Exploring flatfeet morphology in children aged 6-12 years: relationships with body mass and body height through footprints and three-dimensional measurements.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between flatfoot morphology and body mass and height in children aged 6-12 years. A total of 6471 Chinese children (mean age 9.0 ± 1.9 years, 41% female) were assessed for foot morphometry, body height, and body mass index. Foot morphology, including foot length, width, girth, arch height, hallux valgus angle, and rearfoot valgus angle, was measured using a 3D laser scanner. Flatfoot evaluations were conducted using the Sztriter-Godunov index (KY) from footprints. All measurements were analyzed by age and sex using the mean values of the left and right sides. Comparisons were performed between flatfoot groups, between body mass index (BMI) groups, and between body height groups. The study revealed a significant decrease in the incidence of bipedal flatfoot with age (p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence of obesity remained consistent (p > 0.05). Bipedal flatfoot was associated with distinct morphological changes, including lower arches, reduced instep height, diminished ankle heights and a greater rearfoot valgus angle (p < 0.05). When comparing the BMI groups, overweight children had larger and thicker feet (p < 0.05), but no differences were found in arch height and ankle height (p > 0.05). When comparing the body height groups, short-statured children had a shorter feet girth, shorter arches, and shorter ankle height (p < 0.05), but no differences were found in the rearfoot valgus angle (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The main characteristics of flat feet include lower arches and instep heights and ankle heights but higher rearfoot valgus angles. In general, overweight children's feet do not have the common features of flat feet. In contrast, short children had similar features of flatfoot except for rearfoot valgus. Assessment of posture, such as rearfoot valgus, can be critical in identifying children with flat feet. WHAT IS KNOWN: • The morphology of children's feet is associated with body growth, but the relationship between flatfeet and body mass and height remains controversial. WHAT IS NEW: • Three-dimensional foot measurement shows that body mass is generally not associated with flatfeet, while short children have lower arches but no rearfoot valgus.

Differentiated expressed miRNAs in splenic monocyte induced by burn injury in mice.

To find potential biomarkers based on miRNA and their potential targets in splenic monocytes in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to sham or scalding injury of 15% total body surface area. Spenic CD11b+ monocytes were purified with magnetic beads. The monocytes were cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. The proliferation of monocytes was detected by MTT assay, and the cytokines in the supernatant were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The purified monocytes were also under total RNA extraction. The differential monocytic miRNAs expression between the sham and burn-injured mice was analysed by miRNA microarray. The activity of monocytes was comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, monocytes from burn-injured mice secreted higher levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor-ß, but lower level of monocyte chemoattratctant protein-1. A total of 54 miRNAs were differentially expressed in monocytes from burn relative to sham-injured mice (fold >3). Further quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the expression of miR-146a was significantly down-regulated, while miR-3091-6p was up-regulated after burn injury. Using the combination of Miranda and TargetScan softwares, we found that mir-146a may regulate 180 potential target genes including TNF receptor related factor 6 (TRAF6), interleukin-1 receptor related kinase 1 (IRAK1) and CD28. Mir-3091-6p may regulate 39 potential targets, including SOCS7 (cytokine signal transduction inhibitor 7) and ARRB2 (arrestin, ß 2). The miRNAs expressed by monocytes after burn injury may be involved in the regulation of innate immune response in burn injury.

Exendin-4 Exacerbates Burn-Induced Mortality in Mice by Switching to Th2 Response.

INTRODUCTION: To determine if Exendin-4 could be a therapeutic agent for burn-induced hyperglycemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Balb/c mice received a bolus of Exendin-4 intraperitoneally immediately after 15% total body surface area scald injury. Tail glucose levels were recorded and T-cell functions were analyzed at 4 h and 24 h postburn (pb). Pancreatic pathology was observed consecutively. The secretions of cytokines were detected in serum, spleen, and lung. Apoptosis of splenic CD3+ T-cells was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Although Exendin-4 could attenuate burn-induced hyperglycemia in mice at 4 h pb, it accelerated their survival dose dependently with progressive depletion of splenocyte number. T-cell function underwent two-phasic changes following Exendin-4 treatment. Compared to placebo mice, T-cell from Exendin-4-treated mice was manifested with increased proliferation, while decreased IL-2 secretion and lower ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ at 4 h pb. However, at 24 h pb, it showed decreased proliferation, while increased IL-2 secretion and higher ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ. Exendin-4 could elicit higher circulating IL-6 and IL-10 levels at 4 h pb, which were pronounced in the lung at 24 h pb. In the meanwhile, severe inflammation could be found in the pancreas. At 24 h pb, the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling or caspase-3 positive cells and the apoptosis of CD3+ T-cells were significantly increased in the spleens of Exendin-4 mice relative to placebo mice. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a pathogenic role of Exendin-4 signaling during thermal injury, warning against its clinical application in acute insults.

