Therapeutic potential and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in treating fibrotic liver disease / 中国天然药物

Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, and also the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide. During the treatment of liver fibrosis, in addition to antiviral therapy or removal of inducers, there remains a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies. For thousands of years, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used to treat liver fibrosis in clinical setting. CHMs are effective for liver fibrosis, though its mechanisms of action are unclear. In recent years, many studies have attempted to determine the possible mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating liver fibrosis. There have been substantial improvements in the experimental investigation of CHMs which have greatly promoted the understanding of anti-liver fibrosis mechanisms. In this review, the role of CHMs in the treatment of liver fibrosis is described, based on studies over the past decade, which has addressed the various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate therapeutic efficacy. Among them, inhibition of stellate cell activation is identified as the most common mechanism. This article provides insights into the research direction of CHMs, in order to expand its clinical application range and improve its effectiveness.

Comprehensive and deep profiling of the plasma proteome with protein corona on zeolite NaY / 药物分析学报

Proteomic characterization of plasma is critical for the development of novel pharmacodynamic bio-markers.However,the vast dynamic range renders the profiling of proteomes extremely challenging.Here,we synthesized zeolite NaY and developed a simple and rapid method to achieve comprehensive and deep profiling of the plasma proteome using the plasma protein corona formed on zeolite NaY.Specifically,zeolite NaY and plasma were co-incubated to form plasma protein corona on zeolite NaY(NaY-PPC),followed by conventional protein identification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.NaY was able to significantly enhance the detection of low-abundance plasma proteins,minimizing the"masking"effect caused by high-abundance proteins.The relative abundance of middle-and low-abundance proteins increased substantially from 2.54％to 54.41％,and the top 20 high-abundance proteins decreased from 83.63％to 25.77％.Notably,our method can quantify approxi-mately 4000 plasma proteins with sensitivity up to pg/mL,compared to only about 600 proteins iden-tified from untreated plasma samples.A pilot study based on plasma samples from 30 lung adenocarcinoma patients and 15 healthy subjects demonstrated that our method could successfully distinguish between healthy and disease states.In summary,this work provides an advantageous tool for the exploration of plasma proteomics and its translational applications.

Systematic Analysis of Molecular Subtypes and Immune Prediction Based on CD8 T Cell Pattern Genes Based on Head and Neck Cancer.

CD8+ T lymphocytes, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, are the most powerful antitumour cells in the human body. Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in whom CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration is high have a better prognosis. However, the clinical significance and prognostic significance of CD8+ T cell-related regulatory genes in HNSCC remain unclear, and further research is required. In total, 446 CD8+ T cell-related genes were obtained using WGCNA. It was discovered that 111 genes included within the TCGA and GSE65858 datasets were intimately linked to the patient's prognosis. These genes were included in the subsequent analysis. According to consensus clustering analysis, HNSCC samples were classified into 3 subtypes (IC1, IC2, and IC3). There were substantial differences between the three subtypes in terms of immunological molecules, immune function, and the response to drug treatment. In addition, the 8-gene signature, which was generated premised on CD8+ T cell-related genes, exhibited stable prognostic prediction in the TCGA and GEO datasets and different HNSCC patient subgroups and independently served as a prognostic indicator for HNSCC. More importantly, the 8-gene signature effectively predicted immunotherapy response. We first constructed a molecular subtype of HNSCC based on CD8+ T cell-related genes. Between the three subtypes, there were significant differences in the prognosis, clinical features, immunological molecules, and drug treatment response. The 8-gene signature that was further constructed effectively predicted prognosis and immunotherapy response.

