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Based on the theory of qi, blood and fluids, and taking into account of the pathogenesis evolution process from constraint to phlegm, stasis and then mass in pulmonary nodules, an attempt has been made to construct a three-dimensional differentiation system for pulmonary nodules from the dimensions of time and space. The temporal progression of the early, middle, and late stages of pulmonary nodules reflects the pathological changes from constraint to phlegm and then stasis in the metabolism disorders of qi, blood and fluid. The spatial structures such as size, density, and morphology of pulmonary nodules reflect the pathological states of the duration, severity, and primary and secondary conditions of qi, blood and fluid metabolism disorders. Based on the temporal progression, the therapeutic principles have been proposed, which are dispelling pathogenic factors and promoting the use of beneficial factors to interrupt the growth momentum in the early stage, removing turbidity and dispersing phlegm to reduce the degree of nodules in the middle stage, and dispersing nodulation and eliminating abnormalities in the late stage. Based on the spatial structures, the suggested therapeutic methods are using wind herbs, employing multiple approaches to treat phlegm, and promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis, so as to provide theoretical reference for the systematic diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules in traditional Chinese medicine.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Tongxie Yaofang on the function of tumor-related natural killer (NK) cells under chronic stress and explore the possible molecular mechanism. MethodFifty SPF-grade BABL/C male mice were randomized into normal, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (6.825, 13.65, and 27.3 g·kg-1, respectively) Tongxie Yaofang groups, with 10 mice in each group. Other groups except the blank group were subjected to 7 days of chronic restraint stress, and then forced swimming and tail suspension tests were carried out to evaluate the modeling performance. After the successful modeling, rats in Tongxie Yaofang groups were administrated with low-, medium-, and high-doses of Tongxie Yaofang by gavage, while those in the other groups were administrated with normal saline by gavage. After 14 days, each group of mice was inoculated with subcutaneous colon cancer to establish the model of colon cancer under chronic stress. The pathological changes of the tumor tissue in each group of mice were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The content of CD49b-positive cells in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue of mice was measured by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the content of molecules associated with NK cell activation in the peripheral blood. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅰ polypeptide-related sequences A and B (MICA+MICB) and UL-16-binding protein 1 (ULBP1) in the tumor tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) content and an increase in corticosterone (CORT) content in the serum (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Tongxie Yaofang increased the 5-HT content and decreased the CORT content (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the modeling increased the tumor volume and weight (P<0.05), while Tongxie Yaofang inhibited such increases with no statistical significance. The tumor cells in the model group presented neat arrangement, irregular shape, uneven size, obvious atypia, common nuclear division, and small necrotic area, and blood vessels were abundant surrounding the tumor cells. Compared with the model group, Tongxie Yaofang groups showed sparse arrangement of tumor cells, different degrees of patchy necrosis areas in the tumor, and karyorrhexis, dissolution, and nuclear debris in the necrotic part. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed reduced CD49b-positive cells in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Tongxie Yaofang increased CD49b-positive cells (medium dose P<0.01, high dose P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the modeling lowered the serum levels of granzymes-B (Gzms-B), perforin (PF), interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, low-dose Tongxie Yaofang elevated the serum levels of PF, Gzms-B, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and medium-dose Tongxie Yaofang elevated the serum levels of Gzms-B, PF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, high-dose Tongxie Yaofang elevated the serum levels of PF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group presented down-regulated protein level of ULBP1 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Tongxie Yaofang up-regulated the protein level of ULBP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and medium- and high-dose Tongxie Yaofang up-regulated the protein level of MICA+MICB (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTongxie Yaofang may promote NK cell activation by up-regulating the expression of MICA+MICB and ULBP1, thereby delaying the progression of colon cancer under chronic stress.
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Pulmonary nodule is a key window for moving ahead the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can delay the transformation of lung nodules into lung cancer, improve the prognosis of patients, effectively fill the treatment gap during the follow-up period of pulmonary nodules, and has been applied it in the whole cycle and multi-dimensional management of pulmonary nodules. This paper discussed the construction ideas and feasible paths of the whole process management diagnosis and treatment system of pulmonary nodules in TCM, proposed the diagnosis and treatment database of TCM for pulmonary nodules based on the social module of “family-community-hospital”. Through artificial intelligence, we can develop, improve and promote the multi-level and multi-modal “disease-symptom combination” risk prediction model and effectiveness evaluation system of pulmonary nodules. At the same time, the biological connotation of the prevention and treatment of pulmonary nodules by TCM is excavated, which provided empirical evidence for the construction of TCM diagnosis and treatment system, in order to further improve the quality and diagnosis and treatment level of the whole course management of pulmonary nodules.
