Current research status of spleen stiffness measurement in predicting portal hypertension and its complications in patients with liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) has been widely used in predicting portal hypertension in clinical practice, and in recent years, spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) has also become a diagnostic tool. Studies have shown that SSM can predict portal hypertension and its complications such as esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic liver diseases and assist in the risk stratification management of portal hypertension and esophagogastric variceal bleeding. It can accurately predict clinically significant portal hypertension, high-risk esophageal and gastric varices, decompensation rate, and mortality rate in patients with chronic liver diseases. At present, SSM data in most studies are obtained by detection using the liver equipment FibroScan Ⓡ (SSM@50 Hz). FibroScan Ⓡ 630 is a new scanner dedicated for SSM with a special mode for SSM (SSM@100 Hz). This article elaborates on the significance of SSM in predicting portal hypertension and briefly introduces the advantages and disadvantages of the new equipment for SSM.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with constraint-induced weight training of the affected lower limb on Pusher syndrome after stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with constraint-induced weight training (CIWT) on Pusher syndrome after stroke. MethodsA total of 60 stroke inpatients with Pusher syndrome in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January to December, 2021 were randomly divided into tDCS group, CIWT group and combination group, with 20 cases in each group. The three groups accepted routine rehabilitation training, the tDCS group received anode tDCS, the CIWT group received CIWT of the affected lower limb, and the combination group received CIWT of the affected lower limb and tDCS, for eight weeks. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) and Holden Walking Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of BBS, FMA-LE, BLS and FAC improved (|t| > 1.452, P < 0.05) in all the groups, and improved the most in the combination group (|F| > 1.827, P < 0.05). ConclusiontDCS combined with CIWT of the affected lower extremity can effectively improve the function of stroke patients with Pusher syndrome.

Integrated Immunopeptidomics and Proteomics Study Reveals Imbalanced Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses to SARS-Cov-2 Infection

We present an integrated immunopeptidomics and proteomics study of SARS-Cov-2 infection to comprehensively decipher the changes in host cells in response to viral infection. Our results indicated that innate immune response in Calu-3 cells was initiated by TLR3, followed by activation of interferon signaling pathway. Host cells also present viral antigens to the cell surface through both Class I and Class II MHC system for recognition by adaptive immune system. SARS-Cov-2 infection led to the disruption of antigen presentation as demonstrated by higher level of HLA proteins from the flow-through of MHC immunoprecipitation. Glycosylation analysis of HLA proteins from the elution and flow-through of immunoprecipitation revealed that the synthesis and degradation of HLA protein was affected by SARS-Cov-2 infection. This study provided many useful information to study the host response to SARS-Cov-2 infection and would be helpful for the development of therapeutics and vaccine for Covid-19 and future pandemic.

Modeling human hypertrophic scars with 3D preformed cellular aggregates bioprinting.

The therapeutic interventions of human hypertrophic scars (HHS) remain puzzle largely due to the lack of accepted models. Current HHS models are limited by their inability to mimic native scar architecture and associated pathological microenvironments. Here, we create a 3D functional HHS model by preformed cellular aggregates (PCA) bioprinting, firstly developing bioink from scar decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) and alginate-gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogel with suitable physical properties to mimic the microenvironmental factors, then pre-culturing patient-derived fibroblasts in this bioink to preform the topographic cellular aggregates for sequent printing. We confirm the cell aggregates preformed in bioink displayed well defined aligned structure and formed functional scar tissue self-organization after bioprinting, hence showing the potential of creating HHS models. Notably, these HHS models exhibit characteristics of early-stage HHS in gene and protein expression, which significantly activated signaling pathway related to inflammation and cell proliferation, and recapitulate in vivo tissue dynamics of scar forming. We also use the in vitro and in vivo models to define the clinically observed effects to treatment with concurrent anti-scarring drugs, and the data show that it can be used to evaluate the potential therapeutic target for drug testing. The ideal humanized scar models we present should prove useful for studying critical mechanisms underlying HHS and to rapidly test new drug targets and develop patient-specific optimal therapeutic strategies in the future.

