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Objective To explore the efficacy of T-cell spot test of tuberculosis infection(T-SPOT.TB)in the differential diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis(STB),and optimize diagnostic efficacy through the optimal cut-off value of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Methods Clinical data of patients with spinal infection in a hospi-tal from January 2010 to May 2019 were collected,including preoperative T-SPOT.TB test results,white blood cell count,C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,procalcitonin,and tuberculosis antibodies,etal.Clinical diagnosis was conducted based on diagnostic criteria.The sensitivity and specificity of T-SPOT.TB in preoperative diagnosis of STB and other spinal infection was analyzed,and the diagnostic efficacy of the optimized T-SPOT.TB indicators was evaluated.Results A total of 132 patients were included in this study,out of whom 78 patients(59.09％)were diagnosed with STB,and 54(40.91％)were diagnosed with non-tuberculosis(non-TB)spinal in-fection.The sensitivity and specificity of T-SPOT.TB in differential diagnosis of STB were 67.68％and 66.67％,respectively.Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with non-TB spinal infection,the OR va-lue of T-SPOT.TB test in diagnosing STB was 4.188(95％CI:1.847-9.974,P＜0.001).The optimized T-SPOT.TB evaluation index through ROC curve to determine the optimal cut-off values of ESAT-6,CFP-10,and CFP-10+ESAT-6 for differential diagnosis of STB and non-TB spinal infection were 12.5,19.5,and 36,respec-tively,and area under curve(AUC)values were 0.765 6,0.741 5,and 0.778 6,respectively,all with good diag-nostic efficacy.CFP-10+ESAT-6 had the highest AUC.CFP-10+ESAT-6 specific spot count had higher efficacy in the diagnosis of STB,with a diagnostic accuracy of 75.56％,higher than 67.42％of pre-optimized T-SPOT.TB.Conclusion T-SPOT.TB test has high diagnostic efficacy in differentiating STB from non-TB spinal infection.Posi-tivity in T-SPOT.TB test,especially with spot count of CFP-10+ESAT-6 over 36,indicates a higher likelihood of STB.
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Objective:To evaluate the complications of complex intracranial aneurysms after intervention with flow-diverter (FD) devices.Methods:Sixty patients with complex intracranial aneurysms accepted FD devices in Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University from July 2018 to June 2021 were chosen. Clinical and imaging data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed, and complications were recorded: procedure-related adverse events, early postprocedural complications, complications during follow-up, and covered branch occlusion.Results:A total of 61 FD devices (47 Pipeline Flex, 10 Tubridge, 4 Surpass Streamline) were implanted in 60 patients. Incidence of procedure-related adverse events was 8.3% (5/60), including 3 with incomplete stent apposition, 1 with intraoperative bleeding, 1 with aneurysm neck not covered by stent; incidence of early postprocedural complications was 6.7% (4/60), including 3 with hemorrhagic complication and 1 with ischemic complication. DSA follow-up ([22.7±16.8] months) was completed in 54 patients; aneurysm healed rate was 83.3% (45/54). First DSA follow-up 6 months after surgery showed that in-stent restenosis was 7.4% (4/54), of which 2 deteriorated to parent vessel occlusion at 2- and 3-year after procedure, respectively. A total of 78 branch arteries were covered by FD devices, and only 1 (1.3%, 1/78) demonstrated branch artery occlusion at last follow-up, without clinical symptoms.Conclusion:The complications of complex intracranial aneurysms after intervention with FD devices should be recognized; incomplete stent apposition is the main procedure-related adverse event, and hemorrhagic complication mainly appear in the early postprocedural period; in-stent restenosis should be vigilant during follow-up.
