3.0 T磁共振T2-Mapping、3D-FSE-Cube与常规序列对膝关节软骨损伤分级对比分析

目的评估磁共振三维快速自旋回波脉冲序列(three-dimensional fast spin echo cube,3D-FSE-Cube)、T2-Mapping与常规序列对膝关节软骨损伤分级诊断的应用价值。材料与方法回顾性分析2016年3月至2016年12月就诊的膝关节外伤患者和骨性关节炎患者为研究对象,筛选出先后行膝关节MRI检查(T2-mapping、3D-FSE-Cube和常规序列)及关节镜手术治疗的患者63例。记录三种MRI序列及关节镜下对膝关节软骨损伤的分级。以关节镜为金标准,计算三种序列对膝关节软骨损伤的敏感度、特异度,并进行对比分析。结果三种磁共振序列评价膝关节软骨损伤总敏感度、特异度及Ⅰ、Ⅱ级损伤的敏感度差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),Ⅲ、Ⅳ级损伤的敏感度差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。进一步两两比较:T2-mapping序列对膝关节软骨Ⅰ级损伤的敏感度显著高于3D-FSE-Cube(P0.0125),二者对软骨损伤总敏感度、特异度及Ⅱ级损伤敏感度差异均无统计学意义(P0.0125);T2-mapping序列与3D-FSECube序列在评估膝关节软骨损伤的总敏感度及Ⅰ、Ⅱ级损伤敏感度均高于常规序列,而特异度均低于常规序列,差异均有统计学意义(P0.0125)。结论在膝关节软骨损伤分级诊断方面,T2-mapping和3D-FSE-Cube序列的敏感度较常规序列高,常规序列的特异度高于T2-mapping和3D-FSE-Cube序列。T2-mapping序列可以发现无明显形态学改变的膝关节软骨早期损伤,为临床早期诊治提供重要参考依据。     

2D与3D MR快速自旋回波序列对膝关节交叉韧带及半月板损伤的诊断价值比较

目的:探究膝关节交叉韧带与半月板损伤经2D与3D MR快速自旋回波序列诊断的临床价值。方法:选取2018年3月至2019年9月我院收治的64例膝关节半月板损伤与交叉韧带患者,所有患者均实施2D与3D快速自旋回波序列扫描,扫描图像由高资医师进行评分,术前独立评价患者半月板与交叉韧带损伤状况。结果:3D快速自旋回波序列主观评分明显低于2D快速自旋回波序列组,参照关节镜检查结果,3D快速自旋回波序列组诊断半月板与交叉韧带损伤准确度、特异度及敏感度基本一致。结论:3D快速自旋回波序列与2D快速自旋回波序列诊断膝关节半月板损伤与交叉韧带损伤价值基本相同,3D快速自旋回波序列检查真确率更高,可对前交叉韧带损伤程度进行准确评估。     

封面文章

正磁共振成像(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)是目前诊断膝关节损伤最佳的无创检查方式,然而临床常规采用的二维快速自旋回波(two dimensional fast spin echo,2D FSE)成像通常具有较大的层厚(≥3mm),部分容积效应可能导致难以检测关节软骨的微小损伤。与2D FSE相比,三维快速自旋回波(three dimensional fast spin echo,3D FSE)成像可进行连续薄层扫描,具有更高的层面间分辨率,并     

膝关节软骨损伤在1.5T磁共振3D-FS-SPGR序列下的成像研究

目的:观察并分析膝关节软骨损伤应用1.5T磁共振3D-FS-SPGR序列下的成像情况。方法:纳入本院2018年1月至2018年12月间收治膝关节疼痛患者50例作为该次研究对象。患者均予以矢状三维抑脂扰相梯度回波(3D-FS-SPGR)序列以及脂肪抑制快速自旋回波T2W1(FS-FSE-T2W)序列进行检查,分析对比各序列检查情况。结果:应用3D-FS-SPGR序列对患者进行检查,膝关节软骨损伤的敏感度93.18%、特异度95.16%,与关节镜的检查结果一致性为94.00%。FS-FSE-T2W序列检查膝关节软骨损伤的敏感度81.82%、特异度84.68%,与关节镜的检查结果一致性为83.00%。3D-FS-SPGR序列与FS-FSE-T2W序列相比的诊断效能更高。结论:膝关节软骨损伤在1.5T磁共振3D-FS-SPGR序列下具有显著特性,3D-FS-SPGR序列获得的信号特征与组织结构存在密切关联性,其检测敏感度与特异性均相对较高,该检测结果较为理想,值得在临床推广应用。     

