Illicit drug use is associated with lower bone mineral density and bone strength

Objectives@#To evaluate the association of illicit drug use with bone mineral density (BMD) and hip geometric parameters at the narrow neck. @*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional matched cohort study conducted in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Associations with illicit drug use were estimated using linear regression for BMD (lumbar spine and femoral neck) and hip geometrical parameters (cross-sectional area [CSA], cross-sectional moment of inertia [CSMI], section modulus [SM], average cortical thickness [ACT] and BMD at the narrow neck) after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, and history of antipsychotic and antidepressant use. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated between 108 illicit drug users and 108 controls using an adjusted linear model and cluster-robust standard errors after matching by age and sex. The false discovery rate was used to correct for multiple testing. @*Results@#Illicit drug users had a significantly lower BMD (g/cm2 ) at the lumbar spine (mean difference: -0.062; 95% CI: -0.108 to − 0.015), and femoral neck (mean difference: -0.058; 95% CI: -0.106 to − 0.010) in the fully adjusted model. Illicit drug users also had a significantly lower CSA (mean difference: -0.238 cm2 ; 95% CI: -0.462 to − 0.013), ACT (mean difference: -0.018 cm; 95% CI: -0.030 to − 0.006) and BMD (mean difference: -0.070 g/ cm2 ; 95% CI: -0.128 to − 0.012) at the narrow neck. @*Conclusions@#Illicit drug use is associated with lower BMD and bone strength. Future studies evaluating the risk of illicit drug use with fragility fracture are warranted.

Effect of nape cluster acupuncture on swallowing function and respiratory function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of nape cluster acupuncture on swallowing function and respiratory function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, and to explore its relationship to cerebral arterial flow and neurotrophic factors.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 60 patients in each one. The conventional swallowing rehabilitation therapy and respiratory function training were adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, nape cluster acupuncture was applied at Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Wangu (GB 12), Lianquan (CV 23), Panglianquan (Extra), once a day; pricking blood was applied at Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13), once every 2 days. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy was compared between the two groups, and the swallowing function (scores of Kubota water swallowing test, standardized swallowing assessment [SSA] and video fluoroscopic swallowing study [VFSS]), the respiratory function indexes (forced vital capacity [FVC], maximal voluntary ventilation [MVV] and maximal expiratory time), the bilateral cerebral arterial hemodynamics parameters (systolic peak velocity [Vs], mean flow velocity [Vm] and vascular resistance index [RI]) and the serology indexes (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], nerve growth factor [NGF] and insulin-like growth factors-1 [IGF-1]) before and after treatment were observed in the both groups.@*RESULTS@#The total effective rate was 80.0% (48/60) in the observation group, which was superior to 60.0% (36/60) in the control group (@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of the conventional rehabilitation training, nape cluster acupuncture can effectively improve the swallowing function and respiratory function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, its mechanism may be related to the improvement of cerebral hemodynamics and the regulation of neurotrophic factors.

Senile disease regulates aging-related secretion phenotype through cGAS-STING pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aging is one of the most important risk factors for human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, and many aging diseases are related to cellular aging. Cells show profound phenotypic changes during aging, which are driven by changes in metabolism, chromatin organizationand transcriptional activity. A significant feature of aging is the secretion of inflammatory mediators, including various cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors, collectively known as the aging-related secreted phenotype (SASP). By secreting SASP, senescent cells have important effects on many biological processes, such as wound healing, tissue repair, tumor formation, or in vivo reorganization. In addition, the inflammatory response associated with SASP is considered to be the basis of aging-related diseases, and the discovery of new targets to control the response of aging effects is crucial. Recent scientific advances have shown that innate immune responses, particularly those involving the cGAS-STING pathway, trigger SASP. In this article, we review the biological function and regulatory mechanism of SASP through the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in aging diseases.