Traditional Chinese medicine formula 01 for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC01) for head & neck cancer and health-related quality of life: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula 01 for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC01) is used in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs), but whether NPC01 has an impact on the HR-QOL of patients with HNCs is unknown. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with HNCs who were treated between January 2019 and January 2020 at the Head & Neck Cancer Center of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital. The patients were grouped according to whether they received NPC01 or not (controls). All patients routinely completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 modules before and after 3 months of systemic treatment. Health economics were collected. RESULTS: The patients who received NPC01 were older than the controls (48.6 ± 11.4 vs. 43.4 ± 8.8 years, P = 0.004). All other characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In EORTC QLQ-C30, physical functioning (P = 0.03), fatigue (P = 0.04), pain (P = 0.02), appetite loss (P = 0.02), and constipation (P = 0.01) scores were improved more in the NPC01 group than in controls. In EORTC H&N35, the scores for pain (P = 0.02), swallowing (P = 0.01), and dry mouth (P = 0.02) were better in the NPC01 group than in controls. The NPC01 cost was 38.94 RMB/patient compared with 12.81 RMB/patient for regular follow-up, but considering insurance coverage, the financial burden was not higher. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that NPC01 improves HNCs-related symptoms and HR-QOL.

Image characteristics of woven coronary artery on intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the image characteristics of woven coronary artery (WCA)on intravascular ultrasound(IVUS) and optical coherence tomography(OCT).Methods:Thirty-seven patients suspected of WCA on coronary angiography were enrolled from Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medcine, Zhengzhou Cardiovascular Disease Hospital and Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to July 2020. The intraluminal imaging features of WCA were analyzed using IVUS and OCT.Results:Of the 37 patients admitted at the cardiology service, 9 patients had WCA. All the patients underwent coronary angiography, IVUS and OCT, of which 6 lesions were located on the right coronary artery, 2 lesions were located on the left anterior descending artery and 1 patient had WCA on the circumflex artery. The mean length of WCA lesions was 2.2 cm(ranged from 1.2 cm to 4.5 cm). The angiographic appearance of WCA was numerous small tortious channels origined form the main lumen. The channels appeared to be " doughnut" like pattern and they merged to normal artery again after the anomalous segment. Flow limitation was rare unless there was coronary atherosclerosis. OCT and IVUS showed multiple spiral channels in the anomalous segment, which were independent of each other and each channels had a relatively complete three-layers vascular structure.Conclusions:With typical image characteristics, IVUS and OCT are able to screen out WCA and guide the treatment decision making.

Safety and Efficacy of Apatinib Monotherapy for Unresectable, Metastatic Esophageal Cancer: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase II Study.

LESSONS LEARNED: Patient compliance with the oral dosage treatment was good, with no need for hospitalization. Patients with tracheal and esophageal fistulas can take crushed apatinib by nutrient tube, with the same bioavailability and efficacy. Apatinib may be an effective and safe second- or further-line treatment for advanced esophageal cancer. BACKGROUND: Apatinib is an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), which is thought to play a role in esophageal cancer progression. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib in patients with unresectable esophageal cancer and to examine whether VEGFR2 expression influenced the clinical response. METHODS: This single-arm, open-label, investigator-initiated phase II study enrolled patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between August 2017 and January 2019. Apatinib monotherapy (500 mg/day) was given orally or via an enteral tube until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal, or death. Patients were followed until treatment was discontinued or death. The main endpoints were tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Among 32 patients screened for inclusion, 30 were included in the safety and survival analyses (i.e., received apatinib), and 26 were included in the efficacy analysis (at least one imaging follow-up). Median follow-up time and exposure to apatinib were 5.34 months and 72 days, respectively. Among 26 patients included in the efficacy analysis, 2 had a partial response (PR; 7.7%) and 14 had stable disease (SD; 53.8%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 7.7%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 61.5%. Median PFS and OS were 4.63 months (95% confidence interval, 2.11-7.16 months) and 6.57 months (4.90 months to not estimable), respectively. Fifteen patients (50.0%) experienced treatment-related AEs, most commonly hypertension (26.7%), diarrhea (20.0%), and hand-foot-skin reaction (10.0%). No patients had grade ≥4 treatment-related AEs. CONCLUSION: Apatinib was effective as second- or further-line treatment for advanced esophageal cancer.

Effects of exercise on cardiovascular and pulmonary function in polluted air environment and countermeasures / 公共卫生与预防医学

With the improvement of living standards in China, people pay more and more attention to sports and fitness. Therefore, the contradiction between air pollution and sports becomes an urgent problem to be solved. In this paper, the acute and chronic effects of exercise on human cardiovascular and pulmonary functions under the environment of particulate matter pollution are summarized and analyzed, and countermeasures are put forward on the basis of this analysis.

