Conditional reprogrammed human limbal epithelial cells represent a novel in vitro cell model for drug responses.

In this study, we established human limbal epithelial cells (LECs) from normal limbal tissues by using Conditional Reprogramming (CR) technology (refer to CR-LEC cells in this study). We have successfully established CR-LEC cell strains from three human donors (3 out of 3), and normal rabbits (2 out of 2) and pig (1 out of 1) as well. CR-LEC cells sustained a continuous and stable proliferation status with a normal karyotype, normal response to DNA damage, well-defined structured spheres in matrigel 3D culture.

A Copper-Catalyzed Reductive Defluorination of β-Trifluoromethylated Enones via Oxidative Homocoupling of Grignard Reagents.

An efficient copper-catalyzed reductive defluorination of β-trifluoromethylated enones via an oxidative homocoupling of Grignard reagents is reported. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a wide range of substrates, including the ones bearing aromatic heterocycles, such as furyl and thienyl ring systems in high yields (80-92%, except one example) under mild conditions. This provides a practical method for synthesis of gem-difluoroolefin ketones.

Short-term outcomes of a simple and effective approach to aortic root and arch repair in acute type A aortic dissection.

Objective: To evaluate short-term outcomes following direct aortic root and arch repair in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) without technical adjuncts.

Methods: Between 2012 and 2016, 94 consecutive patients with ATAAD underwent surgical repair, including aortic root repair (n = 45), root replacement (n = 39), or no root procedure (n = 10). Aortic root repair was achieved by running approximation of the dissected aortic wall circumferentially at the sinotubular junction and reinforcing the coronary ostia with 5-0 Prolene.

Effect of Gastrointestinal Bleeding on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND The contemporary risk classification criteria of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) may still have room to improve. The aim of our research was to analyze the impact factors for GIST patients' relapse-free survival (RFS). Furthermore, we explore whether gastrointestinal (1) bleeding will be a valuable indicator to predict GIST patients' prognosis.

Vernalization can regulate flowering time through microRNA mechanism in Brassica rapa.

Vernalization is an important process that regulates the floral transition in plants. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNA (sRNA) molecules that function in plant growth and development. Despite that miRNAs related to flowering have previously been characterized, their roles in response to vernalization in pak-choi (Brassica rapa ssp.

miR-21 suppression prevents cardiac alterations induced by d-galactose and doxorubicin.

d-galactose (d-gal)-induced cardiac alterations and Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiomyocyte senescence are commonly used models to study cardiac aging. Accumulating evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are critically involved in the regulation of cellular and organismal aging and age-related diseases. However, little has been revealed about the roles of miRNAs in cardiac alterations induced by d-gal and Dox.

Chemotherapy plus Panitumumab Versus Chemotherapy plus Bevacizumab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis.

Panitumumab and bevacizumab have been widely used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with wild type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Whether panitumumab or bevacizumab was the optimal option remained controversial. Thus, we conducted a meta-anaylsis to evaluate chemotherapy plus panitumumab (C + P) versus chemotherapy plus bevacizumab (C + B) in wild type RAS mCRC.

Qiliqiangxin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling in mice.

Background: To further explore the role of PPARγ in QL treatment, ISO-induced mice model and following methods were established.

Methods: Cardiac remodeling on mice model was induced by isoproterenol (ISO) infusion or saline infusion as control for two weeks then divided into 4 groups, after that divided in 5 different treatment methods to investigate the role of PPARγ in QL therapy. Echocardiography and Masson's trichrome staining were respectively used to determine cardiac function and fibrosis.

Sixteen-Year Experience of David and Bentall Procedures in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Background: To examine short-term and midterm outcomes after the David and Bentall procedures in patients with an acute type A aortic dissection.

Methods: Between 2001 and 2017, patients (n = 135) with acute type A aortic dissection underwent an aortic root replacement with either the David (n = 40) or Bentall (n = 95) procedure. Perioperative outcome, reoperation rate, aortic valve function, and long-term survival were evaluated.

Adjuvant imatinib for patients with high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a retrospective cohort study.

The duration of adjuvant imatinib for high-risk patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is still controversial. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the data of high-risk patients with GISTs to investigate the appropriate duration. All 185 patients were divided into 4 groups: <1 year (Group A), 1-2 years (Group B), 2-3 years (Group C) and >3 years (Group D).

Plasma microRNA alterations between EGFR-activating mutational NSCLC patients with and without primary resistance to TKI.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have obtained excellent therapeutic effects against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating EGFR mutations. However, some patients have exhibited primary resistance which becomes a major obstacle in effective treatment of NSCLC. The mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs resistance involved are still poorly understood.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of cyclin D1 amplification in patients with breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: Cyclin D1 plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and the regulation of the G1/S transition in the cell cycle. The relationship between cyclin D1 amplification and clinicopathological parameters in patients with breast cancer remains controversial and its impact on survival outcome is not completely clear. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the associations between cyclin D1 gene amplification and certain clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis in breast cancer.

Effects of fiber and probiotics on diarrhea associated with enteral nutrition in gastric cancer patients: A prospective randomized and controlled trial.

Background And Objectives: Diarrhea is a common complication of enteral nutrition (EN), which affects recovery and prolongs the length of hospital stay (LOHS). To investigate the effect of fiber and probiotics in reducing diarrhea associated with EN in postoperative patients with gastric cancer (GC), the authors designed this prospective randomized-controlled trial.