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Objective: To investigate the effects and clinical significance of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activated by interleukin (IL)-17A in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods: Patients underwent nasal endoscopic surgery in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected, including 28 CRSwNP (including 19 males and 9 females, aged 19 to 67 years), 22 chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and 22 controls. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of IL-17A, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 in the three groups, and their correlations were analyzed. The positions of IL-17A, NLRP3 and IL-18 in nasal polys were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Western Blotting and ELISA were employed to detect the expression of NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 in the human nasal epithelial cells after using IL-17A stimulation or IL-17A receptor inhibitor. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 protein expression after IL-17A stimulating human nasal epithelial cells, and after the use of IL-17A receptor inhibitor and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. The correlations between NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18 and CT scores, nasal endoscopic scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT) 22 scores of CRSwNP patients were analyzed. SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The expressions of IL-17A, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 in the tissues of CRSwNP patients were significantly higher than those in CRSsNP group(P=0.018,P<0.001,P=0.005, P=0.016) and the control group(all P<0.001). IL-17A was positively correlated with the expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18(r ralue was 0.643,0.650,0.629,respectively, all P<0.05). IL-17A, NLRP3, and IL-18 were co-localized in the epithelial propria of polyp tissue. IL-17A stimulated the expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 in human nasal epithelial cells. After the use of IL-17A receptor inhibitor, the expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly down-regulated. After the use of NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950, IL-17A was significantly down-regulated to promote the expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18. The expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 were positively correlated with CT, nasal endoscopy, VAS, and SNOT22 scores in patients with CRSwNP. Conclusions: IL-17A promotes the release of IL-1β and IL-18 by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and aggravates the severity of the disease in CRSwNP.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Chronic Disease , Clinical Relevance , Inflammasomes , Interleukin-17/metabolism , Interleukin-18 , Nasal Polyps/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein , Rhinitis/metabolism , Sinusitis/metabolismABSTRACT
We investigated the effects of decursin on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of colorectal cancer HT29 and HCT116 cells through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase(Akt) pathway. Decursin(10, 30, 60, and 90 μmol·L~(-1)) was used to treat HT29 and HCT116 cells. The survival, colony formation ability, proliferation, apoptosis, wound hea-ling area, and migration of the HT29 and HCT116 cells exposed to decursin were examined by cell counting kit-8(CCK8), cloning formation experiments, Ki67 immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of epithelial cadherin(E-cadherin), neural cadherin(N-cadherin), vimentin, B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), tumor suppressor protein p53, PI3K, and Akt. Compared with the control group, decursin significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony number and promoted the apoptosis of HT29 and HCT116 cells, and it significantly down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of Bax. Decursin inhibited the wound healing and migration of the cells, significantly down-regulated the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin, and up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin. In addition, it significantly down-regulated the expression of PI3K and Akt and up-regulated that of p53. In summary, decursin may regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of colorectal cancer cells.
