A pre-conception cohort study of fertility and its related factors among couples with the intention of conception / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To describe fertility and explore factors associated with it among pre-conception couples of childbearing age. Methods: Based on the pre-conceptional offspring trajectory study of the School of Public Health of Fudan University, couples of childbearing age who participated in the pre-conception physical examination in Shanghai Jiading District from 2016 to 2021 were recruited and followed up. Couples' time to pregnancy (TTP) was analyzed and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the factors associated with TTP. Kaplan-Meier was used to calculate each menstrual cycle's cumulative pregnancy rate. Results: A total of 1 095 preconception couples were included in the analysis, the M(Q1,Q3)of TTP was 4.33 (2.41, 9.78) menstrual cycles. Age of women (FR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.85-0.95, P<0.001), women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy (FR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.24-0.55, P<0.001), women who were exposed to second-hand smoking (FR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.44-0.92, P=0.016), women whose home or office had been renovated in the past 2 years and had a particular smell (FR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.26-0.81, P=0.008) were risk factors for impaired fertility. Regular menstrual cycles (FR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.16-2.31, P=0.005), females who often drank tea/coffee (FR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.11-2.17, P=0.011) and males who took folic acid before conception (FR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.38-4.23, P=0.002) were associated with better fertility. The cumulative pregnancy rate of 3, 6, and 12 menstrual cycles was 37.6%, 64.4%, and 78.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Older couples, overweight or obesity before pregnancy, irregular menstruation, exposure to secondhand smoke and decoration pollutants in females are associated with impaired fertility. Frequent tea/coffee drinking before pregnancy in females and taking folic acid before pregnancy in males are associated with shortened conception time.

KCNH2 mutation c.3099_3112del causes congenital long QT syndrome type 2 with gender differences

Abstract Introduction: Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation. LQT2 is the second most common subtype of LQTS caused by loss of function mutations in the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene. Although more than 900 mutations are associated with the LQTS, many of these mutations are not validated or characterized. Methods and results: Sequencing analyses of genomic DNA of a family with LQT2 identified a putative mutation. i.e., KCNH2(NM_000238.3): c.3099_3112del, in KCNH2 gene which appeared to be a definite pathogenic mutation. The family pedigree information showed a gender difference in clinical features and T-wave morphology between male and female patients. The female with mutation exhibited recurring ventricular arrhythmia and syncope, while two male carriers did not show any symptoms. In addition, T-wave in females was much flatter than in males. The female proband showed a positive reaction to the lidocaine test. Lidocaine injection almost completely blocked ventricular arrhythmia and shortened the QT interval by ≥30 ms. Treatment with propranolol, mexiletine, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators prevented the sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope, as assessed by a 3-year follow-up evaluation. Conclusions: A putative mutation c.3099_3112del in the KCNH2 gene causes LQT2 syndrome, and the pathogenic mutation mainly causes symptoms in female progeny.

Investigation on "Fengshi (GB 31) for treating wind disorders" / 中国针灸

From the perspective of academic history, the paper reviews systematically the background and evolution of the understanding of "Fengshi (GB 31) for treating wind disorders". In the ancient literature, there are no direct relevant statement for the indication of Fengshi (GB 31) associated with "wind", and the consensus on "Fengshi for treating wind disorders" has not been made yet. Under the influence of acupoint theory in recent era and the syndrome differentiation for acupuncture treatment in modern time, this statement becomes a conventional understanding and acceptable gradually. Meanwhile, the understanding for Fengshi (GB 31) treating wind disorders tends to be generalized. Practically, Fengshi (GB 31) is applicable for the various disorders in the local and adjacent areas. It is necessary for modern acupuncture researchers to systematically collate, investigate and identify the knowledge content with a sense of familiarity so that the contemporary inheritance, development and application of traditional theoretical knowledge of acupuncture can be enhanced.

Contribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Conventional Medicine Treatment for a Long-Term Survivor of Heart Transplant with Severe COVID-19： A Case Report / 中医杂志

We report a case of a long-term survivor of heart transplant who developed severe COVID-19 and was treated with a traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional medicine. Throughout the treatment， the patient received active conventional medical treatment， and traditional Chinese medicine interventions included tonifying qi， invigorating the spleen and transforming phlegm， promoting yang and eliminating stagnation， resolving dampness and dissipating phlegm， and promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis. The main therapeutic principles adopted were to recuperating depleted yang and rescuing the patient from collapse and to resolve phlegm and promote water. Pogezilong Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction （破格子龙宣白承气汤） with modifications was administered. In summary， it is crucial to the timely adjust the immunosuppressive regimen， combine use of various anti-infective agents with a focus on COVID-19， to protect of cardiac and renal function， and to integrate traditional Chinese medicine in the entire treatment process. As this case is rare， the diagnostic and therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine， the use of immunosuppressive agents， and follow-up monitoring strategies can be a valuable reference.

Analysis of breast cancer screening among rural women in Qinba area / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To analyze the results of the free breast cancer screening project for rural women in Qinba area, and to investigate intervention measures for the improvement of screening rate.Methods:The data of 5 974 rural women aged 35 to 64 years old with breast cancer in Qinba area during two cancer screening in 3201 Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine and Nanjiang County Women and Children Hospital between August 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of the screened population, the results of breast ultrasonography, mammography and pathological examination were statistically analyzed.The differences in the positive rates of breast ultrasonography and breast ultrasonography supplemented with mammography in the clinical screening of breast cancer among different age groups were compared.Results:The highest participation rate was found in those aged 45 to 49 years old, accounting for 29.56% (1 766/5 974); the lowest participation rate was those aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 3.65% (218/5 974). According to breast ultrasonography screening, 976 (16.34%) cases were suspected positive, 282 (4.72%) cases were positive; 84 (1.41%) were screened for mammography, 18 (21.43%) cases were suspected positive and 6 (7.14%) cases were positive; and the detection rate of breast cancer was 66.96/ 100 000 (4/5 974). There were statistically significant differences in the positive rate of clinical breast cancer screening by breast ultrasonography and breast ultrasonography supplemented with mammography among different age groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Breast cancer screening in Qinba area has achieved some good results. The screening mode of physical examination combined with breast ultrasound supplemented with mammography is suitable for this area, but the compliance of the population is poor. The scientific awareness of breast cancer in rural women should be improved.

Effect of admission mode of septic patients in intensive care unit on acute kidney injury and prognosis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) admission model on acute kidney injury (AKI) development and the prognosis in patients with sepsis.Methods:Patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the ICU admission model, the patients were divided into emergency group (first admission or emergency transfer from relevant surgical departments) and delayed group (transferred from the general ward due to disease evolution). Patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group according to whether AKI was accompanied. The gender, age, underlying diseases, surgical history, heart rate, laboratory test indicators, acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), organ failure and acute complications were collected. The incidence of AKI, 28-day mortality and length of ICU stay were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of AKI in patients with sepsis.Results:A total of 185 patients with sepsis were enrolled, including 96 cases in the emergency group and 89 cases in the delayed group. 119 cases of AKI occurred while 66 cases without AKI development. The incidence of AKI within 7 days and the 28-day mortality of patients in the delayed group were significantly higher than those in the emergency group [AKI incidence rate: 77.53% (69/89) vs. 52.08% (50/96), 28-day mortality: 24.72% (22/89) vs. 10.42% (10/96), both P < 0.05], and the length of ICU stay was significantly longer than that of the emergency group (days: 18.70±7.29 vs. 14.56±4.75, P < 0.05). Univariate Logistic analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, diabetes, hypertension, organ failure, heart failure, APACHEⅡscore, SOFA score, white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil value, platelet count (PLT), blood lactate, total bilirubin, and ICU transferred from general wards between AKI group and non-AKI group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that transfer from general ward to ICU due to disease evolution was an independent risk factor for AKI in ICU sepsis patients [odds ratio ( OR) = 5.165, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 3.911-6.823, P < 0.001]. Conclusion:Septic patients transferred from general ward to ICU due to disease evolution are more likely to develop AKI, and also had a higher mortality and longer ICU stay. It may be an independent risk factor for AKI complicated by patients with sepsis in ICU.

