Comparison of Foaming Properties Between the Shirasu Porous Glass Membrane Device and Tessari’s Three-way Stopcock Technique for Polidocanol and Ethanolamine Oleate Foam Production: A Benchtop Study

PurposeTo compare the characteristics of polidocanol (POL) and ethanolamine oleate (EO) sclerosing foams produced by a Shirasu porous glass membrane (SPGM) device with those made using a 3-way stopcock (3WSC).Materials and MethodsFoam half-life times were measured in an ex-vivo benchtop study. Computed tomography (CT) images of each foam were obtained over the time course, and a CT texture analysis was conducted. The bubble size in each foam was measured by an optical microscope.ResultsMedian foam half-life times were longer in the SPGM group than in the 3WSC group (POL: 198 vs 166 s, P = .02; EO: 640 vs 391 s, P < .01). In the CT texture analysis, median standard deviation (SD) and entropy (randomness) were lower, and median energy (uniformity) and gray-level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) homogeneity were higher in the SPGM group than in the 3WSC group (POL SD: at 30 s and 50–300 s; POL entropy: at 0–60 s; EO SD: at 0–600 s; EO entropy: at 0–460 s; POL energy: at 0–40 s; POL GLCM homogeneity: at 0–250 s; EO energy: at 0–360 s; EO GLCM homogeneity: at 0–480 s; all P < .05). Median bubble diameters in the SPGM group and in the 3WSC group were 69 and 83 μm (P < .01), respectively, in the POL foam; and 36 and 36 μm (P = .45), respectively, in the EO foam.ConclusionsPOL and EO foams had greater uniformity and longer foam half-life time when prepared with an SPGM device than with a 3WSC.     

Proteases and their inhibitors as prognostic factors for high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies, but only very few prognostic biomarkers are known. The degradome, comprising proteases, protease non-proteolytic homologues and inhibitors, have been involved in the prognosis of many cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. The prognostic significance of the whole degradome family has not been specifically studied in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. A targeted DNA microarray known as the CLIP-CHIP microarray was used to identify potential prognostic factors in ten high-grade serous ovarian cancer women who had early recurrence (<1.6 years) or late/no recurrence after first line surgery and chemotherapy. In women with early recurrence, we identified seven upregulated genes (TMPRSS4, MASP1/3, SPC18, PSMB1, IGFBP2, CFI – encoding Complement Factor I – and MMP9) and one down-regulated gene (ADAM-10). Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the prognostic effect of these 8 candidate genes in an independent cohort of 112 high-grade serous ovarian cancer women. Outcomes were progression, defined according to CA-125 criteria, and death. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were done to estimate the associations between each protein and each outcome. High ADAM-10 expression (intensity of 2–3) was associated with a lower risk of progression (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-0.87). High complement factor I expression (intensity 2–3) was associated with a higher risk of progression (adjusted HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.17–4.53) and death (adjusted HR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.72–6.79). Overall, we identified the prognostic value of two proteases, ADAM-10 and complement factor I, for high-grade serous ovarian cancer which could have clinical significance.     

Modification of the vaccine manufacturing process improves the pyrogenicity profile of inactivated influenza vaccines in young children

Background

There were increased reports of fevers and febrile reactions in young children (particularly children aged <5?years) receiving the Seqirus/CSL Southern Hemisphere 2010 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3). Modifying the vaccine manufacturing process by increasing the minimum concentration of splitting agent (sodium taurodeoxycholate [TDOC]) from 0.5% w/v to 1.5% w/v for all strains resolved this issue. The current analysis compared fever rates in three pediatric studies of Seqirus IIV3 (S-IIV3) or quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (S-IIV4), prepared using the modified manufacturing process, with fever rates in three pediatric studies of historical (pre-2010) IIV3 formulations. The historical IIV3 formulations, S-IIV3, and S-IIV4 had 0/3, 2/3, and 4/4 vaccine strains split at 1.5% TDOC, respectively.

