Complementary and alternative medicine on cognitive defects and neuroinflammation after sepsis.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common manifestation of sepsis, ranging from mild confusion and delirium to severe cognitive impairment and deep coma. SAE is associated with higher mortality and long-term outcomes, particularly substantial declines in cognitive function. The mechanisms of SAE probably include neuroinflammation that is mediated by systemic inflammation and ischemic lesions in the brain, a disrupted blood-brain barrier, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and severe microglial activation. Increasing evidence suggests that complementary and alternative medicine, especially Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is favorable in alleviating cognitive decline after sepsis. Here, we summarized the studies of traditional herbal remedies, TCM formulas and acupuncture therapy in animal models of neurological dysfunctions after sepsis in recent decades and reviewed their potential mechanisms.

The Development of Chinese Herbal Formulae for Non-severe COVID-19 Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology and Investigation of Its Action Mechanisms / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo develop traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） formulae for the treatment of nonsevere coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） and to explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism. MethodsThe dysregulated signaling pathways were determined in macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of COVID-19 patients and in lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro based on transcriptome analysis. A total of 102 TCM formulae for the clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were collected through literature. The pathway-reversing rates of these formulae in macrophages and lung epithelial cells were evaluated based on signature signaling pathways， and the basic formula was determined in conjunction with TCM theory. The commonly used Chinese materia medica for nonsevere COVID-19 were summarized from the 102 TCM formulae as abovementioned. And together with the screening results from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， a “Chinese materia medica pool” was esta-blished for the development of TCM formulae for COVID-19. The regulatory effects of each herb on signaling pathways were obtained based on targeted transcriptome analysis. Oriented at reversing dysregulated signaling pathways of COVID-19， the calculation was carried out， and the artificial intelligent methods for compositing formulae， that are exhaustive method and parallel computing， were used to obtain candidate compound formulas. Finally， with reference to professional experience， an innovative formula for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 was developed. The ethanol extract of the formula was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effects by detecting the mRNA expression of interleukin 1b （Il1b）， C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 （Cxcl2）， C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 （Cxcl10）， C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 （Ccl2）， nitric oxide synthase 2 （Nos2）， and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （Ptgs2） using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-qPCR） in RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. ResultsIn macrophages and lung epithelial cells， 34 dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 were identified respectively. The effects of the 102 formulae for clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were evaluated based on the dysregulated signaling pathways and targeted transcriptome， and the result showed that Yinqiao Powder and Pingwei Powder （银翘散合平胃散， YQPWP） ranked first， reversing 91.18% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in macrophages and 100% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in lung epithelial cells. Additionally， YQPWP had the function of scattering wind and clearing heat， resolving toxins and removing dampness in accordance with the pathogenesis of wind-heat with dampness in COVID-19. It was selected as the basic formula， and was further modified and optimized to develop an innovative fomula Qiaobang Zhupi Yin （翘蒡术皮饮， QBZPY） based on expert experience and artificial intelligence in composing formulae. QBZPY can reverse all the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 in macrophages and lung epithelial cells， with the reversing rates of 100%. The chief medicinal of QBZPY， including Lianqiao （Fructus Forsythiae）， Xixiancao （Herba Siegesbeckiae） and Niubangzi （Fructus Arctii）， can down-regulate multiple signaling pathways related with virus infection， immune response， and epithelial damage. RT-qPCR results indicated that compared with the model group， the QBZPY group down-regulated the mRNA expression of Il1b， tumor necrosis factor （Tnf）， Cxcl2， Cxcl10， Ccl2， Nos2 and Ptgs2 induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionBased on targeted transcriptome analysis， expert experience in TCM and artificial intelligence， QBZPY has been developed for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19. The ethanol extract of QBZPY has been found to inhibit mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory genes in a cellular inflammation model.

