Efficacy of Sailuotong on neurovascular unit in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the influence of Sailuotong (, SLT) on the Neurovascular Unit (NVUs) of amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1(PS1) mice and evaluate the role of gas supplementation in activating blood circulation during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: The mice were allocated into the following nine groups: (a) the C57 Black (C57BL) sham-operated group (control group), (b) ischaemic treatment in C57BL mice (the C57 ischaemic group), (c) the APP/PS1 sham surgery group (APP/PS1 model group), (d) ischaemic treatment in APP/PS1 mice (APP/PS1 ischaemic group), (e) C57BL mice treated with aspirin following ischaemic treatment (C57BL ischaemic + aspirin group), (f) C57BL mice treated with SLT following ischaemic treatment (C57BL ischaemic + SLT group), (g) APP/PS1 mice treated with SLT (APP/PS1 + SLT group), (h) APP/PS1 mice treated with donepezil hydrochloride following ischaemic treatment (APP/PS1 ischaemic + donepezil hydrochloride group) and (i) APP/PS1 mice treated with SLT following ischaemic treatment (APP/PS1 ischaemic + SLT group). The ischaemic model was established by operating on the bilateral common carotid arteries and creating a microembolism. The Morris water maze and step-down tests were used to detect the spatial behaviour and memory ability of mice. The hippocampus of each mouse was observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Congo red staining. The ultrastructure of NVUs in each group was observed by electron microscopy, and various biochemical indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression level was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The results of the Morris water maze and step-down tests showed that ischemia reduced learning and memory in the mice, which were restored by SLT. The results of HE staining showed that SLT restored the pathological changes of the NVUs. The Congo red staining results revealed that SLT also improved the scattered orange-red sediments in the upper cortex and hippocampus of the APP/PS1 and APP/PS1 ischaemic mice. Furthermore, SLT significantly reduced the content of Aß, improved the vascular endothelium and repaired the mitochondrial structures. The ELISA detection, western blot detection and qRT-PCR showed that SLT significantly increased the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin and basic fibroblast growth factor, as well as the levels of gene and protein expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) and VEGF in brain tissue. CONCLUSIONS: By increasing the expression of VEGF, SLT can promote vascular proliferation, up-regulate the expression of LRP-1, promote the clearance of Aß and improve the cognitive impairment of APP/PS1 mice. These results confirm that SLT can improve AD by promoting vascular proliferation and Aß clearance to protect the function of NVUs.

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging for patients with periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide a critical systematic review of the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a noninvasive method to assess periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched, since their inception up to March 27, 2022. The included studies evaluated the reproducibility and accuracy of MRI features to diagnose PJIs. The article quality assessment was conducted by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). RESULTS: Among 1909 studies identified in the initial search, 8 studies were eligible for final systematic review. The included studies evaluated the reproducibility and accuracy of MRI features to diagnose PJIs. Seven of 8 studies showed good to excellent reliability, but only one article among them in which accuracy was evaluated had a low risk of bias. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen coefficient (κ) varied between 0.44 and 1.00. The accuracy varied between 63.9% and 94.4%. Potential MRI features, such as lamellated hyperintense synovitis, edema, fluid collection, or lymphadenopathy, might be valuable for diagnosing PJIs. CONCLUSION: The quality of the evidence regarding the role of MRI for PJIs diagnosis was low. There is preliminary evidence that MRI has a noteworthy value of distinguishing suspected periprosthetic joint infection in patients with total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty, but the definition of specific MRI features related to PJIs diagnosis lacks consensus and standardization. Large-scale studies with robust quality were required to help make better clinical decisions in the future.

Surgical interventions for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

BACKGROUND: Multiple surgical interventions exist for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, but the surgeon and patient may often have difficulty deciding which interventions are the best option. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared complications, revisions, reoperations, and functional outcomes among TKA (total knee arthroplasty), UKA (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty), HTO (high tibial osteotomy), BCA (bicompartmental knee arthroplasty), BIU (bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty), and KJD (knee joint distraction). The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were reviewed for all studies comparing two or more surgical interventions. Direct-comparison meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to combine direct and indirect evidence. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs. RESULTS: This NMA and systematic review included 21 studies (17 RCTs), with a total of 1749 patients. The overall risk-of-bias assessment of the RCTs revealed that 7 studies had low risk, 5 had some concerns, and 9 had high risk. SUCRA (the surface under the cumulative ranking curve) rankings revealed that KJD had the greatest risk of appearing postoperative complications, revisions, and reoperations, and UKA or TKA had the lowest risk. The majority of comparisons among various treatments showed no difference for functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Each surgical intervention is noninferior to other treatments in functional outcomes, but UKA and TKA are better options to treat OA according to SUCRA rankings by comparing complications, revisions, and reoperations. KJD is an imperfect option for treating OA. Other treatments should be carefully considered for each patient in accordance with their actual conditions. However, this conclusion is limited by the selection of reviewed publications and individual variation of surgical indications for patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with Research Registry (reviewregistry1395).

