Clinical analysis of 11 cases multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in children / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 11 children with MIS-C, who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Peking University First Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and follow-up of MIS-C were summarized in this study. Results: The 11 cases contained 7 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 4.4 (2.0, 5.5) years on admission. All the patients had fever, with a duration of 7(5, 9) days. Other clinical manifestations included rash in 7 cases, conjunctival hyperemia in 5 cases, red lips and raspberry tongue in 3 cases, lymphadenopathy in 3 cases, and swollen fingers and toes in 2 cases. There were 8 cases of digestive symptoms, 8 cases of respiratory symptoms, and 3 cases of nervous system symptoms. Eight patients had multi-system injuries, and one of them had shock presentation. All 11 patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 variant. The laboratory examination results showed that all cases had elevated inflammatory indicators, abnormal coagulation function and myocardial damage. Six patients had elevated white blood cell counts, 5 cases had liver function abnormalities, 3 cases had kidney function abnormalities, and 8 cases had coronary artery involvement. All 11 patients received anti-infection treatment, of which 3 cases received only 2 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), while the remaining 8 cases received a combination of IVIG and 2 mg/(kg·d) methylprednisolone. Among the 8 cases with coronary artery disease, 6 cases received low molecular weight heparin anticoagulation therapy. All patients were followed up in 2 weeks after being discharged, and their inflammatory markers had returned to normal by that time. The 8 cases with coronary artery disease and 3 cases with pneumonia showed significant improvement or back to normal at the 4-week follow-up. All patients had no new complications or comorbidities during follow-up of more than 3 months. Conclusions: MIS-C may present with Kawasaki disease-like symptoms, with or without gastrointestinal, neurological, or respiratory symptoms. Elevated inflammatory markers, abnormal coagulation function, and cardiac injury contribute to the diagnosis of MIS-C. IVIG and methylprednisolone were the primary treatments for MIS-C, and a favorable short-term prognosis was observed during a follow-up period of more than 3 months.

Interpretation of NCCN guidelines version 1. 2023 thymomas and thymic carcinomas / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated and released the latest content of NCCN guidelines version 1. 2023 thymomas and thymic carcinomas (known as "guidelines"). The guideline sets standards for the diagnosis and treatment of thymoma and thymic carcinoma based on high quality clinical evidence and the latest advances in research. There have been some updates and revisions in the latest two versions of the guidelines, mainly focusing on the principles of radiotherapy, the principles of systematic therapy, multidisciplinary participation and the improvement of some footnotes, compared with the first version of the guidelines in 2022. In this paper, the contents of the new guideline will be interpreted in order to provide reference for the work of thymoma and thymic carcinoma in our country at the present stage.

Advancing Cardio-Oncology in Asia

Cardio-oncology is an emerging multi-disciplinary field, which aims to reduce morbidity and mortality of cancer patients by preventing and managing cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicities. With the exponential growth in cancer and cardiovascular diseases in Asia, there is an emerging need for cardio-oncology awareness among physicians and country-specific cardio-oncology initiatives. In this state-of-the-art review, we sought to describe the burden of cancer and cardiovascular disease in Asia, a region with rich cultural and socio-economic diversity. From describing the uniqueness and challenges (such as socio-economic disparity, ethnical and racial diversity, and limited training opportunities) in establishing cardio-oncology in Asia, and outlining ways to overcome any barriers, this article aims to help advance the field of cardio-oncology in Asia.

Clinical analysis of 3 cases of autoimmune encephalitis with antibodies against the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To analyse the clinical features of encephalitis patients with antibodies against the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR).Methods:Three anti-AMPAR encephalitis patients diagnosed in Tangdu Hospital, the Air Force Military Medical University between January 2020 and May 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical symptoms, supplementary examination, treatment options and outcomes with knowledge from literature were summarized in this study.Results:Three patients aging from 12 to 70 years presented with symptoms ranging from cognitive impairment, personality change to headache and paralysis. The lung occupying lesion was pathologically proved to be small cell lung cancer in case 1. Antibody to AMPAR (AMPAR-ab) was positive in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid of case 1, with coexisting antibodies against sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high mobility group box 1 in blood, and the symptoms persisted but did not recur following therapy with corticosteroids. AMPAR-ab was detected only in serum in case 2, with the lesion located in both frontal and temporal lobes, centrum semiovale and lateral ventricle, combined with classic imaging features of intracranial hypotension, and the syndrome was partially improved following treatment with corticosteroids. The lesions were located in the pons and middle cerebellar peduncle, accompanied by cerebellar atrophy in case 3. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging showed long hyperintense lesions involving the cervical and thoracic cord, extending from C 2 to Th 10 level on T 2-weighted images. AMPAR-ab was positive in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. And the symptoms improved significantly following treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of anti-AMPAR encephalitis are highly heterogeneous, and brainstem and spinal cord can also be involved in addition to the limbic system, accompanied by brain atrophy. Combining with concurrent antibodies, especially the intracellular antibodies, malignancy needs to be closely monitored; the immunotherapy is effective and the presence of tumor superimposed with multiple antibodies may be associated with poor prognosis.