Research Ideas and Challenge of Real World Study and Artificial Intelligence Based On Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Data of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中医杂志

With the continuous progress of research methodology in the real world and the growing maturity of artificial intelligence technology， a method for conducting “quantitative” research to guide clinical practice based on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） diagnosis and treatment data was gradually developed. However， there is still a need for further improvements in the overall design of studies and the transformation of findings into clinical practice. Based on this， we put forward a comprehensive overall design concept and application approach for real-world study and artificial intelligence research based on clinical diagnosis and treatment data of TCM. This approach consists of five steps： Constructing a research-based database with a large sample size and high data quality； Mining and classification of core prescriptions； Conducting cohort studies to evaluate the effectiveness of core prescriptions； Utilizing case-control studies to clarify the dominant population； Establishing predictive models to achieve precision medicine. Additionally， it is imperative for researchers to establish a standardized system for collecting TCM variables and processing data， optimize the determination and measurement methods of confounding factors， further improve and promote methodologies， and strengthen the training of interdisciplinary talents. By following this research method， we anticipate that the clinical translation of research findings will be facilitated， leading to advancements in TCM precision medicine. Real-world study and artificial intelligence research share similar research foundations， and clinical applications complement each other. In the future， the two will merge together.

Jinhua Qinggan Granules for Nonhospitalized COVID-19 Patients: a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundKey findings from the World Health Organization Expert Meeting on Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating COVID-19 reported that TCMs are beneficial, particularly for mild-to-moderate cases. The efficacy of Jinhua Qinggan Granules (JHQG) in COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms has yet to be clearly defined. MethodsWe conducted a phase 2/3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with JHQG in mild, nonhospitalized, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 5g/sacket of JHQG or placebo granules orally thrice daily for 10 days. The primary outcomes were the improvement in clinical symptoms and proportion tested negative on viral PCR after treatment. Secondary outcomes were the time to recovery from clinical symptoms and changes in white blood cells (WBC) and acute phase reactants (C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin) 10-15 days after treatment. ResultsA total of 300 patients were randomly assigned to receive JHQG (150 patients) and placebo (150 patients). Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, JHQG showed greater clinical efficacy (82.67%) after 10 days of treatment compared with the placebo group (10.74%) (rate difference: 71.93%; 95% CI 64.09 - 79.76). The proportion of patients with a negative PCR after treatment were comparable (rate difference: -4.67%; 95% CI -15.76 - 6.42). While all changes in WBC, ferritin, and CRP levels showed a statistically significant decline in JHQG (P[≤]0.044) after treatment, but not the latter in placebo (P=0.077). The median time to recovery of COVID-19 related symptoms including cough, sputum, sore throat, dyspnea, headache, nasal obstruction, fatigue, and myalgia were shorter in the JHQG group compared to the placebo group (P<0.001 for all). 3 patients experienced mild to moderate adverse events during the treatment period in the JHQG group. Findings were similar between the modified intention-to-treat and the per-protocol analysis that included only patients who reported 100% adherence to the assigned regimen. ConclusionsJHQG is a safe and effective TCM for the treatment of mild COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial RegistrationThe Trial was prospectively registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration number: NCT04723524.

Randomized controlled study of a diagnosis and treatment plan for moderate coronavirus disease 2019 that integrates Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of a diagnosis and treatment plan for moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that integrates traditional Chinese (TCM) and western medicine. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with moderate COVID-19 were randomized 1∶2 to the control group ( = 40) and experimental group ( = 80). Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment, and the experimental group also received TCM decoction. Over a 2-week period from diagnosis, we observed the time to clinical recovery (TTCR), rate of improvement on lung computed tomography (CT) imaging, time to defervescence, cough remission time, hospital discharge rate, average hospitalization stay, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale score, clinical cure rate, laboratory findings, incidence of progression to severe or critical disease, and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 120 enrolled patients, 108 completed the study. The baseline data did not differ between the experimental and control groups (all > 0.05). After treatment, the TTCR, rate of lung CT imaging improvement, time to defervescence, cough remission time, hospital discharge rate, average hospitalization stay (among discharged patients), mMRC scale score, clinical cure rate, and rates of normal values for laboratory findings were better in the experimental group than in the control group ( < 0.05 or < 0.01). The incidence of progression to severe or critical disease and the incidence of adverse events did not differ between the two groups ( > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment plan integrating Chinese and western medicine showed improved clinical efficacy compared with western medicine alone for patients with moderate COVID-19 and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Practice and reflection on the discipline co-construction in the trusteeship of a Grade Ⅲ traditional Chinese medicine with a district hospital / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:The construction of public medical group is an important strategic measure to deepen the health reform in China. Taking Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital as an example, the article introduces the measures, achievements, existing problems and possible development direction of the discipline co-construction in the entrusted district hospital.Methods:The article analyzes the measures of discipline co-construction and its implementation effect in detail.Results:It has effectively promoted the reasonable allocation of resources between " well-developed leading disciplines" and " disciplines to be nurtured" in the medical group, these disciplines entering a new rapid development phase through optimized organization and management, system construction, new research platform construction.Conclusions:" Disciplines to be nurtured" has been improved in medical service, scientific research capabilities, talent training, academic inheritance and quality of scientific research achievements, based on which, the goal of promoting the development of medical group through discipline co-construction was achieved.

