Brain-specific deletion of TRIM13 promotes metabolic stress-triggered insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and neuroinflammation.

Diabetes has been associated with metabolic disorder, insulin resistance and neuroinflammation. However, the pathogenesis for HFD-induced injury of central nervous system (CNS) is still unclear. Tripartite Motif Containing 13 (TRIM13), also known as RFP2, is a member of TRIM proteins, and is associated with multiple cellular processes, such as apoptosis, survival and inflammation. However, the effects of TRIM13 on brain injury, especially the HFD-induced CNS damage, have not been investigated. To address this issue, the TRIM13flox/flox (fl/fl) mice were produced and then crossed them with Nestin-Cre mice to delete TRIM13 specifically in the brain (cKO). Then, T2D mice with obesity were established by chronic feeding of HFD. We found that brain-specific deletion of TRIM13 accelerated HFD-induced metabolic disorder, insulin resistance and systematic inflammatory response. In addition, HFDcKO mice exhibited significantly higher pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus tissues, which were comparable to the HFDfl/fl mice. Consistently, the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) induced by HFD was further aggravated in mice with brain-specific loss of TRIM13. Moreover, glial activation in CNS stimulated by HFD was further promoted by TRIM13 knockout in brain, as evidenced by the up-regulated expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Iba-1. In hypothalamus, HFD reduced proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and enhanced neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression, which were further promoted in mice with brain-specific deletion of TRIM13. Meanwhile, insulin signaling pathway was disrupted by HFD in hypothalamus of mice, and these effects were exacerbated in HFDcKO mice. The in vitro analysis confirmed that TRIM13 knockout in glial cells considerably promoted palmitate (PAL)-induced inflammatory response by accelerating NF-κB signal, contributing to the insulin resistance in the isolated primary neurons. Together, these findings demonstrated that TRIM13 was involved in HFD-induced CNS injury and insulin resistance through regulating neuroinflammatory response, contributing to the modulation of peripheral metabolic disorders.

Long noncoding RNA Airn protects podocytes from diabetic nephropathy lesions via binding to Igf2bp2 and facilitating translation of Igf2 and Lamb2.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe diabetic microvascular complication with high mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are characterized as important regulators of various biological processes by emerging researches, whereas the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs participate in DN progression need to be further clarified. Herein, we conducted a study on the regulatory role in DN of an lncRNA named antisense of Igf2r non-protein-coding RNA (Airn). Airn expression was downregulated in renal tissues of diabetic mice, and was negatively related with DN development. Besides, Airn downregulation was detected in high-glucose-stimulated podocytes, resulting in poorer cell viability, a higher tendency to cell apoptosis, and a deficiency of laminin level, while Airn overexpression could significantly alleviate these deleterious effects. Mechanistically, using RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays, we found that Airn could bind to the RNA-binding protein Igf2bp2, thus facilitating translation of Igf2 and Lamb2 to maintain normal podocyte viability and glomerular barrier function. Collectively, our results demonstrate the protective role of lncRNA Airn in podocytes against DN, providing a new insight into DN pathogenesis and molecular therapy.

MicroRNA-15a induces cell apoptosis and inhibits metastasis by targeting BCL2L2 in non-small cell lung cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in cancer development and progression. Aberrant expression of miR-15a has recently been reported in several cancers, but its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still remains obscure. We investigated the effects of miR-15a on proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis in A549 cells. Eighteen paired NSCLC and adjacent non-tumor lung tissues were surgically removed and immediately snap frozen until total RNA was extracted and confirmed by two independent pathologists. The targets of miR-15a were predicted by bioinformatics tools. RNA isolation and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, cell apoptosis assay, and migration and invasion assays were done. The wild type (WT) or mutant type (MT) 3'-untranslated region (UTR) vectors were co-transfected with miR-15a or negative control into A549 cells, and after 24 h of transfection, luciferase activity was measured using the Dual-Glo luciferase assay kit. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 13.0 software (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. miR-15a was significantly downregulated in NSCLC than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. miR-15a overexpression remarkably inhibited cell viability, invasion, and migration and promoted the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Additionally, inhibition of miR-15a expression had the opposite effects on tumor progression, while cell cycle remained unaltered. Furthermore, we identified that BCL2L2 was a target of miR-15a and negatively regulated by miR-15a at the translational level. miR-15a acts as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC by directly targeting BCL2L2 and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

A comparison of propofol- and dexmedetomidine-induced electroencephalogram dynamics using spectral and coherence analysis.

