Research progress on intestinal microbiota regulating cognitive function through the gut-brain axis.

The intestinal microbiota community is a fundamental component of the human body and plays a significant regulatory role in maintaining overall health and in the management disease states.The intestinal microbiota-gut-brain axis represents a vital connection in the cognitive regulation of the central nervous system by the intestinal microbiota.The impact of intestinal microbiota on cognitive function is hypothesized to manifest through both the nervous system and circulatory system. Imbalances in intestinal microbiota during the perioperative period could potentially contribute to perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction. This article concentrates on a review of existing literature to explore the potential influence of intestinal microbiota on brain and cognitive functions via the nervous and circulatory systems.Additionally, it summarizes recent findings on the impact of perioperative intestinal dysbacteriosis on perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction and suggests novel approaches for prevention and treatment of this condition.

Gender associations between phthalate exposure and biomarkers of oxidative stress: A prospective cohort study.

Previous epidemiologic research has shown that phthalate exposure in pregnant women is related to adverse birth outcomes in a sex-specific manner. However, the biological mechanism of phthalate exposure that causes these birth outcomes remains poorly defined. In this research, we investigated the association between phthalate exposure and placental oxidative stress in a large population-based cohort study, aiming to initially explore the relationship between phthalate exposure and gene expression in placental oxidative stress in a sex-specific manner. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure the expression of placental inflammatory mRNAs (HO-1, HIF1α, and GRP78) in 2469 placentae. The multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between mRNA and urinary phthalate monoesters. Phthalate metabolites monomethyl phthalate (MMP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) were positively correlated with higher HIF1α expression in placentae of male fetuses (p < .05). Mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) increased the expression of HO-1, HIF1α, and GRP78 in placentae of male fetuses, and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) up-regulated the expression of HIF1α and GRP78. Additionally, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) was negatively correlated with HO-1, HIF1α, and GRP78 in placentae of female fetuses. Maternal phthalate exposure was associated with oxidative stress variations in placental tissues. The associations were closer in the placentas of male fetuses than in that of female ones. The placenta oxidative stress is worth further investigation as a potential mediator of maternal exposure-induced disease risk in children.

LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 increases glioma malignancy via the miR-382-3p/BCAT1 axis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the specific roles of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) proteasome 20S subunit beta 8 (PSMB8)-antisense RNA 1 (AS1)/microRNA (miR)-382-3p/branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) interaction network in gliomas. METHODS: Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the expression levels of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1, BCAT1, and miR-382-3p. Moreover, the cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were assessed using the cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and caspase-3 activity assays, respectively. The biological role of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 in glioma was investigated in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. Additionally, the associations among lncRNA PSMB8-AS1, miR-382-3p, and BCAT1 were analyzed using dual-luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays and bioinformatics analyses. RESULTS: Glioma cell lines and tissues exhibited overexpression of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 and BCAT1 and low expression of miR-382-3p. Knockdown of PSMB8-AS1 remarkably repressed the tumor growth in vivo and the migration and proliferation of glioma cells in vitro. In contrast, knockdown of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 increased the cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, PSMB8-AS1 directly targeted miR-382-3p. By sponging miR-382-3p, lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 stimulated the migration and proliferation of glioma cells and suppressed their apoptosis. Additionally, miR-382-3p directly targeted BCAT1. Inhibition of miR-382-3p reversed the antitumor effects of BCAT1 silencing on glioma progression. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 aggravated glioma malignancy by enhancing BCAT1 expression after competitively binding to miR-382-3p. Therefore, lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

Puerarin inhibits inflammation and lipid accumulation in alcoholic liver disease through regulating MMP8.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a growing global health concern, and its early pathogenesis includes steatosis and steatohepatitis. Inhibiting lipid accumulation and inflammation is a crucial step in relieving ALD. Evidence shows that puerarin (Pue), an isoflavone isolated from Pueraria lobata, exerts cardio-protective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities. However, the therapeutic potential of Pue on ALD remains unknown. In the study, both the NIAAA model and ethanol (EtOH)-induced AML-12 cell were used to explore the protective effect of Pue on alcoholic liver injury in vivo and in vitro and related mechanism. The results showed that Pue (100 mg·kg-1) attenuated EtOH-induced liver injury and inhibited the levels of SREBP-1c, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß, compared with silymarin (Sil, 100 mg·kg-1). In vitro results were consistent within vivo results. Mechanistically, Pue might suppress liver lipid accumulation and inflammation by regulating MMP8. In conclusion, Pue might be a promising clinical candidate for ALD treatment.

