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Considering the challenges for both single and traditional two-stage treatments, advanced oxidation and biodegradation, in the treatment of actual coking wastewater, an intimately coupled catalytic ozonation and biodegradation (ICOB) reactor was developed. In this study, ICOB treatment significantly enhanced the removal of Cu2+, Fe3+, and color by 39 %, 45 %, and 52 %, respectively, outperforming biodegradation. Catalytic ozonation effectively breaking down unsaturated organic substances and high-molecular-weight dissolved organic matter into smaller, more biodegradable molecules. Compared with biodegradation, the ICOB system significantly increased the abundances of Pseudomonas, Sphingopyxis, and Brevundimonas by â¼ 96 %, â¼67 %, and â¼ 85 %, respectively. These microorganisms, possessing genes for degrading phenol, aromatic compounds, polycyclic aromatics, and sulfur metabolism, further enhanced the mineralization of intermediates. Consequently, the ICOB system outperformed biodegradation and catalytic ozonation treatments, exhibiting chemical oxygen demand removal rate of â¼ 58 % and toxicity reduction of â¼ 47 %. Overall, the ICOB treatment showcases promise for practical engineering applications in coking wastewater treatment.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and it is a serious threat to human health and has become a clinical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane vesicles containing multiple components and play an important role in the development and progression of HCC. This article summarizes the effect of EVs of different origins on HCC and analyzes the mechanism of action of EV on HCC, so as to provide new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Objective:To study the clinical manifestations, genetic profiles and treatment of Kagami-Ogata syndrome (KOS).Methods:A neonate admitted to our hospital was genetically diagnosed of KOS from amniocentesis sampling. The phenotype, genotype and treatment of the neonate were analyzed. Multiple databases were searched using key words including "Kagami-Ogata syndrome", "14q32 microdeletion syndrome", "coat-hanger ribs", "paternal uniparental disomy (pUPD)(14) " from the inception of the databases to Jan. 23th 2023. The clinical features, genotype and treatment of patients from the literature were summarized.Results:The neonate in our hospital was born at 30 weeks gestational age with a birth weight of 2 035 g. Prenatal ultrasound indicated overgrowth, bilateral fetal renal pelvis dilatation (FRPD), dilatation of intestines in lower abdomen, clenched hands with overlapping fingers and polyhydramnios. After birth, the neonate showed progressively worsening respiratory distress, distinct facial features (small jaw, short neck, flat nasal bridge, upward-facing nostrils, small and malformed ears with auricular deformity and narrow external auditory canals), bell-shaped thorax, diastasis recti and abnormal posture (overlapping fingers, clenched fists), as well as feeding difficulties, recurrent fever and dependence of respiratory support. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a 268.2Kb deletion (101034306_101302541) in 14q32.2 region on both the neonate and the mother and the father was otherwise normal. The prognosis was poor and the parents refused further treatment. The neonate died at one month of age after two days of palliative care. A total of 36 articles were identified in the literature review, including 78 KOS cases with complete clinical data (a total of 79 cases adding our case).The primary clinical manifestations included distinctive facial and thoracic abnormalities (79/79, 100%), polyhydramnios (71/75, 94.7%), feeding difficulties (55/63, 87.3%), abdominal wall defects (57/72, 79.2%), joint contractures (39/70, 55.7%) and dependence of respiratory support (29/56, 51.8%). Long-term follow-up revealed 86.8% (59/68) experienced physical, movement and intellectual development delay, 39.7% (25/63) died or gave up treatments within five years. Genetic testing showed pUPD in 44 cases (55.7%), maternal deletions in 23 cases (29.1%), epimutations in 8 cases (10.1%) and unreported variations in 4 cases (5.1%).Conclusions:KOS is a genetic imprinting disorder affecting multiple organs. Prenatal screening can detect abnormalities such as polyhydramnios. Specific clinical signs, radiological findings and 14q32 gene analysis are helpful for the diagnosis of the disease.