Role of microRNAs in progress of liver Hbrosis / 中国药理学通报

Liver fibrosis is one of the main diseases with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is the common pathological results of several chronic irritant disease such as viral hepatitis ，alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases and cholestatic liver diseases and will further develop into cirrhosis ，liver failure, portal hypertension and even death. The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) that leads to disorder of liver structure is the main factor in the development of liver fibrosis. MicroRNAs are a class of 2225 nt endogenous noncoding small RNAs. Sufficient studies have shown that the abnormal expression of microRNAs is closely related to the progression of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the regulatory effects of microRNAs discovered in recent years on the activation ，proliferation apoptosis and senescence of HSCs in liver fibrosisand the underlying mechanisms, putting forward the prospect.

Clinical effect analysis of electrostimulation combined with biofeedback therapy for patients with dysuria after radical hysterectomy / 中国实用妇科与产科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of electrostimulation combined with biofeedback therapy for patients with dysuria after radical hysterectomy and to provide clinical reference for the evaluation of safety of electrostimulation for tumors.METHODS: Totally 40 patients with dysuria which presented two weeks after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer in Foshan First People's Hospita were enrolled as research subjects,and they were randomly assigned into control group and experimental group,each with 20 cases.Patients in control group only received standard treatment,while standard treatment combined with electrostimulation and biofeedback treatment in sacral nerve root surface projection area,bladder area,vaginal respectively were carried out in experimental group.The baseline condition of dysuria of all cases were evaluated in two weeks after radical surgery.The therapeutic effect in the patients in two groups were evaluated according to the recovery of bladder sensory function,international lower urinary tract symptom score,urinary symptom distress score and urodynamic measurement at 8 weeks and 12 weeks after the operation,respectively.Also,regular and normative surveillance and follow-up for tumor were implemented.RESULTS: Through our study,we found that electrical stimulation combined with biofeedback thearpy will greatly shorten the recovery time of bladder sensory function,and 12 weeks after the operation,the number of patients who had normal bladder sensory function in experimental group was twice as many as that of the control group(16/8).In addition,at 8 and 12 weeks after operation,all indexs of the urinary symptom disturbance score and international lower urinary tract symptom score at the same period in the experimental group were superior to those in control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the pressure of bladder detrusor muscle at 12 weeks after operation was(44.31±5.51)cm H2 O(1 cm H2 O=0.098 k Pa)in experimental group,which was close to the normal level,while it was only(38.11±5.81)cm H2 O in control group,showing a significant difference(P<0.05).All patients were followed up more than three years and no evidence of tumor recurrence was found.CONCLUSION: Low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with biofeedback treatment is safe and effective for patients wtih dysuria after radical hysterectomy,which can shorten the recovery time of dysuria and improve the quality of life of patients.

Antifungal effect of combined application of corneal collagen cross-linking and natamycin / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To Study the anti-fungal effect of corneal collagen cross-linking combined with natamycin <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i>, so as to provide the treatment and experimental basis for the treatment of clinical fungal keratitis. <p>METHODS: Three common pathogenic fungi(<i>Aspergillus flavus</i>, <i>Fusarium Solani</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i>)were used. The experimental group was divided into cross-linking combined natamycin group, natamycin combined riboflavin group, natamycin combined UVA irradiation group, cross-linking group and natamycin group as the control group. The drug was added to the center of the Sabouraud dextrose agar(SDA)plate coated with liquid with each fungal spores with the same maid turbidity of 1.5. Ten minutes later, it was irradiated with collagen cross-linking instrument for 10min and cultured at 28℃ for 36h, and then the inhibition zone size was measured and analyzed statistically. The rabbit model of <i>Fusarium Solani</i> corneal infection was prepared. The model rabbits were randomly divided into model control group, cross-linking treatment group, natamycin treatment group, cross-linking combined natamycin group, 5 rabbits in each group. And another 5 normal rabbits were taken as control, and five rabbits were irradiated in accordance with corneal collagen cross-linking therapy. The results were observed by anterior segment photography, corneal scraping and confocal microscopy, and the ultra micro structural changes of the corneas were observed by electron microscope after the treatment.<p>RESULTS: Corneal collagen cross-linking alone had shown no effect on each fungus <i>in vitro</i>. Corneal collagen cross-linking combined with natamycin produced significant anti-fungal effect(<i>P</i><0.05). However, the anti-fungal effect of natamycin combined riboflavin group and natamycin combined ultraviolet light group showed no statistical difference(<i>P</i>>0.05)comparing with the control group. For the model of rabbit fungal infection, the course of disease was about 14d in the natamycin group and CXL combined with natamycin group, and it was about 21d in CXL group. After the treatment, all the groups healed. There were no defects in the corneal epithelium, no mycelium in the corneas, except for more corneal neovascularization. The results of the anterior segment photography showed that the treatment effect of the cross-linking combined natamycin group was better than other groups, with fewer scar tissue, better corneal healing and relatively short course of disease.<p>CONCLUSION: Corneal collagen cross-linking combined with natamycin treatment is able to enhance anti-fungal effect, promote corneal healing, and shorten the course of disease. So it is a promising therapeutic technique for the clinical treatment of fungal keratitis.

