Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Elderly Patients After Thoracoscopic Lobectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block to continuous thoracic paravertebral block on postoperative analgesia in elderly patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Elderly patients (N = 50) who underwent nonemergent thoracoscopic lobectomy in the thoracic surgery department of our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and randomly divided into continuous erector spinae block (ESPB; n = 25) group and continuous thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB; n = 25) group. The patients in the two groups were guided by ultrasound with ESPB or TPVB before anesthesia induction. The visual analog scale at rest and cough in 2 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours after surgery, the supplementary analgesic dosage of tramadol, time of tube placement, the stay time in postanesthesia care unit (PACU), the first ambulation time after surgery, the length of postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications were recorded. FINDINGS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in visual analog scale score at rest and cough at each time point and supplementary analgesic dosage of tramadol within 48 hours after surgery (P > .05). The time of tube placement and the postoperative hospital stay in ESPB group was significantly shorter than that in TPVB group (P < .05). There were no differences in PACU residence time and first ambulation time between the two groups (P > .05). There were 4 patients in TPVB group and 2 patients in ESPB group who had nausea and vomiting (P > .05), 1 case of pneumothorax and 1 case of fever in the TPVB group. There were no incision infections or respiratory depression requiring clinical intervention in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Both ESPB and TPVB alleviated the patients postoperative pain effectively for elderly patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy. Compared with TPVB, patients with ESPB have a shorter tube placement time, fewer complications and faster postoperative recovery.

Bach1 modulates AKT3 transcription to participate in hyperglycaemia-mediated EndMT in vascular endothelial cells.

Hyperglycaemia-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is involved in the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Previous studies reported that AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) and Bric-a-brac/Tramtrack/Broad (BTB) and cap'n'collar (CNC) homology 1 (bach1) participates in endothelial injury and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In the present study, we proposed that bach1 regulates AKT3 transcription, thus involved in hyperglycaemia-mediated EndMT in vascular endothelium. Our results indicated that hyperglycaemia/high glucose increased AKT3 expression and induced EndMT in aorta of diabetic rats and hyperglycaemic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, inhibition of AKT3 expression reversed high glucose-mediated EndMT in HUVECs. Further, hyperglycaemia/high glucose augmented bach1 expression in aorta of diabetic rats and hyperglycaemic HUVECs. Furthermore, si-bach1 countered high glucose-induced AKT3 expression and EndMT in HUVECs. In addition, the effect of bach1 overexpression is similar to that of high glucose treatment, which was reversed by si-AKT3. ChIP assays found bach1 enriched in the promoter region of AKT3. Bach1 overexpression augmented AKT3 promoter activity, which lost after specific binding site mutation. Bach1 was involved in hyperglycaemia-induced EndMT via modulation of AKT3 transcription.

Angelica sinensis Polysaccharide and Astragalus membranaceus Polysaccharide Accelerate Liver Regeneration by Enhanced Glycolysis via Activation of JAK2/STAT3/HK2 Pathway.

The promotion of liver regeneration is crucial to avoid liver failure after hepatectomy. Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) and Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (AMP) have been identified as being associated with hepatoprotective effects. However, their roles and specific mechanisms in liver regeneration remain to be elucidated. In the present study, it suggested that the respective use of ASP or AMP strikingly promoted hepatocyte proliferation in vitro with a wide range of concentrations (from 12.5 µg/mL to 3200 µg/mL), and a stronger promoting effect was observed in combined interventions. A significantly enhanced liver/body weight ratio (4.20%) on day 7 and reduced serum transaminase (ALT 243.53 IU/L and AST 423.74 IU/L) and total bilirubin (52.61 IU/L) levels on day 3 were achieved by means of ASP-AMP administration after partial hepatectomy in mice. Metabonomics showed that differential metabolites were enriched in glycolysis with high expression of beta-d-fructose 6-phosphate and lactate, followed by significantly strengthened lactate secretion in the supernatant (0.54) and serum (0.43) normalized to control. Upon ASP-AMP treatment, the knockdown of hexokinase 2 (HK2) or inhibited glycolysis caused by 2-deoxy-d-glucose decreased hepatocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, pathway analysis predicted the role of JAK2/STAT3 pathway in ASP-AMP-regulated liver regeneration, and phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was proven to be elevated in this promoting process. Finally, downregulated expression of HK2, an attenuated level of lactate secretion, and reduced hepatocyte proliferation were displayed when STAT3 was knocked out in vitro. Therefore, it can be concluded that ASP-AMP accelerated liver regeneration and exerted a hepatoprotective effect after hepatectomy, in which the JAK2/STAT3/HK2 pathway was actively involved in activating glycolysis.