End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure to assess the value of passive leg-raising test in predicting volume responsiveness in patients with septic shock / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the value of partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P ETCO 2) combined with passive leg raising test (PLR) in predicting volume responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Methods:A total of 43 patients with septic shock admitted to the second department of critical care medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from December 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the research subjects. P ETCO 2, cardiac index (CI), stroke volume variation (SVV), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and other hemodynamic indexes were monitored before and after PLR and volume stress test (VE). Subjects were grouped according to the CI variation rate (ΔCI) after VE test. Patients with ΔCI ≥ 15% were the responding group, and patients with ΔCI < 15% were the non-responding group. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to analyze the evaluation value of the change in P ETCO 2 after PLR on the evaluation value of fluid responsiveness. Results:Among the 43 patients, 22 cases were in the responding group, accounting for 51.2%; 21 cases were in the non-responding group, accounting for 48.8%. After the PLR test, the change values of MAP, SVV, CI and P ETCO 2 in the responding group were higher than those in the non-responding group, and the differences were statistically significant [MAP (mmHg): 3.8±2.1 vs. 1.4±2.0, SVV (%): -5.3±2.5 vs. 2.7±2.0, CI (mL·s -1·m -2): 0.48±0.13 vs. 0.14±0.18, P ETCO 2 (mmHg): 3.4±1.8 vs. 1.1±1.0, all P < 0.05, 1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa]. After the VE test, the changes of HR, MAP, SVV, CI and P ETCO 2 in the responding group were higher than those in the non-responding group [HR (times/min): -8.3±2.8 vs. -2.3±3.7, MAP (mmHg): 3.8±2.4 vs. 1.2±1.7, SVV (%): -6.3±3.1 vs. -3.3±2.0, CI (mL·s -1·m -2): 0.51±0.14 vs. 0.16±0.12, P ETCO 2 (mmHg): 3.3±1.2 vs. 1.3±1.1, all P < 0.05]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the change in P ETCO 2 before and after the PLR test (ΔP ETCO 2 PLR) for evaluating fluid responsiveness was 0.881. When the critical value was 5.9%, the sensitivity was 76.7%, the specificity was 89.5%, and the correct index was 0.68; the AUC for SVV baseline assessment of fluid responsiveness was 0.835, and when the cut-off value was 12.8%, the sensitivity was 84.6%, the specificity was 80.0%, and the correct index was 0.65. The predictive value of ΔP ETCO 2 was not lower than the SVV baseline. Conclusion:After the PLR test, the change of P ETCO 2 can be used as a non-invasive, simple, safe and reliable indicator for predicting the volume responsiveness of patients with septic shock.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Trametes robiniophila on Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer VCaP Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate effect of aqueous extract of Trametes robiniophila （TRM，Huaier） on autophagy of human prostate cancer VCaP cells and Lamin B1 expression， so as to uncover its role in the proliferation of VCaP cells. MethodThe inhibitory effect of 0， 2， 4， 6， 8， 10 g·L-1 TRM aqueous extract on the proliferation of human prostate cancer VCaP cells at different time points were determined by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay. Acridine orange staining was conducted for analyzing the effect of TRM aqueous extract on the formation of autolysosomes in VCaP cells. After medication， the expression of microtubule-associated protein Ⅰ light chain 3 （LC3）， autophagy-related protein 3 （Atg3）， autophagy-related protein 5 （Atg5）， and autophagy-related protein 7 （Atg7） in VCaP cells were detected by Western blot. The effect of TRM aqueous extract alone and its combination with autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 on the proliferation of VCaP cells were assayed by CCK-8 assay. RNA interference technology was used to explore the role of Lamin B1 in anti-proliferation of VCaP cells by TRM. ResultCompared with the blank group， TRM aqueous extract inhibited the proliferation of human prostate cancer VCaP cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner （P<0.01）. Acridine orange staining showed that TRM aqueous extract promoted the formation of autolysosomes in VCaP cells. As revealed by Western blotting， TRM aqueous extract up-regulated the expression levels of LC3-Ⅱ， Atg3， Atg5， and Atg7 in contrast to those in the blank group （P<0.05）. All these indicated that TRM aqueous extract induced the autophagy of VCaP cells. In addition， autophagy inhibition impaired the sensitivity of VCaP cells to TRM aqueous extract （P<0.05）. The comparison with the blank group showed that TRM aqueous extract inhibited Lamin B1 protein expression in VCaP cells （P<0.01）， which in turns weakened the sensitivity of VCaP cells to TRM aqueous extract. ConclusionTRM aqueous extract inhibited the proliferation of human prostate cancer VCaP cells possibly by inducing autography and down-regulating Lamin B1 expression. This study has provided a theoretical basis for the clinical application of TRM.

