Acupuncture for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the short-term efficacy, long-term efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).@*METHODS@#Forty-two patients with CP/CPPS were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (21 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a sham acupuncture group (21 cases). The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral Zhongliao (BL 33), Huiyang (BL 35), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); the needling depth of Zhongliao (BL 33) and Huiyang (BL 35) was 60 to 80 mm, while Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) was directly punctured of 30 mm. The patients in the sham acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at non-acupoints, including points 2 cm next to Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongliao (BL 33) and Huiyang (BL 35), and the midpoint of the connecting line between the spleen meridian and the kidney meridian. All the non-acupoints were treated with directly puncture of 2 to 3 mm. The needles were left for 30 min in both groups, once every other day in the first four weeks, three times a week, and twice a week in the next four weeks, totally 20 treatments. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up of 24 weeks after treatment completion, the National Institutes of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) score and urinary flow rate were observed in both groups; the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, the pain and discomfort scores, urination symptoms scores, quality of life scores and total scores of NIH-CPSI in both groups were reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), while each item score and total score of NIH-CPSI in the acupuncture group were reduced in follow-up (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, each item score and total score of NIH-CPSI in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the maximum and average urinary flow rates in the acupuncture group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the average urinary flow rate in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 75.0% (15/20) in the acupuncture group, which was higher than 42.9% (9/21) in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture could effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms, improve quality of life, and has a sustained, safe and reliable therapeutic effect in patients with CP/CPPS.

The association between platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies and response to short-term high-dose dexamethasone with prednisone maintenance treatment in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to detect the association between platelet glycoprotein-specific autoantibodies and the patient response to short-term high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) + prednisone maintenance treatment. METHODS: The data from 112 adult patients newly diagnosed with ITP who were administered first-line HD-DXM + prednisone maintenance therapy between January 2016 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients positive for platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies were enrolled in the antibody-positive group, and 40 patients not positive for platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies were enrolled in the antibody-negative group. In the antibody-positive group, six platelet glycoprotein-specific antibody types were found: 41.67% of the patients were anti-GP IIb/IIIa-positive only, 5.56% were anti-GP Ib/IX-positive only, 5.56% were anti-P-selectin-positive only, 19.44% were anti-GP IIb/IIIa- and anti-GP Ib/IX-positive, 16.67% were anti-GP Ib/IX- and P-selectin-positive and 11.11% were positive for all three antibodies. There was no significant difference in the overall response rate between the antibody-positive group and the antibody-negative group (94.44 versus 80.00%, p = .221). However, the CR rate was significantly higher in the antibody-positive group than in the antibody-negative group (69.44% versus 40.00%, p = .032). The logistic regression analysis revealed that platelet glycoprotein-specific antibody positivity and age were two factors that could affect patient response. CONCLUSIONS: The present study discovered that adult patients newly diagnosed with ITP who had positive platelet glycoprotein-specific antibody test results were likely to achieve a better response after treatment with HD-DXM + prednisone maintenance.

Follistatin Like 5 (FSTL5) inhibits epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in determining distant metastasis and intra-hepatic dissemination of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Follistatin (FST) family members are considered to be an attractive therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators in cancers. As a derivative of FST, Follistatin Like 5 (FSTL5) may play a similar role in HCC cells. This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of FSTL5 in HCC and its role in EMT.@*METHODS@#FSTL5, E-cadherin and vimentin in HCC, and paracancerous tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Correlation of FSTL5 expression with overall survival was assessed. The proliferation and invasion of HCC cell lines SK-Hep1 and MHCC-LM3 were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays. The expression of FSTL5, E-cadherin, and vimentin in HCC cells was examined by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. T-test was used to analyze the difference in proliferation and invasion ability between groups. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to detect the correlation between the expression of FSTL5 and E-cadherin or vimentin.@*RESULTS@#The expression of FSTL5 in HCC was lower than that in paracancerous tissues (9.97% vs. 82.55%, χ = 340.15, P < 0.001). Patients with high FSTL5 expression had a better prognosis (χ = 8.22, P = 0.004) and smaller tumor diameter (χ = 45.52, P < 0.001), less lymph node metastasis (χ = 5.58, P = 0.02), earlier tumor node metastasis stage (χ = 11.29, P = 0.001), a reduced number of tumors (χ = 5.05, P = 0.02), lower alpha-fetoprotein value (χ = 24.36, P < 0.001), more probability of hepatitis carrying (χ = 40.9, P < 0.001), and better liver function grade (χ = 5.21, P = 0.02). Immunohistochemistry showed that FSTL5 expression in HCC tissues was positively correlated with E-cadherin expression (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with vimentin expression (r = -0.385, P < 0.001). Furthermore, over-expression of FSTL5 up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin and down-regulated the expression of vimentin in SK-Hep1 (negative control [NC] vs. FSTL5-interfering group [Lv-FSTL5]: E-cadherin [t = 45.03, P < 0.001], vimentin [t = 67, P < 0.001]) and MHCC-LM3 (NC vs. Lv-FSTL5: E-cadherin [t = 50, P < 0.001], vimentin [t = 72.75, P < 0.001]) cells at mRNA level. The same as protein level. In addition, the over-expression of FSTL5 inhibited the proliferation (NC vs. Lv-FSTL5: SK-Hep1, 3 d [t = 7.324, P = 0.018], 4 d [t = 6.23, P = 0.021], 5 d [t = 10.21, P = 0.003]; MHCC-LM3, 3 d [t = 4.32, P = 0.037], 4 d [t = 7.49, P = 0.012], 5 d [t = 9.3661, P = 0.009]) and invasion (NC vs. Lv-FSTL5: SK-Hep1, t = 21.57, P < 0.001; MHCC-LM3, t = 18.04, P < 0.001) of HCC cells.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Down-regulation of FSTL5 may contribute to EMT of HCC, and FSTL5 is a potential target in the treatment of HCC.