Advances in research on the protective mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

CONTEXT: Developing effective drugs to treat myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury is imperative. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have had considerable success in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Elucidating the mechanisms by which TCMs improve MI/R injury can supplement the literature on MI/R prevention and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To summarise TCMs and their main protective mechanisms against MI/R injury reported over the past 40 years. METHODS: Relevant literature published between 1980 and 2020 in Chinese and English was retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, SpringerLink, PubMed Central, Scopus, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Search terms included 'medicinal plants', 'myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury', 'Chinese medicine prescriptions', 'mechanisms', 'prevention', 'treatment' and 'protection'. For inclusion in the analysis, medicinal plants had to be searchable in the China Medical Information Platform and Plant Database. RESULTS: We found 71 medicinal species (from 40 families) that have been used to prevent MI/R injury, of which Compositae species (8 species) and Leguminosae species (7 species) made up the majority. Most of the effects associated with these plants are described as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, we summarised 18 kinds of Chinese compound prescriptions, including the compound Danshen tablet and Baoxin pill, which mainly reduce oxidative stress and regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We summarised TCMs that protect against MI/R injury and their pharmacological mechanisms. This in-depth explanation of the roles of TCMs in MI/R injury protection provides a theoretical basis for the research and development of TCM-based treatment drugs.

Chinese medicinal plants for the potential management of high-altitude pulmonary oedema and pulmonary hypertension.

CONTEXT: Despite the abundance of knowledge regarding high-altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE) and high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), their prevalence continues to be on the rise. Thus, there is an urgent need for newer safe, effective, and relatively economic drug candidates. China is particularly known for the use of medicinal plants. OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes the medicinal plants used for HAPE and HAPH in the past 30 years, as well as some potential plants. METHODS: Publications on HAPE and HAPH from 1990 to 2020 were identified using Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, Springer Link, Google Scholar databases, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and CNKI with the following keywords: 'medicinal plants,' 'hypoxia,' 'high altitude pulmonary edema,' 'high altitude pulmonary hypertension,' 'pathophysiology,' 'mechanisms,' 'prevention,' 'treatment,' 'human,' 'clinical,' 'safety,' and 'pharmacokinetics.' RESULTS: We found 26 species (from 20 families) out of 5000 plants which are used for HAPE and HAPH prevention or treatment. Rhodiola rosea Linn. (Crassulaceae) is the most widely utilized. The most involved family is Lamiaceae, which contains 5 species. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We mainly reviewed the medicinal plants and mechanisms for the treatment of HAPE and HAPH, and we also assessed related toxicology experiments, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. Potential medicinal plants were also identified. Further research is needed to determine the pharmacological effects and active ingredients of these potential medicinal plants.

Mangiferin suppressed advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through NF-κB deactivation and displayed anti-inflammatory effects in streptozotocin and high fat diet-diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.

Given the importance of the aggregation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and cardiac inflammation in the onset and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), our objective in this study was to demonstrate the cardioprotective effect of mangiferin, an antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory agent, on diabetic rat model. The DCM model was established by a high-fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin. DCM rats were treated orally with mangiferin (20 mg/kg) for 16 weeks. Serum and left ventricular myocardium were collected for determination of inflammatory cytokines. AGEs mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and receptor for AGEs (RAGE) in myocardium were assayed by real-time PCR and Western blot. ROS levels were measured by dihydroethidium fluorescence staining. NF-κB binding activity was assayed by TransAM NF-κB p65 ELISA kit. Chronic treatment with mangiferin decreased the levels of myocardial enzymes (CK-MB, LDH) and inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß). Meanwhile, NF-κB is inhibited by the reduction of nuclear translocation of p65 subunit, and mangiferin reduced AGE production and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of RAGE in DCM rats. Our data indicated that mangiferin could significantly ameliorate DCM by preventing the release of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting ROS accumulation, AGE/RAGE production, and NF-κB nuclear translocation, suggesting that mangiferin treatment might be beneficial in DCM.

