Study on static parameters of internal nasal valve in 3-dimensional model of nasal cavity space / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To identify the internal nasal valve (INV) and to evaluate its key parameters in the established 3D models of nasal cavity space via Mimics from CT images, in order to provide evidence for quantitative diagnosis of nasal valve compromise. Methods: A total of 32 Han adults without nasal diseases who underwent maxillofacial CT test in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively recruited, including 16 males and 16 females, with the age ranged from 20 to 80 years (50% age<50 years old). Maxillofacial CT images were used to create 3D model of nasal cavity space. The INV was identified and the following parameters were measured: the angle between the INV and the nasal bone (θINV-B), unilateral cross-sectional area of the INV (AINV-R, AINV-L), total cross-sectional area of the INV (AINV), unilateral height of the INV (HINV-R, HINV-L), unilateral nasal valve angle (αINV-R, αINV-L), and the sum of nasal valve angle (αINV). The AINV in our study was compared with the results of the previously adopted planes (PlaneC, perpendicular to the hard palate and PlaneB, plane perpendicular to the nasal bone). The parameters above were compared among genders, age and race groups. SPSS 26 and GraphPad Prism 9 software were used for statistical analysis and mapping of data. Results: The AINV in our study was (214.87±52.94) mm², which was significantly less than that of PlaneC (254.97±47.80) mm² and PlaneB (226.07±57.36) mm². The measured parameters were as follows: θINV-B was (82.07±7.06)°; AINV-R was (112.66±31.39) mm²; AINV-L was (102.21±27.14) mm²; AINV was (214.87±52.94) mm²; HINV-R was (24.87±4.62) mm; HINV-L was (24.35±4.86) mm; αINV-R was (20.48±2.99)°; αINV-L was (19.65±3.82)°; αINV was (40.13±6.24)°. The AINV-R was larger than AINV-L (t=2.33, P<0.05); The HINV, AINV-R, AINV-L and AINV of males were more than those of females (t value was 5.77, 3.21, 2.91 and 3.52, respectively, all P<0.01). The AINV of the young group (<50 years) was larger than that of the old group (t=2.83, P<0.01); The θINV-B was different between the Han people and the Caucasian (t=2.92,P<0.01). The αINV of the Han people was larger than that of Caucasians (Z=-6.92, P<0.01), but the HINV was smaller (Z=-3.89, P<0.01). Conclusion: The AINV carried out in 3D models of nasal cavity space is significantly smaller than that obtained by the previous methods of CT evaluation. INV static parameters differ among genders, age and race groups.

Clinical efficacy observation of omalizumab on patients with moderate to severe allergic asthma for one year / 中华预防医学杂志

To observe the symptom control, pulmonary function changes and safety of use of omalizumab in patients with moderate to severe allergic asthma for 1 year. A small sample self-controlled study before and after treatment was conducted to retrospective analysis involved 17 patients with moderate to severe asthma who received omalizumab therapy for 12 months in Peking University People's Hospital and Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. The clinical symptoms and pulmonary function changes were compared before treatment, after 6 months and 12 months of treatment, and the clinical data such as the use of other drugs and adverse reactions were observed. Statistical data are collected using the median method, and non-parametric paired Wilcoxon analysis was used for pairwise comparison. Before treatment with omalizumab, the patients' FeNO value was 79(58, 121) ppb, and the total serum IgE was 228(150.5, 345.5) IU/ml. After 6 months of omalizumab therapy, the percent predicted value of the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) before inhaled bronchodilator increased from 86.70(82.65, 91.35)% to 90.90(87.70, 95.85)% (Z=-3.626, P<0.001). The FEV1%pred after inhaled bronchodilator increased from 92.60(85.75, 96.90)% to 94.30(89.95, 98.15)% (Z=-2.178, P=0.029). The absolute value of improvement in FEV1 decreased from 150(95, 210)ml to 50(20, 125) ml (Z=-2.796, P=0.005), and the improvement rate decreased from 6.60(3.80, 7.85)% to 1.90(0.75, 4.85)% (Z=-2.922, P=0.003). After 12 months of treatment, the FEV1%pred before inhaled bronchodilator further increased to 92.90 (91.60, 98.15)% (Z=-3.575, -2.818, and P<0.001, 0.005 compared with before treatment and 6 months after treatment, respectively). The FEV1%pred after inhaled bronchodilator increased to 96.80 (91.90, 101.25)% (Z=-3.622, -1.638, and P<0.001, 0.008 compared with before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, respectively). The absolute value of improvement in FEV1 was 70 (35, 120) ml (P=0.004, 0.842 before treatment and 6 months after treatment, respectively), and the improvement rate was 3.0(1.0, 5.0)% (Z=-2.960, -0.166, and P=0.003, 0.868, compared with before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, respectively). After 12 months of treatment, ACT increased from 13 (10.5, 18) before treatment to 24 (23, 25) (Z=-3.626,P<0.001). Only 1 patient experienced an injection site skin reaction during treatment. Therefore, after 6 months and 12 months of treatment with omalizumab, the patient's lung function improved and symptoms were relieved, which could effectively prevent the acute exacerbation of asthma. Omalizumab treatment is safe and well tolerated, and no effect on blood pressure and blood glucose was observed.