The preparation of polyclonal antibody against chlordimeform and establishment of detection by indirect competitive ELISA.

Objective: Chlordimeform is a chemical pesticide that is highly carcinogenic and toxic. The purpose of this study was to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for the detection of chlordimeform in aquaculture and fish farming. METHODS: Chlordimeform was coupled with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) as carrier proteins. A chlordimeform-BSA conjugate was used as an immunogen, and chlordimeform-OVA was used as a coating antigen. Chlordimeform-BSA was used to immunize rabbits, and a polyclonal antibody was prepared. An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) was established to detect chlordimeform. RESULTS: The working range of the established IC-ELISA method for chlordimeform detection was 1-20 ng/mL. The IC50 was 3.126 ng/mL, and the lower limit of detection (LOD) of chlordimeform was 0.637 ng/mL. The recovery of chlordimeform from spiked water samples ranged from 81% to 107%. CONCLUSION: An anti-chlordimeform polyclonal antibody was successfully developed, and a novel IC-ELISA was established to detect chlordimeform in aquaculture.

[Clinical Characteristics of 30-day Unplanned Reoperations after Thoracic Surgery].

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of 30-day unplanned reoperations after thoracic surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with unplanned reoperations within 30 days after thoracic surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2016 to May 2021. Results The 30-day unplanned reoperations showed the incidence of 0.75%(79/10 543),the median hospital stay of 19(12,37) days,and the median hospitalization cost of 109 929.11(80 549.46,173 491.87) yuan.Twenty-two(27.85%) patients received blood transfusion and 26(32.91%) underwent intensive care.The period between May 2016 and May 2017 witnessed the most unplanned reoperations.The main causes of unplanned reoperations after thoracic surgery were bleeding(21.52%),chylothorax(17.72%),pulmonary air leakage(16.46%),atelectasis(13.92%),and gastroesophageal fistula(11.39%).Specifically,the main causes of unplanned reoperations in the patients of non-esophagus/cardia group were bleeding,pulmonary air leakage,atelectasis,and chylothorax,and those in the patients of esophagus/cardia group were gastroesophageal fistula,incision infection and poor healing,bleeding,and chylothorax.Among all the patients with unplanned reoperations,4 patients died,17 improved,and 58 recovered. Conclusions The patients who underwent unplanned reoperations after thoracic surgery had a long hospital stay and high hospitalization costs. Bleeding,chylothorax,pulmonary air leakage,atelectasis,and gastroesophageal fistula were the main reasons for the unplanned reoperations.

Clinical manifestations of severe enterovirus 71 infection and early assessment in a Southern China population.

BACKGROUND: Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) shows a potential of rapid death, but the natural history of the infection is poorly known. This study aimed to examine the natural history of EV-A71 infection. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal observational study performed between January 1st and October 31st, 2012, at three hospitals in Guangdong, China. Subjects with positive EV-A71 RNA laboratory test results were included. Disease progression was documented with MRI, autopsies, and follow-up. Symptoms/signs with potential association with risk of death were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 288 patients, neurologic symptoms and signs were observed (emotional movement disorders, dyskinesia, involuntary movements, autonomic dysfunction, and disturbance of consciousness). Some of them occurred as initial symptoms. Myoclonic jerks/tremors were observed among >50% of the patients; nearly 40% of patients presented fatigue and 25% were with vomiting. Twenty-eight patients (9.7%) presented poor peripheral perfusion within 53.4 ± 26.1 h; 23 patients (8.0%) presented pulmonary edema and/or hemorrhage within 62.9 ± 28.6 h. Seventeen (5.9%) patients were in a coma. Seven (2.4%) patients died within 62.9 ± 28.6 h. Seventy-seven survivors underwent head and spinal cord MRI and 37.7% (29/77) showed abnormalities. Two fatal cases showed neuronal necrosis, softening, perivascular cuffing, colloid, and neuronophagia phenomenon in the brainstem. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EV-A71 infection showed high complexity of symptoms and onset timing. Death risk may be indicated by autokinetic eyeball, eyeball ataxia, severe coma, respiratory rhythm abnormality, absent pharyngeal reflex, ultrahyperpyrexia, excessive tachycardia, pulmonary edema and/or hemorrhage, and refractory shock and ataxic respiration. Early assessment of these symptoms/signs is important for proper management.

