Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Infection of human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers consist of cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and head and neck cancer (HNC). Of these, the disease burden of HNC is second only to cervical cancer. HNC mostly originates from malignant lesions of squamous epithelial cells and mainly includes oral cavity cancer, pharyngeal cancer (including nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and hypopharyngeal cancer), and laryngeal cancer. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and HPV infection are three primary risk factors. Recently, there is an upward trend of HNC incidence globally, especially in high-income countries. In China, the disease burden and trends of HPV-related HNC are still not clear. A few small sample size and single-center studies suggest a high HPV prevalence and increasing trend in HNC. Methodological differences in HPV testing and regional variabilities still exist among these studies. Among the anatomic sites, oropharyngeal cancer has been shown to be caused by HPV infection, but the association of HPV with other sites is still under debate. In addition, there is a paucity of relevant studies. Here, this review narrates the association between HPV infection and HNC, compares the differences between global and Chinese studies, and then explores the importance of HPV infection in various anatomical sites. The main objective is to highlight the research on HPV-related HNC and promote relevant prevention and treatment programs.

Comparison of pathogenicity and gene expression profiles between adult Schistosoma japonicum isolated from hilly and marshland and lake regions of Anhui Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To compare the differences in pathogenicity and gene expression profiles between adult Schistosoma japonicum isolated from hilly and marshland and lake regions of Anhui Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the precise schistosomiasis control strategy in different endemic foci. Methods C57BL/6 mice were infected with cercariae of S. japonicum isolates from Shitai County (hilly regions) and Susong County (marshland and lake regions) of Anhui Province in 2021, and all mice were sacrificed 44 days post-infection and dissected. The worm burdens, number of S. japonicum eggs deposited in the liver, and the area of egg granulomas in the liver were measured to compare the difference in the pathogenicity between the two isolates. In addition, female and male adult S. japonicum worms were collected and subjected to transcriptome sequencing, and the gene expression profiles were compared between Shitai and Susong isolates of S. japonicum. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Results The total worm burdens [(14.50 ± 3.96) worms/mouse vs. (16.10 ± 3.78) worms/mouse; t = 0.877, P = 0.392], number of female and male paired worms [(4.50 ± 0.67) worms/mouse vs. (5.10 ± 1.45) worms/mouse; t = 1.129, P = 0.280], number of unpaired male worms [(5.50 ± 4.01) worms/mouse vs. (5.60 ± 1.69) worms/mouse; t = 0.069, P = 0.946], number of eggs deposited in per gram liver [(12 116.70 ± 6 508.83) eggs vs. (16 696.70 ± 4 571.56) eggs; t = 1.821, P = 0.085], and area of a single egg granuloma in the liver [(74 359.40 ± 11 766.34) µm2 vs. (74 836.90 ± 13 086.12) µm2; t = 0.081, P = 0.936] were comparable between Shitai and Susong isolates of S. japonicum. Transcriptome sequencing identified 584 DEGs between adult female worms and 1 598 DEGs between adult male worms of Shitai and Susong isolates of S. japonicum. GO enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs between female adults were predominantly enriched in biological processes of stimulus response, cytotoxicity, multiple cell biological processes, metabolic processes, cellular processes and signaling pathways, cellular components of cell, organelles and cell membranes and molecular functions of binding and catalytic ability, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, glutathione metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism. In addition, the DEGs between male adults were predominantly enriched in biological processes of signaling transduction, multiple cell biological processes, regulation of biological processes, metabolic processes, development processes and stimulus responses, cellular components of extracellular matrix and cell junction and molecular functions of binding and catalytic ability, and these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways of Wnt signaling, Ras signaling, natural killer cells-mediated cytotoxicity, extracellular matrix-receptor interactions and arginine biosynthesis. Conclusions There is no significant difference in the pathogenicity between S. japonicum isolates from hilly and marshland and lake regions of Anhui Province; however, the gene expression profiles vary significantly between S. japonicum isolates.