Subject(s)
Humans , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , Vimentin/metabolism , Cell Proliferation , Signal Transduction , Apoptosis , Cell Line, Tumor , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Cadherins/genetics , Cell MovementABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum on the cell cycle and apoptosis of colon cancer HCT116 cells,and to explore its possible biological mechanism.Methods Colon cancer HCT116 cells were divided into blank group and Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum group with different concentrations.Cell proliferation and activity detection-8(CCK8)was used to detect the effect of each group on the viability of HCT116 cells at 24,48 and 72 h;Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis and cycle arrest of HCT116 cells induced by different concentrations of Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum;Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of Cell Cycle Regulatory Protein P21(P21),Cyclin B1,cyclin-dependent protein kinases-1(CDK1),B-lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-related X protein(Bax),phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt)and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt)after different concentrations of Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum intervention.Results CCK8 showed that compared with the 10%blank group,10%Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum had a significant inhibitory effect on the viability of HCT116 cells only at 48 h(P<0.01);Compared with the 20%blank group,20%Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum could inhibit the viability of HCT116 cells at 48 and 72 h(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the increase of blank serum will not inhibit the viability of HCT116 cell,so 10%blank serum and 48 h were selected as the drug control and intervention time in the subsequent experiment.Flow Cytometry showed that,compared with the blank group,10%and 20%Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum could arrest HCT116 cell cycle in G2/M phase after 48 h of intervention(P<0.01),and induce HCT116 cell apoptosis.At the same time,Western blot showed that Tongxie Yaofang-containing serum could increase the expression of P21 and Bax to varying degrees,and reduces Cyclin B1,CDK1,Bcl-2,p-PI3K,p-Akt expression(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Tongxie Yaofang can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of colon cancer HCT116 cells,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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As a recognized rare and highly fatal disease, hereditary angioedema (HAE) is difficult to diagnose and characterized by recurrent edema involving the head, limbs, genitals and larynx, etc. Diagnosis of HAE is not difficult. However, low incidence and lack of clinical characteristics lead to difficulty of doctors on timely diagnosis and correct intervention for HAE patients. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the awareness of this disease and prevent its recurrence. for HAE patients. In view of absent cognition of doctors and the general public on HAE, patients often suffer from sudden death or become disabled due to laryngeal edema which cannot be treated in time. Thus, based on the Internet mobile terminal platform, the team set up an all-day rapid emergency response system which is provided for HAE patients by setting up "one-click help". The aim is to offer optimization on overall management of HAE and designed the intelligent follow-up management to provide timely assistance and specialized suggestion for patients with acute attacks.
Subject(s)
Humans , Angioedemas, Hereditary/drug therapyABSTRACT
As a recognized rare and highly fatal disease, hereditary angioedema (HAE) is difficult to diagnose and characterized by recurrent edema involving the head, limbs, genitals and larynx, etc. Diagnosis of HAE is not difficult. However, low incidence and lack of clinical characteristics lead to difficulty of doctors on timely diagnosis and correct intervention for HAE patients. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the awareness of this disease and prevent its recurrence. for HAE patients. In view of absent cognition of doctors and the general public on HAE, patients often suffer from sudden death or become disabled due to laryngeal edema which cannot be treated in time. Thus, based on the Internet mobile terminal platform, the team set up an all-day rapid emergency response system which is provided for HAE patients by setting up "one-click help". The aim is to offer optimization on overall management of HAE and designed the intelligent follow-up management to provide timely assistance and specialized suggestion for patients with acute attacks.
Subject(s)
Humans , Angioedemas, Hereditary/drug therapyABSTRACT
This study aims to investigate the intervention effect and mechanism of Tongxie Yaofang in regulating tumor-associated macrophage polarization on colorectal cancer under chronic stress. BALB/C mice were randomized into blank, control, model, mifepristone, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Tongxie Yaofang groups. The other groups except the blank and model groups were subjected to chronic restraint stress and subcutaneous implantation of colon cancer cells for the modeling of colon cancer under stress. Du-ring this period, the body mass and tumor size of each group of mice were recorded. The degree of depression in mice was assessed by behavioral changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of cortisol(CORT), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), norepinephrine(NE), M1-associated inflammatory cytokines [interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α], and M2-associated inflammatory cytokines(IL-4 and IL-10) in the serum. The tumor growth of mice in each group was regularly monitored by in vivo imaging. The histopathological changes of tumors in each group of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The proportions of CD86 and CD206 in the tumor tissue were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of Janus kinase(JAK)1, JAK2, JAK3, signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)3, and STAT6 in the tumor tissue. The results showed that chronic stress increased the immobility time of mice, elevated the serum levels of CORT, IL-4, and IL-10, lowered the levels of 5-HT, NE, IL-1β, IL-12, and TNF-α, and promoted the growth of subcutaneous tumors. The tumor cells in the tumor tissue grew actively, with obvious atypia and up-regulated protein levels of CD206, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, STAT3, and STAT6, and down-regulated protein level of CD86. The treatment with Tongxie Yaofang shortened the immobility time of mice, lowered the serum levels of CORT, IL-4, and IL-10, elevated the serum levels of 5-HT, NE, IL-1β, IL-12, and TNF-α, and inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors in mice. Moreover, the treatment caused different degrees of necrosis in the tumor tissues, down-regulated the protein levels of CD206, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, STAT3, and STAT6, and up-regulated the protein level of CD86. In summary, Tongxie Yaofang can promote the transformation of M2 macrophages to M1 macrophages and change the tumor microenvironment under chronic stress to inhibit the development of colorectal cancer, which may be related to the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