3.0T 三维扰相梯度回波序列对膝关节软骨损伤的诊断价值

【目的】通过对比膝关节常规 MRI 序列,探讨三维扰相梯度回波序列(3D-FSPGR)对膝关节软骨损伤的诊断价值。【方法】对本院收治45例膝关节疼痛患者分别应用3.0T 3D-FSPGR 序列和常规2D 序列成像进行扫描。对不同序列图像分析,并以膝关节镜检查结果为“金标准”,比较3D-FSPGR 序列和常规2D 序列在诊断膝关节软骨损伤的敏感度、特异度和准确度。【结果】45例患者,共65侧膝关节,总共分析260个部分的软骨,关节镜结果显示0级的57个,1~4级的203个,3D-FSPGR 序列诊断的敏感性、特异性及准确性均显著高于2D 常规序列诊断,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。【结论】3D-FSPGR 序列在诊断膝关节软骨损伤上要优于常规2D 序列,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

关节软骨MR成像方法的临床研究

目的 评价关节软骨检查的各种MRI扫描序列。方法 对正常健康志愿者30例进行膝关节MRI扫描，MRI序列包括质子和T2加权快速自旋回波序列(FSE-PD／T2)，附加脂肪抑制的质子和T2加权快速自旋回波序列(FS-FSE-PD／T2)和脂肪抑制的三维快速扰相梯度回波序列(FS-3D-SPGR)。结果 与常规膝关节检查的FSE-PD／T2序列比较，FS-3D-SPGR的软骨信噪比(SNR)和其对软骨下骨，关节液等关节软骨周围组织的对比噪声比(CNR)更高。结论 FS—FSE—PD／T2可作为膝关节检查的常规序列。FS-3D-SPGR序列可作为关节软骨检查的最佳扫描序列。     

膝关节软骨损伤的MRI诊断与关节镜对照研究

目的探讨MRI对膝关节软骨损伤的诊断价值。方法42个膝关节210个软骨面部位,MRI检查至少包括FS-FSE-T2W、3D-FS-SPGR序列,前瞻性分级诊断,所有图像在工作站上采用HDMIP三维重建,结果与关节镜对照。结果3D．FS-SPGR序列对软骨损伤显示的敏感度为89．7％,特异度为97．6％,而FS-FSE-T2W序列的敏感度为77．7％,特异度为94．7％。结论3D-FS-SPGR能准确评价关节软骨的损伤程度,但对软骨下骨及骨髓攒伤不敏感;FS-FSE-T2W能准确反应软骨下骨及骨髓损伤的程度及范围,二者结合是目前诊断软骨损伤的最佳扫描序列。关节软骨的三维重建图像能够较真实准确的显示软骨损伤的部位,范围。     

