Current research status of spleen stiffness measurement in predicting portal hypertension and its complications in patients with liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) has been widely used in predicting portal hypertension in clinical practice, and in recent years, spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) has also become a diagnostic tool. Studies have shown that SSM can predict portal hypertension and its complications such as esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic liver diseases and assist in the risk stratification management of portal hypertension and esophagogastric variceal bleeding. It can accurately predict clinically significant portal hypertension, high-risk esophageal and gastric varices, decompensation rate, and mortality rate in patients with chronic liver diseases. At present, SSM data in most studies are obtained by detection using the liver equipment FibroScan Ⓡ (SSM@50 Hz). FibroScan Ⓡ 630 is a new scanner dedicated for SSM with a special mode for SSM (SSM@100 Hz). This article elaborates on the significance of SSM in predicting portal hypertension and briefly introduces the advantages and disadvantages of the new equipment for SSM.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with constraint-induced weight training of the affected lower limb on Pusher syndrome after stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with constraint-induced weight training (CIWT) on Pusher syndrome after stroke. MethodsA total of 60 stroke inpatients with Pusher syndrome in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January to December, 2021 were randomly divided into tDCS group, CIWT group and combination group, with 20 cases in each group. The three groups accepted routine rehabilitation training, the tDCS group received anode tDCS, the CIWT group received CIWT of the affected lower limb, and the combination group received CIWT of the affected lower limb and tDCS, for eight weeks. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) and Holden Walking Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of BBS, FMA-LE, BLS and FAC improved (|t| > 1.452, P < 0.05) in all the groups, and improved the most in the combination group (|F| > 1.827, P < 0.05). ConclusiontDCS combined with CIWT of the affected lower extremity can effectively improve the function of stroke patients with Pusher syndrome.

Guideline for postoperative rehabilitation treatment following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (version 2022) / 中华创伤杂志

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) can lead to lower back pain and may be even accompanied by scoliosis, neurological dysfunction and other complications, which will affect the daily activities and life quality of patients. Vertebral augmentation is an effective treatment method for OVCF, but it cannot correct unbalance of bone metabolism or improve the osteoporotic status, causing complications like lower back pain, limited spinal activities and vertebral refracture. The post-operative systematic and standardized rehabilitation treatments can improve curative effect and therapeutic efficacy of anti-osteoporosis, reduce risk of vertebral refracture, increase patient compliance and improve quality of life. Since there still lack relevant clinical treatment guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation treatments following vertebral augmentation for OVCF, the current treatments are varied with uneven therapeutic effect. In order to standardize the postoperative rehabilitation treatment, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized relevant experts to refer to relevant literature and develop the "Guideline for postoperative rehabilitation treatment following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (2022 version)" based on the clinical guidelines published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) as well as on the principles of scientificity, practicality and advancement. The guideline provided evidence-based recommendations on 10 important issues related to postoperative rehabilitation treatments of OVCF.

Pediatric stroke with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

The clinical, imaging, genetic, therapeutic and prognostic features of a case of pediatric stroke who was finally diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) in Xi′an International Medical Center Hospital on October 24, 2021 were reported. A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to weakness of the right limb for more than 10 hours. The pre-hospital CT showed multiple patchy calcifications in the bilateral frontal lobe and the right parietal lobe cortex-medullary junction. The physical examination on admission had chilblains on the hands, feet and face. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score was 4 points. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed acute brainstem infarction, no abnormality in magnetic resonance angiography, ultrasound and electrocardiogram of heart and neck vessels were normal, cerebrospinal fluid biochemistry and routine examination were normal, blood routine, biochemistry, coagulation, autoantibody series, thyroid function, tumor markers, human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis examinations were normal. After oral administration of aspirin anti-platelet aggregation and rehabilitation exercises, the muscle strength returned to normal and the patient was discharged. One month later, the result of genetic testing was reported as AGS caused by TREX1 gene mutation, and the mutation site is c.58G>A. AGS is a rare autoimmune hereditary encephalopathy with a large heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. When a hereditary disease was suspected, genetic testing should be done.