Fucoxanthin regulates Nrf2/Keap1 signaling to alleviate myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic rats / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effect of fucoxanthin (FX) against diabetic cardiomyopathy and explore the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#Rat models of diabetes mellitus (DM) induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) were randomized into DM model group, fucoxanthin treatment (DM+FX) group and metformin treatment (DM+ Met) group, and normal rats with normal feeding served as the control group. In the two treatment groups, fucoxanthin and metformin were administered after modeling by gavage at the daily dose of 200 mg/kg and 230 mg/kg, respectively for 12 weeks, and the rats in the DM model group were given saline only. HE staining was used to examine the area of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy in each group. The expression levels of fibrotic proteins TGF-β1 and FN proteins in rat hearts were detected with Western blotting. In the cell experiment, the effect of 1 μmol/L FX on H9C2 cell hypertrophy induced by exposure to high glucose (HG, 45 mmol/L) was evaluated using FITC-labeled phalloidin. The mRNA expression levels of the hypertrophic factors ANP, BNP and β-MHC in H9C2 cells were detected using qRT-PCR. The protein expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1 and SOD1 proteins in rat heart tissues and H9C2 cells were determined using Western blotting. The DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).@*RESULTS@#In the diabetic rats, fucoxanthin treatment obviously alleviated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis, increased the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1, and decreased the protein expressions of Keap1 in the heart tissue (P < 0.05). In H9C2 cells with HG exposure, fucoxanthin significantly inhibited the enlargement of cell surface area, lowered the mRNA expression levels of ANP, BNP and β-MHC (P < 0.05), promoted Nrf2 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and up-regulated the protein expressions its downstream targets SOD1 and HO-1 (P < 0.05) to enhance cellular antioxidant capacity and reduce intracellular ROS production.@*CONCLUSION@#Fucoxanthin possesses strong inhibitory activities against diabetic cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis and is capable of up-regulating Nrf2 signaling to promote the expression of its downstream antioxidant proteins SOD1 and HO-1 to reduce the level of ROS.

Predictors and Dynamic Nomogram to Determine the Individual Risk of Malignant Brain Edema After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background@#and Purpose This study aimed to construct an optimal dynamic nomogram for predicting malignant brain edema (MBE) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after endovascular thrombectomy (ET). @*Methods@#We enrolled AIS patients after ET from May 2017 to April 2021. MBE was defined as a midline shift of >5 mm at the septum pellucidum or pineal gland based on follow-up computed tomography within 5 days after ET. Multivariate logistic regression and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression were used to construct the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decisioncurve analysis were used to compare our nomogram with two previous risk models for predicting brain edema after ET. @*Results@#MBE developed in 72 (21.9%) of the 329 eligible patients. Our dynamic web-based nomogram (https://successful.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/) consisted of five parameters: basal cistern effacement, postoperative National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, brain atrophy, hypoattenuation area, and stroke etiology. The nomogram showed good discrimination ability, with a C-index (Harrell’s concordance index) of 0.925 (95% confidence interval=0.890–0.961), and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p=0.386). All variables had variance inflation factors of 0.7, suggesting no significant collinearity among them. The AUC of our nomogram (0.925) was superior to those of Xiang-liang Chen and colleagues (0.843) and Ming-yang Du and colleagues (0.728). @*Conclusions@#Our web-based dynamic nomogram reliably predicted the risk of MBE in AIS patients after ET, and hence is worthy of further evaluation.

