增强FLAIR T2WI序列在脑膜瘤中的表现及价值

目的:通过与增强T1WI的比较研究探讨增强FLAIR T2WI在脑膜瘤中的表现及价值。方法:回顾性分析38例脑膜瘤患者共42个脑膜瘤的常规SE T1WI和FLAIR T2WI增强序列影像表现,对比小脑膜瘤组(直径<2cm)及大脑膜瘤组(直径>2cm)在常规SE T1WI和FLAIR T2WI增强中瘤体的强化程度,并分析两者间差别。结果:两组强化程度显著性存在统计学差异,大脑膜瘤组在增强T1WI序列较FLAIR T2WI增强序列强化显著多见;而小脑膜瘤组在FLAIR T2WI增强序列较增强T1WI序列强化显著多见。结论:增强FLAIR较增强T1WI更有助于小脑膜瘤的显示和判断,但在大脑膜瘤显示肿瘤本身上不及增强T1WI。     

低场磁共振增强T2FLAIR序列对柔脑膜转移的诊断作用27例分析

目的:分析增强FLAIR序列对柔脑膜转移病变的显示。方法:柔脑膜转移患者脑膜病变MR常规平扫和增强,在增强后加扫FLAIR序列。结果:增强FLAIR序列对邻近脑实质,神经和脑脊液的强化敏感,可克服常规T1WI增强血管强化易与病变混淆的缺点。结论:增强FLAIR序列是增强T1WI的有效补充,联合使用能提高脑膜病变诊断的准确性。     

增强FLAIR在脑转移瘤诊断中的价值

目的:分析增强后液体衰减反转恢复(fluid-attenuated inversion recovery,FLAIR)序列对脑转移瘤的诊断价值。方法:25例脑转移瘤患者行增强前后T1WI及FLAIR序列成像,图像由2名有经验的放射科医师评估。结果:3例增强后FLAIR序列脑实质病灶数目显示较增强T1WI多,11例脑膜转移者中,7例病灶强化程度优于增强后T1序列。结论:增强FLAIR序列是增强后T1序列的有效补充,尤其是对位于皮层表面和脑膜病灶更敏感。     

封面文章

正脑膜瘤常有脑内外双重血供的情况,脑外血供来源于脑膜动脉,脑内血供来源于穿行于脑实质的软脑膜动脉,其中脑外动血供来源为主。但脑膜瘤若有脑内动脉供血,手术前结扎颈内动脉才能避免术中大出血的风险。因此,术前对脑膜瘤血供的来源判断尤为重要。本文通过对增强T2 FLAIR在脑膜瘤的临床应用进行归纳,发现增强T2     

增强Cube FLAIR与增强T1WI序列在颅脑疾病中的对比研究

目的探讨增强Cube FLAIR序列在颅脑疾病中的应用价值,并与常规增强T1WI序列对比,是否可代替或作为补充扫描序列。材料与方法本研究纳入颅脑疾病患者25例作为研究对象,包括颅内单发肿瘤20例、脑炎2例、脑内多发转移瘤3例。25例颅脑疾病患者在GE 3.0 T上完成常规平扫各序列以及增强T1WI序列和矢状位增强Cube FLAIR序列的扫描。增强Cube FALIR序列扫描后在ADW 4.4工作站上进行横断面及冠状面的重建。结果增强Cube FLAIR与增强T1WI两序列上病变与白质及病变与脑脊液的信号强度比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。在增强Cube FLAIR与平扫T2 FLAIR两序列上病变与白质及病变与灰质的信号强度比较差异有显著统计学意义(P0.01)。在脑内单发肿瘤中有1例患者由于一侧面肌无力来诊,经检查发现右侧桥小脑角区占位,在增强Cube FLAIR序列上可以清楚地显示右侧面神经的增粗,而在其他序列上显示不清。2例脑炎患者在增强Cube FLAIR序列上较平扫T2 FLAIR序列及增强T1WI序列显示病变更清晰、范围更大。3例脑内多发转移瘤患者在增强Cube FLAIR序列上较增强T1WI序列显示的病灶数量更多,其中2例还可以看到脑膜的广泛转移。结论增强Cube FLAIR序列在颅脑疾病诊断方面有着重要的应用价值,可以作为中枢神经系统疾病磁共振扫描中的有益补充。     

