Dietary Intake and Serum Levels of Iron in Relation to Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer Patients

Iron may induce oxidative stress via production of reactive oxygen species, facilitating mammary carcinogenesis. This study investigated the role of iron in relation to oxidative stress as a potential risk factor in the development of breast cancer (BC). BC patients (n = 121) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 149) were entered into the study. Iron and antioxidant vitamins intakes were estimated using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Thirty one subjects from each group provided blood samples for measurement of serum iron, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Total and non-heme iron intake of BC patients were lower than those of the controls. However, the serum iron level was significantly higher in BC patients. Plasma MDA levels were also significantly higher in BC patients whereas no significant difference in FRAP values were observed between the two groups. Log-transformed serum iron concentration showed no significant correlation with MDA or FRAP. These results suggest that serum iron overload may be a breast cancer risk factor possibly due to increased oxidative stress.     

Metabolomics changes in a rat model of obstructive jaundice: mapping to metabolism of amino acids,carbohydrates and lipids as well as oxidative stress

The study examined the global metabolic and some biochemical changes in rats with cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Serum samples were collected in male Wistar rats with BDL (n = 8) and sham surgery (n = 8) at day 3 after surgery for metabolomics analysis using a combination of reversed phase chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS). The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured to estimate the oxidative stress state. Key changes after BDL included increased levels of l-phenylalanine, l-glutamate, l-tyrosine, kynurenine, l-lactic acid, LysoPC^c (14:0), glycine and succinic acid and decreased levels of l-valine, PC^b (19:0/0:0), taurine, palmitic acid, l-isoleucine and citric acid metabolism products. And treatment with BDL significantly decreased the levels of GSH, T-AOC as well as SOD, GSH-Px activities, and upregulated MDA levels. The changes could be mapped to metabolism of amino acids and lipids, Krebs cycle and glycolysis, as well as increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capability. Our study indicated that BDL induces major changes in the metabolism of all 3 major energy substances, as well as oxidative stress.     

Transrectal ultrasound in patients with hematospermia

Introduction

To illustrate the lesions detected with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in patients with hematospermia.

Material and methods

This study included 74 male patients (25–73 years old) affected by hematospermia. Clinical history was obtained and all patients underwent rectal examination as well as TRUS examination in both axial and coronal planes to evaluate the prostate, ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles. Biopsy was performed in 10 patients.

Results

Abnormalities were detected in 59 patients. Calculi (n = 20) were seen within the prostate, seminal vesicles and along the course of the ejaculatory ducts. Chronic prostatitis (n = 14) appeared as hyperechoic and hypoechoic areas within the prostate with capsule thickening suggesting seminal vesiculitis (n = 8). Granulomatous prostatitis (n = 3) appeared as hyperechoic and calcified areas scattered within the prostate and the seminal vesicles. Hypoechoic focal lesions and heterogeneous texture were seen in prostate cancer (n = 5). Utricular cysts (n = 3) appeared as small midline lesions, and Mullerian duct cysts (n = 8) appeared as larger midline cysts protruding above the prostate. Ejaculatory duct cysts (n = 4) appeared as thick walled cystic lesions along the course of the ejaculatory duct. Seminal vesicle cysts were detected in 2 patients.

Conclusion

Our conclusion is that TRUS is a safe, non-invasive technique which can be used to detect lesions of the prostate, seminal vesicles and the ejaculatory ducts in patients with hematospermia.     

Risk for prolonged hospitalization and mortality in aged community acquired pneumonia patients: a retrospective study in Japan

The present study aimed to reveal; i) risk for prolonged hospitalization and mortality in aged community acquired pneumonia patients, and ii) whether swallowing ability was related to re-hospitalization. The present retrospective study included 92 patients older than 75 years hospitalized with community acquired pneumonia in Takagi Hospital between April 2017 and March 2018. The patients were classified into 3 groups; discharged within 17 days (group I): hospitalized more than 18 days (group II): died during the hospitalization (group III). Swallowing ability was evaluated if available. Univariate analysis indicated males and body mass index (BMI) in group I (n = 24) were higher than group II (n = 46). Group III (n = 22) had low serum albumin, low BMI, and severe disease progression compared with group I. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that group II BMI was lower than group I [odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, p = 0.042]. Group III had lower serum albumin level compared with group I (OR = 81.01, p = 0.025). Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.009), but not swallowing disability, was risk for readmission. Malnutrition represented by low albumin enhanced mortality rate in the pneumonia patients, and low BMI and diabetes mellitus might increase the pneumonia risk.     