BACKGROUND: Electroencephalogram patterns observed during sedation with dexmedetomidine appear similar to those observed during general anesthesia with propofol. This is evident with the occurrence of slow (0.1 to 1 Hz), delta (1 to 4 Hz), propofol-induced alpha (8 to 12 Hz), and dexmedetomidine-induced spindle (12 to 16 Hz) oscillations. However, these drugs have different molecular mechanisms and behavioral properties and are likely accompanied by distinguishing neural circuit dynamics. METHODS: The authors measured 64-channel electroencephalogram under dexmedetomidine (n = 9) and propofol (n = 8) in healthy volunteers, 18 to 36 yr of age. The authors administered dexmedetomidine with a 1-µg/kg loading bolus over 10 min, followed by a 0.7 µg kg h infusion. For propofol, the authors used a computer-controlled infusion to target the effect-site concentration gradually from 0 to 5 µg/ml. Volunteers listened to auditory stimuli and responded by button press to determine unconsciousness. The authors analyzed the electroencephalogram using multitaper spectral and coherence analysis. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine was characterized by spindles with maximum power and coherence at approximately 13 Hz (mean ± SD; power, -10.8 ± 3.6 dB; coherence, 0.8 ± 0.08), whereas propofol was characterized with frontal alpha oscillations with peak frequency at approximately 11 Hz (power, 1.1 ± 4.5 dB; coherence, 0.9 ± 0.05). Notably, slow oscillation power during a general anesthetic state under propofol (power, 13.2 ± 2.4 dB) was much larger than during sedative states under both propofol (power, -2.5 ± 3.5 dB) and dexmedetomidine (power, -0.4 ± 3.1 dB). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that dexmedetomidine and propofol place patients into different brain states and suggest that propofol enables a deeper state of unconsciousness by inducing large-amplitude slow oscillations that produce prolonged states of neuronal silence.

Unenhanced low-dose versus standard-dose CT localization in patients with upper urinary calculi for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: With the ethical concern about the dose of CT scan and wide use of CT in protocol of suspected renal colic, more attention has been paid to low dose CT. The aim of the present study was to make a comparison of unenhanced low-dose spiral CT localization with unenhanced standard-dose spiral CT in patients with upper urinary tract calculi for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) treatment. METHODS: Twenty eight patients with ureter and renal calculus, preparing to take MPCNL, underwent both abdominal low-dose CT (25 mAs) and standard-dose CT (100 mAs). Low-dose CT and standard-dose CT were independently evaluated for the characterization of renal/ureteral calculi, perirenal adjacent organs, blood vessels, indirect signs of renal or ureteral calculus (renal enlargement, pyeloureteral dilatation), and the indices of localization (percutaneous puncture angulation and depth) used in the MPCNL procedure. RESULTS: In all 28 patients, low-dose CT was 100 per cent coincidence 100 per cent sensitive and 100 per cent specific for depicting the location of the renal and ureteral calculus, renal enlargement, pyeloureteral dilatation, adjacent organs, and the presumptive puncture point and a 96.3 per cent coincidence 96 per cent sensitivity and 93 per cent specificity for blood vessel signs within the renal sinus, and with an obvious lower radiation exposure for patients when compared to standard-dose CT (P<0.05). The indices of puncture depth, puncture angulation, and maximum calculus transverse diameter on the axial surface showed no significant difference between the two doses of CT scans, with a significant variation in calculus visualization slice numbers (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that unenhanced low-dose CT achieves a sensitivity and accuracy similar to that of standard-dose CT in assessing the localization of renal ureteral calculus and adjacent organs conditions and identifying the maximum calculus transverse diameter on the axial surface, percutaneous puncture depth, and angulation in patients, with a significant lower radiation exposure, who are to be treated by MPCNL, and can be used as an alternative localization method.