Clinical genetic analysis and diagnosis of a family with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the diagnostic significance of the combination of clinical and genetic detection of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) by analyzing the clinical and genetic diagnosis of a family with HHT. Methods: Medical history data of the probands and their family members were collected, and the sequence analyses of coding regions of ENG, ACVRL1, SMAD4 and GDF2 genes were performed by PCR-sequencing method, and a comprehensive diagnosis was made based on the clinical features and gene detection results. After the pathogenic gene variation was identified, 11 members of 3 generations of the family were tested for pathogenic gene mutation. Results: There was an ACVRL1 c.715_716delAG mutation in the proband and 9 other family members, which caused p.S239C. Based on the clinical and genetic findings, the 7 suspected were diagnosed and 2 asymptomatic patients were found to carry the mutation site. Conclusion: The combination of clinical features and gene detection can determine the etiology and classification of HHT, which is convenient for the early diagnosis and prevention of the disease.

Perioperative airway management based on enhanced recovery after surgery for improvement of preoperative pulmonary function in patients with aspirin intolerance triad / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of perioperative airway management based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on the improvement of preoperative pulmonary function in patients with aspirin intolerance triad (AIT). Methods: Thirty patients with AIT (including 13 males and 17 females, aged from 29 to 75 years old) for sinus surgery from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected, 172 patients (including 105 males and 67 females, aged from 17 to 83 years old) with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) without lower airway disease were selected by random number table at the same period, and their clinical data and preoperative pulmonary function were analyzed and compared retrospectively. FEV1%pred<80% after bronchodilation test was considered as high risk for surgery. Preoperative evaluation and standardized drug intervention were applied in patients with pulmonary function abnormalities at risk for surgery, and improvement of preoperative pulmonary function and tolerability to general anesthesia surgery in the two groups were evaluated. All the statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 22.0. Results: The main pulmonary function indexes (FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC%pred, FEF50%pred, FEF75%pred, MMEF%pred) in AIT group decreased significantly than those in CRSwNP group (t values were 10.882, 10.506, 9.141, 10.182, 9.099, respectively, all P<0.001). At admission 86.7% (26/30) patients in the AIT group and 11.6% (20/172) patients in CRSwNP group had high surgical risk for lung function, with significantly difference (χ2 = 81.788, P<0.05); after 3 days with individualized drug intervention, 57.7% (15/26) patients in AIT group reached the standard for surgery, which was significantly less than 90.0% (18/20) patients in CRSwNP group (χ²=4.335,P<0.05); and after 6 days with drug intervention, the patients who reached the standard for surgery in pulmonary function accounted for 92.3% (24/26) in the AIT group and 100% (20/20) in the CRSwNP group. FEV1%pred in the two groups before surgery were significantly improved compared with those at admission respectively ((90.00±6.32)% vs. (64.79±13.60)%,t value was 10.110 in AIT group; (91.65±11.86)% vs. (76.40±9.35)%, t value was 9.346 in CRSwNP group; all P<0.05), and also FEV1/FVC%pred, FEF50%pred, FEF75%pred and MMEF%pred were all significantly improved (all P<0.05). Surgery was completed successfully in the two groups of patients with lung function meeting the surgical standard, and no intraoperative or postoperative airway adverse events occurred. Conclusion: AIT patients have high airway risk for sinus surgery due to poor pulmonary function. Standardized airway management based on the concept of ERAS can improve the pulmonary function of patients, and decrease the incidence of perioperative airway adverse events.

Application of enhanced recovery after surgery in laryngeal cancer surgery with multi-disciplinary team / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the application value of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) model in laryngeal cancer surgery. Methods: Eighty patients with laryngeal cancer treated in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from May 2016 to June 2017 were selected, including 76 males and 4 females, aged 45 to 75 years old. By random number table method, they were divided into ERAS group (40 cases) and control group (40 cases). Visual analogue scale (VAS), general comfort questionnaire (GCQ) and self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate the symptoms and signs and psychological state of the two groups before and after operation. Mann Whitney U test was used for non-normal distribution data, and chi square test, Fisher exact probability method and covariance analysis were used for classification data. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for the comparison of each group at different time points. Results: Two cases in the ERAS group and six cases in the control group withdrew from the study for some reason. Finally, 38 cases in the ERAS group and 34 cases in the control group were enrolled in this study. The postoperative pain scores of the two groups were the highest at 6 h after operation, and then gradually decreased. At different time points after operation, the pain scores of ERAS group were lower than those of the control group. At 24 h after operation, the pain relief degree of ERAS group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Compared to control group, ERAS group had lower preoperative thirst score [(0.15±0.36) vs. (4.29±1.17), Z=-7.695, P<0.001] and hunger score [(0.38±0.49) vs. (3.44±1.13), Z=-7.426, P<0.001]. The total number of postoperative adverse reactions (8 vs.16), oral feeding time [(4.06±4.42) d vs. (9.06±2.42) d] and postoperative hospital stay [(5.91±0.97) d vs. (11.03±2.11)d] in ERAS group were lower than those in control group (statistics 5.461, -4.558, -7.347, P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in postoperative catheter indwelling time and neck drainage tube indwelling time between the two groups (P>0.05). Before discharge, the comfort of ERAS group was significantly higher than that of control group [(60.37±8.78) vs. (50.38±8.08), Z=-4.370, P<0.001]. Before discharge, the anxiety level of ERAS group decreased, while that of the control group increased significantly, which was higher than that of ERAS Group [(59.12±6.43) vs. (52.62±6.25), Z=-4.179, P<0.001]. Conclusion: The application of multidisciplinary ERAS in laryngeal cancer surgery can improve preoperative hunger and thirst, postoperative pain and mental state, shorten the length of hospital stay and reduce postoperative adverse reactions.