Investigation and analysis of the status of new coronavirus contamination in biosafety laboratories / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the status of new coronavirus contamination in the biosafety laboratory environment, identify key areas prone to contamination, and provide evidence for disinfection of central objects. Methods surfaces of high-frequency contact environment and protective equipment were sampled with moistened sterile cotton swabs after experiment and before disinfection, the results of the one-step real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of open reading frame 1ab and N fragment were used to evaluate the pollution status. Results Environmental surveys found 4 of 217 samples of environmental objects to be positive for new coronavirus RNA, that positive rate was 1.84%. Among them, BSL-3, BSL-2, and BSL-1 were sampled 23, 184, and 10 respectively. The 3 positive samples were from surfaces of nucleic acid extraction room of BSL-2 and from the handles of pass-through box, laboratory door handles and the outer surface of the alcohol watering pot respectively. The 1 positive sample was from the forearm of the protective clothing in BSL-2 laboratory. Conclusion There was a certain degree of virus pollution in key areas of the new coronavirus laboratory. The BSL-2 laboratory has a higher risk of environmental pollution than the BSL-3 and BSL-1 laboratories.

Cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy and sensorineural hearing loss syndrome: a case report and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of a patient with cerebellar ataxia,areflexia,pes cavus,optic atrophy and sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS) syndrome,followed by relative literature review.Methods The medical history,physical examination and results of relative auxiliary examinations were collected from a CAPOS syndrome patient,who was definitely diagnosed by gene detection.Results The patient was a 20-year-old male,complaining of poor coordination for 19 years,impaired vision for 15 years and hearing loss for 13 years.When he was eleven months old,weakness of four limbs happened after diarrhea but recovered spontaneously a few days later.Then his poor coordination was discovered.His vision has decreased progressively since the age of five and he began to suffer from bilateral hearing loss after fever at the age of seven.Anti-infectious and immunoregulatory treatment was ineffective at that time.Physical examination showed that bilateral visual acuity decreased.Transient horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus and bilateral hearing loss were detected.Obvious shaking was observed with closed eyes and toes together.Finger-to-nose,finger tracking,heel-knee-tibia and alternate motion tests were slightly inaccurate.Deep tendon reflexes disappeared and no pes cavus was observed.Pure tone audiometry revealed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging indicated bilateral optic atrophy.ATP1A3 gene detection in the patient showed c.2452G＞A (p.Glu818Lys) heterozygous mutation while his parents were detected no such mutation in the same locus.Conclusions As for young patients who suffer from acute cerebellar ataxia after fever,disappeared tendon reflexes,atrophy of optic nerves or sensorineural hearing loss,they should be alerted to CAPOS syndrome when immunomodulating or anti-inflammatory therapy has been proved to be useless.Positive family history and ATP1A3 gene mutation would be beneficial to definite diagnosis.

Cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy and sensorineural hearing loss syndrome: a case report and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

Objective@#To summarize the clinical characteristics of a patient with cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy and sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS) syndrome, followed by relative literature review.@*Methods@#The medical history, physical examination and results of relative auxiliary examinations were collected from a CAPOS syndrome patient, who was definitely diagnosed by gene detection.@*Results@#The patient was a 20-year-old male, complaining of poor coordination for 19 years, impaired vision for 15 years and hearing loss for 13 years. When he was eleven months old, weakness of four limbs happened after diarrhea but recovered spontaneously a few days later. Then his poor coordination was discovered. His vision has decreased progressively since the age of five and he began to suffer from bilateral hearing loss after fever at the age of seven. Anti-infectious and immunoregulatory treatment was ineffective at that time. Physical examination showed that bilateral visual acuity decreased. Transient horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus and bilateral hearing loss were detected. Obvious shaking was observed with closed eyes and toes together. Finger-to-nose, finger tracking, heel-knee-tibia and alternate motion tests were slightly inaccurate. Deep tendon reflexes disappeared and no pes cavus was observed. Pure tone audiometry revealed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging indicated bilateral optic atrophy. ATP1A3 gene detection in the patient showed c. 2452G>A (p. Glu818Lys) heterozygous mutation while his parents were detected no such mutation in the same locus.@*Conclusions@#As for young patients who suffer from acute cerebellar ataxia after fever, disappeared tendon reflexes, atrophy of optic nerves or sensorineural hearing loss, they should be alerted to CAPOS syndrome when immunomodulating or anti-inflammatory therapy has been proved to be useless. Positive family history and ATP1A3 gene mutation would be beneficial to definite diagnosis.