Successful implementation of thirty five major orthopaedic procedures under poor conditions after the two thousand and fifteen Nepal earthquake.

BACKGROUND: After receiving the 25 April 2015 Nepal earthquake relief mission, a fully self-sufficient Rescue Center of Trauma set up quickly in downtown Kathmandu by Chengdu Military Medical Team of PLA P. R. China. METHODS: The medical team consisted of 68 members and 40 tons of supplies, which was equivalent to a small hospital. The medical area and living area were constructed with tents. Operating areas were converted from eight simple bungalows. The main purpose of the Rescue Center of Trauma was to save those earthquake survivors who needed surgery. RESULTS: From 30 April to 10 May, 35 cases of orthopaedic internal fixation and external fixation operations were completed in the Rescue Center of Trauma. Surgery involved a total of 27 patients. All of the 27 orthopaedic surgery patients received treatment without any serious complications, including internal fixation failure, infection, amputation, limb deformities, limb dysfunction, or skin necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma infection rates are usually higher after an earthquake. Due to poor conditions, implementation of orthopaedic surgery at a field hospital is limited due to a lack of blood, equipment, and drugs. Infection control remains a key determinant of the success of surgery. Effective measures to control infection include strict environmental disinfection, extending the sterilizing time of fixation devices and supplies, doubling the number and time of washing and disinfection, and rational use of antibiotics based on past experience.

Effect of Sanhuangyilong decoction plus methotrexate on tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in serum and synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis patients with symptom pattern of damp heat obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Sanhuangyilong decoction plus methotrexate (MTX) on Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern, Sanhuangyilong decoction and the role of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the development of RA. METHODS: RA inpatients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern (partly with knee joint effusion) were selected as the research subjects. Before the treatment, healthy subjects and osteoarthritis (OA) patients with knee joint effusion were assigned to the serum control group and the synovial fluid control group, respectively; during the treatment, RA patients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern were divided into two groups: one is combined group that was administered Sanhuangyilong decoction plus MTX; the other group was MTX group that received MTX only. The expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum and synovial fluid were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after the treatment, and the peripheral blood levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) were determined. RESULTS: Before treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the RA patients with dampheat- obstruction symptom pattern were higher than those in healthy control group (P < 0.05).The expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the synovial fluid of the RA patients were higher than those in the serum of the RA patients (P < 0.05). The expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the synovial fluid of the RA patients were higher than those of the synovial fluid of the osteoarthritis patients (P < 0.05). The expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum and synovial fluid of the RA patients had no correlation with the inflammatory activity index ESR, CRP, or DAS28 (P > 0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the expression level of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the combined group had increased, although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05); in contrast, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). After 4 weeks of therapy, TNF-alpha and IFN-γ, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 in the combined group decreased compared with the before-treatment levels (P < 0.01). After 2 w of treatment, the differences in the TNF-α and IFN-γ expression levels in the combined group were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) compared with that in the MTX group, although there were statistically significant differences in the ESR, CRP, and DAS28 (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, differences in TNF-α, IFN-γ, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 in the combined group compared with MTX group were statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: TNF-α and IFN-γ might be involved in the development of RA. The RA patients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern show better benefits from the treatment of Sanhuangyilong decoction plus MTX, and the treatment is superior to that of using MTX only.

