[Diagnostic value of combination of US and MRI in preoperative prediction for the extrathyroidal extension of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of preoperative ultrasonography(US), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and US combined with MRI in the prediction of extrathyroidal extension(ETE) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2016, a total of 83 consecutive patients underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed PTCs with ETE. We analyzed all patients with PTC with ETE who received preoperative combination of US and MRI scan to evaluate ETE. Results: For minimal ETE, the accuracy was 92.2%(47/51) of US, 74.5%(38/51) of MRI, and their combination was 98.0%(50/51). The differences of the three methods for minimal ETE were statistically significantly different(P=0.000). For extensive ETE, the accuracy was 62.5%(20/32) of US, 87.5%(28/32) of MRI, and their combination was 93.8%(30/32). The different of the three methods for extensive ETE was statistically significantly different(P=0.000). For the total accuracy of ETE, US was 80.7%(67/83), MRI was 79.5% (66/83), and their combination was 96.4%(80/83). The difference of the three methods for ETE was statistically significantly different(P=0.001). Conclusion: The combination of US and MRI can improve the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of ETE for PTC.

[Anatomic study and clinical practice of mesopancreas and total mesopancreatic excision]

Objective: To explore the anatomical characteristics of the mesopancreas, to define the range of the total mesopancreas excision and to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Methods: A regional anatomical and pathological study was performed on 14 cadavers with large slices and paraffin sections. The clinical and pathological data of 58 consecutive patients underwent total mesopancreas excision for pancreatic head carcinoma from January 2013 to December 2015 were prospectively collected and analysed. The perioperative morbidity, mortality and clinical outcomes of patients underwent total mesopancreas excision were compared with the patients underwent conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 2010 to December 2012. Results: The mesopancreas located in the retropancreatic area, extending from the head, neck, and uncinated process of pancreas to the aorto-caval groove, in which there were loose areolar tissue, adipose tissue, nerve plexus, lymphatic and capillaries. Although no fibrous sheath or fascia like mesocolorectum was found around the structures, a relatively fixed extent could be defined according to its embryologic and anatomic characters. In clinical practice, total mesopancreas excision was classified into two levels according to the extent of resection in this series: level Ⅰ was a"standard total mesopancreas excision" or"total mesopancreas excision in a narrow sense" , which was similar to the extent of standard resection from consensus statement of ISGPS. Level Ⅱ was defined as any procedure extending the range of level Ⅰ, called the"extended total mesopancreas excision" or"total mesopancreas excision in a broad sense". In TMpE group, the intraoperative blood loss( (461.4±184.5)ml vs. (532.2±319.8)ml, P=0.301), operation time( (368.6±92.5)minutes vs. (397.1±112.7)minutes, P=0.559), total complication rate (39.7% vs. 51.2%, P=0.250), fistula mortality (25.9% vs. 30.2%, P=0.628) were all reduced. There were significantly higher R0 rate (91.4% vs.76.7%, P=0.041) and more harvested lymph nodes (16.2 vs. 11.4, P=0.000) and lower total and local recurrence: rate (half-year local recurrence rate: 7.8% vs. 23.7%, P=0.036; one-year local recurrence rate: 18.2% vs. 39.5%, P=0.018) and longer disease-free survival (16.9 months vs. 13.4 months, P=0.044) and overall survival(22.5 months vs. 19.9 months, P>0.05) were also found in the study group. Conclusions: Mesopancreas is different from mesorectum since it has no fascial envelop, which should be regarded as a surgical concept, rather than an anatomical structure. Total mesopancreas excision is safe and feasible for pancreatic head cancer and probably helps to increase the R0 resection rate and improve the clinical outcomes.

Contextual Factors and Mastery Motivation in Young Children with and without Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Mastery motivation is the driving force behind children's desire to explore the surrounding world and their comprehensive development. However, disease factors may lower a child's motivation and hamper development. The aim of this review is to examine mastery motivation in preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) and the impact of contextual factors on mastery motivation.

METHODS

Six electronic databases were searched (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PsycINFO, Medline, and Airiti Library) using the keywords "Activity," "Cerebral Palsy," "Preschool," "Motivation," "Mastery motivation," "Gross motor," and "Toddler." We reviewed six observational studies and one interventional study for the following features: (1) participants' characteristics; (2) assessment, observation, and intervention methods; (3) findings.

RESULTS

Of the seven studies, three were individual cohort studies and four were individual case-control studies. There were two types of motivation-related measures, standardized measurements and observations of structured tasks or free play. Three studies showed no significant difference in mastery motivation between children with and those without CP when given mental-age-appropriate tasks of moderate difficulty. However, environmental factors including social experience, family interaction, and caregivers' perceptions may affect motivation in preschool children with CP.

