Supplementary Material for: Ultrasonographic versus Fluoroscopic Access for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Meta-Analysis

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasonographic vs. fluoroscopic access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Medline (PubMed), Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature databases were searched to identify clinically controlled trials (CCTs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ultrasonographic access with fluoroscopic access for PCNL. RevMan 5.1 software and Stat Manager V4.1 software were used for the meta-analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Five RCTs and nine CCTs were included in our study, which contained a total of 3,019 patients. Of these, 1,574 (52%) had undergone ultrasonographic access, and 1,445 (48%) had undergone fluoroscopic access. The pooled results revealed that the ultrasonographic access patients had shorter duration of access (min) by 2.56 min (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.40 to −0.72, p = 0.006). There was a higher stone-free rate in the ultrasonographic access group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02-1.55, p = 0.03), as well as a lower rate of operative complications (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56-0.93, p = 0.01), reduced intraoperative blood loss (ml) (WMD = −14.55 ml, 95% CI: −27.65 to −1.46, p = 0.03), and a lower rate of blood transfusion requirement (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.63, p = 0.0001). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Except for no radiation exposure, our meta-analysis revealed that ultrasonographic access had many advantages, such as a shorter access time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, a lower rate of operative complications, a lower rate of blood transfusion, and a higher stone-free rate. Because of these significant advantages, we recommend the use of ultrasonographic access for PCNL

Supplementary Material for: MiR-129-5p Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Chondrosarcoma Cells by Regulating SOX4/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Recently, microRNAs (miRNA) have been identified as novel regulators in Chondrosarcoma (CHS). This study was aimed to identify the roles of miR-129-5p-5p in regulation of SOX4 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as cell proliferation and apoptosis in chondrosarcomas. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> Tissue samples were obtained from chondrosarcoma patients. Immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were performed to detect the expressions of miR-129-5p and SOX4. Luciferase assay was conducted to confirm that miR-129-5p directly targeted SOX4 mRNA. Manipulations of miR-129-5p and SOX4 expression were achieved through cell transfection. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, colony forming assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry <i>in vitro</i>. For <i>in vivo</i> experiment, the tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the effects of miR-129-5p and SOX4 on chondrosarcomas. <i>Results:</i> The expression of miR-129-5p was significantly down-regulated in chondrosarcoma tissues as well as cells in comparison with normal ones, while SOX4 was over-activated. Further studies suggested that miR-129-5p suppressed cell proliferation, migration and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting SOX4 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. <i>Conclusion:</i> MiR-129-5p inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting SOX4 and further suppresses cell proliferation, migration and promotes apoptosis in chondrosarcomas

Supplementary Material for: The Role of Mechanical Bowel Preparation before Ileal Urinary Diversion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Although the use of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is still widely promoted as the dogma before patients undergo ileal urinary diversion, an increasing number of clinical trials have suggested that there is no benefit. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of MBP in ileal urinary diversion surgery. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A literature search was performed in electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded as well as the Cochrane Library and the Cochrane Clinical Trials Registry, from 1966 to January 1, 2013. Clinical trials comparing outcomes of MBP versus no MBP for ileal urinary diversion surgery were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the fixed- or random-effects models. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In total, two randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcomes, such as bowel leak and bowel obstruction, showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Additionally, the overall mortality rate and death rate related to operation also manifested that MBP does not offer an advantage over the no MBP. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This meta-analysis suggests that MBP does not reduce the incidence of perioperative complications in urinary diversion compared with no MBP. However, large randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm this finding

Supplementary Material for: Intradialytic Exercise in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<b><i>Background and Objective:</i></b> Hemodialysis (HD) patients are more inactive, leading to poor functional capacity and quality of life; this may be reversed with intradialytic exercise training. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradialytic exercise for HD patients, we conducted a meta-analysis of the published randomized controlled trials. <b><i>Data Sources and Methods:</i></b> Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched up to February, 2014. The reference lists of eligible studies and relevant reviews were also checked. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 24 studies of 997 patients were included. Compared with control, intradialytic exercise significantly improve Kt/V (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI 0.01-0.53), peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak) (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.76), and physical performance of physical function of life (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI 0.04-0.55). However, no significant improvements were found in the mental function of life. There was no significant difference with respect to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular complications between the intradialytic exercise groups and control groups. Further subgroup analysis found that, when the trial duration was more than 6 months, the intervention had significant effects on VO_2peak (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI 0.56-1.22). However, when the trial duration was less than 6 months, the change of VO_2peak was not significant (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.51). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Intradialytic exercise can improve Kt/V, VO_2peak, and the physical quality of life, and intradialytic exercise is safe for HD patients. Therefore, we put forward the suggestion that clinical guideline be updated to inform clinicians on the benefits of intradialytic exercise on HD patients. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Base

