C-type lectin Mincle initiates IL-17-mediated inflammation in acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

RATIONALE: Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) has a poor prognosis and high mortality. However, there is limited information regarding the mechanisms of AE-IPF. AIMS: We aimed to explore the function of macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) in AE-IPF. METHODS: In the present study, Mincle was detected in the lung tissues of AE-IPF patients. Mincle-deficient (Mincle-/-) mice and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were administered bleomycin (BLM), followed by HSV1 viral infection to establish the AE-IPF model. RESULTS: Mincle was increased in the lung tissues of AE-IPF patients compared with those with stable IPF (P = 0.04) and healthy controls (P = 0.009). The survival rate of the Mincle-/-+BLM+HSV group was higher than that of the WT+BLM+HSV group. The mice in the Mincle-/-+BLM+HSV group exhibited milder inflammation and lower acute lung injury scores (P = 0.008). Mincle was expressed on inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils (CD11b+Gr1 +F4/80-) and monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo-AMs, CD11b+Gr1 +F4/80 +) in the BALF of AE-IPF mice. Mo-AMs were significantly increased in the WT+BLM+HSV group compared with the WT+BLM+PBS (P < 0.0001) and Mincle-/-+BLM+HSV (P = 0.0009) groups. Deletion of Mincle decreased the proportion of Th17 cells and Mo-AMs in the Mincle-/-+BLM+HSV group. CONCLUSIONS: Mincle contributed to acute inflammation in AE-IPF by promoting Th17 differentiation.

Serum IL-35 Levels Are Associated With Activity and Progression of Sarcoidosis.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of interleukin (IL)-35 with sarcoidosis. Methods: We enrolled 114 inpatients and outpatients with sarcoidosis at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, and 24 healthy controls between March 2015 and December 2017. Serum and whole blood were collected during the follow-up period. Serum IL-35 levels were detected by ELISA. Proportions of Breg, Tfh, and Treg cells in the peripheral blood were detected using flow cytometry (FCM). The mRNA levels of p35, EBI3, and GAPDH in CD19+ cells and CD4+ cells were detected by real-time PCR. Sarcoidosis granuloma mice models were established with Propionibacterium acnes (PA) and one group was treated with IL-35 antibodies. Proportions of Breg, Tfh, and Treg cells in the peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by FCM. Results: The IL-35 levels and the proportions of Breg and Tfh cells in the peripheral blood of patients with active sarcoidosis were significantly higher compared to patients with stable sarcoidosis and healthy controls. Moreover, the IL-35 level in patients with progressive disease was lower than that found at the initial visit. EBI3 and p35 mRNA levels in CD19+ cells for patients with active sarcoidosis were significantly higher as compared to patients with stable sarcoidosis and healthy controls, while there were no significant differences in p35 and EBI3 mRNA levels in CD4+ cells between the three groups. In the mouse model of sarcoidosis, there were loose granulomata (macrophage accumulation in the bronchial areas and immature granuloma) after intervention with IL-35 antibodies. Meanwhile, the proportions of Breg cells in the peripheral blood and BALF of the model were significantly increased, while the proportion of Treg cells declined significantly. After intervention with IL-35 antibodies, the proportion of Breg cells in the peripheral blood of mice decreased significantly as compared to the mice not exposed to anti-IL-35 antibodies. Conclusion: IL-35 levels increased significantly in the serum of patients with active sarcoidosis, and lower IL-35 levels were correlated with persistent disease. Serum IL-35 levels might be better correlated with Breg cell functions.

Effect of early electroacupuncture intervention on conscious state of patients after traumatic brain injury surgery / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate recovering consciousness effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on patients after traumatic brain injury (TBI) surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 patients with traumatic coma were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The control group was mainly treated with awakening drugs and neurotrophic drugs; on the basis of treatment in the control group, the observation group was treated with EA at Neiguan (PC 6) and Shuigou (GV 26) with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 0.1-5 mA in intensity. After 30 min of EA, the needles were stayed 60 min. The treatment was performed once a day for 14 consecutive days. The changes in Glasgow coma score (GCS) was observed in the two groups before treatment and after 7, 14 days of treatment; and the two groups were followed up for 3 months after treatment to evaluate the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and Barthel index (BI) scores.@*RESULTS@#After 7, 14 days of treatment, the GCS scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (<0.05), and the increase degree in the observation group was significantly larger than that in the control group (<0.05). At 3 months of follow-up, the GOS and BI scores of the observation group were better than those of the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Early electroacupuncture intervention can effectively promote the recovery of consciousness after traumatic brain injury surgery, and has a curative long-term effect.