[Effect of Erxian Decoction-containing serum on H_2O_2-induced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via BK channels].

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Erxian Decoction(EXD)-containing serum on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress through BK channels. The oxidative stress model was induced in MC3T3-E1 cells by H_2O_2, and 3 mmol·L~(-1) tetraethylammonium(TEA) chloride was used to block the BK channels in MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into a control group, a model group, an EXD group, a TEA group, and a TEA+EXD group. After MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with corresponding drugs for 2 days, 700 µmol·L~(-1) H_2O_2 was added for treatment for another 2 hours. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation activity. The alkaline phosphatase(ALP) assay kit was used to detect the ALP activity of cells. Western blot and real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) were used to detect protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Alizarin red staining was used to detect the mineralization area of osteoblasts. The results showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly blunted cell proliferation activity and ALP activity, reduced expression of BK channel α subunit(BKα), collagen Ⅰ(COL1), bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and phosphorylated Akt, decreased mRNA expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), BMP2, and OPG, and declining area of calcium nodules. EXD-containing serum could significantly potentiate the cell proliferation activity and ALP activity, up-regulate the protein expression of BKα, COL1, BMP2, OPG, and phosphorylated Akt, and forkhead box protein O1(FoxO1), promote the mRNA expression of RUNX2, BMP2, and OPG, and enlarge the area of calcium nodules. However, BK channel blockage by TEA reversed the effects of EXD-containing serum in promoting the protein expression of BKα, COL1, BMP2, OPG, and phosphorylated Akt and FoxO1, increasing the mRNA expression of RUNX2, BMP2, and OPG, and enlarging the area of calcium nodules. EXD-containing serum could improve the proliferation activity, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization ability of MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress, which might be related to the regulation of BK channels and downstream Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Braided stent-assisted coil embolization versus laser engraved stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms.

PURPOSES: Braided and laser-cut stents both are efficacious and safe for coiling intracranial aneurysms. The study aimed to compare outcomes following braided stent-assisted coil embolization versus laser engraved stent-assisted coil embolization in 266 patients who were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms of different types and locations. METHODS: Patients with unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms underwent braided (BSE cohort, n = 125) or laser engraved (LSE cohort, n = 141) stent-assisted embolization. RESULTS: The deployment success rate was higher for patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (140 [99%] vs. 117 [94%], p = 0.0142). Seventy-one (fifty-seven percentages) and 73 (52%) were coil embolization procedure success rates of the BSE and the LSE cohorts. Periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage was higher in patients of the BSE cohort than those of the LSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0142). Four (three percentages) patients from the LSE cohort and 3 (2%) patients from the BSE cohort had in-stent thrombosis during embolization. Permanent morbidities were higher in patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0389). Higher successful procedures (76% vs. 68%) and fewer postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage (0% vs. 5%) and mortality (0% vs. 5%) were reported for patients of the BSE cohort in posterior circulation aneurysmal location than those of the LSE cohort. Laser engraved stent has fewer problems with deployment and may have better periprocedural and follow-up outcomes after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Braided stent-assisted embolization should be preferred when the aneurysm is present in the posterior circulation.

Serum Raman spectroscopy can be used to screen patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

In this study, Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the serum of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore the screening value of Raman spectroscopy in patients with early RA. A total of 216 patients were included in the study. Fasting venous blood was collected for routine biochemical detection, and the remaining samples were tested by serum Raman spectroscopy. Support vector machine was used for model building and training. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the model were as follows: (1) healthy group versus early RA group: 0.860, (2) healthy group versus non-early RA group: 0.903, and (3) early RA group versus non-early RA group: 0.918. This study shows that serum Raman spectroscopy has a good ability to screen RA and can be staged according to the course of the disease, which can provide new ideas and technical support for the diagnosis or screening of early RA.

Identification of defactinib derivatives targeting focal adhesion kinase using ensemble docking, molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations.