Quality analysis of Codonopsis pilosula with different commodity specification grades / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the quality of Codonopsis pilosula with different commodity specification grades， and to provide the data support for market transactions， scientific research and clinical use. METHODS According to the classification standard of commodity specification grades of C. pilosula， 17 batches of C. pilosula from different producing areas， origins and commodity specification grades were collected. The contents of tangshenoside Ⅰ， lobetyolin and atractylenolide Ⅲ were determined by HPLC. The contents of alcohol-soluble extracts were determined by hot dipping method stated in general rule 2201 of Chinese Pharmacopeia （part Ⅳ）. The contents of polysaccharide were determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method （calculated by D-glucose anhydrous）. RESULTS For cultivar of C. pilosula， four specifications and three commodity grades of C. pilosula all contained tangshenoside Ⅰ and lobetyolin； Radix C. pilosula from Shanxi of China and C. pilosula from Wenxian County of China， also contained atractylenolide Ⅲ. In terms of the contents of tangshenoside Ⅰ， lobetyolin and atractylenolide Ⅲ， the content of second class was equivalent to that of first class， even better than the first class， while the content of third class was lower than that of first class and second class； the content of tangshenoside Ⅰ was the highest among the two types of wild C. pilosula. The contents of alcohol-soluble extracts and polysaccharides in first class cultivated C. pilosula were higher than those of second class， and the second class was higher than the third class； wild C. pilosula had low content of alcohol-soluble extracts and polysaccharides. CONCLUSIONS The internal quality of C. pilosula is basically consistent with the classification standard of different commodity specification grades； the content of each indicator in first-class and second-class medicinal herb is high， making them high-quality medicinal herbs.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the WOX gene family in Brassica juncea / 生物工程学报

The WUSCHEL related-homeobox (WOX) family is one of the plant-specific transcription factor families, playing important roles in plant growth and development. In this study, 51 WOX gene family members were identified from the genome data of Brassica juncea by searching and screening with HUMMER, Smart and other software. Their protein molecular weight, amino acids numbers, and isoelectric point were analyzed by using Expasy online software. Furthermore, bioinformatics software was used to systematically analyze the evolutionary relationship, conservative region, and gene structure of the WOX gene family. The mustard WOX gene family was divided into three subfamilies: ancient clade, intermediate clade, and WUS clade/modern clade. Structural analysis showed that the type, organization form and gene structure of the conservative domain of WOX transcription factor family members in the same subfamily were highly consistent, while there was a certain diversity among different subfamilies. 51 WOX genes are distributed unevenly on 18 chromosomes of mustard. Most of the promoters of these genes contain cis acting elements related to light, hormone and abiotic stress. Using transcriptome data and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, it was found that the expression of mustard WOX gene was spatio-temporal specific, among which BjuWOX25, BjuWOX33, and BjuWOX49 might play an important role in the development of silique, and BjuWOX10, BjuWOX32, and BjuWOX11, BjuWOX23 respectively might play an important role in the response to drought and high temperature stresses. The above results may facilitate the functional study of mustard WOX gene family.