THE function and morphology study of eustachian tube based on sonotubometry and multi-slice spiral CT in normal subjects / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: In order to assess ET more comprehensively, sonotubometry (STM)combined with CT images were applied to investigate the opening features of eustachian tube (ET) in normal subjects. STM was also used as a monitor training ET opening maneuver and optimizing CT scan parameters. Methods: Following ET opening training monitored by STM, STM data of ET opening duration and maximum sound pressure from 13 healthy volunteers (10 males and 3 females, 22 to 26 years old) were acquired using maneuvers of swallowing and Valsalva in standing and supine positions. Two trials of CT scan, setting A (slice thickness 6.0 mm, manually simulated to 0.6 mm, reconstruction thickness 0.6 mm) for normal and Valsalva scans and setting B(slice thickness 0.4 mm,reconstruction thickness 0.4 mm)for Valsalva scan, were conducted in each subject. The bone area and cartilage area of ET were measured respectively in reconstructed CT images. Statistical software SPSS 19.0 was employed in data analysis. Results: The duration of ET opening and maximum sound pressure by Valsalva were longer and stronger than those by swallowing in both positions. For Valsalva maneuver, standing position resulted in longer ET opening duration compared to supine position (P<0.05). Under setting A, ET cartilage area was measured larger by Valsalva scan than by normal scan (P<0.05). By Valsalva scan, setting A captured larger ET cartilage area compared to setting B (P<0.05). CT setting B resulted in longer scan time in comparison to setting A (P<0.05). Conclusions: Techniques of STM in supine position plus CT scan under setting A can be combined by Valsalva passive ET opening. Not only the invisible ET lumen through routine CT scan can be illustrated, but also relevant ET open-close process is shown, therefore, this study provides the technique for ET research of function and structure.

The effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction for pediatric acute intussusception / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction for pediatric acute intussusception.Methods:One thousand eight hundred and thirty patients with acute intussusception diagnosed by ultrasound in Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from September 2017 to July 2020 were treated with ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction method. The therapeutic effects, complications and ultrasonic features were observed.Results:Among 1 830 cases, 1 791 cases were diagnosed as primary intussusception, and 39 cases were secondary intussusception. The overall rate of successful ultrasound enema reduction were 1 780/1 830(93.7%) patients. All 50/1 830(2.7%) patients underwent surgery after unsuccessful enema reduction, including 42 cases of primary intussusception, and 8 cases of secondary intussusception. The complication of intestinal perforation occurred in 3 cases (0.16%), and there were no deaths.Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided enema reduction for pediatric acute intussusception is an effective and safe method without radiation exposure, and can be used as the preferred method for non-operative treatment of intussusception.

Progress on surgical treatment for hemophiliac arthropathy / 中国骨伤

Surgical treatment is the main treatment for hemophilia arthritis, including synoviectomy, joint replacement and joint fusion. Synoviectomy is suitable for early hemophilia synovitis, and is divided into radiation, chemical, arthroscopy, and open operation. Radionuclides were recommended as the first choice due to its positive efficacy and less side effects, but exsit some problems such as scarcity of nuclides. Chemical synoviectomy is cheap and easy to operate, which is suitable for developing countriesm, while mutiple doses and pain after injection are main fault. Synoviectomy under arthroscope has a significant effect on the advanced lesion, but has a higher surgical risk. Open surgery with severe trauma and postoperative joint stiffness, is rarely performed. Joint replacement could effectively improve range of motion in advanced patients and is suitable for joints with high range of motion. Arthrodesis are effective in improving symptoms but lead to loss of range of motion and are suitable for joints with low range of motion. Operation for hemophilia arthritis has some problems, such as single operation, untimely diagnosis and treatment in early stage, and unsatisfactory curative effect in late stage. In addition, the treatment of hemophilia arthritis should focus on the early treatment, the formation of the whole process, the system of individual treatment concept.

