Investigation of the Internal Conditions of 213 Reprocessed Endoscopic Channels.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies have indicated that endoscope reprocessing failure might be attributed to internal damage or residual liquid in endoscopes. However, large-sample survey data on the internal conditions of endoscopic channels after reprocessing are lacking. This study used a borescope to investigate the internal cleanliness and damage of 213 endoscopic biopsy channels after reprocessing at the endoscopy center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, provided in theoretical basis for the efficacy of endoscope reprocessing and maintenance. METHODS: A borescope was used to observe and analyze the inside of the endoscopic biopsy channel of 213 reprocessed endoscopes (in accordance with the Chinese health industry standard "Regulation for cleaning and disinfection technique of flexible endoscope (WS 507-2016). Each endoscope was observed for at least 10 minutes, and the results were recorded and evaluated by 5 researchers independently. RESULTS: In all, 2504 images and 109 videos were recorded, and abnormal findings were classified into 10 categories: scratches (91.5%, 195/213), scratches with adherent peel (46.0%, 98/213), discolored areas (49.3%, 105/213), transparent drops (28.2%, 60/213), milky drops (23.9%, 51/213), white particles (46.9%, 100/213), attached materials (37.6%, 80/213), wear on metal parts (41.3%, 88/213), rust (23.9%, 51/213), and black spots (35.7%, 76/213). Among scratches, those in Teflon from 0-10 cm at the apex of the biopsy channel outlet and in metal from 0-5 cm at the biopsy channel inlet accounted for 58.4% (114/195) and 96.4% (188/195), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scratches were the most common form of damage in the endoscopic biopsy channels investigated and were related to the use of endoscopic accessories and cleaning brush materials. The incidence of other abnormalities gradually increased with the duration of use and began to increase significantly after 18 months. All abnormalities have a certain impact on the quality of endoscope reprocessing. We recommend that a borescope be used to check the inside of endoscopic biopsy channels regularly to determine the damage and cleaning conditions and that these channels be reprocessed, repaired, or replaced in a timely manner.

Stenting with high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for distal biliary obstruction caused by pancreatic carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Between 42% and 77% of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) suffer from pancreatic carcinoma (PC). Aim: To analyse the clinical efficacy of stenting accompanied by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation in patients with distal MBO from PC. Material and methods: Relevant articles published through March 2021 were identified in the Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI databases. RevMan v5.3 and Stata v12.0 were used for the meta-analysis. Results: Twenty-nine articles were initially identified, and 5 of these were eventually included. These articles described 142 patients who underwent biliary stenting alone and 132 patients who underwent biliary stenting with HIFU ablation. The pooled Δ total bilirubin (TBIL) values were comparable between the 2 treatment groups (p = 0.10). The pooled stent dysfunction rate was significantly greater in the group with stenting alone (p = 0.03), and the pooled HR for the stent patency duration indicated that the duration of stent patency was increased in the stenting with HIFU ablation group (p < 0.0001). Overall survival rates were significantly longer in the stenting with HIFU ablation group (p < 0.0001). HIFU ablation was associated with an 80% pooled clinical response rate. The pooled cholangitis (p = 0.47) and pancreatitis (p = 0.56) rates were comparable between the 2 groups. Funnel plots did not reveal any significant evidence of endpoint-associated publication bias. Conclusions: Stenting with HIFU ablation increased both stent patency and overall survival in patients with distal MBO caused by PC compared to stenting alone.

Coil localization assisted wedge resection for pulmonary nodules in patients with malignant history.

