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Options for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria beyond antihistamines are limited. This multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial from 3 teaching hospitals in China compared acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and waitlist control for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Visual Abstract. Efficacy of Acupuncture for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Options for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria beyond antihistamines are limited. This multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial from 3 teaching hospitals in China compared acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and waitlist control for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Background: The effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), reported in a few small-scale studies, is not convincing. Objective: To investigate whether acupuncture leads to better effects on CSU than sham acupuncture or waitlist control. Design: A multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900022994) Setting: Three teaching hospitals in China from 27 May 2019 to 30 July 2022. Participants: 330 participants diagnosed with CSU. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist control over an 8-week study period (4 weeks for treatment and another 4 weeks for follow-up). Measurements: The primary outcome was the mean change from baseline in the Weekly Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) at week 4. Secondary outcomes included itch severity scores, self-rated improvement, and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. Results: The mean change in UAS7 (range, 0 to 42) for acupuncture from baseline (mean score, 23.5 [95% CI, 21.8 to 25.2]) to week 4 (mean score, 15.3 [CI, 13.6 to 16.9]) was −8.2 (CI, −9.9 to −6.6). The mean changes in UAS7 for sham acupuncture and waitlist control from baseline (mean scores, 21.9 [CI, 20.2 to 23.6] and 22.1 [CI, 20.4 to 23.8], respectively) to week 4 (mean scores, 17.8 [CI, 16.1 to 19.5] and 20.0 [CI, 18.3 to 21.6], respectively) were −4.1 (CI, −5.8 to −2.4) and −2.2 (CI, −3.8 to −0.5), respectively. The mean differences between acupuncture and sham acupuncture and waitlist control were −4.1 (CI, −6.5 to −1.8) and −6.1 (CI, −8.4 to −3.7), respectively, which did not meet the threshold for minimal clinically important difference. Fifteen participants (13.6%) in the acupuncture group and none in the other groups reported adverse events. Adverse events were mild or transient. Limitation: Lack of complete blinding, self-reported outcomes, limited generalizability because antihistamine use was disallowed, and short follow-up period. Conclusion: Compared with sham acupuncture and waitlist control, acupuncture produced a greater improvement in UAS7, although the difference from control was not clinically significant. Increased adverse events were mild or transient. Primary Funding Source: The National Key R&D Program of China and the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An orally aerosolized adenovirus type-5 vector-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) has recently been authorized for boosting immunization in China. Our study aims to assess the environmental impact of the use of aerosolized Ad5-nCoV. Methods We collected air samples from rooms, swabs from the desks on which the vaccine nebulizer was set, mask samples from participants, and blood samples of nurses who administered the inoculation in the clinical trials. The viral load of adenovirus type-5 vector in the samples and the antibody levels against the wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain in serum were detected. Results Only one (4.00%) air sample collected before initiation of vaccination was positive and most air samples collected during and after vaccination were positive (97.96%, 100%, respectively). All nurses in trial A showed at least 4-fold increase of the neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 after initiation of the study. In trial B, the proportion of positive mask samples was 72.97% at 30 minutes after vaccination, 8.11% at day 1, and 0% at days 3, 5, and 7. Conclusions Vaccination with the orally aerosolized Ad5-nCoV could result in some spillage of the vaccine vector viral particles in the environment and cause human exposure. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04840992 and NCT05303584. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the construction and application of underground engineering, rock materials are often subjected to cyclic loads with varying amplitudes. Although the mechanical properties of rock materials under cyclic loading have been extensively studied, the gradual process of internal crack propagation still needs further exploration and quantitative description. In this paper, the failure process of rock under monotonic loading and cyclic loading was analysed from macroscopic and microscopic perspectives using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. Triaxial experiments and cyclic loading experiments with variable amplitudes were conducted on marble specimens under different confining pressures. Then, the experimental process was reproduced by numerical simulation using the discrete element method, and the process of rock failure was described quantitatively by defining the contact failure rate and damage density. In addition, the relationship between dissipated energy and crack propagation is discussed to some extent. The results show that based on the evolutions of the contact failure rate and damage density, the monotonic loading process can be more accurately divided into four stages. During the accelerating crack propagation stage, the cyclic load will generate more failure contacts beyond the direction of 70° to 110°, forming diffuse cracks and ultimately resulting in a bulging failure mode. The higher the confining pressure is, the greater the impact. The increment of the damage density is exponentially proportional to the increase in the cyclic stress amplitude ratio, while the relationship between the confining pressure condition coefficient and confining pressure follows a power function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the curative effect of acupuncture combining with double moxibustion on yŏng quán (KI 1) treating 40 cases of insomnia of menopausal syndrome. Methods: The research selected 80 cases of insomnia of menopausal syndrome patients treated in this hospital. All of the patients should randomly divide into acupuncture plus moxibustion group and routine acupuncture group with 40 cases in each group. Patients in the routine acupuncture group should give routine acupuncture treatment with selecting guān yuán (RN 4), bilateral z gōng (EX-CA 1), bilateral zú sān l (ST 36), bilateral sān yīn jiāo (SP 6), băi huì (DU 20), ān mián (belonging to the experienced acupoint, locating in the midpoint of line between yì fēng (SJ 17) and fēng chí (GB 20)), and bilateral yŏng quán (KI 1). It should give manipulation method with even supplementation and drainage. It should retain needles for 30 min after there was sensation of qi arrival. The acupuncture treatment should give 3 times a week, and consecutive 8 weeks in all. Patients in the acupuncture plus moxibustion group should add moxibustion therapy based on the acupuncture treatment of routine acupuncture group. The moxibustion therapy should select bilateral yŏng quán (KI 1). It should give the moxibustion therapy with two moxa sticks together for double moxibustion. Each time of treatment should sustain for 10 min. The treatment should give twice a week, and consecutive 8 weeks in all. Results: After the treatment, total effective rate of the routine acupuncture group was 90.0% (36/40), and the acupuncture plus moxibustion group was 97.5% (39/40). Comparison of the total effective rate between two groups indicated that the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the modified Kupperman score and score of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) of two groups compared with that before the treatment, and the result indicated that the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, comparison of the scores mentioned above between two groups after the treatment indicated that the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Both acupuncture and acupuncture combining with double moxibustion on yŏng quán (KI 1) could improve the symptoms of patients with insomnia of menopausal syndrome. Moreover, the improvement effect of acupuncture plus moxibustion treatment was more obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal expression of protein kinase membrane associated tyrosine/threonine 1 (PKMYT1) is closely associated with multiple types of cancers. In the present study, we examined the roles of PKMYT1 in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Methods: We examined the expression status of PKMYT1 in GC tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to inhibit the endogenous expression of PKMYT1 in GC cells. Then we analyzed the effect of PKMYT1 on the malignant biological behavior of GC cells by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: The findings showed high PKMYT1 expressions in GC tissues as well as a positive correlation between PKMYT1 expression and prognosis of patients with GC. Additional findings also revealed that PKMYT1 silencing significantly enhanced apoptosis and inhibited GC cell proliferation. In vivo, the silence of PKMYT1 inhibits tumor growth. Further analysis showed that the increase in PKMYT1 expressions led to malignant biological behavior through activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our data suggested that PKMYT1 promotes cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance in GC cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway, making it a potential therapeutic target for GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of DIPEA (diisopropylethylamine), a formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between diazooxindoles and oxazol-5-(4H)-ones takes place easily to give new 3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)indolin-2-ones in 61-98% yield. The structure of the target molecules was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can reduce blood sugar, improve insulin resistance, regulate abnormalities in lipid metabolism, and lower the secretion and expression of inflammatory factors. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in animal models of acute pharyngitis, and its possible mechanisms. Commercial ELISA kits were used to measure tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin (IL)-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, cyclooxygenase-2 levels and caspase-3/9 activity. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88, phosphorylated (p)-nuclear factor (NF)-κB and p-IκB were analyzed using western blotting. In a rabbit model of acute pharyngitis, it was demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 serum levels, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and cyclooxygenase-2 activity levels, reactive oxygen species production and caspase-3/9 activity. Resveratrol suppressed NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 and caspase-1 protein expression, and reduced IL-1β and IL-18 protein expression in animal models of acute pharyngitis. Additionally, resveratrol suppressed TLR4 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 protein expression, and reduced p-NF-κB and increased p-IκB protein expression in animal models of acute pharyngitis. In conclusion, these findings indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol prevents acute pharyngitis-induced inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB in animal models. Therefore, these data suggested an important clinical application of resveratrol in preventing acute pharyngitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IL-2/IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) system plays a central role in maintaining normal T cell immunity, and its disturbance is associated with several hematologic disorders. Studies have found in several types of lymphoma that abnormal amounts of soluble IL-2R (sIL-2R) may result in imbalance of the IL-2/IL-2R system and hence of the T cell immunoregulation. Whether the level of sIL-2R in blood could predict treatment outcomes or not needs to be investigated in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The level of sIL-2R in serum was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 81 patients with newly diagnosed MM. Twenty-six patients (32.1%) were treated with bortezomib-based regimens and 55patients (67.9%) received old drugs-based regimens. The mean concentration of sIL-2R for myeloma patients was 8.51 ng/ml, significantly higher than that of healthy controls (0.56 ng/ml, p < 0.0001). The best cutoff value for sIL-2R in predicting high risk for disease progression is 6.049 ng/ml with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.665 (p = 0.013). Thirty-six patients (44.4%) were classified as higher sIL-2R level group (> 6.049 ng/ml), and 45 patients (55.6%) as lower group (≤ 6.049 ng/ml). The overall response rate (ORR) was 60.0% in lower sIL-2R level group, and 41.7% in higher level group (p = 0.156). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 12 months (range, 2.0-65 months) and 20 months (range, 2.0-118 months), respectively. In a multivariate survival analysis, including Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, treatment response, and sIL-2R level, it was found that all these three parameters were significantly independent prognostic factors for PFS (p = 0.032, 0.016, and 0.043, respectively), but none factors maintained their value in predicting OS. Subgroup analysis revealed that high level of sIL-2R is correlated with significantly inferior PFS in patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens (p = 0.004). Serum sIL-2R level is an independent prognostic factor for PFS, indicating novel drugs targeting the imbalance of IL-2/IL-2R system may be a promising strategy in MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ( NLR) has been demonstrated to be a poor prognostic factor in multiple types of malignancies, whereas the effect of NLR on the prognosis of epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) patients treated with first-line EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors ( TKIs) is not fully addressed. Methods 81 metastatic NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutation treated with first-line EGFR TKIs were retrospectively included. The associations between baseline clinical characteristics, including NLR, and tumor response, progression and survival were investigated. Results Elevated NLR (≥3.5) was observed in 33 of 81 patients. The progression-free and overall survival of the patients with increased NLR was significantly worse than that of the patients with decreased NLR (8.20 vs 10.60 months, P < 0.001 and 17.20 vs 23.20 months, P < 0.001, respectively). Elevated NLR was confirmed to be an independent prognostic factor for worse progression-free and overall survival in Cox multivariate analysis. Conclusion Elevated NLR is likely to be associated with poor outcome in EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients treated with first-line EGFR TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the presence of Na2CO3, the [3+2] cycloaddition of azaoxyallyl cations, in situ formed from α-halohydroxamates by reaction with isothiocyanides, proceeded smoothly and furnished ( Z)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-ones in 25-99 % chemical yields. The chemical structure of the title compounds was confirmed by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalyzed by 10 mol-% PhCO2H, the [3+2] cycloaddition between 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles and nitroso compounds proceeded readily to deliver 1,2,4-oxadiazolidine-3-thione-fused spirooxindoles in 40-82 % yield. The structures of the title compounds were firmly confirmed by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalyzed by a Cinchona-based thiourea, the [3+2] cycloadditions of barbiturate-based olefins with 3-isothiocyanatooxindoles proceeded readily, and furnished dispirobarbiturates in excellent chemical yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The absolute configuration of dispirobarbiturates was firmly confirmed by an X-ray single crystal structure analysis. A reaction mechanism was proposed to account for the enantioselective formation of dispirobarbiturates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of sodium carbonate, the [4+3] cycloadditions of α-halogeno hydrazones with nitrones were performed efficiently, and affording 2,3,4,7-tetrahydro-1,2,4,5-oxatriazepines in moderate to high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of (μ-edt)Fe2(CO)6(edt = SCH2CH2S) (1) with the monophosphine ligands Ph2PCH2Ph, Ph2PC6H11, Ph2PCH2CH2CH3, or P(2-C4H3O)3in the presence of Me3NO∙2H2O afforded (μ-edt)Fe2(CO)5L [L = Ph2PCH2Ph,2; Ph2PC6H11,3; Ph2PCH2CH2CH3,4; P(2-C4H3O)3,5] in 70–88% yields. Complexes2–5were characterized by spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The phosphorus of2–5is in an apical position of the distorted octahedral geometry of iron. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a inhibiting inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in immune suppressive microenvironment in multiple myeloma (MM). Whether the level of serum IL-10 could predict treatment response and survival outcomes or not needs to be investigated in MM patients. Methods: The level of IL-10 in serum was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 188 patients with newly diagnosed MM. Results: The best cutoff value for IL-10 in predicting survival is 169.69 pg ml(-1) with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.747 (P<0.001). In all, 92 patients (48.9%) were classified as high-IL-10 group (>169.96 pg ml(-1)) and 96 patients (51.1%) as low-IL-10 group (⩽169.96 pg ml(-1)). The overall response rate (ORR) was 79.2% in low-IL-10 group, significantly higher than that in high-IL-10 group (53.3%, P<0.001). Patients in low-IL-10 group had significantly better survival compared with those in high-IL-10 group (3-year PFS rate: 69.3% vs 13.3%, P<0.001; 3-year OS rate: 93.6% vs 51.9%, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that serum IL-10 level >169.96 pg ml(-1) at diagnosis and certain cytogenetic abnormalities were two adverse factors for PFS and OS. Conclusions: Our data suggest that serum IL-10 at diagnosis is a novel, powerful predictor of prognosis for MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of a Cinchona alkaloid-based squaramide organocatalyst, the [3+2] cycloaddition of isatin-derived azomethine ylides with maleimides proceeded readily, thus delivering the desired pyrrolidine-fused spirooxindoles in 61-89% yields with >20:1 dr and 12 to >99 % ee. The absolute configuration of 5-chloro-1,5′-dimethyl-3′-phenyl-3′,3a′-dihydro-2′ H-spiro[indoline-3,1′-pyrrolo[3,4- c]pyrrole]-2,4′,6′(5′ H,6a′ H)-trione was unambiguously determined by means of X-ray single crystal structure analysis. The reaction mechanism was hypothesized to account for the enantioselective formation of 5-chloro-1,5′-dimethyl-3′-phenyl-3′,3a′-dihydro-2′ H-spiro[indoline-3,1′-pyrrolo[3,4- c]pyrrole]-2,4′,6′(5′ H,6a′ H)-trione. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of cinchona-thiourea organocatalyst C1, the developed organocatalytic three-component cascade reaction of isatins, malononitrile, and 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-diones readily proceeded to furnish chiral pyranonaphthoquinone-fused spirooxindoles in excellent chemical yields and high enantioselectivities (up to 99 % yield and 97 % ee). The absolute configurations of the spirooxindoles were assigned on the basis of an X-ray single crystal structure. Moreover, a reaction mechanism is proposed that accounts for the stereocontrolled formation of the chiral spirooxindoles,. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may play an important role in the lymphomagenesis of lymphoma, but no studies regarding the relationship between HBV infection and extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) have been reported previously. One hundred and seven patients diagnosed with ENKTL were retrospectively reviewed. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive rate was 13.1%, and no significant correlation existed between HBV infection and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). No significant difference existed in complete remission rate between HBsAg-positive and -negative groups (42.9% vs. 44.1%, p = 1.000). In a multivariate Cox regression model that included international prognostic index (IPI) score, induction chemotherapy regimen and HBsAg status, all these variables were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the HBsAg-positive rate in ENKTL was similar to that of the normal population in a high HBV endemic area, and HBsAg-positive status was an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with stage IE/IIE natural killer T (NK/T) cell lymphomas have discrepant survival outcome. This study aims to establish a prognostic model based on the pretreatment platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) specifically for localized extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma to guide the therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 252 patients with early-stage upper aerodigestive tract NK/T cell lymphoma. The 5-year overall survival rate in 252 patients was 67.1 %. Prognostic factors for survival were female ( P = 0.025; relative risk, 0.51; 95 % CI 0.28-0.92), older age ( P = 0.000; relative risk, 3.34; 95 % CI 1.94-5.75), stage II( P = 0.020; relative risk, 1.79; 95 % CI 1.10-2.91), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level ( P = 0.009; relative risk, 2.00; 95 % CI 1.19-3.35), and PLR ( P = 0.020; relative risk, 1.77; 95 % CI 1.10-2.87). Based on these five parameters, we identified three different risk groups: group 1(106 cases, 43.4 %), no or one adverse factor; group 2(85 cases, 34.8 %), two factors; group 3(53 cases, 21.7 %), three to five factors. Five-year overall survival was 83.3 % for group 1, 62.2 % for group 2, and 43.1 % for group 3 ( P = 0.000). Compared with International Prognostic Index and Korean Prognostic Index, the new model has a better prognostic discrimination for the patients of stage IE/IIE upper aerodigestive tract NK/T cell lymphoma. The PLR-based prognosis model is useful to stratify patients with localized extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma into different risk groups and guide the treatment modalities selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation has been demonstrated to be widely involved in the carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the prognostic significance of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in metastatic NPC is not fully addressed. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prognostic impact of pre-treatment absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), and LMR on patients with newly diagnosed metastatic NPC undergoing chemotherapy. Between January 2006 and December 2010, patients with newly diagnosed metastatic NPC undergoing chemotherapy were retrospectively collected. The prognostic significance of baseline clinical features and inflammatory markers was investigated. A total of 256 patients were eligible for the study. The best cut-off value of ALC, AMC, and LMR was 2.25 × 10/L, 0.35 × 10/L, and 5.07, respectively. Patients in the high LMR group had a significantly longer overall survival (OS) (25.0 months [24.50-25.49]) than patients in the low LMR group (16.0 months [15.51-16.49]; p < 0.001). In addition, ALC ≥ 2.25 × 10/L (HR, 0.59; 95 % CI, 0.43-0.81; p = 0.001) and LMR ≥5.07 (HR, 0.42; 95 % CI, 0.30-0.59; p < 0.001) remained as independent prognostic factors for superior OS, while AMC did not retained its prognostic significance in COX multivariate analysis. Pre-treatment ALC and LMR were demonstrated to be independent prognostic factors in patient with newly diagnosed metastatic NPC receiving chemotherapy. Future prospective studies are needed to validate the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) is more functionally diverse than previously expected, especially with regards to lymphomagenesis. However, the relationship between IL-9 and the clinicopathological features of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is less well established. Patients with this lymphoma in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center between January 2003 and March 2013 were systematically reviewed in an intention-to-treat analysis. Baseline serum IL-9 levels were determined using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A total of seventy-four patients were enrolled in this study. The mean concentration of serum IL-9 for all patients was 6.48 pg/mL (range: 1.38–51.87 pg/mL). Age, B symptoms and local lymph node involvement were found to be related to high serum IL-9 levels. Patients with low IL-9 levels tended to have higher rates of complete remission. Notably, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were longer in the low IL-9 level group than in the high IL-9 level group (PFS: 68.7 months vs. 28.3 months, P<0.001; OS: 86 months vs. 42.8 months, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed independent prognostic factors for PFS. Similarly, high IL-9 