Effect of continuous renal replacement therapy on all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundFor the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), critically ill patients had a high mortality rate. We aimed to assess the association between prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT) and mortality in patients with COVID-19 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we included all patients with COVID-19 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation from February 12nd to March 2nd, 2020. All patients were followed until death or March 28th, and all survivors were followed for at least 30 days. ResultsFor 36 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation, the mean age was 69.4 ({+/-} 10.8) years, and 30 patients (83.3%) were men. Twenty-two (61.1%) patients received PIRRT (PIRRT group) and 14 cases (38.9%) were managed with conventional strategy (non-PIRRT group). There were no differences in age, sex, comorbidities, complications, treatments and most of the laboratory findings. During median follow-up period of 9.5 (interquartile range 4.3-33.5) days, 13 of 22 (59.1%) patients in the PIRRT group and 11 of 14 (78.6%) patients in the non-PIRRT group died. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated prolonged survival in patients in the PIRRT group compared with that in the non-PIRRT group (P = 0.042). The association between PIRRT and a reduced risk of mortality remained significant in three different models, with adjusted hazard ratios varying from 0.332 to 0.398. Higher levels of IL-2 receptor, TNF-, procalcitonin, prothrombin time, and NT-proBNP were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with PIRRT. ConclusionPIRRT may be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. Further prospective multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are required.

Expert consensus guidelines on clinical use of Xiyanping injection for acute infectious diseases

Xiyanping injection, a traditional Chinese medicine injection made of andrographolide sulfonate, consisting of well-defined ingredients with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic efficacy, has been widely used for treating infectious diseases of respiratory and digestive systems. However, its wide applications may easily lead to unreasonable clinical medication. In order to guide the precise clinical application and rational use of Xiyanping injection, experts in related fields conducted systematically literature review, evaluated and deliberated the application of Xiyanping injection in treating acute infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine method, and jointly drafted the consensus to summarize types of acute infectious diseases in children and adults that can be treated with Xiyanping injection, and recommend the intervention time, usage and dosage, course of treatment and combined medication of the injection. Besides, the consensus elucidates the safety, precautions and contraindications of the injection, so as to provide guidance for clinical use.

Current status and prospect of treatment for severe community acquired pneumonia / 中华危重病急救医学

Severe community acquired pneumonia (SCAP) has raised substantial concern due to high morbidity and mortality. SCAP is usually associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and sepsis. It is suggested that organ function and coagulation/fibrinolysis improvement, organ injury reduction and organ repair facilitation are highly required besides microbiology detection and optimization of antibiotics strategy on treatment of SCAP. Neutralization antibody, steroid, immunmodulatory therapy, and Chinese medicine etc. contribute to organ function improvement from different perspective. The unique profile of multiple target and personalized therapy of Chinese medicine may become a promising new option for SCAP and MODS. The combination of Western and Chinese Medicine shed new light on SCAP treatment.

Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of dengue in China / 中华内科杂志

Dengue is the most prevalent and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease.As a dengue non-endemic country,China has experienced several dengue outbreaks in recent years.However,dengue patients in China displayed distinct clinical characteristics compared to patients in endemic countries.To standardize the diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever,the experts of the Society of Infectious Diseases,Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology of Chinese Medical Association,and the Society of Emergency Medicine,China Association of Chinese Medicine have reached this guideline based on guidelines for diagnosis,treatment,prevention and control of dengue (World Health Organization,2009);guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of dengue (National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China,2014,Edition 2),health industry standard of the People's Republic of China "diagnosis for dengue fever (WS216-2018)" and systemic reports on dengue.The guideline includes 8 aspects:introduction,terminology,epidemiology and prevention,etiology and pathogenesis,clinical features,diagnosis,treatment and problems to be solved.

