Study on the relationship between habitat factors and the distribution / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the relationship between the distribution characteristics and the habitat factors of the invasive B. straminea in South China. Methods From October 2016 to August 2017, the breeding condition and habitat factors of B. straminea were investigated in the rivers of Shenzhen and its adjacent areas in the dry season, normal season and wet reason. The generalized additive model (GAM) was used to study the main habitat factors affecting the distribution density of B. straminea. Results The distribution characteristics of B. straminea showed obvious aggregation and unevenness in space. In terms of time, the density of snails was the highest in the dry season, followed by the normal water season and the least in the wet season. The GAM model analysis showed that the main habitat factors affecting the distribution density of B. straminea were water depth, water temperature, flow velocity, dissolved oxygen, and total phosphorus. When the flow velocity and water temperature were 0.25 m / s and 26 °C, respectively, the largest distribution density of snails might appear. The distribution density of B. straminea was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen and total phosphorus. Conclusion B. straminea is suitable to live in the water environment with poor water quality. In the future, the monitoring should be strengthened to provide reference for the prevention and control of the spread of the snails.

Study of left atrial volume and function by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography between hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroid heart disease / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) in evaluating the characteristics and regularities of left atrial volume and function changes in patients with hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroid heart disease.Methods:Fifty-six patients who were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroid heart disease without treatments in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from March 2020 to September 2020 were selected. They were divided into hyperthyroidism group(30 patients) and hyperthyroid heart disease group (26 patients). Another 30 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The following parameters were obtained by RT-3DE left atrial automatic quantification technology, left atrial minimum, maximum, presystolic volume index(LAVImin, LAVImax, LAVIpreA), left atrial passive, active emptying volume index and stroke volume index (LAVIp, LAVIa, LAVIEV), left atrial passive, active, total ejection fraction(LApEF, LAaEF, LAEF), during left ventricular systole, early diastole, late diastole left atrial longitudinal strain (LASr, LAScd, LASct) and circumferential strain (LASr-c, LAScd-c, LASct-c). The differences of the above parameters between the two groups were compared.Results:Compared with the control group, LAVImax, LAVIpreA, LAaEF, LAVIEV, LAVIa, LASr, LASct-c increased and LApEF decreased in the hyperthyroidism group (all P<0.05). While, LAVImin, LAVImax, LAVIpreA and LAVIEV increased, and LAaEF, LApEF, LAEF, LASct, LAScd-c and LASr-c decreased in hyperthyroid heart disease group(all P<0.05). Compared with the hyperthyroidism group, LAVImin, LAVImax and LAVIpreA in hyperthyroid heart disease group were further increased, while LAEF, LAaEF, LASr, LASr-c, LASct, LASct-c and LAScd-c were decreased (all P<0.05). LAEF were positively correlated with LASr and LASr-c ( r=0.617, 0.837; all P<0.01), LApEF were positively correlated with LAScd and LAScd-c ( r=0.620, 0.800, all P<0.01), LAaEF were positively correlated with LASct and LASct-c ( r=0.680, 0.727; all P<0.01). Conclusions:In the patients with hyperthyroidism, the left atrial reserve and systolic function are increased, which are still in the compensation stage, and the pipeline function is decreased. The left atrial reserve, pipeline and systolic function in the hyperthyroid heart disease patients are all decreased, and the pipeline function may be impaired earlier than the systolic and reserve function.