AKR1B10 inhibitor enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on liver cancer xenograft / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the inhibitory effect of AKR1B10 inhibitor combined with sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) xenograft growth.@*Methods@#HepG2 xenograft model was established in nude mice. The mice were then randomly divided into four groups: control group, epalrestat monotherapy group, sorafenib monotherapy group and combination treatment group. Tumor volume, tumor weight, T/C ratio and the change in body weight of nude mice in each group were compared to evaluate the curative effect. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expression of Ki-67 in tumor tissues to evaluate the proliferation status of tumor cells. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between the groups. Student’s t-test was used to test means of two groups and chi-square test was used for multiple samples.@*Results@#The differences of the grafted tumor volume before and after treatment between the control group, epalrestat group, sorafenib group and combined therapy group was 238.940 ± 39.813, 124.991 ± 84.670, -26.111 ± 11.518, and -54.072 ± 17.673(mm3), respectively, (F = 37.048, P < 0.001). The tumor mass were 0.273 ± 0.140, 0.158 ± 0.078, 0.079 ± 0.054, 0.045 ± 0.024 (g), (F = 16.594, P < 0.001); T/C ratio were 100%, 57.9%, 28.9%, 16.5%, and Ki-67 positive rate were 23.295 ± 6.218, 13.503 ± 3.392, 7.325 ± 2.257, 4.664 ± 1.189 (%), (χ2 = 822.203, P < 0.001) . The tumor volume (t = -3.579, P = 0.002) and Ki-67 positive rate (t = -10.003, P < 0.001) in epalrestat monotherapy group were significantly lower than control group. The tumor volume (t = 2.056, P = 0.025), tumor mass (t = 2.101, P = 0.043), and Ki-67 positive rate (t = -2.850, P = 0.005) in combination treatment group were significantly lower than sorafenib monotherapy group. Compared with the control group, the body weight of nude mice in the treatment group decreased to a certain extent, but there was no statistically significant difference between epalrestat monotherapy group and control group (t = -1.599, P = 0.262), and combined therapy and sorafenib monotherapy group (t = -0.051, P = 0.96).@*Conclusion@#AKR1B10 inhibitor enhanced the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft.

Influence of wellness education on first-line icotinib hydrochloride patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and their family caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effects of wellness education (WE) intervention on the behavioral change, psychological status, performance status on patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing icotinib hydrochloride treatment and their relationships with family caregivers. METHODS: We conducted an intervention study involving 126 individuals with confirmed activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive stage IV NSCLC who received icotinib hydrochloride as first-line therapy between January 2014 and January 2016; their caregivers were also included in the study. For a period of 12 weeks, participants were randomly assigned into WE and control groups. The patients and family members in the WE group were provided with WE information about treatment, diet, social needs, rehabilitation, physical/mental health education, communication strategies, and patient care advice at least 3 times per week during treatment. Qualitative feedback of the participants was recorded during the intervention. Food Composition Database, the Family Environment Scale, patients/caregivers quality-of-life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung/Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer Scale), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were measured at baseline and for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed to compare the different outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 126 caregivers (64 WE and 62 control), 120 completed the study. We observed significant differences between the WE group and control group with respect to low daily calorie intake (31.0% vs 77.4%, p < 0.05), smoking cessationaaa and awareness of cancer (85.48% vs 100%, p < 0.05). The WE group showed high ratings on awareness of cancer risk and benefit, as well as confidence relating to the behaviors of healthful diet and self-motivation to conduct cancer test. Family caregivers had high ratings on 30-minute daily moderate physical activity (p > 0.05). After 12 weeks, WE intervention had improved scores on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung-EWB and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer Scale adaptation. In addition, the patients also showed improvements in HADS. CONCLUSION: WE interventions in patients with stage IV NSCLC undergoing icotinib hydrochloride treatment and their family resulted in strong intentions to engage in health-promoting behaviors related to physical activity, smoking cessationaaa, and nutrition at the treatment period. WE intervention is a viable way to improve quality of life and HADS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study suggest that WE interventions in patients' family with stage IV NSCLC undergoing icotinib hydrochloride treatment are significant improvements in both HADS and quality of life. These data also indicate that lung cancer disparities are unlikely to be associated with differential willingness to receive care but that Chinese may perceive financial and insurance ebarriers to treatment.