Chinese expert consensus on management of dyslipidemia in the elderly / 中华内科杂志

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins delay the occurrence and development of ASCVD, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death. Due to safety concerns, there exist insufficient use of lipid-lowering agents and a high withdrawal rate of the agents in the elderly. To promote the prevention and treatment of ASCVD, this expert consensus is issued and focuses on the management of dyslipidemia of Chinese elderly basing on the clinical evidence of the use of lipid-lowering drugs by the elderly, and the lipid management guidelines and expert consensus recommendations at home and abroad.

Assessment of demand for rehabilitation services and analysis of causes of the gap between supply and demand in China / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo evaluate the overall demand for rehabilitation services from the perspective of the groups with disabilities, diseases, injuries and older adults, and explore the causes of the supply and demand gap of rehabilitation services. MethodsThe literatures in the field of rehabilitation were collected, summarized and analyzed, including policy documents issued by World Health Organization and relevant departments in China, surveys, and researches. ResultsThe demand for rehabilitation services caused by disabilities, chronic diseases, injuries and population ageing were vast in China, but many were still unmet. The main reasons leading to the gap included those population trend and health situation, the insufficient reserve of rehabilitation resources coming from incomplete development of rehabilitation service system early, and inadequate construction of disability reporting system, which could not efficiently meet rehabilitation demand with supply. ConclusionThe strategies to optimize the rehabilitation services system and promote the quality of the services based on the disability reporting system are warranted.

Characteristics and influencing factors of esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal carcinoma / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early esophageal carcinoma.Methods:Patients who underwent ESD in the Digestive Endoscopy Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018 were included. The data were obtained from medical records and follow-up. The influencing factors of stenosis were determined by single factor and Cox regression analysis.Results:A total of 654 patients underwent ESD and 79 (12.1%) of them developed postoperative esophageal stenosis. The median time of stenosis development was 27 (17, 43) days. The morphology and lesion circumferential proportion were independent factors for the occurrence of stenosis after ESD. The stenosis incidence of type Ⅱa was 6.601 times (95% CI: 1.518-28.709, P=0.012) compared with that of type Ⅱc. The incidence of stenosis in lesions with 75%-<100% and 100% circumference was 17.408 times (95% CI: 8.009-37.839, P<0.001)and 52.439 times (95% CI: 23.905-115.029, P<0.001) respectively compared with that of patients <75%. Among the 79 patients, 27 had severe stenosis, and the lesion circumferential proportion was an independent factor for stenosis. Compared with the group of lesion circumferential proportion of less than 75%, the incidences of stenosis of lesion circumferential proportion of 75%-<100% and 100% were 7.775 (95% CI: 1.977-30.577, P=0.003) and 70.062 (95% CI: 19.879-246.926, P<0.001) times respectively. Conclusion:The morphology and lesion circumferential proportion are two independent factors for the occurrence of esophageal stenosis after ESD. Additionally, lesion circumferential proportion is an independent factor for the occurrence of severe esophageal stenosis after ESD.

Risk factors for calf muscle vein thromboses after spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical data on hospitalized spinal cord injury patients with calf muscle vein thromboses (MCVTs) seeking prevention and treatment techniques.Methods:The medical records of 423 patients with spinal cord injury were collected. Those with MCVT constituted the observation group, while those without served as controls. Their clinical data were compared.Results:The risk factors for MCVT were screened in logistic regression analyses. The results showed that age, an ASIA grade of A or B, spinal fusion, preventive anticoagulation, physiotherapy treatment and a homocysteine level >15μmol/L were risk factors for the occurrence of a MCVT.Conclusions:Age, an ASIA grade of A or B, spinal fusion or an elevated serum homocysteine level are all risk factors for MCVT. Active anticoagulation and physical therapy may reduce the risk.