levels (P = 0.003) and old age (P = 0.007) were independently predictive of shorter OS. Serum IL-9 is closely related to several clinical features, such as age, B symptoms and local lymph node involvement. It can also be a significant independent prognostic factor for extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, which suggests a role for IL-9 in the pathogenesis of this disease and offers new insight into potential therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the physical and mental development of children of assisted reproductive techniques(ART) at 1-3 years, in the limited samples and the limited age range. Methods: A total of 266 ART children, including 106 twins, at 1-3 years were follow-up visited from February 2008 to February 2011. The control group comprised 129 children, including 84 twins, who were naturally bred. The neonatal outcomes, physical and mental development were evaluated. Results: Parent age in the ART children group was elder than that in control group. There were no significant differences in BMI, MDI and PDI between two groups of ART children and control, and between two twins' groups. A multivariate regression analysis indicated that the conception mode did not affect MDI and PDI. Conclusions: There are no significantly differences in the physical and psychomotor development between ART children and normal conception children in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in which the upper aerodigestive tract is the most commonly involved site. To date, optimal treatment strategies and prognosis for patients with ENKTL have not been fully defined. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of first-line combined gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and L-asparaginase (GELOX) followed by involved-field radiation therapy for patients with stage IE/IIE ENKTL. The primary endpoints were the complete response rate, the objective response rate, and toxicities. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL were enrolled and completed the entire course of treatment. At the end of treatment, the overall response rate was 96.3%, including 20 patients (74.1%) who attained a complete response and 6 patients (22.2%) who attained a partial response. No patients developed disease progression during therapy. Grade 1 and 2 toxicities were frequent during GELOX, but grade 3 and 4 toxicities were few, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. At a median follow-up of 27.37 months, 7 patients (25.9%) experienced disease progression, and 4 of those patients died of disease. The rates of 2-year overall and progression-free survival were both 86%, and patients who attained a complete response at the end of treatment had significantly longer progression-free survival ( P = .012) and overall survival ( P = .021) than patients who did not attain a complete response. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that GELOX followed by involved-field radiation therapy can be an effective and feasible treatment strategy for patients with stage IE/IIE ENKTL of the upper aerodigestive tract. These results will require further investigation in larger prospective trials. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of prolonged rituximab therapy and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the role of lamivudine prophylaxis remain undefined. The prevalence and mortality of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients with DLBCL undergoing rituximab-based treatment, who received prophylactic treatment with or without lamivudine, were retrospectively analyzed. From January 2003 to December 2009, there were 50 patients enrolled in the study, among of which 30 received the prophylactic treatment of lamivudine and 20 without prophylactic treatment of lamivudine. Among of the 50 patients, seven patients received further rituximab maintenance, once every 3 months for 2 years. Compared with lamivudine treatment group, it showed that there was significantly higher prevalence of HBV reactivation (60.0% vs 13.3%, P = .001), severe hepatitis (45.0% vs 6.7%, P = .004), and mortality (25.0% vs 3.3%, P = .032) in non-lamivudine prophylactic group; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the HBV DNA levels at reactivation (3.94 × 10 vs 8.30 × 10 copies/ml, P = .47) and the time from first dose of rituximab to HBV reactivation(207 vs 386 days, P = .28). For patients undergoing further rituximab maintanence treatment, the prevalence and mortality of HBV reactivation were 71.4 and 28.6%, respectively. The prevalence and mortality of HBV reactivation are 66.7% vs 75.0% ( P = 1.00) and 0 vs 50.0% ( P = .43) in lamivudine prophylactic and non-lamivudine prophylactic groups, respectively. The effect of lamivudine prophylaxis on preventing HBV reactivation was found to be less in patients undergoing longer duration of rituximab treatment. A longer duration of rituximab treatment contributed to higher morbidity and mortality of HBV reactivation in HbsAg-positive patients with DLBCL. Further study is warranted for the optimal management of hepatitis caused by HBV reactivation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow tissue ingrowth is the major drawback for the use of calcium phosphate cements; to address the issue, salmon calcitonin–loaded biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres were incorporated into calcium phosphate cement in this study. The effects of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) weight ratio on the mechanical strength, self-setting properties, and salmon calcitonin release ability of calcium phosphate cement were systematically investigated. The in vitro degradation behavior and the cumulative mass loss (%) of the composite during incubation in phosphate-buffered saline were studied. The release of salmon calcitonin was sustained for at least 35 days, and the release rate can be tailored by adjusting the ratio of PLGA. The scanning electron microscopic images of the composites after incubation for 48 days indicated that the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) degraded completely and formed a porous structure in the calcium phosphate cement. An in vitro cell culture of the calcium phosphate cement/salmon calcitonin–poly(lactide-co-glycolide) cement provided more biocompatible than calcium phosphate cement. This composite possesses the basic performance for clinical needs, and it has potential use for treating osteoporosis and accelerating bone repair. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at a single institution were analyzed retrospectively. From 2006 to 2010, 47 patients were treated using the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 protocol. Prior to July 2005, 40 patients had been treated with the JALSG ALL 87 protocol. A complete remission (CR) rate of 91.5% was achieved with the E2993 protocol, which was not significantly higher than the 80% achieved using JALSG (P > 0.05). The median duration of CR in months was 19 for all patients treated with the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 protocol. Ph+ patients showed a median CR duration of 11.5 months, while Ph- patients had a significantly longer CR duration of 19 months (P = 0.019). Further, Ph- patients at standard risk (stratified on the basis of age and white blood cell count at diagnosis) had a CR duration of 21 months, which was significantly longer than the 12-month CR duration for the ten Ph- patients at high risk (P = 0.001). Significant differences were found in the 2-year event-free survival and overall survival rates between the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 and JALSG ALL 87 groups in the following three cohorts: all patients (P = 0.009 and 0.022, respectively), Ph- patients (P = 0.009 and 0.018, respectively), and standard-risk patients (P = 0.014 and 0.007, respectively). The overall mortality rate for induction therapy in the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 group was 2.1% (1 of 47 patients). One or more instances of grade IV myelosuppression occurred during induction therapy. Among the non-hematological toxicities, alopecia and elevated ALT and AST levels were the most common. The levels of ALT and AST could be reduced to less than twofold the normal values within 1-2 weeks. The data indicate that the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 regimen is well tolerated in Chinese adults with ALL and can improve survival compared with the JALSG ALL 87 protocol. Risk stratification at diagnosis based on age and WBC count is suitable for adults with ALL, and it is necessary to adopt different strategies as determined by diagnostic results. Lastly, Ph+ patients have an extremely poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of detecting and removing residual common bile duct stones (CBDS) using direct peroralcholangioscopy (DPOC) after performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone retrieval.Methods: From January 5, 2017 to December 27, 2017, a total of 164 cases of choledocholithiasis were treated by ERCP for stone retrieval. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the remaining 79 cases (39 males; mean age: 63.3 years old, range: 52-79 years old) were enrolled in the present study. The maximum transverse stone diameter was 6-15 mm (12.7 ± 4.2 mm), as determined by ERCP. Furthermore, there were 57 cases of multiple stones (number of stones: two in 41 cases, three in nine cases, and ≥ 4 in seven cases), 13 cases of post-mechanical lithotripsy, and nine cases of broken stones.Results: The overall success rate of DPOC was 94.9% (75/79). Furthermore, 18.7%(14/75) of cases were directly inserted, 72%(54/75) of cases required guide wire assistance, and 9.3%(7/75) of cases were successfully inserted with overtube assistance. The average insertion time was 7-17 min (4.9 ± 2.9 min). Residual stones were detected in 19 cases (25.3%), and all of which were < 5 mm in diameter. Moreover, five cases of formed stones were removed by basket and balloon catheter, while the remaining cases were cleaned after irrigation and suction. There were no serious complications.Conclusion: DPOC is safe and effective for both the detection and removal of residual CBDS after conventional ERCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]