Exploratory study on the evaluation dimension and index of research hospital / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:To explore the evaluation dimensions and indicators of research hospital, provide empirical evidence for the construction of research hospital.Methods:Non-probability sampling was adopted, physicians from 9 hospitals in Shanghai that have a National Clinical Medical Research Center or Shanghai Clinical Medical Research Center were invited as survey participants. The physician participants were divided into senior and junior groups. For senior group, a questionnaire including 5 dimensions and 21 indicators was provided. The survey participants were consulted to determine whether the indicators can be used to measure this dimension, and also invited to propose additional dimensions and indicators for improvement.For junior group, two open questions were proposed to explore their needs of support in both clinical service and research.Results:Based on suggestions from the research participants, the research team, and other expert consultant, this article tried to propose 5 dimensions and 21 indicators for evaluating research hospitals. Among them, 11 were indicators compiled by the research team based on the literature review and agreed by more than 2/3 of senior physicians surveyed, while others were proposed based on the survey results. The research team planned to use the entropy method to determine the weights of different indicators, thus, the participants were not required to make judgments on the weights of dimensions and indicators.Conclusions:The evaluation of research hospitals has not yet formed a systematic consensus. Through the exploration and establishment of evaluation dimensions and indicators, identify hospitals that are closer to the development goals of research hospitals can provide a basis for future next-step practices.

The analysis of characteristic parameters based on the ultrasonic original radio-frequency signals of normal gastrocnemius / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To analyze the influence of different factors on the entropy and grayscale values extracted from the ultrasonic original radio-frequency signals of normal human gastrocnemius.Methods:The ultrasonic original radio-frequency signals of 10 healthy men and 10 healthy women admitted to the Department of Ultrasound of First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October to December 2019 in natural ankle joint position, maximum plantar flflexion and maximum dorsiflflexion position were collected, and the entropy and grayscale values were obtained by processing these signals with MATLAB software to analyze the differences of parameters in different positions and sections, and to discuss the influence of age, gender and BMI on them.Results:Comparison of the values between different sections: the differences between longitudinal extraction entropy values and transverse extraction entropy values at the maximum dorsiflexion position were statistically significant ( P<0.05), the differences between longitudinal extraction grayscale values and transverse extraction grayscale values at the natural position were statistically significant ( P<0.05) and both of values extracted in the longitudinal plane were higher than those extracted in the transverse plane. Comparison of the values among different positions of the ankle joints: the values of the maximal metatarsal flexion were statistically different from those of the natural position and the maximal dorsiflexion ( P<0.05), and the values of the maximal metatarsal flexion were the lowest, while the entropy and gray values of the natural position and the maximal dorsiflexion were not statistically different ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in ultrasonic characteristic parameters between different genders and different age groups ( P>0.05). There was no correlation between BMI and characteristic parameters ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The entropy and grayscale values extracted from the original radio-frequency ultrasonic signals of healthy persons′ gastrocnemius can quantitatively reflect the difference in muscle structure from different positions and setions. As a result, this method can be considered in the quantitative evaluation of neuromuscular diseases.

pathological model of Alzheimer's disease based on neuronal network chip and its real-time dynamic analysis / 生物医学工程学杂志

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic central neurodegenerative disease. The pathological features of AD are the extracellular deposition of senile plaques formed by amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) and the intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. In this paper, an in vitro pathological model of AD based on neuronal network chip and its real-time dynamic analysis were presented. The hippocampal neuronal network was cultured on the microelectrode array (MEA) chip and induced by AβOs as an AD model to simultaneously record two firing patterns from the interneurons and pyramidal neurons. The spatial firing patterns mapping and cross-correlation between channels were performed to validate the degeneration of neuronal network connectivity. This biosensor enabled the detection of the AβOs toxicity responses, and the identification of connectivity and interactions between neuronal networks, which can be a novel technique in the research of AD pathological model .