Therapy of myasthenia gravis: looking forward to the era of targeted immunotherapy / 中华神经科杂志

Myasthenia gravis is mainly acetylcholine receptor antibody-mediated, T cells-dependent and complement participated acquired autoimmune disease characterized by impairment of the neuromuscular transmission. The main clinical feature of the disease is the presence of fatigability or muscle weakness. Most patients can be successfully managed with nonspecific immunotherapies such as corticosteroid and non-steroidal immunosuppressants. However, the side effects caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy are still a hurdle in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Oral non-steroidal immunosuppressants, as add-on therapy, can greatly reduce the relapse of the disease, but some drugs have a slow onset of action and the potential for significant toxicity, and even increase the risk of infection and neoplasms with long-term treatment. Despite these therapies, a minority of patients can be refractory because of incompletely responding or not well tolerated to available therapies. Thus, the need to avoid the use of corticosteroids, or at least reduce their use as much as possible should concern all patients with MG. Targeted immunotherapy is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody or antibody fragment targeting immune cells, complement, neonatal Fc receptor and cytokines. Recently, targeted immunotherapy has completed phase Ⅱ and Ⅲ clinical trials in patients with MG, and some of them have been approved by Food and Drug Administration. These promising biologics showed efficacy in symptoms persistent improvement, steroids reduction and were well tolerated, now evolving into powerful tools changing the algorithm of MG. This paper summarizes the results of clinical trials of new biologics in MG and looks forward to the prospect of MG treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis / 中华神经科杂志

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is mainly acetylcholine receptor antibody-mediated acquired autoimmune disease that affects the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. The predominant manifestation is muscle weakness. Extraocular muscles are frequently affected in the early stage of disease with typical symptoms of intermittent drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia), which is easy to be misdiagnosed as an ophthalmic disease. When the weakness of the face, bulbar, neck and limb muscles occur, it needs to be differentiated from a variety of diseases. Other clinical disorders can present in a similar fashion and may be mistakenly labeled as MG. This paper summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, classification, auxiliary examination, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment progress of MG, which can be used as a reference for clinicians and neurologists.

Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in Treating Clinical Symptoms of Substance Abuse and Dependence: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective@#Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is believed to reduce the clinical symptoms among individuals with substance abuse or dependence. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC in treating substance abuse and dependence. @*Methods@#PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov registry, and the Cochrane Library were searched for trials published before June 2020. @*Results@#A total of 16 trials were analyzed. The treatment effectiveness domains assessed in this study were craving and depressive symptoms, withdrawal syndrome, adverse events, and smoking frequency. Standardized mean difference (SMD), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratio (OR) were used for evaluation where appropriate. A significant decrease in craving symptoms was observed in the NAC treatment group compared with the control group (SMD, −0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.21 to 0.21). When withdrawal and depressive symptoms were considered as a single domain, the NAC treatment group demonstrated a significantly higher overall improvement than the control group (SMD, −0.35; 95% CI, −0.64 to −0.06). No between-group differences in term of the OR of adverse events (OR, 1.18;95% CI, 0.68 to 2.06) and a non-significant trend toward reduction in smoking frequency was observed in the NAC treatment group compared with the control group (WMD, −3.09; 95% CI, −6.50 to 0.32). @*Conclusion@#NAC provides certain noticeable benefits in attenuating substance craving and might help alleviate depressive symptoms and withdrawal syndrome. Precautious measures should be considered when using NAC although no difference in adverse effects was found between NAC treatment and control group.

Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in Treating Clinical Symptoms of Substance Abuse and Dependence: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective@#Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is believed to reduce the clinical symptoms among individuals with substance abuse or dependence. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC in treating substance abuse and dependence. @*Methods@#PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov registry, and the Cochrane Library were searched for trials published before June 2020. @*Results@#A total of 16 trials were analyzed. The treatment effectiveness domains assessed in this study were craving and depressive symptoms, withdrawal syndrome, adverse events, and smoking frequency. Standardized mean difference (SMD), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratio (OR) were used for evaluation where appropriate. A significant decrease in craving symptoms was observed in the NAC treatment group compared with the control group (SMD, −0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.21 to 0.21). When withdrawal and depressive symptoms were considered as a single domain, the NAC treatment group demonstrated a significantly higher overall improvement than the control group (SMD, −0.35; 95% CI, −0.64 to −0.06). No between-group differences in term of the OR of adverse events (OR, 1.18;95% CI, 0.68 to 2.06) and a non-significant trend toward reduction in smoking frequency was observed in the NAC treatment group compared with the control group (WMD, −3.09; 95% CI, −6.50 to 0.32). @*Conclusion@#NAC provides certain noticeable benefits in attenuating substance craving and might help alleviate depressive symptoms and withdrawal syndrome. Precautious measures should be considered when using NAC although no difference in adverse effects was found between NAC treatment and control group.

BRCA1/2 mutation status in patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies: clues towards the implementation of genetic counseling / 부인종양

Objective@#The characteristics of patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies and the pathogenic role of BRCA1/2 mutations remain poorly understood. We investigated these issues through a review of hospital records and nationwide Taiwanese registry data, followed by BRCA1/2 mutation analysis in hospital-based cases. @*Methods@#We retrospectively retrieved consecutive clinical records of Taiwanese patients who presented with these malignancies to our hospital between 2001 and 2017. We also collected information from the Data Science Center of the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) between 2007 and 2015. Next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were used to identify BRCA1/2 mutations and large genomic rearrangements, respectively. When BRCA1/2 mutations were identified in index cases, pedigrees were reconstructed and genetic testing was offered to family members. @*Results@#A total of 12,769 patients with breast cancer and 1,537 with ovarian cancer were retrieved from our hospital records. Of them, 28 had metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies. We also identified 113 cases from the TCR dataset. Eighteen hospital-based cases underwent BRCA1/2 sequencing and germline pathogenic mutations were detected in 7 patients (38.9%, 5 in BRCA1 and 2 in BRCA2). All BRCA1/2 mutation carriers had ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas. Of the 12 patients who were alive at the time of analysis, 5 were BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. All of them had family members with BRCA1/2-associated malignancies. @*Conclusions@#Our results provide pilot evidence that BRCA1/2 mutations are common in Taiwanese patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies, supporting the clinical utility of genetic counseling.

Evidence and controversy for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis / 中华神经科杂志

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies against components expressed in the neuromuscular junction. The thymus plays an important role in the development of MG. More than 80% of patients with MG demonstrate histological abnormalities of thymus, such as follicular hyperplasia or thymoma. Although thymectomy is standard treatment for patients with MG who have thymoma, whether the procedure is of any clinical benefit in patients without thymoma has been questioned for more than 40 years. In the 2016 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, the results of the first randomized trial to assess the role of thymectomy in the treatment of MG, the Thymectomy Trial in Non-Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis Patients Receiving Prednisone Therapy (MGTX) was reported. The MGTX trial conclusively proved that thymectomy improved clinical outcomes over a three-year period in patients with non-thymomatous MG, which provided Class Ⅰ evidence supporting the use of thymectomy in patients with non thymomatous MG. However, there are still debates on the selection of patients for surgery, and surgical approaching techniques. In addition, the benefit of the thymectomy remains less clear in other subgroups of MG. In the future, randomized controlled trials are required to resolve those controversies and to maximize the benefit of thymectomy in the treatment of MG.