Ocular dysfunctions and toxicities induced by antiepileptic medications: Types,pathogenic mechanisms,and treatment strategies

Introduction: Ocular dysfunctions and toxicities induced by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are rarely reviewed and not frequently received attention by treating physicians compared to other adverse effects (e.g. endocrinologic, cognitive and metabolic). However, some are frequent and progressive even in therapeutic concentrations or result in permanent blindness. Although some adverse effects are non-specific, others are related to the specific pharmacodynamics of the drug.

Areas covered: This review was written after detailed search in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI web, SciELO, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register databases (from 1970 to 2019). It summarized the reported ophthalmologic adverse effects of the currently available AEDs; their risks and possible pathogenic mechanisms. They include ocular motility dysfunctions, retinopathy, maculopathy, glaucoma, myopia, optic neuropathy, and impaired retinal vascular autoregulation. In general, ophthalmo-neuro- or retino-toxic adverse effects of AEDs are classified as type A (dose-dependent), type B (host-dependent or idiosyncratic) or type C which is due to the cumulative effect from long-term use.

Expert opinion: Ocular adverse effects of AEDs are rarely reviewed although some are frequent or may result in permanent blindness. Increasing knowledge of their incidence and improving understanding of their risks and pathogenic mechanisms are crucial for monitoring, prevention, and management of patients’ at risk.     

Evaluation of the effectiveness of Er: YAG laser and calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamine) prophylaxis paste on remineralization of incipient enamel lesions in primary teeth: An in-vitro study

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the potential remineralization effect of Novamine and Er:YAG laser on artificial enamel lesions in primary teeth.Materials and methodsIn this in vitro study, 30 sound buccal and lingual surfaces of human primary canines were randomly divided (6 per group) into 5 groups (Novamine, Laser, Novamine+ Laser, Positive control, and a negative control). Remineralization agents were applied for 1 min to teeth using a rubber cup after creating artificially demineralised lesions. EDX analysis was performed to evaluate the Ca/P ratio and take Scanning electron microscope images.ResultsData were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis analysis. Ca/P ratio was higher in all 4 groups than the negative control group, and higher in Novamine+ Laser group than the positive control group with a statistically significant difference between groups. Overall Ca/P ratio was found to be highest in the Novamine group followed by the laser then positive control group. There were no significant differences between groups regard to Ca/P Ratios.ConclusionBased on these result Er:YAG laser combined with Novamine was provided the greatest contribution to remineralization process of primary teeth.     

丙戊酸钠通过EGFR下调CD44表达抑制胶质瘤细胞生长

目的:探讨丙戊酸钠通过抑制A172胶质瘤细胞表皮生长因子受体（epidermal growth factor receptor，EGFR）的活化，下调CD44表达，进而调节细胞生长的机制。方法:实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot检测A172胶质瘤细胞中CD44以及siRNA下调CD44表达的情况，MTT检测CD44和丙戊酸钠对细胞生长的影响，Western blot检测丙戊酸钠对细胞中p-EGFR、EGFR和CD44表达影响。结果:丙戊酸钠抑制A172胶质瘤细胞生长，并具有浓度依赖性。A172胶质瘤细胞表达CD44，siRNA下调CD44表达后，细胞生长较正常组显著减缓。活化EGFR促进A172胶质瘤CD44蛋白表达，而EGFR的抑制剂Lapatinib可显著抑制上述效应。丙戊酸钠抑制EGFR磷酸化，下调CD44蛋白表达。结论:丙戊酸钠抑制A172胶质瘤细胞的生长。抑制A172胶质瘤细胞中EGFR的活化，下调CD44的表达，是丙戊酸钠抑制胶质瘤细胞生长的其中一个机制。     

加味温经汤联合阿仑膦酸钠片治疗肾阳亏虚型绝经后骨质疏松症临床研究

目的:观察加味温经汤联合阿仑膦酸钠片治疗肾阳亏虚型绝经后骨质疏松症(PMOP)的临床疗效。方法:选取150例肾阳亏虚型PMOP患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组各75例。对照组给予口服阿仑膦酸钠片治疗,观察组在对照组基础上加服加味温经汤,2组均治疗6个月。对比2组总体疗效、治疗前后碱性磷酸酶(ALP),血钙(Ca)、磷(P),雌二醇(E2),促卵泡雌素(FSH),促黄体生成素(LH)水平,记录治疗过程中不良反应发生情况。结果:观察组总有效率96.0%,对照组总有效率80.0%,2组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组ALP水平均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),血Ca含量均较治疗前增加(P<0.05);观察组ALP水平低于对照组(P<0.05),血Ca含量高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组E2水平均较治疗前升高,FSH及LH水平均较治疗前降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组E2水平高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组血常规异常、肝肾功能异常、消化道症状、皮肤过敏发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:加味温经汤治疗肾阳亏虚型PMOP,能有效改善患者的临床症状和性激素水平,用药安全性高。     