Diverse Ligand-Functionalized Mixed-Valent Hexamanganese Sandwiched Silicotungstates with Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior.

Under hydrothermal conditions, replacement of the water molecules in the [Mn(III) 4 Mn(II) 2 O4 (H2 O)4 ](8+) cluster of mixed-valent Mn6 sandwiched silicotungstate [(B-α-SiW9 O34 )2 Mn(III) 4 Mn(II) 2 O4 (H2 O)4 ](12-) (1 a) with organic N ligands led to the isolation of five organic-inorganic hybrid, Mn6 -substituted polyoxometalates (POMs) 2-6. They were all structurally characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 2-6 represent the first series of mixed-valent {Mn(III) 4 Mn(II) 2 O4 (H2 O)4-n (L)n } sandwiched POMs covalently functionalized by organic ligands. The preparation of 1-6 not only indicates that the double-cubane {Mn(III) 4 Mn(II) 2 O4 (H2 O)4-n (L)n } clusters are very stable fragments in both conventional aqueous solution and hydrothermal systems and that organic functionalization of the [Mn(III) 4 Mn(II) 2 O4 (H2 O)4 ](8+) cluster by substitution reactions is feasible, but also demonstrates that hydrothermal environments can promote and facilitate the occurrence of this substitution reaction. This work confirms that hydrothermal synthesis is effective for making novel mixed-valent POMs substituted with transition-metal (TM) clusters by combining lacunary Keggin precursors with TM cations and tunable organic ligands. Furthermore, magnetic measurements reveal that 3 and 6 exhibit single-molecule magnet behavior.

Paenibacillusliaoningensis sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A novel bacterial strain, designated as LNUB461T, was isolated from soil sample taken from the countryside of Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. The isolate was a Gram-stain-positive, aerobiotic, motile, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium. The organism grew optimally at 30-33 °C, pH 6.5-7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed high sequence similarity with Paenibacillus algorifonticola XJ259T (98.5 %), Paenibacillus xinjiangensis B538T (96.8 %), Paenibacillus glycanilyticus DS-1T (96.1 %) and Paenibacillus lupini RLAHU15T (96.1 %). The predominant cellular fatty acid and the only menaquinone were anteiso-C15:0 and MK-7, respectively. The main polar lipids of LNUB461T included phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and two unknown amino phospholipids (APL), and the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid (A1γ). The DNA G+C content of LNUB461T was 49.1 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between LNUB461T and the most closely related species (P. algorifonticola) was 41.8 %. On the basis of these data, LNUB461T was classified as representing a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus liaoningensis sp. nov was proposed. The type strain is LNUB461T (=JCM 30712T=CGMCC 1.15101T).

Identification of NS1 domains of avian H5N1 influenza virus which influence the interaction with the NOLC1 protein.

Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is an important virulence factor encoded by influenza A virus. NS1 can interact with a variety of host cell proteins to interfere with the host innate immune response and to promote effective viral replication. Our previous work has shown that only the effector domain of NS1 (amino acid residues 74-230/237) is sufficient to interact with nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (NOLC1). To investigate the exact region of NS1 that interacts with NOLC1, we used only the effector domain of NS1 and constructed various mutants having different deletions, and then tested their ability to interact with NOLC1 via pull-down assay. Only the mutant containing amino acid residues 104-200 showed positive interaction with NOLC1. To further determine the key amino acids of the NS1 effector domain which are crucial for interaction with NOLC1, several mutants containing a single amino acid substitution were made and their interaction with NOLC1 was tested. Only the mutant D120A or R195A showed reduced binding with NOLC1, suggesting that D120 and R195 were crucial to the binding of NS1 to NOLC1. This study lays the foundation for further research aiming at furthering our understanding of the interaction between NS1 and host cells.

