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RING finger 187 (RNF187), a ubiquitin-ligating (E3) enzyme, plays a crucial role in the proliferation of cancer cells. However, it remains unclear whether RNF187 exhibits comparable functionality in the development of germline cells. To investigate the potential involvement of RNF187 in germ cell development, we conducted interference and overexpression assays using GC-2 cells, a mouse spermatocyte-derived cell line. Our findings reveal that the interaction between RNF187 and histone H3 increases the viability, proliferation, and migratory capacity of GC-2 cells. Moreover, we provide evidence demonstrating that RNF187 interacts with H3 and mediates the ubiquitination of H3 at lysine 57 (K57) or lysine 80 (K80), directly or indirectly resulting in increased cellular transcription. This is a study to report the role of RNF187 in maintaining the development of GC-2 cells by mediating histone H3 ubiquitination, thus highlighting the involvement of the K57 and K80 residues of H3 in the epistatic regulation of gene transcription. These discoveries provide a new theoretical foundation for further comprehensive investigations into the function of RNF187 in the reproductive system.

Abstract Background Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) is widely applied in complex wound repair. We aimed to compare traditional debridement and drainage and VSD in treating Fournier’s gangrene (FG). Methods Data of patients surgically treated for FG were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 36 patients (men: 31, women: 5; mean age: 53.5 ± 11.3 [range: 28–74] years) included in the study, no patients died. Between-group differences regarding sex, age, BMI, time from first debridement to wound healing, number of debridements, FGSI, and shock were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, lesion diameter, colostomy, VAS score, dressing changes, analgesic use, length of hospital stay, and wound reconstruction method (χ2 = 5.43, P = 0.04) exhibited statistically significant differences. Tension-relieving sutures (6 vs. 21) and flap transfer (4 vs. 2) were applied in Groups I and II, respectively. Conclusion VSD can reduce postoperative dressing changes and analgesic use, and shrunk the wound area, thereby reducing flap transfer in wound reconstruction.

Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for evaluating body composition. However, the reference ranges have not been established. Methods Three lean tissue and seven adipose tissue parameters based on MRI data from the UK Biobank were used in this study. Participants with European ancestry and data on at least one parameter were screened. Age‐ and sex‐specific percentile curves were generated using the lambda–mu–sigma method. Three levels of reference ranges were provided, which were equivalent to the mean ± 1 standard deviation (SD), 2 SDs and 2.5 SDs. Results The final analysis set for each parameter ranged from 4842 to 14 148 participants (53.4%–56.6% women) with a median age of 61. For lean tissue parameters, compared with those at age 45, the median total lean tissue volume and total thigh fat‐free muscle volume at age 70 were 2.83 and 1.73 L, and 3.02 and 1.51 L lower in men and women, respectively. The median weight‐to‐muscle ratios at age 45 were 0.51 and 0.83 kg/L lower compared with those at age 70 in men and women, respectively. Adipose tissue parameters showed inconsistent differences. In men, the median muscle fat infiltration, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, total abdominal adipose tissue index and abdominal fat ratio were 1.48%, 0.32 L, 0.08 L/m2 and 0.4 higher, and the median abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) volume and total adipose tissue volume were 0.47 and 0.41 L lower, respectively, at age 70 than at age 45. The median total trunk fat volume was approximately 9.53 L at all ages. In women, the median muscle fat infiltration and VAT volume were 1.68% and 0.76 L higher, respectively, at age 70 than at age 45. The median ASAT volume, total adipose tissue volume, total trunk fat volume, total abdominal adipose tissue index and abdominal fat ratio were 0.35 L, 0.78 L, 1.12 L, 0.49 L/m2 and 0.06 higher, respectively, at age 60 than at age 45. The medians of the former three parameters were 0.33 L, 0.14 L and 0.20 L lower, at age 70 than at age 60. The medians of the latter two parameters were approximately 3.64 L/m2 and 0.55 at ages between 60 and 70. Conclusions We have established reference ranges for MRI‐measured body composition parameters in a large community‐dwelling population. These findings provide a more accurate assessment of abnormal adipose and muscle conditions.