小金胶囊联合左甲状腺素钠片治疗桥本氏甲状腺炎的临床研究

目的:探讨小金胶囊联合左甲状腺素钠片治疗桥本氏甲状腺炎的临床研究。方法:选取2017年8月—2019年1月收治的桥本氏甲状腺炎患者106例,按照数字表法将其随机分为两组,对照组应用左甲状腺素钠片治疗,研究组应用小金胶囊联合左甲状腺素钠片治疗,对两组患者临床疗效、甲状腺功能及炎症反应等指标进行分析。结果:研究组的临床治愈比例高于对照组(50.9%vs 18.7%);研究组的T3(2.2±0.5) nmol/L、T4(124.2±17.8) nmol/L、FT3(4.3±0.7) pmol/L及FT4(14.4±2.9) pmol/L与对照组无明显差异(P 0.05),研究组的TSH(1.8±0.2)μIU/L低于对照组(P 0.05);研究组甲状腺抗体水平TG-Ab(253.4±12.8) IU/mL、TPO-Ab(241.3±12.8) IU/mL均低于对照组(P 0.05);研究组IL-8(0.4±0.2) ng/mL、IL-17(7.4±2.1) pg/mL及APN(5.9±1.1)μg/mL低于对照组(P 0.05),研究组的IL-10(91.8±12.6) pg/mL高于对照组(P 0.05);研究组不良反应(22.64%)与对照组(24.53%)无明显差异(P 0.05)。结论:采用小金胶囊联合左甲状腺素钠片治疗桥本氏甲状腺炎患者,能有效改善患者甲状腺抗体水平,调节自身炎症因子平衡,具有较高的安全性,可以在临床中进行进一步推广。     

硝普钠与酚妥拉明在冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病合并心力衰竭患者治疗中的效果观察

目的:观察硝普钠与酚妥拉明在冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病合并心力衰竭患者治疗中的效果。方法:采取随机分组的方式将82例CHD合并心力衰竭患者分别纳入观察组与对照组中,每组41例,接收后都及时采取了镇静、吸氧等基础治疗。此外,观察组使用硝普钠药物治疗,对照组使用酚妥拉明组药物治疗。结果:观察组的治疗总有效率82.93%,明显高于对照组60.98%;治疗后两组的LVEF、LVEDD、LVESD均有明显的改善,且观察组显著优于对照组,差异均具统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:相对于酚妥拉明治疗CHD合并心力衰竭的效果来说,硝普钠的疗效更高,且对心脏功能的改善效果也更好,更值得临床应用和推广。     

麻黄附子细辛汤联合孟鲁司特钠治疗咳嗽变异性哮喘的临床疗效

目的探讨麻黄附子细辛汤联合孟鲁司特钠治疗咳嗽变异性哮喘的临床疗效。方法选取会昌县中医院2017年1月-2018年6月收治的咳嗽变异性哮喘患者112例,随机分为对照组与试验组,各56例。对照组予以孟鲁司特钠治疗,试验组在对照组基础上加用麻黄附子细辛汤治疗。两组均连续治疗4周。比较两组临床疗效,治疗前后症状积分、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、白介素4(IL-4)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α),并观察两组不良反应发生情况。结果试验组治疗总有效率高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗前两组症状积分、hs-CRP、IL-4、TNF-α比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后试验组症状积分、hs-CRP、IL-4、TNF-α低于对照组(P<0.05)。两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论麻黄附子细辛汤联合孟鲁司特钠治疗咳嗽变异性哮喘的临床疗效确切,可有效改善患者临床症状,减少炎性反应,且安全性较高。