Traditional Herbal Formula NPC01 Exerts Antiangiogenic Effects through Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells.

Antiangiogenic therapy is vital in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment. NPC01 has already been successfully used in treating patients with NPC in clinical practice and exerted an excellent antiangiogenetic effect. However, the potential molecular mechanism underlying the antitumor effect of NPC01 has not been well explored. The present study demonstrated that NPC01 could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in human NPC cell lines. Furthermore, NPC01 exerted antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects in NPC xenograft mice. Moreover, the study showed that NPC01 could significantly decrease the expression of angiogenesis-associated factors including hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor. Additionally, the decreased expression of these angiogenesis-associated factors could be due to the inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR). In conclusion, the results proposed that NPC01 could exert its antitumor effect by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanism.

The detection rate of pertussis in children and infants with persistent cough in Beijing during 2011-2016 / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of pertussis in infants and children with persistent cough in Beijing during 2011-2016.Methods The eligible infants and children from over ten hospitals who were suspected to have pertussis from 2011 to 2016 were enrolled for detection.Nasopharyngeal secretions and blood samples were collected.Multiplex-PCR was performed for Bordetella pertussis and real-time PCR was performed for nucleic acid of Bordetella pertussis.Results A total of 1 318 eligible cases were enrolled,including 820 males and 498 females.Pertussis was detected positive in 534 cases,including 81.3％ (434/534) of B.pertussis positive cases and 31.8％ (170/534) of IgG positive cases.There were 13.1 ％ (70/534) had double positive for bacteria and antibodies.From 2011 to 2016,the enrolled patients were increased from 103 cases per year to 460 cases per year,and the test positive patients were increased from 29 cases to 194 cases.Among the pertussis patients,466 (87.3 ％) cases were younger than one year old.From the first quarter to the fourth quarter of the year,There were 65 cases,151 cases,205 cases,and 113 cases,respectively.In further analysis of the 268 cases from Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics,90.7％ of the patients who had whooping cough were scattered children;185 cases (69.0％) of the patients had not begun programmed immunization,71 cases (26.5％) did not complete programmed immunization and 12 cases (4.5％)completed the programmed immunization.Of all the inpatients,21.6％ were critical ill,0.8％ (2 cases) dead,and the remaining patients were recovered and discharged.Conclusions The prevalence of pertussis is increasing,especially in summer.Infants are the most susceptible population.Bordetella pertussis is one of the most important pathogen that can induce persistent and chronic cough.

Significance and expression of aquaporin-2 in fetus kidney and amniotic fluid at different stages of the pregnancy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) in human fetus kidney and amniotic fluid at different stages of pregnancy.Methods Twenty-two cases of aborted fetuses' kidneys were collected.They were divided into 3 groups according to the pregnancy age:8 cases in 17-23 + 6 weeks,8 cases in 24-31 +6 weeks,and 6 cases in 32-38 +6 weeks.Western blot was used to examine the expression of AQP-2 in the kidney.Twenty-four cases of the amniotic fluid were collected,and they were divided into 3 groups according to the pregnancy age:10 cases in 17-23 +6 weeks,6 cases in 24-31 +6 weeks,and 8 cases in 32-38 +6 weeks.Eight cases of healthy adult morning urine were collected as positive controls.The AQP-2 protein in the amniotic fluid was detected with the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the osmotic pressure of amniotic fluid at different stages of the pregnancy was measured with the freezing point osmometer.Results The expression of AQP-2 was increased with the extending of pregnancy age,and the AQP-2 expressions in fetus kidney of 17-23 +6 weeks,24-31 + 6 weeks and 32-38 +6 weeks were 0.986 ± 0.335,1.566 ± 0.272,and 2.080 ± 0.246,respectively,and the difference was significant (P ＜ 0.05).The AQP-2 detected from amniotic fluid was positively correlated with the result of AQP-2 in the kidney(r =0.985,P ＜ 0.05),and the AQP-2 expression also increased with the extending of pregnancy age:17-23 +6 weeks,24-31 +6 weeks,32-38 +6 weeks and adult urine was (30.253 ±5.843) mg/L,(35.103 ±7.271) mg/L,and (42.580 ± 1.230) mg/L and (46.493 ± 0.450) mg/L,respectively.The osmolality of the amniotic fluid of 17-23 +6 weeks,24-31 +6 weeks,32-38 +6 weeks was (272.600 ± 4.827) mmol/L,(252.00 ± 15.360) mmol/L,and (261.750 ±5.560) mmol/L,respectively,and the difference was significant(P ＜0.05).Conclusions The AQP-2 expression in human fetus kidneys has good correlation with amniotic fluid,which indicates that the level of AQP-2 of the amniotic fluid may reflect the expression of AQP-2 in the fetus kidney.

Effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω-6 polyunsaturated acids on Toll-like receptor /nuclear fac-tor-κB signaling pathway and the inflammatory cytokines in neonatal rats with brain injury induced by lipopolysaccharide / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(ω-3PUFAs)and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids(ω-6PUFAs)on Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway,and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in neonatal rats with brain injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Ninety-six neonatal rats were divided into control group,ω-3PUFAs group,ω-6PUFAs group,and LPS group by using random number table method. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS was performed in LPS group,ω-6PUFAs group and ω-3PUFAs group to establish models of rat brain injury. The rats in control group received 9 g/L saline. Twelve newborn rats were killed at 1 d or 5 d after intraperito-neal injection in each group for hippocampus selection. Real -time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6. Results One day after mode-ling,TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expressions in ω-3PUFAs group (10. 63 ± 0. 07,5. 86 ± 1. 05,7. 65 ± 2. 29,5. 23 ± 1. 31,3. 36 ± 0. 72)were lower than those in ω-6PUFAs group (18. 83 ± 2. 10,8. 79 ± 2. 08,11. 95 ± 3. 23,10. 97 ± 2. 24,6. 37 ± 1. 17)and LPS group (15. 76 ± 1. 59,7. 13 ± 1. 10,9. 71 ± 2. 14,7. 83 ± 0. 85,4. 78 ± 0. 51),and the differences were all statistically significant(all P＜0. 05);which in ω-6PUFAs group were higher than those in LPS group,and the differences were all significant (all P＜0. 05). TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 protein levels in ω-3PUFAs group (1. 57 ± 0. 11,1. 58 ± 0. 09,1. 55 ± 0. 09,1. 63 ± 0. 31,1. 36 ± 0. 12)were lower than those in ω-6PUFAs group (1. 96 ± 0. 17,2. 21 ± 0. 12,1. 95 ± 0. 23,1. 97 ± 0. 24,1. 77 ± 0. 17)and LPS group (1. 73 ± 0. 15,1. 87 ± 0. 10,1. 79 ± 0. 14,1. 83 ± 0. 15,1. 58 ± 0. 11)in 1 d,and the diffe-rences were all significant (all P＜0. 05),and those in ω-6PUFAs group were higher than those in LPS group (all P＜0. 05). Similarly,TLR,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression levels in ω-3PUFAs group (3. 78 ± 0. 88,3. 86 ± 0. 62,6. 26 ± 1. 94,3. 65 ± 1. 44,2. 11 ± 0. 87;1. 15 ± 0. 08,1. 32 ± 0. 10,1. 46 ± 0. 04, 1. 38 ± 0. 14,1. 21 ± 0. 09)were lower than those in ω-6PUFAs group (7. 76 ± 1. 65,5. 51 ± 0. 88,7. 96 ± 2. 13,5. 35 ± 1. 75,4. 88 ± 1. 35;1. 42 ± 0. 15,1. 51 ± 0. 36,1. 65 ± 0. 13,1. 72 ± 0. 23,1. 48 ± 0. 10)and LPS group (6. 21 ± 1. 87, 4. 98 ± 0. 73,7. 11 ± 2. 10,4. 84 ± 1. 75,4. 25 ± 0. 64;1. 35 ± 0. 13,1. 44 ± 0. 22,1. 59 ± 0. 10,1. 61 ± 0. 18,1. 35 ± 0. 07) in 5 d (all P＜0. 05),and which in ω-6PUFAs group were higher than those in LPS group,and the differences were sig-nificant (all P＜0. 05). Conclusion ω-6PUFAs can up-regulate the activity of TLR4,NF-κB,and reduce the re-lease of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6;and ω-3PUFAs can down-regulate the activity of TLR4,NF-κB,and reduce the release of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6,so it has a neural protective effect in brain injury induced by LPS.