Application of task-state fMRI in evaluating disease severity and prognosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI (BOLD-fMRI) has proven to be a powerful tool for studying the functional change of the brain. In task-state fMRI study, the functional reorganization of sensory and motor cortex has been observed in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the correlations between task-state fMRI measurements with clinical symptoms and surgical outcomes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing posterior cervical decompression (cervical spondylotic myelopathy group) and forty-five healthy volunteers (normal group) were recruited from January 2018 to January 2019. All subjects underwent fMRI and performed a finger-tapping paradigm with the right hand. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was used to evaluate the function of the spinal cord. Japanese Orthopaedic Association score recovery rate less than 50% was defined as a poor result. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was significantly improved after surgery in the cervical spondylotic myelopathy group compared with that before surgery (P 0.05). Before surgery, VOA ratio (left precentral gyrus/left postcentral gyrus) was significantly higher in the cervical spondylotic myelopathy group than in normal group (P 0.05). VOA ratio was significantly decreased compared with that preoperatively (P < 0.05). (4) Correlation analysis revealed that the VOA in the left precentral gyrus and left postcentral gyrus and VOA ratio were significantly correlated with preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score recovery rate (P < 0.05). The absolute value of correlation coefficient of VOA ratio with preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and postoperative recovery rate was largest. (5) Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve value for the VOA ratio was 0.803, indicating strong predictive discrimination, and the cut-off value was 3.621. The area under the curve value for Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 0.751, and the cut-off value was 8. The predictive effect of VOA ratio was higher than Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. (6) The results indicate that the VOA in the left precentral gyrus and left postcentral gyrus was negatively correlated with severity of clinical symptoms (Japanese Orthopaedic Association score). Preoperative VOA ratio can effectively predict the recovery of spinal cord function after operation in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

The correlation between different smoking status and serum uric acid in a middle-aged male population / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between different smoking status and serum uric acid(SUA)in a middle-aged male in health check-up population.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a total of 26701 middle-aged men who underwent health check-up in Taihu Sanatorium of Jiangsu Province from January 2014 to June 2015 were studied.The correlation between smoking status and SUA was analyzed by questionnaires, physical examination and serum biochemical assay.Smoking state was divided into no smoking, a occasional smoking and smoking groups.Results:With the increase of age, there was a downward trend of SUA( F=7.38, P=0.000). Among the three smoking groups, the group with occasional smoking had the highest level of SUA.The smoking group had lower level of SUA than the non-smoking group and occasional smoking group( P=0.000 and 0.005). In the non-smoking group, the fourth quartile of SUA(41.5%)had a higher percentage than that in first quartile of SUA(38.4%)( χ2=12.266, P=0.000). In the smoking group, the fourth quartile of SUA(54.9%)had lower percentage than that in the first quartile of SUA(58.4%)( χ2=7.049, P=0.008). Compared with the non-smoking group, the prevalence of hyperuricemia(HUA)in smoking group was lower( OR=0.872, 95% CI: 0.821~0.927, P=0.000), the prevalence of HUA in occasional smoking group was higher( OR=1.194, 95% CI: 1.013~1.408, P=0.035). Conclusions:As compared with the non-smoking group, the prevalence of HUA is lower in smoking group and is higher in occasional smoking group.