Black rice with giant embryo ameliorates serum C-reactive protein in adults with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is well known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We have reported that phytochemicals rich black rice with giant embryo reduced fat mass and metabolic disorders in an animal model. However, such effects have not been evaluated in humans. Subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 49, 38 male, 44.3 ± 6.1 years) were randomly assigned into two groups and ingested roasted black-rice with giant embryo (BR, n = 26, 20 male) or white-rice (WR, n = 23, 18 male) powders mixed with water for breakfast for three months. Subjects were evaluated for various metabolic parameters before and after intervention. All parameters were not significantly different between groups before starting the intervention. After three months of consumption of either BR or WR, changes of body weight in BR vs WR groups (–1.54 kg vs –1.29 kg, p = 0.649) as well as waist circumference (–1.63 cm vs –1.02 cm, p = 0.365) were not significantly different between groups. However, changes in highly-sensitive C reactive proteins in BR vs WR groups (–0.110 mg/dl vs 0.017 mg/dl, p = 0.003) had significant differences. Three months of meal replacement with BR had a significant reduction of highly-sensitive C reactive protein compared to those with WR in adults with metabolic syndrome.     

Pain-reducing anesthesia prevents oxidative stress in human term placenta

Anesthesia is sometimes used for the reduction of maternal pain in normal human term labor, but whether the drugs affect oxidative stress remains unclear. The placenta serves as an interface between the maternal and fetal vasculature. In this study, we immunohistochemically analyzed two markers for oxidative stress, namely 8-hydroxy-2''-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal–modified proteins (HNE), using placentas from 21 cases of normal tansvaginal delivery (V group), 20 Caesarean sections (C group), and 17 normal transvaginal deliveries with epidural anesthesia (E group). 8-OHdG staining in the nuclei of trophoblasts lining the chorionic villi was significantly stronger in the V group either compared with the C or E group (p<0.001), without significant differences in the C and E groups (p = 0.792). Moderate to intense staining by HNE of the intravascular serum of chorionic villi vasculature was frequently observed in the placentas from the V group, but less frequently of those in either C or E groups (p<0.001), nor the p value comparing the C and E groups was significant (p = 0.128) for HNE staining. Our results suggest that although the role of oxidative stress and its influences on fetal state in the placenta in labor remains unclear, it seems to be lessened by epidural anesthesia.     

Long‐term safety and effectiveness of berotralstat for hereditary angioedema: The open‐label APeX‐S study