Methods And Study Design: This study included 120 patients with GC, and the patients were classified into 3 groups via random picking of envelopes: fiber-free nutrition formula (FF group, n = 40), fiber-enriched nutrition formula (FE group, n = 40), and fiber- and probiotic-enriched nutrition formula (FEP group, n = 40).

Multiple ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas in the pancreas: A case report.

Rationale: Ectopic liver tissue can develop at various sites near the liver. Ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) arising from ectopic liver tissue have a rare clinical incidence. A very rare case has been observed to have metastasis after operation.

Ex vivo 2D and 3D HSV-2 infection model using human normal vaginal epithelial cells.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infects human genital mucosa and establishes life-long latent infection. It is unmet need to establish a human cell-based microphysiological system for virus biology and anti-viral drug discovery. One of barriers is lacking of culture system of normal epithelial cells in vitro over decades.

CCT complex restricts neuropathogenic protein aggregation via autophagy.

Aberrant protein aggregation is controlled by various chaperones, including CCT (chaperonin containing TCP-1)/TCP-1/TRiC. Mutated CCT4/5 subunits cause sensory neuropathy and CCT5 expression is decreased in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we show that CCT integrity is essential for autophagosome degradation in cells or Drosophila and this phenomenon is orchestrated by the actin cytoskeleton.

Role of vernalization-mediated demethylation in the floral transition of Brassica rapa.

Vernalization-mediated demethylation of BrCKA2 (casein kinase II α-subunit) and BrCKB4 (casein kinase II β-subunit) shorten the period of the clock gene BrCCA1 (circadian clock associated 1) in Brassica rapa. Photoperiod and vernalization are two environmental cues involved in the regulation of floral transition, but the ways in which they interact remain unclear. DNA methylation is one of the main mechanisms involved in controlling the functional state of chromatin and gene expression in response to environmental signals.

Prediction of Transfusions After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgical Procedures.

Background: Although blood transfusions are common and have been associated with adverse sequelae after cardiac surgical procedures, few contemporaneous models exist to support clinical decision making. This study developed a preoperative clinical decision support tool to predict perioperative red blood cell transfusions in the setting of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: We performed a multicenter, observational study of 20,377 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting among patients at 39 hospitals participating in the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons Quality Collaborative's PERFusion measures and outcomes (PERForm) registry between 2011 and 2015.

Prophylactic transanal decompression tube versus non-prophylactic transanal decompression tube for anastomotic leakage prevention in low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

Background: Transanal decompression tube (TDT), an alternative intervention believed to have potential equivalent efficacy in reducing anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery and lower complication rates compared to protective stoma, was sporadically applied in some medical centers during recent decade. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of the TDT in preventing the anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Methods: The studies comparing TDT and non-TDT in rectal cancer were researched up to March 22, 2016 without language preference, in databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and National Clinical Trials Registry.

Predicting long-term nursing home transfer from MI choice waiver program.

This study aimed to identify characteristics of elderly participants in the Michigan Home and Community-Based Waiver Program that are associated with high risk of long-term nursing home (LT-NH) placement. We identified 8172 waiver clients aged 65 and older during 10/1/2010-9/30/2014. A proportional cause-specific hazards regression model was used to analyze risk factors of waiver elderly for LT-NH placement.

Plasma MiRNA alterations between NSCLC patients harboring Del19 and L858R EGFR mutations.

Based on recognition of driver mutations, treatment paradigm for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has been shifted. However, recently exon 19 deletion mutation (del19) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) clearly shows better clinical benefit over single-point substitution mutation L858R in exon 21 (L858R). The aim of this study was to investigate the difference by analyzing the expression of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation del19 or L858R.

The Multiple Roles of XBP1 in Regulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism.

X-box binding protein1 (XBP1) especially exerts its fundamental effects in the cellular organelle endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via affecting three trans-membrane stress sensor proteins: PKRlike ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1) and activating transcription factor 6(ATF6). At the center of XBP1's broad effects is its remarkable metabolic housekeeper function. XBP1 decreased glucose dysfunction via funneling its effects on improving insulin sensitivity and stimulating insulin secretion.

A Preoperative Risk Model for Postoperative Pneumonia After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background: Postoperative pneumonia is the most prevalent of all hospital-acquired infections after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Accurate prediction of a patient's risk of this morbid complication is hindered by its low relative incidence. In an effort to support clinical decision making and quality improvement, we developed a preoperative prediction model for postoperative pneumonia after CABG.

The impact of concomitant pulmonary hypertension on early and late outcomes following surgery for mitral stenosis.

Objectives: To provide initial evidence on the management of mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension (PH) based on short-term and long-term outcomes following mitral valve surgery.

Methods: Consecutive patients with mitral stenosis (n = 317) who had undergone mitral valve surgery between 1992 and 2014 with recorded pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) data were reviewed. PH severity, based on systolic PAP, was categorized as mild (35 to 44 mm Hg), moderate (45 to 59 mm Hg), or severe (>60 mm Hg).

Can a nickel-titanium memory-shape device serve as a substitute for the stapler in gastrointestinal anastomosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Recently, a nickel-titanium (NiTi) memory-shape device has been successfully used in gastrointestinal anastomosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of the device.

Methods: Four databases, reference lists, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials assessing the clinical efficacy of a NiTi memory-shape device compared with that of a stapler in gastrointestinal or colorectal anastomosis.