Efficacy and safety of oral pyrotinib in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer: real-world practice / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#Pyrotinib, a novel irreversible pan-ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, showed promising antitumor activity and acceptable tolerability in phase II and phase III randomized clinical trials. We assessed the activity and safety of oral pyrotinib for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive metastatic breast cancer patients in the real world.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed 72 HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients who received oral pyrotinib based regimens at Beijing Cancer Hospital and other four hospitals (Peking University First Hospital, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, General Hospital of PLA, Peking University Third Hospital) from August 2018 to September 2019. Progression free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), adverse events (AE) of pyrotinib were investigated.@*RESULTS@#Seventy-two patients with HER2 positive MBC were enrolled. The median age of the patients was 55 years (range: 32-79 years). Sixty-nine (95.8%) patients had received anti-HER2 treatment in the metastatic and/or (neo) adjuvant settings; 61 (84.7%) patients had received anti-HER2 treatments in the metastatic setting in terms of trastuzumab 56 (77.8%) patients, lapatinib 36 (50.0%) patients, and T-DM1 4 (5.6%) patients. Among these 72 patients who received oral pyrotinib based regimens, 62 (86.1%) patients received pyrotinib (±trastuzumab) in combination with chemotherapy, 6 (8.3%) patients received pyrotinib (± trastuzumab) in combination with endocrine therapy and 4 (5.6%) patients received pyrotinib (±trastuzumab). Sixty-five (90.3%) patients received 400 mg pyrotinib once daily as initial dose, and 7 (9.7%) patients received 320 mg. OBJECTIVE response and safety to pyrotinib based therapy were evaluable in all the 72 patients. One (1.4%) patient achieved complete response (CR), 18 (25.0%) patients achieved partial response (PR), 41 (56.9%) patients had stable disease (SD), and 12 (16.7%) patients had progressive disease (PD). The ORR (CR+PR) was 26.4% and the median PFS was 7.6 months (95%CI: 5.5-9.7 months). Among the 36 patients with prior lapatinib therapy, the median PFS was 7.9 months (95%CI: 4.1-11.7 months). Among the 15 patients with brain metastasis, the median PFS was 6.0 months (95%CI: 2.2-9.8 months). The main toxicities related to pyrotinib were diarrhea in 57 (79.2%) cases, and 48 (66.7%) cases with grade 1-2 as well as 9 (12.5%) cases with grade 3.@*CONCLUSION@#Pyrotinib based therapy is an effective treatment for patients with HER2 positive MBC, including patients with lapatinib treatment failure and brain metastasis, and the toxicities can be tolerated.

Components and time characteristics of attentional bias in type 2 diabetic patients with different levels of self-management / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To explore the components and time characteristics of attentional bias in type 2 diabetic patients with different levels of self-management.Methods:The patients were first divided into higher,medium and lower self-management levels based on the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities Questionnaire (SDSCA),63 subjects in each group.A probe detection task was used to examine the impact of the different emotional pictures and stimulus presenting time on attentional bias.Results:When the stimuli were displayed for 500 ms,patients with higher self-management levels showed shorter reaction time to positive pictures than to negative pictures [(597.8 ± 185.5) ms vs.(626.0 ± 186.6) ms,P ＜ 0.01],and their scores of negative attentional bias [(-22.5 ± 79.0) ms,P ＜0.05] and negative orienting index were lower than 0[(-26.6 ±74.5) ms,P ＜0.01].The scores of negative disengaging index were significant higher than 0 in patients with medium self-management levels [(17.2 ± 60.3) ms,P ＜0.05],the scores of positive disengaging index were significant lower than 0 in patients with lower selfmanagement levels [(-22.6 ±74.8) ms,P ＜0.05]].When the stimuli were displayed for 1250 ms,the scores of positive orienting index were higher than 0 in patients with medium self-management levels [(14.9 ± 54.4) ms,P ＜ 0.05].Conclusion:It suggests that there are different characteristics of implicit cognitive processing in patients with different levels of self-management.