BackgroundBerotralstat (BCX7353) is an oral, once‐daily inhibitor of plasma kallikrein recently approved for prevention of angioedema attacks in adults and adolescents with hereditary angioedema (HAE). The objective of this report is to summarize results from an interim analysis of an ongoing long‐term safety study of berotralstat in patients with HAE.MethodsAPeX‐S is an ongoing, phase 2, open‐label study conducted in 22 countries (ClinicalTrials.gov, {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT03472040","term_id":"NCT03472040"}}NCT03472040). Eligible patients with a clinical diagnosis of HAE due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE‐C1‐INH) were centrally allocated to receive berotralstat 150 or 110 mg once daily. The primary objective was to determine long‐term safety and the secondary objective was to evaluate effectiveness.ResultsEnrolled patients (N = 227) received berotralstat 150 mg (n = 127) or 110 mg (n = 100) once daily. The median (range) duration of exposure was 342 (11–540) and 307 (14–429) days for the 150‐mg and 110‐mg groups, respectively. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 91% (n = 206) of patients. The most common TEAEs across treatment groups were upper respiratory tract infection (n = 91, 40%), abdominal pain (n = 57, 25%), headache (n = 40, 18%), and diarrhea (n = 31, 14%) and were mostly mild to moderate. Fifty percent (n = 113) of patients had at least one drug‐related adverse event (AE; 150 mg, n = 57 [45%]; 110 mg, n = 56 [56%]), and discontinuations due to AEs occurred in 19 (8%) patients (150 mg, n = 13 [10%]; 110 mg, n = 6 [6%]). Three (1.3%) patients experienced a drug‐related serious TEAE. Among patients who received berotralstat through 48 weeks (150 mg, n = 73; 110 mg, n = 30), median HAE attack rates were low in month 1 (150 mg, 1.0 attacks/month; 110 mg, 0.5 attacks/month) and remained low through 12 months (0 attacks/month in both dose groups). Mean HAE attack rates followed a similar trend, and no evidence for patient tolerance to berotralstat emerged. In both dose groups, angioedema quality of life scores showed clinically meaningful changes from baseline.ConclusionsIn this analysis, both berotralstat doses, 150  and 110 mg once daily, were generally well tolerated. Effectiveness results support the durability and robustness of berotralstat as prophylactic therapy in patients with HAE.Trial registrationThe study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ({"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT03472040","term_id":"NCT03472040"}}NCT03472040).     

Effects of Dioscorea esculenta intake with resistance training on muscle hypertrophy and strength in sprint athletes

Androgen hormones are important compounds related to body composition and exercise performance in athletes. The intake of Dioscorea esculenta, known as lesser yam, contains diosgenin and resistance training have been shown to normalize the secretion of androgen hormones. This study aimed to clarify the level of androgen hormone secretion and the effects of Dioscorea esculenta intake with resistance training on muscle hypertrophy and strength in athletes. First, in a cross-sectional study, we compared the serum androgen hormone [dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)] levels between sprint athletes (n = 15) and non-athletes (n = 15). Second, in an 8-week intervention study, sprint athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups: resistance training with placebo (n = 8) or with Dioscorea esculenta (2,000 mg/day) intake (n = 7). The serum DHEA, free testosterone, and DHT levels were lower in athletes than in non-athletes. Dioscorea esculenta intake combined with resistance training increased the arm fat-free mass, the 1 repetition maximum of deadlift and snatch, and the serum DHEA, free testosterone, and DHT levels, compared with resistance training and placebo intake. The results suggested that Dioscorea esculenta intake combined with resistance training has further effects on muscle hypertrophy and strength in athletes by restoring secretion of androgen hormones.     

Ascorbic Acid in Human Seminal Plasma: Determination and Its Relationship to Sperm Quality

The objective of the present study was to assess the ascorbic acid (AA) levels in seminal plasma of the fertile and infertile men and to investigate its relationship with sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Semen samples were provided by fertile [smoker (n = 25), nonsmoker (n = 21)] and infertile men [smoker (n = 23), nonsmoker (n = 32)]. A simplified method of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) procedure using UV detection was applied for the determination of seminal AA. Fertile subjects, smoker or not, demonstrated significantly higher seminal AA levels than any infertile group (p<0.01). Nonsmokers had high, but no significant, mean AA levels in their seminal plasma compared with smokers. Seminal AA in fertile and infertile (smokers or nonsmokers) males correlated significantly with the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology (p<0.01). Seminal AA decreased significantly in infertile men. Decrease of seminal plasma AA is a risk factor for low normal morphology of spermatozoa and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of seminal AA in the seminal plasma of males with a history of subfertility or idiopathic infertility is necessary and can be helpful in fertility assessment.     