Trend in incidence of stroke in Nanshan District from 2010 to 2021 / 预防医学

Objective@# To establish a comprehensive health evaluation index system for HIV-infected pregnant women in floating populations, so as to support the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. @*Methods@# The preliminary framework of the comprehensive health evaluation indicators was constructed based on literature review and focus group discussion. Experts from maternal and child healthcare, clinical medicine and public health were invited to participate in two-round Delphi consultations. The indicators were scored and weighed according to the importance, priority and measurability, and determined according to means and coefficients of variation of scores. The effectiveness of the consultation was evaluated by positive coefficient, authority coefficient and coordination coefficient.@*Results@# Twenty-six experts participated in this study, including 19 women. There were 5 experts aged 30-40 years, 14 experts aged 41-50 years, and 7 experts aged 51 years and over. There were 17 experts with a master degree and above. All experts had vice senior professional titles and above. The positive coefficients in the two rounds of consultations were 96.30% and 100.00%, the authority coefficients were 0.84 and 0.89, respectively. Finally, 4 primary indicators (individuals and families, disease factors, social environment, health service utilization) and 50 secondary indicators were identified, with the coefficients of variation ranging from 0.084 to 0.236 and the coordination coefficients ranging from 0.282 to 0.405 (all P<0.001). Among the secondary indicators, getting antiviral drugs at the place of residence was restricted to floating populations or not (0.780), HIV viral load during pregnancy (0.750), the registration of maternal and childbirth care manuals at the place of residence was restricted to floating populations or not (0.749), and first-trimester registration or not (0.738) had a high weight. @*Conclusion @#This index system can provide the reference for evaluating the health equity of HIV-infected pregnant and lying-in women in floating populations.

The role of plant WRKY transcription factors against salt stress: a review / 生物工程学报

High salt content in soils severely hampers plant growth and crop yields. Many transcription factors in plants play important roles in responding to various stresses, but their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. WRKY transcription factors are one of the largest families of transcription factors in higher plants that are involved in and influence many aspects of plant growth and development. They play important roles in responding to salt stress. The regulation of gene expression by WRKY proteins is mainly achieved by binding to the DNA's specific cis-regulatory elements, the W-box elements (TTGACC). In recent years, there have been many studies revealing the roles and mechanisms of WRKY family members, from model plant Arabidopsis to agricultural crops. This paper reviews the latest research progress on WRKY transcription factors in response to salt stress and discusses the current challenges and future perspectives of WRKY transcription factor research.

Effects of peripartum treatment on delivery outcomes in women with primary immune thrombocytopenia: a prospective cohort study / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of peripartum administration of low-dose corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on delivery outcomes in pregnant patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).Methods:This prospective cohort study involved pregnant women (≥34 gestational weeks) who were diagnosed with ITP in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. Their platelet counts were between 20×10 9/L to 50×10 9/L without bleeding and none of them had been treated with any medications. All patients were divided into medication group (prednisone or IVIG) and platelet transfusion group based on their preference. Differences in vaginal delivery rate, postpartum hemorrhage rate and platelet transfusion volume between the two groups were compared using t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the factors influencing the rates of vaginal delivery and postpartum hemorrhage. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing the platelet transfusion volume. Results:A total of 96 patients with ITP were recruited with 70 in the medication group and 26 in the platelet transfusion group. The vaginal delivery rate in the medication group was higher than that in the platelet transfusion group [60.0% (42/70) vs 30.8% (8/26), χ 2=6.49, P=0.013]. After adjusted by the proportion of multiparae and the gestational age at delivery, binary logistic regression showed that the increased vaginal delivery rate in patients undergoing the peripartum treatment ( OR=4.937, 95% CI: 1.511-16.136, P=0.008). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in the two groups was 22.9% (16/70) and 26.9% (7/26), respectively, but no significant difference was shown ( χ 2=0.17, P=0.789). The median platelet transfusion volume was lower in the medication group than in the platelet transfusion group [1 U(0-4 U) vs 1 U(1-3 U), Z=－2.18, P=0.029]. After adjustment of related factors including the platelet count at enrollment, obstetrical complications and anemia, multiple linear regression showed that the platelet transfusion volume was also lower in the medication group (95% CI:0.053-0.911, P=0.028). Ninety-six newborns were delivered without intracranial hemorrhage. The overall incidence of neonatal thrombocytopenia was 26.0% (25/96). There was no significant difference in birth weight, and incidence of neonatal asphyxia or thrombocytopenia between the two groups. Conclusion:Peripartum therapy in ITP patients may increase vaginal delivery rate and reduce platelet transfusion volume without causing more postpartum hemorrhage.