3D-FS-SPGR序列在膝关节软骨损伤诊断中的应用价值

目的:观察及分析3D-FS-SPGR序列在膝关节软骨损伤诊断中的应用价值。方法:本研究对象为14例膝关节疼痛患者,均为2014年6月至2016年6月期间收治的患者,对所有病例均展开矢状三维抑脂扰相梯度回波序列以及脂肪抑制快速自旋回波T2W1序列检查,并以Outer bridge分级标准作为依据,实施分型,再展开关节镜检查,针对检查分级情况实施比较分析。结果:矢状三维抑脂扰相梯度回波序列获得到的膝关节软骨损伤敏感度为98.3%,特异度为98.7%,同关节镜检查结果对比Kappa=0.782,具有90.5%的完全一致率;并且对于Ⅱ级及其以下的膝关节软骨损伤得到的敏感度为94.0%,特异性为95.8%,同关节镜检查结果对比Kappa=0.768,具有88.3%的完全一致率;脂肪抑制快速自旋回波T2W1序列位于膝关节软骨损伤的敏感度为95.6%,特异性为73.4%,同关节镜检查结果对比Kappa=0.612,存在70.6%的完全一致率。结论:采取3D-FS-SPGR序列的MRI检查,对于膝关节软骨损伤诊断准确度较理想,能够使诊断结果更接近于关节镜诊断结果,推广应用价值巨大。     

磁共振成像(MRI)在膝关节损伤诊断中的临床价值分析

分析磁共振成像(MRI)在膝关节损伤诊断中的临床价值,为临床疾病治疗提供参考依据。随机抽取2015年2月~2016年2月我院收治的膝关节损伤患者72例,均进行MRI检查,以关节镜检查结果作为判断标准,对其影像学结果进行分析。FSE T1WI、FSE T2WI序列诊断的敏感度均较高,但FSE T1WI序列诊断的特异度高于FSE T2WI(P0.05);本组患者中半月板损伤34例,韧带损伤32例,骨损伤6例。对膝关节损伤患者进行MRI检查具有良好的临床价值。     

磁共振关节软骨成像的不同序列信号比较

目的:通过比较软骨信号噪声比(SNR)和对比度噪声比(CNR),分析临床常用的磁共振(MR)序列显示关节软骨的能力与限度。方法:选取12例成人离体膝关节标本行软骨磁共振成像(MRI)。应用的MR序列包括:①自旋回波T1加权序列(SE T1W);②快速自旋回波T2加权序列(FSE T2W);③短T1翻转恢复序列(STIR);④脂肪抑制质子密度序列(FS-PD);⑤三维脂肪抑制扰相梯度回波序列(3D-FS-SPGR);⑥重度T2加权梯度回波序列(T2*W GRE)。在股骨髁间凹中央层面上分别测量股骨髁软骨、股骨干骺端骨髓、小腿腓肠肌和背景噪声信号强度(SI),计算软骨SNR和软骨-关节液、软骨-骨髓、软骨-肌肉CNR。结果:3D-FS-SPGR和FS-PD序列软骨SNR最高(P<0.001)。结论:在目前临床应用的序列中,3D-FS-SPGR和FS-PD序列是进行软骨MRI的理想序列组合。     

Development of Oil-in-Gelatin Phantoms for Viscoelasticity Measurement in Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography

Because tissues consist of solid and fluid materials, their mechanical properties should be characterized in terms of both elasticity and viscosity. Although the elastic properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms have been extensively studied and well characterized in commercially available phantoms, their viscous properties have not been fully investigated. In this article, a set of 14 tissue-mimicking phantoms with different concentrations of gelatin and castor oil were fabricated and characterized in terms of acoustic and viscoelastic properties. The results indicate that adding castor oil to gelatin phantoms decreases shear modulus, but increases shear wave dispersion. For 3% gelatin phantoms containing 0%, 10%, 20% and 40% oil, the measured shear moduli are 2.01 ± 0.26, 1.68 ± 0.25, 1.10 ± 0.22 and 0.88 ± 0.17 kPa, and the Voigt-model coupled shear viscosities are 0.60 ± 0.11, 0.89 ± 0.07, 1.05 ± 0.11 and 1.06 ± 0.13 Pa·s, respectively. The results also confirm that increasing the gelatin concentration increases shear modulus. For phantoms containing 3%, 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% gelatin, the measured shear moduli are 2.01 ± 0.26, 3.10 ± 0.34, 4.18 ± 0.84, 8.05 ± 1.00 and 10.24 ± 1.80 kPa at 0% oil and 1.10 ± 0.22, 1.97 ± 0.20, 3.13 ± 0.63, 4.60 ± 0.60 and 8.43 ± 1.39 kPa at 20% oil, respectively. The phantom recipe developed in this study can be used in validating ultrasound shear wave elastography techniques for soft tissues.     