A morphological study of the pelvic floor muscle fibers of rats with spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To seek better treatments for abnormal pelvic floor muscle tension and pelvic floor dysfunction after spinal cord injury.Methods:The morphology of pelvic floor muscle fibers of rats with spinal cord injury at different levels was observed under the electron microscope. Thirty female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a suprasacral (SS) cord injury group, a group with spinal cord injury at or below the sacral level (SC) and a normal group (NG), each of 10. The relevant spinal cord injury models were established in the SS and SC groups through spinal cord disconnection. Four weeks later, the pixel area of ATPase-positive fibers was used to quantify the content of type I fibers in the pubococcygeus muscle of each rat through observation under the electron microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results:The average content of type I muscle fibers in both the SS and SC group was significantly lower than in the normal group. The SC group′s average level was significantly lower than that of the SS group. Under the microscope the stained myofibers were tortuous, deformed in appearance and with proliferated nuclei. Capillary dilation could be seen locally in the SS group 4 weeks after the injury. In the SC group at 4 weeks after the injury the pubococcal fibers were seriously "dissolved" , or disordered, with spherical nuclei and mild hyperplasia. Under the electron microscope, the sarcomeres of the SC group were obviously dissolved, atrophied and broken, though the basic structure persisted, with mild mitochondrial proliferation. The sarcomeres of the SC group were extremely dissolved and broken, completely losing basic structure, with abundant connective tissue proliferation but without obvious mitochondrial proliferation.Conclusions:After suprasacral cord injury, the content of type I muscle fibers in the pubococcygeus muscle of the pelvic floor decreases somewhat, with the basic structure of the muscle fibers remaining intact. However, after spinal cord injury at or below the sacral level, type I muscle fibers decrease significantly in the pubococcygeus muscle of the pelvic floor, and the basic structure is seriously damaged.

Neurexin-3α IgG mediated autoimmune encephalitis: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

The clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment and prognostic characteristics of a case of neurexin-3α antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis,who was admitted in Xi′an International Medical Center Hospital on January 4, 2020 were summaried. The patient was a 56-year-old male with pre-symptoms of infection before his illness. The main manifestations were rapid progress of cognitive dysfunction, mental and behavioral abnormalities, refractory epilepsy, and status epilepticus, dystonia, accompanied by autonomic nerve involvement such as increased heart rate, breathing, and sweating, suspected of central hypoventilation, clinical manifestations were similar to N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and magnetic resonance imaging suggested bilateral hippocampal, temporal, and insular high signals, cerebrospinal fluid examination and other laboratory tests were normal. After treatment with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunogloblin, he died a few days after being discharged. The clinical manifestations of neurexin-3α antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis were similar to NMDAR encephalitis and severe, and neurexin-3α antibodies need to be further tested to confirm the diagnosis when NMDAR antibody was negative.

Design of Scalable Model of Cochlear Scala Tympani / 中国医疗器械杂志

For cochlear implant training and robotic cochlear implant experiments, the design method of scalable scala tympani model was proposed. The mathematical model of the cochlea was used as the central curve of scala tympani channel. Referring to the clinical anatomy data, the contour of the scala tympani cross-section was approximated as an ellipse. The profile was placed along the central curve, and the angle was adjusted to determine the position and orientation of the profile in three dimensions such that the central curve passes through its center. The data was imported into Matlab to generate a three-dimensional mathematical model of scala tympani, which can be expanded by setting different scale factors. The virtual scala tympani model was generated in SolidWorks, and the 2:1 fully transparent scala tympani model were fabricated by 3D printing to replace the specimen for experiment.

Construction and application of a two-level hierarchical cost accounting model of medical service items based on time-driven activity based costing / 中华医院管理杂志

Time-driven activity based costing is embraced in the healthcare sector for its correction of inherent defects of activity-based accounting. The authors constructed a two-level hierarchical cost accounting model for medical service items based on the time-driven ABC. The first-level hierarchical cost is calculated down to the department level in line with cost management regulations of the hospital financial system, while the second-level cost allocation is based on " time" as the basic sharing criterion, which is collected and assigned to specific medical service items with the activity content and process as carriers. The standard cost and actual cost of comparable medical service projects are calculated respectively by means of introducing the concept of socially necessary labor-time, which provides a scientific and feasible management method for evaluating the performance of medical service items.