Identification and functional study of the Schistosoma japonicum epidermal growth factor receptor gene / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To characterize the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in Schistosoma japonicum (SjEGFR gene) and investigate the role of the EGFR gene in regulating the growth, reproductive system, maturation and fecundity of S. japonicum. Methods Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was performed to obtain the full length of the SjEGFR gene, and the SjEGFR gene expression was quantified in different developmental stages of S. japonicum using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. The tissue localization of the SjEGFR gene was detected in 22-day parasite using whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). Following RNA interference (RNAi)-induced knockdown of the SjEGFR gene, the worm length, pairing rate and worm burden of S. japonicum were measured, and the worm morphology was observed using optical microscopy and confocal microscopy. Results The SjEGFR gene was identified with a conserved tyrosine-kinase active site, and the SjEGFR gene expression was detected at various developmental stages in male and female parasites. WISH showed that the transcript of the SjEGFR gene was localized on the tegument and in the digestive organs of S. japonicum. RNAi-induced SjEGFR knockdown resulted in marked suppression of the worm growth, smaller size of male testicles that contained more immature spermatocytes, and apparent impairment of ovary and vitelline gland development. In addition, no eggs were found in the uterus of SjEGFR knocked-down female parasites, indicating the interruption of egg production. Conclusions Inhibition of SjEGFR expression may remarkably suppress the growth and maturation of S. japonicum, and interrupt the egg production.

Clinical effect of artificial semi-shoulder joint replacement in treatment of humeral head necrosis / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of the semi-shoulder arthroplasty in the treatment of humeral head necrosis.Methods Twenty patients with head necrosis of the humerus in first hospital affiliated to army medical university from February 2008 to January2018 were collected, including 8 cases of males, 12 cases of females, 7 cases of left shoulder and 13 cases of right shoulder.The patients were aged from 45 to 83 years old, mean (67.40±5.06) years old.All patients were followed up for at least 6 months, the anterior flexion angle, abduction angle, external rotation angle and internal rotation angle of shoulder joint were measured, the function of shoulder joint was evaluated by ASES, UCLA, SST, and VAS, and the imaging examination was conducted.Results All patients were followed up for 6 to 37 months after surgery, with average (18.50±5.31) months, 2 patients presented mild pain during shoulder joint activity, 1 patient presented brachial plexus nerve damage, but returned to normal 3 months after surgery.No complication happened.X-ray reexamination showed good position and angle of the prosthesis during the follow-up period.The preoperative anteflexion angle, angle of outreach, swing angle and swing angle of the shoulder joint were respectively (55.24±8.21) °, (42.58±6.21) °, (12.95±2.74) °, (17.79±3.65) °, the last follow-up were respectively (120.76±13.15) °, (103.08±10.54) °, (33.51±3.14) °, (50.10±7.25) °, the differences were significant (P＜0.01);The preoperative ASES score, UCLA score, SST score, VAS score of the shoulder joint were respectively (38.24±5.21), (12.58±3.93), (3.25±1.42), (6.79±1.65), the last follow-up were respectively (75.74±9.69), (33.08±4.5), (9.11±1.85), (1.45±0.24), the differences were significant (P＜0.01).Conclusion Artificial semi-shoulder replacement for the treatment of humeral head necrosis can significantly improve the range of limb function, relieve the pain symptoms of patients and improve patients'quality of life, which has excellent and good shoulder function rate and fewer complications.

Prevalence and risk factors of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE We used Al lergic Rhinitis Control Test (ARCT) questionnaire to evaluate the control level of allergic rhinitis, in order to get the data of prevalence rate, epidemiological characters and risk factors of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis. METHODS Patients with AR were recruited from our department and the treatment based on the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma(ARIA) guidelines. Telephone interview will be taken after 2 weeks in these patients, compared to symptoms, impact on quality of life, ARCT value before and after treatment. RESULTS Among 134 patients enrolled, moderate/severe AR account for 95％. After 2 weeks of treatment, both symptom and quality of life were marked improvement(P <0.001). Patients with uncontrolled AR(26.1％) at day 15 more frequently presented higher height and weight(P <0.001), history of ear, nose, and throat(ENT) infection or antibiotics intake for respiratory infection in the last 12 months (40.4％ versus 62.9％, P =0.022), smoking (4.0％ versus 17.1％, P =0.02), and smell disturbance (10.1％ versus 25.7％, P =0.044). CONCLUSION Most of AR patients have remarkable improvements in symptom and quality of life after treatment, but 26.1％ of patients still remain uncontrolled. Smoking and nose infection are risk factors of uncontrolled AR.