Dancer perceptions of the cognitive,social, emotional,and physical benefits of modern styles of partnered dancing

ObjectiveTo study dancers’ perceptions of the physical, cognitive, affective, and social benefits of partnered dancing.Method225 dancers (71% female) were recruited through a community ballroom dance center and completed an online survey designed to measure their perceptions of the physical, cognitive, affective, and social benefits of modern, partnered dance styles (swing, Lindy Hop, and ballroom dancing). Subgroups were formed for analyses. For one set of analyses, groups based on length of dance participation were formed: experienced (dancing for more than 2 years) or novice (dancing for less than a year) dancers. For another set of analyses, groups based on frequency of dance practice were formed: committed (dancing at least one or more times per week) or occasional (dancing two or fewer times per month).ResultsThe majority of participants reported perceived benefits in physical fitness, cognition, affect, and social functioning. Experienced dancers reported significantly greater self-perceived physical, social, and cognitive benefits than novice dancers. Committed dancers were more likely than occasional dancers to report improvements in physical fitness, U = 6942, z = 2.38, r = 0.16, p < 0.05. A Mann-Whitney test indicated that self-reported improvements in mood (i.e., feeling less depressed and more happy) were greater for women than for men, U = 3945, z = −3.07, r = 0.20, p < 0.001. Length and frequency of dance participation significantly predicted perceived physical benefits [Χ² (1,6) = 35.463, p <0.001, R² = 0.16] and social benefits [Χ² (1,6) = 15.776, p < 0.05, R² = 0.07], but not cognitive benefits.ConclusionsResults suggest that participation in partnered dance styles is associated with perceived improvements in physical fitness, cognitive functioning, social functioning, mood, and self-confidence, and that perceived benefits may increase as individuals dance more frequently and over longer periods of time.     

Evaluation of Utero-placental and Fetal Hemodynamic Parameters Throughout Gestation in Pregnant Mice Using High-Frequency Ultrasound

Throughout gestation, changes in maternal and fetal Doppler parameters in pregnant mice, similar to those obtained in human fetuses, were detected using high-frequency ultrasound with a 55-MHz linear probe. In the uterine arteries (UtA), fetal umbilical artery (UA) and fetal ductus venosus (DV) peak systolic velocity increased (UtA, p = 0.04; UA, p = 0.0004; DV, p = 0.02), end-diastolic velocity increased (UtA, p < 0.001; UA, p < 0.0001; DV, p = 0.01) and resistance index decreased (UtA, p = 0.0004; UA, p = 0.0001; DV, p = 0.04) toward the end of pregnancy. In the middle cerebral and carotid arteries, end diastolic velocity increased (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001) and resistance index decreased (both vessels, p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in the pulsatile pattern in the umbilical vein (p < 0.05). The increased velocities and reduced resistance index suggest a progressive increment in blood flow to the fetal mouse toward the end of pregnancy. Fetal and utero-placental vascular parameters in CD-1 mice can be reliably evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound.     