Effect of bilateral superior cervical sympathetic ganglion occlusion on pathological process of aortic dissection and its mechanism / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of bilateral superior cervical sympathetic ganglion occlusion (SCG) on aortic dissection and its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups with 15 in each:blank control group, sham operation group and SCG group. β-aminopropione (666 mg·kg·d) was given by subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks to establish the aortic dissection model. Rats in SCG group were given SCG before the injection of β-aminopropione. Blood pressure and heart rate of the rats were monitored using noninvasive tail artery blood pressure measuring instrument; sympathetic activity was monitored using drug block method; the structure of aortic wall was observed using HE staining; collagen fibers in aortic wall was observed using Sirius red staining; protein expression of Apelin was detected by immunohistochemistry; and the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, 9 was detected by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#During the experiment, the body mass of the sham operation group and SCG group was smaller than that of the blank control group (all <0.05), and the body mass of the SCG group was larger than that of the sham operation group (all <0.05). The heart rate and sympathetic activity of the sham operation group were higher than those of the blank control group (all <0.05), while the SCG group were lower (all <0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the aortic wall in the sham operation group was thickening, while that in the SCG group was improved. A large number of collagen-1 in the aortic wall of the blank control group was stained brown by Sirius red, which was lighter in SCG group, and the staining in the sham operation group was the lightest. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of Apelin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein in the sham operation group increased (all <0.05), while those in the SCG group decreased (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SCG can effectively reduce the incidence and mortality of aortic dissection in rats, which may be related to the inhibition of sympathetic activity and the decrease of collagen-1, Apelin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

HIV genetic subtypes and comparison of the first CD4+T cell counts in newly diagnosed HIV infected patients in Liuzhou, 1998-2012 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the change trend of HIV genetic subtypes and compare the first CD4+T cell counts of newly diagnosed HIV infected patients in Liuzhou from 1998 to 2012, and provide a reference for AIDS prevention and control.@*Methods@#Newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients from 1998 to 2012 in Liuzhou were selected through national HIV/ADIS comprehensive response information management system. Their plasma samples were used for RNA gene extraction, amplification, sequencing and genotyping. Coharan-Armitage trend test was used to analyze the ratio trend of genetic subtypes and phylogenetic clusters of HIV and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used to compare the first CD4+T cell counts (CD4) of the different subtype HIV infected patients.@*Results@#A total of 1 877 newly diagnosed HIV infected patients were included in the study. From 1998 to 2012, the proportions of CRF01_AE and CRF01_AE (Cluster 1) increased from 78.4% (76/97) to 91.5% (1 441/1 574), from 63.9% (62/97) to 74.0% (1 164/1 574), and the proportion of CRF07_BC decreased from 17.5% (17/97) to 4.6% (72/1 574), respectively (Z=4.632, P<0.001; Z=2.455, P=0.014; Z=-5.943, P<0.001). The median and interquartile range of the first CD4 of the patients infected with subtype CRF01_AE (Cluster 1), CRF01_AE (Cluster 2), CRF07_BC and CRF08_BC were 230 (83-375), 215 (48-351), 365 (254-503) and 334 (206-479) cell/μl, respectively. The first CD4 levels of the patients infected with subtype CRF01_AE (Cluster 1) or CRF01_AE (Cluster 2) were significantly lower than those of CRF07_BC (Z=-4.795, P<0.001; Z=-4.238, P<0.001).@*Conclusion@#The genetic subtypes of HIV were mainly CRF01_AE in newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients and this subtype proportion was in increase and the first CD4 levels of the patients were low in Liuzhou during 1998 to 2012.

Characteristics of HIV-infected persons without long term disease progress and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the characteristics of HIV infected persons without long term disease progress [also known as long term non-progressors (LTNPs)],and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi).Methods Data of persons living with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi by the end of 2016 were collected from the national HIV/AIDS comprehensive control and prevention information system of China.Results By the end of 2016,there were 313 LTNPs in Guangxi,accounting for 2.3 ％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,5.4％ of those being reported for more than 10 years and surviving,and 26.6％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,surviving and receiving no antiretroviral therapy.Among the LTNPs,87.2％(273) were men,94.9％ (297) were aged ≤ 40 years,32.3％ (101) were farmers,55.6％ (174) were single,divorced or widowed,69.3％ (217) were of Han ethnic group,68.1％ (213) were injecting drug users,and 52.1％ (163) were from custody facilities.Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that factors associated with delayed disease progression included age ≤40 years (compared with age ＞40 years,aOR=1.55,95％ CI:1.31-3.12) and injection drug use (compared with sexual transmission,aOR=1.23,95％ CI:1.10-1.74).Conclusions A number of LTNPs existed in HIV-infected individuals in Guangxi.Further research are needed to identify the related factors,and it is necessary to conduct large sample size studies on host immunology,genetics and the virology of HIV to explore the related mechanism.