Lovastatin inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric cancer cells required large amount of cholesterol to grow and proliferate. The objective of this study was to examine whether the growth of gastric cancer cells was inhibited in vivo by using lovastatin, an effective cholesterol-lowing drug. METHODOLOGY: The mice models for gastric cancer cells MKN45 were divided into two groups, the control and experimental group. Lovastatin was administered orally to the experimental group, while saline given to the control group. We measured the volume and weight of tumors, and calculated RTV (relative tumor volume), T/C (relative added value of tumor) and the inhibition rate. Then the expression levels of PCNA in gastric cancer tissues were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The volume of tumors in the control and experimental groups was 3.801 +/- 1.078 and 3.325 +/- 0.745, respectively (p > 0.05), while RTV was 49.684 +/- 12.250 and 42.506 +/- 10.515, respectively (p > 0.05). T/C, an indication of antitumor, was 85.55%. The weight of tumors of the mice in control and experimental group was 3.23 +/- 0.43 and 2.65 +/- 0.58, respectively (p < 0.05). The inhibition rate was 20.48%. The PCNA index in the lovastatin group was 32.35 +/- 6.43%, while in the control group was 91.24 +/- 6.59%. The PCNA index of lovastatin group was much lower (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lovastatin inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells.

Outcomes and prognostic factors for nerve grafting following high radial nerve injury.

In this study, we examined the prognostic factors affecting outcomes following nerve grafting in high radial nerve injuries. Thirty-three patients with radial nerve injuries at a level distal to the first branch to the triceps and proximal to the posterior interosseous nerve were retrospectively studied. After a follow-up of at least 1 year, 24 patients (73%) obtained M3+ wrist extension, 16 (48%) obtained M3+ finger extension and only ten (30%) obtained M3+ thumb extension. Univariate, multivariate and receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that a delay in the repair of less than 6 months, a defect length of less than 5 cm or when grafted with three or more donor nerve cables achieved better recovery. Number of cables used was related to muscle strength recovery but not time to reinnervation. Nerve grafting for high radial nerve injury achieved relatively good wrist extension but poor thumb extension and is affected by certain prognostic factors. Level of evidence: IV.

The antagonistic potential of peanut endophytic bacteria against Sclerotium rolfsii causing stem rot.

Peanut stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is the most common disease of peanut worldwide and has become increasingly serious in recent years. This study is aimed at obtaining peanut endophytic bacteria with high antagonistic/protective effects against peanut stem rot. In total, 45 bacterial strains were isolated from healthy peanut plants from a severely impacted area. Of these, 6 exhibited antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii, including F-1 and R-11 with the most robust activity with an inhibition zone width of 20.25 and 15.49 mm, respectively. These two were identified as Bacillus sp. and Burkholderia sp., respectively, based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequencing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the Burkholderia sp. antagonistic effect on S. rolfsii as a biological control agent for peanut stem rot. Their culture filtrates potently inhibited the hyphal growth, sclerotial formation, and germination of S. rolfsii. Also, the strain-produced volatile compounds inhibited the fungal growth. Pot experiments showed that F-1 and R-11 significantly reduced the peanut stem rot disease with the efficacy of 77.13 and 64.78%, respectively, which was significantly higher compared with carbendazim medicament (35.22%; P < 0.05). Meanwhile, F-1 and R-11 improved the activity of plant defense enzymes such as phenylalaninase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) enhancing the systemic resistance of the peanut plants. This study demonstrated that Bacillus sp. F-1 and Burkholderia sp. R-11, with a strong antagonistic effect on S. rolfsii, can be potential biocontrol agents for peanut stem rot.

Plasma metagenomics reveals regional variations of emerging and re-emerging pathogens in Chinese blood donors with an emphasis on human parvovirus B19.

At present, many infectious pathogens, especially emerging/re-emerging pathogens, exist in the blood of voluntary blood donors and may be transmitted through blood transfusions. However, most of Chinese blood centers only routinely screen for HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis. We employed metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to investigate the microbiome in healthy voluntary blood donors to help assess blood safety in China by identifying infectious pathogens presented in donations that could lead to transfusion-acquired infections. We collected 10,720 plasma samples from voluntary blood donors from seven blood centers in different cities during 2012-2018 in China. A total of 562 GB of clean data was obtained. By analyzing the sequencing data, it was found that the most commonly identified bacteria found in the healthy blood were Serratia spp. (5.0176%), Pseudomonas spp. (0.6637%), and Burkholderia spp. (0.5544%). The principal eukaryote were Leishmania spp (1.3723%), Toxoplasma gondii (0.6352%), and Candida dubliniensis (0.1848%). Among viruses, Human Parvovirus B19 (B19V) accounts for the highest proportion (0.1490%), followed by Torque teno midi virus (0.0032%) and Torque teno virus (0.0015%). Since that B19V is a non-negligible threat to blood safety, we evaluated the positive samples for B19V tested by mNGS using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis to achieve a better understanding of B19V in Chinese blood donors. Subsequently, 9 (0.07%) donations were positive for B19V DNA. The quantitative DNA levels ranged from 5.58 × 102 to 7.24 × 104 IU/ml. The phylogenic analyses showed that prevalent genotypes belonged to the B19-1A subtype, which disclosed previously unknown regional variability in the B19V positivity rate. The investigation revealed that many microbes dwell in the blood of healthy donors, including some pathogens that may be dormant in the blood and only cause disease under specific conditions. Thus, investigating the range and nature of potential pathogens in the qualified donations provided a framework for targeted interventions to help prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Advances in nanocarriers to improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment.