输尿管负压吸引鞘在输尿管软镜碎石术中的价值探讨

目的探讨输尿管负压吸引鞘在输尿管软镜碎石术治疗肾结石中的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析96例行输尿管软镜碎石术治疗肾结石患者的临床资料,应用输尿管负压吸引鞘46例(治疗组),未应用50例(对照组),比较两组患者的结石清除率、手术时间、肾盂内压、术后肾绞痛、石街形成情况、术后全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)、降钙素原(PCT)浓度、白细胞计数、住院时间、住院费用和治疗有效率。结果治疗组肾盂内压在最小值、最大值和平均值方面均明显小于对照组(P0.05);在1个月后检查发现,对照组患者治疗有效率为70.0%,清除率为82.0%,而治疗组患者治疗有效率为84.7%,清除率95.6%,治疗组患者结石治疗有效率和清除率明显优于对照组(P0.05);治疗组和对照组手术时间分别为(86.3±5.2)和(108.6±3.5)min,治疗组明显短于对照组(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后肾绞痛例数分别为13和2例(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后石街形成例数分别为11和2例(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后SIRS分别为10和2例,治疗组术后肾绞痛和石街形成、SIRS例数均明显低于对照组(P0.05);对照组和治疗组住院时间分别为(8.8±1.1)和(7.7±1.2)d,住院费用分别为(23 067.5±392.8)和(21 957.3±378.6)元,治疗组住院时间和住院费用与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后PCT分别为(1.5±0.3)和(0.3±0.1)ng/ml,白细胞计数分别为(14.6±0.5)×109/L和(6.4±0.6)×109/L,术后治疗组患者PCT和白细胞计数明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论输尿管负压吸引鞘在输尿管软镜碎石术治疗肾结石中安全、有效,缩短手术时长,同时提高结石清除率,减少不良反应发生,应当推广。     

Mechanical determinants of early acute ventilatory failure in COPD patients: a physiologic study

Objective  The purpose of this study is to investigate the respiratory mechanics, breathing pattern, and pressure-generating capacity of respiratory muscles during the early phases of an acute exacerbation of COPD. Design  Prospective study. Setting  Division of Emergency Critical Care and Chronic Ventilator Unit. Patients  A total of 24 COPD patients: nine patients requiring ventilatory support because of acute respiratory acidosis due to COPD exacerbation (NPPV group, pH 7.28 ± 0.02); seven patients successfully managed with medical therapy only (SB group, pH 7.39 ± 0.04); eight clinically stable, long term mechanically ventilated, COPD patients (IPPV group). Measurements  Respiratory mechanics during a period of unsupported breathing. Results  A rapid shallow breathing, in the presence of a high drive to breath and a high diaphragmatic tension-time index (TT_di), was found in NPPV and IPPV groups compared to the SB group (f/V _T ratio: 118 ± 43 and 137 ± 65, respectively, versus 37 ± 12 breaths/min/L; P _0.1: 5.0 ± 1.0 and 5.4 ± 1.4, respectively, versus 2.2 ± 0.2 cmH₂O, TT_di: 0.168 ± 0.035 and 0.161 ± 0.039, respectively, versus 0.057 ± 0.033); at variance, PEEPi_dyn was greater in IPPV compared to the other two groups. A significant relationship was observed between TT_di ratio and f/V _T (Rho 0.756). Conclusion  During the early phases of an acute exacerbation, patients with COPD and acute respiratory failure had an imbalance between the decreased capacity of the respiratory muscles to generate pressure and the increased respiratory load. This imbalance was similar to that recorded in patients with COPD and chronic ventilatory failure. In both groups, the imbalance was associated with rapid shallow breathing. Among the mechanical constraints to ventilation, only PEEPi,dyn was different between acute and chronic patients with ventilatory failure. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Three LHPP gene‐targeting co‐expressed microRNAs (microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144) promote proliferation,epithelial‐mesenchymal transition,invasion, and are independent prognostic biomarkers in renal cell carcinomas patients

BackgroundRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the highly malignant tumors in the world. Global Cancer Statistics 2020 estimated that there were 179,368 deaths from kidney tumors. Therefore, exploring the prognostic biomarkers of RCC is of great significance for RCC patients. This study aims to explore the potential mechanism and prognostic value of phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) gene‐targeting co‐expression microRNAs in RCC patients.MethodsA total of 60 RCC patients were included. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used for LHPP, microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 levels evaluation. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, invasion assay, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization were used for functional analyses.ResultsCompared with adjacent tissues, LHPP levels in cancer tissues were significantly increased (p < .001). Herein, we confirmed that microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 were direct biological targets of LHPP. MicroRNA‐765 (r = −0.570, p < 0.001), microRNA‐21 (r = −0.495, p < .001), and microRNA‐144 (r = −0.463, p < .001) expression levels were negatively correlated with LHPP expression levels. The high expression levels of microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 in RCC tissues were associated with poor differentiation, recurrence, and poor prognosis (p < .05). In vitro, microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 act as oncogenes to promote proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) through targeting LHPP.ConclusionsMicroRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 are independent risk biomarkers for RCC patients. Inhibiting the expression levels of microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 can reduce the proliferation, EMT, and invasion of RCC cells. Therefore, the above three microRNAs are expected to become molecular biomarkers for RCC therapy.     

