Search

Bo-Wen Sun,1,* Min Zhang,1,* Ping-Chao Wang,2 Jiang-Tao Song3 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Critical Care Medicine, People’s Hospital of Hanchuan, Hanchuan, 431600, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopedics, People’s Hospital of Hanchuan, Hanchuan, 431600, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ping-Chao WangDepartment of Critical Care Medicine, People’s Hospital of Hanchuan, No. 1 Of Peoples Avenue, Hanchuan, 431600, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8613508692696Email wamgpimgchao@21cn.comJiang-Tao SongDepartment of Orthopedics, People’s Hospital of Hanchuan, No. 1 Of Peoples Avenue, Hanchuan, 431600, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8613429921750Email somgjiamgtao@163.comObjective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical manifestation and treatment effects of extrapulmonary complications in cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia.Methods: The clinical data of patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia who were admitted to Hanchuan People’s Hospital between January and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, and treatment pathways of patients with extrapulmonary complications were analyzed and summarized.Results: Of the 500 patients in this study, 97 patients with a history of chronic diseases were excluded, and 152 patients had extrapulmonary complications. Common extrapulmonary syndromes: 98 patients (64.47%) suffered from digestive system involvement; 43 patients (28.29%) suffered from cardiovascular system damage; 32 patients (21.05%) had urinary system damage; 25 patients (16.45%) had nervous system damage; and 30 patients (19.74%) had more than two kinds of system damage. In all cases, these patients were treated with comprehensive measures, and effective outcomes were achieved.Conclusion: According to the clinical characteristics and laboratory test results of this sample group, early evaluation of patients with extrapulmonary complications and timely symptomatic treatment can effectively improve outcomes of pneumonia treatment, accelerate the alleviation of symptoms, and improve patients’ condition.Keywords: novel coronavirus pneumonia, clinical characteristics, laboratory test, extrapulmonary complications, curative effect

Cai RD, Zhang CC, Xie LL, et al. Cancer Manag Res. 2020;12:12011–12020. The Editor and Publisher of Cancer Management and Research wish to retract the published article. Concerns were raised over the flow cytometry data presented in the article and over alleged image duplication in Figures 2F, 3F and 6C, specifically: Figure 2F panel KNS-81 si-NC appears to show duplication with regions from panel KALS-1 si-NC. Figure 2F panel KNS-81 SNHG1 appears to show duplication with regions from panel KALS-1 SNHG1. Figure 3C panel KALS-1 miR-NC appears to show duplication with regions from Figure 6C panel KNS-81 si-NC. The authors responded to our queries but were unable to provide a satisfactory reason for the alleged duplication and were unable to provide any original data for their study. The Editor advised for the paper to be retracted. Our decision-making was informed by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retraction. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”. This retraction relates to this paper

Kai Dong,1 Yan Yan,2 Pengchong Wang,2 Xianpeng Shi,2 Lu Zhang,2 Ke Wang,2 Jianfeng Xing,2 Yalin Dong1 1Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 2School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China Abstract: In this study, a type of multifunctional mixed micelles were prepared by a novel biodegradable amphiphilic polymer (MPEG-SS-2SA) and a multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal agent (D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, TPGS). The mixed micelles could achieve rapid intracellular drug release and reversal of MDR. First, the amphiphilic polymer, MPEG-SS-2SA, was synthesized through disulfide bonds between poly (ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (MPEG) and stearic acid (SA). The structure of the obtained polymer was similar to poly (ethylene glycol)-phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE). Then the mixed micelles, MPEG-SS-2SA/TPGS, were prepared by MPEG-SS-2SA and TPGS through the thin film hydration method and loaded paclitaxel (PTX) as the model drug. The in vitro release study revealed that the mixed micelles could rapidly release PTX within 24 h under a reductive environment because of the breaking of disulfide bonds. In cell experiments, the mixed micelles significantly inhibited the activity of mitochondrial respiratory complex II, also reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the content of adenosine triphosphate, thus effectively inhibiting the efflux of PTX from cells. Moreover, in the confocal laser scanning microscopy, cellular uptake and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assays, the MPEG-SS-2SA/TPGS micelles achieved faster release and more uptake of PTX in Michigan Cancer Foundation-7/PTX cells and showed better antitumor effects as compared with the insensitive control. In conclusion, the biodegradable mixed micelles, MPEG-SS-2SA/TPGS, could be potential vehicles for delivering hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs in MDR cancer therapy. Keywords: reversal of multidrug resistance, reduction-sensitive, disulfide bond, mixed micelles, MCF-7/PTX cells