Pediatric stroke with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

The clinical, imaging, genetic, therapeutic and prognostic features of a case of pediatric stroke who was finally diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) in Xi′an International Medical Center Hospital on October 24, 2021 were reported. A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to weakness of the right limb for more than 10 hours. The pre-hospital CT showed multiple patchy calcifications in the bilateral frontal lobe and the right parietal lobe cortex-medullary junction. The physical examination on admission had chilblains on the hands, feet and face. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score was 4 points. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed acute brainstem infarction, no abnormality in magnetic resonance angiography, ultrasound and electrocardiogram of heart and neck vessels were normal, cerebrospinal fluid biochemistry and routine examination were normal, blood routine, biochemistry, coagulation, autoantibody series, thyroid function, tumor markers, human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis examinations were normal. After oral administration of aspirin anti-platelet aggregation and rehabilitation exercises, the muscle strength returned to normal and the patient was discharged. One month later, the result of genetic testing was reported as AGS caused by TREX1 gene mutation, and the mutation site is c.58G>A. AGS is a rare autoimmune hereditary encephalopathy with a large heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. When a hereditary disease was suspected, genetic testing should be done.

Chinese expert consensus on management of dyslipidemia in the elderly / 中华内科杂志

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins delay the occurrence and development of ASCVD, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death. Due to safety concerns, there exist insufficient use of lipid-lowering agents and a high withdrawal rate of the agents in the elderly. To promote the prevention and treatment of ASCVD, this expert consensus is issued and focuses on the management of dyslipidemia of Chinese elderly basing on the clinical evidence of the use of lipid-lowering drugs by the elderly, and the lipid management guidelines and expert consensus recommendations at home and abroad.

Guideline for postoperative rehabilitation treatment following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (version 2022) / 中华创伤杂志

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) can lead to lower back pain and may be even accompanied by scoliosis, neurological dysfunction and other complications, which will affect the daily activities and life quality of patients. Vertebral augmentation is an effective treatment method for OVCF, but it cannot correct unbalance of bone metabolism or improve the osteoporotic status, causing complications like lower back pain, limited spinal activities and vertebral refracture. The post-operative systematic and standardized rehabilitation treatments can improve curative effect and therapeutic efficacy of anti-osteoporosis, reduce risk of vertebral refracture, increase patient compliance and improve quality of life. Since there still lack relevant clinical treatment guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation treatments following vertebral augmentation for OVCF, the current treatments are varied with uneven therapeutic effect. In order to standardize the postoperative rehabilitation treatment, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized relevant experts to refer to relevant literature and develop the "Guideline for postoperative rehabilitation treatment following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (2022 version)" based on the clinical guidelines published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) as well as on the principles of scientificity, practicality and advancement. The guideline provided evidence-based recommendations on 10 important issues related to postoperative rehabilitation treatments of OVCF.

Assessment of demand for rehabilitation services and analysis of causes of the gap between supply and demand in China / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo evaluate the overall demand for rehabilitation services from the perspective of the groups with disabilities, diseases, injuries and older adults, and explore the causes of the supply and demand gap of rehabilitation services. MethodsThe literatures in the field of rehabilitation were collected, summarized and analyzed, including policy documents issued by World Health Organization and relevant departments in China, surveys, and researches. ResultsThe demand for rehabilitation services caused by disabilities, chronic diseases, injuries and population ageing were vast in China, but many were still unmet. The main reasons leading to the gap included those population trend and health situation, the insufficient reserve of rehabilitation resources coming from incomplete development of rehabilitation service system early, and inadequate construction of disability reporting system, which could not efficiently meet rehabilitation demand with supply. ConclusionThe strategies to optimize the rehabilitation services system and promote the quality of the services based on the disability reporting system are warranted.

Study on the characteristics of microcirculation in the site of pressure ulcer in patients with spinal cord injury.

