Lithosepermic Acid Restored the Skin Barrier Functions in the Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Animal Model.

(1) Background: Psoriasis is a T helper 1/T helper 17 cells-involved immune-mediated genetic disease. Lithospermic acid, one of the major phenolic acid compounds of Danshen, has antioxidation and anti-inflammation abilities. Due to the inappropriate molecular weight for topical penetration through the stratum corneum, lithospermic acid was loaded into the well-developed microemulsion delivery system for IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis treatment. (2) Methods: BALB/c mice were administered with topical imiquimod to induce psoriasis-like dermatitis. Skin barrier function, disease severity, histology assessment, autophagy-related protein expression, and skin and spleen cytokine expression were evaluated. (3) Results: The morphology, histopathology, and skin barrier function results showed that 0.1% lithospermic acid treatment ameliorated the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis and restored the skin barrier function. The cytokines array results confirmed that 0.1% lithospermic acid treatment inhibited the cutaneous T helper-17/Interleukin-23 axis related cytokines cascades. (4) Conclusions: The results implied that lithospermic acid might represent a possible new therapeutic agent for psoriasis treatment.

Large outbreak of herpangina in children caused by enterovirus in summer of 2015 in Hangzhou, China.

Herpangina, usually caused by coxsackie virus A, is prevalent in children spreading through the fecal-oral transmission and the respiratory droplets dissemination. Also, it is mostly asymptomatic and self-limiting. In our study, we found that large outbreak of herpangina in children occurred in the summer of 2015 in Hangzhou, China. From May 1th to August 31th, a total of 10 210 children were diagnosed with herpangina in Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. 2 310 throat swabs were collected and tested for enterovirus detection by real-time RT-PCR, while 1 651 cases were positive with the rate of 71.5%. Based on VP1 gene or 5'UTR region sequences, Coxsackievirus A2, A4, A6, A10, B2, B4 and echovirus 30 were detected in these cases. More importantly, Coxsackievirus A2 may be the major subtype of enterovirus resulting in children with herpangina in hangzhou, China.

Effects of power ultrasound on oxidation and structure of beef proteins during curing processing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of power ultrasound intensity (PUS, 2.39, 6.23, 11.32 and 20.96Wcm(-2)) and treatment time (30, 60, 90 and 120min) on the oxidation and structure of beef proteins during the brining procedure with 6% NaCl concentration. The investigation was conducted with an ultrasonic generator with the frequency of 20kHz and fresh beef at 48h after slaughter. Analysis of TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) contents showed that PUS treatment significantly increased the extent of lipid oxidation compared to static brining (P<0.05). As indicators of protein oxidation, the carbonyl contents were significantly affected by PUS (P<0.05). SDS-PAGE analysis showed that PUS treatment increased protein aggregation through disulfide cross-linking, indicated by the decreasing content of total sulfhydryl groups which would contribute to protein oxidation. In addition, changes in protein structure after PUS treatment are suggested by the increases in free sulfhydryl residues and protein surface hydrophobicity. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided further information about the changes in protein secondary structures with increases in ß-sheet and decreases in α-helix contents after PUS processing. These results indicate that PUS leads to changes in structures and oxidation of beef proteins caused by mechanical effects of cavitation and the resultant generation of free radicals.

Lymphedema-associated neutrophilic dermatosis: Two cases of localized Sweet syndrome on the lymphedematous lower limbs.

Neutrophilic dermatosis on the site of lymphedema is a rare condition and considered as a localized and less severe variant of Sweet syndrome. Only 13 cases of this variant have been reported after mastectomy for breast cancer in the English-language published work. However, this condition has never been described on the lower limbs or from other causes of lymphedema. Herein, we report two cases of localized Sweet syndrome on the lymphedematous lower limbs: one occurred after radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection and radiotherapy for cervical cancer; the other developed after radiotherapy for malignant melanoma on the right groin. Based on clinical and histological features, we suggest the name "lymphedema-associated neutrophilic dermatosis" for this underrecognized disease entity.