Upper airway cough syndrome in 103 children / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#In China, upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) is only less frequent than cough-variant asthma and accounts for 24.71% of chronic cough. This study aimed to determine the pathogenetic constituents and factors affecting UACS in children of different age groups, and to identify clinical clues for diagnosing UACS and a method for curative effect evaluation.@*METHODS@#A total of 103 children with UACS whose chief complaint was chronic cough were studied from January to November 2013 at Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics. According to their age, children with UACS were divided into 3 groups: nursing children, pre-school children, and school-age children. We analyzed the differences in pathogenetic constituents and factors affecting UACS in children. The effect of UACS treatment was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS) and an objective examination. Chi-squared test and analysis of variance were performed with the SPSS 19.0 statistical software.@*RESULTS@#There was a high incidence of UACS in school-age children. Rhinitis with adenoid hypertrophy was the main cause of 103 suspected UACS cases. Adenoidal hypertrophy was the major cause of UACS in the pre-school children group, while rhinitis was the major reason in the nursing children and school-age children groups. Among the 103 children, there were 45 allergen-positive children, with no significant difference among different age groups. VAS scores in the different disease groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment (all P < 0.01). VAS scores in different disease groups showed significant differences, except for 12 vs. 24 weeks after treatment (P = 0.023). Different age groups had different secondary complaints.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are different pathogeneses in different UACS age groups. Clinical treatment efficacy of children with UACS can be evaluated by the VAS combined with an objective examination. We recommend that the course of treatment should be 12 weeks.

Progress in the research and development of the methods for vaccine stability / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

The stability of vaccines has a major impact on the success of immunization programmes worldwide. Stability evaluation is a vital part of the assessment of the vaccine quality and safety. It should be regarded as a continuous process from the development of the vaccine through licensing to post-licensure monitoring. To ensure the quality of the vaccine, related guidelines were issued by both World Health Organization and Chinese regulatory authority. This paper reviews the progress of relevant guidelines and studies for providing the stability considerations of vaccine.

Effect of postoperative compression cryotherapy at different durations on patients with shoulder joint arthroscopy / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the effects of postoperative compression cryotherapy at different durations on patients underwent shoulder joint arthroscopy. Methods Sixty patients underwent shoulder joint arthroscopy were divided into 3 study groups by random digits table method: group 1 (20 cases), group 2(20 cases),group 3(20 cases).The study populations with routine care were offered compression cryotherapy at different durations:group1 was managed with 30 mins postoperative cryotherapy every 8 h within 24 h, group2 with the same treatment within 48 h, group 3 within 72 h. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)was used to assess preoperative as well as postoperative pains,and perimeters of three parts(20 cm and 25 cm above lateral epicondyle of humerus,and armpit)were measured to assess swelling at different durations-preoperatively and 24,48,72 h after operation. Results There was no significant difference in the scores of VAS at 24 h after operation among three groups(P>0.05).The score of VAS at 48 h after operation in group 1,group 2,group 3 was(3.65±1.23),(2.65±1.50),(1.80±1.11)points,and there was significant difference(F=6.838,P=0.002),a further comparison,there was significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The score of VAS at 72 h after operation in group 1,group 2,group 3 was(3.50± 1.10),(2.65±1.50),(2.05±1.10)points,and there was significant difference(F=10.366,P=0.000),a further comparison, there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the swelling of 20 cm and 25 cm above lateral epicondyle of humerus, and armpit at 24 h after operation among three groups(F=1.208, 2.097, 0.427, P>0.05). There was significant difference in the swelling of 20 cm and 25 cm above lateral epicondyle of humerus,and armpit at 48 h after operation among three groups(F=15.577, 17.128, 5.109, P<0.05), a further comparison, there was significant difference between group 1 and group 2, group 1 and group 3(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group 2 and group 3(P>0.05).There was significant difference in the swelling of 20 cm and 25 cm above lateral epicondyle of humerus,and armpit at 72 h after operation among three groups(F=24.159, 20.963, 8.496, P<0.05), a further comparison, there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions 72 h postoperative compression cryotherapy for patients underwent shoulder joint arthroscopy can be the most statistically significant factor to alleviate pain and swelling effectively,beneficial to early functional exercise and shoulder joint recovery.