Identification and Treatment of the Early Form of Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema in Emergency Room.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the management of the early neurogenic pulmonary edema(NPE)in patients with non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: Totally 140 eligible patients with non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage who were treated in the emergency department of our hospital from October 2008 to October 2014 were divided into two groups:NPE group(n=25)and non-NPE group(n=115). The clinical data were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Although the mean arterial pressure was similar between these two groups,the median pH and the bicarbonate ion(HCO(3)(-))were significantly lower in the NPE group than in the non-NPE group(pH:7.32 vs.7.39,P=0.002;HCO(3)(-),20.6 mmol/L vs.22.7 mmol/L,P=0.01). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that younger age and higher glucose level were significantly correlated with the early onset of NPE in the NPE group than in the non-NPE group(age:50.1 years vs.65.1 years,P=0.0008;glucose,15.4 mmol/L vs.10.78 mmol/L,P=0.001).There were only 3 patients in all with non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage happened the fulminant NPE in 1 hour. Within 24 hours after patients visited the emergency room,the condition was improved in 20 of 25 patients in the NPE group. However,5 patients died,among whom 3 patients with fulminant NPE(onset within 1 hour)died due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and complicated with multiple organ failure,and 2 died of cerebral hernia. CONCLUSIONS: NPE is a rare and severe complication in patients with non traumatic cerebral hemorrhage. The possibility of NPE should be considered in relatively young patients with higher glucose and lower blood pH value. Timely prevention and treatment can improve the outcomes.

[Identification of a novel pathogenic mutation in PDHA1 gene for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular genetic mechanism and genetic diagnosis of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PHD), and to provide a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal genetic diagnosis of PHD. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the 11 exons and exon junction of the PDHA1 gene from a child who was diagnosed with PHD based on clinical characteristics and laboratory examination results. The PCR products were sequenced to determine the mutation. An analysis of amino acid conservation and prediction of protein secondary and tertiary structure were performed using bioinformatic approaches to identify the pathogenicity of the novel mutation. RESULTS: One novel duplication mutation, c.1111_1158dup48bp, was found in the exon 11 of the PDHA1 gene of the patient. No c.1111_1158dup48bp mutation was detected in the sequencing results from 50 normal controls. The results of protein secondary and tertiary structure prediction showed that the novel mutation c.1111 _1158dup48bp led to the duplication of 16 amino acids residues, serine371 to phenylalanine386, which induced a substantial change in protein secondary and tertiary structure. The conformational change was not detected in the normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: The novel duplication mutation c.1111_1158dup48bp in the PDHA1 gene is not due to gene polymorphisms but a possible novel pathogenic mutation for PHD.

[Effect of inflammatory factors on cell proliferation and apoptosis in insulin-like grown factor 1-slienced human coronary artery smooth muscle cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of inflammatory factors on cell proliferation and apoptosis in insulin-like grown factor 1 (IGF1)-slienced human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs). METHODS: We silenced the expression of IGF1 in hCASMCs using the lentivirus-mediated RNA interference technology. Blank control group and negative control group were set using the hCASMCs without the infection of a virus vector and the hCASMCs with the infection of a negative control virus vector, respectively. After the treatment of these cells with both tumor necrosis factor-α 50 ng/ml and interleukin-1ß 40 ng/ml, the concentration of IGF1 in cell-culture medium was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: After the simulation with inflammatory factors, the concentration of IGF1 in the supernatant fluid of cultured IGF1-slienced hCASMCs was significantly lower than those in the blank control group and negative control group [(426.35±120.96) vs. (1 030.69±54.69) and (992.82±26.90)pg/ml, P=0.000). The proliferation of IGF1-slienced hCASMCs was substantially much less than the two control groups (0.302±0.011 vs. 0.401±0.028 and 0.302±0.011, F=37.628, P=0.000), and the apoptosis rate of IGF1-slienced hCASMCs was significant increased compared with the other two groups [(10.57±0.99)% vs. (0.19±0.13)% and (1.31±0.30)%, P=0.001]. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory factors can inhibit the cell proliferation and promote apoptosis after the knock-down of IGF1 in hCASMCs.