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Aim To study the effects of lentinan(LNT)on the metabolism of dendritic cells(DCs)by metabonomics, and uncover the potential mechanism of its regulation of DC function. Methods DC2.4 cells were co-incubated with LNT for 24 h, and the activity of the cells was detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay. The contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)and interleukin-12(IL-12)in supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The metabolic general changes of DC2.4 cells were detected by Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTOF/MS), and the differential metabolites were analyzed by multi-distance covariates and bioinformatics, partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). Finally, metabolic pathway analysis was performed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Results LNT did not significantly inhibit the activity of DC2.4 cells at the dose of 25100 mg·L-1. LNT(100 mg·L-1)could significantly stimulate the secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 in DC2.4 cells. 20 differential metabolites were identified in DC2.4 cells after being stimulated by LNT(100 mg·L-1), which involved 25 metabolic pathways including urea cycle, arginine and proline metabolism. Conclusion The regulation of LNT on DC function involves a variety of amino acid metabolism.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe clinical effect of percutaneous minimally invasive osteotomy with 8-shaped bandage and hallux valgus splint fixation in treating moderate hallux valgus.@*METHODS@#Totally 23 patients with moderate hallux valgus were treated with percutaneous minimally invasive osteotomy with 8-shaped bandage and hallux valgus splint fixation from August 2019 to January 2021, and 1 patient was loss to follow-up, and finally 22 patients(30 feet) were included, 4 males (6 feet) and 18 females(24 feet), aged from 27 to 66 years old with an average of(50.59±11.95) years old. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), metatarsal span (the distance between the first and the fifth metatarsal bones), changed of soft tissue width, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) score, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were collected and compared before operation and 6 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#Twenty-two patients were followed up from 5.7 to 6.4 months with an average of (6.13±0.85) months. The first metatarsal osteotomy of patients were obtained bone union, and deformity of the toes was corrected. Complications such as avascular necrosis of metatarsal head and transfer metatarsalgia were not occurred. Postoperative HVA, IMA, metatarsal span, soft tissue width, VAS, AOFAS score at 6 months were significantly improved compared with pre-operation (P<0.01). According to AOFAS score at 6 months after operation, 10 feet were excellent, 18 good and 2 poor. Two feet with poor were excellent after prolonged 8-shaped bandage and hallux valgus splint fixation time.@*CONCLUSION@#Percutaneous minimally invasive osteotomy with 8-shaped bandage and hallux valgus splint fixation for the treatment of moderate hallux valgus could better correct deformity of hallux valgus, relieve foot symptoms, good recovery of postoperative function, and has a significant clinical efficacy.
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Male , Female , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Hallux Valgus/diagnostic imaging , Splints , Radiography , Bunion , Treatment Outcome , Metatarsal Bones/surgery , Osteotomy , BandagesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the early clinical efficacy of robot-assisted percutaneous short-segment bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell disease.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 20 patients with stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell's disease who underwent robot-assisted percutaneous bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation between June 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 4 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 81 years old with an average age of (69.1±8.3) years. There were 9 cases of stageⅡand 11 cases of stage Ⅲ, all of which were single vertebral lesions, including 3 cases of T11, 5 cases of T12, 8 cases of L1, 3 cases of L2, and 1 case of L3. These patients did not exhibit symptoms of spinal cord injury. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. The position of pedicle screws and the filling and leakage of bone cement in gaps were observed using postoperative CT 2D reconstruction. The data of the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), kyphosis Cobb angle, wedge angle of the diseased vertebra, and anterior and posterior vertebral height on lateral radiographs were statistically analyzed preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and at the final follow-up.@*RESULTS@#Twenty patients were followed up for 10 to 26 months, with an average follow-up of (16.0±5.1) months. All operations were successfully completed. The surgical duration ranged from 98 to 160 minutes, with an average of (122±24) minutes. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 25 to 95 ml, with an average of (45±20) ml. There were no intraoperative vascular nerve injuries. A total of 120 screws were inserted in this group, including 111 screws at grade A and 9 screws at grade B according to the Gertzbein and Robbins scales. Postoperative CT indicated that the bone cement was well-filled in the diseased vertebra, and cement leakage occurred in 4 cases. Preoperative VAS and ODI were (6.05±0.18) points and (71.10±5.37)%, respectively, (2.05±0.14) points and (18.57±2.77)% at 1 week after operation, and (1.35±0.11) points and (15.71±2.12) % at final follow-up. There were significant differences between postoperative 1 week and preoperative, and between final follow-up and postoperative 1 week(P<0.01). Anterior and posterior vertebral height, kyphosis Cobb angle, and wedge angle of the diseased vertebra were(45.07±1.06)%, (82.02±2.11)%, (19.49±0.77) °, and (17.56±0.94) ° preoperatively, respectively, (77.00±0.99)%, (83.04±2.02)%, (7.34±0.56) °, and (6.15±0.52) ° at 1 week postoperatively, and (75.13±0.86)%, (82.39±0.45)%, (8.38±0.63) °, and (7.09±0.59) ° at the final follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Robot-assisted percutaneous short-segment bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation demonstrates satisfactory short-term efficacy in treating stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell's disease as an effective minimally invasive alternative. However, longer operation times and strict patient selection criteria are necessary, and long-term follow-up is required to determine its lasting effectiveness.