Arthroscopic assistance of latissimus dorsi tendon transposition for the treatment of unrepairable rotator cuff tear / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of arthroscopy-assisted rotator cuff tendon transfer in treating irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCT).@*METHODS@#From May 2015 to May 2018, 23 patients with unrepairable rotator cuff tears were treated with arthroscopy-assisted rotator cuff tendon transfer, and 21 patients were followed up finally, including 8 males and 13 females, aged from 48 to 82 years old with an average of(64.3±9.1) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 6 to 36 months with an average of (14.0±6.4) months. American Rotator and Elbow Surgeons Score(ASES) and Constant-Murley score were used to evaluate clinical efficacy before surgery and at the latest follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All 21 patients were followed up for 36 to 54 months with an average of (39.4±4.4) months. Axillary incision of 1 patient was redness, swelling and exudation after surgery, which healed after 3 weeks of dressing change, and exudate culture was negative. At the latest follow-up, MRI showed partial tearing of the metastatic tendon in 2 patients, but pain and movement of the affected shoulder were still better than before surgery. ASES increased from preoperative (41.0±9.6) scores to the latest follow-up (75.6±14.0) scores, and had statistical difference (t=10.50, P<0.01). Constant-Murley score increased from (49.8±7.1) scores before operation to (67.5±11.6) scores at the latest follow-up (t=11.27, P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic assisted latissimus dorsalis tendon transposition restores physiological and anatomical structure of glenohumeral joint by reconstructing balance of horizontal and vertical couples of shoulder joint, thus achieving the stability of the shoulder joint, relieving shoulder pain and improving shoulder joint function.

Glycyrrhizic acid: a potential drug against COVID-19 / 药学学报

Pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 has seriously threatened human life and health worldwide and caused a large number of deaths. Viral infection and acute inflammation are important causes of death, so it is particularly important to combine antiviral therapy with anti-inflammatory therapy. Glycyrrhizic acid, the main component of the glycyrrhizic root extract, has a wide range of pharmacological effects as well as high efficiency and low toxicity, its preparation has been widely used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis and other diseases. Glycyrrhizic acid can regulate the expression and release of a variety of cytokines and play a significant anti-inflammatory effect. At the same time, glycyrrhizic acid also showed significant inhibition towards a variety types of viruses. Therefore, the potential application of glycyrrhizic acid as COVID-19 treatment should be explored.

Identification of the bacteria strain and its antibiotic resistance in an epidemic of cholera / 上海预防医学

Objective The present study was conducted to identify the Vibrio cholera type and to analyze its antibiotic resistance in an epidemic of cholera in Haiyan County in 2018, which would provide the references for prevention and control of cholera. Methods Stool samples of the patient and his close contacts as well as the food and environmental samples were collected for identification of the type of Vibrio cholerae and the toxin gene. The resistance of identified Vibrio cholerae to 20 different common antibiotics were tested. Results A total of 176 samples were collected, including 101 stool samples from the case and his close contacts, 35 environmental samples and 40 food samples. Among those samples, only one strain of V. cholerae, O139, was isolated from the patient's first feces sample. It was detected as a toxin gene of ctxA positive by real-time fluorescence PCR. Antibiotic resistance test showed that the strain was sensitive to norfloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, cephalothin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. It was 100% resistant to tetracycline, doxycycline, neomycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, and rifampicin. Conclusion V. cholerae O139 strain with ctxA is detected in an epidemic of cholera. Norfloxacin, levofluoxacin and some other antibiotics could be used for clinical treatment and prevention. It should pay attention to this strain of V. cholera regarding the multiple drug resistance and the change of antibiotic resistance.