Relationship among psychological distress, adult attachment,and social support in primary caregivers of cancer patients / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship among psychological distress,adult attachment,and social support in primary caregivers of cancer patients.Methods:A total of 208 primary caregivers of cancer patients in one third grade hospital in Anhui Province were recruited.The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10),Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory(ECR) and Social Support Questionnaire(SSQ) were used to explore psychological distress,adult attachment,and social support status.Results:The average K10 score was (21.5 ± 7.5).Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that caregiver gender,pressure on patient care,and attachment anxiety had positive prediction on psychological distress (β =2.30,3.02,0.13),while residence had negative prediction on psychological distress (β =-3.22).Conclusion:It suggests that the psychological distress is related to attachment anxiety and social support among the primary caregivers.

Clinical features and genotype analysis in a case of dyskeratosis congenita / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical features and genotype in a 8-year-old boy with dyskeratosis congenita (DC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We reviewed the clinical data of the case and amplified 7 DC-related genes (including DKC1,TERT,TERC,TINF2,NOP10, NHP2 and WRAP53) using polymerase chain reaction for DNA sequence analysis to identify the abnormal exons.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DNA sequence analysis showed a c.85-15T>C mutation in DKC1 gene of the patient. His mother was a carrier of the mutated gene and presented with partial clinical features such as abnormal nails.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mutation of c.85-15T>C in DKC1 gene was reported for the first time in China. The diagnosis of DC should be considered if a young patient presents with mucocutaneous abnormalities, bone marrow failure, cancer susceptibility and a family history of cancer. Early genetic tests can improve the diagnosis rates and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.</p>

Role of orphan G protein-coupled receptor 55 in diabetic gastroparesis in mice / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to explore the role of orphan G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) in diabetic gastroparesis (DG). Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to mimic the DG model, and the body weight and blood glucose concentration were tested 4 weeks after STZ injection (i.p.). Electrogastrogram and phenolsulfonphthalein test were used for detecting gastric emptying. Motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and somatostatin (SS) levels in plasma were determined using radioimmunology. Real-time PCR and Western blot were applied to identify the expression of GPR55 in gastric tissue, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution. The effect of lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), an agonist of GPR55, was observed. STZ mice showed increased blood glucose concentration, lower body weight, decreased amplitude of slow wave, and delayed gastric emptying. LPI antagonized these effects of STZ. Compared to the control group, STZ caused significant decreases of MTL and GAS levels (P < 0.01), as well as increases of SS and VIP levels (P < 0.01). The changes of these hormones induced by STZ were counteracted when using LPI. GPR55 located in mice stomach, and it was up-regulated in DG. Although LPI showed no effects on the distribution and expression of GPR55 in normal mice, it could inhibit STZ-induced GPR55 up-regulation. These results suggest GPR55 is involved in the regulation of gastric movement of DG, and may serve as a new target of DG treatment. LPI, an agonist of GPR55, can protect against STZ-induced DG, and the mechanism may involve the change of GPR55 expression and modification of gastrointestinal movement regulating hormones.

Human decorin regulates proliferation and migration of human lung cancer A549 cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Decorin is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan and it plays an important role in regulation of cell growth and migration in various tumor cell lines. Decorin was found down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer tissue and may be involved in regulation of lung cancer development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, lentivirus-mediated RNA interference and over expression were employed to change the expression levels of decorin in lung cancer A549 cells. We tested the cell cycle of A549 cells and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), P53, and P21.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We found that up-regulation of decorin could inhibit proliferation, block cell cycle at G1 and decrease invasive activity of A549 cells. Moreover, we also show that up-regulation of decorin induced significant decreases of TGF-β1, cyclin D1 expression, phosphorylation of EGFR, and increases of P53 and P21 expression. Opposite results were observed in A549 cells with down-regulation of decorin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results suggest that decorin is a key regulator involved in proliferation and migration of A549 cells.</p>