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Male , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Pedicle Screws , Bone Cements , Robotics , Blood Loss, Surgical , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Fractures/surgery , Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries , Treatment Outcome , Kyphosis , Thoracic Vertebrae/injuries , Fracture Fixation, InternalABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of robot-assisted internal fixation in lateral decubitus position for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) complicated with thoracolumbar fractures.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 26 patients with ankylosing spondylitis complicated with thoracolumbar fractures treated from January 2018 to June 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical methods, these patients were divided into observation group and control group. There were 8 patients in observation group, which were treated with robot-assisted percutaneous screw fixation in lateral decubitus position, including 4 males and 4 females, aged form 55 to 85 years old with an mean of (66.25±9.42) years, the course of disease was (4.00±0.76) days on average, 2 cases were T11 fracture, 2 cases were T12, 3 cases were L1 and 1 case was L2. And there were 18 patients in control group, which were treated with conventional percutaneous screw fixation in prone position, including 6 males and 12 females, aged from 48 to 81 years old with a mean of (61.22±9.53) years, the course of disease was (4.11±0.83) days on average, 2 cases were T10 injury, 3 cases were T11, 4 cases were T12, 7 cases were L1, and 2 cases were L2. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, position time and postoperative neurological complications were compared between two groups. Postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) at 1d and 3 months, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and 3 months after operation were observed. According to Gertzbein-Robbins standard to evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement.@*RESULTS@#There was no nerve injury due to pedicle screw placement in both groups. The intraoperative blood loss in observation group and control group was (34.13±4.61) ml and (78.17±22.02) ml, operation time was(92.13±9.82) min and (106.22±11.55) min, position time was(10.00±2.14) min and (15.17±2.66) min, the differences was statistically significant(P<0.05);VAS of the two groups were (2.38±0.52) points and (4.56±0.98) points one day after surgery, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05), while VAS and ODI three months after surgery showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). The screw accuracy was 96.88%(62/64) in observation group and 81.48%(88/108) in control group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Robot-assisted internal fixation in lateral decubitus position for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis complicated with thoracolumbar fractures can shorten the position time and operation time, significantly improve the accuracy of internal fixation screw placement, relieve the early postoperative pain, reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications, and facilitate the fast track rehabilitation of patients.
Subject(s)
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery , Pedicle Screws , Retrospective Studies , Robotics , Spinal Fractures/surgery , Spondylitis, Ankylosing/surgery , Thoracic Vertebrae/surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Yiqi Fuzheng Jiedu decoction （YQFZJDD） on autophagy and growth of A549 cells. Method:A549 cells were intervened with YQFZJDD-containing serum prepared in advance. The levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， homologue of yeast autophagy-related gene 6 （Beclin1）， p62， p53， adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， phosphorylated AMPK （p-AMPK）， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， and phosphorylated mTOR （p-mTOR） were detected by Western blot assay， and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3B （MAP1LC3B） by immunofluorescence （IF） assay. The proliferation， invasion， and senescence of A549 cells were separately measured by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine （EDU） staining， Transwell assay， and <italic>β</italic>-galactosidase staining. In the presence of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine （3-MA， 5 mmol·L<sup>-1</sup>）， the cells were divided into the 10% fetal bovine serum （blank） group， 10% control serum （control） group， low-， medium-， and high-dose 10% YQFZJDD-containing serum groups， and high-dose 10% YQFZJDD-containing serum + 3-MA group， followed by the measurement of A549 cell proliferation， invasion， and senescence. In the adoption of p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-<italic>α</italic> （PFT-<italic>α</italic>， 10 μmol·L<sup>-1</sup>）， the cells were divided into the control group， PFT-<italic>α</italic> group， high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum group， and high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum + PFT-<italic>α</italic> group. Then the LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin1 expression， MAP1LC3B fluorescence intensity， as well as A549 cell proliferation， invasion and senescence were determined. Result:Compared with the blank group and control group， YQFZJDD-containing serum at the medium and high doses up-regulated the protein expression levels of LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin1 in A549 cells after 48-h intervention in a dose-dependent manner （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Besides， YQFZJDD-containing serum at the low-， medium-， and high-doses down-regulated p62 and p-mTOR/mTOR expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， elevated p53 and p-AMPK/AMPK （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， decreased the number of proliferative and invasive cells， increased the number of senescent cells （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and enhanced the IF intensity of MAP1LC3B， with the optimal effect observed in the high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum group， the high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum + 3-MA group and high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum + PFT-<italic>α</italic> group exhibited significantly increased proliferative and invasive cells but decreased senescent cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P<</italic>0.01）. Meanwhile， the IF intensity of MAP1LC3B in the high-dose YQFZJDD-containing serum + PFT-<italic>α</italic> group was weakened and the LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin1 protein expression levels declined （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P<</italic>0.01）. Conclusion:YQFZJDD promotes the autophagy of A549 cells through the p53/AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit their proliferation， invasion and migration but accelerate senescence， thus playing a crucial role in inhibiting the progression of lung cancer.