Tracing origin and development of "Fenglong (ST 40) for phlegm": examination and verification / 中国针灸

From the perspective of academic history, the background and evolution of "Fenglong (ST 40) for phlegm" were systematically summarized. As a result, it was found that in the early period, Fenglong (ST 40) was used for "tangible phlegm" of respiratory tract, but in the later generations, due to the comprehensive effects of various factors, the phlegm treated by Fenglong (ST 40) was generalized. In modern clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, Fenglong (ST 40) is widely used for phlegm-related diseases. In addition, the knowledge content represented by "Fenglong (ST 40) for phlegm" showed evolution and change in academic heritage of previous dynasties. It is necessary for modern acupuncture researchers to systematically sort out, test and discriminate the habitual knowledge in combination with the background of traditional Chinese medicine, so as to promote the contemporary inheritance and application of traditional acupuncture theory and knowledge.

Four new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from Gynostemma longipes C.Y.Wu / 药学学报

Dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins are regarded as the main active constituents of Gynostemma longipes C.Y.Wu. By using MCI and silica gel column chromatography, as well as preparative HPLC, we isolated four new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from the polar saponin fraction of G. longipes C.Y.Wu. Their structures were determined by comprehensive analyses of NMR and MS data and identified as (20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-19-oxo-24-ene-3-O-{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-21-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-19-oxo-3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-21-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (20S)-3β,19,20,21-terahydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-21-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-21-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (4). Compounds 1-4 are new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins which contain five glycosyl residues.

Anti-hemorrhoidal activity of Lian-Zhi-San, a traditional Chinese medicine, in an experimental hemorrhoidal model in rats / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common proctological disease, with an estimated prevalence rate of 4.4%, and a peak in individuals between 45 and 65 years of age. This study was done to evaluate whether Lian-Zhi-San (LZS), a clinically used anti-hemorrhoidal ointment could alleviate the inflammatory injury, with its associated changes of inflammatory cytokines and morphology of anorectal tissues, in an experimental model of HD in rats.@*METHODS@#HD was induced by croton oil preparation (COP) applied to the anorectal region. Rats were then treated with cotton swabs soaked in LZS ointment, water or white vaseline, twice a day for 7 d. At the end of the experiment, HD was evaluated by measuring hemorrhoidal and biochemical parameters along with histopathological observations.@*RESULTS@#In this study, COP induced a significant increase in the macroscopic severity score, anorectal coefficient and Evans blue extravasation, compared to normal rats. Additionally, it greatly enhanced the expression and secretion levels of some important inflammation-related cytokines along with marked histological damage, compared to normal rats. Rats treated with LZS ointment experienced significantly ameliorated Evans blue extravasation (P < 0.05), decreased macroscopic severity score (0.86 ± 0.14 vs. 1.65 ± 0.16) and the anorectal coefficient (P < 0.01); its use also attenuated tissue damage and inhibited the expression and secretion levels of inflammation-related cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α).@*CONCLUSION@#This study validates a preliminary understanding of the use of LZS ointment to treat inflammatory factors and tissue damage in an experimental model of HD in rats.

Involvement of HSP90 in ischemic postconditioning-induced cardioprotection by inhibition of the complement system, JNK and inflammation

Abstract Purpose To investigate whether heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is involved in complement regulation in ischemic postconditioning (IPC). Methods The left coronary artery of rats underwent 30 min of occlusion, followed by 120 min of reperfusion and treatment with IPC via 3 cycles of 30s reperfusion and 30s occlusion. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with 1 mg/kg HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) after anesthesia. Eighty rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), IPC and IPC + GA. Myocardial infarct size, apoptosis index and the expression of HSP90, C3, C5a, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were assessed. Results Compared with the I/R injury, the IPC treatment significantly reduced infarct size, release of troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These beneficial effects were accompanied by a decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β, C3, C5a and JNK expression levels. However, all these effects were abrogated by administration of the HSP90 inhibitor GA. Conclusion HSP90 exerts a profound effect on IPC cardioprotection, and may be linked to the inhibition of the complement system and JNK, ultimately attenuating I/R-induced myocardial injury and apoptosis.

Ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of severe acute pancreatitis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of color doppler ultrasound (CDFI) in the diagnosis of severe pancreatitis.Methods:150 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) admitted to the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2014 to January 2018 were selected according to the " 2013 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis in China" . Among them, 95 patients with common AP (mild group) and 55 patients with severe AP (severe group). The CDFI ultrasound imaging characteristics of the two groups were compared, and the relationship between the ultrasound score of pancreatitis and acute physiological function and chronic health score (APACHE Ⅱ) was analyzed.Results:The incidence of diffuse pancreatic enlargement (61.82%), blurred pancreatic contour (72.73%), lamellar hypoechoic pancreatic parenchyma (47.27%), thickening of omental sac (25.45%), peripancreatic effusion (60.00%) in severe group was higher than that in mild acute pancreatitis (17.89%, 43.16%, 13.68%, 7.37%, 14.74%), with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). In the severe group, the ultrasound score (7.35±1.52) and the APACHE Ⅱ score (18.7±5.5) were higher than those with mild acute pancreatitis (4.41±1.33, 6.2±1.5), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05); there was a significant positive correlation between the ultrasound score and the APACHE Ⅱ score in the severe group ( r=0.669, P<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate were 83.64%, 74.74%, 16.36% and 25.26% respectively. Conclusions:As a non-invasive and rapid diagnosis method, CDFI has certain clinical practical value in the identification of patients with acute pancreatitis.

Study on the levels and risk factors of Vitamin D from preconception to pregnancy / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To investigate the levels of serum Vitamin D(VD) from preconception to pregnancy in Jiading district of Shanghai, and explore the risk factors of VD concentration deficiency in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Methods A total of 94 women who planned to have antenatal care and delivery in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Jiading district of Shanghai from September 2016 to December 2018 were recruited as the study participants. Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) was used to examine the concentration of women’s serum VD from preconception to pregnancy. A total of 282 serum samples were detected. Results The prevalence of VD deficiency among 94 women from preconception to pregnancy were 40.4%,57.4% and 48.9% respectively. Results of the mixed linear model showed that women who had dyed or permed hair within the past 1 year had significantly lower serum VD levels during pregnancy (P<0.05), and women who often drank milk and ate deep-sea fish during pregnancy had higher VD levels during pregnancy (P<0.05). Conclusions VD deficiency was common among women in Jiading district of Shanghai, and it should be emphasized to supplement VD before and during pregnancy.

Lung transplantation as therapeutic option in acute respiratory distress syndrome for coronavirus disease 2019-related pulmonary fibrosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Critical patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), even those whose nucleic acid test results had turned negative and those receiving maximal medical support, have been noted to progress to irreversible fatal respiratory failure. Lung transplantation (LT) as the sole therapy for end-stage pulmonary fibrosis related to acute respiratory distress syndrome has been considered as the ultimate rescue therapy for these patients.@*METHODS@#From February 10 to March 10, 2020, three male patients were urgently assessed and listed for transplantation. After conducting a full ethical review and after obtaining assent from the family of the patients, we performed three LT procedures for COVID-19 patients with illness durations of more than one month and extremely high sequential organ failure assessment scores.@*RESULTS@#Two of the three recipients survived post-LT and started participating in a rehabilitation program. Pearls of the LT team collaboration and perioperative logistics were summarized and continually improved. The pathological results of the explanted lungs were concordant with the critical clinical manifestation, and provided insight towards better understanding of the disease. Government health affair systems, virology detection tools, and modern communication technology all play key roles towards the survival of the patients and their rehabilitation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#LT can be performed in end-stage patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis. If confirmed positive-turned-negative virology status without organ dysfunction that could contraindicate LT, LT provided the final option for these patients to avoid certain death, with proper protection of transplant surgeons and medical staffs. By ensuring instant seamless care for both patients and medical teams, the goal of reducing the mortality rate and salvaging the lives of patients with COVID-19 can be attained.