CHRNB1 gene mutations-related congenital myasthenic syndromes in a Chinese family / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical, neurophysiological and genetic features of CHRNB1 gene mutations-related congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS), and to facilitate the recognition and differential diagnosis of this disorder.Methods:The clinical characteristics and laboratory features of the proband in a family with CHRNB1 gene mutations-related CMS were recorded, and the neurophysiological testing and high-throughput sequencing for the proband were performed. In addition, the response to the treatment and prognosis of the proband were reported.Results:The proband is a 16-year-old female who had bilateral eyelid ptosis at the age of 4, presented with limb weakness at the age of 12. Her father has the similar symptoms and other family members are not affected similarly. Serum creatine kinase and thyroid function were normal. Needle electromyography results demonstrated no myopathic disorders. All myasthenia gravis-related antibodies tests including anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody were negative and she failed to respond to pyridostigmine. There was a decremental response of the compound muscular action potential on 5 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and chest CT were unremarkable. The proband was found a heterozygous mutation (c.865G>A (NM_000747)) in CHRNB1 gene exon 8 through high throughput sequencing. She started a 60 mg/d treatment of fluoxetine and showed beneficial response at one-year follow-up.Conclusions:The clinical presentation of CHRNB1 gene mutation-related slow-channel CMS is similar to autoimmune myasthenia gravis, and is likely to be misdiagnosed. High-throughput sequencing accelerates the diagnosis.

Clinical, electrophysiological profile and prognosis in paraneoplastic syndrome with SRY-like high-mobility group superfamily of developmental transcription factors 1 antibody / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical,electrophysiological profile and prognosis in paraneoplastic syndrome with SRY-like high-mobility group superfamily of developmental transcription factors (SOX) 1 antibody.Methods The clinical profile,laboratory examination,electrophysiology,tumor,treatment and prognosis of three patients of paraneoplastic syndrome with SOX1 antibody in Tangdu Hospital,Air Force Military Medical University from 2016 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Proximal lower limbs weakness was the first symptom in all the three patients,weakness normally spreading proximally to distally,involving feet and hands,finally reaching the oculobulbar region,and dry mouth was the most common autonomic dysfunction.Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude was low in all the patients,and the CMAP amplitude became even lower at low stimulating frequencies.An increase in CMAP amplitude with high-frequency stimulation was found in two patients during the follow-up.Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and motor axonal peripheral neuropathy were considered.Acetylcholine receptors antibody was positive in one case and voltage-gated calcium channel antibody was positive in another case.Two cases were found complicated with small cell lung carcinoma,one case with small cell carcinoma of the esophagus.After treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin,chemotherapy and pyridostigmine,the prognosis of the patients was different.Conclusions SOX1 antibody as an antibody in paraneoplastic syndrome,is most common in small cell lung cancer with LEMS,sometimes with axonal peripheral neuropathy.LEMS needs to be considered when patients manifest proximal limb weakness and dry mouth,and screening for tumors is needed.

Oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis associated with transthyretin Leu12Pro mutation in a Chinese family / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To discuss the characteristics of clinical presentation,neuroimaging and genetics in a Chinese family of oculeptomeningeal amyloidosis (OLMA) associated with the transthyretin (TTR) Leul2Pro mutation.Methods Clinical characteristics of the pedigree and peripheral blood samples of an OLMA patient with TTR Leu12Pro mutation were collected from Tangdu Hospital on September 25,2015.Firstly,exon detection was performed on the proband and the family validation of her father and sister was carried out.The clinical,neuroimaging and genetic characteristics of the disease were analyzed.Results A 36-year-old right-handed woman was suffered recurrent episodes of slurred speech with right-sided weakness.She presented initi.ally with headache,autonomic dysfunction,visual and hearing loss.Magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive leptomeningeal enhancement,and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a raised protein of 1566.54 mg/L.The examination of the both eyes showed dry eye,vitreous opacity,and mild cataract.The proband and her sister,the sister's eldest daughter,the proband's son showed c.95T＞C mutation in exon2 of TTR gene and Leu12Pro mutation in TTR protein.Conclusions OLMA should be suspected if central nervous system symptoms are observed in combination with one or more of the following:family history of a neuropathy,autonomic dysfunction,cardiac hypertrophy,hear or ocular involvement,gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine revealing diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement,lumbar puncture demonstrating elevated protein without evidence of malignant cells on cytology.Genetic testing for pathogenic mutation in TTR gene is helpful for diagnosis of OLMA.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for anterior-medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month follow-up / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been widely applied in the treatment of anterior-medial osteoarthritis of the knee and is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments.OBJECTIVE: To explore the short-term efficacy of UKA for anterior-medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Clinical data of 42 patients (48 knees) with anterior-medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis undergoing UKA in Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from May 2014 to May 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative last follow-up Hospital for Special Surgery, the Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and Macmaster scores, as well as the range of motion of the knee were compared through clinic reexamination or telephones to evaluate the short-term efficacy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The follow-up time was 6-24 months. (2) The pain of the medial knee joint was relieved in different degrees, and there were significant differences in the Hospital for Special Surgery, the Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and Macmaster scores, as well as the range of motion of the knee between preoperation and postoperation (P < 0.05). (3) No lower limb deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, infection, meniscus dislocation or prosthesis loosening occurred. (4) To conclude, UKA exhibits less trauma, rapid recovery and less complications in the treatment of anterior-medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, which obtains good short-term efficacy, and its long-term efficacy needs to be studied in depth.