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ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shangrao City， and provide scientific evidence for the development of prevention and control strategies. MethodsEpidemiological characteristics of 123 confirmed cases， such as time， sex， age， occupations， area， and source of infection， were analyzed by combining epidemiological investigation with laboratory testing. ResultsOf the 123 confirmed cases， 34 were imported cases and 89 were local cases. The sex ratio was 1.32∶1. Average time interval of the COVID-19 was （18.4±4.4） days， with a median time interval between the onset and final diagnosis of 5 days. There were 19 clustering cases， of which 89.5% were family clusters and 77.3% occurred in families. Majority of the cases were common type. The main source of infection was travelers from the epidemic areas. ConclusionHealth monitoring of travelers from epidemic areas and strict quarantine of close contacts are the main measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.
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ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shangrao City， and provide scientific evidence for the development of prevention and control strategies. MethodsEpidemiological characteristics of 123 confirmed cases， such as time， sex， age， occupations， area， and source of infection， were analyzed by combining epidemiological investigation with laboratory testing. ResultsOf the 123 confirmed cases， 34 were imported cases and 89 were local cases. The sex ratio was 1.32∶1. Average time interval of the COVID-19 was （18.4±4.4） days， with a median time interval between the onset and final diagnosis of 5 days. There were 19 clustering cases， of which 89.5% were family clusters and 77.3% occurred in families. Majority of the cases were common type. The main source of infection was travelers from the epidemic areas. ConclusionHealth monitoring of travelers from epidemic areas and strict quarantine of close contacts are the main measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.
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The present study compared the appearance and chemical composition of fruits of Perilla frutescens var. arguta(PFA) and P. frutescens var. frutescens(PFF). VHX-6000 3 D depth of field synthesis technology was applied for the appearance observation. The metabolites were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by pre-column derivatization combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Finally, cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were applied for exploring the differences in their chemical compositions. The results indicated that the size and color of PFA and PFF fruits were different. PFF fruits were significantly larger than PFA fruits. The surface color of PFA fruits was brown, while PFF fruits were in multiple colors, such as white, grayish-white, and brown. Amino acids, saccharides, organic acids, fatty acids, and phenolic acids were identified in PFA and PFF fruits. The results of CA, PCA, and OPLS-DA indicated significant differences in the content of components between PFA and PFF fruits. Three metabolites, including D-glucose, rosmarinic acid, and D-fructose, which were significantly higher in PFA fruits than in PFF fruits, were screened out as differential metabolites. Considering the regulation on the content of rosmarinic acid in Perillae Fructus in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition), the medicinal value of PFA fruits is higher than that of PFF. In conclusion, there are differences in appearance and chemical composition between PFA fruits and PFF fruits. These results are expected to provide fundamental data for specifying plant source and quality control of Perillae Fructus.