Abstract Background Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are both causes of thrombocytopenia. Recognizing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is crucial for subsequent treatment and prognosis. In clinical practice, corticosteroids and rituximab can be used to treat both immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; plasma exchange therapy is the first-line treatment in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, while corticosteroids are strongly recommended as first-line treatment in immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The differential diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is essential in clinical practice. However, case reports have suggested that immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura can occur concurrently. Case presentation We report the case of a 32-year-old Asian female without previous disease who presented with pancytopenia, concurrent with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The morphology of the megakaryocytes in the bone marrow indicated immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. The patient received glucocorticoid treatment, and her platelet count increased; however, schistocytes remained high during the course of the therapy. Further investigations revealed ADAMTS13 activity deficiency and positive ADAMTS13 antibodies. The high titer of antinuclear antibody and positive anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein/Smith antibody indicated a potential autoimmune disease. However, the patient did not fulfill the current criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus or mixed connective tissue disease. The patient responded well to plasma exchange therapy, and her platelet count remained normal on further follow-up. Conclusions Concurrence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is rare, but clinicians should be aware of this entity to ensure prompt medical intervention. Most of the reported cases involve young women. Human immunodeficiency virus infection, pregnancy, and autoimmune disease are the most common underlying conditions.

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of complications and types of chemoradiotherepy induces symptom clusters in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who were first diagnosed after treatment and discharged from hospital.MethodsAfter their discharge home, 130 NPC patients who had been treated with chemoradiotherapy were asked to complete a modified Chinese version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck Module developed by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer in the Head and Neck. Symptom clusters in patients were identified through exploratory factor analysis.ResultsThe most serious symptoms for discharged NPC patients who had received chemoradiotherapy were dental problems, a sense of obstruction while swallowing, embarrassment in physical contact with family members and friends, difficulty in speaking with others, and embarrassment in public. The six symptom clusters identified through exploratory factor analysis were (1) painful eating, (2) social difficulties, (3) psychological disorders, (4) symptomatic shame, (5) teeth/throat injuries, and (6) sensory abnormalities. The total contribution rate of variance was 65.73%.ConclusionNPC patients who are treated with chemoradiotherapy can experience adverse symptom clusters that continue after discharge. Nurses should evaluate the patients’ symptoms before discharge and provide targeted health education services which would reduce the patients’ complications and improve the quality of life at home. Besides, medical staff should evaluate the complications in a timely and comprehensive manner and provide individualized health education for the affected patients to help them manage chemoradiotherapy side effects.

Background: We previously reported that antofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy was safe and effective for Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) eradication. It is not clear whether the addition of Saccharomyces boulardii ( S. boulardii ) to antofloxacin-based quadruple therapy can improve the eradication rate of H. pylori and reduce adverse events. Objective: To investigate the effect of adding S. boulardii to antofloxacin-based quadruple therapy on the eradication rate of H. pylori and the adverse events. Design: Single-center, prospective randomized controlled study. Methods: A total of 172 patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to the test and control groups. Patients in the control group ( n = 86) received antofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 days. On this basis, cases in the test group ( n = 86) received S. boulardii 500 mg b.i.d. The eradication rate of H. pylori and adverse events were observed 4 weeks after the treatment. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the eradication rates of H. pylori and frequency of diarrhea between the test group and control group ( p > 0.05). The duration of diarrhea in the test group was significantly shorter than in the control group ( p 0.05). The severity of adverse reactions was similar between the two groups ( p > 0.05), and most of them had mild adverse events. Conclusion: Although the addition of S. boulardii to antofloxacin-based quadruple therapy could not improve the eradication rate of H. pylori , it could shorten the time of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200056931.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether auricular acupuncture has neuromodulatory effects on the motor cortex of healthy adults.MethodsFourteen healthy subjects received a real auricular acupuncture stimulation (SF1) session and a sham acupuncture stimulation session. The interval between the two types of stimulation was more than 24 h. A finger dexterity test (taping score and taping speed by using ipad) was assessed, and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were assessed before and after each stimulation.ResultsBefore the treatment, there were no significant differences in MEP amplitude, tapping score, or tapping speed (P > 0.05) between the real and sham stimulation conditions. After the treatment, the MEP amplitude, tapping score, and tapping speed in the real stimulation condition increased significantly compared to the pre-stimulation measurements and were significantly higher than those in the sham stimulation condition (P < 0.01). In the sham stimulation condition, the MEP amplitude, tapping score, and tapping speed decreased significantly compared to the pre-stimulation measurements (P < 0.05).ConclusionAcupuncture of auricular points can modulate the excitability of the motor cortex area of controlling the upper limbs.Clinical trial registration[http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx], identifier [ChiCTR2100051608].