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Objective To investigate the effects of abdominal tuina on the expression of PI3K and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)subunit NR1 in spinal dorsal horn and the morphology of spinal dorsal horn neurons in ulcerative colitis(UC)rats;To explore its mechanism of action in treating UC.Methods Totally 36 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,abdominal tuina group,mesalazine group,PI3K stimulation group and PI3K stimulation + abdominal tuina group,with 6 rats in each group.The UC model in rats was simulated by drinking dextran sulfate solution freely.The abdominal tuina group and the PI3K stimulation + abdominal tuina group were given abdominal tuina intervention,the mesalazine group was given mesalazine solution for gavage,and the PI3K stimulation group and PI3K stimulation + abdominal tuina group were given intrathecal injection of PI3K agonist,once a day,for consecutive 15 days.Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)score and acetic acid twist were used to observe the abdominal pain symptoms in rats.The expression of PI3K and NR1 in spinal dorsal horn were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot,and the morphological changes of spinal dorsal horn neurons were observed by Nissl staining.Results Compared with the normal group,AWR score and twisting times of rats in model group significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of PI3K and NR1 protein in spinal dorsal horn significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the morphology of spinal dorsal horn neurons was disordered,forming a large number of vacuolar like structures,and the Nissl body structure was fuzzy and incomplete.Compared with the model group,AWR scores and twisting times of abdominal tuina group and mesalazine group significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of PI3K and NR1 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the edema of spinal dorsal horn neurons was milder,with fewer vacuolar changes and an increase in the number of Nissl bodies;AWR scores and twisting times of PI3K stimulation group and PI3K stimulation + abdominal tuina group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expressions of PI3K and NR1 protein increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),a large number of neurons underwent pyknosis and necrosis,and the number of Nissl bodies decreased,even dissolving and disappearing.Conclusion Abdominal tuina can effectively improve the symptoms of abdominal pain in UC model rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of PI3K and NR1 in spinal dorsal horn and improving the morphology of spinal dorsal horn neurons.
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We report a family of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA). A 20-year-old man presented with early-onset hypertension accompanied by hypokalemia was admitted to our hospital. Clinical data and family history were collected. Following genetic analyses with PCR and Sanger sequencing to document the chimeric gene and crossover site, respectively, we identified CYP11B1/CYP11B2 and determined the breakpoint of unequal crossover to be located in 264-380 nucletide, which was considered as GRA. There were 4 cases of GRA in the family, the average age of onset was 28 years, and all had different degrees of hypertension. Among them, the proband′s uncle suffered from moyamoya disease and died 6 months later due to sudden cerebral hemorrhage. In order to improve the understanding of this rare disease, the pathogenesis, biochemical profiles, diagnosis and treatment of GRA were summarized and analyzed.
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Objective:To preliminary observe the clinical efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ) in the treatment of active Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From March 2021 to October 2022, a total of 22 patients with active CD who received VDZ treatment at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University were retrospectively enrolled. The general clinical data, laboratory indicators, imaging finding and endoscopic images of the patients were collected. The Crohn′s disease activity index (CDAI), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), clinical remission rate were evaluated at week 0, 2, 6 and 14 of VDZ administration. Meanwhile, the response rate under endoscopy and remission rate under endoscopy were evaluated after 14 weeks of VDZ administration. The related factors affecting the efficacy of VDZ were further analyzed. Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whithey U test were used for statistical analysis. The multiple logistic regression analysis was used to find the related factors affecting the clinical remission after VDZ treatment. Results:The CDAI at week 0, 2, 6 and 14 after treatment were 181.01 (160.11, 231.56), 148.05 (134.88, 200.52), 127.46 (91.44, 163.62), and 82.35 (63.50, 121.84), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( H=34.23, P<0.001); there were statistically significant differences between week 0 and week 2, 6, 14 after treatment ( U=130.00, 80.00, 33.00; P=0.017, <0.001, and<0.001). The hs-CRP levels were 5.72 mg/L (3.59 mg/L, 11.10 mg/L), 2.86 mg/L (0.86 mg/L, 5.27 mg/L), 1.55 mg/L (0.86 mg/L, 9.89 mg/L) and 2.86 mg/L (0.86 mg/L, 3.12 mg/L), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( H=9.69, P=0.021); there were statistically significant differences between week 0 and week 2, 6, 14 after treatment ( U=102.00, 109.00, 98.00; P=0.026, 0.045, and 0.011) .The level of ESR after 14 weeks of VDZ treatment was 8.00 mm/1 h (4.00 mm/1 h, 17.00 mm/1 h), which significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (17.00 mm/1 h(12.25 mm/1 h, 21.75 mm/1 h)), and the difference was statistically significant ( U=132.50, P=0.020). The clinical remission rates at week 2, 6 and 14 after VDZ treatment were 54.5% (12/22), 68.2% (15/22) and 86.4% (21/22), respectively, and the clinical response rates were 18.2% (4/22), 54.5% (12/22) and 95.5% (21/22), respectively. After 14 weeks of VDZ treatment, among 17 patients who underwent endoscopic re-examination, 9 patients achieved response under endoscopy and 3 patients achieved remission under endoscopy. Stenotic type and penetrating type of CD, previous use of glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants were risk factors of no clinical remission after VDZ treatment ( β=-4.586, -5.005 and -3.371; OR=0.010, 0.007 and 0.034; P=0.010, 0.025 and 0.045). While VDZ treatment for 14 weeks was a protective factor ( β=2.475, OR=11.885, P=0.011). Conclusions:VDZ can effectively relieve disease activity in patients with active CD. The disease behavior of CD, previous medication treatment of patients, and the duration of VDZ treatment may be related to the efficacy of VDZ.
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Objective: To investigate the analgesic mechanism of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) by observing the effect of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B)/postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) pathway on the dendritic structure of spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Tuina group, a blocker agent group, and a blocker agent + Tuina group. The sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was prepared by the sciatic nerve ligation method. From the 4th day after modeling, rats in the Tuina group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were subject to daily Tuina intervention, and those in the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were daily intrathecally injected with NR2B blocker agent (MK-801). The spontaneous pain score was used to observe the pain behavior of all rats. The expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the dendritic structure changes were observed by Golgi staining for rat spinal cord dorsal horn after 14 d of continuous intervention. Results: Compared with the blank group, the degree of rat spontaneous pain after CCI was elevated in both the model and the Tuina groups (P<0.01) and was reduced in the Tuina group after the Tuina intervention compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the rat spontaneous pain level after blocking NR2B was reduced in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group (P<0.05). The NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly higher in the model group compared with the blank group (P<0.01); the total number of dendritic branches was increased (P<0.01), and the total dendritic length became longer (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. The rat NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly decreased in the Tuina group compared with the model group (P<0.01); the total dendritic branch number was reduced (P<0.01) and the total length was shortened (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. After blocking NR2B, the expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 protein were significantly lower in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group compared to the model group (P<0.01). The total branch number was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the total length was significantly shortened (P<0.01) of the dendrites in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Conclusion: Tuina may exert an analgesic effect by remodeling the dendritic structure in the spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NR2B/PSD-95 signaling pathway.