High expression of Midkine (MK) indicates poor prognosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

OBJECTIVES: Midkine (MK) expression has been reported to be correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with various tumors. However, there are no data available about the prognostic value of MK expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: In this study, MK mRNA expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 120 childhood ALL and 30 healthy volunteers. Patients were dichotomized at the median value and divided into two groups: MK(low) group and MK(high) group. RESULTS: MK(high) patients had higher white blood cell counts, higher peripheral blood blasts percentages, and higher minimal residual disease levels than MK(low) patients. Moreover, the MK gene was expressed significantly higher in patients with relapsed ALL than in patients who maintained complete remission or at diagnosis. MK(high) patients harbored inferior relapse-free survival (RFS, P = 0.047) and overall survival (OS, P = 0.022) than MK(low) patients, and high expression of MK was found to be independently predictive of inferior OS (P = 0.032) but not RFS (P = 0.077) in the overall cohort. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: MK high expression is an independent adverse prognostic factor in childhood ALL. Its level may be incorporated into an improved risk classification system for ALL and suggest the need of alternative regimens.

Epidemiology of childhood enterovirus infections in Hangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: There are over 100 serotypes of enterovirus species A-D, which are the common cause of various symptoms in infants, such as meningitis, encephalitis and hand foot mouth disease (HFMD). This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of enteroviruses in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, and to provide relevant information to guide public health responses and interventions. METHODS: Systematic surveillance was conducted on enterovirus infections. Samples were collected from children admitted to the inpatient wards and outpatient departments between January 2010 and December 2012 in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Enteroviruses from all specimens were detected by RT-PCR using a commercialized detection kit. RESULTS: From 13026 samples collected and examined, 2673 (21.21%) were found positive for enteroviruses. The annual enterovirus-positive rate decreased from 32.78% in 2010 to 14.23% in 2012. Positivity rate for enteroviruses was highest among children aged less than 5 years. The monthly positivity rate for enterovirus infection ranged from 2.6% to 34.83%, with a peak in June and July. Serotypes causing severe symptoms such as HFMD including EV71 and CA16 were decreasing, while the proportion of unidentified EV serotypes causing herpangina and viral encephalitis were on the rise. CONCLUSIONS: EV infection is highly prevalent among young children in Hangzhou, as it is in the most other parts of the world. Further surveillance using methods that can subtype all EVs is warranted to better monitor these infections and their etiology.

Prognostic significance of cytokine receptor-like factor 2 alterations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Studies have examined the relationship between CRLF2 alterations such as over-expression or deregulation and clinical outcome in childhood ALL, but the results are conflicting. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between CRLF2 alterations and survival of pediatric patients with ALL. METHODS: Electronic databases updated to March 2014 were searched for relevant studies. A meta-analysis was made of twelve studies including 5945 patients to evaluate the prognostic significance of CRLF2 alterations on survival in childhood ALL. Hazards ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled across the studies using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: CRLF2 over-expression in childhood ALL was associated with poor prognosis in terms of relapse-free survival (RFS; HR=1.70, 95% CI=1.28-2.24, P=0.000), event-free survival (EFS; HR=1.78, 95% CI=1.05-3.01, P=0.032), and overall survival (OS; HR=2.28, 95% CI=1.42-3.65, P=0.001). The combined data also suggested that CRLF2 deregulation in childhood ALL was correlated with poor EFS (HR=1.95, 95% CI=1.46-2.61, P=0.000), RFS (HR=2.20, 95% CI=1.53-3.18, P=0.000), and OS (HR=1.89, 95% CI=1.24-2.87, P=0.003). Subgroup analysis on multivariate HRs showed that CRLF2 deregulation independently predicted a poor prognosis for childhood ALL. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis reveals that both CRLF2 over-expression and deregulation are associated with poor prognosis in pediatric patients with ALL.

