Challenges and limitation of MTAP immunohistochemistry in diagnosing desmoplastic mesothelioma/sarcomatoid pleural mesothelioma with desmoplastic features

AimGenomic-based ancillary assays including immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BRCA-1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for CDKN2A are effective for differentiating pleural mesothelioma (PM) from reactive mesothelial proliferations. We previously reported a combination of MTAP and BAP1 IHC effectively distinguishes sarcomatoid PM from fibrous pleuritis (FP). Nevertheless, cases of sarcomatoid PM with desmoplastic features (desmoPM) are encountered where the IHC assessment is unclear.Methods and resultsWe evaluated assessment of MTAP IHC, BAP1 IHC, and CDKN2A FISH in 20 desmoPM compared to 24 FP. MTAP and BAP1 IHC could not be assessed in 11 (55 %) and 10 (50 %) cases, respectively, due to loss or faint immunoreactivity of internal positive control cells, while CDKN2A FISH could be evaluated in all cases. The sensitivities for MTAP loss, BAP1 loss, and CDKN2A homozygous deletion in desmoPM were 40 %, 10 %, and 100 %. A combination of MTAP loss and BAP1 loss yielded 45 % of sensitivity.ConclusionsMTAP IHC is a useful surrogate diagnostic marker in differentiating ordinary sarcomatoid PM from FP, but its effectiveness is limited in desmoPM. CDKN2A FISH is the most effective diagnostic assays with 100 % sensitivity and specificity in discriminating desmoPM from FP in the facilities where the FISH assay is available.     

Preoperative scoring system for predicting early adjacent vertebral fractures after Balloon Kyphoplasty

BackgroundAdjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) is a major complication following Balloon Kyphoplasty (BKP). There is no scoring system for predicting AVF using only preoperative elements. The purposes of this study were to develop a scoring system for predicting early AVF after BKP based on preoperative factors and to investigate the appropriate surgical indication for BKP.MethodsOf 220 patients who underwent BKP at a single institution since 2011, 65 patients over the age of 60 who had undergone a standing whole spine X-ray preoperatively were enrolled. Factors affecting the occurrence of early AVF were examined. A scoring system was created consisting of the factors exhibiting significant differences, and the correlation between the total score and the incidence of early AVF was investigated.ResultsTwenty of the 65 patients (30.8%) had early AVF. In a univariate analysis, age, previous vertebral fracture, pelvic tilt, and Local kyphosis significantly influenced early AVF. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, age had an odds ratio of 1.136 (95% CI 1.001–1.289), previous vertebral fractures 4.181 (1.01–17.309), and Local kyphosis 1.103 (1.021–1.191). The scoring system was set as follows: ①Age (<75 years: 0 points(P), 75years≦: 1P), ②The number of previous vertebral fractures (0: 0 P, 1: 1P, 2: 2P, 3 or more: 3P), and ③Local kyphosis (<10°: 0P, 10°≦: 1P). There was a correlation between the total score and the incidence of early AVF (r = 0.812, 1P = 0.05). The incidence of early AVF was 6.4% (2 cases/31 cases) for a score of ≦1P and 54.5% (18 cases/33 cases) for a score of ≧2P.ConclusionsThere was a correlation between the total score and the incidence of early AVF. A score of 1 point or less may represent the appropriate surgical indication for BKP.     

地塞米松在大鼠缺血随意皮瓣中的作用

目的：研究局部使用地塞米松对大鼠缺血随意皮瓣的作用。方法：建立大鼠背部缺血随意皮瓣的动物模型，随机分为2组，实验组术后皮瓣下一次给予地塞米松5mg(用生理盐水稀释至3ml)，对照组术后皮瓣下一次给予0．9％生理盐水3ml。均于术后7d取材，测定皮瓣坏死率和组织中丙二醛含量，观察大体及病理切片。结果：实验组皮瓣坏死率和丙二醛含量较对照组显著降低(P＜0．01)。光镜下，实验组的炎性反应较对照组明显减轻。结论：地塞米松能提高缺血随意皮瓣的成活率，大剂量一次性给药的方法是可行的。     