Test of Sepsis 3.0 for diagnosis and prognosis of the septic patients in the intensive care unit / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To investigate the estimated values of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quick SOFA (qSOFA) for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with sepsis according to the new diagnostic criteria in Sepsis 3.0.Methods A retrospective study was conducted.All the clinical data were collected from patients with definite diagnosis of infection and they were admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from July 2014 to June 2016.The patients' gender,age,infectious location,respiratory rate (RR),oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2),Glasgow coma scale (GCS),total bilirubin (TBil),platelet count (PLT),serum creatinine (SCr),serum lactate level,etc.general data on admission were collected to carry out SOFA and qSOFA scorings.And then the septic patients in accord with the diagnostic criteria of Sepsis 3.0 were screened out.According to outcome after admission,the septic patients were divided into survival group and death group,and the differences in diagnosis and in estimation value of prognosis between SOFA scoring and qSOFA scoring were assessed as SOFA group and qSOFA group.Results From 545 septic patients enrolled,189 septic patients consistent with the diagnostic criteria of Sepsis 3.0 were selected.In SOFA scoring group,the morbidity of septic patients was 34.68％,while in qSOFA scoring group,it was 15.96％,the difference between the two groups being statistically significant (P ＜0.01).The mortality was significantly lower in SOFA scoring group than that in qSOFA scoring group [28.04％ (53/189)vs.42.53％ (38/87),P ＜ 0.05].The mortality of qSOFA scoring group was about 1.52 times that of SOFA scoring group.On the aspect of scoring,in patients with SOFA scoring the score of death group was significantly higher than that in survival group (8.74 ± 0.417 vs.7.10 ± 0.235,P ＜ 0.01);in the patients with qSOFA scoring,the score in death group compared with that in survival group showed uo statistical significant difference (2.32 ± 0.48 vs.2.16 ± 0.37,P ＞ 0.05).On the aspect of laboratory indexes,the levels of GCS score in death group was significantly lower than that in the survival group (8.15 ± 0.67 vs.12.48 ± 0.36),blood lactate level in death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group (mmol/L:8.55 ± 4.66 vs.2.31 ± 0.16,P ＜ 0.01);the PaO2/FiO2,TBil,PLT and SCr showed no significant differences between the two groups (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The new diagnostic criteria (Sepsis 3.0) can be used for diagnosis of sepsis in ICU.Compared with qSOFA scoring,the SOFA scoring is more suitable to be used for diagnosis and predicting prognosis of septic patients in ICU;SOFA scoring,GCS scoring and serum lactate level can be applied to estimate outcome of septic patients.

Bilateral renal clear cell carcinoma in the elderly: 38 cases of diagnosis and treatment and related literature review / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of bilateral renal clear cell carcinoma in the elderly.Methods Clinical data from 38 cases of elder patients admitted with bilateral renal clear cell carcinoma in our department from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Among the total 38 cases diagnosed by B ultrasound and CT,13 cases(A group)were treated with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy on one side,combined with microwave ablation on the other side;another 25 cases(B group)were treated with microwave ablation on bilateral sides.Patients were followed up for 24-36 months,with regularly checking by B ultrasound,CT and renal function.Results The operations were successful in total 38 cases (A +-B group),and no postoperative complications were found.All cases were diagnosed as pathologically proven bilateral renal clear cell carcinoma.Postoperative renal functions of the cases were decreased at different degrees as compared with preoperative renal functions,but not needing dialysis treatment.The microwave ablation on bilateral sides(B Group) versus A Group,significantly decreased the surgical time cost (P =0.012) and hospital stay(P =0.021).For both A and B group,postoperative renal function were declined in different degree.The damage extents of blood urea nitrogen,creatinine and creatinine clearance rate were less in group B than in group A at one week after surgery(P=0.008,0.009 and 0.006).Atpostoperative follow-up for 3 month,it was found that the damage extents of blood urea nitrogen,creatinine and creatinine clearance rate were less in group B than in group A (P =0.037,0.020 and 0.018).At postoperative follow-up for 30 months in average,no local recurrence or metastasis was found.Diagnosis of bilateral kidney clear cell carcinoma in the elderly mainly depended on B ultrasound,CT scan and MRI imaging.Conclusions As to the treatment of elderly patients with early renal clear cell carcinoma,considering both the general healthy condition of patients and tumor therapy and choosing microwave ablation might be good for efficiency and prognoses.