Characteristics of optical coherence tomography in patients with syphilitic chorioretinitis / 眼科新进展

Objective To discuss the optical coherence tomography (OCT)characteristics in patients with syphilitic chorioretinitis.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study.58 patients (88 eyes) with syphilitic chorioretinitis were included.The fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA),indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and OCT examination were performed,and the rapid plasma regain test (RPR) and treponema pallidum particle agglutination test (TPPA) were also made.The treatment response and follow up results were analyzed.Results In this study,87 eyes represented as needle like projections of the retinal pigment epithelium,86 eyes represented as retinal external membrane and myoid,ellipsoid structure was unclear or disappear,68 eyes represented as high reflection points within the vitreous body,16 eyes represented as shallow retinal detachment.After treatment,the needle like projections of the retinal pigment epithelium were fully restored in 79 eyes,retinal external membrane and myoid,ellipsoid structure were partial displayed in 62 eyes,and shallow retinal detachment were fully restored in 16 eyes.Conclusion The manifestations of OCT in patients with syphilitic chorioretinitis include needle like projections of the retinal pigment epithelium,unclear or disappear retinal external membrane and myoid,ellipsoid structure,high reflection points within the vitreous body and shallow retinal detachment.The above manifestations of OCT can be recovered significantly with treatment.

Effects of cell-to-cell communication and histone acetyltransferase on the change of osteogenic differentiation ability among single-cell clones from healthy periodontium with heterogeneity of osteogenic differentiation abilities / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of cell-to-cell communication amongst single-cell clones from healthy periodontium with different osteogenic differentiation potentials on change of osteogenic differentiation capabilities and the role histone acetyltransferase partaken in this process.@*Methods@#In order to research the change of osteogenic differentiation ability via cell-to-cell communication, indirect co-culture method was used by placing two single-cell clones with different osteogenesis potentials in each of the 6-well plates. Blank control, weak and strong osteogenic groups were set up, corresponding to Transwell chambers with blank, cells of weak osteogenesis ability and cells of strong osteogenesis ability, respectively. Each group was made in triplicate. After co-culture for four days, Transwell chamber was removed. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and alizarin red staining were employed to detect the change of osteogenic differentiation ability. The acetylation level of H3 was measured by using Western blotting. Histone acetyltransferases were detected by qPCR.@*Results@#Single-cell clones were ensured from mesenchymal stem cells by flow cytometer, the positive expression of CD29, CD90, CD105, CD146 was (99.80±0.02)%, (99.36±0.18)%, (99.41±0.05)% and (95.10±2.11)%, respectively. And CD31 and CD34 expression were (0.29±0.11)% and (0.22±0.13)%, respectively. Alizarin red and oil red O staining confirmed that single-cell clones had the abilities of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining indicated that different single-cell clones were heterogeneity in osteogenesis differentiation. Indirect co-culture indicated that the mRNA expression of osteocalcin (OCN) were 14.24±5.60 and 4.78±2.90, respectively and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were 2.75±1.44 and 1.61±0.44, respectively, in strong and weak osteogenic groups. They were significantly higher compared to the blank group (the mRNA expression of OCN and RUNX2 were 1.00±0.47 and 1.00±0.39, respectively). The expression of OCN and RUNX2 were also higher in strong osteogenic group than that in weak osteogenic group (P<0.05). The mean gray level of the acetylation of H3 in strong osteogenic group (0.76±0.09) and weak osteogenic group (0.54±0.12) were also higher than that in the blank group (0.30±0.04)(P<0.05). qPCR results showed that KAT6A in strong osteogenic group exhibiting higher expression (P<0.05) compared to weak osteogenic group and the blank group, which were corresponding to the changes of acetylation levels.@*Conclusions@#Single-cell clones from healthy periodontium showed heterogeneity in osteogenic differentiation abilities. Single-cell clones with strong osteogenesis abilities had an advantage over others by promoting others' osteogenesis differentiation and this change mediated by cell-to-cell communication might be caused by modulating KAT6A to affect the acetylation level of histone.