Meta-analysis for clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating resistant hypertension / 中国中药杂志

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in treating patients with resistant hypertension. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMbase and other databases were retrieved by computers to screen out the randomized controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicine in treating resistant hypertension. Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature, RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 was used for Meta-analysis. Finally, 11 literatures meeting the criteria were included, involving 1 023 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the combined therapy of standard triple antihypertensive regimen with traditional Chinese medicine could further reduce systolic blood pressure of patients with resistant hypertension(MD=-16.69, 95%CI[-22.21,-11.16], P<0.000 01), reduce diastolic blood pressure(MD=-7.51, 95%CI[-8.26,-6.76], P<0.000 01), improve the effective rate of anti-hypertension(OR=5.16, 95%CI[3.01, 8.84], P<0.000 01), improve the up-to-standard rate of blood pressure(OR=3.01, 95%CI[1.49, 6.09], P=0.002), and improve the effectiveness of clinical symptoms(OR=4.48, 95%CI[2.31, 8.68], P<0.000 01), with no significant effect on creatinine level(MD=-2.51, 95%CI[-6.91, 1.89], P=0.26). The results of this study indicated that the combined therapy of standard triple antihypertensive regimen with traditional Chinese medicine could further improve the clinical efficacy in patients with resistant hypertension with a good safety, but more high-quality clinical studies are still needed to verify this conclusion.

Periprostatic fat thickness measured on MRI correlates with lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile function, and benign prostatic hyperplasia progression / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study investigated the correlation between periprostatic fat thickness (PPFT) measured on magnetic resonance imaging and lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile function, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) progression. A total of 286 treatment-naive men diagnosed with BPH in our department between March 2017 and February 2019 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of PPFT: high (PPFT >4.35 mm) PPFT group and low (PPFT <4.35 mm) PPFT group. After the initial evaluation, all patients received a combination drug treatment of tamsulosin and finasteride for 12 months. Of the 286 enrolled patients, 244 completed the drug treatment course. Patients with high PPFT had larger prostate volume (PV; P = 0.013), higher International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; P = 0.008), and lower five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score (P = 0.002) than those with low PPFT. Both high and low PPFT groups showed significant improvements in PV, maximum flow rate, IPSS, and quality of life score and a decrease of IIEF-5 score after the combination drug treatment. The decrease of IIEF-5 score was more obvious in the high PPFT group than that in the low PPFT group. In addition, more patients in the high PPFT group underwent prostate surgery than those in the low PPFT group. Moreover, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis indicated that PPFT was positively correlated with age, PV, and IPSS and negatively correlated with IIEF-5 score; however, body mass index was only negatively correlated with IIEF-5 score.

Relationship between chronic diseases and cognitive function in elderly patients of high intellectuals / 上海预防医学

Objective To determine the relationship between chronic diseases and cognitive function in elderly patients, for the purpose of preventing and alleviating cognitive malfunction. Methods A total of 100 retired high intellectuals with age older than 65 years were enrolled.They were hospitalized in Zhongshan Hospital and were requested to complete a conventional questionnaire.Cognitive function was evaluated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale.Their chronic diseases including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus were recorded and compared among subjects with different cognitive function levels. Results Based on MoCA Scale, 34 cases were sorted as having normal cognitive function, 50 cases as mild cognitive impairment, and 16 cases as moderate cognitive impairment.Patients with moderate cognitive impairment showed a significantly higher percentage of hypertension (93.8%), coronary artery disease (75.0%), stroke (56.3%), diabetes mellitus (56.3%) while the patients with normal cognitive function exhibited relatively lower percentage of the above-mentioned diseases (61.8%, 41.2%, 17.6%, 20.6%, respectively, P < 0.05).However such difference was not observed for respiratory disease and neoplastic disease among patients with different cognitive conditions (P>0.05).In addition, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases were found to be important risk factors of mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (P=0.002). Conclusion Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases could be imperative to alleviate the process of cognitive impairment.