Cinnamaldehyde prevents endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose by activating Nrf2.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is well documented that hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress is an important causative factor of endothelial dysfunction. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a key flavor compound in cinnamon essential oil that can enhance the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which has been shown to have a cardiovascular protective effect, but its role in endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose is unknown. METHODS: Dissected male C57BL/6J mouse aortic rings and HUVECs were cultured in normal glucose(NG 5.5 mM) or high glucose(HG 30.0 mM) DMEM treatment with or without CA (10 µM). RESULTS: Treatment with CA protected the endothelium relaxation, inhibited ROS generation and preserved nitric oxide (NO) levels in the endothelium of mouse aortas treated with high glucose . CA up-regulated Nrf2 expression, promoted its translocation to the nucleus'and increased HO-1, NQO1, Catalase and Gpx1 expression under high glucose condition. The increased level of nitrotyrosine in HUVECs under high glucose was also attenuated by treatment with CA. Dihydroethidium (DHE) and DAF-2DA staining indicated that CA inhibited the ROS generation and preserved the NO levels in HUVECs, but these effects were reversed by Nrf2-siRNA in high glucose conditions. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that CA protected endothelial dysfunction under high glucose conditions and this effect was mediated by Nrf2 activation and the up-regulation of downstream target proteins. CA administration may represent a promising intervention in diabetic patients who are at risk for vascular complications.

ALDH1 Expression and the Prognosis of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been identified as a putative cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in lung cancer. However, the clinicopathological and prognostic value of this protein in lung cancer patients remains controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the clinical and prognostic significance of ALDH1 expression in lung cancer. METHODS: An identification and review of publications assessing clinical or prognostic significance of ALDH1 expression in lung cancer until September 1, 2014 was undertaken. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the association between ALDH1 expression and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 14 publications met the criteria and comprised 1926 cases. Analysis of these data showed that ALDH1 expression was not significantly associated with the patient age (OR = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-1.50, P=0.52), tumour size (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.22-2.06, P=0.49), smoking status (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 0.85-2.22, P=0.19), or tumour grade (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 0.83-3.26, P=0.15). However, in the identified studies, ALDH1 expression was highly correlated with lymph node metastasis (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.16-3.34, P=0.01), tumour TNM staging (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.22, P=0.0002), decreased overall survival (relative risk [RR]: 1.97,95% CI: 1.16-3.34, P =0.01) and decreased disease free survival (RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.01-2.64, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows ALDH1 expression in lung cancer is connected with decreased overall and disease free survival and thus marks a worse prognosis.

A contrast study of the traumatic condition between the wounded in 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake and 4.25 Nepal earthquake.

PURPOSE: 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake and 4.25 Nepal earthquake are of the similar magnitude, but the climate and geographic environment are totally different. Our team carried out medical rescue in both disasters, so we would like to compare the different traumatic conditions of the wounded in two earthquakes. METHODS: The clinical data of the wounded respectively in 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake and 4.25 Nepal earthquake rescued by Chengdu Military General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Then a contrast study between the wounded was conducted in terms of age, sex, injury mechanisms, traumatic conditions, complications and prognosis. RESULTS: Three days after 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake, 465 cases of the wounded were hospitalized in Chengdu Military General Hospital, including 245 males (52.7%) and 220 females (47.3%) with the average age of (47.6±22.7) years. Our team carried out humanitarian relief in Katmandu after 4.25 Nepal earthquake. Three days after this disaster, 71 cases were treated in our field hospital, including 37 males (52.1%) and 34 females (47.9%) with the mean age of (44.8±22.9) years. There was no obvious difference in sex and mean age between two groups, but the age distribution was a little different: there were more wounded people at the age over 60 years in 4.25 Nepal earthquake (p<0.01) while more wounded people at the age between 21 and 60 years in 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake (p<0.05). The main cause of injury in both disasters was bruise by heavy drops but 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake had a higher rate of bruise injury and crush injury (p<0.05) while 4.25 Nepal earthquake had a higher rate of falling injury (p<0.01). Limb fracture was the most common injury type in both disasters. However, compared with 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake, 4.25 Nepal earthquake has a much higher incidence of limb fractures (p<0.01), lung infection (p<0.01) and malnutrition (p<0.05), but a lower incidence of thoracic injury (p<0.05) and multiple injury (p<0.05). The other complications and death rate showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Major earthquakes of the similar magnitude can cause different injury mechanisms, traumatic conditions and complications in the wounded under different climate and geographic environment.When an earthquake occurs in a poor traffic area of high altitude and large temperature difference, early medical rescue, injury control and wounded evacuation as well as sufficient warmth retention and food supply are of vital significance.