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Fatty Acids , Fruit , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Perilla frutescens , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the incidence of preterm birth and risk factors for preterm birth.@*METHODS@#A prospective cohort study was performed for the pregnant women in early pregnancy and their spouses, who underwent prenatal examination for the first time in Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from May 2014 to December 2016 and decided to be hospitalized for delivery. A questionnaire survey was performed to collect exposure information possibly related to preterm birth. The hospital's medical record system was used for information verification and to record the pregnancy outcome. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for preterm birth.@*RESULTS@#A total of 6 764 pregnant women with complete data were included, and the incidence rate of preterm birth was 17.09%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes, eating areca nut before pregnancy, a history of pregnancy complications, a history of hepatitis, no folate supplementation during pregnancy, medication during pregnancy, active smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy, drinking during pregnancy, unbalanced diet during pregnancy, high-intensity physical activity during pregnancy, and natural conception after treatment of infertility or assisted conception as the way of conception were risk factors for preterm birth (@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are many risk factors for preterm birth. Special attention should be paid to the life behaviors of pregnant women during pregnancy, and health education should be strengthened for pregnant women and their spouses to develop good living habits and reduce the incidence of preterm births.
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Child , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Premature Birth/etiology , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Tobacco Smoke PollutionABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effect on essential hypertension of the topical application of TAT-Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (TAT-SOD) at left acupoint Zusanli (ST 36), and to observe whether the change of electrical potential difference (EPD) can be related to the change of blood pressure.@*METHODS@#Sixteen patients with essential hypertension and 16 healthy subjects were included in the study. EPD between the left acupoints of Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Qiuxu (GB 40) was firstly screened out for the EPD detection. An intracellular superoxide quenching enzyme, TAT-SOD, was topically applied to the acupoint ST 36 within an area of 1 cm once a day, and the influence on EPD was investigated. The dosage applied to TAT-SOD group (n=8) was 0.2 mL of 3000 U/mL TAT-SOD cream prepared by adding purified TAT-SOD to a vehicle cream, while placebo group (n=8) used the vehicle cream instead. The left acupoints of Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Qiuxu (GB 40) were selected for EPD measurement after comparing EPD readings between 5 acupoints on each of all 12 meridians.@*RESULTS@#EPDs between the left acupoints of GB 34 and GB 40 for 16 patients of essential hypertension and 16 healthy subjects were 44.9±6.4 and 5.6±0.9 mV, respectively. Daily application of TAT-SOD for 15 days at ST 36 of essential hypertension patients significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 179.6 and 81.5 mm Hg to 153.1 and 74.1 mm Hg, respectively. Responding to the change in blood pressure, EPD between the left acupoints of GB 34 and GB 40 also declined from 44.4 to 22.8 mV with the same trend. No change was observed with SBP, DBP and EPD between the left acupoints of GB 34 and GB 40 with the daily application of the placebo cream.@*CONCLUSION@#Enzymatic scavenging of the intracellular superoxide at ST 36 proved to be effective in decreasing SBP and DBP. The results reconfirm the involvement of superoxide anions and its transportation along the meridians, and demonstrate that EPD between acupoints may be an indicator to reflect its functioning status. Moreover, preliminary results suggest a close correlation between EPD and blood pressure readings, implying a possibility of using EPD as a sensitive parameter for blood pressure and to monitor the effect of antihypertensive treatment.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia in clinic. At present, the therapies of AF by western medicine are fewer with obvious side effects. It is expected to improve the curative effect and reduce side effects by the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine. The research progresses of Chinese materia medica (CMM) treatment for AF were summarized, and the biological molecular network was carried out for the analysis of blood components of ginsenoside from the key CMM Panax ginseng in AF treatment. The blood components of ginsenoside in network analysis including targets searching, network construction, and GO biological processes analysis were selected to explore the possible mechanism in treating AF. It indicated that the possible mechanism might be related to apoptosis regulation, cell membrane potassium ion flow, and so on.
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To study the effect of polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum on mRNA and protein expressions of blood lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice. The mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely the blank control group, the hyperlipidemia model group, the simvastatin group, and low, middle and high-dose PSP groups (200, 400, 800 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹). Each group of the mice was administrated intragastrically for 14 days, respectively. Subsequently, every group of mice, except for the blank control group, was intraperitoneally injected with 75% fresh egg yolk emulsion for establishing the hyperlipidemic mice model. Upon completion of the administration, the contents of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C in serum of each group were investigated in details. In particular, the mRNA expression levels of PPAR-α, PPAR-, PPAR-, SREBP-1c, IL-6 and TNF-α of the liver tissues were detected by Real-time PCR, and the protein expression levels (including PPAR-α, PPAR-, PPAR-, SREBP-1c, IL-6, TNF-α) were examined by Western blot. Consequently, the obtained results showed that the contents of the serum TC, TG, LDL-C of low, middle and high-dose PSP groups significantly decreased compared with those of the hyperlipidemia model group. Simultaneously, there were significant differences between middle-dose and high-dose PSP groups (<0.01). In striking contrast, the contents of serum HDL-C of low, middle and high-dose PSP groups significantly increased, while obvious differences were also observed between middle-dose and high-dose PSP groups (<0.01). Moreover, middle-dose and high-dose PSR groups could up-regulate the protein and mRNA expressions of PPAR-α, PPAR- (<0.05) compared with those of the hyperlipidemia model group, and down-regulate the expressions of PPAR-,SREBP-1c, IL-6 and TNF-α(<0.05) compared with those of liver tissues of the hyperlipidemia model group. In conclusion, all of the above results suggested that PSP could inhibit the oxidation of the liver lipid, and regulate the expression levels of the corresponding genes and proteins relating to the lipid metabolism, so as to play a critical role for preventing hyperlipidemia.