Glucocorticoid attenuating pulmonary fibrosis in rats with acute lung injury induced by smoke inhalation / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the effect of methylprednisolone (MP) with different durations on pulmonary fibrosis in rats with acute lung injury induced by smoke inhalation. Methods A total of 178 male SD rats were randomized into 5 groups: control group (n＝18), simple smoke inhalation group (smoke group, n＝40), smoke inhalation＋ MP treatment for 1 d, 3 d and 7 d groups, naming smoke＋MP (1D) group (n＝40), smoke＋MP (3D) group (n＝40) and smoke＋MP (7D) group (n＝40), respectively. The rats were exposed to smoke for 30 min in the smoke box to meet the criteria of acute lung injury. MP (4 mg/kg per day) was injected intraperitoneally at 1 d, 1-3 d and 1-7 d after smoke inhalation. Survival rates were calculated at 28 d after smoke inhalation. At 7 d, 14 d and 28 d after smoke inhalation, the lung tissues were stained with Masson’s trichrome staining and Sirius Red staining to evaluate pulmonary fibrosis. The mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, and the expression levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were detected by Western blotting. Results The survival rate of the rats in the smoke group was 47.50%, and the survival rates were significantly improved to more than 80% after MP treatment with different durations (all P0.01). Masson’s trichrome staining and Sirius Red staining staining showed that the lung fibrosis of the rats in the smoke group was aggravated, and the fibrosis and collagen deposition in the smoke＋MP (3D) and smoke＋ MP (7D) groups were significantly attenuated compared with the smoke and smoke＋MP (1D) groups (P0.05 or P0.01). As time progressed, the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA after smoke inhalation were increased in the smoke and smoke＋MP (1D) groups. At 28 d after smoke inhalation, the TGF-β1 and α-SMA mRNA levels were significantly higher in the smoke and smoke＋MP (1D) groups compared with the smoke＋MP (3D) and smoke＋MP (7D) groups (P0.05 or P0.01). At 28 d after smoke inhalation, the protein expression levels of MPO, CTGF, HMGB1 and IL-6 were significantly reduced in smoke＋MP (3D) and smoke＋MP (7D) groups compared with the smoke and smoke＋MP (1D) groups (P0.05, P0.01). However, the above indicators have no significant difference between smoke＋MP (3D) group and smoke＋MP (7D) group (all P0.05). Conclusion MP can significantly improve survival rate of rats with smoke inhalation injury. MP treatment for 3 d or 7 d can significantly attenuate smoke inhalation induced pulmonary fibrosis at 28 d after smoke inhalation, but there is no significant difference between these two treatment protocols.

The importance of biological mesh repair in adolescent inguinal hernia repair / 中国实用外科杂志

Adolescent is a special group which is still at the period of growth and development. Protecting reproductive function, reducing recurrence and chronic postoperative inguinal pain are the key points of treatment of inguinal hernia in adolescents. Although there are different surgical treatments for inguinal hernia in adolescents at present, the characteristics of biological mesh which can promote tissue regeneration and remodeling make them valuable for inguinal hernia repair in adolescents. Correct selection and implementation of biological mesh inguinal hernia repair are important to ensure the effect of adolescent inguinal hernia repair.

New Mutation of Coenzyme Q Monooxygenase 6 Causing Podocyte Injury in a Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Patient / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kidney disease that is commonly associated with proteinuria and the progressive loss of renal function, which is characterized by podocyte injury and the depletion and collapse of glomerular capillary segments. The pathogenesis of FSGS has not been completely elucidated; however, recent advances in molecular genetics have provided increasing evidence that podocyte structural and functional disruption is central to FSGS pathogenesis. Here, we identified a patient with FSGS and aimed to characterize the pathogenic gene and verify its mechanism.@*Methods@#Using next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we screened the causative gene that was linked to FSGS in this study. The patient's total blood RNA was extracted to validate the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of coenzyme Q monooxygenase 6 (COQ6) and validated it by immunohistochemistry. COQ6 knockdown in podocytes was performed in vitro with small interfering RNA, and then, F-actin was determined using immunofluorescence staining. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, the expression of active caspase-3 was determined by Western blot, and mitochondrial function was detected by MitoSOX.@*Results@#Using whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we screened a new causative gene, COQ6, NM_182480: exon1: c.G41A: p.W14X. The mRNA expression of COQ6 in the proband showed decreased. Moreover, the expression of COQ6, which was validated by immunohistochemistry, also had the same change in the proband. Finally, we focused on the COQ6 gene to clarify the mechanism of podocyte injury. Flow cytometry showed significantly increased in apoptotic podocytes, and Western blotting showed increases in active caspase-3 in si-COQ6 podocytes. Meanwhile, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were increased and F-actin immunofluorescence was irregularly distributed in the si-COQ6 group.@*Conclusions@#This study reported a possible mechanism for FSGS and suggested that a new mutation in COQ6, which could cause respiratory chain defect, increase the generation of ROS, destroy the podocyte cytoskeleton, and induce apoptosis. It provides basic theoretical basis for the screening of FSGS in the future.