Efficacy and safety of different hemostatic drugs in transurethral resection of the prostate in elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of perioperative use of different hemostatic drugs in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).Methods A total of 480 elderly patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) admitted to the Departments of Urology and Gerontology of our hospital from January 2010 to October 2014 were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups (n =80,each).Patients in all groups were given preoperative oral finasteride for 1 week,with each of the non-control groups receiving perioperative heamocoagulase agkistrodon,mangabeys hemocoagulase,reptilase,ethylenediamine diaceturate,or dicynone + paraaminomethyl benzoic acid (PAMBA).Intraoperative bleeding,perioperative hematocrit,hemoglobin change,continuous bladder irrigation time,adverse reactions and other clinical parameters were recorded.Results Operations went smoothly with all patients.Changes in perioperative blood routine indexes,coagulation function,intraoperative bleeding volume and continuous bladder irrigation time had significant differences between the control group and the groups treated with hemostatic drugs (all P＜0.05).No significant differences in perioperative blood routine indexes,coagulation function,intraoperative bleeding volume and continuous bladder irrigation time were found between groups treated with heamocoagulase agkistrodon,mangabeys hemocoagulase and reptilase,or between groups treated with ethylenediamine diaceturate and dicynone+PAMBA (all P＞ 0.05).There were significant differences in the perioperative blood routine indexes,coagulation function,intraoperative bleeding volume and continuous bladder irrigation time between the groups with and without blood coagulation enzymes (all P ＜0.05).Fibrinolytic responses occurred in 2 patients in the heamocoagulase agkistrodon group and were mitigated after drug withdrawal and fibrinogen infusion.Conclusions A reasonable perioperative dose of a hemostatic drug has good clinical effects in elderly patients undergoing TURP.Hemostatic drugs such as blood coagulation enzymes have certain advantages including safety over other types of hemostatic drugs,but their doses should not be too large.

Clinical analysis of ultrasound-guided catheter drainage and vacuum-assisted Mammotome system in treatment of lactational breast abscess / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical application value of ultrasound-guided catheter drainage and vacuum-assisted Mammotome system in the treatment of lactational breast abscess. Methods The clinical data of 46 patients with lactational breast abscesses were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were divided into control group (28 patients) and treatment group (18 patients). Homemade irrigation and drainage tube was used in control group,and vacuum-assisted Mammotome system was used in treatment group. The curative effect of 2 groups was compared. Results All patients were cured. The mean healing time in treatment group was (9.5 ± 1.3) d,in control group was (12.5 ± 2.2) d, and there was significant difference (P 0.05). All patients recovered well without recurrence. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided catheter drainage should be employed as first line treatment of breast abscess with diameter greater than the 3 cm. If patient′s economic conditions are good and have high requirement on the beauty outcome, vacuum-assisted Mammotome system can be applied as treatment option.

Research on the function of network information in the medical research teaching / 中国医学装备

Objective: To explore the function of network information in the medical research teaching. Methods: To analyze the function of network information in the medical research, combined with the current actual medical research teaching, to understand correctly the related problems, and find the corresponding appropriate solutions. Results: In medical research teaching, the students should be led to use correctly the network tool for keeping track the research forefront, solving scientific problems, broadening the research mindset; avoiding addiction, split personality and internet plagiarism. Conclusion:In the medical research teaching, the students should be guided to use the network tools correctly, which maximize its effect.