[Expression of PAPP-A, IGF-I and their effects on the cytological functions of siRNA lentiviral vector of hCASMCs IGF-I after inflammatory factor].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate expression of PAPP-A, IGF-I and the effect of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta on the cytological functions of hCASMCs with IGF-I gene silencing after inflammatory factor, in order to further study on the action of IGF axis hormone in the rupture of astable atheroxclerosis plaque. METHODS: A RNA interference (RNAi) aimed at the gene of IGF-I was carried out to have an eukaryon transfection to hCASMCs. When the IGF- I-shRNA-hCASMC were treated by TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IGFBP4, the expression of PAPP-A and IGF-I were detected with Western blot and ELISA. And then, the effect of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IGFBP4 on the proliferation of IGF-I-shRNA- hCASMC were assessed by MTT assay and changing in cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Significant positive expression of PAPP-A in hCASMCs which were treated by TNF-alpha + IL-1beta or TNF-alpha + IL-1beta + IGFBP4 in Blank control (CON), Negative control (NC) and RNAi group were observed, but lower expression in the RNAi group than that in CON and NC groups. However, there was no positive expression of PAPP-A in hCASMCs of CON, NC, RNAi group treating without TNF-alpha + IL-1beta or TNF-alpha + IL-1beta + IGFBP4. The expression of IGF-I in hCASMCs of CON, NC, RNAi group treated with TNF-alpha + IL-1beta + IGFBP4 were greater than that only with or without TNF-alpha + IL-1beta treatment. In RNAi group, the A570 decreased when the hCASMCs treated with TNF-alpha + IL-1beta + IGFBP4 and significant lower than that in hCASMCs treated with TNF-alpha + IL-1beta. When the hCASMCs were treated with TNF-alpha + IL-1beta or TNF-alpha + IL-1beta + IGFBP4, the rate of apoptosis significantly increased in RNAi group, which was significantly higher than that in CON group and NC group. In addition, in RNAi group, the rate of apoptosis in hCASMCs treated with TNF-alpha + IL-1beta + IGFBP4 was significant higher than that in hCASMCs treated only with TNF-alpha + IL-1beta. CONCLUSION: When the IGF-I-shRNA-hCASMCs were stimulated by some inflammation factors, its proliferation decreased but the apoptosis enhanced. So the activated IGF-I level in local microebvironnment increased, which may cause the descend of cell proliferation and the increasing of apoptosis.

Citrus pectin protects mice from burn injury by modulating intestinal microbiota, GLP-1 secretion and immune response.

Water-soluble rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched citrus pectin (WRP) has promising effect on antimicrobial defense. We aim to determine whether the modified acidic (A) or neutral (B) WRP solutions can improve intestinal microbial dysbiosis in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were gavaged with WRPs at 80, 160, 320 mg/kg. Body weight daily for 21 days before exposed to thermal injury of 15 % total body surface area and mortality was monitored. Mice with 80 mg/kg WRPs were also subjected to fecal DNAs and T cell metabonomics analysis, intestinal and plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) detection, plasma defensin, immunoglobin and intestinal barrier examinations at 1 and 3d postburn (p.b.). Burn-induced mortality was only improved by low dose WRP-A (P = 0.039). Both WRPs could prevent the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in burn injury by reducing the expansion of inflammation-promoting bacteria. Both WRPs suppressed ileum GLP-1 production at 1d p.b. (P = 0.002) and plasma GLP-1 levels at 3d p.b. (P = 0.013). Plasma GLP-1 level correlated closely with ileum GLP-1 production (P = 0.019) but negatively with microbiota diversity at 1d p.b. (P = 0.003). Intestinal T cell number was increased by both WRPs in jejunum at 3d p.b. However, the exaggerated splenic T cell metabolism in burn injury was reversed by both WRPs at 1d p.b. The burn-increased plasma defensin ß1 level was only reduced by WRP-B. Similarly, the intestinal barrier permeability was only rescued by WRP-B at 1d p.b. WRP-A rather than WRP-B could reduce burn-induced mortality in mice by suppressing intestinal GLP-1 secretion, restoring gut microbiota dysbiosis and improving adaptive immune response.

Influence of intensive insulin therapy on vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with severe trauma.