Effect of wuzhi capsules on the blood concentration of tacrolimus relative to diltiazem and CYP3A5 gene polymorphisms / 药学学报

To determine the relationship between the effect of wuzhi capsules on the blood concentration of tacrolimus as compared to diltiazem and with regard to cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A5 gene polymorphisms, 170 patients who underwent renal transplantation from November 2014 to March 2018 and used tacrolimus combined with diltiazem 30 mg bid were selected in this study retrospectively. Patients were divided into an observation group (105 patients) and a control group (65 patients) according to whether they used wuzhi capsules after the operation. The polymorphisms of CYP3A5*3 were determined and the effect of wuzhi capsules on the blood concentration of tacrolimus, as compared with that of diltiazem was determined in patients with different CYP3A5*3 genotypes. This study complies with relevant ethical norms. The results show that compared with diltiazem, an increase of tacrolimus C0/D was significantly correlated with the patient's CYP3A5*3 genotype in both the self-control and the control group. CYP3A5 expressers in the observation group were able to increase the tacrolimus C0/D by about 76.8% by replacing the wuzhi capsules with diltiazem, but this effect was not observed in CYP3A5 non-expressers. In CYP3A5 expressers wuzhi capsules had a greater ability relative to diltiazem to increase the blood concentration of tacrolimus.

Application research of entropy weight-based grey systematic theory in quality evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix slices / 中国中药杂志

In order to discuss the "entropy weight method" for weighting various indicators in the comprehensive evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix slices(ASR), the quality of ASR was comprehensively evaluated by entropy weight-based gray systematic theory and cluster analysis. In this study, the contents of ferulic acid, volatile oil, polysaccharide, alcohol extract, water extract, moisture, total ash and acid-insoluble ash in 44 batches of ASR from different sources were determined. The entropy weight method was used for objective weighting. With relative correlation(r_i) as a measure, a multi-index comprehensive evaluation model was constructed for the quality of ASR. The results showed that the relative correlation value of 44 batches of ASR ranged from 0.301 9 to 0.662 9. There were certain differences in the quality of ASR from different sources. The ASR S1-S8, traceable and standardized in processing techno-logy, showed a high relative correlation degree and high quality ranking, indicating that the implementation of systemic management of the production chain of Chinese herbal pieces was beneficial to the quality control of ASR. The quality evaluation results of 44 batches of ASR were consistent with those of traditional geo-authentic habitats for ASR and the mainstream varieties of ASR on market, and basically consistent with the results of cluster analysis. This study suggests that the gray systematic theory based on the entropy weighting method can be used for the quality evaluation of ASR. The objective weighting of the entropy weight method improves the reliability of the gray correlation method and the scientificity of ASR quality evaluation.

Viral and Bacterial Etiology of Acute Febrile Respiratory Syndrome among Patients in Qinghai, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study was conducted to investigate the viral and bacterial etiology and epidemiology of patients with acute febrile respiratory syndrome (AFRS) in Qinghai using a commercial routine multiplex-ligation-nucleic acid amplification test (NAT)-based assay.@*METHODS@#A total of 445 nasopharyngeal swabs specimens from patients with AFRS were analyzed using the RespiFinderSmart22kit (PathoFinder BV, Netherlands) and the LightCycler 480 real-time PCR system.@*RESULTS@#Among the 225 (225/445, 51%) positive specimens, 329 positive pathogens were detected, including 298 (90.58%) viruses and 31 (9%) bacteria. The most commonly detected pathogens were influenza virus (IFV; 37.39%; 123/329), adenovirus (AdV; 17.02%; 56/329), human coronaviruses (HCoVs; 10.94%; 36/329), rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV; 10.03%; 33/329), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs; 8.51%; 28/329), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneu; 8.51%; 28/329), respectively. Among the co-infected cases (17.53%; 78/445), IFV/AdV and IFV/M. pneu were the most common co-infections. Most of the respiratory viruses were detected in summer and fall.@*CONCLUSION@#In our study, IFV-A was the most common respiratory pathogen among 22 detected pathogens, followed by AdV, HCoV, RV/EV, PIV, and M. pneu. Bacteria appeared less frequently than viruses, and co-infection was the most common phenomenon among viral pathogens. Pathogens were distributed among different age groups and respiratory viruses were generally active in July, September, and November. Enhanced surveillance and early detection can be useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AFRS, as well as for guiding the development of appropriate public health strategies.