Clinicopathologic study of cardiac myxofibrosarcomas / 中华病理学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinicopathologic features of cardiac myxofibrosarcomas.@*Methods@#The clinical data, pathomorphologic and immunohistochemical features were evaluated in five cases of cardiac myxofibrosarcoma collected from January 2009 to December 2014, with relevant literature review.@*Results@#Five patients with cardiac myxofibrosarcoma, including four women and one man [age range 39-61 years; mean (50.4±9.0) years] were included. All tumors were broadbased and located mainly in the left atrium, with one case extending through the atrial wall and pericardium to the left lower lung lobe. The morphological grade was low in one case, intermediate in one, and high in three. Using Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNLCC) grading system, one case was grade 1 and four cases were grade 2. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed diffuse and strong expression for vimentin in all cases. Smooth muscle actin and muscle specific actin were variably expressed. Complete tumor excision was performed in one case, and tumor debulking was performed in the other four cases. Clinical follow-up was available in three cases. One patient with en bloc excision of the tumor mass survived 13 months and the other two with tumor debulking died one month after surgery.@*Conclusions@#The most common location for cardiac myxofibrosarcoma is the left atrium. Some myxofibrosarcoma may be histologically bland and misdiagnosed as myxoma due to histological similarities. Thus caution should be exercised in their microscopic differentiation. Precise imaging, multidisciplinary approach and adequate initial surgery may contribute to improving the clinical outcomes of myxofibrosarcoma.

Bordetella pertussis infection in infants less than three months: analysis of 59 cases from 2011 to 2015 in a single center / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To study the epidemiological and clinical characteristics ofpertussis in infants younger than three months.Methods Infants younger than three months were enrolled from January 1,2011 to December 31,2015 with one or more of the following symptoms:persistent cough,spasmic cough,cyanosis of unknown causes,asphyxia and apnea.Multiplex polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assay was performed to identify Bordetella pertussis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibody to pertussis toxin.Clinical features,complications,treatments and prognosis of the infants confirmed with pertussis were analyzed.Results Altogether 202 cases were enrolled in the five years,and 59 (29.2％) of which were positive for pertussis confirmed by multiplex PCR.Among the 59 cases,37 were boys and 22 were girls.The youngest baby was 13 days and the oldest one was 85 days.Length of stay ranged from 7 to 21 days.Twelve cases had a contact history with family members having chronic cough.Symptoms occurred in spring or summer in 46 cases (78.0％),and in autumn or winter in 13 (22.0％) cases.Symptoms of spasmic cough,cyanosis after coughing,vomiting after coughing and conjunctival hemorrhage were respectively found in 41 (69.5％),36 (61.0％),39 (66.1％)and 33 (55.9％) cases,while only six (10.2％) presented with inspiratory whooping sound on coughing.Fortynine cases (83.1％) showed increased lymphocyte count (≥ 10 × 109/L).Twenty-eight cases (47.5％) developed severe pertussis.Complications including apnea and bradycardia after coughing,respiratory failure and heart failure,pertussis encephalopathy as well as highly increased leucocyte count (≥ 60× 109/L) occurred in 23 (39.0％),18 (30.5％),five (8.5％) and four (6.8％) cases,respectively.Twenty-four cases with severe pertussis required respiratory support,of which six received invasive ventilation and 18 received non-invasive ventilation.Fifty-eight infants were recovered and discharged,while one baby died.Conclusions Bordetella pertussis infection is an important cause of persistent cough in unimmunized infants under three months of age.The symptoms of pertussis in infants are untypical,but the incidence of severe pertussis is high.Thus early diagnosis and timely treatment are necessary.