CONCLUSION

Current studies on mastery motivation in preschool children with CP are very limited, and the lack of a universal, theory-based definition of mastery motivation and common assessment frameworks makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions on mastery motivation in children with CP. Future studies should investigate mastery motivation with rigorous study designs to identify ideal activities and environments for preschool children with CP.

Wnt7b gene expression and functional analysis in the mussel Mytilus coruscus

To understand the potential functions of Wnt7b in different developmental stages and adult tissues of the mussel Mytilus coruscus, the Wnt7b gene was cloned using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. The full-length Wnt7b gene was 1910 bp long, with a 1059-bp open reading frame encoding 352 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of the M. coruscus Wnt7b gene shared high homology with that of Homo sapiens (59%), Mus musculus (61%), Danio rerio (61% similarity), Biomphalaria glabrata (62% similarity), Aplysia californica (66% similarity), and Crassostrea gigas (74%). Wnt7b mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription PCR in all tissues studied (mantle, adductor muscle, gill, foot, digestive gland, and male and female gonads), with the highest expression found in the gill, and in the male and female gonads. This indicates that Wnt7b may play an important role in gonadal maturation and in the functions of gills in the mussel M. coruscus. Expression of the Wnt7b gene during larval development stages, including the trochophore, D-shaped veliger, umbo veliger, pediveliger, and juvenile stages, was also detected. Wnt7b mRNA was highly expressed in the D-shaped veliger, umbo veliger, and pediveliger larvae stages, suggesting that Wnt7b may participate in larval development and in the process of metamorphosis in the mussel M. coruscus. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the functions of the Wnt gene family during mussel larval development and settlement and metamorphosis.

[Oxymatrine inhibits target cell infection in the HCVcc system]

OBJECTIVE

To validate the antiviral effect of oxymatrine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the construction of the cell culture-based infectious virus system HCVcc.

METHODS

An HCVcc system was established by infecting Huh7.5.1 cells with the J6 adapted virus (J6cc). Cells of the HCVcc system were then treated with different concentrations of oxymatrine for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, or left untreated (controls). MTT assay was used to detect effects on proliferation. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect effects on HCV mRNA expression level, and immunofluorescence was used to detect effects on HCV protein expression. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation, and statistically assessed using one-way ANOVA and one-sample t-test.

RESULTS

Treatment with 2, 4, 8 and 12 mg/mL of oxymatrine for 24 h inhibited proliferation of the J6cc-infected cells by 8.4%, 15.2%, 29.6% and 48.6% respectively, 48 h treatment inhibited by 14.3%, 25.7%, 46.1% and 66.4% respectively, and 72 h treatment inhibited by 36.5%, 46.6%, 70.6% and 85.4% respectively. Thus, the effects of oxymatrine were time- and dose-dependent (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression level in the oxymatrine-treated cells of the HCVcc system was 0.59 ± 0.12, which was significantly lower than that in the control cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, as the oxymatrine concentration increased from 2 mg/mL to 12 mg/mL, the expression levels of HCV proteins also showed a decreasing trend.

CONCLUSION

We successfully constructed a J6cc infection HCVcc system and verified the antiviral effect of oxymatrine against HCV.

Sex Influences on the Penetrance of IL-1β and IL-1RN Genotypes for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Chinese Population

Polymorphism (variable number of tandem repeats) in the second intron of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra) gene and two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −511 and +3954 of the IL-1β gene may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study used sex stratification to investigate a correlation of the three genetic polymorphisms with the risk of RA, on patients with RA and healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) were performed. The frequencies of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele and genotype in female patients were significantly different compared with the controls; but in males, only the frequency of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele was different. The frequency of the IL-1RN genotype in patients was not statistically different compared with the controls; however, the frequency of IL-1RN allele in female patients was different. The association of the three polymorphisms with the susceptibility to RA appears to be significantly affected by gender.

L17A/F19A Substitutions Augment the α-Helicity of β-Amyloid Peptide Discordant Segment

β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation has been thought to be associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, we showed that L17A/F19A substitutions may increase the structural stability of wild-type and Arctic-type Aβ₄₀ and decrease the rates of structural conversion and fibril formation. However, the underlying mechanism for the increase of structural stability as a result of the alanine substitutions remained elusive. In this study, we apply nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopies to characterize the Aβ₄₀ structure, demonstrating that L17A/F19A substitutions can augment the α-helicity of the residues located in the α/β-discordant segment (resides 15 to 23) of both wild-type and Arctic-type Aβ₄₀. These results provide a structural basis to link the α-helicity of the α/β-discordant segment with the conformational conversion propensity of Aβ.