ABSTRACT: We describe the clinical efficacy of coil localization (CL) assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection (WR) for pulmonary nodules (PNs) in patients having a history of malignancy.In a total of 16 patients having PNs and malignant history, treatment was carried out using computed tomography (CT)-guided CL and subsequent VATS-guided WR procedures from November 2015 to December 2019. Technical success of CL, WR, and long-term outcomes was analyzed.A total of 21 PNs were localized (1.3 PNs per patient). A 100% technical success rate was achieved in this study for CT-guided CL. Each PN was localized with 1 coil. Two and 2 patients experienced pneumothorax and hemoptysis, respectively. VATS-guided WR also achieved a 100% technical success rate. Additional lobectomy was performed in 2 patients due to the invasive adenocarcinoma. The final diagnoses of these 21 PNs were adenocarcinoma (T1N0M0, n = 8), adenocarcinoma in situ (n = 2), pre-cancerosis (n = 1), metastasis (n = 2), and benign (n = 8). All patients underwent CT follow-up for 6 to 48 months. All patients were alive during the follow-up. The cumulative 6-, 12, and 24-month disease-free survival rates were 100%, 92.9%, and 47.3%, respectively. The median disease-free survival was 27.9 months.Pre-operative CT-guided CL can be safely and conveniently used to facilitate a high success rate of VATS-guided WR for PNs in patients with a malignant history. Among the PNs in patients with malignant history, primary lung cancer also occupied approximately half of the PNs.

Computed tomography-guided trans-pulmonary-hepatic approach coil localization for pulmonary nodules near the right lung base.

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-guided diagnostic wedge resection (WR) is frequently used for removal of pulmonary nodules (PNs). Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided coil localization (CL) is often used for guidance. AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of CT-guided trans-pulmonary-hepatic approach CL of PNs near the right lung base. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with PNs who underwent CT-guided CL followed by VATS-guided WR at our center from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two patients with PNs underwent CT-guided CL followed by VATS-guided WR at our center. Of them, 5 (4.1%) patients had PNs near the right lung base and underwent the CT-guided trans-pulmonary-hepatic approach CL procedures. The technical success rate of CL was 100%. The VATS-guided WR was 100% successful. No patient required thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided trans-pulmonary-hepatic approach CL for PNs located near the right lung base is technically feasible.

Stent with radioactive strand insertion for inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: comparison of unilateral and bilateral insertion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative clinical efficacy associated with the unilateral and bilateral insertion of a stent with a radioactive strand (RS) for the treatment of inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) patients. METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2020, consecutive patients diagnosed with inoperable HCCA underwent either unilateral or bilateral stent with RS insertion in our hospital. Outcomes compared between these groups included rates of technical success, clinical success, stent-related complications, stent patency and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Unilateral and bilateral stent with RS insertion procedures were performed in 36 and 30 patients over the study period, respectively, with 100% technical and clinical success rates in both groups. No instances of procedure-related complications were reported. Cholangitis was observed in 7 (19.4%) and 6 (20%) patients in unilateral and bilateral groups (p= .955), respectively, while these groups exhibited respective cholecystitis in 2 (5.5%) and 1 (3.3%) cases, respectively (p=.662), and stent restenosis in 9 (25%) and 7 (23.3%) cases, respectively (p=.661). The median duration of stent patency in the unilateral and bilateral groups was comparable at 208 and 222 d, respectively (p=.889). All patients died over the course of follow-up, with similar median OS rates in the unilateral and bilateral groups of 250 and 246 d, respectively (p=.483). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicated that similar inoperable HCCA patient clinical outcomes are achieved following stent with RS insertion regardless of whether it is conducted via a unilateral or bilateral approach.

The Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic by a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis. @*Methods@#CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched to collect literature on the prevalence of PTSD in the general population during the epidemic. The retrieval time is from the database construction to 31/08/2020. Meta-analysis was performed on the included articles by using Review Manger 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software. @*Results@#The prevalence of PTSD in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic was 15% (95% CI: 11–21%, p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The COVID-19 pandemic brought certain mental pain to general population, leading to a rise in the incidence of PTSD in a short time.