Expression of IER3 in primary hepatocarcinoma: correlation with clinicopathological parameters.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate the immediate early response gene 3 (IER3) is involved in many biological processes. Recently, it was discovered that IER3 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Thus it may be a valuable biomarker in tumor. This study was designed to investigate the expression status of IER3 in primary hepatocarcinoma (PHC) and correlation with clinicopathological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression levels of IER3 in 62 pathologically diagnosed human PHC specimens. RESULTS: A statistically significant association was disclosed between the expression of IER3 and P53 mutant protein (short for P53), Ki-67, EGFR and the biggest diameter, differentiation grade of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: This work is the first to shed light on the potential clinical usefulness of IER3, as an efficient tumor biomarker in PHC.

[Investigation on Entamoeba histolytica infection in diarrhea patients from general hospitals in Shanghai City].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the status of Entamoeba histolytica infection in diarrhea patients in general hospitals, so as to provide the evidences for the prevention and control of the disease. METHODS: The diarrhea patients in intestinal disease clinics of 3 general hospitals in Shanghai City were chosen as the investigation objectives, and their fecal and blood samples were collected, and then were detected by the normal saline direct smear method and iodine solution staining, immunochromatographic method and ELISA respectively to understand the infection status of E. histolytica, and the characteristics of the infected persons were analyzed. RESULTS Totally 1 015 fecal samples were detected, and among which 36 positive ones were detected by parasitological examinations, with a general positive rate of 3.55%. There were no statistically significant differences among the positive rates of patients from the three hospitals (P > 0.05), nor between or among those of the patients with different sexes, ages, occupations and education levels (all P > 0.05). The positive rate of E. histolytica in bloody purulent stools was higher than those in loose stools and watery stools (both P < 0.01). The peak period of infection was from July to September. Among the 36 infected people detected by parasitological examination, 88.90% of them complained about abdominal pain, and the red blood cells and leucocyte cells were found in the stool samples of 75.00% and 22.23% of the cases, respectively. The positive rates of E. histolytica were 8.18% (83/1 015) and 7.12% (48/675) respectively when detected by the immunochromatographic method and ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: Summer and autumn are the high risk seasons for E. histolytica infection, and the surveillance should be strengthened in this period. The positive rate of E. histolytica in samples of bloody purulent stools is high, and the combined application of several detection methods can increase the detection rate.

Safety, tolerability and effectiveness of HIV non-occupational prophylaxis in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing numbers of new HIV infection is an important issue of public health in Taiwan. We aim to evaluate the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of HIV non-occupational prophylaxis (nPEP) in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort observational study between March 2011 and May 2014. Three-combined antiretroviral agents were prescribed for all the persons who sought for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis after high risk sexual behaviour. HIV screening, health education and consultation were done before initiation of nPEP. Adverse effects were evaluated at Weeks 1, 2 and 4 and effectiveness was evaluated at Weeks 12 and 24. We also assessed adherence by pill count and regimen completion rates. RESULTS: During the study periods, 255 persons were enrolled. Among the enrolled cases, 43.9% (112/255) of them received zidovudine (AZT)-based regimen while the others received tenofovir (TDF)-based regimen and the third agent was composed of mostly lopinavir/ritonavir (81.4%). The completion rate of nPEP was 85.9% (219/255), and discontinuation rate of nPEP among AZT-based regimen is higher than TDF-based regimen (17.0% vs 8.2%). Any grade adverse effects are higher among AZT-based regimen than TDF-based regimen (62.5% vs 32.1%) although most adverse effects were grade 1-2. After a 24-week follow-up, only one person experienced HIV seroconversion and he had primary syphilis at the moment when he sought for nPEP. CONCLUSIONS: NPEP could be an effective prevention method in a part of HIV prevention strategy and TDF-based regimen had better tolerability in Taiwan.