Surveillance of potential transmission factors of schistosomiasis in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for consolidating schistosomiasis control achievements. Methods Fixed and mobile surveillance sites were set up in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015. Oncomelania hupensis snails was surveyed historical snail habitats, current snail habitats, and suspected snail habitats. The schistosome infections were identified using serological and parasitological testing among local residents and mobile populations. In addition, the survival and reproduction of snails imported into Xiuzhou District was observed, and the schistosome infection in wild reservoir hosts was detected. Results A total of 540.14 hm2 of settings were surveyed in Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015, and 1.65 hm2 of snail habitats were identified. The snail habitats were mainly located in dry lands, and no infected snails or importation of snails were found. During the period from 2013 to 2015, a total of 7 668 local residents and mobile populations were examined in Xiuzhou District, and no new local infections were detected; however, three imported schistosomiasis cases were identified. Field simulation experiment showed that the imported snails laid eggs and reproduced in Xiuzhou District, and no schistosome infections were found in wild animals. Conclusion There are still residual Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis patients in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City; therefore, the surveillance and management of local Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis should be intensified to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Surveillance of potential transmission factors of schistosomiasis in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for consolidating schistosomiasis control achievements. Methods Fixed and mobile surveillance sites were set up in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015. Oncomelania hupensis snails was surveyed historical snail habitats, current snail habitats, and suspected snail habitats. The schistosome infections were identified using serological and parasitological testing among local residents and mobile populations. In addition, the survival and reproduction of snails imported into Xiuzhou District was observed, and the schistosome infection in wild reservoir hosts was detected. Results A total of 540.14 hm2 of settings were surveyed in Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015, and 1.65 hm2 of snail habitats were identified. The snail habitats were mainly located in dry lands, and no infected snails or importation of snails were found. During the period from 2013 to 2015, a total of 7 668 local residents and mobile populations were examined in Xiuzhou District, and no new local infections were detected; however, three imported schistosomiasis cases were identified. Field simulation experiment showed that the imported snails laid eggs and reproduced in Xiuzhou District, and no schistosome infections were found in wild animals. Conclusion There are still residual Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis patients in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City; therefore, the surveillance and management of local Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis should be intensified to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 34 cases of acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3 internal tandem duplication and MLL gene rearrangement / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 34 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and MLL gene rearrangement. Methods: The clinical data of 34 AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene rearrangement was compared and analyzed for the therapeutic efficacy, prognostic factors when treated with chemotherapy, chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Results: Of the thirty-four cases with median age 41 (4-71) years old, 63.6% presented with white blood cells (WBC) greater than 30×10(9)/L, 39.4% greater than 50 × 10(9)/L respectively on admission. M(5) (35.3%) made up the highest proportion. The cytogenetic abnormality reached 61.8%, of which the complex cytogenetic abnormality accounted for 11.8%. Eleven patients (32.35%) had both FLT3-ITD and MLL gene abnormalities. In addition to FLT3 and MLL abnormalities, 23 patients (67.6%) had one or more other gene abnormalities (multiple gene abnormalities). Of the 34 cases, 29.4% patients went into complete remission (CR) after two courses of chemotherapy. 20.6% (7 patients) went into CR after 3 or more courses of chemotherapy. The rate of early relapse in the CR group was 52.9%. Patients with WBC>50×10(9)/L or multiple gene abnormalities had a lower remission rate (7.7%, 5.4%) after two courses of chemotherapy. CR rate for the patients with more than three gene abnormalities was 0. The total 2-year overall survival (OS) in the 34 patients was 28.8% (95% CI 13.5%-46.0%) and the disease-free survival (DFS) was 27.1% (95% CI 12.5%-44.0%). Of the 18 patients treated with chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy, 17 cases died within 2 years and 1 lost follow-up after giving up treatment. For the 16 patients received allo-HSCT, the 3-year OS was 43.4% (95% CI 13.7%-70.4%) and DFS 42.7% (95% CI 13.4%-69.7%). Conclusion: AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene rearrangement often presented with M(5), accompanied by hyperleukocytosis, cytogenetic or multiple gene abnormalities. Those patients were observed to have low response rate and high early relapse when treated with chemotherapy without allo-HSCT. Patients had multiple gene abnormalities may be an important poor prognostic factor. Allo-HSCT is an effective treatment which could significantly improve the prognosis and survival of AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene abnormalities.