The role of cyclin-dependent kinase 5/P25 kinase activation on apoptosis of retinal cell in RCS rat / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)is a common hereditary blinding eye disease in ophthalmology.Current researches documented that RP may have the common pathophysiologic basis to Alzheimer disease and chronic neurodegenerative disease.Understanding this mechanism will offer a new therapeutic target for RP.Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)/P25 activation in the apoptosis of retinal neural cells of RCS rats.Methods Eighteen SPF RCS rats and 18 RCS-rdy+ rats were randomized into 17-,25-and 35-day groups respectively and 6 rats for each.The rats were sacrificed at corresponding time points and retinal hemogenete was prepared.Expressions of CdkS,P35,P25 and tau phosphorylation in the retinas were detected by Western blot,and the kinase activity of Cdk5/P25 was analyzed by quantitative colorimetric assay.Results The expressing level of P35 protein(A340) in the retinas of 17-day-old RCS rats was near that of 17-day-old RCS-rdy+ rats(t =0.52,P＞0.05).In 25-and 35-day-old RCS rats,the expressing levels of P35 protein were 2.20±0.48 and 1.23±0.14,which were higher than those of RCS-rdy+ rats(1.43±0.13 and 0.93±0.10),showing significant differences between them(t =3.78,4.28,P＜0.05).The expression of P25 was undetectable at postnatal 17 days in RCS rats and RCS-rdy+ rats,but it showed significantly higher in RCS rats(0.300±0.003 and 0.230±0.004) than that in RCS-rdy+ rats(0.040±0.004 and 0.070±0.004) at postnatal 25 days and 35 days(t=121.81,77.51,P＜0.01).No significant difference was found in the expression of Cdk5 in RCS rats and RCS-rdy+ rats at different ages (t =-0.60,0.19,1.62,P＞ 0.05).The kinase activity of Cdk5/P25 did not show significantly different between RCS and RCS-rdy+ rats at postnatal 17 days(t =0.19,P＞0.05),but significantly higher kinase activity of Cdk5/P25 was seen in RCS rats (0.0058 ±0.0005 and 0.0056±0.0004) than that in RCS-rdy+ rats(0.0038±0.0003 and 0.0032 ±0.0007) at postnatal 25 days and 35 days (t =8.07,5.97,P＜ 0.01).No expression of tau phosphorylation was detected in RCS rats at postnatal 17 days,but significantly higher tau phosphorylation level was seen in RCS rats at postnatal 25 days and 35 days(1.80±0.22 and 1.23±0.17),which were significant different in comparison with RCS-rdy+ rats at postnatal 25 days and 35 days(1.60 ±0.20 and 1.04 ±0.12)(t=4.71,3.17,P＜0.05).Conclusions The Cdk5/P25 kinase activity shows a consistent trend with theexpressions of P25 and tau phosphorylation in the RCS rats,indicating that the upregulation of P25 induces the enhance of enzyme activity of Cdk5,which phosphorylate its substrates to result in more apoptosis of retinal neural cells.

Factors influencing outcomes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergency department / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND:The outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may depend on a variety of factors related to patient status or resuscitation management. To evaluate the factors influencing the outcome of CPR after cardiac arrest (CA) will be conducive to improve the effectiveness of resuscitation. Therefore, a study was designed to assess these factors in the emergency department (ED) of a city hospital.METHODS:A CPR registry conforming to the Utstein-style template was conducted in the ED of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College from January 2005 to December 2011. The outcomes of CPR were compared in various factors groups. The primary outcomes were rated to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 24-hour survival, survival to discharge and discharge with favorable neurological outcomes. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate factors associated with survival.RESULTS:A total of 725 patients were analyzed in the study. Of these patients, 187 (25.8％) had ROSC, 100 (13.8％) survived for 24 hours, 48 (6.6％) survived to discharge, and 23 (3.2％) survived to discharge with favorable neurologic outcomes. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of ROSC included traumatic etiology, first monitored rhythms, CPR duration, and total adrenaline dose. The independent predictors of 24-hour survival included traumatic etiology, cardiac etiology, first monitored rhythm and CPR duration. Previous status, cardiac etiology, first monitored rhythms and CPR duration were included in independent predictors of survival to discharge and neurologically favorable survival to discharge.CONCLUSIONS:Shockable rhythms, CPR duration ≤15 minutes and total adrenaline dose ≤5 mg were favorable predictors of ROSC, whereas traumatic etiology was unfavorable. Cardiac etiology, shockable rhythms and CPR duration ≤15 minutes were favorable predictors of 24-hour survival, whereas traumatic etiology was unfavorable. Cardiac etiology, shockable rhythms, CPR duration ≤15 minutes were favorable predictors of survival to discharge and neurologically favorable survival to discharge, but previous terminal illness or multiple organ failure (MOF) was unfavorable.