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This study was conducted to define the taxonomic status of Spermophilus in the plague area of Dingbian County in Shaanxi Province, China, through the two-factor variance analysis of morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding, and chromosome karyotype analysis. The Spermophilus samples collected from Dingbian and Zhengxiang Baiqi Counties exhibited significant differences in their morphological measurements. All Spermophilus samples form two distinct branches in neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. One branch included the Spermophilus samples collected from Inner Mongolia, and the other branch included samples collected from the plague foci of Shaanxi Province and the Ningxia Region. The Spermophilus samples collected from Dingbian County had a chromosome number of 2n = 38 in 84.40% of all their cells. The Spermophilus species collected from the plague area of Dingbian County was categorized as Spermophilus alashanicus (S.alashamicus). The findings reported in this study are epidemiologically significant for monitoring plague in this region of west-central China.
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Animals , China , Cytochromes b , DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic , Electron Transport Complex IV , Karyotype , Plague , Microbiology , Sciuridae , Classification , GeneticsABSTRACT
A methodology of quantitative analysis on ginsenoside Re (G-Re) in rat plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was developed for comparing the pharmacokinetic profiles between normal rats and Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced damage rats after oral administration. The sample separation was carried out on an Ascentis?Express C18column (5.0 mm× 3.0 mm,2.7 μm) with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase under gradient elution. MS analysis was operated in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using electrospray ionization (ESI) with negative ion mode,and the ions for quantification were m/z 991.54/945.53/475.60. The limit of detection (LOD,S/N=3), limit of quantification (LOQ, S/N=10) were 4.0 ng/mL and 13.5 ng/mL, respectively. G-Re was in good linearity between 15 ng/mL and 20000 ng/mL(r=0.999),the intra-day and inter-day precisions, recovery, matrix effect and stability could meet the pharmacokinetic analysis requirement. The results indicated that the metabolic process of G-Re conformed to a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model after single oral administration in the normal and model groups. The t1/2αwere(0.21± 0.04) h and (0. 69 ± 0. 07) h, respectively; t1/2βwere (17. 08 ± 0. 53) and (21. 40 ± 16. 77) h, respectively;AUC(0-t)were (321.91±2.27) μg/(L·h) and (474.99±194.96) μg/(L·h), respectively;AUC(0-∞)were (332. 44 ± 1. 66) μg/(L·h) and (518. 64 ± 231. 39) μg/(L·h), respectively; the pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly different between normal and UVB irradiated rats (p<0.05), except for t1/2α. This UHPLC-QQQ-MS method showed excellent separation, accuracy, high sensitivity, specificity and good repeatability,and it was suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of G-Re in vivo.
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Purpose To investigate the clinical manifesta-tions and morphologic features of placental site nodules (PSNs), and its clinical significance. Methods Twenty patients diag-nosed as PSNs were collected, then a retrospective analysis was conducted, and the characteristics of clinical data and follow-up results were analyzed,including of clinical manifestations, ultra-sonographic evaluation, morphologic and immunohistochemical features. Results The age of patients ranged from 25 to 41 years (32. 48 ± 4. 77 years in average). Three fifths of patients had pregnancy history for at least two times and the interval time to the last pregnancy ranged from 5 to 37 months (15. 33 ± 8. 05 months on average). 15 (75% ) patients went to the hospital because of abnormal vaginal bleeding. In our study, most of the samples showed a membrane-like structure without definite nod-ule. Microscopically, single or multiple, well-circumscribed and oval small nodules were found in endometrial tissue. In most ca- ses, the hyalinization was generally uniform in the center of the nodules, more or less intermediate trophoblasts appeared on the edge of the nodules. Immunohistochemically, the strong diffuse expressed CK (AE1/AE3), CAM5. 2, EMA, GATA-3, Cyclin E and p63 were detected in most of all cases, and PLAP showed strong focal expression, α-inhibin and hPL showed faint focal expression, Ki-67 staining for proliferative index was less than 4% . Conclusion PSN is a benign lesion of the intermediate trophoblast at the chorionic leave. Some diseases including hya-linized decidua, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor, and squamous cell carcinoma with hyalinization need to be identified. Some im-munohistochemical markers may be certain helpful in distinguis-hing as necessary.