An analysis of prognostic factors in patients suffering from acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome complicated with Yangming Fushi syndrome：a report of 206 cases from multiple centers / 中华危重病急救医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of patients with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) complicated with Yangming Fushi syndrome.Methods A prospective study was conducted. From August 2009 to July 2013, 206 patients with Yangming Fushi syndrome combined with ALI/ARDS were enrolled in the intensive care units ( ICUs ) of the following five hospitals: Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine University, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, and Wuxi Third People's Hospital in Jiangsu Province. According to the mortality occurring in ICU, the patients were divided into death group and survival group. The gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ ( APACHE Ⅱ ) score within the first 24 hours after admission, the length of invasive mechanical ventilation, usage of vasoactive agents, ratio of operative intervention, the length of stay in ICU, application of continuous renal replacement therapy ( CRRT ), amount of blood transfusion, the level of C-reactive protein ( CRP ), lactulose/mannitol ( L/M ) ratio, the number of organs with dysfunction, oxygenation index ( PaO2/FiO2 ), levels of lactate and serum creatinine ( SCr ) of both groups were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to look for the independent risk factors of death of patients. Results There were 124 cases with severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP ), which was the most common disease with manifestation of Yangming Fushi syndrome combined with ALI/ARDS, accounting for 60.19% of all the patients. During the period of hospitalization in ICU, 171 patients survived and 35 died, and the mortality rate was 16.99%. The risk factors of the two groups were analyzed by variable analysis, and it was shown that compared with those in survival group, the age ( years: 57.26±16.23 vs. 48.07±13.48, t = 3.544, P = 0.000 ), APACHE Ⅱ score ( 20.83±9.73 vs. 12.61±6.63, t = 4.777, P = 0.000 ), the length of invasive mechanical ventilation ( days: 10.97±7.71 vs. 6.91±2.48, t = 2.555, P = 0.015 ) and the number of dysfunction organs ( 3.11±1.21 vs. 1.60±1.34, t = 6.222, P = 0.000 ) in death group were significantly higher. The level of PaO2/FiO2 [ mmHg ( 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa ): 218.56±64.90 vs. 244.58±85.10, t = -2.024, P = 0.044 ] in the death group was significantly lower than that of the survival group, while the length of ICU stay ( days: 14.33±10.81 vs. 9.11±7.37, t = 2.600, P = 0.010 ), the usage rates of CRRT [ 28.57% ( 10/35 ) vs. 15.20% ( 26/171 ), χ2 = 3.968, P = 0.046 ], vasoactive agents [ 28.57% ( 10/35 ) vs. 12.28% ( 21/171 ), χ2 = 6.511, P = 0.011 ], and blood transfusion ratio [ 42.86% ( 15/35 ) vs. 23.39% ( 40/171 ), χ2 = 7.042, P = 0.008 ] were all obviously higher in the death group than those in the survival group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, number of operation, the levels of CRP, L/M ratio, lactate and SCr between the two groups ( all P > 0.05 ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age [ odds ratio ( OR ) = 0.938, 95% confidence interval ( 95%CI ) = 0.898-0.980, P = 0.004 ], APACHE Ⅱ score ( OR = 0.914, 95%CI = 0.839-0.996, P = 0.041 ), the number of dysfunction organs ≥ 3 ( OR = 0.223, 95%CI = 0.066-0.754, P = 0.016 ), and the level of PaO2/FiO2 ( OR = 0.990, 95%CI = 0.982-0.998, P = 0.015 ) were independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions The age, APACHE Ⅱ score, number of dysfunction organs ≥ 3 and the level of PaO2/FiO2 are of significance in predicting the prognosis of patients with Yangming Fushi syndrome combined with ALI/ARDS. Patients with risk factors of high mortality should be more carefully monitored and treated aggressively.

A prospective multicenter clinical study of Xuebijing injection in the treatment of sepsis and multiple organ ;dysfunction syndrome / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Xuebijing injection in treatment of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome ( MODS ). Methods A prospective multicenter clinical study was conducted. The patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, or MODS admitted to Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine of 70 hospitals across the country during 2006 to 2008 were enrolled. All of the patients received the basis treatment of conventional therapy, plus Xuebijing injection of 50-100 mL, 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days, and the dose might be increased in serious cases. The vital signs, 24-hour urine output, Glasgow coma score ( GCS ), white blood cell count ( WBC ), platelet count ( PLT ), Marshall score, gastrointestinal function score, syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ), blood lactate ( Lac ), blood glucose, serum creatinine ( SCr ), and total bilirubin ( TBil ) were observed before treatment, 1, 3, and 5 days after treatment, and at the end of the treatment. The results of above mentioned parameters after the treatment were compared with that before treatment in each patient. At the same time, the occurrence and the degree of adverse reactions were recorded to evaluate the safety of Xuebijing injection. Results A total of 2 574 patients were enrolled, and in 2 509 cases the treatment was completed in, with a drop of 65 cases. 704 cases were diagnosed to have sepsis, 768 with severe sepsis, and 1 037 with MODS. According to TCM, in 1 951 cases syndrome of stasis-toxin in the interior, and in 558 syndrome of excessive exuberance of heat-toxic in the interior were diagnosed. After the treatment of Xuebijing injection combined with conventional therapy, the temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, WBC, PLT, GCS, 24-hour urine output, blood glucose, Lac, SCr, TBil, Marshall score, gastrointestinal function score, as well as the symptoms, signs and TCM tongue condition and pulse condition, and TCM scores were significantly improved in all patients as well as the patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, or MODS ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 ). The effective rate of all patients and the patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, or MODS was 89.20%( 2 238/2 509 ), 92.76%( 653/704 ), 91.54%( 703/768 ), 85.05%( 882/1 037 ), respectively, and the 28-day survival rate was 93.90%( 2 356/2 509 ), 98.01%( 690/704 ), 96.35%( 740/768 ), 89.30%( 926/1 037 ), respectively. In 3 patients with MODS adverse events ( 0.12%) occurred, including 2 cases of stress ulcer and 1 case of Adams-Stokes syndrome. After clinical evaluation, the adverse events were found to be unrelated with the study medication, and Xuebijing injection was continued till the end of treatment. Conclusion Xuebijing injection combined with conventional therapy may effectively ameliorate systemic inflammatory response, protect organ function, alleviate the symptoms, improve organ functions, and elevate the clinical cure rate. Adverse events occur occasionally. Xuebijing injection is found to be safe.