Subject(s)
Mice , Animals , Interleukin-10 , Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Interleukin-4 , Serotonin , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Cytokines/metabolism , Interleukin-12 , Colonic Neoplasms , Colorectal Neoplasms , Tumor MicroenvironmentABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To preliminarily verify the effectiveness of self-designed artificial condyle-mandibular distraction (AC-MD) complex in the treatment of Pruzansky type ⅡB and Ⅲ hemifacial microsomia (HFM) through model test.@*METHODS@#Five children with Pruzansky type ⅡB and Ⅲ HFM who were treated with mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) between December 2016 and December 2021 were selected as the subjects. There were 3 boys and 2 girls wih an average age of 8.4 years (range, 6-10 years). Virtual surgery and model test of AC-MD complex were performed according to preoperative skull CT of children. The model was obtained by three-dimensional (3D) printing according to the children's CT data at a ratio of 1∶1. The occlusal guide plate was designed and 3D printed according to the children's toothpaste model. The results of the model test and the virtual surgery were matched in three dimensions to calculate the error of the residual condyle on the affected side, and the model test was matched with the actual skull CT after MDO to measure and compare the inclination rotation of the mandible, the distance between the condylar of the healthy side and the residual condyle of the affected side, and the lengthening length of the mandible.@*RESULTS@#The error of residual condyle was (1.07±0.78) mm. The inclination rotation of the mandible, the distance between the condylar of the healthy side and the residual condyle of the affected side, and the lengthening length of the mandible after 3D printing model test were significantly larger than those after MDO ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#In the model test, the implantation of AC-MD complex can immediately rotate the mandible to the horizontal position and improve facial symmetry, and the residual condyle segment can be guided close to the articular fossa or the preset pseudoarticular position of the skull base after operation.
Subject(s)
Male , Child , Female , Humans , Goldenhar Syndrome/surgery , Mandible/surgery , Osteogenesis, Distraction/methods , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Facial Asymmetry/surgeryABSTRACT
With the increase of age or the impairment of immune function, the specific cellular immune level against varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the body decreases, and the latent VZV in the ganglion can be reactivated to cause herpes zoster (HZ). HZ and its main complication postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. The immunocompromised (IC) population is more prone to HZ than the immunocompetent population due to diseases and therapeutic drugs. This paper reviews the incidence, risk factor and economic burden of HZ in IC population with special health status, to provide ideas for research and adjustment of immunization strategies in the future.
Subject(s)
Humans , Financial Stress , Herpes Zoster/epidemiology , Herpesvirus 3, Human , Incidence , Neuralgia, Postherpetic/prevention & control , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#According to the amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration research framework classification, amyloid and tau positive (A+T+) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) individuals are defined as prodromal Alzheimer disease. This study was designed to compare the clinical and biomarker features between A+T+MCI individuals who progressed to progressive MCI (pMCI) and those who remained stable MCI (sMCI), and to identify relevant baseline clinical biomarker and features that could be used to predict progression to dementia within 2 years.@*METHODS@#We stratified 197 A+T+MCI individuals into pMCI (n = 64) and sMCI (n = 133) over 2 years. Demographics and cognitive assessment scores, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and neuroimaging biomarkers (18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography mean standardized uptake value ratios [SUVR] and structural magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were compared between pMCI and sMCI at baseline, 12- and 24-month follow-up. Logistic regression models then were used to evaluate clinical baseline and biomarker features that predicted dementia progression in A+T+MCI.@*RESULTS@#pMCI individuals had higher mean 18F-florbetapir SUVR, CSF total-tau (t-tau), and p-tau181P than those in sMCI individuals. pMCI individuals performed poorer in cognitive assessments, both global and domain specific (memory, executive, language, attention, and visuospatial skills) than sMCI. At baseline, there were significant differences in regions of interest of structural MRI between the two groups, including bilateral amygdala, hippocampus and entorhinal, bilateral inferior lateral ventricle, left superior and middle temporal, left posterior and caudal anterior cingulate (P < 0.05). Baseline CSF t-tau levels and cognitive scores of Montreal cognitive assessment, functional assessment questionnaire, and everyday cognition by the patient's study partner language domain could predict progression to dementia in A+T+MCI within 2 years.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In future clinical trials, specific CSF and cognitive measures that predict dementia progression in A+T+MCI might be useful risk factors for assessing the risk of dementia progression.