替米沙坦治疗原发性高血压的疗效和安全性

目的 :观察替米沙坦治疗原发性高血压的疗效和安全性。方法 :进行随机、双盲、双模拟、平行分组对照试验。符合条件的轻中度高血压患者随机分为 2组 :替米沙坦组和氯沙坦组。每天一次口服替米沙坦 40mg或氯沙坦 5 0mg ,每 2周随访 1次。 4周后 ,如患者舒张压 (DBP)≥ 90mmHg则增加剂量 ,每天一次口服替米沙坦 80mg或氯沙坦 10 0mg。治疗前后分别查心电图 ,血、尿常规 ,血生化检查和常规查体。 结果 :(1)治疗 8周末 ,替米沙坦组和氯沙坦组患者的DBP均显著降低 ,2组下降幅度相似 (11.9mmHgvs 10 .4mmHg) ;(2 )治疗8周末 ,替米沙坦组收缩压 (SBP)下降幅度稍大于氯沙坦组 (9.5mmHgvs 6.2mmHg) ;(3 )替米沙坦降压有效率为 83 .3 % ,稍高于氯沙坦组 69.2 % ,无统计学差异 ;(4 ) 2组的不良事件发生率相似 (替米沙坦组 3 3 .3 % ,氯沙坦组 3 4.6% )。最常见的不良事件是头晕、头痛 ,多为轻度 ,可迅速缓解。结论 :替米沙坦 40mg～ 80mg ,每天一次口服治疗轻中度高血压安全有效     

同步辐射光源相衬成像技术在形态学研究中的应用

目的探讨同步辐射相位衬度成像在形态学研究中的应用前景。方法以北京同步辐射装置（BSRF）4W1A束线提供的硬X线，采用衍射增强成像（DEI）和类同轴成像法对经10％福尔马林固定的正常猪、大鼠、小鼠的肝、肾、肺、骨等组织进行成像，并与成像样品的相邻组织及成像后原位组织切片的光镜染色结果进行对比分析。结果衍射增强成像显示大鼠肝脏血管的逐级分支，走行方向清楚，最细可分辨直径为30μm的血管；猪肝脏中央静脉、肝小叶分界隐约可见；大鼠肾脏皮、髓质分界清楚，弓形动脉、静脉及髓质区集合管、乳头管结构清晰可见，最细可分辨直径为30μm的管道结构；小鼠肺支气管树分支清楚，重叠肺泡隐约可见。类同轴成像大鼠股骨头关节软骨及骨小梁结构清楚。结论利用同步辐射相位衬度成像方法，样品无需制片处理即可观察到光镜及其他影像学技术尚不能直接观察到的脉管系统模式结构及其与周围组织的结构关系，此外还可以观察到常规X线成像方法无法观察到的软骨影像，比较适合形态学研究。     

Biomechanical Properties of Esophagus during Systemic Treatment with Epidermal Growth Factor in Rats

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a growth factor with effects on many cell types and tissue. Morphometric and passive biomechanical properties were studied in isolated segments of the esophagus in 22 EGF-treated rats and 12 control rats. The rats were divided into groups with EGF treatment for 2, 4, 7, and 14 days (n=6 for each group except n=4 for the 14 days EGF-treatment group) or saline treatment (n=3 for each group). The mechanical test was performed as a distension experiment in vitro where the whole esophagus was stretched to its in situ length and distended with pressures up to 10 cm H₂O using a ramp distension protocol. The pressure and outer diameter were recorded. Circumferential stress (force per area) and strain (deformation) were computed from the diameter and pressure data using the zero-stress state as reference. The zero-stress state was obtained by cutting esophageal rings radially. This caused the rings to open up into a sector. EGF induced pronounced morphometric changes, e.g., the wall thickness, wall cross-sectional area, and inner and outer circumferential lengths significantly increased during the EGF treatment. Histological analysis showed mucosa and submucosa growth during EGF treatment. The opening angle and residual strains increased with the highest value in the 14 days EGF-treated group (P < 0.05). The change in opening angle depended largely on the change in mucosa thickness. Furthermore, the circumferential stiffness of the esophagus reached a maximum after 7 days EGF treatment (P < 0.01). © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC2003: 8719Rr, 8717Ee     

Explorations on risk profiles for overweight and obesity in 9501 preschool-aged children

BackgroundChildhood obesity places a major burden on global public health. We aimed to identify and characterize potential factors, both individually and jointly, in association with overweight and obesity in Chinese preschool-aged children.MethodsWe cross-sectionally recruited 9501 preschool-aged children from 30 kindergartens in Beijing and Tangshan. Overweight and obesity are defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), and China criteria.ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, eating speed, sleep duration, birthweight, and paternal body mass index (BMI) were consistently and significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity under three growth criteria at a significance level of 5%. Additional fast food intake frequency, maternal BMI, gestational weight gain (GWG) and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI were significant factors for overweight (WHO criteria) and obesity (both IOTF and China criteria). Importantly, there were significant interactions between parental obesity and eating speed for childhood obesity. Finally, for practical reasons, risk nomogram models were constructed for childhood overweight and obesity based on significant factors under each criterion, with good prediction accuracy.ConclusionOur findings indicated a synergistic association of lifestyle, fetal and neonatal, and family-related factors with the risk of experiencing overweight and obesity among preschool-aged children.     