To investigate the characteristics of pressure ulcer microcirculation in SCI patients with pressure ulcer, and to provide evidence for the treatment of pressure ulcer in patients with SCI. Group 1 (n = 12) SCI patients with pressure ulcer, 23 pressure ulcers were included. Group 2 (n = 15) SCI patients without pressure ulcer and the control group (n = 16) healthy adults. The application of laser Doppler perfusion imaging system (Moor FLPI) detector to the microcirculation perfusion of the sacrum area of the control group, the observation group 2 and the pressure ulcer site of the observation group 1, record the microcirculation perfusion (PU), The data of microcirculation perfusion (PU) were compared and analyzed. The correlation between microcirculation perfusion and healing time of pressure ulcer was analyzed. (1) The microcirculation perfusion was highest in the pressure ulcer center. (2) SCI patients and healthy adults had no significant difference of microcirculation perfusion at sacrococcygeal skin. (3) The lower the microcirculation perfusion of the pressure ulcer center, the longer the healing time of pressure ulcer. The healing time and the microcirculation perfusion of pressure ulcer center was negatively correlated. Microcirculation perfusion detection is a noninvasive and effective method for the determination of the scope of pressure ulcer, detection and direction judgment of pressure ulcer sinus tract, monitoring and guidance of pressure ulcer treatment, and prediction of the healing time of pressure ulcer.

Characteristics and influencing factors of esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal carcinoma / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early esophageal carcinoma.Methods:Patients who underwent ESD in the Digestive Endoscopy Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018 were included. The data were obtained from medical records and follow-up. The influencing factors of stenosis were determined by single factor and Cox regression analysis.Results:A total of 654 patients underwent ESD and 79 (12.1%) of them developed postoperative esophageal stenosis. The median time of stenosis development was 27 (17, 43) days. The morphology and lesion circumferential proportion were independent factors for the occurrence of stenosis after ESD. The stenosis incidence of type Ⅱa was 6.601 times (95% CI: 1.518-28.709, P=0.012) compared with that of type Ⅱc. The incidence of stenosis in lesions with 75%-<100% and 100% circumference was 17.408 times (95% CI: 8.009-37.839, P<0.001)and 52.439 times (95% CI: 23.905-115.029, P<0.001) respectively compared with that of patients <75%. Among the 79 patients, 27 had severe stenosis, and the lesion circumferential proportion was an independent factor for stenosis. Compared with the group of lesion circumferential proportion of less than 75%, the incidences of stenosis of lesion circumferential proportion of 75%-<100% and 100% were 7.775 (95% CI: 1.977-30.577, P=0.003) and 70.062 (95% CI: 19.879-246.926, P<0.001) times respectively. Conclusion:The morphology and lesion circumferential proportion are two independent factors for the occurrence of esophageal stenosis after ESD. Additionally, lesion circumferential proportion is an independent factor for the occurrence of severe esophageal stenosis after ESD.

Design of Scalable Model of Cochlear Scala Tympani / 中国医疗器械杂志

For cochlear implant training and robotic cochlear implant experiments, the design method of scalable scala tympani model was proposed. The mathematical model of the cochlea was used as the central curve of scala tympani channel. Referring to the clinical anatomy data, the contour of the scala tympani cross-section was approximated as an ellipse. The profile was placed along the central curve, and the angle was adjusted to determine the position and orientation of the profile in three dimensions such that the central curve passes through its center. The data was imported into Matlab to generate a three-dimensional mathematical model of scala tympani, which can be expanded by setting different scale factors. The virtual scala tympani model was generated in SolidWorks, and the 2:1 fully transparent scala tympani model were fabricated by 3D printing to replace the specimen for experiment.

Risk factors for calf muscle vein thromboses after spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical data on hospitalized spinal cord injury patients with calf muscle vein thromboses (MCVTs) seeking prevention and treatment techniques.Methods:The medical records of 423 patients with spinal cord injury were collected. Those with MCVT constituted the observation group, while those without served as controls. Their clinical data were compared.Results:The risk factors for MCVT were screened in logistic regression analyses. The results showed that age, an ASIA grade of A or B, spinal fusion, preventive anticoagulation, physiotherapy treatment and a homocysteine level >15μmol/L were risk factors for the occurrence of a MCVT.Conclusions:Age, an ASIA grade of A or B, spinal fusion or an elevated serum homocysteine level are all risk factors for MCVT. Active anticoagulation and physical therapy may reduce the risk.

