V-FITC was (18.59 +/- 2.07)% which was significantly higher than that in the PBS-control group (4.00 +/- 0.50)% and the NC-shRNA control group (6.06 +/- 0.70)%, P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONThe suppression of FLT3 induced by the shRNA can effectively inhibit cell proliferation, and apoptosis induction on THP-1 cells, which indicates that this approach may bear the therapeutic potential on childhood AMOL.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Child ; Humans ; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute ; enzymology ; pathology ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; physiology ; RNA, Small Interfering ; pharmacology ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; metabolism ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 ; metabolism