Correlation between 320 row volume CT perfusion parameters of primary liver cancer and liver tumor volume and liver function Child-Pugh classification / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To explore the relationship between the values of total tumor perfusion parameters in primary hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor volume and peritumoral perfusion parameters,and analyze its correlation with liver ChildPugh classification.Methods Forty-seven patients with primary liver cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to January 2015 were selected to perform 320 row volume CT perfusion imaging.The parameters of hepatic artery perfusion(HAP),portal vein perfusion(PVP) and hepatic perfusion index(HAPI) in tumor and peritumoral liver tissues were calculated based on total tumor measurement.The relationship between tumor perfusion parameters and ChildPugh classification of liver function,tumor volume and total tumor perfusion parameters,total tumor perfusion parameters and peritumoral perfusion parameters were analyzed.Results There was no correlation between tumor volume and total tumor perfusion parameters,peritumoral perfusion parameters (P ＞ 0.05),and there was no correlation between total tumor perfusion parameters and peritumoral perfusion parameters(P ＞0.05).There were significant differences between HAP,PVP and HAP of total tumor perfusion in different liver Child-Pugh classifications(P ＜ 0.05).With the increase of Child-Pugh classification of liver function,the HAP and HAPI of tumor gradually increased while PVP gradually decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There is no correlation between tumor volume,total tumor perfusion parameters and peritumoral perfusion parameters.There is also no correlation between total tumor perfusion parameters and peritumoral perfusion parameters.There are significant differences in perfusion parameters between different Child-Pugh classifications of liver function,and the perfusion parameters obtained by the total tumor measurement can be used as the imaging indexes to reflect liver reserve function.

Clinical application evaluation and revision suggestions of clinical practice guideline on traditional Chinese medicine therapy alone or combined with antibiotics for sepsis / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the clinical application of clinical practice guideline on traditional Chinese medicine therapy alone or combined with antibiotics for sepsis, in order to promote the follow-up revision and further promotion of the Guidelines. Copies of 500 application evaluation questionnaire and 500 copies of applicability evaluation questionnaire were given to the clinicians who had used this Guideline in China, both in a form of registered questionnaire, and a database was established by Excel 2016 for descriptive statistical analysis. Copies of 211 application evaluation questionnaire and 211 copies of applicability evaluation questionnaire were collected. We can conclude from the survey that we should adjust the whole content and structure on the basis of better evaluation of the present recommendation scheme, update the prescription selection and clinical evidence of the recommendation scheme, and put forward the improvement measures for the hindrance factors in the application of the Guideline. Furthermore, in order to promote the Guideline more clearly, we should strengthen the doctor-patient education, improve guidance quality and increase the publicity, providing basis for the implementation and promotion strategies of the Guideline.

Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses Isolated from Domestic Poultry in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has caused several outbreaks in domestic poultry. Despite great efforts to control the spread of this virus, it continues to evolve and poses a substantial threat to public health because of a high mortality rate. In this study, we sequenced whole genomes of eight H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic poultry in eastern China and compared them with those of typical influenza virus strains. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all eight genomes belonged to clade 2.3.2.1 and clade 7.2, the two main circulating clades in China. Viruses that clustered in clade 2.3.2.1 shared a high degree of homology with H5N1 isolates located in eastern Asian. Isolates that clustered in clade 7.2 were found to circulate throughout China, with an east-to-west density gradient. Pathogenicity studies in mice showed that these isolates replicate in the lungs, and clade 2.3.2.1 viruses exhibit a notably higher degree of virulence compared to clade 7.2 viruses. Our results contribute to the elucidation of the biological characterization and pathogenicity of HPAI H5N1 viruses.

Quality standard of uygur medicine Medicago sativa seeds / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, microscopic identification method was adopted to observe the microscopic characters of ten batches of Medicago sativa seeds. And M. sativa seeds were identificated by TLC method in contrast to trigonelline and stachydrine hydrochloride. The impurities, moisture, ash, sour insoluble ash were detected based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010 version (Vol I ). An HPLC method was also established for determination of trigonelline in the M. sativa seeds. The contents of impurities, moisture, ash, sour insoluble ash should not exceed 5%, 10%, 6%, and 2%, respectively. The content of trigonelline should be not less than 0.795 6 mg x g(-1). The experimental methods were accurate and reliable, and can be used as the quality control of the seeds of M. sativa.