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) belongs to the nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, which selectively phosphorylate tyrosine residues on substrate proteins. FAK is associated with bladder, esophageal, gastric, neck, breast, ovarian and lung cancers. Thus, FAK has been considered as a potential target for tumor treatment. Currently, there are six adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-competitive FAK inhibitors tested in clinical trials but no approved inhibitors targeting FAK. Defactinib (VS-6063) is a second-generation FAK inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.6 nM. The binding model of VS-6063 with FAK may provide a reference model for developing new antitumor FAK-targeting drugs. In this study, the VS-6063/FAK binding model was constructed using ensemble docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the molecular mechanics/generalized Born (GB) surface area (MM/GBSA) method was employed to estimate the binding free energy between VS-6063 and FAK. The key residues involved in VS-6063/FAK binding were also determined using per-residue energy decomposition analysis. Based on the binding model, VS-6063 could be separated into seven regions to enhance its binding affinity with FAK. Meanwhile, 60 novel defactinib-based compounds were designed and verified using ensemble docking. Overall, the present study improves our understanding of the binding mechanism of human FAK with VS-6063 and provides new insights into future drug designs targeting FAK.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The effect of phthalates exposure during pregnancy on asthma in infants aged 0 to 36 months: a birth cohort study.

This cohort study sought to investigate the effects of phthalates exposure during pregnancy on offspring asthma and its association with placental stress and inflammatory factor mRNA expression levels. A total of 3474 pregnant women from the China Ma'anshan birth cohort participated in this study. Seven phthalate metabolites were detected in urine samples during pregnancy by solid phase extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Placenta stress and inflammation mRNA expression were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Early pregnancy may be the critical period when phthalates exposure increases the risk of asthma in infants and young children, and there is a certain gender difference in the risk of asthma in infants and young children. Moreover, through the placenta stress and inflammatory factor associated with infant asthma found anti-inflammatory factor of interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA expression will reduce the risk of 36-month-old male infant asthma. The expression of interleukin-4(IL-4) and macrophage (M2) biomarker cluster of differentiation 206(CD206) mRNA reduced the risk of asthma in 18-month-old female infants. Placental stress and inflammatory response were analyzed using mediating effects. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) showed a complete mediating effect between mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) exposure in early pregnancy and asthma in 12-month-old males, and IL-10 also showed a complete mediating effect between mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) exposure in early and late pregnancy and asthma in 36-month-old males. In summary, exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may contribute to the development of asthma in infants, which may be associated with placental stress and inflammation.

Braided stent-assisted coil embolization versus laser engraved stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms

Abstract Purposes: Braided and laser-cut stents both are efficacious and safe for coiling intracranial aneurysms. The study aimed to compare outcomes following braided stent-assisted coil embolization versus laser engraved stent-assisted coil embolization in 266 patients who were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms of different types and locations. Methods: Patients with unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms underwent braided (BSE cohort, n = 125) or laser engraved (LSE cohort, n = 141) stent-assisted embolization. Results: The deployment success rate was higher for patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (140 [99%] vs. 117 [94%], p = 0.0142). Seventy-one (fifty-seven percentages) and 73 (52%) were coil embolization procedure success rates of the BSE and the LSE cohorts. Periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage was higher in patients of the BSE cohort than those of the LSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0142). Four (three percentages) patients from the LSE cohort and 3 (2%) patients from the BSE cohort had in-stent thrombosis during embolization. Permanent morbidities were higher in patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0389). Higher successful procedures (76% vs. 68%) and fewer postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage (0% vs. 5%) and mortality (0% vs. 5%) were reported for patients of the BSE cohort in posterior circulation aneurysmal location than those of the LSE cohort. Laser engraved stent has fewer problems with deployment and may have better periprocedural and follow-up outcomes after embolization. Conclusions: Braided stent-assisted embolization should be preferred when the aneurysm is present in the posterior circulation.