Clinical characteristics of patients with human adenovirus infection undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of human adenovirus (HAdV) infection in patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Patients who received allo-HSCT and had symptoms of HAdV infection were tested in the Hematology Department at Perking University People′s Hospital from August 2015 to October 2019. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect HAdV DNA from 2 728 patients with potential infection. HAdV DNA-positive patients were defined as having HAdV infection. The clinical features of these patients were analyzed, and a case-pair method was used to select patients without HAdV infection as the control group in a 1∶3 ratio. The clinical results of the two groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank testing.Results:A total of 7 119 samples were tested for HAdV, of which 99 samples from 36 patients were positive. Of these patients, 22 developed HAdV viremia, and 24 patients had concurrent infection with another virus. Nineteen patients had fever (53%), 25 had gastrointestinal symptoms (69%), 11 had respiratory symptoms (31%), nine had reduced liver function (25%), and six had nervous system symptoms (17%). Twenty-three patients developed acute graft-versus-host disease of grade 2 or higher. Of all the patients with HAdV infection, nine were treated with cidofovir, seven of whom became HAdV negative and two had invalid treatment. The median follow-up time was 496 (216, 940) d post-HSCT. The overall survival at 5 years post HSCT was 48.4%±9.2% vs. 91.3%±3.5% ( χ2=65.03, P<0.001) in patients with and without HADV, respectively. The non-relapse mortality at 5 years post-HSCT was 40.8%±8.8% vs. 4.0%±2.0% ( χ2=34.17, P<0.001) in patients with and without HADV, respectively. Conclusions:After allo-HSCT, HAdV-infected patients are dominated by gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms and have an increased risk of combined acute graft-versus-host disease of >2 degrees. Patients with HAdV infection have poor overall survival and high non-relapse mortality.

Clinical analysis of the efficacies of ganciclovir plus foscarnet and a single antiviral drug for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection after haploidentical stem cell transplantation / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To evaluate and compare the efficacies of ganciclovir plus foscarnet and a single agent for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Methods:This study was a non-randomized clinical controlled trial. The data of patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation and developed CMV infection between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through telephone, inpatient consultations, and the review of outpatient medical records. The observed indicators included the incidence of CMV infection (including CMV disease), rate of recurrence of CMV infection, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).Results:A total of 242 patients were diagnosed with post-transplantation CMV infection; 116 patients tested positive for CMV DNA for more than 14 days ( P=0.011). Of the 242 patients with CMV infection, 65 were treated with ganciclovir plus foscarnet, and 156 patients were treated with a single antiviral drug; the median durations of CMV seroconversion were 21 (3-60) and 14 (3-32) days for the combination and single-drug groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between their incidence of CMV infections and 1-year OS and DFS. Of the patients with refractory CMV infections, 53 (45.7%) were treated with ganciclovir plus foscarnet, and 63 (54.3%) were treated with a single antiviral agent. The median durations of CMV seroconversion for the combination and single-drug groups were 21 (15-60) days and 20 (15-45) days, respectively ( P=0.472). Two patients in each group progressed to CMV disease ( P=0.860). During follow-up, 12 patients (22.6%) in the combination group and 8 patients (12.7%) in the single-drug group experienced recurrent episode(s) of CMV infection ( P=0.158). The 1-year OS of the combination and single-drug groups were 92.0% and 87.1%, respectively ( P=0.543); the 1-year DFS were 90.3% and 85.7%, respectively ( P=0.665). Univariate analysis revealed no associations between the antiviral agents used and OS and DFS (OS: HR=0.644, P=0.547; DFS: HR=0.757, P=0.666). Conclusions:There were no significant differences in the duration of CMV infection, incidence of CMV disease, rate of recurrence of CMV infection, and survival of the patients treated with the combination of antiviral drugs and a single antiviral drug.

Application of laparoscopic eversion fixation of cyst wall in the treatment of simple hepatic cys / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic eversion fixation of cyst wall in the treatment of simple hepatic cyst.Methods:The clinical data of 27 patients with simple hepatic cyst who underwent laparoscopic cyst eversion fixation in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 19 females, aged (60.6±9.0) years. Methods of operation, operation time, pathological results, incisional pain, peritonitis, bleeding or infection in the sac were analyzed. Recurrence was followed up by outpatient or telephone review.Results:Laparoscopic eversion fixation of cyst wall was successfully performed in all patients. Twelve cases (44.4%) were fixed in the falciform ligament, and 15 cases (55.6%) were fixed on the liver surface. The operative time was (119.3±44.3) min. The histopathologic results of the capsular wall were all fibrous connective tissue coated with endothelial cells, and no tumor cells were found. After the operation, 25 cases (92.6%) of light clear cyst fluid were not cultured for bacteriology, and 2 cases (7.4%) of turbid cyst fluid bacteriology culture was negative. There were 11 cases (40.7%) with right upper abdominal incision pain on the first day after surgery, and the pain disappeared after proper treatment without bile leakage, peritonitis, bleeding or infection. All patients were followed up for 18 to 36 months, with a median follow-up time of 24 months, and no cyst recurrence was reported.Conclusion:Laparoscopic eversion fixation of cyst wall is a good method for the treatment of simple hepatic cyst.