Effect of comprehensive intervention on the diabetes-relevant behaviors in aging patients with prediabetes in rural areas of Yiyang / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To explore the effect of comprehensive intervention on the diabetes-relevant behaviors in aging patients with prediabetes in rural areas of Yiyang.Methods:The aging patients with prediabetes in rural areas of Yiyang were chosen and asked for the questionnaire.The patients were randomly divided into two groups:the control group and the intervention group.The control group received the routine health education,while the intervention group underwent comprehensive intervention for one year.6 months and 12 months before the intervention or after the intervention,the behavior characteristics of diabetes,levels of related physiological and biochemical indexes were evaluated.Results:The relative behavior characteristics of diabetes,levels of related physiological and biochemical indexes between the two groups were comparable before the intervention (P＞0.05).6 months or 12 months after the intervention,it showed improvements in diabetes-related behaviors (P＜0.05) and the scores of diabetes-related behaviors compared with the control group (P＜0.001).Based on the related physiological and biochemical indexes,the intervention group showed significant reductions in the levels of waist-to-hip ratio,BMI,fasting plasma glucose and 2 h postprandial plasma glucose (P＜0.01).Conclusion:The comprehensive intervention can improve the diabetes-relevant behaviors,physiological and biochemical indexes in the older patients with pre-diabetes.

Research advances in venous thromboembolism in patients with liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Traditionally, liver cirrhosis has a bleeding tendency due to the reduction in blood coagulation factors, hyperfibrinolysis, thrombocytopenia, and increased portal hypertension. Some studies show that the patients with live cirrhosis are in a state of hypercoagulability and tend to develop venous thromboembolism, which greatly affects the patients′ prognosis. This article reviews the epidemiological features and risk factors of venous thromboembolism, as well as the significance of prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with liver cirrhosis, so as to guide clinical practice.

Expression of autophagy related factors LC3 and Bnip-3 and apoptosis related factors Bcl-2 and Bax in brain tissue of experimental diabetic rats / 军事医学

Objective To evaluate the effect of autophagy-related factors LC3 and Bnip-3 and apoptosis related factors Bcl-2 and Bax on brain damage in experimental diabetic rats .Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into diabetic group and control group .The diabetic group was injected with 1% streptozotocin ( 60 mg/kg body mass ) and the control group with citrate buffer .The rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks feeding and brain tissues were obtained .Pathological chan-ges were observed and the expression of LC 3, Bnip-3, Bcl-2 and Bax in brain tissues of the rats was detected by immuno-histochemical SP method .Results Compared with the control group ,the diabetic rat brain pathology showed that the cell arrangment was more disorderly and distributed more unevenly , the cell body was smaller , cytoplasm was lighter red , and the number of nerve cells of normal morphology was smaller .The positive number of LC3, Bnip-3 and Bax in brain tissues of diabetic rats was significantly larger than in the control group ,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). However ,the positive number of Bcl-2 was significantly smaller than in the control group ,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).In diabetic rats, LC3 and Bnip-3 showed a weak positive correlation(P<0.05), Bcl-2 and Bax were irrelevant, Bnip-3 and Bax were positively weakly-correlated(P<0.05),Bcl-2 was not correlated;and Bcl-2 and Bax were irrelevant.Conclusion LC3,Bnip-3 and Bax in the brain tissue of diabetic rats are overexpressed , while Bcl-2 shows weak expression , indicating that autophagy factors and apoptotic factors are involved in the process of brain injury in diabet -ic rats, which may be one of the mechanisms of brain tissue damage .

Roles of Long-chain Acyl Coenzyme A Synthetase in Absorption and Transport of Fatty Acid / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Long-chain acyl coenzyme A synthetase (ACSL) is a member of the synthetase family encoded by a multigene family; it plays an important role in the absorption and transport of fatty acid. Here we review the roles of ACSL in the regulating absorption and transport of fatty acid, as well as the connection between ACSL and some metabolic diseases.