Effect of sanhuangwuji powder, anti-rheumatic drugs, and ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with peptic ulcer: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of oral sanhuangwuji powder, anti-rheumatic drugs (ARDs), and ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at zusanli (ST 36) on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated by peptic ulcer. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study included 180 eligible inpatients and outpatients randomly assigned to an ARD treatment (n.= 60), ginger-partitioned stimulation (n = 60), or combination treatment (n = 60). Patients assigned to the ARD group were given oral celecoxib, methotrexate, and esomeprazole. Patients assigned to the ginger-partitioned stimulation group were given ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at zusanli (ST 36) in addition to the ARDs. Patients in the combination treatment group were given oral sanhuangwuji powder, ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at susanli (ST 36), and ARDs. All patients were followed up for 2 months to evaluate clinical effects and safety. The study was registered in the World Health Organization database at the General Hospital of Chengdu Military Area Command Chinese People's Liberation Army (ChiCTR-TCC12002824). RESULTS: The combination treatment group had significantly greater improvements in RA symptoms, laboratory outcomes, and gastrointestinal symptom scores, compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). The peptic ulcer healing rate in the combination treatment group was significantly greater than that in the ARD treatment group (χ2= 16.875, P < 0.05) and the ginger-partitioned stimulation group (χ2= 6.171, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at zusanli (ST 36), oral sanhuangwuji powder, and ARDs had a better clinical effect for RA with complicated peptic ulcer, compared with ARD treatmentalone or in combination with ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation.

[Effect of Sanhuang Yilong Decoction combined MTX on the expression of serum IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17 in rheumatoid arthritis patients of accumulated dampness-heat syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of bitter-cold herbs easing dampness method (BCHEDM) plus Sanhuang Yilong Decoction (SYD) combined with methotrexate (MTX) on expression levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and IL-17 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of accumulated dampness-heat syndrome (ADHS). METHODS: From January 2011 to January 2013 recruited were 90 RA inpatients of ADHS at Department of Integrative Medicine on Rheumatoid Disease, General Hospital of Chengdu Military Region. They were assigned to the treatment group (45 cases) and the control group (45 cases) according to the random digit table produced by SPSS 11.5 Software. Patients in the treatment group were treated by heavy bitter-cold herbs plus SYD combined with MTX, while those in the control group were treated by MTX alone. Expressional levels of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17 in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before treatment, at week 2 and 4 after treatment. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) were detected as well. RESULTS: After two or four weeks of treatment, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 decreased more in the treatment group than in the control group with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After four weeks of treatment, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 in the treatment group were all lower than before treatment and those of the control group at corresponding time points with statistical difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SYD combined MTX could play roles of improving inflammatory indices within 2 weeks, and inhibiting the expression of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17 within 4 weeks.

Characterization of a novel orthoreovirus isolated from fruit bat, China.

BACKGROUND: In recent years novel human respiratory disease agents have been described for Southeast Asia and Australia. The causative pathogens were classified as pteropine orthoreoviruses with a strong phylogenetic relationship to orthoreoviruses of bat origin. RESULTS: In this report, we isolated a novel Melaka-like reovirus (named "Cangyuan virus") from intestinal content samples of one fruit bat residing in China's Yunnan province. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole Cangyuan virus genome sequences of segments L, M and S demonstrated the genetic diversity of the Cangyuan virus. In contrast to the L and M segments, the phylogenetic trees for the S segments of Cangyuan virus demonstrated a greater degree of heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Cangyuan virus was a novel orthoreovirus and substantially different from currently known members of Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) species group.