The influence of early-stage intensive insulin therapy on the plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the related parameters in patients with severe trauma and the clinical implication were investigated. Sixty-four cases of severe trauma (injury severity score ≥20) with stress hyperglycemia (blood glucose >9 mmol/L) were randomly divided into intensive insulin therapy group and conventional therapy group. ELISA method, radioimmunoassay and density gradient gradation one-step process were used to determine plasma VEGF, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and the number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) at the day of 0, 2, 3, 5 and 7 after admission. Simultaneously, the changes of CRP concentration in plasma were monitored to evaluate inflammatory response. The results showed that plasma levels of observational indexes in patients receiving early-stage intensive insulin therapy were all significantly lower than those in conventional therapy groups 2, 3, 5 and 7 days after admission [for VEGF (ng/L), 122.2±23.8 vs. 135.9±26.5, 109.6±27.3 vs. 129.0±18.4, 88.7±18.2 vs. 102.6±27.3, 54.2±26.4 vs. 85.7±35.2, P<0.05, 0.01, 0.05, 0.05 respectively; for ET-1 (ng/L), 162.8±23.5 vs. 173.7±13.2, 128.6±17.5 vs. 148.8±22.4, 96.5±14.8 vs. 125.7±14.8, 90.7±16.9 vs. 104.9±22.5, P<0.05, 0.01, 0.01, 0.01 respectively; for CRP (mg/L), 23.2±13.8 vs. 31.9±16.5, 13.6±17.3 vs. 23.5±18.4, 8.7±10.2 vs. 15.6±13.3, 5.2±9.4 vs. 10.7±11.2, all P<0.05; for CECs (/0.9 µL), 10.9±5.6 vs. 13.9±6.2, 8.5±4.9 vs. 11.3±5.3, 6.3±6.4 vs. 9.4±5.7, 4.8±7.1 vs. 7.8±4.8, all P<0.05]. It was concluded that intensive insulin therapy could antagonize the endothelium injury after trauma and reduce inflammation response quickly, which was one of important mechanisms by which intensive insulin therapy improves the prognosis of trauma patients.

[Lung cancer associated paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis: an analysis of 7 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer associated paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE). METHODS: The clinical data of 7 cases of patients with lung cancer associated PLE out of 8927 patients of lung cancer from January 2000 to May 2010 was analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were male, aging from 41 to 54 years with a mean of 48 years. The data including history, physical examination, laboratory tests, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All the 7 patients had smoking history. All 7 patients had varying short-term memory loss, 6 had epilepsy, 4 had different degrees of mental disorders, and 2 had syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. Malignancies were screened and detected by chest X-ray or CT scan, while the pathological diagnoses were obtained through biopsy or transbronchial needle aspiration through electronic bronchoscope (5/7), biopsy of supraclavicular lymph nodes (1/7) and open pulmonary lobectomy (1/7). The pathological diagnosis included small cell lung cancer in 6 cases, adenocarcinoma of lung in 1 case. During the follow-up, 1 patient was lost, and the mean time of follow-up of the remaining 6 patients was about 11.5 months (ranged from 4 to 21 months). Four patients received early immunosuppressive treatment in terms of corticosteroids, only slight relief of neurological symptoms was seen in 2 patients. However, after chemotherapy (6/6), radiation (3/6), or surgical removal of the tumor (1/6), complete remission (3/6, with negative anti-Hu antibody) or partial remission (3/6, 2 of whom with positive anti-Hu antibody) of neurological symptoms were observed. Till October 2010, 3 patients with poorer tumor stag died ( survival were 4, 10, and 14 months respectively), while the other 3 patients with negative anti-Hu antibody and relative better tumor stag were still in the follow-up (the period were 5, 15, and 21 months). CONCLUSIONS: PLE is a rare disease. In comparison with immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy, radiation or surgical removal of the tumor could provide better remission of the neurological symptoms. Positive serum anti-Hu antibody, poorer tumor stag, and together with poorer response to treatments seem to indicate a poorer prognosis.