Fungal granuloma of mediastinal lymph nodes in an immunocompetent host / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

This is a case report of mediastinal fungal granuloma in an immunocompetent host. The definite diagnosis was made by pathological biopsy via video-assisted thoracoscopy and silver methenamine staining showed aspergillus hyphae and spores in the epithelioid granuloma. In conclusion, opportunistic pathogenic fungi can cause granulomatous inflammation in mediastinal lymph nodes in an immunocompetent host, as it can do in an immunocompromised host. More attention should be paid on tissue biopsy and pathological examination to ensure a correct diagnosis for these kinds of cases.

Effects of hyperoxia on lung vascular development and expression of angiopoietin-1 in neonatal rat lungs / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of prolonged 85% oxygen exposure on lung vascular development and the expression of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) in the neonatal rat lungs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly exposed to air (control group) and 85% oxygen (experimental group) 6 hrs after birth. The rats were sacrificed 3, 7 and 14 days after exposure and their lungs were sampled. The lung sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation and analysis of vessel volume density. Expressions of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) in lung tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry. Expression of Ang-1 protein and mRNA was detected by Western Blot and Real time-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After being exposed to 85% oxygen for 14 days, lung tissues had pathological changes as "new" bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The RAC on day 7 and day 14 in experimental group decreased significantly as compared with the control group [(10.55 ± 0.13) vs. (11.74 ± 0.19), (12.47 ± 0.05) vs. (15.03 ± 0.16), P < 0.05]. The X-ray showed that the diameter of lung vessel was much smaller and the vessels had less branches in experimental group compared with the control group on day 14. The vessel volume density on day 14 in experimental group decreased significantly as compared with the control group [(3.55 ± 0.09) vs. (6.03 ± 0.16), P < 0.05]. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that the expressions of Ang-1 protein on day 7 and day 14 in the experimental group decreased significantly as compared with the control group [(4.27 ± 0.34) vs. (3.10 ± 0.29), P < 0.05, (5.65 ± 0.49) vs. (3.21 ± 0.28), P < 0.01], [(0.88 ± 0.31) vs. (0.41 ± 0.12), P < 0.05, (0.90 ± 0.29) vs. (0.21 ± 0.06), P < 0.01]. The expressions of Ang-1 mRNA on day 7 and day 14 in the experimental group also decreased significantly as compared with the control group [(0.85 ± 0.14) vs. (0.44 ± 0.21), P < 0.05, (0.87 ± 0.24) vs. (0.24 ± 0.05), P < 0.01].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Prolonged exposure of high concentration of oxygen may cause impairment of lung vascular development by inhibiting expression of Ang-1 in neonatal rats, which is likely to contribute to pathogenesis of BPD.</p>

Effect of exogenous phosphocreatine on cardiomycytic apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury in the myocardium after cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important pathologic basis of post-cardiac arrest of syndrome (PCAS), and apoptosis is one of the major mechanisms in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. To lessen myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest and CPR, it is important to reduce energy consumption and to increase energy supply in the myocardium. This study aimed to observe changes of cell apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein on the myocardium after CPR in rats, and the protective effects of different doses of exogenous phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate, CP) on them. METHODS: A total of 32 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (group A), CPR group (group B), low-dose CP group (group C, CP 0.5 g/kg at beginning of CPR and 1.0 g/kg at 2 hours after CPR) and high-dose CP group (group D, CP 1.0 g/kg at beginning of CPR and 2.0 g/kg at 2 hours after CPR). Cardiac arrest was induced by asphyxiation and CPR started at 7 minutes after asphyxiation in groups B, C and D. Myocardium samples were taken at 24 hours after CPR. Cardiomycytic apoptosis was detected by the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein was measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Cardiomyocytic apoptosis index (AI) and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein increased more significantly in groups B, C and D than in group A (P<0.01), but Bcl-2/Baxratio significantly decreased (P<0.01). Cardiomyocytic AI and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein decreased more significantly in groups C and D than in group B (P<0.01), but Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased more significantly (P<0.01). Cardiomyocytic AI and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein decreased more significantly in group D than in group C (P<0.05), but Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased more significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Exogenous phosphocreatine, especially at a large dose, could inhibit cardiomyocytic apoptosis and alleviate myocardial injury after CPR in rats.