Subject(s)
Humans , Alzheimer Disease , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Biomarkers , Cognitive Dysfunction , Disease Progression , Peptide Fragments , Positron-Emission TomographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the association between educational attainment and the onset of disability in activities of daily living (ADL), and to explore the mediating effect of social participation on such association.@*METHODS@#A longitudinal dataset was drawn from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2015 to 2018). The measurements of educational attainment, social participation and other covariates were identified from 2015, while the outcome measurement of ADL disability was constructed with data from survey 2018. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and basic characteristics and social engagement of the respondents were compared between illiterates and non-illite-rates using Chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of educational attainment and social participation on the onset of ADL disability. Mediation analysis was employed to examine the mediator role of the social participation on the linkage from being illiterate to the ADL disability onset.@*RESULTS@#A total of 11 359 adults aged 45 years and above were included in the sample, of whom 3 222 were illiterates. The incidence of the onset of ADL disability of illiterates and non-illiterates were 10.4% and 6.2%, respectively. Among these respondents, only half of them were involved in social activities. Of all the 8 social activities, the percentage of interacting with friends (34. 1%) was the highest, and the lowest percentage was observed in participating in an educational or training course (0.6%). Moreover, the percentages of participation in all these 8 social activities among illiterates were significantly lower than that of their educated counterparts (all P < 0.001). The illiterate middle-aged and older adults were less likely to develop ADL disability in the follow-up period [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.22, 95%CI: 1.02-1.45], and social participation was significantly associated with ADL disability onset (aOR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.63-0.85). Findings from mediation analysis illustrated that social participation accounted for 12.22% of the adverse effect of being illiterate on ADL disability onset.@*CONCLUSION@#Social participation could buffer the negative effect of being illiterate on ADL disability onset in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting that engagement in social activities might have impact on prevention of impairments in physical function, especially for middle-aged and older illiterates.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Activities of Daily Living , China/epidemiology , Disabled Persons , Longitudinal Studies , Social ParticipationABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the correlation between Notch pathway expression in nasal polyps and Treg percentage and Eos infiltration. Methods: Patients with chronic sinusitis and simple nasal septum deviation who received nasal endoscopic surgery in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University between November 2012 and August 2018 were selected and enrolled in CRS group and control group respectively. Nasal mucosa tissues were collected from 30 CRSsNP patients (14 males and 16 females aged from 18 to 63), 58 CRSwNP patients (38 males and 20 females aged from 18 to 65) and 29 patients (19 males and 10 females aged from 20 to 57), who underwent nasal endoscopic surgery for correction of simple nasal septum deviation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes in the tissues and to classify chronic sinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP) into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (Eos-CRSwNP)and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (Eos-CRSwNP). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of Notch pathway receptors (Notch-l, 2, 3, 4) and their ligands (Jagded-l, Jagded-2, Delta-l, Delta-3and Delta-4) in the nasal mucosa of each group, as well as the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP)and the key transcription factor Foxp3 in Treg cells. Finally, flow cytometry was used to detect CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in nasal mucosa of each group. Results: Compared with controls, the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in CRSsNP and non-Eos-CRSwNP patients was the highest in Eos-CRSwNP (F=16.930,9.197,9.116, all P<0.05). Foxp3 had the lowest expression in Eos-CRSwNP patients and was lower than non-Eos-CRSwNP patients (F=2.780,P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with ECP (r=-0.326,P<0.05). Compared with controls, Eos-CRSwNP patients in CRSsNP patients and non-Eos-CRSwNP patients exhibited a significantly lower frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells (F=13.140, all P<0.01). The expression of Notch-l and Jagged-l in Eos-CRSwNP was significantly higher than that of the controls, CRSsNP patients and non-Eos-CRSwNP patients (F=5.953/F=6.380, P<0.05). In the nasal polyp group, the expression of Notch-l and Jagged-l showed significantly negative correlation with Foxp3 (r=-0.611/-0.346, all P<0.05), and positive correlation with Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and ECP, respectively (r=0.781/0.459,0.621/0.601,0.605/0.490,0.464/0.668, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of receptor and ligand of the other Notch pathway among the groups. Conclusion: Abnormal activation of Notch-l/Jagged-l pathway may be involved in decreasing Treg ratio in Eos-CRSwNP, thereby promoting Th2 inflammatory response and Eosinophil infiltration.