Abstract Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of GC. In this study, we obtained differential expressed genes in GC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas. After ESTIMATE and weighted correlation network analysis, we obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs). With further screening DEGs of immune infiltration and then through Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and COX analysis, we found that VCAN was a gene positively correlated with high immune infiltration and poor prognosis of patients in GC. In addition, we selected a Gene Expression Omnibus dataset (GSE84433) to verify the effect of VCAN on the patient's prognosis, and analyzed the value of VCAN in immunotherapy through TIMER database and TISIDB. In conclusion, we hold the view that VCAN may affect the development of GC by regulating the TME, which may act as a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Abstract Purpose The gross tumor volume (GTV) could be an independent prognostic factor for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LANSCLC). We aimed to develop and validate a novel integrated GTV-TNM stratification system to supplement LANSCLC sub-staging in patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Methods We performed a retrospective review of 340 patients with unresectable LANSCLC receiving definitive CCRT. All included patients were divided into two randomized cohorts. Then the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression were calculated to access the prognostic value of the integrated GTV-TNM stratification system, which was further validated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score and F1-score. Results The optimal outcome-based GTV cut-off values (70 and 180 cm3) of the modeling cohort were used to determine each patient’s integrated GTV-TNM stratum in the whole cohort. Our results indicated that a lower integrated GTV-TNM stratum could had better overall survival and progression-free survival (all P

Abstract Two new sesquiterpenoids, artemlavanins A (1) and B (3), together with fifteen known compounds (2 and 4−17) were isolated from the EtOH extract of Artemisia lavandulaefolia. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and ECD calculations. Compound 1 was a sesquiterpenoid lactone possessing a rearranged eudesmane skeleton; compounds 2–5, 6–8, 9 and 10–12 belonged to the eudesmane, guaiane, oppositane and farnesane sesquiterpenoids, respectively; compounds 13–17 were the phenyl derivatives with a 4-hydroxyacetophenone moiety. Twelve compounds (1–3, 5–7, 10–12, 14, 15 and 17) displayed cytotoxicity against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 (HSC-LX2) with IC50 values ranging from 35.1 to 370.3 μM. Compounds 2, 7, 10–12 and 17 exhibited the stronger cytotoxicity than silybin (IC50, 169.6 μM) with IC50 values of 82.1, 35.1, 95.0, 83.8, 81.6 and 90.1 μM. Compound 7 as the most active one showed significant inhibition on the deposition of human collagen type I (Col I), human hyaluronic acid (HA) and human laminin (HL) with IC50 values of 10.7, 24.5 and 13.3 μM. Graphic Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the interval between CRT and surgery on radiation proctitis, the pathologic response, and postoperative morbidity. Methods This was a cohort study from a phase III, randomized controlled trial (FOWARC study, NCT01211210). Data were retrieved from the leading center of the trial. Patients were divided into the short‐interval (≤7 weeks) group and the long‐interval (>7 weeks) group. The rate of radiation proctitis, pathologic complete regression (pCR) and morbidities were calculated for each group. Multivariate analysis was used to verify the impact of interval on radiation proctitis. Results Surgery was performed in 60 patients after an interval of ≤7 weeks and in 97 patients after an interval of >7 weeks. The two groups according to interval were comparable in terms of baseline demographic and clinicotherapeutic characteristics. Radiation proctitis was identified by imaging in 9 (15.0%) patients in short‐interval group and in 31 (32.0%) patients in long‐interval group (P = .018). Multivariate analysis confirmed the correlation between long interval and radiation proctitis (P = .018). The long interval was significantly associated with longer median operation time compared to the short interval (P = .022). The rates of pCR and postoperative complications were not different between two groups. Conclusions A longer interval after CRT may be associated with higher rate of radiation proctitis and longer operation time. Moreover it did not increase the rate of pCR.