EPOR mRNA level: A valuable prognostic indicator for patients with ER+ breast cancer

Objective: To explore the expression level and prognostic significance of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) in patients with breast cancer (BRCA) based on estrogen receptor (ER) status and different molecular subtypes. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GTEx data were collected in GEPIA initially to identify the dysregulated genes. Further, bc- GenExMiner 4.1 online bioinformatics tool was used to evaluate EPOR mRNA differential expression level according to different classification of clinicopathologic parameters in patients with breast cancer. Additionally, the prognostic value between EPOR mRNA expression and free survival of metastatic relapse (MR) or any event (AE, namely any relapse or death) in patients with breast cancer was done. Results: EPOR mRNA was significantly downregulated in BRCA (1 085 cases) compared to normal tissues (291 cases) (P<0.05). Univariate Cox analysis revealed that high EPOR mRNA expression was remarkably correlated to a decreased risk of MR (HR: 0.79, P<0.000 1) and AE (HR: 0.87, P =0.000 7) especially in breast cancer patients with ER+. Besides, high EPOR mRNA level also associated with a favorable MR- free survival (HR: 0.81, P =0.007 2) and AE-free survival (HR: 0.88, P =0.029 9) in ER+ breast cancer patients. However, no similar above phenomenon was detected in ER- patients. Moreover, the subsequent prognostic adjusted analyses and univariate Cox analysis of AE based on SSP or SCM molecular subtypes validated the above results. Conclusion: EPOR mRNA level is a valuable prognostic indicator for patients with ER+ breast cancer.

EPOR mRNA level: A valuable prognostic indicator for patients with ER+ breast cancer

Objective:To explore the expression level and prognostic significance of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) in patients with breast cancer (BRCA) based on estrogen receptor (ER) status and different molecular subtypes.Methods:The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GTEx data were collected in GEPIA initially to identify the dysregulated genes. Further, bc- GenExMiner 4.1 online bioinformatics tool was used to evaluate EPOR mRNA differential expression level according to different classification of clinicopathologic parameters in patients with breast cancer. Additionally, the prognostic value between EPOR mRNA expression and free survival of metastatic relapse (MR) or any event (AE, namely any relapse or death) in patients with breast cancer was done.Results:EPOR mRNA was significantly downregulated in BRCA (1 085 cases) compared to normal tissues (291 cases) (P<0.05). Univariate Cox analysis revealed that high EPOR mRNA expression was remarkably correlated to a decreased risk of MR (HR: 0.79, P<0.000 1) and AE (HR: 0.87, P =0.000 7) especially in breast cancer patients with ER+. Besides, high EPOR mRNA level also associated with a favorable MR- free survival (HR: 0.81, P =0.007 2) and AE-free survival (HR: 0.88, P =0.029 9) in ER+ breast cancer patients. However, no similar above phenomenon was detected in ER- patients. Moreover, the subsequent prognostic adjusted analyses and univariate Cox analysis of AE based on SSP or SCM molecular subtypes validated the above results.Conclusion:EPOR mRNA level is a valuable prognostic indicator for patients with ER+ breast cancer.