A morphological study of the pelvic floor muscle fibers of rats with spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To seek better treatments for abnormal pelvic floor muscle tension and pelvic floor dysfunction after spinal cord injury.Methods:The morphology of pelvic floor muscle fibers of rats with spinal cord injury at different levels was observed under the electron microscope. Thirty female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a suprasacral (SS) cord injury group, a group with spinal cord injury at or below the sacral level (SC) and a normal group (NG), each of 10. The relevant spinal cord injury models were established in the SS and SC groups through spinal cord disconnection. Four weeks later, the pixel area of ATPase-positive fibers was used to quantify the content of type I fibers in the pubococcygeus muscle of each rat through observation under the electron microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results:The average content of type I muscle fibers in both the SS and SC group was significantly lower than in the normal group. The SC group′s average level was significantly lower than that of the SS group. Under the microscope the stained myofibers were tortuous, deformed in appearance and with proliferated nuclei. Capillary dilation could be seen locally in the SS group 4 weeks after the injury. In the SC group at 4 weeks after the injury the pubococcal fibers were seriously "dissolved" , or disordered, with spherical nuclei and mild hyperplasia. Under the electron microscope, the sarcomeres of the SC group were obviously dissolved, atrophied and broken, though the basic structure persisted, with mild mitochondrial proliferation. The sarcomeres of the SC group were extremely dissolved and broken, completely losing basic structure, with abundant connective tissue proliferation but without obvious mitochondrial proliferation.Conclusions:After suprasacral cord injury, the content of type I muscle fibers in the pubococcygeus muscle of the pelvic floor decreases somewhat, with the basic structure of the muscle fibers remaining intact. However, after spinal cord injury at or below the sacral level, type I muscle fibers decrease significantly in the pubococcygeus muscle of the pelvic floor, and the basic structure is seriously damaged.

Neurexin-3α IgG mediated autoimmune encephalitis: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

The clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment and prognostic characteristics of a case of neurexin-3α antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis,who was admitted in Xi′an International Medical Center Hospital on January 4, 2020 were summaried. The patient was a 56-year-old male with pre-symptoms of infection before his illness. The main manifestations were rapid progress of cognitive dysfunction, mental and behavioral abnormalities, refractory epilepsy, and status epilepticus, dystonia, accompanied by autonomic nerve involvement such as increased heart rate, breathing, and sweating, suspected of central hypoventilation, clinical manifestations were similar to N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and magnetic resonance imaging suggested bilateral hippocampal, temporal, and insular high signals, cerebrospinal fluid examination and other laboratory tests were normal. After treatment with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunogloblin, he died a few days after being discharged. The clinical manifestations of neurexin-3α antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis were similar to NMDAR encephalitis and severe, and neurexin-3α antibodies need to be further tested to confirm the diagnosis when NMDAR antibody was negative.

Estimating the impact of disruptions due to COVID-19 on HIV transmission and control among men who have sex with men in China