柔脑膜转移的MRI诊断价值

目的 探讨柔脑膜转移的解剖基础、转移途径和MRI的诊断价值。方法 29例病人均行横轴位、矢状位T1WI，横轴位T2WI和横轴位FLAIR平扫。团状注射Gd—DTPA0．2mol／kg后行横轴位、矢状位T1WI和冠状位T1WI抑制脂肪序列增强扫描。结果 脑实质转移灶伴柔脑膜线状增厚、增强影占17．24％。脑实质转移灶伴柔脑膜结节灶及线状增厚、增强影占24．14％。柔脑膜结节灶及线状增厚、增强影13．79％。单纯柔脑膜结节灶6．90％。单纯柔脑膜线状增厚、增强影13．79％。沿室管膜以及柔脑膜线状增厚、增强影13．79％。脑实质转移伴柔脑膜以及颅神经脑池段增厚、增强影10．34％。结论 柔脑膜的解剖结构、血供特点和脑脊液循环决定了柔脑膜即可发生血源性转移又可发生脑脊液源性转移。恶性肿瘤怀疑柔脑膜转移的病人必须行MRI增强检查，以免漏诊。     

MR增强后FLAIR序列对脑膜病变诊断价值

目的分析增强后液体衰减反转恢复(FLAIR)序列对脑膜病变的显示。方法脑膜病变26例,除MR检查常规平扫和增强外,在增强后加扫FLAIR,图像由3位有经验的放射科医师评估。结果增强后FLAIR对邻近脑实质、神经和脑脊液的强化较敏感,而且可克服常规T1WI增强血管强化易与病变混淆的缺点。结论增强后FLAIR是增强后T1WI的有效补充,联合使用能提高脑膜病变诊断的准确性。     

MRI对比增强FLIAR序列与T1WI增强对脑转移瘤的诊断差异性

目的探讨MRI对比增强液体衰减反转恢复（FLIAR）序列与T1WI增强对脑转移瘤的诊断差异性。方法30例患有原发性恶性肿瘤且临床怀疑有脑转移的患者,在静脉注射双倍量Gd-DTPA（0．2mol／kg）前、后行T1WI和FLAIR序列扫描。比较增强前、后T1WI和FLAIR显示脑转移病变的数目大小和位置,并分析两者间偏差的原因。结果30例中有25例出现异常强化病灶,增强后T1WI显示78个病灶,增强后FLAIR显示70个病灶。3例增强后FLAIR较增强后T1WI显示的病灶多,21例两者相同,6例增强后FLAIR显示的病灶少于增强后T1WI。结论增强FLAIR对浅表皮质及软脑膜转移灶的检出和诊断更具优势,与T1WI增强结合可有效提高检出率。     

增强FLAIR成像在听神经瘤诊断和鉴别诊断中的价值

目的通过与增强T1WI及脑桥小脑角区（CPA）脑膜瘤的比较研究,探讨增强FLAIR在听神经瘤的诊断和鉴别诊断中的价值。方法17例听神经瘤患者行增强前后T1WI和FLAIR成像,比较两序列增强图像上肿瘤边界、显著性、强化的内听道内肿瘤部分的显示、肿瘤范围、肿瘤与白质的对比率（CR）和对比噪声比（CNR）;同一时期CPA脑膜瘤6例,观察并比较其与听神经瘤在T1WI、FLAIR增强前后图像上的信号强度和强化程度。结果增强FLAIR上听神经瘤的边界、肿瘤显著性优于增强T1WI或与其相似,3例肿瘤的最上部和/或最下部仅在增强FLAIR上显示;在15例具有强化的内听道内肿瘤部分中2例在增强FLAIR上更明显,6例在增强T1WI上更明显,7例在两序列上相似。增强FLAIR上肿瘤与脑白质的CR和CNR均明显高于增强T1WI。脑膜瘤和听神经瘤在平扫T1WI及FLAIR图像上信号强度重叠明显,两肿瘤在增强FLAIR上信号强度及强化程度差异明显,而在增强T1WI上无差异。结论增强FLAIR在听神经瘤的诊断中具有重要价值,并可对其与脑膜瘤作出准确区分。     

恶性脑膜瘤42例MRI影像特征分析

目的探讨恶性脑膜瘤的MRI影像特征。方法回顾性分析42例经手术组织病理证实为恶性脑膜瘤患者的MRI资料,观察其MRI影像特征。结果 42例恶性脑膜瘤中,22例位于大脑凸面,15例位于上矢状窦旁,4例位于鞍区,1例位于右侧脑室三角区;19例肿瘤呈分叶状,13例呈结节状,8例呈不规则形,2例形态规整;其中18例边界模糊,14例边界部分模糊;35例T1WI以不规则混杂等、低信号多见,33例T2WI以高、等混杂信号多见,28例有明显瘤周水肿;增强扫描36例肿瘤呈明显非均匀性强化,26例肿瘤显示粗短的脑膜尾征。结论恶性脑膜瘤好发于大脑凸面或上矢状窦旁,MRI增强扫描明显强化;肿瘤形态不规则,呈分叶状、结节状,边界模糊、信号不均匀,脑膜尾征粗短、不光滑是其特征性MRI影像特征。     

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.