Evaluation of automated molecular tests for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in pooled nasopharyngeal and saliva specimens

BackgroundPooling of samples for SARS‐CoV‐2 testing in low‐prevalence settings has been used as an effective strategy to expand testing capacity and mitigate challenges with the shortage of supplies. We evaluated two automated molecular test systems for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in pooled specimens.MethodsPooled nasopharyngeal and saliva specimens were tested by Qiagen QIAstat‐Dx Respiratory SARS‐CoV‐2 Panel (QIAstat) or Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2 (Xpert), and the results were compared to that of standard RT‐qPCR tests without pooling.ResultsIn nasopharyngeal specimens, the sensitivity/specificity of the pool testing approach, with 5 and 10 specimens per pool, were 77%/100% (n = 105) and 74.1%/100% (n = 260) by QIAstat, and 97.1%/100% (n = 250) and 100%/99.5% (n = 200) by Xpert, respectively. Pool testing of saliva (10 specimens per pool; n = 150) by Xpert resulted in 87.5% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity compared to individual tests. Pool size of 5 or 10 specimens did not significantly affect the difference of RT‐qPCR cycle threshold (C_T) from standard testing. RT‐qPCR C_T values obtained with pool testing by both QIAstat and Xpert were positively correlated with that of individual testing (Pearson''s correlation coefficient r = 0.85 to 0.99, p < 0.05). However, the C_T values from Xpert were significantly stronger (p < 0.01, paired t test) than that of QIAstat in a subset of SARS‐CoV‐2 positive specimens, with mean differences of −4.3 ± 2.43 and −4.6 ± 2 for individual and pooled tests, respectively.ConclusionOur results suggest that Xpert SARS‐CoV‐2 can be utilized for pooled sample testing for COVID‐19 screening in low‐prevalence settings providing significant cost savings and improving throughput without affecting test quality.     

Effect of administering a multi-species probiotic mixture on the changes in fecal microbiota and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

We assessed the effect of multi-species probiotic mixture on the changes in fecal microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Eighty-one IBS patients were randomly assigned to receive either probiotic mixture (n = 39; containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, B. actis, B. longum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) or placebo (n = 42) for 4 weeks. A questionnaire regarding general symptom relief was administered. The change in total symptom scores (sum of 10 IBS symptoms) and subtotal scores in 4 domains (pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating/gas) were evaluated. The change in fecal flora was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The concentration of probiotic strains significantly increased after ingestion in probiotics group (B. bifidum, p = 0.043; B. lactis, p<0.001; L. acidophilus, p = 0.016; L. rhamnosus, p<0.001). The proportion of patients with adequate symptom relief was higher in probiotics group than in placebo group (74.4% vs 61.9%, p = 0.230). The decrease in total symptom score over time was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.703). Among subtotal scores of 4 IBS symptom domains, the time effect was significantly different for diarrhea-symptom score between the groups (p = 0.017). A 4-week administration of multi-species probiotic mixture significantly increased the fecal concentration of most probiotic strains and improved diarrhea-symptom scores in IBS patients.     

Maternal high-fructose consumption provokes placental oxidative stress resulting in asymmetrical fetal growth restriction in rats

We aimed to determine the impact of high-fructose intake during pregnancy on the fetal-placental unit in rats, which may be the initial mechanism of the programming effect of fructose. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups and respectively provided tap water (n = 10), 10% (w/v) fructose solution (n = 10), and 10% (w/v) glucose solution (n = 10) from embryonic day 0 to 20. Compared with the control and glucose groups, significantly lower fetal length, fetal weight, placental weight, and fetus/placenta ratio were found in the fructose group on embryonic day 20 (all p<0.05). In parallel with markedly increased uric acid concentrations in the dams, significantly decreased antioxidant enzymes activities and mRNA expression levels were observed in placentas in the fructose group (all p<0.05). In the fructose group, placental mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 was markedly downregulated and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 was significantly upregulated (all p<0.05). In conclusion, high-fructose consumption during pregnancy drives augmented oxidative stress in rats. Placental insufficiency under oxidative stress contributes to asymmetrical fetal growth restriction.     