Depression-like behaviour in rats with mononeuropathy is reduced by the CB2-selective agonist GW405833

The current study assessed whether the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain causes depression-like behaviour in animals, and if this depression-like behaviour can be reversed by anti-nociceptive and/or antidepressant drugs. CCI of the sciatic nerve in rats was selected as a neuropathic pain model, mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed by punctuate mechanical stimuli, and depression-like behaviour was evaluated in the forced swimming test (FST) measuring the time of immobility, climbing and swimming. The CCI rats displayed a significant mechanical hypersensitivity (sham 27 ± 2 g, CCI 12 ± 2 g; P < 0.001) and a significant increase in time of immobility (sham 133 ± 14 s, CCI 201 ± 9 s; P < 0.001). As time of swimming was unchanged, immobility was increased at the expense of climbing behaviour (sham 105 ± 17 s, CCI 63 ± 9 s; P < 0.05). There was no difference in ambulation between sham and CCI animals. In sham and CCI animals, desipramine (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility (sham + vehicle 134 ± 19 s, sham + desipramine 79 ± 13 s; P < 0.01, CCI + vehicle 195 ± 8 s, CCI + desipramine 140 ± 11 s; P < 0.05) and increased climbing behaviour (sham + vehicle 118 ± 21 s, sham + desipramine 182 ± 16 s; P < 0.05, CCI + vehicle 59 ± 8 s, CCI + desipramine 112 ± 14 s; P < 0.05) with little effect on mechanical hypersensitivity. In contrast in CCI animals the cannabinoid CB2-selective agonist GW405833 (2,3-dichloro-phenyl)-[5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-indol-1-yl]-methanone) (30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated immobility (CCI + vehicle 191 ± 7 s, GW405833 145 ± 14 s; P < 0.01) and mechanical hypersensitivity (CCI + vehicle 15 ± 1 g, CCI + GW405833 24 ± 1 g; P < 0.001). Moreover, differently from desipramine, GW405833 did not change the climbing behaviour. These data suggest that rats subjected to the CCI model of neuropathic pain develop depression-like behaviour, which can be reversed by appropriate anti-nociceptive treatment.     

The effects of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on fat mass and serum leptin concentrations have no impact on bone mineral densities in non-obese premenopausal women

Objectives

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure may promote obesity, but its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) has not been reported in humans. We aimed to examine the relationships between BPA exposure, body composition, serum estradiol, leptin, osteocalcin levels and BMDs in healthy premenopausal women.

Design and methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 246 healthy premenopausal women aged 20 years and older with regular menstrual cycles were investigated. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat-free mass and BMDs were measured by DXA. Serum estradiol, leptin, osteocalcin, urinary BPA and NTx levels were also tested.

Results

Urinary BPA levels were positively associated with fat mass (r = 0.193, p = 0.006) and leptin (r = 0.236, p = 0.001) but not with fat-free mass after adjusting for age and BMI. BPA was not associated with serum estradiol levels, BMDs, or bone resorption marker NTx and bone formation parameter osteocalcin, either. A multivariate stepwise regression analysis confirmed that serum leptin levels were positively influenced by fat mass (β = 0.746, p < 0.001) and BPA (β = 0.127, p = 0.01) but negatively correlated with fat-free mass (β = − 0.196, p < 0.001). However, the changes of BMDs at the lumbar spine (β = 0.298, p < 0.001) and femoral neck (β = 0.305, p < 0.001) were primarily explained by fat-free mass, and were irrelevant of the fat mass, leptin or BPA exposure.