Etomoxir strengthens the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on lung cancer cell line A549 / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the effect of the combination of carnitine palmityl transferase 1( CPT1) inhibitor etomoxir and chemotherapy drug cisplatin on lung cancer cell line A549 proliferation and migration of lung cancer. Methods CCK8 was applied to investigate the effect of the combination of etomoxir and cisplatin on A549 survival. Transwell test was used to detect migration of lung cancer cell line A549 treated with the combination of etomoxir and cisplatin. Apoptosis of A549 was detected by annexin V/PI. A549 transplanted mice were used to test therapeu-tic effect of etomoxir combined with cisplatin. Results Tumor cells proliferation and migration were inhibited by the combination of etomoxir and cisplatin. Apoptosis of tumor cells was enhanced by the combination of etomoxir. After the treatment of the combination of etomoxir and cisplatin, tumor growth of mouse was inhibited. Conclusions The combination of etomoxir and cisplatin can decrease tumor cells survival and induce tumor cells apoptosis, and then inhibit tumor growth in mouse lung cancer model.

Effects of Continuous Intravenous Intraoperative Lidocaine Infusion on Opioids Consumption and Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate whether continuous intravenous intraoperative lidocaine infusion can reduce the opioids dosage and improve postoperative recovery in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic(VATS) lobectomy. Methods Totally 60 patients undergoing VATS lobectomy were enrolled in this single-center randomized controlled study.The patients were equally randomized into lidocaine continuous pumping group(lidocaine group) and control group by computer-based random numbers.The patients had double-lumen catheter intubation,and total intravenous anesthesia was administrated intraoperatively.In the lidocaine group,patients continuously received intravenous pumping of lidocaine [2 mg/(kgdh) ] after a loading doses(1 mg/kg) until the end of the operation.We recorded the basic characteristics,preoperative examination,intraoperative medications,and postoperative recovery of both groups.Results The basic characteristics and preoperative examination findings were comparable between these two groups(all P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the intraoperative sufentanil consumption significantly decreased in the lidocaine group [(32.3±7.5) μg vs.(40.9±10.2) μg,P<0.001].Significantly more patients were given esmolol intraoperatively in the control group to lower heart rate(P=0.010).The incidence of postoperative nausea within 24 hours was significantly lower in the lidocaine group(P=0.045).There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative recovery(all P>0.05).Conclusion Intravenous continuous pumping of lidocaine during operation can reduce opioids consumption and lower the incidence of postoperative nausea without extra adverse or toxic reaction in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy.

Clinical Study on Acupuncture Treatment for Parkinson's Non-motor Symptoms / 上海针灸杂志

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from alpha-synuclein lesions, which affects about eight million patients over the world. PD is manifested in progressive motor and non-motor symptoms. With understanding of PD gradually deepened, motor symptoms mainly manifested in resting tremor are not the only manifestations of PD. Clinically many non-motor symptoms such as autonomic nervous symptoms, mental symptoms and paresthesia are also the important manifestations of PD and can appear earlier than motor symptoms. The effect of the non-motor symptoms on the patients' life is often not less than that of the motor symptoms. Clinically the changeable non-motor symptoms are far more complex and more difficult to treat than the motor symptoms. Conventional anti-PD drugs such as levodopa have little effect on the non-motor symptoms. Present clinical studies have showed that acupuncture has a certain therapeutic effect on the non-motor symptoms of PD. This provides important help for expanding the way to treat PD.