RNAi technology, known as a revolutionary technology in the history of pesticides, has been identified as a very promising novel approach for crop protection, which is of great significance for achieving the sustainable agricultural development of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Although many studies have shown that RNA biopesticides have strong application prospects, its stability seriously restricts the commercial use. As the core component of RNAi, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is unstable in its natural form. Therefore, how to ensure the stability of dsRNA is one of the most significant challenges in realizing the commercial use of RNA biopesticides. Nanomaterials such as cationic polymers and lipofectamine can improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment, which has been proved. This paper reviews the recent research progress of nanomaterials that can be used to improve the environmental stability of dsRNA, and discusses the advantages and limitations of different nanomaterials combined with dsRNA, which provides reference for the selection of dsRNA nanoformulations.

The Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions with Corn Stalk Biochar.

The discharge of wastewater containing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) into the environment is very harmful to living things. Therefore, before effluent that contains Cr(VI) can be discharged into the environment, this toxin should be removed from the contaminated water. In this study, corn stalk biochar was investigated to evaluate the Cr(VI) removal efficiency from an aqueous solution. The effects of pH (2-10), biochar concentration (0.5 to 10 g/L), Cr(VI) concentration (10-500 mg/L), and contact time (10-1440 min) were studied. The actual experimental value of the Cr(VI) removal efficiency was 28.67%, largely consistent with the predicted model value of 29.31%, under the optimal conditions of a Cr(VI) concentration of 60 g/L, pH 4, contact time of 270 min, and a biochar concentration of 4.5 g/L. A significant interaction between the Cr(VI) concentration and pH was observed, along with significance in the interaction between Cr(VI) concentration and biochar concentration, which had a greater impact on the removal of Cr(VI). Biosorption onto corn stalk biochar is an affordable and economical adsorption process to treat wastewater contaminated with Cr(VI). The aim of this study is to provide data to serve as a basis for future studies on the use of raw agricultural waste to remove Cr(VI).

Berberine and itraconazole are not synergistic in vitro against Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from clinical patients.

The incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus infections has become more frequent as a consequence of widespread immunosuppression. At present, the number of available antifungal agents in the clinic is limited, and most of them, such as itraconazole (ICZ), are toxic and show resistance. Berberine (BER) is a plant alkaloid used in the clinic mainly for alimentary infections. We have used BER and ICZ to measure in vitro resistance in A. fumigatus isolated from clinical patients. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of BER and ICZ were 4-256 and 0.031-0.250 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, against A. fumigatus IFM 40808 strain, the MIC50 values of BER and ICZ were 8 and 0.125 µg/mL. Using this strain, we compared the giant colonies with or without BER, and concluded that BER could restrain A. fumigatus mycelial growth and conidial pigment production. Combinations of the two drugs were also tested by the checkerboard assay to identify any functional interactions between them. Thirty-two out of 42 isolates had FICI values > 4.0, indicating that two drugs were mutually antagonistic. In conclusion, it is not advised that BER and ICZ be used in the clinic at the same time. Our results indicated that BER may inhibit A. fumigatus through the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, like ICZ.