Expressions of STAT3, p-STAT3 and E-cadherin in colorectal cancer and clinical implications / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation of expressions of STAT3 and p-STAT3 with epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated protein E-cadherin in colorectal cancer, and to examine the association of above expressions with tumor invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry assay ElivisionTM plus was used to detect the expressions of STAT3, p-STAT3 and E-cadherin protein in colorectal cancer tissue samples of 50 cases and their corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues. Association of these protein expressions with tumor invasion and metastasis was analyzed with χ(2) test. Correlation of STAT3 and p-STAT3 with E-cadherin was analyzed with Spearman method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Positive expression rates of STAT3, p-STAT3 and E-cadherin protein in colorectal cancer tissues were 72%(36/50), 76%(38/50) and 26%(13/50), which were significantly higher compared to adjacent normal intestinal mucosa tissues [24%(12/50), 26%(13/50) and 68%(34/50), all P<0.05]. STAT3, p-STAT3 and E-cadherin expressions were associated with tumor differentiation, tumor invasion depth, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM staging (all P<0.05). In colorectal cancer tissues, STAT3 protein expression was positively correlated with p-STAT3 expression. STAT3 and p-STAT3 expressions in colorectal cancer tissues were negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression(P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>STAT3 and p-STAT3 may be involved in tumor EMT through inhibition of E-cadherin expression, leading to the development of colorectal cancer.</p>

Expression of mucin 15 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical implications / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of mucin 15 (MUC15) in hepatocellular carcinoma and explore its association with the prognosis of patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of MUC15 was detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting in liver cell line L02, liver cancer cell lines HepG2, MHCC-97H, and SMMC-7721, and in 122 HCC and corresponding adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. The association of MUC15 expression in HCC tissues with the clinical parameters and the patients' survival was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 1iver cell line L02 showed significantly higher MUC15 expression level than the liver cancer cell lines HepG2, MHCC-97H, and SMMC-7721 (P<0.05). The expression level of MUC15 was markedly lower in the HCC tissues than in the adjacent non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). MUC15 expression in the HCC tissues was significantly correlated with the tumor TNM stage, intrahepatic or lymphatic metastasis, portal vein thrombosis and tumor differentiation (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that a low MUC15 expression was associated with a poor clinical prognosis of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of MUC15 is correlated with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of HCC patients, and may potentially serve as a novel prognostic marker for HCC.</p>

Construction of Tre enzyme eukaryotic expression vector and identification of its function in loxLTR sequence-specific recognition / 医学研究生学报

Objective Clearing HIV provirus is the key to cure AIDS .The study was to construct the Tre enzyme eukaryotic expression vector and identify its function in specific recognition of loxLTR sequence in HIV provirus . Methods Tre gene was in-serted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA 3.1 gene recombination manipulation by genetic recombination techniques including gene synthesis , PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and ligation .EGFPpA-LoxLTR sequence was inserted into pmCherry-N1 vector and was tested by restriction enzyme digestion , PCR and sequencing .Constructed vectors were electroporated into HeLa cells , then using fluorescence microscopy to observe fluorescence intensity changes . Results PCR, restriction enzyme digestion , electrophoresis and sequencing confirmed that Tre enzyme eukaryotic expression vector had been constructed successfully , and it could specifically recog-nize and cut loxLTR sequence after being transfected into Hela cells . Conclusion Constructed Tre enzyme eukaryotic expression vector can be expressed in Hela cells and specifically recognize loxLTR sequence , which has prepared the experimental ground for fur-ther studies of clearing HIV provirus .