Role of microRNA-223 and its target gene oncogene c-myc in hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis / 中华肝脏病杂志

To investigate the regulatory role of microRNA-223 (miR-223) on c-myc and its role in hepatocarcinogenesis. miR-223 and c-myc mRNA expressions in normal tissue, paraneoplastic tissue, liver cancer tissue and liver cancer cells were tested with microRNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). C-myc protein expression was detected by Western blot. MiR-223 mimic was transfected into HepG2 cells and the expression changes of c-myc mRNA and protein were tested with qRT-PCR and Western blot respectively. MiR-223 was down-regulated by 61.53% and 30.77% respectively in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues as compared to normal liver tissues and the expression of miR-223 was also decreased in HepG2 cell as compared to fetal liver cells L02, whereas the expressions of c-myc mRNA and protein increased in paraneoplastic and HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues. It prompts that the expressions of miR-223 and c-myc are negatively correlated. No obvious difference found among c-myc mRNA expressions after miR-223 mimics transfection. The c-myc abnormal high-expression may play a dynamic role in hepatocarcinogenesis due to the miR-223 down-regulation.

A prospective comparison between surgery alone and postoperative chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as a multimodality treatment option for locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by a prospective comparison between surgery alone and postoperative CRT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using preoperative computed tomography (CT)-based staging criteria, 158 patients with ESCC (stage II-III) were enrolled in this prospective study. With informed consent, the patients were randomized into two groups: postoperative CRT (78 cases) and surgery alone (S, 80 cases). After a few minor adjustments to the enrolled patients, the actual patients of postoperative CRT group and S group were 74 cases and 77 cases, respectively. Comparison of the complications, local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, survival rate and progression-free survival in the two groups was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With a median follow-up of 37.5 months, the 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 91.0%, 62.8%, 42.3%, 24.4% and 87.5%, 51.3%, 33.8%, 12.5% for the postoperative CRT and S arm, respectively. A significant difference in OS was detected between the two arms (P = 0.0276). There was a significant difference of progression-free survival (PFS) between the two arms (P = 0.0136). The local recurrence rates in the postoperative CRT group and S group were 14.9% and 36.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between the complications of the two groups (P > 0.05). Toxicities of chemoradiotherapy in the postoperative CRT arm were moderate, which can be relieved rapidly by adequate therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rational application of postoperative chemoradiotherapy can provide a benefit in progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.</p>

Expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 and their clinical significance in cervical cancer / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 in various cervical diseases and investigate their association with cervical cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 in cervical tissues sampled from patients with cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and chronic cervicitis were detected using SP immunohistochemistry. The association of the expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 with the clinicopathologic indices of the patients was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive expression rates of HLA class I antigen in cervical cancer, CIN, and chronic cervicitis were 22.6%, 100.0%, and 100.0%, and the positive expression rates of CD8 were 22.6%, 95.5%, and 100.0%, respectively. The positive rates of HLA class I antigen and CD8 were significantly lower in patients with cervical cancer (P<0.01). Patients with stage I cervical cancer had significantly higher positive rates of HLA class I antigen and CD8 than those with stage II cervical cancer (46.7% vs 0.0%, 46.7% vs 0.0%, both P<0.01). The expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 decreased with the progression of the clinicopathological stages, and may even become undetectable. The expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 were not related to the differentiation degree of the tumor or lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). A positive correlation was found between HLA class I antigen expression and CD8 expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expressions of HLA class I antigen and CD8 are down-regulated or deleted in CIN and cervical cancer, and they may play important roles in the development and progression of CIN and cervical cancer.</p>

Transfection of alpha1, 2-fucosyltransferase gene increases the antigenic expression of Lewis y in ovarian cancer cell line RMG-I / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To transfect human alpha1, 2-fucosyltransferase (alpha1, 2-FT) gene to ovarian cancer cell line RMG-I and investigate the antigenic expression change of Lewis y and the other related oligosaccharides.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression vector pcDNA3.1(-)-HFUT-H was constructed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to clone human alpha1, 2-FT gene coding region. The alpha1, 2-FT gene stable high-expression cell line RMG-I-H was established by transfecting pcDNA3.1(-)-HFUT-H to ovarian cell line RMG-I. The change of alpha1, 2-FT activity in the cell line before and after the tranfection was confirmed by the determination of enzymatic activity. The changes of cell lipid and glucolipid, especially the change of type II oligosaccharide, in the cell line before and after the transfection was determined by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and TLC immunostaining method, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The H-1 antigen and Lewis y antigen were obviously increased in the cell line RMG-1-H, especially the latter one, which was 20 times higher than before, and the type I saccharide chain Lewis b was decreased significantly. The main lipid components on the cell membrane, cholesterol and phosphatides, showed no change in the cell lines before and after the transfection, and the neutral glycolipid also showed no obvious change.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The transfection of alpha1, 2-FT gene can increase the activity of alpha1, 2-FT in the cell line RMG-I and mainly increase the expression of Lewis y antigen simultaneously. The construction of RMG-I Lewis y high expression cell line provides a cell model for further study on the relationship between Lewis y antigen and biological behaviors in the ovarian cancer.</p>