Mediation Effects of Placental Inflammatory Transcriptional Biomarkers on the Sex-Dependent Associations between Maternal Phthalate Exposure and Infant Allergic Rhinitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Objective: Prenatal phthalate exposure has been associated with placental inflammatory factors and infant allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the results are inconclusive. We designed a population-based cohort study to examine the effects of placental inflammatory biomarkers on the sex-dependent associations between maternal phthalate exposure and infant AR. Methods: A total of 2,348 pregnant women from Ma'anshan, Anhui Province, China, who were screened before antenatal visits and met the inclusion criteria, were included in the present study. We assessed AR in their offspring aged 36 months with a questionnaire. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure placental inflammatory factor mRNAs. The independent samples t-test and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the associations between infant AR and maternal phthalates. Results: Childhood AR may be related to education and family monthly income ( P = 0.01). The phthalate metabolites, mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyl) phthalate (MEHHP), in pregnant women were associated with a significantly increased risk for infant AR in males [ P < 0.05; odds ratio ( OR): 1.285; 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.037-1.591, and OR: 1.232, 95% CI: 1.008-1.507, respectively], but not females. Additionally, irritably-increased expression levels of HO-1 and IL-4 were associated with AR in male infants ( OR: 1.175; 95% CI: 1.038-1.329 and OR: 1.181; 95% CI: 1.056-1.322, respectively). The association between maternal urinary MEHHP and placental HO-1 was marginally significant according to mediation analysis. Conclusion: The associations of maternal MEHHP and MEOHP levels with fetal AR in males were significant. Placental HO-1 was a fractional mediator in the associations between MEHHP and AR. Thus, the placenta should be further investigated as a potential mediator of maternal exposure-induced disease risk in children.

CX3CL1 Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits Aß 1-42-Induced SH-SY5Y Cell Pathological Damage through TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most commonly seen neurodegenerative brain disorder. The paracrine effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) signify to trigger immunomodulation and neural regeneration. However, the role and mechanism of bone marrow MSC- (BMSC-) derived CX3CL1 in AD remains elusive. In this study, Aß 1-42-intervened SH-SY5Y cells were used for AD cell model construction. pcDNA-ligated CX3CL1 overexpression plasmids were transfected into BMSCs. The levels of soluble and membrane-bound CX3CL1 were detected by ELISA and Western blotting (WB), respectively. The growth, apoptosis, and pathology of AD model cells were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, morphology observation, biochemical examination, and WB. It was found that Aß 1-42 significantly reduced CX3CL1 expression either in soluble or membrane-bound form, cell viability, relative protein expression of synaptic markers, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px contents, as well as Trx protein expression; in addition, it enhanced the apoptosis rate, the relative expression of cleaved caspase-3, Aß, tau, p-Tau, Iba1, MDA, TXNIP, and NLRP3 in SH-SY5Y cells; however, the above effects were prominently reversed by the coculture of BMSCs. Moreover, overexpression of CX3CL1 in BMSCs observably strengthened the corresponding tendency caused by BMSCs. In conclusion, through the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway, CX3CL1 derived from BMSCs inhibited pathological damage in Aß 1-42-induced SH-SY5Y.

Effects of selenium levels on placental oxidative stress and inflammation during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the impact of Se levels in different pregnancy periods on placental function are limited. AIM: This cohort study sought to investigate the levels of the trace element Se and to assess their effects on placental oxidative stress (OS) and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes during pregnancy. METHODS: The study population consisted of 2519 pregnant women from the Ma'anshan birth cohort. Se levels were measured in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and in cord blood using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Placental stress and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes were assessed using RT-PCR. RESULTS: A statistically significant negative association was noted between Se levels in the second trimester of pregnancy and mRNA expression of placental HO-1(ß = -0.009, p < .01), HIF1α (ß = -0.005, p = .010), GRP78 (ß = -0.011, p < .001), CRP (ß = -.007, p = .033) and CD68 (ß = -0.006, p = .019). A negative association was noted between Se levels in cord blood and mRNA expression of placental HO-1 (ß = -0.007, p = .004), HIF1α (ß = -0.006, p = .005) and GRP78 (ß = -0.009, p = .004). We found that prenatal Se status was associated with placental stress and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes. CONCLUSION: Se deficiency during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, leads to the production of OS and an increase in inflammatory mediators, affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Monitoring of pregnant women's nutritional status is necessary to prevent nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in important micronutrients in the fetal.