Clinical research progress on disappearing colorectal liver metastases / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Colorectal cancer is currently one of the most common digestive system tumors, and the liver is the most common metastatic site of colorectal cancer. In recent years, with the continuous development of the multidisciplinary treatment for colorectal cancer patients, there are quite a few cases of disappearing liver metastases (DLM) after receiving preoperative chemotherapy (or combined targeted drug therapy), and the diagnosis and treatment of DLM is currently still a very challenging and controversial topic. This article sorts out the related researches on DLM in recent years, mainly including the following 4 aspects: (1) The factors associated with DLM, including the size and number of liver metastases, chemotherapy regimens and cycles, targeted therapy drugs, and the pattern of liver metastases, Ras/Braf status and the location of the primary lesion. (2) The relationship between DLM and true complete response (pathological complete response and persistent clinical complete response), and the related predictive factors of pathological complete response. (3) Clinical evaluation of DLM: preoperative evaluation includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET, while intraoperative evaluation includes intraoperative exploration, intraoperative ultrasound, and augmented reality. (4) DLM treatment strategies, including surgical treatment, local treatment, non-surgical treatment and individualized treatment.

The Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic by a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis. @*Methods@#CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched to collect literature on the prevalence of PTSD in the general population during the epidemic. The retrieval time is from the database construction to 31/08/2020. Meta-analysis was performed on the included articles by using Review Manger 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software. @*Results@#The prevalence of PTSD in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic was 15% (95% CI: 11–21%, p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The COVID-19 pandemic brought certain mental pain to general population, leading to a rise in the incidence of PTSD in a short time.

Comparative assessment of impact analysis methods applied to large commercial aircraft crash on reinforced concrete containment.

The precise evaluation of the potential damage caused by large commercial aircraft crash into civil structures, especially nuclear power plants (NPPs), has become essential design consideration. In this study, impact of Boeing 767 against rigid wall and outer containment building (reinforced concrete) of an NPP are simulated in ANSYS/LS-DYNA by using both force time history and missile target interaction methods with impact velocities ranging from 100 m/s to 150 m/s. The results show that impact loads, displacements, stresses for concrete and steel reinforcement, and damaged elements are higher in case of force time history method than missile target interaction method, making the former relatively conservative. It is observed that no perforation or scabbing takes place in case of 100 m/s impact speed, thus preventing any potential leakage. With full mass of Boeing 767 and impact velocity slightly above 100 m/s, the outer containment building can prevent local failure modes. At impact velocity higher than 120 m/s, scabbing and perforations are dominant. This concludes that in design and assessment of NPP structures against aircraft loadings, sufficient thickness or consideration of steel plates are essential to account for local failure modes and overall structural integrity. Furthermore, validation and application of detail 3D finite element and material models to full-scale impact analysis have been carried out to expand the existing database. In rigid wall impact analysis, the impact forces and impulses from FE analysis and Riera's method correspond well, which satisfies the recommendations of relevant standards and further ensure the accuracy of results in full-scale impact analysis. The methodology presented in this paper is extremely effective in simulating structural evaluation of full-scale aircraft impact on important facilities such as NPPs.

The Anxiety Status of Chinese Medical Workers During the Epidemic of COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis

Objective@#To analysis the anxiety status of Chinese medical workers during the epidemic of COVID-19 by meta-analysis method. @*Methods@#CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar and other databases were searched to collect literature on the anxiety status of Chinese medical workers during the epidemic of COVID-19. The retrieval time is from the database construction to 11/03/2020. Meta-analysis was performed on the included articles by using Stata 16.0 software. @*Results@#A total of 7 articles were included, with a total sample size of 7,741 people. Meta-analysis using the random effects model showed that the anxiety score of Chinese medical during the epidemic of COVID-19 was significantly higher than that of the national norm in each study, the difference was statistically significant [SMD (95% CI)=1.145 (0.705–1.584), p<0.001]. @*Conclusion@#The anxiety level of Chinese medical workers has increased significantly during the epidemic of COVID-19.