Evaluate the carotid artery stiffness of acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients by ultrasound quantitive artery stiffness technique / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objetive To evaluate the carotid artery stiffness of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and analyze the mechanism and influence factors. Methods Fifty cases of AIDS patients and Fifty healthy people were enrolled in this study according to the principles of randomize and control. Quantitive inter-media thickness (QIMT) and quantitive artery stiffness (QAS) technique were employed to evaluate the inter-media thickness (IMT) and stiffness of right carotid artery. The parameters included IMT, compliance coefficent (CC), stiffness β (β), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Unpaired t test was used to compare the parameters between two groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was used for linear correlation analysis. Results There were no statistically difference of carotid artery IMT between two groups [(0.569±0.095) mm vs (0.512±0.114) mm, P>0.05]. There was statistically difference of stiffness parameters (CC,β, PWV) between two groups [(0.59±0.21) mm2/kPa vs (1.04±0.41) mm2/kPa, 13.01±6.10 vs 8.14±1.37, (8.70±1.65) m/s vs (6.81±1.37) m/s, all P0.05 ). There was no statistically signification association between IMT, CC,β, PWV and CD4+, CD8+T cell count (r was 0.000, 0.012,-0.093,-0.097, 0.096, 0.012, 0.056, 0.024, all P>0.05). Conclusion The carotid artery stiffness of AIDS patients is reduced. HIV may play a role in the development of artery stiffness in AIDS patients.

Effect of hypoxia and hyperglycemia on retinal pigment epithelial cells co-cultured with human mesenchymal stem cells / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of human retinal pigment epithelial cells ( RPE) when co - cultured with human marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( hMSCs ) in condition of hypoxia and hyperglycemia so as to explore possible mechanisms of diabetes aggravating choroidal neovascularization ( CNV) preliminarily. METHODS:Both hMSCs and RPE cells were co-cultured in a transwell system. The experiment was divided into four groups: 21% O2 with 5. 56mmol/L glucose ( control group, A ), 21% O2 with 30mmol/L glucose ( hyperglycemia and normoxia group, B ) , 5% O2 with 5.56mmol/L glucose ( normoglycemia and hypoxia group, C ) and 5% O2 with 30mmol/L glucose ( hyperglycemia and hypoxia group, D) . Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the proliferation of RPE cells in each group at 12, 24 and 48h respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to observe apoptosis of RPE cells at 24h. Additionally, we assessed migration capabilities of RPE via transwell assay under the condition of hyperglycemia and hypoxia by co-culturing of hMSCs.RESULTS:In this co-culturing system, at 12, 24 and 48h, group B (1. 61±0. 41, 1. 80±0. 34;1. 91±0. 35), C (1.34±0. 46, 1. 94±0. 40, 2. 14±0. 41) and D (1. 98±0. 47, 2.26±0.42, 2. 55±0. 40) showed significantly higher proliferation rate than group A (0. 92±0. 45, 1. 27±0. 32, 1.59±0. 41, P0. 05). CONCLUSION:By coexistence with hMSCs, the synergy of hyperglycemia and hypoxia can improve migration and proliferation of RPE cells, and have no effect on apoptosis of RPE cells within short period.

Clinical research progress in Erlotinib treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Erlotinib achieves antitumor activity by selective inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor. This paper summarizes the results of phase Ⅱ-Ⅲ clinical trials of erlotinib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Two phase Ⅱ clinical trials demonstrated the modest antitumor activity of erlotinib alone in patients with HCC. Additionally, two phase Ⅱ clinical trials conducted in the USA showed the excellent efficacy of erlotinib combined with bevacizumab for HCC, but with an increased risk of variceal bleeding. By contrast, two phase Ⅱ clinical trials conducted in Asia showed the poor efficacy of erlotinib combined with bevacizumab for HCC. Recently, a randomized controlled phase Ⅲ trial failed to confirm any substantial improvement in overall survival time in HCC patients treated with sorafenib combined with erlotinib compared with sorafenib alone. Future studies should identify the candidates for erlotinib among patients with HCC based on the clinical and molecular prognostic biomarkers.