Hand grip strength as a predictor of recovery from low back pain in the pregnant women-a prospective study

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy with an estimated prevalence ranging from 30% to 78%. The symptoms usually disappear gradually after delivery, but some women may have persistent problems even later in their lives. The definite mechanism behind LBP during pregnancy remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether hand grip strength (HGS), which is a straightforward and reliable indicator of overall muscle strength, is associated with unrecovered LBP after delivery.Methods257 pregnant women who registered at obstetrics units in two tertiary hospitals from January 2016 to June 2017 and meanwhile suffered the LBP during pregnancy were included. They were grouped based on whether they recovered from LBP after delivery (recovery was de?ned as a pain rating of ≤3). The variables such as age, HGS, and education level were recorded and examined for the risk analysis of unrecovered LBP. Also, the Pearson correlation between HGS levels and pain intensities was investigated.ResultsLBP without recovery at two years after delivery was reported among 22.7% of the subjects. Women with increasing age, low HGS (<25 kg), LBP in a previous pregnancy, back pain, sick leave, and a large amount of physical demand (all p < 0.05), were more likely to report LBP without recovery. Besides, there was a significant correlation between HGS values and the intensities of LBP (r = ?0.525; p = 0.003).ConclusionsLow HGS has the highest OR value (adjusted OR = 9.12, P < 0.001) among these factors. The present findings may be used to design and encourage a specific stabilization exercise regime to build well stability of the lumbar spinal column and thus alleviating the LBP.     

Modified load sharing rip-stop technique in patients with traumatic transtendinous rotator cuff tear: Surgical technique and clinical outcomes

BackgroundTranstendinous rotator cuff tear is likely to occur due to trauma in sports activities, with a frequency of <2% of total rotator cuff tears. These tears are difficult to treat because of limited tendon tissue in the proximal stump, and standard repair techniques are sometimes ineffective. Few studies have reported on the repair technique and clinical outcomes for transtendinous rotator cuff tear, and an appropriate repair technique has, therefore, not been established. The purpose of this study was to use our modified load sharing rip-stop technique to repair transtendinous rotator cuff tear and to clarify the clinical effectiveness of this technique.MethodsThis was a retrospective case series review of eight patients who underwent the modified load sharing rip-stop technique for repairing traumatic transtendinous rotator cuff tear between January 2013 and June 2017. The eight patients were followed up for at least 2 years (range: 24–41 months). Cuff integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months after surgery using the Sugaya classification. We evaluated the pre- and postoperative ranges of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant Shoulder Score, and muscle strength at 90° abduction. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher's exact tests. P < .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.ResultsSix patients were classified as Sugaya I and two as Sugaya II. ASES score (38.5–90.2, P = .0008), Constant shoulder score (36.5–79, P = .002), flexion (85°–158.1°, P = .002), abduction (85°–157.5°, P = .001), external rotation (38.8°–55°, P = .024), and muscle strength at 90° abduction (2.95–5.39 kg, P = .028) improved significantly. Six patients were able to return to their previous sports activity.ConclusionUsing our modified load sharing rip-stop technique for repair of transtendinous rotator cuff tear, patients obtained good clinical outcomes and could return to sports activities.     

Validation and reliability of a Japanese version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a simple disease specific questionnaire that is used to evaluate the impact of shoulder disorders. The purpose of this study was to translate the SPADI into Japanese (SPADI-Jp) and evaluate its reliability and validity in Japanese patients with shoulder disorders.MethodsCross-cultural adaptation of the SPADI was performed according to international guidelines. A total of 100 patients with shoulder disorders participated in this study. Each participant was asked to finish the SPADI-Jp, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) at the initial visit. Thirty-four patients repeated the SPADI-Jp to assess the test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability was quantified using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency. The construct validity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.ResultsInternal consistency in the SPADI-Jp was very high (0.969), as measured by the Cronbach's alpha. The ICC of the SPADI-Jp was 0.930. There was a strong, positive correlation between the DASH and the SPADI-Jp (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). The SPADI-Jp was significantly correlated with most of the SF-36 subscales. The correlations of the SPADI-Jp with physical subscales of the SF-36 were stronger than those with the other subscales.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the SPADI-Jp is a reliable and valid self-assessment tool. Because cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of the disease-specific questionnaire for shoulder pain and disability have not been evaluated in Japan, the SPADI-Jp can be useful for evaluating such patients in the Japanese population.