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is impacting HIV care globally, with gaps in HIV treatment expected to increase HIV transmission and HIV-related mortality. We estimated how COVID-19-related disruptions could impact HIV transmission and mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM) in four cities in China. MethodsRegional data from China indicated that the number of MSM undergoing facility-based HIV testing reduced by 59% during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside reductions in ART initiation (34%), numbers of sexual partners (62%) and consistency of condom use (25%). A deterministic mathematical model of HIV transmission and treatment among MSM in China was used to estimate the impact of these disruptions on the number of new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths. Disruption scenarios were assessed for their individual and combined impact over 1 and 5 years for a 3-, 4- or 6-month disruption period. ResultsOur China model predicted that new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths would be increased most by disruptions to viral suppression, with 25% reductions for a 3-month period increasing HIV infections by 5-14% over 1 year and deaths by 7-12%. Observed reductions in condom use increased HIV infections by 5-14% but had minimal impact (<1%) on deaths. Smaller impacts on infections and deaths (<3%) were seen for disruptions to facility testing and ART initiation, but reduced partner numbers resulted in 11-23% fewer infections and 0.4-1.0% fewer deaths. Longer disruption periods of 4 and 6 months amplified the impact of combined disruption scenarios. When all realistic disruptions were modelled simultaneously, an overall decrease in new HIV infections was always predicted over one year (3-17%), but not over 5 years (1% increase-4% decrease), while deaths mostly increased over one year (1-2%) and 5 years (1.2 increase - 0.3 decrease). ConclusionsThe overall impact of COVID-19 on new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths is dependent on the nature, scale and length of the various disruptions. Resources should be directed to ensuring levels of viral suppression and condom use are maintained to mitigate any adverse effects of COVID-19 related disruption on HIV transmission and control among MSM in China.

Construction and application of a two-level hierarchical cost accounting model of medical service items based on time-driven activity based costing / 中华医院管理杂志

Time-driven activity based costing is embraced in the healthcare sector for its correction of inherent defects of activity-based accounting. The authors constructed a two-level hierarchical cost accounting model for medical service items based on the time-driven ABC. The first-level hierarchical cost is calculated down to the department level in line with cost management regulations of the hospital financial system, while the second-level cost allocation is based on " time" as the basic sharing criterion, which is collected and assigned to specific medical service items with the activity content and process as carriers. The standard cost and actual cost of comparable medical service projects are calculated respectively by means of introducing the concept of socially necessary labor-time, which provides a scientific and feasible management method for evaluating the performance of medical service items.

Characteristics of HIV-infected persons without long term disease progress and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the characteristics of HIV infected persons without long term disease progress [also known as long term non-progressors (LTNPs)],and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi).Methods Data of persons living with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi by the end of 2016 were collected from the national HIV/AIDS comprehensive control and prevention information system of China.Results By the end of 2016,there were 313 LTNPs in Guangxi,accounting for 2.3 ％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,5.4％ of those being reported for more than 10 years and surviving,and 26.6％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,surviving and receiving no antiretroviral therapy.Among the LTNPs,87.2％(273) were men,94.9％ (297) were aged ≤ 40 years,32.3％ (101) were farmers,55.6％ (174) were single,divorced or widowed,69.3％ (217) were of Han ethnic group,68.1％ (213) were injecting drug users,and 52.1％ (163) were from custody facilities.Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that factors associated with delayed disease progression included age ≤40 years (compared with age ＞40 years,aOR=1.55,95％ CI:1.31-3.12) and injection drug use (compared with sexual transmission,aOR=1.23,95％ CI:1.10-1.74).Conclusions A number of LTNPs existed in HIV-infected individuals in Guangxi.Further research are needed to identify the related factors,and it is necessary to conduct large sample size studies on host immunology,genetics and the virology of HIV to explore the related mechanism.