Possible adaptogenic effects of Momordica charantia on high-intensity training-induced alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

This study investigated the effects of a drink supplement containing Momordica charantia extract from bitter melon on physical fitness and levels of stress hormones during a four-week exercise training program in a hot environment. Ten male tennis players were orally administrated in a four-week (100 ml, 6 times a day), and the pre- and post-supplementation levels of different physical fitness variables and cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone in plasma were measured at four time-points—before (baseline), during, and after the exercise, and on the next day of the supplementation. The findings showed that the supplementation has significant positive effects on enhancement of physical fitness parameters especially balance (d = 22.10, p = 0.013), flexibility (d = 4.83, p = 0.015), and cardiorespiratory fitness (d = 10.00, p = 0.030). Moreover, the adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were reduced during the exercise, and the cortisol levels showed the decreasing trend during and after the exercise, which was correlated with the change of cardiorespiratory fitness (r = 0.65, p<0.05). These results indicated the possible adaptogenic effects of Momordica charantia extract intake. Based on the findings, we suggest that Momordica charantia could be used as a source of adaptogenic supplement to alleviate the exercise- and environment-induced stress.     

Chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps and asthma: Omalizumab improves residual anxiety but not depression

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. It is currently uncertain if treatment in patients with CRS with or without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP) has any impact on improving mental health outcomes. The aims here were to document anxiety and depression in patients with severe CRS and asthma already treated with appropriate medical therapy. We then evaluated whether further maximal treatment with omalizumab improved anxiety and/or depression alongside improvements in CRS and coassociated asthma.MethodsHospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores along with measures of CRS and asthma severity were recorded according to CRSwNP and CRSsNP status in n = 95 patients with severe CRS and asthma. Of this group, a further n = 23 had omalizumab for associated allergic asthma. Follow‐up measures were collected 16 weeks after omalizumab treatment.ResultsHADS anxiety and depression prevalence in CRS were 49.47 % and 38.95%, respectively. Within the CRSwNP and CRSsNP group 53.06% and 45.66% had raised HADS‐anxiety scores. Abnormal HADS‐depression scores were present in 40.82% and 36.95% of the CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups, respectively. Correlations for sinonasal outcome test‐22 (SNOT‐22) versus HADS total was r = 0.59 p < 0.0001, HADS‐anxiety r = 0.56 p < 0.0001 and HADS‐depression r = 0.49 p < 0.0001. Omalizumab improved anxiety in CRS (p < 0.0001) regardless of nasal polyp status (CRSwNP p = 0.0042 and CRSsNP p = 0.0078). Depression scores did not improve in either group. SNOT‐22 (p = 0.0006), asthma control questionnaire‐7 (p = 0.0019) and mini‐asthma quality of life questionnaire including emotional function (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0009, respectively) all improved in both subgroups.ConclusionIn CRS and asthma, anxiety scores but not depression improved after omalizumab treatment. Anxiety may be closely related to airway disease severity, but depression may be independent of airway disease itself. If so, a separate mental health care pathway is needed for CRS patients with depression.     

Arylbenzazepines Are Potent Modulators for the Delayed Rectifier K+ Channel: A Potential Mechanism for Their Neuroprotective Effects

(±) SKF83959, like many other arylbenzazepines, elicits powerful neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo. The neuroprotective action of the compound was found to partially depend on its D₁-like dopamine receptor agonistic activity. The precise mechanism for the (±) SKF83959-mediated neuroprotection remains elusive. We report here that (±) SKF83959 is a potent blocker for delayed rectifier K⁺ channel. (±) SKF83959 inhibited the delayed rectifier K⁺ current (I_K) dose-dependently in rat hippocampal neurons. The IC₅₀ value for inhibition of I_K was 41.9±2.3 µM (Hill coefficient=1.81±0.13, n=6), whereas that for inhibition of I_A was 307.9±38.5 µM (Hill coefficient=1.37±0.08, n=6). Thus, (±) SKF83959 is 7.3-fold more potent in suppressing I_K than I_A. Moreover, the inhibition of I_K by (±) SKF83959 was voltage-dependent and not related to dopamine receptors. The rapidly onset of inhibition and recovery suggests that the inhibition resulted from a direct interaction of (±) SKF83959 with the K⁺ channel. The intracellular application of (±) SKF83959 had no effects of on I_K, indicating that the compound most likely acts at the outer mouth of the pore of K⁺ channel. We also tested the enantiomers of (±) SKF83959, R-(+) SKF83959 (MCL-201), and S-(−) SKF83959 (MCL-202), as well as SKF38393; all these compounds inhibited I_K. However, (±) SKF83959, at either 0.1 or 1 mM, exhibited the strongest inhibition on the currents among all tested drug. The present findings not only revealed a new potent blocker of I_K , but also provided a novel mechanism for the neuroprotective action of arylbenzazepines such as (±) SKF83959.     