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N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most popular RNA modifications at present and has attracted wide attention from researchers in China and globally. By influencing the metabolism of various RNA molecules (including messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, microRNA, and transfer RNA), m7G modification actively participates in many biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. More and more evidence has shown that m7G plays a key role in the development of cancer, and abnormal m7G levels are closely associated with the development and progression of cancer by regulating the expression of multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common gastrointestinal tumor in China, and current treatment methods tend to have an unsatisfactory therapeutic effect. At present, the potential molecular mechanism of m7G modification in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unclear. This article reviews the potential mechanism of action of m7G modification in hepatocellular carcinoma and the m7G-related diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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Objective:To explore the risk factors of bortezomib-related peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) and the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of patients in treatment of multiple myeloma (MM).Methods:The clinical data of 71 newly diagnosed MM patients treated with BD (bortezomib + dexamethasone) regimen in Yancheng First People's Hospital from March 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The bone marrow morphology, immunology, cytogenetics, molecular biology (MICM), routine electrophysiological examination before and after treatment were performed. All patients were divided into the peripheral neuropathy (PN) group and the non-PN group according to the presence or not of BIPN, and the clinicopathological differences of both groups were also compared; a binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of PN. The electrophysiological characteristics were summarized and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect karyotype of BIPN patients.Results:Among 71 MM patients, there were 40 cases (56.3%) of PN and 31 cases (43.7%) of non-PN. The proportion of patients at international staging system (ISS) staging Ⅲ, and the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, serum creatinine, β 2-microglobulin (β 2-MG) in the PN group were higher than those in the non-PN group, and hemoglobin (Hb) level in the PN group was lower than that in the non-PN group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that increased IgA ( OR = 1.151, 95% CI 1.012-1.309, P = 0.033), increased IgG ( OR = 1.055, 95% CI 1.000~1.112, P = 0.049), increased IgM ( OR = 1.010, 95% CI 1.001-1.018, P = 0.022), increased serum creatinine ( OR = 1.037, 95% CI 1.011~1.065, P = 0.005), increased β 2-MG ( OR = 1.564, 95% CI 1.039-2.354, P = 0.032) were risk factors for BIPN. Among 40 patients with BIPN, 33 cases (82.5%) of sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) were abnormal, 23 cases (57.5%) of motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) were abnormal; 31 cases (77.5%) showed demyelination damage, 9 cases (22.5%) had axonal damage. Among 40 patients with BIPN, 24 cases underwent FISH detection, including 19 cases (79.2%) with chromosomal mutations, of which 12 cases (50.0%) were mixed subtype abnormal. Conclusions:MM patients with high levels of β 2-MG, IgA, IgG, IgM and serum creatinine are more prone to PN when treated with bortezomib. The electrophysiology of patients with BIPN is mainly characterized by demyelination of sensory nerves.
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Objective:To analyze the risk factors for premature infants with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hs-PDA) requiring surgical treatment, and to explore the indications for surgical treatment in premature infants with hs-PDA.Methods:A nested case-control study was conducted.The data of premature infants with gestational age<30 weeks who were diagnosed with hs-PDA in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2007 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively.The hs-PDA patients treated surgically were included in the operation group.The hs-PDA patients of the same gestational age and gender who were not treated surgically were taken as the control group.The ratio of the case number between the operation and control groups was 1∶2.The clinical data during pregnancy, at birth and after birth of premature infants were compared between the 2 groups.The measurement data were tested by the independent sample t test or Mann- Whitney U test.The classification and enumeration data were compared by the Fisher′ s exact probability method.The risk factors for premature infants with hs-PDA requiring surgical treatment were analyzed by the conditional Logistic regression method. Results:A total of 182 premature infants with hs-PDA were enrolled in the study, including 10 in the operation group and 20 in the control group.The patients underwent PDA ligation 30.5(22.7, 37.0) d after birth, and the median preo-perative invasive ventilation duration was 9.7(17.5, 27.2) d. Compared with the control group(20 cases), the preterm infants in the operation group had a lower birth weight [(891.5±118.0) g vs.(1 054.4±230.2) g, t=2.091], a wider arterial duct diameter [3.2(2.8, 4.0) mm vs.2.0(2.0, 3.0) mm, Z=-3.300], and longer invasive ventilation duration [25.0(18.7, 38.2) d vs.3.0(1.0, 7.5) d, Z=-3.688]. Besides, the operation group applied the pulmonary surfactant for more times [2(1, 3) times vs.1(1, 2) times, Z=-2.440], and inhaled a higher concentration of oxygen on the 14 th day after birth [29(25, 36)% vs.21(21, 29)%, Z=-2.358] than the control group.Moreover, compared with the control group, the operation group took longer to achieve adequate enteral feeding [48.2(51.5, 63.5) d vs.42.5(23.5, 48.0) d, Z=2.789], and gained a higher maximum vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) [3.0(0, 3.5) points vs.0(0, 0) points, Z=-2.630]. The difference in all the above-mentioned indicators between the 2 groups was statistically significant (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the arterial duct diameter, application times of the pulmonary surfactant, the maximum VIS score, and the time taken to achieve sufficient enteral feeding were all related to the need for surgical treatment of hs-PDA in the operation group (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the invasive ventilation duration ( OR=0.747, 95% CI: 0.560-0.998, P=0.048) was an independent risk factor for hs-PDA premature infants requiring surgical treatment. Conclusions:The factors related to the need for surgical treatment in preterm infants with hs-PDA include a wide arterial duct diameter, multiple applications of the pulmonary surfactant, a high concentration of inhaled oxygen on the 14 th day, and the long time to achieve sufficient enteral feeding.The independent risk factor for the surgical treatment in hs-PDA children is the long invasive ventilation duration.