HIV genetic subtypes and comparison of the first CD4+T cell counts in newly diagnosed HIV infected patients in Liuzhou, 1998-2012 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the change trend of HIV genetic subtypes and compare the first CD4+T cell counts of newly diagnosed HIV infected patients in Liuzhou from 1998 to 2012, and provide a reference for AIDS prevention and control.@*Methods@#Newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients from 1998 to 2012 in Liuzhou were selected through national HIV/ADIS comprehensive response information management system. Their plasma samples were used for RNA gene extraction, amplification, sequencing and genotyping. Coharan-Armitage trend test was used to analyze the ratio trend of genetic subtypes and phylogenetic clusters of HIV and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used to compare the first CD4+T cell counts (CD4) of the different subtype HIV infected patients.@*Results@#A total of 1 877 newly diagnosed HIV infected patients were included in the study. From 1998 to 2012, the proportions of CRF01_AE and CRF01_AE (Cluster 1) increased from 78.4% (76/97) to 91.5% (1 441/1 574), from 63.9% (62/97) to 74.0% (1 164/1 574), and the proportion of CRF07_BC decreased from 17.5% (17/97) to 4.6% (72/1 574), respectively (Z=4.632, P<0.001; Z=2.455, P=0.014; Z=-5.943, P<0.001). The median and interquartile range of the first CD4 of the patients infected with subtype CRF01_AE (Cluster 1), CRF01_AE (Cluster 2), CRF07_BC and CRF08_BC were 230 (83-375), 215 (48-351), 365 (254-503) and 334 (206-479) cell/μl, respectively. The first CD4 levels of the patients infected with subtype CRF01_AE (Cluster 1) or CRF01_AE (Cluster 2) were significantly lower than those of CRF07_BC (Z=-4.795, P<0.001; Z=-4.238, P<0.001).@*Conclusion@#The genetic subtypes of HIV were mainly CRF01_AE in newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients and this subtype proportion was in increase and the first CD4 levels of the patients were low in Liuzhou during 1998 to 2012.

Effect of bilateral superior cervical sympathetic ganglion occlusion on pathological process of aortic dissection and its mechanism / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of bilateral superior cervical sympathetic ganglion occlusion (SCG) on aortic dissection and its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups with 15 in each:blank control group, sham operation group and SCG group. β-aminopropione (666 mg·kg·d) was given by subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks to establish the aortic dissection model. Rats in SCG group were given SCG before the injection of β-aminopropione. Blood pressure and heart rate of the rats were monitored using noninvasive tail artery blood pressure measuring instrument; sympathetic activity was monitored using drug block method; the structure of aortic wall was observed using HE staining; collagen fibers in aortic wall was observed using Sirius red staining; protein expression of Apelin was detected by immunohistochemistry; and the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, 9 was detected by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#During the experiment, the body mass of the sham operation group and SCG group was smaller than that of the blank control group (all <0.05), and the body mass of the SCG group was larger than that of the sham operation group (all <0.05). The heart rate and sympathetic activity of the sham operation group were higher than those of the blank control group (all <0.05), while the SCG group were lower (all <0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the aortic wall in the sham operation group was thickening, while that in the SCG group was improved. A large number of collagen-1 in the aortic wall of the blank control group was stained brown by Sirius red, which was lighter in SCG group, and the staining in the sham operation group was the lightest. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of Apelin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein in the sham operation group increased (all <0.05), while those in the SCG group decreased (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SCG can effectively reduce the incidence and mortality of aortic dissection in rats, which may be related to the inhibition of sympathetic activity and the decrease of collagen-1, Apelin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

Characteristics of HIV-infected persons without long term disease progress and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the characteristics of HIV infected persons without long term disease progress [also known as long term non-progressors (LTNPs)],and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi).Methods Data of persons living with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi by the end of 2016 were collected from the national HIV/AIDS comprehensive control and prevention information system of China.Results By the end of 2016,there were 313 LTNPs in Guangxi,accounting for 2.3 ％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,5.4％ of those being reported for more than 10 years and surviving,and 26.6％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,surviving and receiving no antiretroviral therapy.Among the LTNPs,87.2％(273) were men,94.9％ (297) were aged ≤ 40 years,32.3％ (101) were farmers,55.6％ (174) were single,divorced or widowed,69.3％ (217) were of Han ethnic group,68.1％ (213) were injecting drug users,and 52.1％ (163) were from custody facilities.Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that factors associated with delayed disease progression included age ≤40 years (compared with age ＞40 years,aOR=1.55,95％ CI:1.31-3.12) and injection drug use (compared with sexual transmission,aOR=1.23,95％ CI:1.10-1.74).Conclusions A number of LTNPs existed in HIV-infected individuals in Guangxi.Further research are needed to identify the related factors,and it is necessary to conduct large sample size studies on host immunology,genetics and the virology of HIV to explore the related mechanism.