Flare and change in disease activity among patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: A prospective Chinese cohort study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Vaccination has been shown effective in controlling the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and reducing severe cases. This study was to assess the flare and change in disease activity after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA).@*METHODS@#A prospective cohort of RA patients in remission or with low disease activity was divided into a vaccination group and a non-vaccination group based on their COVID-19 vaccination status. Each of them was examined every 3 to 6 months. In the vaccination group, disease activity was compared before and after vaccination. The rates of flare defined as disease activity scores based on 28-joint count (DAS28) >3.2 with ΔDAS28 ≥0.6 were compared between vaccination and non-vaccination groups.@*RESULTS@#A total of 202 eligible RA patients were enrolled. Of these, 98 patients received no vaccine shot (non-vaccination group), and 104 patients received two doses of vaccine (vaccination group). The median time interval from pre-vaccination visit to the first immunization and from the second dose of vaccine to post-vaccination visit was 67 days and 83 days, respectively. The disease activity scores at pre-vaccination and post-vaccination visits in the vaccination group patients were similar. At enrollment, gender, RA disease course, seropositivity, and disease activity were comparable across the two groups. Flare was observed in five (4.8%) of the vaccination group patients and nine (9.2%) of the non-vaccination group patients at post-vaccination assessment ( P  = 0.221). In terms of safety, 29 (27.9%) patients experienced adverse events (AEs) after vaccination. No serious AEs occurred.@*CONCLUSIONS@#COVID-19 vaccinations had no significant effect on disease activity or risk of flare in RA patients in remission or with low disease activity. Patients with stable RA should be encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Bi-directional Control of Synaptic Input Summation and Spike Generation by GABAergic Inputs at the Axon Initial Segment / 神经科学通报·英文版

Differing from other subtypes of inhibitory interneuron, chandelier or axo-axonic cells form depolarizing GABAergic synapses exclusively onto the axon initial segment (AIS) of targeted pyramidal cells (PCs). However, the debate whether these AIS-GABAergic inputs produce excitation or inhibition in neuronal processing is not resolved. Using realistic NEURON modeling and electrophysiological recording of cortical layer-5 PCs, we quantitatively demonstrate that the onset-timing of AIS-GABAergic input, relative to dendritic excitatory glutamatergic inputs, determines its bi-directional regulation of the efficacy of synaptic integration and spike generation in a PC. More specifically, AIS-GABAergic inputs promote the boosting effect of voltage-activated Na+ channels on summed synaptic excitation when they precede glutamatergic inputs by >15 ms, while for nearly concurrent excitatory inputs, they primarily produce a shunting inhibition at the AIS. Thus, our findings offer an integrative mechanism by which AIS-targeting interneurons exert sophisticated regulation of the input-output function in targeted PCs.

Internet and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the UK

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internet has become a key player in the daily lives of most people. We investigate the relationship between mental health and internet use frequency and purpose six months after the first lockdown in the UK, September 2020. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire and the Internet use module, and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits, we find that older individuals (aged 59 or above) have a lower internet use frequency (twice a day or less). Younger women use the Internet for social purposes more than men do, while younger men use the Internet for leisure-and-learning purposes more than women and older men do. Both high frequency internet use and use for social purposes appear to be a protective factor for social dysfunction. Interestingly, high internet use is a protective factor for social dysfunction among younger women, but a risk factor for psychological distress among younger men. Finally, while leisure-and-learning purpose is a protective factor for social dysfunction among younger women, it is a risk factor for social dysfunction among younger men.