[A preliminary study about the apoptostic mechanism of RNA targeting basic fibroblast growth factor in glioma U251 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily investigate the mechanism of small interfering RNA (siRNA) induced apoptosis in glioma U251 cells by silencing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). METHODS: U251 cells were divided into the normal control group, the mock group and experiment group, the mock and experiment group were transfected with mock vector (Ad-null) and the recombinant adenovirus carrying bFGF-siRNA (Ad-bFGF-siRNA) respectively at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100. After 72 hours, the expression of related proteins was revealed by the method of Western blot. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, Groups were compared using single factor analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA). RESULTS: After U251 cells were transfected with bFGF-siRNA, the results of Western blot showed that after 72 hours of transfection the bFGF protein in the experiment group decreased obviously, meanwhile Cytochrome C, Caspase-3 and Bax showed increased expression while in the Bcl-xl and Bcl-2 proteins decreased expression. The proportion of high mitochondrial membrane potential of cells by flow cytometry, the experimental group was 74.4% ± 4.7% decreased significantly compared with the control group 92.1% ± 2.5%, the mock group 90.9% ± 1.8% (F = 28.805, P < 0.05); laser scanning confocal microscopy results showed that the red fluorescence and green fluorescence ratio of the experimental group was 0.83 ± 0.12 decreased significantly compared with 1.36 ± 0.40 of the control group and 1.32 ± 0.35 of the mock group(F = 7.920, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: siRNA targeting bFGF induced U251 cell apoptosis may be achieved through the mitochondrial pathway.

Cystic teratoma of the parotid gland: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Teratoma is a common tumor, but rarely occurs in the parotid region. Only nine cases have been reported in the current literature. Although it is generally detected in infancy or childhood, it is commonly asymptomatic. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have important roles in the diagnosis of teratoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old man developed a lump located below the left auricular lobule 3 years ago. Physical examination revealed a nearly-circular tumor in the left parotid gland region with a defined border, firm texture, and significant movement. Calcification, fat, keratinized substances, and typical fat-liquid levels was observed on CT and MRI. A diagnosis of cystic teratoma of the parotid gland was established preoperatively and confirmed by postoperative pathology. Following surgery, the patient developed temporary facial paralysis. There was no recurrence of teratoma during the 15-mo follow-up period. CONCLUSION: When an asymptomatic mass in the parotid region is identified, parotid gland teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis. Imaging examinations are helpful in the diagnosis.

Protective effects of Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine on PC12 cells injured by amyloid-ß.

Excessive accumulation of amyloid-ß (Aß) is the leading cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine are main alkaloids in lotus seed embryos. In this paper, the protective effects of Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine on Aß25-35 -injured PC12 cells were studied. It was found that Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine could improve the viability and reduce the apoptosis of PC12 cell induced by Aß25-35 . These three alkaloids could also reduce the level of intracellular free Ca2+ and CaM expression in Aß25-35 -treated cells, thereby inhibiting the phosphorylation of CaMKII and tau. In addition, these three compounds can inhibit the production of ROS in PC12 cells injured by Aß25-35 . Our results suggest for the first time that Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine can inhibit hyperphosphorylation of tau protein by inhibiting the Ca2+ -CaM/CaMKII pathway, thereby reducing the apoptosis and death of PC12 cells damaged by Aß25-35 . PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study highlighted the protective effects and mechanisms of three main active ingredients (Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine) in the lotus embryo on a typical cell model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The results revealed that three alkaloids in this healthy food might exert therapeutic potential for AD.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Background: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the thymus is a rare disease. The present meta-analysis aims at accumulating current evidence to explore the clinical characteristics, treatments, and prognoses of thymic MALT lymphoma. Methods: We searched seven databases for studies published between the start date of database establishment and September 15, 2021. We included studies of patients with histological diagnoses and excluded those without data specifically on thymic MALT lymphoma. The quality was analyzed using an assessment tool. All data were tabulated. Pooled proportion was obtained using random-effects model. Statistical analysis was performed on R statistic software. Results: Overall, 52 case reports and 13 case series were eligible. The quality of case reports was inferior to that of case series in terms of selection (P<0.001). Based on the analysis of patients in the case reports, age, gender, concurrent diseases, and tumor size did not differ between limited-stage and advanced-stage cases. Surgery is the mainstay to treat thymic MALT lymphoma. The surgical approach and extent did not influence the occurrence of events. Patients at Ann Arbor stage I were prone to not receiving postoperative therapy (P=0.011), though it may not reduce the occurrence of events (P=0.637). The five-year overall survival (OS) rate and five-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate were 97.2% and 88.4%, respectively. Patients with advanced-stage disease were more likely to suffer events (P=0.009). Conclusions: Thymic MALT lymphoma is an extremely rare disease with a favorable prognosis. Currently available evidence is insufficient to draw solid judgments about treatment and prognosis. However, patients may benefit if thymectomy is chosen as the primary treatment. In some patients, lymph node sampling or dissection should be considered. In addition, if the patient is at an advanced-stage, postoperative therapy should be considered.