Int J Med Sci
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Background: Current evidence suggests an increased prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and anemia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ID and subsequent anemia can be due to iron losses via bleeding resulting in absolute ID or inflammation-driven retention of iron within macrophages resulting in functional ID and anemia of inflammation. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 204 non-exacerbated COPD patients in outpatient care. ⋯ Conclusion: ID is common in COPD patients, but a uniform definition for accurate diagnosis does not exist. Prevalence of functional ID and anemia increased during follow-up. The associations of ID and anemia with reduced functional lung capacity and elevated inflammation may reflect a more severe COPD phenotype.
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Comparative Study
Differential Gene Expression between Limbal Niche Progenitors and Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Purpose: To compare the difference in gene expression between human limbal niche cells (LNC) and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC). Methods: LNC were isolated by collagenase and expanded in modified embryonic stem cell medium (MESCM) on a Matrigel coated plastic plate. Cell diameters were measured with Image J software. ⋯ In addition, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the expression of CD73, CD90, CD105, PDGFRβ, Vimentin, SCF, KIT (CD117), COL14A1, LAMA2, THBS2, FZD1, BMP2 and CXCL12 genes in LNC were at least 2 folds higher than BMMSC. The protein level of LAMA1 was higher but the protein level of COL4A1 was lower in LNC than that in BMMSC. Conclusion: LNC exhibit differential gene expression from BMMSC in the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction pathway and Wnt signaling pathway, suggesting that LNC have their unique signaling pathways to support limbal stem cell niches.
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A polysaccharide isolated from the radix of Astragalus membranaceus, called PG2, used in traditional Chinese medicine, with potential hematopoiesis inducing and immunomodulation activities. PG2 extracted from A. membranaceus has been demonstrated as a novel alternative medicine for cancer patients. Recently, we demonstrated that PG2 enhanced chemotherapy through bystander effect and reduced the expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 in tumor cells. ⋯ In addition, the cell signaling pathway in tumor cells was evaluated by Western blotting analysis after PG2 treatment. PG2 can downregulate the expression of PD-L1 on the cell surface via the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70S6K) pathway. In conclusion, our results indicate that PG2 inhibits PD-L1 expression and plays a crucial role in immunotherapy, which might be a promising strategy combined with other treatments.
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Objective: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 proteins are the major oncoproteins involved in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer. The long control region (LCR) in HPV plays an important role in regulating the expression of the E6 and E7 oncogenes. In the current study, we investigated the association of HPV16 LCR variations with cervical cancer. ⋯ For the sub-lineage analysis, only C7873G variations were significantly different between the case and control groups in the A4 (As) variant (P=0.039). Conclusion: Our results showed that specific variations in the HPV16 LCR were associated with cervical cancer. Our study will provide a good reference for further understanding of the relationship between HPV16 LCR variation and cervical cancer.
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Observational Study
Gender differences in blood transfusion strategy for patients with hip fractures - a retrospective analysis.
Background: In the last decades, transfusion therapy with allogenic blood has progressively shifted to a more restrictive approach. The current study analyzed the transfusion practice and transfusion-associated factors in a regional trauma center over the course of five years. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures in a level 1 trauma center of an academic teaching hospital from 2010 to 2014 (n=650). ⋯ Conclusion: Over the course of five years, a restrictive transfusion strategy was implemented within clinical practice in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. In parallel, a significant reduction in the hospital LOS and an increased ICU LOS was noted. Whether there is an association between increased ICU LOS and decreasing hospital LOS and whether there is a gender effect on transfusion requirements in patients with surgery for hip fractures should be subject to further research.