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Steroidal saponins are efficacious substances wildly existed in the herbs,and consist of glycosyl and steroid sapogenin. The biosynthesis pathways of steroidal saponins mainly include the cytosolic mevalonate (MVA) pathway and the plastidial methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway,with the MVA pathway as the main pathway. The key enzymes are involved in the biosynthetic pathway, including 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase(HMGR),1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase(DXS),1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphatereduetoisomerase(DXR),farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase(FPS),squalene synthase(SS),squalene epoxidase(SE),cycloartenol synthase(CAS),cytochrome P450(CYP450),and steroidalglycosyltransferase(SGTase). In the paper,the biosynthesis roadmap of steroidal saponins was optimized based on previous studies. According to a comprehensive analysis on studies of key enzymes for the past five years, genes, like HMGR,SS,CYP450 and UGT,were studied more,while other genes,like FPS,SE,CAS,were known less. In conclusion, current studies still focus on the primary stage,but lack direct evidence for the roles of key enzymes. This paper would provide a reference and theoretical support for subsequent studies.
ABSTRACT
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can establish mycorrhizal symbiosis system with most terrestrial plants,and play important roles in their growth and development. However,there is no systematic analysis and summarization of their roles in the growth, biosynthesis and accumulation of active substances of herbs,as well as stress-resistance mechanism. First,the main research methods of AMF were summarized in the paper,including the separation of AMF spores,morphological identification,chemical staining and molecular identification. The main morphological structures of some AMF were detailed in the table. In terms of growth promotion,AMF promoted the growth by prolonging mycelium,enhancing phosphatase secretion,organic acid,activation of soil and increasing absorption efficiency. In the aspect of biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids,terpenoids and other active substances in herbs,AMF improved the contents by regulating activities of signal substances and key enzymes involved in the metabolism of secondary products. In addition,AMF could alleviate a series of stresses caused by drought,heavy metal,high salt,high or low temperature by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes,enhancing the ability of plants to scavenge free radicals,complexing toxic heavy metals,diluting high salt concentration,or inducing the expressions of key genes. Finally,the application prospects and in-depth study of AMF in the ecological planting of herbs were discussed, in order to provide reference for promoting relevant research.
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@#Objective To analyze the status of knowledge,attitude and practice of the coronavirus disease(COVID ⁃19)among the adults of 18⁃59 years old in China,and to provide scientific basis for corresponding health education strategies. Methods In the rapid development phrase of COVID ⁃ 19,subjects from all provinces or municipalities of China were invited to participate in a quick questionnaire online survey on January 29th,2020. Results The effective response rate of completing questionnaire was 97.41%(3 083/3 165). 98.54% of the subjects reported that they were very terrified. The main reasons included the high contagion(64.71%)and lack of effective treatments(19.92%);94.45% of the subjects were concerned that they and their family members would be infected by the novel coronavirus. 99.42% knew that the virus could be transmitted from person to person;97.89% and 93.87% knew that it could spread through respiratory tract and contact respectively,97.73% knew that patients without symptom could also be contagious,96.37% knew that persons in close contact to COVID⁃19 patient were required to be quarantined for at least 14 days of medical observation. 99.09% knew that the pathogen of this disease was novel coronavirus. 65.46% knew that both medical protective masks and surgical masks could prevent COVID⁃19 effectively. 99.68% had confidence in defeating COVID⁃19,and 85.86% believed that COVID⁃19 would be controlled within the next 3 months. Study subjects mainly obtained health information through WeChat(88.97%)or websites(82.06%). The proportions of the subjects who can cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,avoid hand contacting with eyes,mouth or nose,practice hand hygiene,wear masks outside,avoid exposure to respiratory patients,and avoid the crowded were 89.85%,85.44%,95.13%,96.89%,92.18% and 96.27%,respectively. Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that gender(OR=0.544,95%CI:0.440⁃0.673,P<0.001),age(OR=1.844,95%CI:1.466⁃2.320,P<0.001),recognition (OR=2.200,95% CI:1.780 ⁃ 2.718,P<0.001) were associated with those good behaviors. Conclusion After the happened,the government and society′s vigorous publicity to the public achieved good results. The public are highly concerned and have a high awareness of the knowledge of COVID ⁃ 19. They adopt protective measures proactively. Females,middle⁃aged,and individuals with insufficient recognition are likely under⁃protected. In the different epidemic stages of the emerging infectious disease,health education should be carried out to the public based on scientific evidences.