Clinical observation of a narrow alveolar ridge in the anterior area with a simple taper retention implant.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the clinical effect of an external attachment implant, called JUST J1 MINI (hereafter referred to as J1 implant), with simple tonal retention on the narrow alveolar area of the anterior teeth (4.5-5.5 mm). METHODS: A total of 27 J1 implants were implanted in 12 patients in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University who were treated with narrow alveolar ridge implants. In the absence of any bone increment, all the implants were implanted with tonal retention external connection, and the survival rate of the implants was evaluated using Wheeler retention standard. The average observation period was 24 months. The amount of bone absorption at the edge of the implant, abutment abscission rate, and fracture/fracture and loosening of the implant were observed. RESULTS: The marginal bone uptake of the 27 J1 implants in 12 patients was (0.069±0.032) mm 6 months after implantation and (0.142±0.079) mm 24 months after implantation. No significant difference in marginal bone uptake was observed between the implants 6 months and 24 months after implantation. No loosening of the abutment was found, and implant retention rate was 100% during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: The application of JUST J1 MINI to the narrow alveolar ridge in the anterior area can achieve a simple aesthetic effect within a short period under the condition of no bone increment.

Displacement of the full body of a dental implant into the sinus space without membrane perforation and subsequent osseointegration: a case report.

An increasing number of studies have investigated the use of osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) with simultaneous implant placement for maxillary sinus floor residual bone height (RBH) <4 mm. Many studies have reported good clinical results, but very few have reported complications related to this procedure. Here, the case of a 50-year-old female patient with an RBH in the left upper posterior region of 1-4 mm, who underwent OSFE with simultaneous placement of three Bicon short® implants, is described. One of the implants was found to be displaced during the second-stage surgery. The displaced implant was removed using piezosurgery, OSFE with simultaneous implant placement was repeated, and the missing tooth was reconstructed 6 months later. This case suggests that OSFE with simultaneous implant placement is feasible for severely atrophic maxillary sinus floor, but carries a risk of implant displacement.

[Preparation of pg-C3N4/BiOBr/Ag Composite and Photocatalytic Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole].

A pg-C3N4/BiOBr/Ag composite was successfully prepared by simple high-temperature calcination and co-precipitation methods. The composite was characterized by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV-Vis, BET, and photocurrent analyses alongside other detection methods, and the degradation of 10 mg·L-1 sulfamethoxazole was investigated under simulated visible light irradiation. The results showed that the pg-C3N4/BiOBr/Ag composite had the best degradation effect on sulfamethoxazole when the loading ratio of silver was 5%. Compared with pg-C3N4, BiOBr monomer, and pg-C3N4/BiOBr composite, the photocatalytic degradation effect of the pg-C3N4/BiOBr/Ag (5%) was significantly improved, and the degradation rate was almost 100% within 30 min. The reaction rate constant (0.21016 min-1) was 13.15 times that of pg-C3N4/BiOBr. Through radical quenching experiments, it was shown that the main active substances in the photocatalytic degradation were holes (h+), superoxide radicals (·O2-), and singlet oxygen (1O2), among which superoxide radicals (·O2-) contributed the most. Cyclic tests of pg-C3N4/BiOBr/Ag showed that the synthesized material has good recyclability and application prospects.

Epidemiological characteristics of 561 cases of intracerebral hemorrhage in Chengdu, China.