Abstract Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (Gou-Teng), the dried hook-bearing stems of several Uncaria plants (Rubiaceae), is a well-known herbal medicine in China. The clinical application of Gou-Teng is bewildered for the morphological and chemical similarity between different species. In order to discern their chemical and biological difference, an ultra-fast liquid chromatography equipped with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UFLC-IT/TOF-MS) combining with melatonin (MT1 and MT2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A and 5-HT2C) receptors agonistic assay in vitro was conducted on seven Uncaria species. As a result, 57 compounds including 35 indole alkaloids, ten flavonoids, five triterpenoids, five chlorogenic analogues, and two other compounds were characterized based on their MS/MS patterns and UV absorptions. Specifically, cadambine-type and corynanthein-type alkaloids were exclusively present in U. rhynchophylla and U. scandens, whereas corynoxine-type alkaloids were commonly detected in all the seven Uncaria plants. Three Uncaria species, U. rhynchophylla, U. macrophylla, and U. yunnanensis showed obviously agnostic activity on four neurotransmitter receptors (MT1, MT2, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2C). This first-time UFLCMS-IT-TOF analyses integrated with biological assay on seven Uncaria plants will provide scientific viewpoints for the clinical application of Gou-Teng. Graphic Abstract

Common buckwheat is a health-care crop, and continuous cropping is one of the main factors restricting its high-yielding. In order to clarify the mechanism of continuous cropping of buckwheat, 4, 5and 6 years continuous cropping treatments were set up. We obtained the following results. The available nutrients content in rhizosphere soil, soil enzyme activity, leaf area, chlorophyll and soluble protein content, the peroxidase(POD) activity of leaves, agronomic traits, root index (except average diameter) of Fengtian1(FT1) decreased significantly with the increase of continuous cropping years. While, soil pH and the number of fungi in rhizosphere soil increased significantly, the number of bacteria in rhizosphere soil and the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in leaves first increased and then decreased. The yields of continuous cropping for 6 years were 12 times lower than the control crop. In conclusion, continuous cropping has certain effects on growth and yields of buckwheat.

Abstract Background Tumor-infiltrating immune cells are present in various malignant tumors, but their clinical significance in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Methods Using a prospective database containing 401 cases of GC, we evaluated TIL (cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) expression) and TAM (cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) expression) statuses via immunohistochemical staining. Results Compared with CD8+ TIL-negative cases (n = 196, 48.6%), CD8+ TIL-positive cases (n = 205, 51.1%) showed significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) [log-rank p

Abstract Mentha haplocalyx (Mentha canadensis) is widely used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, and the extracts of its aerial parts are found to significantly inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 21.0 μg/mL. Bioactivity-guided isolation of the extracts afforded two new compounds (1 and 2), together with 23 known ones (3–25). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR and UV). Compounds 1–17 and 21–25 were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Compound 11 was the most active ones with an IC50 values of 83.4 μM. These results verify the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of M. haplocalyx (M. canadensis) and specify its active compounds for the first time. Graphical Abstract

While it is known that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) initiate the production of male germ cells, the mechanisms of SSC self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation remain poorly understood. We have previously identified Strawberry Notch 1 (SBNO1), a vertebrate strawberry notch family protein, in the proteome profile for mouse SSC maturation and differentiation, revealing SBNO1 is associated with neonatal testicular development. To explore further the location and function of SBNO1 in the testes, we performed Sbno1 gene knockdown in mice to study the effects of SBNO1 on neonatal testicular and SSC development. Our results revealed that SBNO1 is required for neonatal testicular and SSC development in mice. Particularly, in vitro Sbno1 gene knockdown with morpholino oligonucleotides caused a reduction of SSCs and inactivation of the noncanonical Wnt pathway, through Jun N-terminal kinases. Our study suggests SBNO1 maintains SSCs by promoting the noncanonical Wnt pathway.