Chang-Min Chung,1,2 Yu-Hsiang Tseng,3 Yu-Sheng Lin,3 Jen-Te Hsu,4 Po-Chang Wang31School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, 2Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi County, 3Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, 4Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, TaiwanObjective: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a simple and reproducible measure of arterial stiffness and is extensively used to assess risk of cardiovascular disease in Asia. We examined whether baPWV was associated with coronary atherosclerosis and presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in older patients with chest pain.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 370 consecutive patients >65 years old who underwent baPWV measurement and elective coronary angiogram for suspected CAD at a single cardiovascular center, between June 2013 and July 2014.Results: In addition to diabetes mellitus and body mass index, baPWV was one of the statistically meaningful predictors of significant CAD (diameter of stenosis >50%) in a multivariate analysis. When the extent of CAD was classified as nonsignificant or significant CAD (ie, one-, two-, and three-vessel disease), there was a significant difference in baPWV between the significant and nonsignificant CAD groups, but not between the three significant CAD groups. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that the number of diseased vessels and baPWV were both significantly associated with the SYNTAX (SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery) score. The cutoff value of baPWV at 1,874 cm/s had a sensitivity of 60.1%, specificity of 70.8%, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.639 in predicting CAD.Conclusion: Arterial stiffness determined by baPWV was associated independently with CAD severity, as assessed by angiography and the SYNTAX score in older patients with chest pain. As a result, increased arterial stiffness assessed by baPWV is associated with the severity and presence of CAD in older patients.Keywords: brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, arterial stiffness, coronary artery disease, SYNTAX score

Introduction: Uveal melanoma is a rare intraocular tumor with heterogeneous biological behavior, and additional noninvasive markers that may predict outcome are needed. Diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging may prove useful but have previously been limited in their ability to evaluate ocular tumors. Our purpose was to show the feasibility and potential value of a multiparametric (mp-) MRI protocol employing state of the art diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging techniques. Methods: Sixteen patients with uveal melanoma were imaged with mp-MRI. Multishot readout-segmented echoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging, quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR perfusion imaging, and anatomic sequences were obtained. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn around tumors for calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and perfusion metrics (Ktrans, ve, kep, and vp). A generalized linear fit model was used to compare various MRI values with the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) tumor group and monosomy 3 status with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: mp-MRI was performed successfully in all cases. MRI tumor height (mean [standard deviation]) was 6.5 mm (3.0). ROI volume was 278 mm3 (222). ADC was 1.07 (0.27) × 10–3 mm2/s. DCE metrics were Ktrans 0.085/min (0.063), ve 0.060 (0.052), kep 1.20/min (0.32), and vp 1.48 % (0.82). Patients with >33 % monosomy 3 had higher Ktrans and higher ve values than those with disomy 3 or ≤33 % monosomy (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between ADC (P = 0.07), kep (P = 0.37), and vp with respect to monosomy 3. Conclusion: mp-MRI for ocular tumor imaging using multishot EPI DWI and quantitative DCE perfusion is technically feasible. mp-MRI may help predict monosomy 3 in uveal melanoma.