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Objective To explore the predictive value of different CT signs in surgical treatment in patients with acute closed intestinal and mesenteric injury.Methods The CT data and follow-up results of 120 patients with acute closed intestinal and mesenteric injury(including 58 cases of surgical treatment and 62 cases of conservative treatment)were analyzed retrospectively.The diagnostic value and prognostic value in surgical treatment of different CT signs were analyzed.Results There were significant differences between the operation group and the conservative treatment group in mesenteric vascular amputation,mesenteric hematoma,vascular contrast agent extravasation, intestinal wall defect,pneumoperitoneum and peritoneal effusion (χ2=4.69,P=0.03;χ2=21.40,P<0.001;χ2=13.95,P<0.001 ;χ2=11.34,P=0.001;χ2=80.65,P<0.001).The CT signs of intraperitoneal effusion had the highest sensitivity for intestinal and mesenteric injury,and vascular contrast agent extravasation and intestinal wall defect had the highest specificity for surgical predictability of intestinal and mesenteric injury.ROC curves showed that abdominal gas accumulation had the highest predictive value for intestinal and mesenteric injuries (AUC=0.92,95%CI:0.87-0.97),followed by mesenteric hematoma (AUC=0.73,95%CI:0.64-0.82).Conclusion Intraperitoneal effusion has the highest sensitivity for intestinal and mesenteric inj ury,and vascular contrast agent extravasation and intestinal wall defect have the highest specificity for surgical predictability of intestinal and mesenteric injury.The overall value of intraperitoneal gas in predicting intestinal and mesenteric injury is highest.Combining different CT signs can improve the accuracy of clinical intervention for acute closed intestinal and mesenteric injury.
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Objective@#To discuss the efficacy of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) in the treatment of microgenia by osseous genioplasty.@*Methods@#From July 2015 to January 2018, 17 cases (Male, n=5, Female, n=12), aged from 17 to 32 years, with the meanage of 24 years, were enrolled. All patients had microgenia, and underwent osseous genioplasty. Computed tomography (CT) was performed preoperatively and 7-10 days postoperatively for all cases. Based on preoperative CT data, CAD was applied to make individualized surgical plan, surgery simulation, todetermine the movement of mentum. CAM was used to prefabricate the individualized surgical templates and transfer the CAD into intraoperative guidance. The registration of CAD and postoperative CT were performed to evaluate the surgical accuracy.@*Results@#All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. The deformity of microgenia was significantly corrected. The Pg error was (0.24±0.08) mm, and the Me error was (0.15±0.17) mm.@*Conclusions@#The application of CAD increases the accuracy of surgical planning, and CAM provides areliable guidance with individualized template. Anoptimal surgical outcome can be achieved.
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Intraoral facial contour surgery is one of the most popular craniofacial cosmetic surgeries in China, in spite of its challenging surgical technique and serious complication, such as fracture and bleeding. In addition, the key point, such as inadequate tissue exposure and high soft tissue tension cannot be simulated using traditional three-dimensional model. Consequently, craniomaxillofacial surgery requires a long learning curve for young surgeons. This article describes the establishment and application of a new model for intraoral facial contour surgery. Compared to young surgeons trained using traditional three-dimensional model, the authors confirmed this new surgical model is more reliable and effective. Therefore, it is worthy of being popularized.