Study of the clinical value of medical history and clinical manifestation-based protocol for the diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection using intravascular ultrasound / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical value of medical history and clinical manifestation-based protocol(MHCMP) for the diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection(SCAD)using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).Methods Based on the MHCMP designed in our centre,intraoperative sequential analysis was performed in patients with acute coronary syndrom and clinical tip of SCAD,SCAD and its classification were defined according to the result of IVUS.Results Of the 37 patients admitted with ACS at the Cardiology Service,29 patients had SCAD as the cause(78.4 ％).All the patients underwent coronary angiography and IVUS,of which 9 patiens were type I (24.3 ％),15 patients were type Ⅱ (40.5％) and 5 patients were type Ⅲ (13.5％).The left anterior descending artery was the most frequently affected (16 patients),followed by the the right coronary artery (7 patients),while 5 patients had dissection of the circumflex artery and 1 patient had dissection of the left main coronary artery.Type I (evident arterial wall stain):this was the pathognomonic angiographic appearance of SCAD with contrast dye staining of the arterial wall with multiple radiolucent lumens.Type Ⅱ (diffuse stenosis of varying severity):this angiographic appearance was not well appreciated and was often missed or misdiagnosed.SCAD commonly involved the mid to distal segments of coronary arteries,and could be so extensive that it reached the distal tip.There was an appreciable (often subtle) abrupt change in arterial caliber,with demarcation from normal diameter to diffuse narrowing.This diffuse and usually smooth narrowing could vary in severity from inconspicuous mild stenosis to complete occlusion.Type Ⅲ (mimic atherosclerosis):this appearance was the most challenging to differentiate from atherosclerosis and most likely to be misdiagnosed,while IVUS was helpful for the differential diagnosis.Conclusions MHCMP is able to screen out all kinds of SCAD and guide the treatment decisions making.

Early application of clean intermittent catheterization in children with neurogenic bladder / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of early application of clean intermittent catheterization(CIC) in infants with neurogenic bladder(NB).Methods Eighty-seven children with NB diagnosed in our urodynamic center were less than 1 year old when they first came to hospital from January 2007 to January 2010, and CIC was carried out at different age.Sixty-four patients were followed up for a long time and divided into early CIC group(less than 1 year old children) and late CIC group(more than 3 years old children) according to the treatment time.Early CIC group included 29 patients [19 boys and 10 girls with the mean age of (7.5 ±2.8) months].And 4 cases were suffering from postoperative spina bifida manifesta;22 cases with spina bifida occulta;2 cases with sacral dysplasia;1 case with meningitis.Late CIC group included 35 patients [20 boys and 15 girls with the mean age of (8.0 ±2.9) months].2 cases were suffering from postoperative spina bifida manifesta;28 cases with spina bifida occulta;4 cases with sacral dysplasia;1 case with postoperative pelvic surgery.Before the treatment, there were no significant differences of the bladder compliance (BC), the maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) and the safety bladder capacity (SBC) between two groups.Urodynamic parameters and complications of 64 patients who were successfully followed up for 6 years were compared.Results After 3 years follow up, BC, SBC and MCC in early CIC group [(8.5 ± 1.9) ml/cmH2O, (140 ±25) ml, (142 ±29) ml]were significantly higher than those of late CIC group [(7.0 ± 2.2) ml/cmH2O, (110 ± 31) ml, (120 ± 28) ml;all P ＜ 0.05].After 6 years follow up, BC, SBC and MCC in early CIC group [(12.0 ±2.5) ml/cmH2O, (210 ±26) ml, (230 ±30) ml] were significantly higher than those of late CIC group [(9.3 ± 2.3) ml/cmH2O, (192 ± 31) ml, (205 ± 35) ml;all P ＜ 0.05], and the vesicoureteral reflux rate [24.1％ (7/29)] in early treatment group was significantly less than that in late treatment group [54.3％ (19/35), P ＜ 0.05].Increases in BUN and serum creatinine were found in 6 cases (20.7％) in early CIC group and 17 cases (48.6％) in late CIC group, the difference was significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion For NB patients, the effect of early CIC is better than that of late CIC.