Role of intercellular junctions in the biological behavior of SP cells of multiple myeloma / 药学实践杂志

Objective To observe the effects of the intercellular gap junction (GJIC) composed of connexin 43(Cx43) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources and their signals on the biological behavior of multiple myeloma (MM) lateral population cells (SP cells), and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources were isolated and cultured. SP cells of MM cell line RPMI 8266 were sorted by flow cytometry. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of Cx43 gene and protein in MSCs, RPMI 8266 and SP cells from different sources. The effects of MSCs from different sources on SP cell cycle, Cx43 protein expression, colony formation ability in vitro, stem cell related gene expression, cytokine secretion and drug resistance were observed. Results There was no significant difference in morphology and phenotype between MM-MSCs and ND-MSCs. Both MM-MSCs and RPMI 8266 cells expressed a higher level of Cx43. Co-culture with MM-MSCs induced more SP cells to enter G0 phase (P<0.001). The expressions of c-myc, Kif4 and Sox2 genes in SP cells were significantly up-regulated, while the expression of Oct-4 gene was down-regulated. After adding α-GA, c-myc, Kif4 and Sox2 were down-regulated in varying degrees, but there was no significant difference. The expression of Cx43 was up-regulated by (31.00±2)% and (39.00±2)%, respectively. The colony formation ability in vitro was up-regulated, and the addition of α-GA could partially inhibit this effect. A small amount of c-myc, Kif4, Sox2 and Oct-4 genes were expressed in RPMI 8266. These genes were significantly up-regulated in SP cell subpopulation. MM-MSCs secreted high levels of interleukin (IL)-6. After co-culture with SP cells, the expressions of IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β in the supernatant of MM-MSCs were up-regulated (P=0.0072, P=0.037). bFGF and IL-17 had no significant change. After adding α-GA, the levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β in the supernatant decreased. MM cells were sensitive to bortezomib (BTZ) induced apoptosis, but SP cells were less sensitive. Co-culture with MM-MSCs significantly reduced BTZ-mediated apoptosis. The addition of α-GA partially restored the sensitivity of MM cells to bortezomib. Conclusion MM-MSCs and multiple myeloma SP cells up-regulate the expression of Cx43 protein, form more GJIC, and promote the proliferation and drug resistance of SP cells by changing the cytokine secretion profile of MSCs, which may be one of the reasons for the recurrence of MM.

Monochromatic images based on spectral CT for stent evaluation after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the optimal monochromatic level for evaluation of in-stent lumen after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) by dual-layer detector CT.Methods:Twenty-nine patients after TIPS were retrospectively enrolled who underwent abdomen enhanced examinations with portal venous phases by a dual-layer detector CT between December 2019 and July 2021. The mixed iterative image (conventional group) and monochromatic images (40 keV group, 50 keV group, 60 keV group and 70 keV group) were obtained by reconstruction. Circular regions of interest were placed in the in-stent of the cross-sectional reconstructed image and in the vertical spinal muscle on the same plane to obtain the corresponding average CT value and noise. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were calculated. Then 4-point scale was performed to evaluate image quality subjectively by 2 physicians blindly and separately. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis H rank-sum test was used for the overall analysis between groups, and LSD test or Dunn′s Bonforoni test was used for pairwise comparison within groups. Results:There was no significant difference in noise values among the 5 groups ( P>0.05). The difference of CNR and SNR between the 5 groups was statistically significant ( F=72.28, 56.45, P<0.001). The CNR and SNR in the 40 keV group were the highest, which were 50.4±15.7 and 59.3±18.4 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). Subjective scores showed statistically significant differences among the 5 groups (χ2=101.61, P<0.001). The score of the 40 keV group was higher than that of the 60 keV group, 70 keV group, and conventional group ( P<0.001), and there was no significant difference when compared with the subjective score of the 50 keV group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The 40 keV monochromatic image of dual detector spectral CT is the best image to observe the lumen of the stent after TIPS.