The impact of IKZF1 deletion on the prognosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various studies have reported that IKZF1 deletion (IKZF1-d) is a poor prognostic factor for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, however they do not agree on the level of significance for this deletion. OBJECTIVE: To provide a quantitative assessment of this correlation, an updated meta-analysis of cohort studies was performed to derive a more precise estimation of the prognostic significance of IKZF1-d. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases until January 31, 2014. A total of 15 published studies including 5021 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with random-effects model. RESULTS: Combined hazard ratios suggested that IKZF1 deletion (IKZF1-d) had an unfavorable impact on event-free survival (EFS) (HR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.97-2.74) and overall survival (OS) (HR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.75-3.74) in patients with ALL. The significant role of IKZF1-d in the prognosis of ALL was also observed among different subgroups stratified by statistical methodology, ethnicity, age, detection method, risk group and duration of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that IKZF1 deletion can be used to serve as an independent predictive factor in patients with ALL.

[Causes of death of advanced schistosomiasis patients in Huacao Town, Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the causes of death of advanced schistosomiasis patients in Huacao Town, Shanghai, so as to improve the relief measures for advanced schistosomiasis patients. METHODS: The data of advanced schistosomiasis patients from 2007 to 2012 were collected and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There were totally 340 advanced schistosomiasis patients, and among them there were 110 deaths and 230 survival cases currently. The deaths of the men were less than those of the female with the gender ratio of 1: 1.08. The average age of deaths of advanced schistosomiasis patients was 77.98 years, while the patients with age older than 70 years accounted for 90.00%. There were 36 advanced schistosomiasis patients died of cancer, accounted for 32.73%, and 34 deaths died of schistosomiasis, accounted for 30.91%. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate of advanced schistosomiasis patients shows a rising trend in Huacao Town, and they mainly die of cancer and schistosomiasis.

Prognostic significance of IDH1 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: a meta-analysis.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene aberrations have recently been reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To evaluate the prognostic significance of IDH1 mutations in AML, we performed a meta-analysis. Fifteen studies covering a total of 8121 subjects were included in this analysis. The frequency of IDH1 R132 mutations were 4.4-9.3% for AML patients and 10.9-16.0% for cytogenetically normal (CN)-AML patients. The IDH1 mutations were associated with NPM1 mutations in 6 studies and normal cytogenetics in 5 studies. AML patients with IDH1 mutations had inferior overall survival compared to patients without the mutations (hazard ratio 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.36). Additionally, in CN-AML patients, IDH1 mutations were associated with a lower complete remission rate (risk ratio 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.63). Although the available literature is limited to observational studies, these results may justify the risk-adapted therapeutic strategies for AML according to the IDH1 status.

[Growth and decline of oncomelania snail status of canals in Qianjiang City in Four Lake areas, 1990-2010].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the growth and decline of Oncomelania snail status in canals of Four Lake areas, so as to provide the evidence for formulating control strategy. METHODS: The data of snail investigations were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The snail area decreased by 31.05%, the snail density decreased by 92.08, and the infection rate of snails decreased by 87.69% in 2010 compared with those in 1990. CONCLUSION: During the period of 1990 to 2010, all the key indicators of snail status decline. However, we still need strengthen the snail control.

Development of a safety index of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma to prevent acute liver damage.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most effective palliative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but may cause acute liver damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninteen patients with unresectable HCCs, undergoing TACE, were studied prospectively. A safety index to prevent acute liver damage was developed by using logistic regression. RESULTS: Acute liver damage by TACE was not related to the gender or age, but was mostly correlated to Child's classification (beta = 1.89, OR = 6.6, CI: 2.07, 21.01) and the amount of Lipiodol (beta = 0.09, OR = 1.09, CI: 1.02, 1.16) used for the TACE. CONCLUSION: In treatment of a Child's B/C patient by TACE, no more than 20 ml Lipiodol should be used.

[The invention and application of the vaginal suturing-aid apparatus].

We have invented a barrel-shape suturing-aid apparatus with a light source on one side and a trapzoid cranny for suturing on the other side. There are many advantages proved by clinical practices in applying the suturing-aid apparatus: 1. to increase the suturing speed and relieve the pains of patients; 2. to avoid the infection of HBV by blood and crossinfection; 3. to improve the illumination condition and avoid no suturing of the hurt tissue.