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Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, and to facilitate the understanding and management of the disease.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and biochemical results of 5 cases with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency diagnosed and treated from 2018 to 2020.Results:All 5 patients were female as social gender, and reached adulthood upon first clinic visit to our department and got diagnosed. All 5 cases had hypertension, hypokalemia, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or adenoma, osteoporosis, and typical hormone changes related to steroid synthesis.Conclusion:Steroid hormone tests with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) enable early diagnosis of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, assessment of the type and degree of enzyme deficiency, and choice of treatment. For such patients, it is necessary to give appropriate anti-osteoporosis therapy.
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We present a case of a postmenopausal women with hyperandrogenic symptoms and virilization signs , such as hirsutism, alopecia, acne and clitoromegaly, which was pathologically confirmed to be an ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified(NOS). The levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estradiol in serum were increased, while the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were decreased. Computed tomography(CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) identified a solid, left ovarian tumor and detected an additional tumor of hypodensity in the left adrenal gland. ACTH stimulation test, hCG stimulation test, adrenal and ovarian vein sampling indicated that excessive androgens were derived from the ovary. After the injection of gonadotropin hormone analogues(GnRHa), testosterone levels dropped to the normal range. Laparoscopic bilateral adnexectomy was performed, and pathology indicated NOS. The purpose of this report is to improve the understanding of NOS with hyperandrogenic presentation.
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Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing continuous static stretching (CSS) with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating triceps surae spasm after a stroke.Methods:Sixty-four stroke survivors with triceps surae spasm were randomly divided into a conventional rehabilitation group, a shock wave group and a combined treatment group. In addition to conventional rehabilitation, the shock wave group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy twice a week and the combined treatment group received the shock waves during continuous static stretching. After 6 weeks of treatment all of the subjects were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Brunnstrom classification of their functional recovery stage.Results:Before treatment there was no significant difference among the three groups. After the 6 weeks of treatment the average triceps surae tension in all three groups had eased significantly. At that point the average MAS and FMA scores of the shock wave group and the combined treatment group were significantly better than those of the conventional group. The combined treatment group then showed significantly better therapeutic effect than the shock wave group.Conclusions:Applying extracorporeal shock waves during continuous static stretching can significantly improve the stretching′s ability to reduce spasticity and improve motor functioning, at least of the triceps surae. Combining shock waves with modern traction methods is recommended for clinical application.
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Objective:To assess the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in Crohn′s disease (CD) patients.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 41 CD patients who received adalimumab in Zhongda Hospital Southeast University from January 2020 to August 2021. General clinical data, laboratory results, endoscopy and radiologic findings were collected, meanwhile, disease activity and safety events were evaluated at baseline and at 12, 24 and 48 weeks of administration. Adalimumab was given subcutaneously once every 2 weeks in doses of 160 mg for the first time, 80 mg for the second time, and 40 mg for each subsequent time.Results:The clinical remission rates at 12, 24, and 48 weeks of treatment were 43.9% (18/41), 60.6% (20/33), 60.9% (14/23), and the clinical response rates were 75.6% (31/41), 69.7% (23/33), and 56.5%( 13/23), respectively. The proportion of endoscopic remission at 12, 24 and 48 weeks were 4/14, 2/6, 1/4 in patients undergoing endoscopy, and 1/14 patients achieved mucosal healing at 24 weeks. Primary nonresponse rate (PNR) was 17.1% (7/41), loss of response (LOR) rate was 14.6% (6/41). The incidence of adverse reactions was 9.8%(4/41).Conclusion:Adalimumab can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms and intestinal disease activities of Crohn′s disease, and deserves to be popularized clinically. Patients with disease course <2 years, first-line biologics, low baseline HBI score, and longer duration of medication may have better results.