Mutations analysis of RP1 gene in 110 Chinese with retinitis pigmentosa / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a monogenic inheritance and blinding disease of fundus oculi.There is not an effective therapeutic method now.Objective This work was to identify the mutations of RP1 gene in Chinese RP patients in Ningxia area and to explore the potential interactions in the pathogenesis of RP.Methods The periphery blood of 3-5 ml was collected from 110 individuals with RP(35 ADRP and 75SRP)and 100 normal controls in Ningxia area.Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing were used to screening the sequence alterations in the entire coding region and splice sites of RP1 gene.Multivariate analysis and two web-based programs( PolyPhen and SIFT) were used to analyze the results.Results Eleven mutation locus were detected in the exon 4 of RP1 gene including two novel sequence variants:p.Lys1152Lys without a higher mutation rate in comparison with normal control group(x2 =9.12 P＜0.01 ),but c.* 247A＞C with a higher mutation rate in comparison with normal control group(x2 =12.77,P＜0.01 ) and c.* 247A＞C mutation was thought to be correlated with RP( r=1.11,P＜0.05 ).The other ten mutation locus were reported as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).The mutation rate of p.Gln1725Gln was found to be higher in the RP patients than the normal controls (x2 =42.09,P＜0.01 ),but no the significant correlation was seen between the pathogenesis of RP and mutation of p.Gln1725Gln(r=1.74,P＞0.05).p.Lys1152Lys mutation was found in only 1 patient.Three SNPs( p.Arg872His,Ala1670Thr,Ser1691Pro) were always occurred in the same 83 RP patient and the relevance ratio was higher than controls ( P＜0.01 ).The age of night blindness on patients with concurrent three mutations was (30.54± 13.68 ) years,and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.50 ± 0.38.The age of night blindness on patients without concurrent three mutations was(21.06± 16.24) years,and the BCVA was 0.40 ±0.33 and were higher than controls ( t =2.11,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions In this study,the prevalence of RP1 mutations among the RP patients in Ningxia population was lower than other populations (＜ 1％ ).The alliance of SNPs (p.Arg872His、p.Ala1670Thr、p.Ser1691Pro) may play a protective role on RP patients and reduce the frequency of mutatiaon in RP1 gene.

Prediction of recurrence risk in early breast cancer using human epidermal growth factor 2 and cyclin A2 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) is one of the most important prediction factors, but only 25% - 30% of breast cancer patients HER2 are positive. It is unknown whether there are other molecular markers that could be used to predict prognosis and recurrence in HER2 negative patients. This study investigated correlations of cyclin A2 and HER2 levels with clinical outcomes in 281 patients with invasive breast cancer in order to identify whether cyclin A2 can serve as a prognostic factor in HER2 negative patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect cyclin A2 and HER2 expression in 281 patients. Cyclin A2 and HER2 gene amplifications were analyzed using gene analysis and RT-PCR in 12 patients. Risk and survival estimates were analyzed using Log-rank, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analysis; cyclin A2 and HER2 consistency with survival were analyzed using Kappa analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients with higher cyclin A2 and HER2 expressions had significantly shorter disease-free survival periods (P = 0.047 and P = 0.05, respectively). Kappa analysis performed that cyclin A2 and HER2 showed a low Kappa index (kappa = 0.37), allowing us to conclude that cyclin A2 and HER2 detect different pathologies. Gene analysis and RT-PCR showed that cyclin A2 was upregulated in patients with early relapse; the average increase was 3.69 - 2.74 fold.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Cyclin A2 and HER2 are associated with proliferation and high recurrence, particularly when combined. Cyclin A2 is easily detected by nuclear staining and might be a useful biomarker for recurrence risk in HER2 negative patients.</p>

A 3-year clinical trial of deferasirox in heavily iron-overloaded patients with Beta-thalassemia major / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in heavily iron-overloaded patients with beta-thalassemia major.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A single arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in the treatment for 23 patients with beta-thalassemia major and heavily iron-overloaded in 3 years follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 23 patients never received regular chelation before enrolling this trial [the mean baseline of serum ferritin was (5433.96 ± 2873.90) µg/L]. In this trial, a deferasirox dose of 20 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) could stabilize serum ferritin levels, while of ≥ 30 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) reduced the levels and achieved negative iron balance. There were no serious adverse events related to the drug. Most common adverse events were mild increases of liver enzyme and serum creatinine levels. Overall, 23 patients could tolerate the drug on schedule and all completed the trial.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a new oral iron chelator, deferasirox has a significant efficacy for the treatment of iron overload. The effectiveness is dependent on the courses of treatment and the dose of deferasirox. The single-dose used is safe and tolerated, so deferasirox can remarkably improve life quality of patients.</p>