Endovascular treatment of the vertebral artery origin stenosis by using the closed-cell,self-expandable Carotid Wallstent

BackgroundEndovascular treatment has been considered a good alternative to surgery for symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS) due to the high risk of morbidity associated with surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of insertion of the closed-cell, self-expandable Carotid Wallstent for the treatment of VAOS.MethodsThe records of 72 patients with VAOS refractory to adequate medication who were treated by endovascular treatment with the Carotid Wallstent from December 2006 to November 2018 were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsOf the 72 patients, 43 presented with transient ischemic attacks. Forty-seven patients (65.3%) manifested other brachiocephalic stenoses; of these, 40 patients had occlusion, hypoplasia, or stenosis of the contralateral vertebral artery. Overall technical success (defined as 20% or less residual stenosis) was 100%. Procedure-related complications (n = 8, 11.1%) included sudden asystole (n = 1), acute in-stent thrombosis (n = 3), minor stroke (n = 3), and stent shortening (n = 1). All complications were resolved without permanent neurological deficit. Angiographic follow-up (mean, 13.0 months) was achieved in 49 patients and revealed in-stent restenosis in 1 patient (2.0%) and stent malposition by shortening in 2 patients (4.1%). Follow-up records were available in 57 patients (mean 15.6 months). Three of the 57 patients (n = 3, 5.3%) had recurrent symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia and none was retreated.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment of symptomatic VAOS using the closed-cell, self-expandable Carotid Wallstent is technically feasible and effective in alleviating patient symptoms and for improving vertebrobasilar blood flow.     

Systemic immune‐inflammation index is associated with disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

BackgroundThe systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is a recently developed indicator for systemic inflammatory response. We aimed to explore the association between SII and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsThis retrospective study included 136 patients with AS and 63 healthy controls. Patients were divided into two groups according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI); active group (n = 60) and remission group (n = 76). Clinical, laboratory, and demographic characteristics were recorded. Spearman''s correlation analysis was used to determine correlations of SII with C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and BASDAI in AS patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for AS disease activity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of SII and the above variables for the active group compared with the remission group.ResultsSystemic immune‐inflammation index levels were higher in AS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). SII levels were higher in the active group than in the remission group (p < 0.001). For patients with AS, SII correlated positively with CRP (r_s = 0.483, p < 0.001), ESR (r_s = 0.374, p < 0.001), and BASDAI (r_s = 0.667, p < 0.001). SII (OR = 1.009, 95% CI = 1.006–1.012, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor affecting AS disease activity. The specificity and sensitivity of SII using a cutoff value of 513.2 were 83.33% and 86.84%, respectively, for the active group.ConclusionSystemic immune‐inflammation index was increased in AS. SII may be a novel indicator for monitoring AS disease activity.     