Screening and Evaluation of Yeast Antagonists for Biological Control of Botrytis cinerea on Strawberry Fruits

Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) is one of the most common diseases of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) worldwide. Although many chemical fungicides are used for controlling the growth of B. cinerea, the risk of the fungus developing chemical resistance together with consumer demand for reducing the use of chemical fungicides have necessitated an alternative method to control this pathogen. Various naturally occurring microbes aggressively attack plant pathogens and benefit plants by suppressing diseases; these microbes are referred to as biocontrol agents. However, screening of potent biocontrol agents is essential for their further development and commercialization. In this study, 24 strains of yeast with antagonistic ability against gray mold were isolated, and the antifungal activity of the volatile and diffusible metabolites was evaluated. Putative mechanisms of action associated with the biocontrol capacity of yeast strains against B. cinerea were studied through in vitro and in vivo assays. The volatile organic compounds produced by the Galactomyces candidum JYC1146 could be useful in the biological control of plant pathogens and therefore are potential alternative fungicides with low environmental impact.

Clinical significance of the M-POSSUM, NRS2002 in predicting surgical risk of general surgery / 中国现代普通外科进展

Objective:To evaluate the effect of M-POSSUM and NRS2002 in predicting the postoperative complications and mortality of abdominal surgery in general surgery.Methods:The M-POSSUM score and NRS2002 score of 121 patients undergoing abdominal major surgery in Department of general surgery were measured by continuous fixed-point sampling,and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was compared between the two methods.The levels of serum albumin,prealbumin and complications were recorded 1,3 and 7 days after operation.Results:The scores of M-POSSUM and NRS2002 in the complication group were significantly higher than those in the non complication group.The difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).The scores of M-POSSUM and NRS2002 in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group(P＜0.05).The area under curve(AUC) of M-POSSUM,NRS2002 score and the combination of the two methods were 0.795,0.714 and 0.826 respectively.The AUC for predicting mortality were 0.904,0.871,and 0.935,respectively.Albumin and prealbumin were significantly lower than those before operation on 1 day,3 day and 7 day(P＜0.05).The values of albumin and prealbumin in the patients without complications increased significantly on the 7 day after surgery(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the patients with complications and the 3 days after operation(P＞0.05).Conclusion:M-POSSUM score and NRS2002 score can effectively predict the complications and mortality after general surgery.Patients with major abdominal surgery have higher nutritional risk,and albumin and prealbumin are significantly lower than those before operation,suggesting that the incidence of complications may increase.

Expression of human lysozyme-like protein 6 in the male reproductive system / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To study the expression of human lysozyme-like protein 6 (LYZL6) in the male reproductive system and its physiological role.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recombinant P. pastoris strain was cultured and induced with methanol to express LYZL6, followed by purification using chitin affinity chromatography. The bactericidal activity of the recombinant LYZL6 was observed by bilayer agar plate diffusion assay, and then the recombinant protein was used as an immunogen to generate polyclonal antibodies, whose specificity was examined by ELISA. The distribution of LYZL6 in the human tissue and semen was identified by Western blotting and the subcellular localization in the testis was investigated by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At pH 5.6, recombinant LYZL6 exhibited a high bacteriolytic activity against M. lysodeikticus. ELISA analysis showed that the anti-LYZL6 polyclonal antibodies could bind the recombinant protein with a high specificity. Western blot manifested the expression of LYZL6 in the testis and epididymis, higher in the former than in the latter. LYZL6 was also detected in the sperm protein extract, while protein bands were not observed in the seminal plasma. Immunodetection with a specific antiserum localized the LYZL6 protein in the late spermatocytes and round spermatids.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LYZL6 has a higher bacteriolytic activity under low pH condition and is bound to spermatozoa after secreted in the testicular epithelia, suggesting that LYZL6 could act as a potential hydrolase for carbohydrates in zona pellucida penetration.</p>