Detection of Exosomal PML-RARA Fusion Gene Expression Level by Droplet Digital PCR / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a method for detecting the exosomal PML-RARA fusion gene expression by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).@*METHODS@#By using Taqman probe-based ddPCR technique, the method that able to detect both long and short isoforms of PML-RARA fusion gene transcripts was established. RNA from PML-RARA negative cell line HL-60 as negative control was used to set the limit of blank (LOB), while the RNA from PML-RARA positive cell line NB4 and the recombinant plasmid pSG5-PML-RARA(S) were used to set the limit of detection (LOD) for long and short PML-RARA transcripts, respectively. Furtherly, the expression of exosomal PML-RARA fusion gene in NB4 cell culture supernatant and serum of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was analyzed by ddPCR technique.@*RESULTS@#The LOB of ddPCR assay for long and short PML-RARA transcripts were 0.0725 and 0.083 copies per microliter of PCR reaction system, respectively, while the LOD of long and short PML-RARA transcripts were 0.19 and 0.21 copies per microliter of PCR reaction system, respectively. In addition, the expression of exosomal PML-RARA fusion gene derived from both NB4 cell culture supernatant and serum of APL patients was successfully detected.@*CONCLUSION@#A ddPCR-based technique for detecting fusion gene transcripts has been established, which can be used to analyze absolute quantification in the minimal quantity of PML-RARA transcripts derived from exosomes. It suggests the possibility of this technique to non-invasively and dynamicly monitore the exosomal PML-RARA transcripts from APL patients' serum.

MicroRNA-199a-3p Enhances Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy through Targeting Retinoblastoma Transcriptional Corespressor 1 / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To investigate the role and the potential target of miR-199a-3p in mouse cardiac hypertrophy.【Methods】Neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes（NMVC）were isolated from the hearts of 0- 3- day- old newborn C57BL/6 mice. MiR-199a-3p mimic and retinoblastoma transcriptional corepressor 1（Rb-1）siRNA were transfected in? to NMVC to elevate the level of miR-199a-3p and inhibit Rb-1 expression，respectively. NMVC were stained with FITC- phalloidin solution to determine the size of NMVC. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the interaction between miR- 199a- 3p and the 3’UTR of Rb- 1. mRNA and protein expression of cardiac hypertrophy associated genes were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting assay，respectively.【Results】（1）Over-expression of miR-199a-3pcould significantly enhance the expression of cardiac hypertrophy-related genes in NMVC ；（2）Dual-luciferase reporter assay results verified that miR- 199a-3p can interact with the 3’UTR of Rb-1. MiR-199a-3p could suppress Rb-1 ex? pression at the post-transcriptional level；（3）Functionally，miR-199a-3p mimic，consistent with Rb-1 siRNA，could increase cell size and the expression of Nppa，Acta1 and Myh7 in NMVC，and promote the nuclear translocation of E2f2 in NMVC.【Conclusions】MiR-199a-3p promotes the entry of E2f2 into the nucleus through inhibiting the expression of Rb-1，contributing to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Chemical constituents from roots of Viburnum setigerum / 中国中药杂志

This experiment was to study the constituents of the roots of Viburnum setigerum through various column chromatographic techniques. Thirteen compounds were obtained and their structures were identified using chemical and spectroscopic methods as (7αH, 8'αH)-4, 4', 8α-trihydroxy-3, 3', 9-trimethoxy-7, 9'-epoxylignan (1), (7αH, 8'αH)-4, 4', 8α, 9-tetrahydroxy-3, 3'-dimethoxy-7, 9'-epoxylignan (2), alashinol G (3), alashinol F (4), (-)-secoisolariciresinol (5), (7R, 7'R, 8R, 8'S)-3, 3'-dimethoxy-7, 7'-epoxylignane -4, 4', 9, 9'-tetraol (6), (7αH, 8αH, 8'βH)-4, 4', 7'α, 9-tetrahydroxy-3, 3'-dimethoxy-7, 9'-epoxylignan (7), loganin (8), dihydroquercetin (9), protocatechuic acid (10), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoic acid (11), adoxoside (12), and catechin (13). Compound 1 was a new compound. Compounds 3-7 and 11 were reported from the genus Viburnum for the first time. All compounds were separated from this plant for the first time.

