The efficacy of tranexamic acid for orthognathic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The efficacy of tranexamic acid in orthognathic surgery remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of tranexamic acid on blood loss for orthognathic surgery. We performed a search of PubMed, Embase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through October 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of tranexamic acid versus placebo on orthognathic surgery. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Six RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with placebo in orthognathic surgery, tranexamic acid administration results in significantly decreased blood loss [mean difference (MD)=-159.73; 95% confidence interval (CI)=-236.42 to -83.03; P<0.0001], and higher postoperative haemoglobin (MD=0.71; 95% CI=0.11 to 1.31; P=0.02), but has no remarkable impact on postoperative haematocrit (MD=1.23; 95% CI=-1.22 to 3.69; P=0.33) and operation time (MD=-2.35; 95% CI=-18.05 to 13.36; P=0.77). In addition, patients with orthognathic surgery need decreased amounts of irrigant fluid (MD=-229.23; 95% CI=-399.63 to -58.83; P=0.008) after using tranexamic acid. We concluded that tranexamic acid promotes the bleeding control in orthognathic surgery.

Top-down approach from satellite to terrestrial rover application for environmental monitoring of landfills

This paper describes a methodology to perform chemical analyses in landfill areas by integrating multisource geomatic data. We used a top-down approach to identify Environmental Point of Interest (EPI) based on very high-resolution satellite data (Pleiades and WorldView 2) and on in situ thermal and photogrammetric surveys. Change detection techniques and geostatistical analysis supported the chemical survey, undertaken using an accumulation chamber and an RIIA, an unmanned ground vehicle developed by CNR IIA, equipped with a multiparameter sensor platform for environmental monitoring. Such an approach improves site characterization, identifying the key environmental points of interest where it is necessary to perform detailed chemical analyses.

Two novel mutations of the NCSTN gene in Chinese familial acne inverse

BACKGROUND

Acne inversa (AI; MIM 142690), or hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), is a type of autosomal-dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations in γ-secretase. The complex of γ-secretase is a transmembrane protease that catalyses the cleavage of a set of membrane proteins and is comprised of four subunits encoded by four genes, including PSEN1, PSENEN, NCSTN and APH1. However, mutations associated with AI vary significantly, and it is important to define the specific mutation with a particular AI patient.

OBJECTIVE

To determine specific mutations in the γ-secretase gene associated with two Chinese AI families.

METHODS

Two families of three generations with apparent AI symptoms were examined through proband analysis. Genomic DNAs of the family members and a cohort of 100 healthy individuals were isolated and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Two heterozygous missense mutations, c.647A>C (p.Q216P) in the exon 6, and c.223G>A (p.V75I) in the exon 3 of the NCSTN gene, were identified in the two families respectively. No mutations were found in 100 healthy individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified two novel mutations within the NCSTN gene associated with AI.

The use of spinal manipulative therapy for pediatric health conditions: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

This study had two purposes. These were: (i) to conduct a search of the literature between 2007 and 2011 investigating the use of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for pediatric health conditions and (ii) to perform a systematic review of eligible retrieved clinical trials.

METHODS

The Index of Chiropractic Literature and PubMed were electronically searched using appropriate search words and MeSH terms, respectively, as well as reference tracking of previous reviews. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated using an instrument that assessed their methodological quality.

RESULTS

Sixteen clinical trials were found that met the inclusion criteria and were scored.

DISCUSSION

Six clinical trials investigated the effectiveness of SMT on colic, two each on asthma and enuresis, and one each on hip extension, otitis media, suboptimal breastfeeding, autism, idiopathic scoliosis and jet lag. None investigated the effectiveness of SMT on spinal pain.

CONCLUSION

Studies that monitored both subjective and objective outcome measures of relevance to both patients and parents tended to report the most favorable response to SMT, especially among children with asthma. Many studies reviewed suffered from several methodological limitations. Further research is clearly required in this area of chiropractic health care, especially with respect to the clinical effectiveness of SMT on pediatric back pain.

Drosophila Set1 is the major histone H3 lysine 4 trimethyltransferase with role in transcription

Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is a major hallmark of promoter-proximal histones at transcribed genes. Here, we report that a previously uncharacterized Drosophila H3K4 methyltransferase, dSet1, and not the other putative histone H3K4 methyltransferases (Trithorax; Trithorax-related protein), is predominantly responsible for histone H3K4 trimethylation. Functional and proteomics studies reveal that dSet1 is a component of a conserved H3K4 trimethyltransferase complex and polytene staining and live cell imaging assays show widespread association of dSet1 with transcriptionally active genes. dSet1 is present at the promoter region of all tested genes, including activated Hsp70 and Hsp26 heat shock genes and is required for optimal mRNA accumulation from the tested genes. In the case of Hsp70, the mRNA production defect in dSet1 RNAi-treated cells is accompanied by retention of Pol II at promoters. Our data suggest that dSet1-dependent H3K4me3 is responsible for the generation of a chromatin structure at active promoters that ensures optimal Pol II release into productive elongation.