Aberrant expression of five miRNAs in papillary thyroid carcinomas

BackgroundThe miRNAs play critical roles in the progression of various tumors. Our study aimed to screen and identify miRNAs to investigate their diagnostic and prognostic value for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsmiRNAs were evaluated in PTC (n = 30) tissues, A‐PTC (n = 30), benign nodules (n = 35) and A‐benign nodules (n = 35). The expression levels of five miRNAs were quantified using real‐time, quantitative PCR. ROC analysis was used to evaluate the miRNA diagnostic value.ResultsThe expression of miR‐1296‐5p, miR‐1301‐3p, and miR‐532‐5p was significantly downregulated (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0006, p = 0.0024, respectively), while miR‐551b‐3p and miR‐455‐3p were significantly upregulated in PTC tissues compared to A‐PTC tissues (p = 0.0005, p = 0.0046, respectively). Interestingly, the expression of miR‐1296‐5p was downregulated, while miR‐551b‐3p and miR‐455‐3p were upregulated in the A‐PTC group compared to the A‐benign group. Moreover, the miR‐1296‐5p expression level was associated with tumor size, the number of foci and the TNM stage; the miR‐455‐3p expression level was correlated with patient age, tumor size, and TNM stage; and the miR‐532‐5p expression level was correlated with patient age, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage correspondingly. ROC analysis revealed that the AUCs for miR‐1301‐3p, miR‐1296‐5p, miR‐455‐3p, miR‐532‐5p, and miR‐551b‐3p were 0.773, 0.790, 0.783, 0.744, and 0.650, respectively.ConclusionsOur results indicated that miR‐1296‐5p, miR‐1301‐3p, miR‐532‐5p, miR‐551b‐3p, and miR‐455‐3p are aberrantly expressed in papillary thyroid carcinomas and correlated with clinicopathological features. ROC curve analysis indicated that these five miRNAs have a potential diagnostic value. Consequently, we speculate that the five altered miRNAs may serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PTC.     

Increased Plasma Levels of 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine Are Associated with Development of Colorectal Tumors

Increased oxidative stress is generally thought to be associated with tumorigenesis. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in patients with colorectal adenoma and cancer, as a surrogate marker of oxidative damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). We collected blood samples from 58 patients with adenoma, 32 with early cancer, 25 with advanced cancer, and 36 without polyps or cancer (as controls), and measured plasma levels of 8-OHdG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariate analysis by logistic regression showed that an increased level of 8-OHdG was a significant risk for adenoma [odds ratio (OR) 1.393, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008–1.926, p = 0.045]. In patients with early cancer, univariate analysis revealed significant differences for age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and 8-OHdG level. Subsequent multivariate analysis revealed that 8-OHdG [OR 1.627, 95% CI 1.079–2.453, p = 0.020] and BMI [OR 1.283, 95% CI 1.038–1.585, p = 0.021] were significant risk factors for early cancer. However, 8-OHdG was not a significant risk factor for advanced cancer. Our results suggest that an increased plasma level of 8-OHdG is associated with development of colorectal adenoma and cancer.     

Comparative study of magnesium,sodium valproate,and concurrent magnesium-sodium valproate therapy in the prevention of migraine headaches: a randomized controlled double-blind trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of concurrent magnesium-sodium valproate therapy and compare it with either magnesium or sodium valproate alone in migraine prophylaxis.Materials and methodsThis randomized single-center double-blind parallel-group controlled clinical trial study was conducted on migraine patients within the age range of 18–65 years. The subjects with at least four monthly attacks were randomly assigned to group A (n = 82) sodium valproate, group B (n = 70) magnesium with sodium valproate, and group C (n = 70) magnesium. The patients passed a one-month baseline without prophylactic therapy and then received a 3-month treatment. The characteristics of migraine, including frequency, severity, duration of the attacks, and the number of painkillers taken per month, were monthly recorded in each visit. The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) scores were recorded at the baseline and after 3 months of treatment in each group. Within- and between-group analyses were performed in this study.ResultsThe obtained results revealed a significant reduction in all migraine characteristics in all groups compared to those reported for the baseline (P <  0.001). Intragroup data analysis indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in headache frequency between groups A and B in the third month (P = 0.525); nevertheless, three other parameters showed a significant reduction in group B, compared to those reported for group A in the third month (P <  0.05). On the other hand, group C could not effectively reduce measured parameters in the patients, compared to groups A and B after 3 months (P <  0.001). Furthermore, the MIDAS and HIT-6 scores significantly diminished in groups A, B, and C compared to those reported at the baseline (P <  0.001), and these changes were more significant in groups A and B than in group C (P <  0.001).ConclusionThe obtained results of this study revealed that magnesium could enhance the antimigraine properties of sodium valproate in combination therapy and reduce the required valproate dose for migraine prophylaxis.