[Protection and mechanism of shenqi compound for diabetic angiopathy model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shenqi Compound on diabetic angiopathy modeled rats. METHODS: Totally 18 SD rats were randomized into 3 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the diabetic mellitus (DM) group, and Shenqi Compound group, 6 in each group. The DM rat model was established by feeding high-fat diet (to induce hyperlipidemia) +intraperitoneal injection of small dose streptozotocin (STZ). Shenqi Compound was given to rats in the Shenqi Compound group at the daily dose of 2 g/kg. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage. All treatment was lasted for 12 weeks. Then 2-D and ultrasonic integrated backscatter technique were used to evaluate structural and functional changes of abdominal aorta in the progression of diabetic macroangiopathy. The fibrosis degree of the aorta vessel and myocardium capillaries were observed by using HE and Masson trichrome staining. The tension of the aortic vascular ring was determined. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA expression was detected by real time PCR (RT-PCR). The protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, collagen III, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and phosphorylation P38 MAPK were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, abdominal aortic systolic inner diameter, diastolic inner diameter, Peterson elastic modulus, stiffness index, and backscatter integral significantly increased; the rangeability of integral backscatter and the extension coefficient of cross section significantly decreased in the DM group (all P < 0.05). After 12 weeks aforesaid indices were obviously improved in the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Results of HE and Masson staining showed that the fibrosis degree of the aorta vessel and myocardium capillaries was obviously alleviated in rats of the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Results of the aortic vascular ring tension showed that acetylcholine induced vasodilatation and maximum diastolic percent were obviously elevated in the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta, and the protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, and collagen III, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK all significantly increased in the DM group (P < 0.05). Compared with the DM group, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta, and the protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, and collagen III, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK all decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Shenqi Compound could effectively improve the arterial function in diabetic marcoangiopathy and microvascular dysfunction. The mechanism might be due to the down-regulating the expression of TGF-beta, and further suppressing the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, reducing the synthesis of collagen I and collagen III, therefore, ameliorating arterial and myocardial interstitial fibrosis.

[Correlation study between interleukin-17 and ESR and CRP in serum and the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients of accumulated dampness-heat obstruction in joints syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the function of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of accumulated dampness-heat obstruction in joints syndrome (ADOJS) by detecting levels of IL-17 in serum and the synovial fluid and analyzing its correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: From January 2011 to January 2013, recruited were 90 RA inpatients of ADOJS at Department of Integrative Medical Rheumatism, General Hospital of Chengdu Military Region, of which 28 patients had knee joint effusion. Besides, 30 healthy volunteers who received physical examination at our hospital were recruited as the normal control group, and 30 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) who had knee joint effusion were recruited as the synovial fluid control group. The expression levels of IL-17 in serum and the synovial fluid were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and contents of ESR and CRP were detected in RA patients. Then correlation analyses were performed between levels of IL-17 and contents of ESR and CRP. RESULTS: Compared with the normal serum control group, the expression levels of IL-17 in serum of RA patients significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the serum of RA patients and the synovial fluid of OA patients, the expression levels of IL-17 in the synovial fluid of RA patients significantly increased (P < 0.05). The expression levels of IL-17 in serum of RA patients were not correlated with ESR or CRP (r = 0.092, -0.082; P > 0.05), and the expressional levels of IL-17 in the synovial fluid of RA patients were not correlated with ESR or CRP (r = 0.113, -0.034; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-17 was the main effector cytokine of Th17 cells. The expressional levels of IL-17 significantly increased in serum and the synovial fluid of RA patients of ADOJS, but with no correlation to ESR or CRP. It indicated that IL-17 participated in the occurrence and development of RA. Concrete mechanisms needed to be further proved in larger samples.

Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in Fetuses with Ultrasound Abnormalities.