Preparation of tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release pellets / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To prepare tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release pellet by coating with acrylic copolymers. Methods EUDRAGIT® NE 30 D was used as the main sustained-release material, EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55 and Methocel® E3 were used as release adjust agent; a one layer sustained-release coating was done for tamsulosin hydrochloride-loaded pellet in bottom spray fluid bed. A three factor, three-level Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the percentages of EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55 and Methocel® E3 in the total dry polymers and the weight gain of total dry polymers as the three nonlinear factors, which mainly influenced drug release of the pellets in the formula of sustained-release coating layer. In-vitro cumulative drug release after 2 h, 3 h and 5 h was tested and the following target range:2 h 12%-39%, 3 h 44%-70% and 5 h>70% were set for optimization. Results The formulation and process of one layer sustained-release coating, which was synergistically controlled by the three materials based on acrylic copolymers, was determined after optimization:the total dry polymers were applied with a weight gain of 12% on drug pellets, with EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55 dry polymers and Methocel® E3 being 7% and 2% of the total dry polymers, respectively. The sustained-release pellets coated with the optimized formulation provided a release profile that was close to the predicted value and similar to that of the commercial product Harnal® capsule pellets by f2 similarity factor comparison (f2 values of three batches were 71,73 and 80). Conclusion The established formulation and process is a simple and reproducible method to prepare tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release pellets with good stability.

Effect of yangxinkang tablets on chronic heart failure: A multi-center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the safety and efficacy of yangxinkang tablets in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and syndrome of qi and yin deficiency, blood stasis, and water retention.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trail, 228 patients with CHF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III in stage C were assigned by randomized block method to two groups in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either conventional Western treatment or conventional treatment plus yangxinkang tablets for 4 weeks. The outcome measure were effect of cardiac function, Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes, scores of symptoms, signs, and quality of life measured by Minnesota Living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) before and after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 112 patients were analyzed in the treatment group and 109 in the control group. They were comparable in NYHA functional class, basic parameters and primary diseases before treatment. Cardiac function and CM syndromes were greatly ameliorated in both groups after treatment. Total effective rates of cardiac function and CM syndrome in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Total symptom score and sign score in the treatment group decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.01), which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in post-treatment scores of gasp, cough with phlegm, pulmonary rales and jugular vein engorgement between the two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Three MLHFQ scores decreased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.01). Post-treatment total scale score and physical subscale score in the treatment group and the reduction of them showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) as compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in emotional subscale score and the reduction after treatment (P>0.05). There was no obvious adverse reaction in either group noted during the study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Yangxinkang tablets were safe and efficacious in improving cardiac function, CM syndromes, symptoms, signs, and quality of life in patients with CHF class II or III in stage C on the base of conventional treatment.</p>

Anticancer effect of SN-38 combined with sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and its mechanism / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anticancer effect and its mechanism of SN-38 combined with sorafenib on hepatocellular cancer cell lines HepG-2 and BEL-7402.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SRB colorimetry was employed to measure the viability of HepG-2 and BEL-7402 cells after the treatment of SN-38 with sorafenib. Propidium iodide flow cytometric assay and DAPI staining were used to evaluate the apoptosis of HCC cells. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression level of apoptosis-related and DNA damage-related proteins.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SRB colorimetry showed the synergistic anticancer activities of SN-38 combined with sorafenib, with a combination index of <0.9. The apoptotic rates of HepG-2 cells in control, 60 nmol/L SN-38, 2.5μmol/L sorafenib and combination groups were 4.25%±2.45%, 28.95%±10.75%, 3.49%±2.49% and 53.19%±11.21%, respectively(P<0.05). Western blotting showed that the combination of these two drugs increased the enzymolysis of PARP, Caspase-8 and Caspase-3, and promoted the expression levels of p53, p21 and γ-H2AX significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SN-38 and sorafenib have synergistic anticancer activity on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro with the augmentation of apoptosis.</p>