Purpose: Retinal laser photocoagulation is used to treat a variety of retinal diseases. Breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier has been noted after retinal laser photocoagulation. The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the function of the blood-aqueous barrier after retinal laser photocoagulation remains undetermined. The current study was designed to evaluate the relationship between intraocular levels of VEGF and breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier after retinal laser photocoagulation in rabbits.Methods: Pigmented rabbits were treated with retinal laser photocoagulation in one eye; the other served as control. Laser flare photometry was carried out on post-treatment days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Animals were sacrificed at the time period just mentioned postlaser, the eyes were removed, and samples of vitreous and aqueous humor were collected. Intraocular VEGF levels were measured by using an immunoassay. An intravitreal injection of VEGF was administered, and the aqueous flare intensity and VEGF levels in the aqueous and vitreous humor were measured at the time periods just mentioned.Results: A significant increase in the aqueous flare intensity after retinal laser photocoagulation was noticed on postoperative day 1, with the values returning to baseline levels on day 14. The VEGF levels in the vitreous of the lasered eyes were significantly increased on day 1 compared with the nonlasered control eyes. The VEGF levels in the aqueous humor of the lasered eyes were also significantly increased on day 1 compared with the control eyes. An intravitreal injection of VEGF induced a significant increase in the aqueous flare intensity and VEGF levels in the aqueous and vitreous humor.Conclusions: The current results suggested that retinal laser photocoagulation can produce a breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier. VEGF may play a role in the blood-aqueous barrier dysfunction after retinal laser photocoagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CHANG Y.H., LI H.-H., WU C.M. & WANG P.C. (2010) The influence of personality traits on nurses' job satisfaction in Taiwan. International Nursing Review The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate a set of personality traits based on core self-evaluations in relation to job satisfaction among nurses in Taiwan, and to identity important personality characteristics in contributing to nurses' satisfactory attitudes towards work. A cross-sectional survey research was conducted with self-reported questionnaires. The participants were 314 nurses (89% response rate) in two regional hospitals in Taiwan. Among them, 99% were female ( n = 311), 54.5% ( n = 171) ranging between 21 and 30 years old, 37.9% ( n = 119) ranging between 31 and 40 years old, 44.6% ( n = 140) are registered nurse, 29.3% ( n = 92) are licensed vocational nurse and 52.9% were married ( n = 166). In addition, ethical research requirements for conducting research on human subjects were fulfilled for all of the participants in the study. Data were analysed using SPSS version 14.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A number of data analysis procedures were conducted including descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. The selection of the predictor variables was performed with the level of significance P < 0.05 and the adjusted explained variance was used to examine statistical explanatory power. Personality traits of optimism, self-esteem, proactive personality, self-efficacy and negative affectivity significantly contributed to job satisfaction. The findings of this study confirmed the importance of taking personality variables into consideration during the process of evaluating job satisfaction. Job satisfaction should not only be related to extrinsic factors but also associated with individual differences of dispositional tendency. Nurses with positive evaluation and expectation towards self and others tend to report higher job satisfaction. The results of this study are consistent with previous studies. The implications for nursing managements are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: This is a 4-month randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of chair design on neck/shoulder pain among sewing machine operators. OBJECTIVE: Determine whether a chair with a curved seat pan leads to improved changes in monthly neck/shoulder pain scores compared with a control intervention. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Sewing machine operators experience a high prevalence and severity of neck and shoulder pain in comparison to other working populations probably due to the sustained shoulder abduction and neck and upper back flexion required of the task. An adjustable height task chair that supports a forward sitting posture may reduce these posture-related risk factors and reduce neck/shoulder pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 277 sewing machine operators with neck/shoulder pain were assigned to receive 1) miscellaneous items (control group), 2) a chair with a flat seat pan plus miscellaneous items, or 3) a chair with a curved seat pan plus miscellaneous items. Participants completed a monthly questionnaire assessing neck/shoulder pain severity. RESULTS: Based on estimates of pain score changes from a repeat-measures linear regression, participants who received the flat seat chair experienced a decline in pain of 0.14 (95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.22) points per month compared with those in the control group, while those who received the curved seat experienced a decline of 0.34 (95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.41) points per month compared with those in the control group. These estimates did not change after adjustment for potential covariates. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that an adjustable height task chair with a curved seat pan can reduce neck and shoulder pain severity among sewing machine operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To investigate surgical outcomes with two types of combined palatopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal surgery for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Material and Methods Twelve consecutive OSA patients with a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) >30/h and Fujita type II anatomy were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to their fiberscopic manifestations. Six patients with obstruction at the uvulopalatal complex and tongue base (Group 1) were selected for extended uvulopalatal flap (EUPF) and midline laser glossectomy (MLG). EUPF and laser lingual tonsillectomy were performed in another six patients shown to have obstruction at the uvulopalatal complex and lingual tonsil (Group 2). Polysomnographic parameters included the RDI and minimal oxygen saturation (MSAT). Surgical success was defined as a postoperative RDI of <20/h and a >50% reduction in the preoperative RDI. Results Six months postoperatively, 5 patients (83.3%) had responded successfully in Group 1 and none in Group 2. In Group 1 the mean RDI decreased from 50.7±12.6 to 8±14.3 (95% CI 23.0-62.7; p< 0.01) and MSAT increased from 76.3%±11.6% to 88.8%±3.2% (95% CI -25.9-0.87; p= 0.06). There was no improvement in sleep parameters in Group 2 patients. No persistent nasal regurgitation, swallowing disturbance or change in taste was noted at 1-year follow-up in either group. Conclusions EUPF combined with MLG improves OSA in Fujita type II patients. The hypertrophic lingual tonsil, although obscure the laryngeal structure, did not contribute significantly to OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We report our technique and results for endoscopy-aided CO2 laser therapy for the treatment of intractable granular myringitis, as an out-patient office procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients (14 women and seven men; mean age 32.6 years) were retrospectively reviewed, all of whom suffered from intractable granular myringitis and had undergone endoscopy-aided laser treatment. Granulation tissue was vaporized for one to two seconds with a CO2 laser (spot size 0.5-1 mm with a power setting of 5-10 W in continuous mode). The mean follow-up period was 11 months. RESULTS: Eighteen of the 21 patients (85 per cent) were cured after a single treatment. Three patients with the diffuse form of the disease required repeat laser treatments coupled with self-irrigation with a diluted vinegar solution. We noted no perforations of patients' tympanic membranes after laser vaporization. We also observed no recurrences over follow-up periods ranging from three months to 2.6 years. Our laser procedure produced no adverse effect on hearing thresholds, nor were any other complications observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that endoscopy-aided CO2 laser ablation is a reliable and minimally invasive method associated with low rates of recurrence and a low incidence of complications. It can be conducted as an office procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Convenient animal models are needed to study the progression and treatment of human tumors in vivo. Luciferase-based bioluminescent imaging (BLI) enables researchers to monitor tumors noninvasively and is sensitive to subtle changes in tumors.Methods: Three human breast cancer models in nude mice were established by using luciferase-expressing MDA-MB-231-luc cells. They were subcutaneous xenografts (n = 8), mammary gland xenografts (n = 5), and lung metastases (n = 3). The tumors were imaged in live mice by using a highly sensitive BLI system. The relationship between the intensity of bioluminescence from the tumor was analyzed with respect to tumor volume. Bioluminescent signals from lung metastases were studied to determine the threshold of detectability.Results: Tumors growing in the mice's backs and mammary gland fat pads were imaged dynamically after administration of D-luciferin. The bioluminescent intensity from the tumors gradually increased and then decreased in a one-hour span. The time to reach