ABSTRACT: To explore the epidemiology of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in Chengdu, China, we retrieved the data of patients with spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College from January 2017 to December 2019. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the location of hemorrhage, demographics, factors of hemorrhage, condition of body, severity of disturbance of consciousness, treatment, length of stay (days), inpatient costs, prognosis, and mortality rate in patients with sICH. In total, data of 561 in patients with sICH were included. The hemorrhage site was primarily located in the basal ganglia and thalamus (64.71%). The mean patient age was 63.2 ±â€Š12.4 years (64.17% men, 35.83% women). Male patients (mean age 62.3 ±â€Š12.5 year) were younger than female patients (mean age 64.9 ±â€Š12.1 year). The age of sICH onset in our sample was between 40 and 79 years; this occurred in 87.70% of the included cases. There were more males than females, which may be related to more daily smoking, longer drinking years, and overweight in males than in females. Cases occurred most frequently during the winter and spring months, and the relationship between sICH visits and hospitalizations appeared as a U-shape. The median time from illness onset to hospital admission was 3.0 hours. According to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission, 20.50% of sICH cases were of mild intensity, 39.93% were moderate, and 39.57% were severe. Moderate disorder is the most common sICH severity. Factors influencing the disturbance of consciousness were blood glucose level at the time of admission as well as the number of years with hypertension. The lower the degree of disturbance of consciousness and the more they smoked per day indicated they had a higher likelihood of receiving surgical treatment while in hospital. The median hospital stay was 13.0 days, while the median inpatient cost was USD 3609. The 30-day mortality rate was 18.36%. sICH is an important public health problem in Chengdu, China. A governmental initiative is urgently needed to establish a sICH monitoring system that covers the Chengdu region to develop more effective and targeted measures for sICH prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Single Dose of Rituximab in Children with Steroid-Dependent / Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome, Clinical Efficacy and Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION: Steroid-dependent (SD)/frequently relapsing (FR) nephrotic syndrome (NS) follows a relapsing and remitting course. It is also characterized by proteinuria and edema, which can significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a single dose of rituximab (RTX) as well as the impact of RTX on HRQOL in children with SDFRNS. METHODS: Sixteen children with SDFRNS were enrolled in the study. Each patient was administered a single intravenous dose of RTX (375 mg/m2). Effectiveness was defined as remission of proteinuria. The side effects of RTX were monitored. HRQOL was assessed using PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales. RESULTS: All the patients completed the study. Three SDNS patients and three FRNS patients discontinued treatment over 1 to 3.25 years of follow-up. Additionally, three SDNS patients and three FRNS patients experienced 1 to 2 relapses. The mean relapse-free period was 79.0 ± 77.6 days. The mean dosages of prednisolone and other immunosuppressants required were significantly lower (P < .05, < .001) six months after treatment with RTX compared with six months before treatment. Relapse rate was significantly reduced (P < .001) after treatment with RTX. Skin rash, hypotension, and fever were observed in one child. Total health score and physical, emotional, and school functioning were significantly higher six months after treatment with RTX (P < .001). CONCLUSION: A single dose of RTX is effective and safe for children with SDFRNS and can improve HRQOL, especially physical, emotional, and school functioning.

Thrombotic microangiopathy led to acute kidney injury in an infant with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but fatal clinical syndrome frequently complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute tubular necrosis. Renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a specific pathological feature of childhood HLH and few cases have been reported among infants. The present study presents a rare case of HLH with TMA in an infant. A 15-month-old infant with a week-long history of fever was admitted to hospital. The infant presented with AKI and subsequently a reduction in platelet and hemoglobin levels. TMA was diagnosed by kidney biopsy and the clinical, laboratory and bone marrow biopsy findings met the criteria of HLH. Due to a progressive increase in serum creatinine levels, hemodialysis was initiated on the second day following admission. Dexamethasone was administered to treat both the fever and HLH. The patient's body temperature returned to a normal range and platelet and hemoglobin levels were stable after 14 days of admission. Renal function stabilized on day 21. The results of genetic testing did not identify any disease-related variations. Childhood HLH is a severe condition and mortality can be reduced by early diagnosis and correct treatment. For patients with HLH and AKI, the possible role of TMA should be considered. Renal biopsy can help to identify the cause of AKI and can be performed when the patient's condition is stable.

[Retrospective study on transcrestal sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implantation of short implants].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes in bone height of the maxillary sinus floor at different sinus ridge heights after transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE) with the simultaneous implantation of short implants. METHODS: A total of 74 Bicon short implants were implanted into 37 patients during the same period of maxillary sinus elevation. The residual bone height (RBH)<4 mm group has 43 sites, and the RBH≥4 mm group has 31 sites. After 5 years of follow-up observation, the implant survival rate and the change in bone height achieved in the maxillary sinus over time were measured and analyzed via clinical examination and X-ray imaging. RESULTS: In the 74 implantation sites, the elevation height of the sinus floor was (6.64±1.32) mm and the bone height of the sinus floor was (3.35±1.29) mm 5 years after loading. No statistical difference was observed in the bone resorption of the implant neck between the RBH<4 mm and RBH≥4 mm groups. Meanwhile, a statistical difference was noted in the bone height obtained in the maxillary sinus between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: When RBH in the maxillary posterior tooth area was <4 mm, the simultaneous implantation of Bicon short implants with tSFE can achieve a high implant survival rate and bone gain in the maxillary sinus, but does not increase the absorption of the alveolar ridge bone.