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There is accumulating evidence to suggest that immunoglobulin E(IgE)plays a significant role in autoimmunity and inflammation in recent years, and the most concerned is the role of IgE in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). Multiple studies demonstrated a pathogenic role of autoreactive IgE in SLE, including direct damage on tissue-containing autoantigens, activation and migration of basophils to lymph nodes, and induction of type Ⅰ interferon responses from plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDCs). It is now recognized that autoimmune diseases such as bullous pemphigoid(BP), chronic spontaneous urticaria(CSU)and hyperthyroid Graves′ disease are partly mediated by IgE.The situations in other conditions with increased IgE levels, such as autoimmune uveitis, multiple sclerosis, as far less clear and some studies have pointed towards IgE autoantibodies as the main culprit.Now anti-human IgE monoclonal antibody is approved for use in asthma and CSU.And autoreactive IgE and FcεRI-bearing effector cells are as new promising therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases.In this review, the mechanism and clinical effects of IgE mediated inflammation and autoimmune response will be discussed.
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Salvianolic acid injection play an important role in cardiovascular diseases by promoting angiogenesis, improving hemorheology, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, improving endothelial cell function, and inhibiting atherosclerosis. However, mechanismstudies focusing on molecular level are quite few. Although there are many adverse reactions and many factors causing adverse reactions, the incidence rate of adverse reactions is low with safety.
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ImportanceHow to explain the better prognosis of female coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients than that of males? ObjectiveTo determine the correlation between menstruation status/sex hormones and prognosis of COVID-19, and to identify potential protective factors for female patients. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA cross-sectional study of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized at Tongji and Mobile Cabin Hospitals from Jan 28, 2020 to March 8, 2020. ExposuresConfirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main Outcomes and MeasuresSex differences in severity and composite endpoints (admission to intensive care unit (ICU), use of mechanical ventilation, or death) of COVID-19 patients were compared. The correlation analysis and cox/logistic regression modeling of menstruation status/sex hormones and prognosis were conducted. Correlation between cytokines related to immunity and inflammation and disease severity or estradiol (E2) was revealed. ResultsChi square test indicated significant differences in distribution of composite endpoints (p<0.01) and disease severity (p=0.05) between male and female patients (n=1902). 435 female COVID-19 patients with menstruation records were recruited. By the end of Mar 8, 111 patients recovered and discharged (25.3%). Multivariate Cox regression model adjusted for age and severity indicated that post-menopausal patients show the greater risk of hospitalization time than non-menopausal patients (relative hazard [RH], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.46) Logistic regression model showed that higher anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) as a control for age increases the risk of severity of COVID-19 (HR=0.146,95%CI = (0.026-0.824) p=0.029). E2 showed protective effect against disease severity (HR= 0.335, 95%CI = (0.105-1.070), p= 0.046). In the Mann-Whitney U test, the higher levels of IL6 and IL8 were found in severe group (p= 0.040, 0.033). The higher levels of IL2R, IL6, IL8 and IL10 were also observed in patients with composite end points (p<0.001, <0.001, 0.009, 0.040). E2 levels were negatively correlated with IL2R, IL6, IL8 and TNF in luteal phase (Pearson Correlation=-0.592, -0.558, -0.545, -0.623; p=0.033, 0.048, 0.054, 0.023) and with C3 in follicular phase (Pearson Correlation=-0.651; p=0.030). Conclusions and RelevanceMenopause is an independent risk factor for COVID-19. E2 and AMH are negatively correlated with COVID-19s severity probably due to their regulation of cytokines related to immunity and inflammation. Key PointsO_ST_ABSQuestionC_ST_ABSAny differences in the outcomes between hospitalized female and male COVID-19 patients? If so, why? FindingsFemale patients display better prognosis than male patients. Non-menopausal women have shorter length of hospital stays, and AMH and E2 are negatively correlated with COVID-19s severity. There is a negative correlation between E2 and the levels of IL6, IL8, IL2R and TNF-, which are significantly correlated with disease severity or composite endpoint. MeaningNon-menopause and female sex hormones, especially E2 and AMH, are potential protective factors for females COVID-19 patients. E2 supplements could be potentially used for COVID-19 patients.