Supplementary Material for: Aberrant Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Indicates Potential Roles in Chronic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key players in several biological processes and complex diseases. The risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is determined by a combination of environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. The purpose of this study was to identify aberrant lncRNAs involved in T2D pathogenesis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Microarray analysis was performed using whole blood samples from patients newly diagnosed with T2D and healthy controls. Pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were utilized to annotate the target genes. Coding non-coding co-expression (CNC) analysis was performed to construct a co-expression network. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found 55 lncRNAs and 202 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the T2D group compared to the healthy control group. Pathway and GO analyses demonstrated that dysregulated mRNAs were mainly associated with immune regulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance, whereas CNC analysis identified 10 pairs of co-expressed lncRNA-mRNAs in our patient cohort (R > 0.99). Furthermore, expression of the top three upregulated lncRNAs in the T2D group was correlated with measures of glycometabolism (<i>P</i> < 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study identified aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in Han Chinese patients with T2D, and demonstrated that dysregulated lncRNAs may have roles in T2D pathogenesis through regulation of inflammation and insulin resistance

Supplementary Material for: Changes in Dental Plaque Microbial Richness and Oral Behavioral Habits during Caries Development in Young Chinese Children

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To detect changes in the microbial richness of dental plaque and oral behaviors during caries development in young Chinese children. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Supragingival plaque samples and a survey of oral behaviors of 130 children aged 3 at baseline were analyzed at 6 months and 12 months. Total DNA was isolated from all samples and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis was conducted. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the follow-up, 44 children had caries or cavity fillings at 6 months, a further 28 children had caries or cavity fillings at 12 months. The other 58 children remained caries-free at 12 months. According to the changes in caries status at the 12-month follow-up, all participants were divided into three groups: caries-free, caries at 6 months and caries at 12 months. The changes in oral behaviors during the 12-month follow-up were not significantly different in the three groups. The frequency of eating sweets and eating sweets before sleeping was significantly different among the three groups at baseline. At baseline, the average detectable bands of caries in the 12-month caries group were similar to those of the caries-free group; both of them were higher than that of the 6-month caries group. At 6 months, the average detectable bands of the 12-month caries group were significantly lower than that of the caries-free group although the children of the 12-month caries group were caries-free at that time. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> For young Chinese children, the high frequency of eating sweets and eating sweets before sleeping are risk factors of caries onset, and the decrease in microbial richness could occur 6 months before the onset of caries

Supplementary Material for: Polymorphisms in Sex Hormone Metabolism Genes and Risk of Preeclampsia in Taiyuan, China

<i>Objective:</i> Aberrant synthesis and metabolism of sex hormone are likely to be associated with alterations in vascular function in preeclampsia (PE). The study aims to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in sex hormone-related genes are associated with PE. <i>Method:</i> We performed a nested case-control study including 436 pregnant women (203 PE and 233 healthy or normal pregnant women) to investigate associations between 96 SNPs in 28 sex hormone-related genes and risk of PE. <i>Results:</i><i>TXNRD2/COMT</i> rs3788314 and <i>SULT1A2/SULT1A1 </i>rs4788073 were associated with an increased risk of PE overall (<i>p</i><i>trend</i> = 0.004 and 0.003, respectively), early-onset PE (<i>p</i><i>trend</i> = 0.007 and 0.009, respectively), and severe PE (<i>p</i><i>trend</i> = 0.002 and 0.005, respectively). Additionally, <i>CYP17A1 </i>rs4919690 and rs4919687 and <i>LHCGR rs10180731</i>were associated with an increased risk of severe PE (<i>p</i><i>trend</i> = 0.005, 0.006, and 0.014, respectively), while <i>GNRHR</i> rs2630488 was associated with a decreased risk of severe PE (<i>p</i><i>trend</i> = 0.014). We also observed that <i>HSD17B3</i> rs8190512 was associated with a decreased risk of early-onset PE (<i>p</i><i>trend</i> = 0.003). We observed strong linkage disequilibrium in SULF1 (rs10106958, rs7813987, and rs6990375). <i>Conclusions:</i> Our study suggested that genetic polymorphisms in <i>TXNRD2/COMT, SULT1A2/SULT1A1, CYP17A1, HSD17B3, GNRHR, LHCGR, </i>and SULF1 might play a role in PE, especially in early-onset PE and severe PE. Future studies are warranted to replicate the observed associations and their functional mechanisms