Sperm sex chromosome analysis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis of patients with sex chromosome anomalies / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the constitution of abnormal spermatozoa from patients with sex chromosome anomalies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Triple color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine the sex chromosome constitution of spermatozoa from three patients with sex chromosome anomalies (case 1:46,XY/47,XXY, case 2:45,XO/46,X,Yqh-, case 3:47,XXY). The preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was performed to case 2.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>An increased ratio (2.05 vs 1) of X-bearing to Y-bearing spermatozoa was only observed in case 2, who also had an increased incidence of total abnormal spermatozoa (29.71%). An increased incidence of total abnormal spermatozoa (4.91%) was also observed in case 3. Among the constitution of abnormal spermatozoa, case 2 had the increased proportions of XY18 disomy, O18 monosomy and XO monosomy, while case 3 had an increase proportion of XY18 disomy (1.87%). PGD was performed to case 2 and one embryo with XX1818 was selected for implanting.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using FISH to detect the sperm sex chromosomes in patients with sex chromosome anomalies can provide the useful information to evaluate the risk of sex chromosome anomalies in preimplantation embryos.</p>

Clinicopathologic study of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical, radiologic and pathologic features of 11 patients with COP confirmed by open or video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung biopsy were analyzed. Treatment information and follow-up data were also obtained.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>COP usually affected female patients over 40 years of age. Clinical presentations included cough, sputum and exertional dyspnea. High-resolution computerized tomography showed scattered speckled, patchy and trabecular shadows over both lung fields. Honeycomb changes were not found. Histologically, polypoid growths of granulation tissue were noted within respiratory bronchioles, small airways and alveolar spaces. These lesions had a patchy and peribronchiolar distribution and were uniform in appearance. The overall response rate to glucocorticoid was 81.8% (P < 0.01). The duration of follow up ranged from 6 to 134 months. Apart from one patient who developed aggravation of symptoms, the disease pursued a relatively stable clinical course.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In general, COP responds well to glucocorticoid therapy. Open or VATS lung biopsy is important for arriving at a definitive diagnosis, especially for those cases presenting with atypical clinical and radiographic manifestations. Multiple biopsies with larger samples are preferred in order to avoid misdiagnosis.</p>

Observation and clinical significance of adjuvant chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea in premenopausal breast cancer patients / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>A retrospective analysis of 160 pre-menopausal breast cancer patients was carried out to elucidate the the menstrual outcome in those cases who had undergone adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery, and evaluate the relationship between chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) and recurrence of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>160 pre-menopausal breast cancer patients were collected, 62/159 (39.0%) of them were node positive, 91/158 (57.6%) were ER positive, and 95/155 (61.3%) were PR positive. 111 cases had infiltrative ductal carcinoma, 26 cases had infiltrative lobular carcinoma, and 22 cases with others. In 152 cases data were collected by face-to-face interview and 8 cases by phone conversation. Types and cycles of chemotherapy regimen as well as menstrual abnormalities were recorded before, during, and after chemotherapy completion. Follow up duration was 12-72 months after chemotherapy completion for all patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>107 (66.9%) developed CIA, 24 cases returned to normal menses (22.4%), 83 cases continued CIA during more than 12-month follow up (77.6%). The rate of CIA increased with age (P < 0.01). During the follow up, disease free survival (DFS) rate was 85.9% in CIA group and 79.2% in non-CIA group, with no statistically significant difference. But in hormonal receptor positive patients, DFS was 80.0% in non-CIA and 90.1% in CIA, respectively (P = 0.04), showing a significant difference. Because of the small number of died cases, no analysis of the overall outcome was carried out.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Adjuvant chemotherapy causes ovarian function suppression, and may further leading to amenorrhoea. Women who experienced amenorrhoea after chemotherapy had a significantly better disease-free survival (DFS) rate showed by univariate analysis than women who continued normal menstruation. Chemotherapy is insufficient therapy for very young patients who are in high risk with hormone responsive disease, particularly when chemotherapy fails to induce amenorrhea. Further research is needed to evaluate interventional chemotherapy to improve the quality of life in women with early stage breast cancer who experienced ovarian toxicity. The post-chemotherapy menstruation status is a clinically valuable, objective and salient marker for sufficient endocrine effect of chemotherapy in ER/PR-positive premenopausal patients.</p>