Application of CT pulmonary function imaging in convalescent COVID-19 patients / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of CT pulmonary function imaging in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the convalescent phase.Methods:The COVID-19 patients who were clinically cured and discharged from Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were prospectively collected from January to April 2020. Clinical pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT pulmonary function imaging were performed 3 months after discharge. The Philips IntelliSpace Portal image post-processing workstation was used to obtain the paired inspiratory-expiratory CT quantitative indexes of the whole lung, left lung, right lung and five lobes. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether residual lesions remain in inspiratory CT images: non-residual lesion group and residual lesion group. The chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the PFT results between groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in PFT indexes [forced expiratory volume in the first second as percentage of predicted value (FEV 1%), FEV 1/forced vital capacity (FEV 1/FVC), total lung capacity as percentage of predicted value (TLC%), FVC%] and the differences in quantitative CT indexes [lung volume (LV), mean lung density (MLD), volume change in inspiratory phase and expiratory phase (?LV)] between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between CT pulmonary function imaging and PFT indexes of convalescent COVID-19 patients. Results:Of the 90 patients with COVID-19, 35 were males and 55 were females; 45 were included in the non-residual lesion group and 45 were included in the residual lesion group. Fifty-three patients had clinical pulmonary dysfunction 3 months after discharge, including 22 patients in the non-residual lesion group and 31 patients in the residual lesion group. In patients with residual disease, left lower lobe and right lower lobe LV, left lower lobe and right lower lobe ?LV in the inspiratory and expiratory phase were smaller than those without residual disease; whole lung, left lung, right lung, left upper lobe, left lower lobe and right lower lobe MLD in the inspiratory phase and left lower lobe and right lower lobe MLD in the expiratory phase were greater than those without residual disease ( P<0.05). Since there was no significant difference in FEV 1/FVC and FVC% between residual and non-residual lesion groups ( P>0.05), FEV 1/FVC and FVC% of two groups were combined. Multiple linear regression analysis showed FEV 1/FVC=91.765-0.016×LV in-right middle lobe+0.014×MLD ex-left lower lobe ( R2=0.200, P<0.001), FVC%=-184.122-0.358×MLD in-right lung-0.024×?LV left upper lobe ( R2=0.261, P<0.001). There was significant difference in TLC% between residual and non-residual lesion groups ( P<0.05), so multiple linear regression analysis was performed both in the two groups. In the non-residual lesion group, TLC%=80.645+0.031×LV ex-right lower lobe ( R2=0.132, P<0.001); In the residual lesion group, TLC%=-110.237-0.163×MLD in-right upper lobe-0.098×MLD ex-left upper lobe -0.025×LV ex-right lower lobe ( R2=0.473, P<0.001). Conclusion:CT pulmonary function imaging can quantitatively analyze the whole lung, unilateral lung and lobulated lung, thus reflecting the regional pulmonary function, providing more valuable diagnostic information for the assessment of pulmonary function in convalescent patients with COVID-19.

Application value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for infectious pathogens in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of Metagenomic Next-Generation sequencing (mNGS) in infectious patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT).Methods:Patients suspected with local or systemic infections were retrospectively included after allo-HSCT in our department from April 2019 to November 2020. Pathogenic microorganisms were tested by mNGS in samples from peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, alveolar lavage Liquid, abscess, etc. Other diagnostic methods such as bacterial/fungal culture, viral PCR detection were simultaneously explored comparing with mNGS results.Results:A total of 112 samples in 83 patients were detected by mNGS, and 34 pathogenic microorganisms were determined. Among these positive samples, 11 strains of bacteria (17 times) with the most common Escherichia coli (4/17) were reported. There were 7 strains of fungi (10 times) detected with primary Candida albicans (7/29). Although arvovirus 30.2% (39/129) were predominantly detected, its diagnostic relevance with infections was not definite. Other pathogenic viruses including cytomegalovirus (CMV) 25.6% (33/129) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) 14.0% (18/129)were of significance. Comparing with golden diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity of mNGS was 86.5%, and specificity was 45.0%. Regarding single pathogen infection, the consistency of mNGS and conventional methods was 82.9% (29/35), while it was 16/17 in combination infections.Conclusion:mNGS could be a potential method to determine pathogens in patients suspected with infections after allo-HSCT.