Conclusions

Although BPA exposure is related with increased amount of fat mass and elevated serum leptin levels, it has neutral effect on BMDs in premenopausal women, possibly due to the exclusive role of fat-free mass, which is unrelated to BPA in determining BMDs.     

Involvement of the extracellular matrix proteins periostin and tenascin C in nasal polyp remodeling by regulating the expression of MMPs

BackgroundTissue remodeling caused by increased MMPs is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). We previously found higher levels of periostin and tenascin C in CRSwNPs, but whether they are associated with the dysregulation of MMPs is unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the regulatory roles of these two ECM proteins in the expression of MMPs in nasal polyps.MethodsThe concentrations of MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, MMP‐12, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, TIMP‐3, TIMP‐4, periostin, and tenascin C in tissue homogenates of 51 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps and 15 control subjects were measured and were analyzed by adjusted logistic regression and spearman correlation test. Primary human nasal polyp fibroblasts and epithelial cells were stimulated ex vivo with periostin and tenascin C and the gene expression of MMPs and TIMPs was determined by means of real‐time PCR.ResultsThe protein levels of MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, periostin, and tenascin C were significantly higher in patients with CRSwNPs than in healthy control subjects. The adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐2, periostin, and tenascin C were related to the occurrence of CRSwNP. Spearman correlation test showed periostin was positively correlated with MMP‐3 and TIMP‐2, and tenascin C was positively correlated with MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐2. Periostin stimulated the gene expression of MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 in fibroblasts and MMP‐9 in epithelial cells ex vivo. Tenascin C stimulated the expression of MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 in epithelial cells. The expression of TIMPs in fibroblasts and epithelial cells was affected by neither periostin nor tenascin C.ConclusionsPeriostin and tenascin C might be involved in the remodeling of nasal polyps by regulating the expression of different MMPs in epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Our findings have the potential to identify key factors of tissue remodeling in CRSwNPs.     

Short-term Evidence in Adults of Anorexigenic Drugs Acting in the Central Nervous System: A Meta-Analysis

PurposeObesity is a chronic clinical condition that is considered one of the most serious health problems in the world because it can cause other chronic metabolic disorders. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 4 central-acting drugs, all approved in Brazil's market for weight loss.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched from inception until January 2018 to retrieve randomized controlled trials comparing sibutramine, diethylpropion, mazindol, and fenproporex versus placebo in overweight or obese patients. Language was not a restriction for the database searches. We extracted and combined data from studies that reported adverse drug events and weight change. A random effects meta-analytic model was applied in all calculations. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the quality and bias of all included studies. Quality of evidence was assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria.FindingsFifty-three studies were included, with a total of 16,903 patients with a median follow-up of 12 weeks (2–260 weeks). The appetite suppressants showed a significant weight loss compared with placebo (mean difference [MD], −4.70 kg; 95% CI, −5.25 to −4.15; I² = 100%; 43 studies). There was an increased total number of adverse events, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, dizziness, and tachycardia reported in the intervention group (risk ratio [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.10; I² = 20% [22 studies]; RR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.76 to 2.47; I² = 34% [25 studies]; RR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.88 to 2.84; I² = 0% [25 studies]; RR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.40 to 2.39; I² = 0% [17 studies]; RR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.58; I² = 0% [13 studies]; and RR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.42 to 2.86; I² = 0% [10 studies], respectively). Sibutramine showed a significant increase in heart rate and mean diastolic pressure compared with placebo (MD, 4.17 beats/min [95% CI, 3.60 to 4.74; I² = 99%; 23 studies]; MD, 1.68 mm Hg [95% CI, 1.29 to 2.07; I² = 98%; 22 studies]).ImplicationsThese drugs are effective for weight loss in overweight and obese patients; however, they increase the risk of adverse events. In fact, the evidence is of low quality, the data availability of studied agents (especially for cardiovascular outcomes) are limited, and the studies are of short duration. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42018091083.