maximum signal intensity differed significantly among tumors and was independent of tumor volume and unrelated to maximum signal intensity. A significant correlation was observed between tumor volume and maximum signal intensity in tumors from both sites. Lung metastatic lesions of .3-.5 mm in diameter were clearly detectable through the entire animal imaging process.Conclusion: The animal models established with luciferase-expressing cancer cells in combination with BLI provide a system for rapid, noninvasive, and quantitative analysis of tumor biomass and metastasis. This biosystem simplifies in vivo monitoring of tumors and will be useful for noninvasive investigation of tumor growth and response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of sterile insect technique (SIT) has proven effective in the area-wide suppression of several significant agricultural and sanitary pests by using traditional cobalt-60 ( 60 Co-γ) as a radiation source. Recently, X-ray has been validated as a feasible alternative to 60 Co-γ radiation sources. Nonetheless, higher doses of X-ray irradiation led to insect sterility but diminish mating competitiveness, thereby impacting the effectiveness of SIT applications., Results: In this study, we assessed the impact of various X-ray irradiation doses (ranging from 0 to 366 Gy) on the fecundity, fertility, and mating competitiveness of Cydia pomonella, a globally invasive fruit pest. Results demonstrated that the sterility rate of irradiated males increased with dose up to 200 Gy, then stabilized. Exposure to 200 Gy reduced male mating competitiveness, with competitiveness index (CI) values of 0.17 in the laboratory and 0.096 in the orchard. This decline is likely linked to the decreased expression of genes associated with sex pheromones recognition, such as CpomOR3a, CpomOR3b, and CpomOR5, post-irradiation. Fumigation of linalool at varying concentrations (70, 83, and 96 μL/m 3 ) enhanced mating competitiveness of males, particularly at moderate levels, possibly by restoring pheromones recognition. Implementation of repeated releases of sterilized males on a pilot scale led to a notable reduction in the population of C. pomonella in the field., Conclusion: These findings indicate that fumigation with plant volatiles has the potential to mitigate male sterility induced by X-ray irradiation, offering a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of SIT applications for the control of C. pomonella. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy after hepatocellular carcinoma, with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The genomic features of ICC in Chinese patients remain largely unknown. In this study, we perform deep whole-exome sequencing of 204 Chinese primary ICCs and characterize genomic alterations and clonal evolution, and reveal their associations with patient outcomes. We identify six mutational signatures, including Signatures A and F, which are highly similar to previously described signatures linked to aristolochic acid and aflatoxin exposures, respectively. We also identify 13 significantly mutated genes in the ICC samples, including SAV1. We find that SAV1 was mutated in 2.9% (20/672) of 672 ICC samples. SAV1 mutation is associated with lower SAV1 protein levels, higher rates of tumor recurrence, and shorter overall patient survival. Biofunctional investigations reveal a tumor-suppressor role of SAV1: its inactivation suppresses Hippo signaling, leading to YAP activation, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Collectively, our results delineate the genomic landscape of Chinese ICCs and identify SAV1 as a potential driver of ICC., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii (MR)) is a significant aquafarm species commercially cultured in Taiwan. Intensive farming practices have led to the outbreak of Lactococcus garvieae (LG), which causes Lactococcosis in MR. Recently, LG has re-emerged and the number of mortalities in prawn farms has increased in Taiwan. However, there is no preventative strategy described and a lack of knowledge on virulence factors and pathogenesis from LG in MR. The most virulent strain of L. garvieae from M. rosenbergii was screened in vivo among seven isolates selected for infectivity testing injecting 0.1 mL of 10 8  CFU/mL bacterial concentration. Among the seven isolates screened, L. garvieae 109-6 resulted in 100% mortality within 3 days post-infection. Furthermore, 109-6 L. garvieae LD 50 dosage from in MR was found to be 10 6  CFU/mL. Subsequently, the most virulent strain 109-6 was sequenced using MinIon Nanopore sequencing. Results indicated that the LG genome yielded a protein-coding of 3857 with 59 tRNA and 16 rRNA and no plasmid. Interestingly, the distribution of subsystems in the annotated genome revealed genes related to virulence, defence, and disease among LG 50 genes. Altogether, the virulent strain and its genome data revealed distinctive features of LG, which hinted toward its pathogenicity and could facilitate for better preventive strategies., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)