In Vivo changes in the lengths of carpal ligaments after mild dorsal angulation of distal radius fractures

The need for surgical correction in patients with malunion with mild dorsal angulation after a distal radius fracture is controversial. We specifically investigated in vivo changes in the lengths of carpal ligaments in a group of patients with mild-degree dorsal angulation following a distal radial fracture. We obtained computed tomography scans of both wrists in eight patients, whose distal radius on one side had united with dorsal angulation from 10° to 20°. The three-dimensional images of the carpus were reconstructed and the lengths of wrist ligaments were measured based on known anatomical landmarks. Compared with the contralateral uninjured side, the dorsal radiocarpal ligament and ulnotriquetral ligament were substantially lengthened (p < 0.05) and the long radiolunate ligament was substantially shortened (p < 0.05) at most wrist positions except extension. However, five other ligaments that we measured did not show significant differences in length compared with those of the uninjured side (p > 0.05). The lengths of some ligaments are substantially altered even by mild dorsal angulation of the distal radius, while the lengths of most other ligaments are not substantially affected.

Contact areas of the scaphoid and lunate with the distal radius in neutral and extension: correlation of falling strategies and distal radial anatomy

The functional neutral of wrist movement is about 10° extension yet the distal radius has a volar tilt. This has not previously been explained. Assuming that the contact area between the carpus and the distal radius increased in wrist extension this would also help stabilize the carpus on the distal radius in positions where typically there is greater loading. To test this hypothesis we reconstructed three-dimensional structures of the carpal bones and distal radius using computed tomography scans of 13 normal wrists. The contact areas of the scaphoid with the distal radius were measured and were found progressively increased from flexion 20°, neutral, extension 20°, to extension 40°. The maximal increases in the contact area of the scaphoid and the distal radius was at full wrist extension. No significant changes in the contact areas of the lunate with the distal radius were found between the different positions. The contact characteristics provide greater stability to the carpus on the distal radius, and to help spread forces from impact to the wrist reducing the transmitted peak forces and thus the risk of distal radius and carpal injuries.

Ultrafine ZnO nanoparticles/nanowires synthesized on a flexible and transparent substrate: formation, water molecules, and surface defect effects

The ultrafine ZnO nanoparticles/nanowires were successfully synthesized on a flexible and transparent substrate by an ultraviolet-light decomposition process. We demonstrate that water molecules can affect the morphology of ZnO nanostructures. An ultraviolet lamp (λ ~ 380 nm, 75 mW cm(-2)) can be used to irradiate Zn(AcAc)2 and Zn(AcAc)2·H2O precursors, which rapidly synthesize ZnO nanoparticles and nanowires, respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images and a selected-area electron diffraction pattern revealed that the single-crystal nanoparticles were comprised of wurtzite structure ZnO. The nanowires consisted of ultrafine nanoparticles. On the basis of the Debye-Scherrer formula, the particle size of ZnO was calculated as ~6-9 nm. The more water molecules the precursor had, the more OH(-) and Zn[(OH)4](2-) it put out. Moreover, due to the Zn[(OH)4](2-) and Zn(OH)2 species formed on the surface of the ZnO nanocrystals, they facilitated the one-dimensional nanowires during the crystal growth process. On the basis of our investigations, oxygen vacancies, hydroxyl, and zinc hydroxide all acted as key components in the formation processes that determined photoresponsive properties.

Engineering three-dimensional collagen-IKVAV matrix to mimic neural microenvironment

Engineering the cellular microenvironment has great potential to create a platform technology toward engineering of tissue and organs. This study aims to engineer a neural microenvironment through fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) engineered collagen matrixes mimicking in-vivo-like conditions. Collagen was chemically modified with a pentapeptide epitope consisting of isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine (IKVAV) to mimic laminin structure supports of the neural extracellular matrix (ECM). Three-dimensional collagen matrixes with and without IKVAV peptide modification were fabricated by freeze-drying technology and chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Structural information of 3D collagen matrixes indicated interconnected pores structure with an average pore size of 180 μm. Our results indicated that culture of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells in 3D collagen matrix was greatly influenced by 3D culture method and significantly enhanced with engineered collagen matrix conjugated with IKVAV peptide. It may be concluded that an appropriate 3D culture of neurons enables DRG to positively improve the cellular fate toward further acceleration in tissue regeneration.

Dextromethorphan inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppressing RANKL-induced nuclear factor-κB activation

Dextromethorphan (DXM), a commonly used antitussive, is a dextrorotatory morphinan. Here, we report that DXM inhibits the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by abrogating the activation of NF-κB signalling in vitro. Oral administration of DXM ameliorates ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in vivo.

INTRODUCTION

DXM was reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties through inhibition of the release of pro-inflammatory factors. However, the potential role and action mechanism of DXM on osteoclasts and osteoblasts remain unclear. In this study, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the potential effects of DXM on osteoclastogenesis and OVX-induced bone loss.