Characteristics of HIV-infected persons without long term disease progress and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the characteristics of HIV infected persons without long term disease progress [also known as long term non-progressors (LTNPs)],and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi).Methods Data of persons living with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi by the end of 2016 were collected from the national HIV/AIDS comprehensive control and prevention information system of China.Results By the end of 2016,there were 313 LTNPs in Guangxi,accounting for 2.3 ％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,5.4％ of those being reported for more than 10 years and surviving,and 26.6％ of those being reported for more than 10 years,surviving and receiving no antiretroviral therapy.Among the LTNPs,87.2％(273) were men,94.9％ (297) were aged ≤ 40 years,32.3％ (101) were farmers,55.6％ (174) were single,divorced or widowed,69.3％ (217) were of Han ethnic group,68.1％ (213) were injecting drug users,and 52.1％ (163) were from custody facilities.Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that factors associated with delayed disease progression included age ≤40 years (compared with age ＞40 years,aOR=1.55,95％ CI:1.31-3.12) and injection drug use (compared with sexual transmission,aOR=1.23,95％ CI:1.10-1.74).Conclusions A number of LTNPs existed in HIV-infected individuals in Guangxi.Further research are needed to identify the related factors,and it is necessary to conduct large sample size studies on host immunology,genetics and the virology of HIV to explore the related mechanism.

Prevalence and clinical features of familial hypercholesterolemia in Chinese patients with myocardial infarction / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective@#To analyze the prevalence and clinical features of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Chinese patients with myocardial infarction (MI).@*Method@#This retrospective study recruited a total of 2 119 consecutive patients (age (56.7±10.9) years old) undergoing coronary angiography with first MI from April 2011 to December 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups: premature MI (male<55 years old, female<60 years old) and non-premature MI. The diagnosis of FH was established according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) diagnostic criteria and referred as definite/probable FH in our study. The prevalence and clinical features of FH, including lipid level, MI characteristics and stain therapy, were explored. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictive value of FH for the presence of premature MI.@*Results@#The prevalence of definite/probable FH was 3.68% (78/2 119) in MI patients and 7.28% (68/934) in premature MI patients. Onset of MI occurred 10 years earlier in patients with definite/probable FH than those without FH ((47.9±9.4) years vs. (58.8±10.7) years, P<0.01). Additionally, we found that the risk of premature MI was significantly and independently increased in definite/probable FH patients (OR=5.32, 95%CI 2.77-10.22, P<0.01). None of FH patients reached the target of LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L under statin therapy.@*Conclusions@#The prevalence of FH in Chinese patients with MI is not rare. Clinically, FH is linked with the early onset of MI.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of familial hypercholesterolemia among Chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography due to angina-like chest pain / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives@#To investigate the prevalence rate and clinical characteristics of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography due to angina-like chest pain.@*Methods@#From March 2011 to December 2016, a total of 9 908 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography in Fuwai Hospital due to angina-like chest pain were enrolled. The age of enrolled patients was (56.6±11.1) years old, and 6 782 cases (68.4%) were male. The patients were divided into two groups: FH group (n=271) and non-FH group (n=9 637) according to the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network diagnostic criteria. A retrospective analyze was performed on the baseline features between the two groups including lipids levels, coronary artery disease (CAD) characteristics, and lipids-lowering treatments.@*Results@#In the total cohort, the prevalence of definite/probable FH was 2.7% (271/9 908). The incidence of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) (women < 60 years old, or men < 55 years old) was higher in patients with FH than that in patients without FH (70.2%(201/271) vs. 44.5% (4 287/9 637); χ2=93.738, P<0.001). Patients with FH had higher level of TC and LDL-C when compared with patients without FH ((6.74±2.48) mmol/L vs. (4.15±1.10) mmol/L; (4.53±2.39) mmol/L vs. (2.52±0.97) mmol/L; t=19.403, 22.233, P<0.001, respectively). Additionally, 84.9% (230/271) of FH patients were treated with statin at different intensities, but none of them achieved the LDL-C<2.6 mmol/L.@*Conclusions@#Chinese patients with familial hypercholesterolemia not only showed a high presence of PCAD and higher lipids levels, but also exhibited a low rate of achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets despite statin therapy. Our results thus highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intensive treatment of FH patients.