Epigenetic regulation in allergic diseases and related studies

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway, has features of both heritability as well as environmental influences which can be introduced in utero exposures and modified through aging, and the features may attribute to epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic regulation explains the association between early prenatal maternal smoking and later asthma-related outcomes. Epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, modifications of histone tails or noncoding RNAs) work with other components of the cellular regulatory machinery to control the levels of expressed genes, and several allergy- and asthma-related genes have been found to be susceptible to epigenetic regulation, including genes important to T-effector pathways (IFN-γ, interleukin [IL] 4, IL-13, IL-17) and T-regulatory pathways (FoxP3). Therefore, the mechanism by which epigenetic regulation contributes to allergic diseases is a critical issue. In the past most published experimental work, with few exceptions, has only comprised small observational studies and models in cell systems and animals. However, very recently exciting and elegant experimental studies and novel translational research works were published with new and advanced technologies investigating epigenetic mark on a genomic scale and comprehensive approaches to data analysis. Interestingly, a potential link between exposure to environmental pollutants and the occurrence of allergic diseases is revealed recently, particular in developed and industrialized countries, and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as environmental hormone may play a key role. This review addresses the important question of how EDCs (nonylphenol, 4 octylphenol, and phthalates) influences on asthma-related gene expression via epigenetic regulation in immune cells, and how anti-asthmatic agents prohibit expression of inflammatory genes via epigenetic modification. The discovery and validation of epigenetic biomarkers linking exposure to allergic diseases might lead to better epigenotyping of risk, prognosis, treatment prediction, and development of novel therapies.

Mineralized and osteoid tissue from dental pulp stem cells on micro-arc oxidation titanium in vitro / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The presence of insufficient bone volume affects the implant healing and success. The aim of this study was to evaluate osteogenic capacity of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on micro-arc oxidation (MAO) titanium surface. DPSCs were challenged at MAO and smooth titanium surface separately for different durations, and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) served as the positive controls. The osteogenic capacity of DPSCs on MAO titanium surface was assessed by using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, biochemical tests and real-time quantitative PCR. Data showed that DPSCs differentiated into osteoblasts and expressed bone morphogenetic genes on MAO titanium surface. The results of this study revealed that DPSCs had good potential to generate mineralized tissue on MAO titanium plates. The differential potential of DPSCs may be regulated by MAO titanium surface. The osteogenesis potential of DPSCs on the MAO titanium was similar with BMSCs.

Mineralized and osteoid tissue from dental pulp stem cells on micro-arc oxidation titanium in vitro / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The presence of insufficient bone volume affects the implant healing and success. The aim of this study was to evaluate osteogenic capacity of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on micro-arc oxidation (MAO) titanium surface. DPSCs were challenged at MAO and smooth titanium surface separately for different durations, and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) served as the positive controls. The osteogenic capacity of DPSCs on MAO titanium surface was assessed by using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, biochemical tests and real-time quantitative PCR. Data showed that DPSCs differentiated into osteoblasts and expressed bone morphogenetic genes on MAO titanium surface. The results of this study revealed that DPSCs had good potential to generate mineralized tissue on MAO titanium plates. The differential potential of DPSCs may be regulated by MAO titanium surface. The osteogenesis potential of DPSCs on the MAO titanium was similar with BMSCs.