Wine produced by fermentation of Chestnut rose (Rosa roxburghii) hips, known as cili (Chinese-Mandarin), in Guizhou province, and other places in China is becoming popular but there is limited knowledge of suitable yeast strains for its production. In this study, we first investigated the oenological properties of six commercial S. cerevisiae yeast strains (X16, F33, SH12, GV107, S102, RMS2), one commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. bayanus (S103), one commercial, non-Saccharomyces yeast strain, Torulaspora delbrueckii Prelude, and one indigenous S. cerevisiae strain, CZ, for cili wine fermentation. We measured the key traits of each of the yeast strains, viz., sulfite resistance, flocculation, hydrogen sulfide production capacity, fermentation rate, and yeast growth curves. Subsequently, we measured the resultant wine characteristics, viz., pH, alcohol content, residual sugar, titratable acidity, volatile acidity, ascorbic acid content and headspace volatile compounds. The overall suitability of each yeast type was evaluated using a multi-factor, unweighted, scorecard. On that basis, RMS2 was the most suitable, and closely followed by CZ and X16. This study is the first comparative evaluation of yeasts for cili wine production and provides a preliminary guide for their selection.

Metastasis is the major feature of gastric cancer (GC) that contributes to poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to identify novel agents targeting GC metastasis. Moringa oleifera Lam (M. oleifera) has long been used by the public as foods for its nutritional and medicinal virtues. However, its anti-metastatic potential against GC remains unknown. Here, we showed that residues of M. oleifera (MO) can specifically suppress metastasis of GC cells at a lower dosage, at least partially through reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that a bona fide metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, was significantly upregulated by MO treatment. Knockdown of NDRG1 by a short interfering RNA dramatically attenuated the anti-metastasis effect of MO in GC cells. Thus, we demonstrate that MO suppresses EMT-mediated metastasis of GC by augmenting the metastatic suppressor NDRG1. Our findings also address the potential therapeutic significance of MO in the treatment of GC metastasis.

AIM: To study the genes responsible for retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS: A total of 15 Chinese families with retinitis pigmentosa, containing 94 sporadically afflicted cases, were recruited. The targeted sequences were captured using the Target_Eye_365_V3 chip and sequenced using the BGISEQ-500 sequencer, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Data were aligned to UCSC Genome Browser build hg19, using the Burroughs Wheeler Aligner MEM algorithm. Local realignment was performed with the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK v.3.3.0) IndelRealigner, and variants were called with the Genome Analysis Toolkit Haplotypecaller, without any use of imputation. Variants were filtered against a panel derived from 1000 Genomes Project, 1000G_ASN, ESP6500, ExAC and dbSNP138. In all members of Family ONE and Family TWO with available DNA samples, the genetic variant was validated using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: A novel, pathogenic variant of retinitis pigmentosa, c.357_358delAA (p.Ser119SerfsX5) was identified in PRPF31 in 2 of 15 autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) families, as well as in one, sporadic case. Sanger sequencing was performed upon probands, as well as upon other family members. This novel, pathogenic genotype co-segregated with retinitis pigmentosa phenotype in these two families. CONCLUSION: ADRP is a subtype of retinitis pigmentosa, defined by its genotype, which accounts for 20%-40% of the retinitis pigmentosa patients. Our study thus expands the spectrum of PRPF31 mutations known to occur in ADRP, and provides further demonstration of the applicability of the BGISEQ500 sequencer for genomics research.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between retinal arteriosclerosisand cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS:Totally 85 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2017 were selected as the research subjects. Fundus examination was carried out to determine the classification of ophthalmic arteriosclerosis. The blood glucose level of the patients was detected and the glycosylated hemoglobin,fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured. All patients were followed up for at least 1 and a half years, and the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases rate was statistically analyzed during the follow up period. The blood glucose level and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases rate in patients with different ocular fundus arteriosclerosis grades were compared, meanwhile the relationship between ocular fundus arteriosclerosis grades with the blood glucose levels and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 85 patients, 15%(13/85), 52%(44/85)and 33%(28/85)of the patients were classified asocular fundus arteriosclerosis grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ respectively. The cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases rate during the follow up period was 27%(23/85). The glycosylated hemoglobin,fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases rates were all increased with the elevation of ophthalmic arteriosclerosis(Prs=0.875, 0.792, 0.835, 0.878; PCONCLUSION:Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients has severe fundus arteriosclerosis, which is closely related to blood glucose level and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVES:The current study aims to summarize breast anthropomorphic measurement features in Chinese patients with breast diseases and to investigate their potential correlations with demographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fifteen breast anthropomorphic parameters of 605 Chinese female patients were collected prospectively. Breast ptosis status was scaled by two methods and breast volume was calculated according to a modified formula of BREAST-V. RESULTS:Among 1210 breasts, the average breast volume was 340.0±109.1 ml (91.8-919.2 ml). The distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold was 7.5±1.6 cm in the standing position. The width of the breast base was 14.3±1.4 cm (8.5-23.5 cm). The incidence of breast ptosis was 22.8% (274/1204), of which 37 (23.5%) and 79 (31.7%) women had severe ptosis assessed by different criteria. Increased height (OR[odds ratio] = 1.500, P