Objective: To explore and evaluate the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 370 fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities received invasive prenatal diagnosis at Meizhou People's Hospital from October 2022 to December 2023. Fetal specimens were analyzed by CMA, and the detection rates of aneuploidy and pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) copy number variations (CNVs) in ultrasound structural abnormalities (malformations of fetal anatomy) and non-structural abnormalities (abnormalities of fetal nonanatomical structure) were analyzed. Results: There were 114 (30.8%) cases with isolated ultrasound structural abnormalities, 226 (61.1%) cases with isolated non-structural abnormalities (182 isolated ultrasound soft markers abnormalities, 30 isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR), and 8 isolated abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume), and 30 (8.1%) cases with both structural and non-structural abnormalities. The overall detection rate of aneuploidy and P/LP CNVs in isolated ultrasonic structural abnormalities was 5.3%, among which cardiovascular system abnormalities were the highest. In addition, the largest number of fetuses with non-structural abnormalities was nuchal translucency (NT) thickening (n = 81), followed by ventriculomegaly (n = 29), and nasal bone dysplasia (n = 24). The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities of fetuses with abnormal ultrasound soft markers was 9.9%, and the detection rate in single abnormal ultrasound soft marker, and multiple ultrasound soft markers abnormalities was 9.7% (16/165) and 11.8% (2/17), respectively. Moreover, the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities of fetuses with FGR and structural abnormalities combined with non-structural abnormalities was 6.7% (2/30), and 13.3% (4/30), respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy and P/LP CNVs) varies among different fetal ultrasound abnormalities.

Effect of intubation in lateral position on placement of a double-lumen tube in patients undergoing unilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery: a randomied clinical trial.

Background: Approximately one-third of patients who undergo double-lumen tube (DLT) intubation in the conventional supine position experience DLT malposition. No randomized study investigates the effect of DLT intubation in the lateral position. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of intubation in lateral position on placement of a DLT compared to supine intubation, and to test primary hypothesis that lateral DLT intubation could reduce the incidence of DLT malposition. Methods: We randomly allocated 108 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery to receive DLT intubation in the comfortable and surgically required lateral position (lateral group) or in the supine position (supine group) from October to December 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of DLT malposition defined as movement >1.0 cm to correct the DLT position. The secondary outcomes included intubation time, the frequency and duration of fibreoptic bronchoscopy, the need for re-intubation, intra-operative vital signs, and post-operative recovery. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200060794). Findings: The incidence of DLT malposition was significantly lower in the lateral group (1/53 [2%]) than that in the supine group (16/53 [30%]; RR [95% confidence interval] of 0.06 [0.01-0.46]; P < 0.001). Lateral DLT intubation decreased the intubation time, the frequency and duration of fibreoptic bronchoscopy. The incidence of hypotension, post-operative sore throat, and upper-arm discomfort was lower in the lateral group. Other secondary outcomes were similar between groups. Interpretation: Lateral DLT intubation reduced the incidence of DLT malposition for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery. These results support that lateral DLT intubation offers more benefits and may be a superior option compared to conventional supine intubation. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China and of Zhejiang Province.

Replication of british rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility Loci in two unrelated chinese population groups.

Previous genome-wide association study by WTCCC identified many susceptibility loci of common autoimmune diseases in British, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because of the genetic heterogeneity of RA, it is necessary to replicate these susceptibility loci in other populations. Here, three SNPs with strong RA association signal in the British were analyzed in Han Chinese, and two SNPs (rs6457617 and rs11761231) were genotyped in the test cohort firstly. The rs6457617 was significantly associated with RA in the test cohort. The individuals bearing the homozygous genotype CC had 0.39-fold risk than these bearing the wild-type genotype TT (P = 0.004, OR 0.39, [95% CI 0.21-0.74]). And the protective effect of allele C was confirmed in another validation cohort with 1514 samples (P genotye CC/TT = 5.9 × 10(-10), OR 0.34, [95% CI 0.24-0.48]). The rs6457617 can be used as a tagSNP of HLA-DQA1∗03 which encoded MHC-II α chain. Since MHC restriction is important for primary T-cells in positive selection and negative selection stages, MHC protein polymorphisms may be implicated in shaping the T-cell repertoire, including the emergence of a T-cell clone involved in the inflammatory arthritis.

Mangiferin mitigates diabetic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of mangiferin on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The DCM model was induced by a high-fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin. We evaluated the characteristics of DCM by serial echocardiography, electron microscopy, histopathologic analysis of cardiomyocyte fibrosis area, and Western blot analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression. Rats with DCM showed severe left ventricular dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis. Mangiferin mitigated DCM and prevented the accumulation of myocardial collagen. These anatomic findings were accompanied by significant improvements in cardiac function. Based on these results, we conclude that mangiferin has a therapeutic effect on DCM and improves cardiac function.