TNF-α and IFN-γin tear of patients with primary pterygium / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To study the roles of tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α) , interferon gamma ( IFN-γ) in pathogenesis of primary pterygium and to explore the mechanism of tears in pterygium.?METHODS: Concentrations of TNF-α and interferon gamma IFN - γ were quantified by enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) in asymptomatic control group (30 eyes of 30 healthy volunteers) and 60 primary pterygium patients ( 30 eyes of the 30 progressive cases, 30 eyes of the 30 quiescent cases) . The data was analyzed by analysis of variance.?RESULTS:The concentration of TNF-αand IFN-γin the patients with primary pterygium were statistically significant (P<0. 05), compared with the normal control group. Tear concentration of TNF-α was significantly higher in primary pterygium compared with the control group. Tear concentration of IFN - γ was significantly reduced in primary pterygium compared with the control group (P<0. 05).?CONCLUSION:TNF-α and IFN-γmay be important in the pathogenesis and development of pterygium tissues.It can provide some new directions and ideas for the treatment of primary pterygium.

Effect of compound betamethasone on immunological rejection after xenogeneic corneal lamellar transplantation / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To observe the sustained-release effect of compound betamethasone by subconjunctival injection on immunological rejection after ostrich-rabbit lamellar keratoplasty.METHODS:Sixteen healthy New Zealand white rabbits with 6wk old received corneal lamellar keratoplasty,and the corneal graft was ostrich acellular corneal stroma.After surgery all subjects were divided into two groups,Group A (experimental group) were administrated with subconjunctival injection of compound betamethasone injection (once every 7d),and Group B (control group) were administrated with subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (once every 7d).At 1,2wk,1,2mo after the surgery,rabbit corneas were taken for paraffin sections,and were observed with H-E staining,in the meantime changes of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were observed by immunofluorescence.RESULTS:Two months after surgery,in Group A corneal grafts remained transparenct,and showed little neovascularization;HE staining and indirect immunofluorescence showed that only a few neutrophil infiltration,no CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes.In Group B,the inflammatory reaction was observable at different time points,the corneal graft was turbid;and the tissue sections and indirect immunofluorescence staining showed that neutrophil infiltration was predominant,and CD4+,CD8+T lymphocytes were also seen.CONCLUSION:Compound betamethasone is able to inhibit the ostrich-rabbit corneal transplantation immune rejection,prolong the survival time of the grafts.The present study lay the foundation for further research and clinical application.

Preliminary study of establishing and assessing IBS-D model rats of gan stagnation and Pi deficiency syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a new disease-syndrome-symptom integrated diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) rat model of Gan stagnation and Pi deficiency syndrome (GSPDS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) The model establishment method: We combined mother-infant separation, chronic restraint, and senna gavage to establish a new IBS-D model of GSPDS. Totally 48 experimental rats were divided into the normal group (Group A), the mother-infant separation group (Group B), the chronic restraint group (Group C), and the senna gavage group (Group D), the mother-infant separation + senna gavage group (Group E), and the mother-infant separation + chronic restraint + senna gavage group (Group F), 8 in each group. (2) The model evaluation method: We used pain threshold indicating colorectal distension to represent for the visceral sensitivity, thus evaluating the establishment of "disease" model; open field test and serum D-xylose levels to evaluate the establishment of GSPDS model; defecation numbers of grain and loose stool rate to evaluate the establishment of diarrhea symptom.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with Group A, the body weight gained less in Group F, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). (2) The pain threshold significantly decreased in Group F, showing statistical difference when compared with Group A (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with Group A, the total cross number, the standing number, and the decoration number in Group F significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (4) Compared with Group A, the serum D-xylose level of Group F significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (5) Compared with Group A, the defecation numbers of grain and the loose stool rate significantly increased, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A new disease-syndrome-symptom integrated IBS-D animal model of GSPDS successfully established might be a better animal model used for studying IBS by Chinese medicine. However, further studies are needed.</p>