Effects of Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription on Cell Cycle and Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway Related Proteins / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the effects of Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription on cell cycle and apoptosis of human colon cancer HCT116 cells and related factors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway; To investigate its mechanisms of anti-metastasis and recurrence of colorectal cancer. Methods The logarithmic growth phase HCT116 cells were divided into blank group, saline group, 5-Fu group, and Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. After intervention for 48 h, the cells were harvested, and the cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression of β-catenin in the nucleus was detected by Western blot, and the expression of c-myc and cyclinD1 mRNA was detected by PCR. Results Compared with the blank group and saline group, the ratio of HCT116 cells apoptosis of Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription low-, medium-, and high-dose groups increased; the proportion of cells in phase G1 increased and the proportion of S cells decreased; the expression of β-catenin protein in the nucleus and the expression of c-myc,cyclinD1 mRNA decreased,especially in the Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription high-dose group,with statistical significance(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription can promote apoptosis of human colon cancer HCT116 cells and block the cell cycle, and its mechanism may be related to regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Upregulation of miR-498 suppresses Th17 cell differentiation by targeting STAT3 in rheumatoid arthritis patients / 生理学报

To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-498 on Th17 cell differentiation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, peripheral blood samples were collected from RA patients and healthy controls, respectively. The proportion of CD4IL-17 T cells (Th17 cells) or CD4FOXP3 T cells (Tregs) in T cells and the Th17/Treg ratio were identified by the flow cytometer. The STAT3 and miR-498 expression were measured by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. ELISA was used to detect IL-17 concentrations. Luciferase assay was performed to confirm that miR-498 directly targeted the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of STAT3 in CD4 T cells. The effect of miR-498 on Th17 cell differentiation was explored by transfection of miR-498 mimic and/or pcDNA-STAT3 into CD4 T cells. In PMBCs of RA patients, the Th17/CD4 T cell ratio was significantly increased, while the Tregs/CD4 T cell ratio was obviously decreased, leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio. The results showed a reduced miR-498 expression and an increased STAT3 protein expression in PMBCs, and an increased IL-17 concentration in serum of RA patients. In cells transfected with wild-type-STAT3-LU, miR-498 mimic significantly reduced the luciferase activity, STAT3 gene and protein expression, and miR-498 inhibitor had an opposite function. While the miR-498 mimic/inhibitor had no effect on the luciferase activity and STAT3 expression in cells transfected with mutant-STAT3-LU. CD4 T cells transfected with miR-498 mimic had a lower Th17/CD4 T cell ratio and IL-17 concentration, however, transfection of pcDNA-STAT3 reversed the effect of miR-498 mimic on Th17/CD4 T cell ratio and IL-17 concentration. These results suggest that overexpression of miR-498 suppresses Th17 cell differentiation by targeting STAT3 in RA patients.

Regulatory effect of miRNA 320a on expression of aquaporin 4 in brain tissue of epileptic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To study the expression of miRNA 320a in the brain tissue of epileptic rats and analyze its effect on the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4).@*METHODS@#All rats were performed with the intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride (3 mmol/kg) and then the intraperitoneal injection of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg) 24 h later (injected twice) to prepare the epileptic model of Wistar rats. Rats in the control group were injected with the equal volume of normal saline. According to the Racine scale, rats with over stage 3 of epilepsy were chosen and the brain tissue was separated quickly and then stored at -80 °C. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aquaporin in the brain tissue of epileptic model and the Real-time PCR was employed to determine the difference in the expression of miRNA 320a and AQP4 in the brain tissue of rats between the epileptic model group and control group. Five 5-day neonatal Wistar rats were chosen to collect the cerebral cortex and their primary astrocytes were separated and cultured. They were transfected with miRNA mimic and imitated to the endogenous miRNA 320a to up-regulate the expression of miRNA 320a.@*RESULTS@#In the model group, the expression of AQP4 was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.01). However, the expression of miRNA 320a in the model group was lower than control group (P < 0.05), which was negatively correlated to AQP4. In the primary astrocytes, the transfection of miRNA 320a mimic could significantly reduce the expression of AQP4, while its inhibitor could up-regulate the expression of AQP4, which indicated that miRNA 320a could reduce the expression of AQP4.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the primary astrocytes of rats, the miRNA 320a could inhibit the expression of AQP4 and after adding the inhibitor of miRNA 320a, the expression of AQP4 was up-regulated.