[Quality standard of stewed rhizoma polygonati with yellow wine].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the quality standard of stewed Rhizoma Polygonati with yellow wine. METHODS: On the basis of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010, some items were added, which included assay of reducing sugars, water-soluble extracts, acid insoluble ash content and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. RESULTS: Reducing sugars was no less than 34.0%, water-soluble extracts no less than 19.0%, acid insoluble ash content no more than 0.2%, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural no more than 0.02%. CONCLUSION: The quality standard of stewed Rhizoma Polygonati with yellow wine is improved on the basis of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

[Study on the enzyme extraction process of hypericin by pectinase].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the best enzyme and optimal conditions for extracting Hypericin from Hypericum perforatum. METHODS: Chose the best enzyme from Pectinase, Xylanase, Glucanase, beta-Glucanase and Enzyme (SPE-007A). The effeet of solid-liquid ratio enzyme dosage, PH, temperature and the extraction time were investigated by L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design using extraction rate and the content of Hypericin as assessment index. RESULTS: The best enzyme was Pectinase and the optimum extraction process was as follows: PH 4.6, enzyme dosage 1.5%, temperature 50 degrees C, extraction time 5 h, liquid-solid ratio 15 times. CONCLUSION: This method is efficient and stable. It could be used in the future research of Hypericum perforatum.

Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is involved in apoptosis of cell lines carrying the mitochondrial DNA mutation.

BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is increasingly implicated in the control of apoptosis. We have studied the effects the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tRNAIle mutation on VDAC expression, localization, and apoptosis. METHODS: Lymphoblastoid cell lines were derived from 3 symptomatic and 1 asymptomatic members of a family with hypertension associated with the A4263G tRNAIle mutation as well as from control subjects. Mitochondrial potential (DeltaPsim) and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry; co-localization of VDAC and Bax was evaluated by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Expression of VDAC and Bax in mtDNA cell lines was found to be increased compared to controls, while expression of the small conductance calcium-dependant potassium channel (sKCa) was unchanged. Confocal imaging revealed co-localization of VDAC/Bax on the outer mitochondrial membrane of A4263G cell lines but not from controls. Flow cytometry indicated that the mitochondrial potential was decreased by 32% in mutated cells versus controls while rates of apoptosis were increased (P < 0.05). The difference was attenuated by Cyclosporin A (CsA, 2 muM), a blocker of VDAC. CONCLUSION: We conclude that increased expression of mitochondrial VDAC and subcellular co-localization of VDAC/Bax increases mitochondrial permeability and apoptosis in cell lines carrying the mtDNA tRNAIle A4263G mutation.

Interpretation of the Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of drug-coated balloon(2nd Edition) / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

The Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology,Volume 31,Issue 6,published the Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of drug coated balloon(2nd Edition)in June 2023.The new consensus incorporates the evidence-based medicine evidence of drug-coated balloons in the field of interventional therapy for coronary heart disease in recent years,updating the indications,standardized operations,intracoronary imaging,and the application of coronary functional studies in the treatment of drug-coated balloons.Based on clinical diagnosis and treatment practices and evidence-based medicine evidence,this article interprets the highlights of the new guidelines,aiming to provide references for clinical practice.

Discussion on the medication law of TCM compound patents in treating polycystic ovary syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To analyze the medication and compatibility law of TCM compounds with national patents for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); To provide reference for the new TCM prescriptions for the treatment of PCOS.Methods:TCM compound patents for PCOS were retrieved from the China National Intellectual Property Administration's Chinese Patent Announcement Website from the establishment of the website to April 20, 2023. SPSS 25.0, IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0, and Cytoscape 3.8.0 were used to carry out frequency statistics, association rule analysis on the data, and a TCM core complex network and systematic clustering analysis were built.Results:126 compound patents were included, involving 392 kinds of Chinese materia medica, with a total frequency of 1 709 times. The medicinal property was mainly warm, the taste was mainly sweet, and the meridian was mainly liver meridian. High frequency drugs included Angelica Sinensis (46 times), Cuscutae Semen (44 times), Cyperi Rhizoma (42 times), Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (41 times), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (37 times), etc. Commonly used medicinal pairs included Poria-Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (support 16.67%, confidence 76.19%), Angelica Sinensis-Paeoniae Radix Alba (support 15.87%, confidence 80.00%), etc. The triple drug combinations were Cyperi Rhizoma-Pinelliae Rhizoma-Poria (support 12.70%, confidence 81.25%). The core prescriptions included "Poria, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Citri Rettculatae Pericarpium, Cyperi Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Epimedii Folium, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Morindae Officinalis Radix, Gleditsiae Spina, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma", etc. Potential prescriptions were "Hordei Fructus Germinatus, Setariae Fructus Germinatus, Sargentodoxae Caulis, Puerariae Lobatae Radix, Leonuri Fructus" and so on.Conclusion:The treatment of PCOS with TCM compounds with national patents mainly focuses on drying dampness and strengthening the spleen, tonifying kidney yang and nourishing kidney yin, promoting blood circulation.