Comparison of effect of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using single half tunnel, double half curved tunnel and suture anchor fixation for patients with patellar dislocation / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using single half tunnel, double half curved tunnel and suture anchor fixation in the treatment of patellar dislocation.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 58 patients with patellar dislocation treated in Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from June 2018 to February 2021, including 22 males and 36 females, aged 12-34 years [(19.6±5.5)years]. MPFL reconstruction was performed arthroscopically using single half tunnel fixation in 20 patients (single half tunnel group), double half curved tunnel fixation in 18 (double half curved tunnel group) and suture anchor fixation in 20 (suture anchor group). The Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Tegner activity score were compared among groups before operation, at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The knee range of motion was compared among the three groups at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The postoperative complications of the three groups were observed at the last follow-up.Results:All patients were followed up for 9-39 months [(26.5±9.1)months]. In single half tunnel group, double half curved tunnel group and suture anchor group, the Lysholm score was (78.4±12.0)points, (88.7±7.5)points and (81.1±9.8)points at 3 months after operation, and (80.4±14.2)points, (90.9±9.0)points and (83.3±9.1)points at the last follow-up. The postoperative Lysholm score in all groups was significantly increased from that preoperatively (all P<0.01). The Lysholm score in double half curved tunnel group was significantly higher than that in other two groups at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between other groups (all P>0.05). In single half tunnel group, double half curved tunnel group and suture anchor group, the IKDC score was (76.7±12.2)points, (78.4±8.9)points and (81.0±8.1)points at 3 months after operation, and (77.6±15.8)points, (83.2±7.8)points and (82.4±12.4)points at the last follow-up. The postoperative IKDC score in all groups was significantly increased from that preoperatively (all P<0.01), but there was no significant difference among the three groups (all P>0.05). In single half tunnel group, double half curved tunnel group and suture anchor group, the Tegner score was (4.0±1.2)points, (5.4±1.7)points and (5.3±1.7)points at 3 months after operation, and (4.1±1.4)points, (5.8±1.8)points and (5.3±2.2)points at the last follow-up. The postoperative Tegner score in all groups was significantly improved from that preoperatively (all P<0.01). The Tegner score in single half tunnel group was significantly lower than that in other two groups at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between other groups (all P>0.05). In single half tunnel group, double half curved tunnel group and suture anchor group, the knee range of motion was (122.3±6.4)°, (121.7±7.1)° and (123.3±5.7)° at the last follow-up, which were significantly increased from (117.3±8.0)°, (115.3±7.9)° and (116.8±8.3)° at 3 months after operation (all P<0.05), with no significant difference among the three groups (all P>0.05). The postoperative complication rate was 10.0% (2/20) in single half tunnel group, 5.6% (1/18) in double half curved tunnel group, and 25.0% (5/20) in suture anchor group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:For patellar dislocation, MPFL reconstruction using single half tunnel, double half curve tunnel and suture anchor fixation have achieved satisfactory improvement of knee range of motion, but knee functional recovery is much better after double half curved tunnel fixation.

Related factors for early neonatal deaths born to pregnant women with syphilis / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate early neonatal deaths born to pregnant women with syphilis and the risk factors.Methods:Data were obtained from the maternal syphilis surveillance system in Zhejiang Province. Pregnant women with syphilis who delivered ≥28 weeks during January 2014 to December 2020 were included. Demographic characteristics (age, education level, occupation, gravidity, parity, adverse pregnancy history, etc.), maternal and perinatal health records, syphilis laboratory test results, syphilis treatment regimen, delivery information, and infant information were collected. Trend chi-square analysis was conducted to track the early neonatal mortality over years. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate the relationship between maternal syphilis treatment and early neonatal mortality. Logistic analysis was conducted to investigate the risk factors for early neonatal death.Results:Among the 71 cases with early neonatal death, 49 cases (69.01%) were aged from 21 to 34 years old, 52 cases (73.24%) had middle school education, 39 cases (54.93%) had no fixed occupation, 39 cases (54.93%) had more than three gravidities, 48 cases (67.61%) were multiparas. There were eight cases (11.27%) of stillbirth abortion. Forty-nine cases (69.01%) with rapid plasma reagin circle card test (RPR) or tolulized red unheated serum test (TRUST) titer ≥1∶4. Among the 72 early neonatal deaths, 40 were males and 32 were females. The leading cause of death was preterm birth/low birth weight (56 cases, 77.78%). From 2014 to 2020, the early neonatal mortality rate of pregnant women with syphilis in Zhejiang Province decreased from 10.37‰ (24/2 314) to 1.49‰(3/2 007) (trend χ2=20.05, P<0.001). The rate of maternal antisyphilitic treatment was negatively correlated with early neonatal mortality ( r=-0.895, P=0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that standard treatment reduced the risk of early neonatal death (Wald=24.845, P<0.001, odds ratio ( OR)=0.181). However, RPR or TRUST titer ≥1∶4 in the last trimester (Wald=72.026, P<0.001, OR=10.112) increased the risk of early neonatal death. Conclusions:Preterm birth and low birth weight are the leading causes of early neonatal death in pregnant women with syphilis. Strengthening the treatment of syphilis in pregnancy women, especially the standard treatment, is beneficial to reduce the risk of early neonatal death.