Construction of serum-resistant cationic polymer α-CD-PAMAM and evaluation of its performances as gene delivery vector / 药学学报

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as synthetic gene vectors are efficient gene delivery systems. In this study, a kind of α-cyclodextrin-PAMAM conjugates polymer (CyD-G1) was synthesized as a gene delivery vector. Based on 1H NMR detectation, about 6.4 PAMAM-G1 molecules was grafted onto an α-CD core. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that CyD-G1 could efficiently bind with DNA to condense them into nano-scale particles, which showed a similar binding capacity of PEI-25K. Besides, it could protect DNA from DNase I degradation in a low N/P ratio. When N/P ratio in the CyD-G1/DNA polyplex was 40, the average particle size of CyD-G1/DNA polyplex was about 120 nm, and zeta potential was +21 mV. This polyplex could maintain its particle size in serum-containing solution within 360 min. In comparison with PEI-25K carrier, CyD-G1 showed low cytotoxicity in various cell lines. Cell transfection results showed that CyD-G1 efficiently delivered DNA into cells at N/P=80 compared with Lipofectamine 2000 and PEI-25K.Unlike Lipofectamine 2000 and PEI-25K, in serum-containing test condition, CyD-G1/DNA polyplex could maintain the transgene activities. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that most DNA entered into cell nuclei within 4 h, and this phenomenon was consistent with the results calculated by flow cytometry. Taken together, CyD-G1 showed good transgene activities and the gene delivery vector could be used not only in vitro but also in vivo.

Depressive symptoms and related factors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Shanghai / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai.Methods All of the HIV-positive MSM were enrolled to participate in a cross-sectional study with questionnaire-based interview during Nov.,2014 to Nov.,2015.Depression was measured with a 12-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D),where a score of 9 had been recommended as the cutoff score to indicate possible depressive symptoms.Results A total of 505 participants were recruited with a median age of 30.Among them,the majority were aged 21-44 (77.2％),non-local resident (64.6％),unmarried (73.1 ％) and university graduate or above (62.1 ％).Depressive symptoms were detected from 235 MSM and the prevalence of depression was 46.5 ％.Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that MSM who were non-local residents (OR =1.66,95 ％ CI:1.01-2.49)and had more than one male sex partner in the past year (OR=2.21,95％ CI:1.43-3.41) were more likely to have depressive symptoms compared with local residents and had only one male sex partner or less.On the contrary,compared with the education level of junior middle school or below and having no long-term partners,those who were senior high school educated (OR=0.39,95％ CI:0.21-0.74) and had homosexual behavior with main long-term partners without condoms (OR =0.38,95 ％ CI:0.17-0.85) had lower risk to be depressive.Conelusions The prevalence of depressive symptoms among HIV-infected MSM is high.Residence,education level,homosexual behavior with main long-term partner and number of male sex partner are significantly associated with depressive symptoms,suggesting psychological interventions should be further explored and studied.