Changes in follicular helper T ( Tfh) cells and Tfh-related molecules during HIV-1 infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To analyze the changes in follicular helper T (Tfh) cells during HIV-1 in-fection, to investigate the influences of Tfh cells and Tfh-related molecules on HIV-1 progression and to pro-vide references for further research on using Tfh cells in highly active antiretroviral therapy ( HAART) and vaccines. Methods This study enrolled 33 patients with HIV-1 infection, including 11 long-term nonpro-gressors (LTNP), 10 rapid progressors (RP) and 12 typical progressors (TP), and 11 healthy subjects (normal controls, NC). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from each subject. Multicolor flow cytometry was performed to detect CD4+CD45RA-CXCR5+Tfh and CD4+CD45RA-CXCR3-CXCR5+PD-1+Tfh subsets and the levels of inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS), IFN-γ and IL-21. Moreover, the levels of IL-10 and the percentages of CD19+B cells in plasma samples of each group were also analyzed. Relationships among Tfh, CD4 and B cells were analyzed. Results The percentages of both Tfh subsets were higher in patients with HIV-1 infection than in NC. Compared with NC, LTNP had the highest percent-age of CD4+CD45RA-CXCR3-CXCR5+PD-1+Tfh cells (P<0. 05). Expression of Tfh-related molecules ICOS, IFN-γ and IL-21 were enhanced significantly upon Staphylococcus enterotoxin B ( SEB) stimulation, ICOS+Tfh cells were negatively related with HIV-1 progression, but had a positive correlation with CD19+B cells (r=-0. 49, P<0. 01; r=0. 60, P<0. 05). IL-10 level in plasma increased significantly in patients withHIV-1 infection , especially in TP and RP ( TP vs NC : P＜0. 01 ; RP vs NC : P<0. 05 ) . Conclusion HIV-1 patients and NC had significant differences in the expression of Tfh cells and Tfh-related molecules in peripheral blood. ICOS+Tfh cells were closely related to the progression of HIV-1 infection and the function of B cells.

Value of endothelin-1 in predicting the outcome of stable coronary artery disease patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To study the value of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in predicting the outcome of stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients.Methods A total of 3154 SCAD patients who were followed up for 24 months were divided into cardiocerebral vascular events group (n=189) and cardiocerebral vascular events-free group (n =2965).Their serum ET-1 level was measured by ELISA.The patients were further divided into ET-1 ＜0.3 pmol/L group (n=1588) and ET-1≥0.3 pmol/L group (n=1566).The value of ET-1 in predicting the end events was assessed by Cox regression analysis.The survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results The serum ET-1 level was signify-cantly higher in cardiocerebral vascular events group than in cardiocerebral vascular events-free group (0.33 pmol/L vs 0.30 pmol/L,P=0.004).The incidence of clinical end events was significantly lower in ET-1 ≥0.3 pmol/L group than in ET-1 ＜0.3 pmol/L group (7.02％ vs 4.97％,P=0.015).Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that ET-1 was a predictor of clinical end events (HR=1.656,95％CI:1.099-2.496,P=0.016).Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the events-free survival rate was lower in patients with a higher serum ET-1 level than in those with a lower serum ET-1 level (P=0.016).Conclusion ET-1 is an important risk factor for the outcome of SCAD patients.Further studies are needed to confirm its long-term value in predicting the outcome of SCAD patients.