Value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hermaphroditism / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hermaphroditism.Methods Ultrasonographic appearances of 45 cases with hermaphroditism were reviewed retrospectively,and the results were compared with clinical data.Results All cases were confirmed pathologically.5 cases showed true hermaphroditism (11.1％),14 cases showed male pseudohermaphroditism (31.1 ％),24 cases showed female pseudohermaphroditism (53.3 ％),2 cases showed gonadal dysgenesis(4.4％).Compared with pathological results in the ultrasound examination,4 cases showed true hermaphroditism,the coincidence rate was 80％.11 cases showed male pseudohermaphroditism,the coincidence rate was 78.6％.20 cases showed female pseudohermaphroditism,the coincidence rate was 83.3％.1 cases showed gonadal dysgenesis,the coincidence rate was 50.0％.Conclusions Ultrasonography can not only evaluate internal reproductive organs in the patients,but also estimate the site,size,morphology and structure,which provides important imaging evidence for the clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Value of sonography in diagnosis of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the ultrasonographic character of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage (NAH). Methods Forty-four hospitalized NAH were retrospectively analyzed. Doppler ultrasonography detected their shape and supply. Results Forty-one cases were diagnosed by ultrasonography in 44 cases of NAH,3 cases were misdiagnosed, accompanying with scrotal hematoma in 5 cases. Ultrasonography demonstrated mixed, anechoic, hyperechoic, hypoechoic adrenal mass, no color Doppler signal in all of NAH. Conclusions NAH can be diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound in early stage and it is the first choice method.

Velocity vector imaging of carotid artery soft plaque wall motion:a pilot study / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To study the synchronization of carotid artery wall motion with atheroscleroticsoft eccentric plaque using velocity vector imaging(ⅤⅥ). Methods Seventy-two patients with carotid artery atherosclerotic soft eccentric plaque were enrolled in this study. Their carotid arteries were examined using Acuson Sequoia 512 instrument respectively.Combined with ECG,two dimensional imaging of short axis view of carotid artery atherosclerotic soft eccentric plaque were recorded and analyzed on-line using ⅤⅥ software. The carotid artery wall of short axis was automatically divided into 6 segments. Time to peak index (TTPI)was calculated respectively. Results The TTPI was significantly higher than that of control group (P＜0.001). A cut-off value＜0.595 of TTPI for assessing the synchronization of carotid artery wall motion had a sensitivity of 93.9%,a specificity of 91.7%,respectively. Conclusions ⅤⅥ provides a new tool to assess the synchronization of arterial wall motion.

The incidence of nipple-areola complex(NAC) involvement in breast cancer patients and the feasibility of NAC sparing mastectomy / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Surgical treatment of breast cancer traditionally has resected including the nipple-areola complex (NAC), because this area had a significant probability of containing occult tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of NAC in breast cancer and evaluate the feasibility of nipple-Areola complex-sparing mastectomy. Methods:168 cases of specimen of NAC collected from breast cancer with 5 mm subareola tissue preserved were sent to pathological examination in order to observe the tumor involvement of nipple, areola, subareola tissue respectively. Results:Tumor involved with nipple, areola and subareola tissue in 3 cases,areola and subareola tissue in 10 cases, and subareola tissue only in 13 cases.The tumors were all located superficially and centrally to the breast in all cases with nipple and areola involvement except sub areola tissue. The factors relative to the involvement of NAC included the location of the primary tumor, alteration of local skin of nipple- areola(?2=9.672,P=0.002), median tumor size(?2=7.141,P=0.008), positive axillary lymph node(?2=6.081,P=0.014) and clinical pathological stage(?2=10.142,P=0.006). Conclusion:If no clinical sign of NAC is found for the patients with tumor distance from areola edge ≥2.5 cm or tumor size≤5 cm, surgery with NAC preservation appears to be safe for the patients with breast cancer.