METHODS

Osteoclastogenesis was examined by the TRAP staining, pit resorption, TNF-α release, and CCR2 and CALCR gene expression. Osteoblast differentiation was analyzed by calcium deposition. Osteogenic and adipogenic genes were measured by real-time PCR. Signaling pathways were explored using Western blot. ICR mice were used in an OVX-induced osteoporosis model. Tibiae were measured by µCT and serum markers were examined with ELISA kits.

RESULTS

DXM inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. DXM mainly inhibited osteoclastogenesis via abrogation of IKK-IκBα-NF-κB pathways. However, a higher dosage of DXM antagonized the differentiation of osteoblasts via the inhibition of osteogenic signals and increase of adipogenic signals. Oral administration of DXM (20 mg/kg/day) partially reduced trabecular bone loss in ovariectomized mice.

CONCLUSION

DXM inhibits osteoclast differentiation and activity by affecting NF-κB signaling. Therefore, DXM at suitable doses may have new therapeutic applications for the treatment of diseases associated with excessive osteoclastic activity.

Effect of alanine replacement of l17 and f19 on the aggregation and neurotoxicity of arctic-type aβ40

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease. Beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ) are responsible for neuronal death both in vitro and in vivo. Previously, L17 and F19 residues were identified as playing key roles in the stabilization of the Aβ₄₀ conformation and in the reduction of its neurotoxicity. In this study, the effects of L17A/F19A mutations on the neurotoxicity of Aβ genetic mutant Arctic-type Aβ₄₀(E22G) were tested. The results showed that compared to Aβ₄₀(E22G), Aβ₄₀(L17A/F19A/E22G) reduced the rate of conformation conversion, aggregation, and cytotoxicity, suggesting that L17 and F19 are critical residues responsible for conformational changes which may trigger the neurotoxic cascade of Aβ. Aβ₄₀(L17A/F19A/E22G) also had decreased damage due to reactive oxygen species. The results are consistent with the discordant helix hypothesis, and confirm that residues 17–25 are in the discordant helix region. Compared to Aβ₄₀(L17A/F19A), reduction in aggregation of Aβ₄₀(L17A/F19A/E22G) was less significantly decreased. This observation provides an explanation based on the discordant helix hypothesis that the mutation of E22 to G22 of Aβ₄₀(E22G) alters the propensity of the discordant helix. Arctic-type Aβ₄₀(E22G) aggregates more severely than wild-type Aβ₄₀, with a consequential increase in toxicity.

Development of 3D in vitro platform technology to engineer mesenchymal stem cells

This study aims to develop a three-dimensional in vitro culture system to genetically engineer mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to express bone morphogenic protein-2. We employed nanofabrication technologies borrowed from the spinning industry, such as electrospinning, to mass-produce identical building blocks in a variety of shapes and sizes to fabricate electrospun nanofiber sheets comprised of composites of poly (glycolic acid) and collagen. Homogenous nanoparticles of cationic biodegradable natural polymer were formed by simple mixing of an aqueous solution of plasmid DNA encoded bone morphogenic protein-2 with the same volume of cationic polysaccharide, dextran-spermine. Rat bone marrow MSC were cultured on electrospun nanofiber sheets comprised of composites of poly (glycolic acid) and collagen prior to the incorporation of the nanoparticles into the nanofiber sheets. Bone morphogenic protein-2 was significantly detected in MSC cultured on nanofiber sheets incorporated with nanoparticles after 2 days compared with MSC cultured on nanofiber sheets incorporated with naked plasmid DNA. We conclude that the incorporation of nanoparticles into nanofiber sheets is a very promising strategy to genetically engineer MSC and can be used for further applications in regenerative medicine therapy.

Development of novel antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a serious threat to public health because of its resistance to multiple antibiotics most commonly used to treat infection. In this study, we report the unique ability of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib to kill Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA with modest potency. We hypothesize that the anti-Staphylococcus activity of celecoxib could be pharmacologically exploited to develop novel anti-MRSA agents with a distinct mechanism. Examination of an in-house, celecoxib-based focused compound library in conjunction with structural modifications led to the identification of compound 46 as the lead agent with high antibacterial potency against a panel of Staphylococcus pathogens and different strains of MRSA. Moreover, this killing effect is bacteria-specific, as human cancer cells are resistant to 46. In addition, a single intraperitoneal administration of compound 46 at 30 mg/kg improved the survival of MRSA-infected C57BL/6 mice. In light of its high potency in eradicating MRSA in vitro and its in vivo activity, compound 46 and its analogues warrant continued preclinical development as a potential therapeutic intervention against MRSA.