Clinical study of timolol maleate combined with cryotherapy for infantile cutaneous hemangioma / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of timolol maleate combined with cryotherapy for infantile cutaneous hemangioma.Methods A total of 240 infants with cutaneous hemangioma were randomly divided into the control group(120 cases)and the combined group(120 cases).The control group was treated with timolol maleate,and the combined group was treated with timolol maleate combined with cryotherapy.The clinical efficacy,tumor diameter,levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and the occurrence of adverse reactions of the two groups were compared.Results The total effective rate of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the tumor diameter 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the two groups gradually decreased(P<0.05),and the tumor diameter 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the combined group decreased more obviously(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of serum MMP-9 and VEGF 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the two groups gradually decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of serum MMP-9 and VEGF 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions such as eczema,ulcer,erosion or redness between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Timolol maleate combined with cryotherapy for infantile cutaneous hemangioma has significant curative effect,which can effectively reduce the levels of serum MMP-9 and VEGF,and shrink the tumor body,with safety and effectiveness.

Anti-synthase syndrome complicated by multiple organ damage: one-case report and literature analysis / 中国基层医药

Objective:By analyzing the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment process of anti-synthetase syndrome complicated by interstitial pneumonia and cardiac dysfunction, we aim to enhance general practitioners' understanding and diagnosis of this disease, thereby improving their level of diagnosis and treatment and reducing misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses.Methods:A patient with anti-synthase syndrome complicated by interstitial pneumonia and cardiac dysfunction, who was admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University in February 2020 due to limb weakness accompanied by paroxysmal cough for 2 years and aggravated symptoms for 10 days, was included in this study. The patient's clinical symptoms, physical signs, laboratory examination results, diagnosis and treatment process, and follow-up were retrospectively analyzed based on previous literature.Results:Through the general practitioner's SOAP consultation, physical examination, and imaging examination, the patient was diagnosed with anti-synthase syndrome complicated by interstitial pneumonia and cardiac dysfunction. Then rheumatology and immunology experts, respiratory medicine experts, and cardiovascular experts collaborated to provide a specialist diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient. Subsequently, the patient was referred to the department of rheumatology and immunology for specialized disease management. Finally, the patient was followed up in the general clinic. After the patient's condition stabilized, she gradually resumed her health.Conclusion:The multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment scheme for anti-synthase syndrome can enhance general practitioners' understanding of the disease, make the diagnosis of the disease, and fully leverage the advantages of multi-disciplinary consultation and primary diagnosis in general medicine.

Development of inflammation and coagulation disorders in sepsis / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To investigate changes in coagulation function and inflammation levels during sepsis.Methods A rat model of sepsis was established using the multiple infection sepsis model(MIM)based on cecal ligation and puncture.Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned randomly to the following groups:control group,sham group,4 h sepsis group,8 h sepsis group,12 h sepsis group,and 16 h sepsis group(n=8 per group).Inflammatory markers and coagulation-related indicators were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and coagulation analysis.Results(1)Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and interleukin-6(IL-6)levels were significantly higher in the model rats at all time points compared with the sham group(P＜0.001).LPS and IL-6 levels increased gradually with disease progression,with no further changes in LPS after 12 hours.(2)Prothrombin time(PT)was significantly prolonged in the middle and late stages of the sepsis model,starting from 8,compared with the sham group(P＜0.01).(3)Partially activated prothrombin time(APTT)time was significantly prolonged in the 8,12,and 16 h groups compared with the sham group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).APTT gradually lengthened from 8 h,but approached control levels thereafter.(4)Fibrinogen(Fbg)content was significantly higher in all sepsis groups,except for the 8 h group,compared with the sham group(P＜0.01).(5)Fibrin degradation products(FDP)differed significantly between the control and sham groups(P＜0.01),but not between the sham and sepsis groups.(6)Antithrombin-Ⅲ(AT-Ⅲ)levels decreased significantly throughout each stage of sepsis progression compared with the sham group(P＜0.01),and AT-Ⅲ showed a downward trend with the course of disease,with significant differences among the 4,8,and 16 h groups.Conclusions The MIM rat model can reflect the development of inflammatory and blood coagulation disorders and their relationship during the course of sepsis,and may thus provide a good foundation for further research into the disease course of sepsis.