The situation and associated factors of satisfaction with follow-up management of HIV/AIDS cases conducted by Community Health Service Center in Hongkou district of Shanghai / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To analyze satisfaction with follow-up management of HIV/AIDS cases conducted by Community Health Service Center (CHS) and related factors in Hongkou district, Shanghai.@*Methods@#Out of 302 HIV/AIDS cases followed up by CHS in Hongkou district from 2012 to 2016, 263 HIV/AIDS cases were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study assessed by self-designed questionnaire-based interview during October 1, 2016 and October 20, 2016, with efficiency of 87.1%. Information of basic characteristics including sociodemographic, routes of infection, CD4+T cell counts, diagnose of AIDS and status of receiving ART were collected, as well as satisfaction with follow-up management conducted by CHS including service professionalism, service attitude, service environment, referral service, privacy protection, health education, psychological support, and care and assistance. Factors related to satisfaction were analyzed using multiple binary logistic regression.@*Results@#Among 263 HIV/AIDS cases, the average age was 42.0±13.5, 93.2% (245 cases) were male and the proportion of overall satisfaction was 72.2% (190 cases). Out of 8 items of satisfaction, service attitude and health education got the highest score with a total number of 235 (89.4%) answering "very satisfied" or "satisfied" , while care and assistance got the lowest score with a total number of 69 (26.2%) answering "dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied" . Compared to HIV/AIDS local residents and followed up by CHS <12 months, those who were non-local residents and followed up by CHS ≥12 months were more likely to be satisfied, the OR (95%CI) were 2.66 (1.30-5.44) and 2.52 (1.01-6.29), respectively. Compared to HIV/AIDS ≤30 years old and receiving ART, those who were 31-50 years or >50 years old and not receiving ART were less likely to be satisfied, the OR (95%CI) were 0.36 (0.15-0.89), 0.32 (0.10-0.97) and 0.11 (0.01-0.90), respectively.@*Conclusion@#Satisfaction with follow-up management conducted by CHS in Hongkou district is relatively high. Age, residence, status of receiving ART and cumulative time of following up by CHS are significantly associated with satisfaction, suggesting that CHS should improve their professional abilities during follow-up management, as well as be more targeted and focus on different aspects.

Analysis of application effect of cardiac remote real -time monitoring system / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore clinical application effect of cardiac remote real -time monitoring system.Methods:Cardiac remote real -time monitoring warning instrument(iHolter)was applied in 210 patients.The iHolter gave a-lerts automatically in case of ECG abnormalities for corresponding treatment in time,and it offered corresponding reports on monitoring results.According to age,patients were divided into youth group(<45 years,n=59),mid-dle-aged group(45160 years,n=56)and aged group(≥60 years,n=95).Characteristics of arrhythmias among different age and sex were analyzed.Results:ECG abnormalities were found in 191 cases(90.95%)out of 210 pa-tients,including eight cases with malignant arrhythmias,in which five cases were treated and survived after timely intervention via alerts.Compared with youth group and middle -aged group,there were significant rise in percenta-ges of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia(16.9%,26.8% vs.54.7%)and atrial fibrillation(0%,0% vs.8.4%)in aged group,P< 0.05 or <0.01;abnormal percentages of heart rate variability of middle -aged group and aged group were significantly higher than that of youth group(25.0%,36.8% vs.5.1%,P<0.01 both).Male percent-age of paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia was significantly higher than that of female(81.3% vs.18.8%,P=0.013).Conclusion:Cardiac remote real-time monitoring system can offer timely alerts for cardiovascular events such as arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia etc.,fight for more time for rescuing patients,maximally protect cardi-ac function and improve accuracy of clinical diagnosis.

Role of mitochondria damage in quercetin induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mitochondrial damage and the possible mechanism in the process of MCF-7 cell apoptosis which induced by quercetin. METHODS: The cell apoptosis model was established with MCF-7 cells induced by quercetin. The morphological characteristics of apoptotic MCF-7 cells were observed by transmission electron microscope. Fluorescent probes DCFH-DA and Fluo-8-AM were used to detect the invaded cells' reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca2+concentration, respectively. The calcium channel blockers of extracellular and intracellular were used to inhibit apoptosis induced by quercetin in MCF-7 cells, the cellular apoptosis rates of which were measured by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of Cyt C. RESULTS: Quercetin can induce MCF-7 cell mitochondria apoptosis. The spherical swelling, mitochondrial crest disappear and the formation of cavity were happened to those cells. Intracellular ROS and Ca2+ increased. The apoptosis induced by quercetin can be inhibit by intracellular calcium blockers ryanodine. After incubation with ryanodine, apoptosis rates fell by 55.4% at 24 h, 55.4% at 48 h and 39.9% at 72 h, respectively. The cell apoptosis induced by quercetin was not inhibited by EDTA. The expression of Cyt C was increased in the cytoplasm but not mitochondria after cultured the MCF-7 cell with EDTA. CONCLUSION: The mitochondrial damage plays an important role in the MCF-7 apoptosis which induced by quercetin, and its possible mechanism may related to the elevated levels of ROS and the release of Ca2+ and Cyt C in the cytoplasm. Meanwhile, Cyt C in the cytosol is potential critical signaling molecular in the process of apoptosis.