An association between immunosenescence and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells: a systematic review / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Age-related increment of the prevalence of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells were described controversially, and whether such changes explain immune dysfunction in the elderly is still unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of the Tregs in immunosenescence.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Medline and manual searches were performed to identify all published epidemiological and animal studies investigating the efficacy of the association between immunosenescence and Treg cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was founded that the frequency, phenotypic characteristics, and number/function of Tregs were altered significantly with aging. Medical conditions in individuals with advanced ageas well as apoptosis intensity of Treg cells had an impact on the accumulation of Tregs which in turn could deteriorate cytotoxic activity of CD8(+) T and NK cells and production of IL-2. The range of immune cells that could be suppressed by Treg cells was quite wide and covered CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells and even monocytes. These changes were observed both in humans and experimental animals. Besides, it was believed that frequency of Tregs increased with age and was accompanied by intensified suppressive activity for Tregs in patients, for example, with Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). The impaired condition of CD4(+) T cells, so-called immunosenescence, rendered transplant recipients less responsive to an allogeneic kidney graft, an effect that was limited to transplant recipients who were aged over 60 years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Treg cells are associated with immunosenescence. All these changes contribute to the aging-related decline of immune responses and lead to the higher risk of immune-mediated diseases, cancer or infections in aged individuals.</p>

Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Preschool Children in Kindergartens of Taipei City, Taiwan in 2008

The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children was reported to be low based on a 5-year screening program in Taipei City, Taiwan. The Taipei City government intended to terminate the E. vermicularis screening program among preschool children. Thus, we were entrusted with confirming whether pinworm infections among preschool children in Taipei City had truly declined. From each of 12 administrative districts 2-3 kindergartens were randomly selected for investigation. In total, 4,349 children were examined, of which 2,537 were boys and 1,812 were girls. The cellophane tape adhered to a glass slide was used, and all examinations were done by certified medical technologists. Results indicated that the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infections was 0.62% (27/4,349). Although the infection rate was higher among boys (0.67%, 17/2,537) than in girls (0.55%, 10/1,812), no significant difference was found (chi2 = 0.399, P = 0.62). According to the administrative district, the infection rate ranged from no positive cases of E. vermicularis infection in the Xinyi, Zhongzhen, and Wanhua Districts (0%; 0/299, 0/165, and 0/358, respectively), to 0.26% (1/131) in Songshan District, with the highest rate of 1.88% (7/373) in Wenshan District. Because the overall infection rate (0.62%, 27/4,349) in the present study was unchanged compared to that (0.40%, 197/49,541) previously reported in 2005, we propose that regular pinworm screening and treatment programs should be continued in some parts of Taipei City.

Preparation of titanium substrate biomaterials by using microarc oxidation and measurement of blood compatibility / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Microarc oxidation (MAO) is a break-through anodyzing technology for forming oxide films on valve metal.Use of this technology allows thick, porous oxide layers to be formed on the surface of pure titanium. Few biocompatibility reports using this treatment have been found.OBJECTIVE: The blood compatibility of a novel surface modified titanium substrata biomaterial using MAO was investigated.DESIGN: Positive and negative control, contrast observation and gold standard control.SETTING: Wuhan Union Hospital.MATERIALS: A healthy male adult New-Zealand rabbit, weighing 2.5 kg and ordinary grade, was selected in this study.Pure titanium sticks TA1 (Baoji Yingnaite Non-ferrous Metal Co., Ltd.), MAO-Ti and 20 g/L potassium oxalate were also selected in this study.METHODS: The study was carried out in the Laboratory of General Surgery, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in May 2006. ① Materials: Titanium substrate of 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth was put in an electrolyte which was quipped with deionized water, dibasic sodium phosphate, and ethanoic acid calcium for MAO treatment for 10 minutes. ② Groups: Three groups were analysed: test group, negative control group and positive control group. Test group: MAO-Ti was dipped in 10 mL saline; Positive control group: 10 mL deionized water was added in each tube; Negative control group: 10 mL saline was added in each tube. ③ Operation: Fresh whole blood was collected from rabbit and then mixed with the liquids in the three groups respectively after anti-coagulation. In addition, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the hemolytic ratio. A hemolytic ratio below or equal to 5% indicated that this novel material fitted the requirements. On the contrary, a hemolytic ratio higher than 5% proofed the existence of a hemolyzation.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The hemolytic ratio of materials in three groups.RESULTS: The hemolytic ratio of the test group was 0.90%. The result indicated that this new material had no haemolysis effect.CONCLUSION: The material does not resolve red blood cells and is coincident with the international and governmental standard.