AIM:To study the effect of posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide(TA)in treatment of patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema(DME)before panretinal photocoagulation(PRP).METHODS:Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 96 cases(96 eyes)with DME treated in our hospital from October 2008 to May 2012, and the patients were divided into the study group and control group, each group with 48 cases(48 eyes), the control group were only treated with PRP, and for the study group, TA was injected one week before PRP. At 6mo after treatment, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and retinal thickness changes of two groups were compared, the changes of intraocular pressure in two groups was analyzed. RESULTS:After treatment, two groups were followed up for 6mo, compared with before treatment, the expression of BCVA in control group was reduced, and rise in the study group, with significant difference between the two groups(PP>0.05), the study group had foveal thickness reduction of 9.6μm, the control group was increased by 31.9μm, with significant difference(PP>0.05). CONCLUSION:TA injection in patients with diffuse DME before PRP is safe and effective, and it is superior to simple PRP therapy, and it can be applied in primary hospital.

BACKGROUND: To report the feasibility, efficacy, and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the treatment of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and/or inferior vena cava tumor thrombosis (IVCTT) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients treated with SBRT using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for HCC with PVTT/IVCTT between July 2010 and May 2012 were analyzed. Of these, 33 had PVTT and 8 had IVCTT. SBRT was designed to target the tumor thrombosis and deliver a median total dose of 36 Gy (range, 30-48 Gy) in six fractions during two weeks. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 10.0 months. At the time of analysis, 15 (36.6%) achieved complete response, 16 (39.0%) achieved partial response, 7 (17.1%) patients were stable, and three (7.3%) patients showed progressive disease. No treatment-related Grade 4/5 toxicity was seen within three months after SBRT. One patient had Grade 3 elevation of bilirubin. The one-year overall survival rate was 50.3%, with a median survival of 13.0 months. The only independent predictive factor associated with better survival was response to radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: VMAT-based SBRT is a safe and effective treatment option for PVTT/IVCTT in HCC. Prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the role of SBRT in these patients.

Purpose: To explore the applications of 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques in the restorative treatment of edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 edentulous patients (Atwood classes 1 to 4) who visited The 960th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Jinan, China, from March 1, 2018 to May 1, 2020 were selected, and the patients were randomly divided into two groups: a traditional complete denture group (group A) and a 3D-printed complete denture group (group B). Each group comprised 15 patients. In group A, the traditional method was used to fabricate complete dentures. In group B, 3D scanning, computeraided design (CAD), 3D printing, and the duplicate denture technique were used to fabricate the dentures. A single-blinded method was used. Patient satisfaction was measured with a 0--10 visual analog scale (VAS) at four time points: immediately and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after denture delivery. SPSS version 22.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The ability to speak, ability to chew, and comfort in the two groups gradually improved at the first three time points. VAS scores increased to a satisfactory level after 3 months. The esthetics and stability of the two groups were scored high after the initial delivery. The VAS scores of the two groups regarding esthetics, ability to speak, ability to chew, stability, and comfort were not significantly different (P > .05) at any time point. The number of visits in the 3D-printed complete denture group were significantly decreased in comparison to the traditional group. Conclusion: The use of 3D printing for manufacturing complete dentures can rapidly restore edentulous patients and meet patient demands regarding esthetics and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]