Therapeutic Observation of Pestle Acupuncture for Lumbago Due to Cold and Damp / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of pestle acupuncture at Yao Yang Guan Ba Zhen and He Che Ming Qiang Duan in treating lumbago due to cold and damp. Methods Totally sixty-two patients with lumbago due to cold and damp were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 31 in each group. The two groups were both intervened by medicinal fumigation, while the treatment group was additionally treated with pestle acupuncture at Yao Yang Guan Ba Zhen and He Che Ming Qiang Duan and the control group was additionally with ordinary acupuncture. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was observed before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies were compared. Results The total effective rate was 90.3%in the treatment group versus 87.1% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The VAS scores were significantly changed after intervention in both groups (P<0.01). After intervention, there was a significant difference in comparing VAS score between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions Pestle acupuncture is an effective method in treating lumbago due to cold and damp, and it doesn’t cause any injury or pain.

Application of tissue synchronization imaging by real-time thriplane echocardiography in cardiac resynchronization therapy / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the applicable value of tissue synchronization imaging (TSI)by real-time thriplane echocardiography (RT3PE)in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods Twenty-four patients with heart failure scheduled for CRT and 24 healthy controls were enrolled.Two dimensional echocardiography was performed to get the left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole and end-systole(LVIDd,LVIDs ),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ),velocity time integral of left ventricular outflow tract flow (VTILVOT ).The RT3PE TSI was performed to measure the time to peak systolic velocities(Tp)of left ventricle basal and middle segments(12 segments),software will automatically calculate the maximal difierence (12-Tp-DIF)and standard deviation (12-Tp-SD)of Tp in 12 segment. Identity the segment where wall motion most delay and to guide electrode placement.AV and VV interval optimization were performed under guidance of TSI after 1 month of CRT.Results In before CRT,after CRT,after optimization and control group,LVIDd,Tp,LVIDs,12-Tp-DIF and 12-Tp-SD were decreased in the order,LVEF and VTILVOT were increased in the order.There were significant difference between the groups(all P < 0.05 ).TSI showed that left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony was present in all patients before CRT.The most delay segment and electrode location was consistent.There were close correlation between 12-Tp-DIF and LVEF (r =-0.70,P =0.000),between 12-Tp-SD and LVEF(r =-0.73,P =0.000).Conclusions Left ventricular systolic synchronicity can be evaluated accurately and intuitively using TSI by RT3PE.It has important clinical significance in prospectively select patients for CRT,help to guide electrode placement and to optimize device programming.

Effects of three-dimensional culture on cell phenotype and hematopoietic cytokine expression of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the change of cell phenotype and the expression of hematopoiesis associated cytokines in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) in three-dimensional (3-D) system. MSC were isolated from umbilical cord, and then cultured in 2-D and 3-D system respectively. The phenotype of MSC was detected by flow cytometry; the angiogenic capability of MSC cultured in 2-D and 3-D syitem was assessed using in vitro capillary formation assay. The cytokine expression of MSC in two kinds of culture conditions was measured by real-time PCR. The results showed that MSC were successfully isolated from umbilical cord. Flow cytometry showed that the percentage of CD31, CD133 and CD271 expressed in endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells and primitive mesenchymal stem cells increased significantly in 3-D culture conditions, as compared to 2-D system. Capillary formation assay showed that the angiogenic capability of UC-MSC was greatly enhanced. Quantitative PCR showed that the expression of β-actin was upregulated in 3-D system. The expression of some cytokines associated with hematopoiesis, such as G-CSF, LIF, SCF, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-7 and IL-11, increased, especially for LIF, IL-3, IL-7. The expression of IL-10 associated with immune regulation also increased. The expression of SDF-1, IL-6 slightly decreased, but without significant difference. It is concluded that expression of CD31, CD133 and CD271 increases in 3-D system, the angiogenic capability of UC-MSC enhances and the expression of hematopoiesis-associated cytokines in UC-MSC increases in 3-D system.