High-frequency ultrasonography for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of acute scrotum in children / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To analyze the high-frequency ultrasound image features of acute scrotum in children and explore the value of high-frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This retrospective study included 256 children aged 2 days to 14 years undergoing color Doppler ultrasonography at 2 hours to 3 days after onset of acute scrotum. We analyzed the morphology, internal echo and blood supply of the testis in comparison with the clinical and pathological results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 256 cases, acute testicular torsion was found in 23, of which 16 were treated by complete resection the necrotic testis and the other 7 by surgical reduction of testicular torsion. Ultrasonographically, the involved testes presented different degrees of increase or decrease in volume, with uneven internal echoes, irregular hypoechoic flakes, and testicular hydrocele. Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed significant blood flow signals around the diseased testes but none within them. Acute testicular appendix torsion was found in 116 cases, in which ultrasonography manifested nodules with round or oval abnormal echoes between the upper pole of the testis and caput epididymidis, first hypoechoic and then gradually increased, heterogeneous internally. CDFI revealed enlarged epididymides and enriched testicular blood flow but no blood flow signals in the nodules. The 103 cases of acute epididymitis were ultrasonographically characterized by varied degrees of swelling of the involved epididymis with uneven internal echoes and rich blood flow signals on CDFI. Six of the cases were diagnosed as acute orchitis, with the ultrasonographic features of testicular swelling and low but uniform internal echoes, with rich blood flow signals on CDFI. Incarcerated inguinal hernia was confirmed in 15 cases, in which ultrasonography revealed intrusion of the hernia into the obviously enlarged scrotal sac with the mesentery and intestine in it, and blood flow visible on CDFI. Acute scrotal wall hematoma and edema was found in 8 cases, with the ultrasonographic characteristics of scrotal wall thickening, with visible blood flow signals on CDFI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High-frequency ultrasonography has a high sensitivity and specificity for acute scrotum in children, which can be applied as the first-choice clinical imaging modality and provide reliable evidence for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease.</p>

Experimental Study on Apoptosis of Kasumi-1 Cells Induced by Sertraline and Its Molecular Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the biological effects of sertraline, one of psychotropic drugs, on actue myeloid leukemia cell line Kasumi-1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cells were treated by different concentrations of sertraline for different times. The effects of sertraline were evaluated by cell growth, cell morphology, cell cycle distribution and markers of cell apoptosis, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression change of related proteins.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sertraline could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. After treatment with 15 µmol/L and 20 µmol/L sertraline for 24 h, the inhibitory rate of Kasumi-1 cell proliferation was (19.00 ± 7.37)% and (47.90 ± 11.19)%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the percentage of Annexin V positive cells in Kasumi-1 cells treated with sertraline for 24 h raised obviously from (9.71 ± 2.12)% to (20.54 ± 2.52)% and (45.37 ± 7.88)% (P < 0.01), respectively. The cells were arrested in G0/G1 and G2/M phase. In addition, it was found that sertraline could also down-regulate the level of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) in Kasumi-1 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sertraline can significantly induce the apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells, that probably is associated with the down-regulation of TCTP protein expression.</p>