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Lectin has attracted attention because of its ability to serve as a carrier for targeted drug delivery. Large lectins isolated from marine invertebrates and crustaceans have strong immunogenicity and adverse effects, which limit their usefulness. This study reports the identification of catesbeianalectin via screening a bullfrog skin cDNA library. The catesbeianalectin polypeptide has a molecular weight of 1.47 kD, making it the smallest known lectin in terms of molecular weight. Circular dichroism analysis showed a PPII helix secondary structure. Catesbeianalectin strongly induces agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes and a variety of pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus suis type 2, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, and piglet paratyphoid Salmonella. The mean serum titer in catesbeianalectin-immunized Balb/c mice was 1:25, which was significantly lower than that of positive controls immunized with wheat germ agglutinin. Surface plasmon resonance indicated an S-type lectin. 125I-labeled catesbeianalectin did not pass the blood-brain barrier. This study provides a basis for further research on the potential of catesbeianalectin as a carrier in targeted drug delivery
ABSTRACT
We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive value of different parameters in the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). All relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO. We chose three parameters to perform the meta-analysis: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular volume, and testicular histopathological findings which included three patterns: hypospermatogenesis (HS), maturation arrest (MA), and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS). If there was a threshold effect, only the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC) was calculated. Otherwise, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were also calculated. Twenty-one articles were included in our study finally. There was a threshold effect among studies investigating FSH and SCOS. The AUSROCs of FSH, testicular volume, HS, MA, and SCOS were 0.6119, 0.6389, 0.6758, 0.5535, and 0.2763, respectively. The DORs of testicular volume, HS, and MA were 1.98, 16.49, and 1.26, respectively. The sensitivities of them were 0.80, 0.30, and 0.27, while the specificities of them were 0.35, 0.98, and 0.76, respectively. The PLRs of them were 1.49, 10.63, and 1.15, respectively. And NLRs were 0.73, 0.72, and 0.95, respectively. All the investigated factors in our study had limited predictive value. However, the histopathological findings were helpful to some extent. Most patients with HS could get sperm by microdissection TESE.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Azoospermia/therapy , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Microdissection , Oligospermia/pathology , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and Specificity , Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome/pathology , Sperm Maturation , Sperm Retrieval , Spermatozoa , Testis/pathology , Threshold Limit ValuesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulation(AC) and its combination with catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT) for deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and thirty-nine patients with deep venous thrombosis of early lower extremities treated in our hospital from May 2011 to September 2013 were selected and randomly divided into the AC group(n= 66) and CDT+AC group(n= 73). The thrombolytic effects, adverse reactions, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and quality of life were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no serious adverse events during treatment and after treatment in the 2 groups. Hematomas in 2 cases and gross hematuria in 3 cases were observed in the CDT+AC group. The gums bleed or gross hematuria in 3 cases were observed in the AC group. Compared with the AC group, the number of grade I thrombolysis in CDT+AC group decreased significantly (60.61% vs 9.59%)(P< 0.05), and the number of grade III thrombolysis increased significantly(7.57% vs 49.31%)(P< 0.05). During follow-up, the incidence of PTS in both groups showed increase year by year, and none of the patients had severe PTS. The incidence PTS in CDT+AC group at 12 months and 18 months were lower than those of AC group(17.81% vs 33.33%, 24.66% vs 43.94%)(P< 0.05). Compared with the AC group, the scores of physiological role and vitality in CDT+AC group at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months were higher (P< 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with AC therapy can promote the mitigation of clinical symptoms in patients with DVT of lower extremities and is beneficial to promoting the life quality of patients.</p>