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BackgroundAs of March 2, 2020, SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 80174 people and caused 2915 deaths in China. This virus rapidly spreads to 56 countries worldwide. Thus, in order to effectively block its transmission, it is urgent to uncover all the possible transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2. MethodsFrom January 28 to February 18, 2020, 35 female patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Tongji Hospital were included in this descriptive study. The gynecologic history, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and chest computed tomography (CT) of all patients were recorded in detail. To examine whether there is sexual transmission through vaginal from female to her partner, we employed real-time polymerase chain reaction testing (RT-PCR) to detect SARS-CoV-2 in vaginal environment (including vaginal discharge, cervical or vaginal residual exfoliated cells) and anal swab samples, and inquired recent sexual behaviors from the patients. FindingsThe age range of the 35 patients with COVID-19 was 37-88 years. Over 50% patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 had chronic diseases. We tested the vaginal environment and anal swabs from the 35 female patients with COVID-19 and found that only an anal swab sample from one patient was positive for SARS-CoV-2. All the samples from vaginal environment were negative for SARS-CoV-2. The infection rate of the patients sexual partner was 42{middle dot}9%. Additionally, two female patients admitted having sex with their partners during a possible infection incubation period, while one patients partner was uninfected and the other patients partner was diagnosed with COVID-19 (after the diagnosis of the female patient). ConclusionNo positive RT-PCR result was found in the vaginal environment perhaps due to the lack of ACE2 expression, which is the receptor of SARS-CoV-2, in the vagina and cervix tissues (human protein atlas). The results from this study show no evidence of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through vaginal sex from female to her partner. However, the risk of infection of non vaginal sex and other intimate contacts during vaginal sex should not be ignored. FundingThis work was financially supported by the Clinical Research Pilot Project of Tongji hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (No. 2019CR205).
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Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) with biclonal M protein.Methods:The clinical data of one LPL patient with biclonal M protein at Yancheng First People's Hospital in January 2018 was retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literature was reviewed.Results:The patient was an elderly woman with clinical manifestations of lymphadenopathy, kidney damage, anemia, and bone destruction. The diagnosis was confirmed based on lymph node biopsy, immunofixation electrophoresis, bone marrow cytology, and genetic mutation testing (MYD88 L265P mutation-positive). Partial remission was achieved after 4 courses of treatment with bortezomib-based regimen.Conclusions:Clinically, LPL with biclonal M protein shows one characteristic of M protein, and the immunoglobulin IgM and IgA biclonal LPL is even rarer. The treatment scheme based on bortezomib has a certain therapeutic effect.
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Objective:To establish an automatic colorimetric method for determination of iodine in drinking water by enzyme-labeled instrument (hereinafter referred to as this method).Methods:The water iodine was measured in the range of 0 - 10 μg/L and 0 - 100 μg/L, experiments were carried out on linear relationship, detection limit, precision and accuracy of this method. And the results were compared with the National Reference Laboratory for Iodine Deficiency Disorders recommended arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry method.Results:In the range of 0 - 10 μg/L and 0 - 100 μg/L, all│ r│ > 0.999 0, the detection limits were 0.6 and 1.1 μg/L (samples were 200 and 100 μl), respectively; the relative standard deviation ( RSD) of water samples of low, medium and high iodine mass concentrations were < 3%, the recovery rates ranged from 92.5% to 108.3% and 93.2% to 108.9%, with a total average recovery of 100.0% and 100.3%, respectively. This method and arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry method were used to detect 40 water samples in the range of 0 - 10 μg/L and 0 - 100 μg/L, there was no significant difference in water iodine content between the two methods ( t = 0.99, P > 0.05). Conclusion:This method has good linear curve relationship for determination of water iodine content, good precision and high accuracy, and it is suitable for wide application.