Characteristics of skin microbiota in an atopic dermatitis-like mouse model induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate characteristics and changes of skin microbiota in atopic dermatitis-like mouse models induced by different concentrations of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) .Methods:Totally, 30 male specific-pathogen-free BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups by using a random number table: negative control group topically treated with 200 μl of mixture of acetone and olive oil at a volume ratio of 3∶1 on the back twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks; high-and low-concentration DNCB groups both topically treated with 200 μl of 1% DNCB on the first and third day at the first week, followed by topical application of 200 μl of 0.5% and 0.1% DNCB, respectively, twice a week for 5 weeks from the second week. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the severity of skin lesions was evaluated, and the transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration were measured. After the experiment, the mice were sacrificed, and skin tissues were resected from the back of the mice for histopathological examination. Full-thickness skin tissue samples were obtained from the back of 3 mice in each group. Illumina Miseq PE300 high-throughput sequencing was performed to sequence the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene of skin microbiota on the back of the mice, and the composition and structure of the skin microbiota and changes in the relative abundance of different genera were analyzed. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze differences in indices among the 3 groups, and the Games-Howell method was used for multiple comparisons.Results:The severity scores of skin lesions were significantly higher in the high-and low-concentration DNCB groups (9.83 ± 2.45 points, 2.71 ± 0.56 points, respectively) than in the negative control group (0.51 ± 0.12 points, t=-7.19,-2.85, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Compared with the negative control group, the high-and low-concentration DNCB groups showed significantly increased transepidermal water loss ( t=-7.72,-2.68, respectively, both P < 0.05) , but significantly decreased stratum corneum hydration ( t=6.77, 5.99, respectively, both P < 0.05) ; the transepidermal water loss was significantly higher in the high-concentration DNCB group than in the low-concentration DNCB group ( t=2.76, P < 0.05) , while no significant difference in the stratum corneum hydration was observed between the high-and low-concentration DNCB groups ( P > 0.05) . There was a significant difference in the relative abundance of Corynebacterium among the 3 groups ( F=249.85, P < 0.001) , which was highest in the high-concentration DNCB group. No significant differences in the observed species and Chao1 index of the skin samples were observed among the 3 groups (both P > 0.05) , and the Shannon index was significantly lower in the high-concentration DNCB group than in the low-concentration DNCB group and negative control group ( t=6.96,-6.37, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Conclusion:DNCB could induce atopic dermatitis-like dermatitis in mice, and the severity of skin lesions and degree of barrier function impairment were related to the concentration of DNCB; the species diversity of skin microbiota markedly decreased in the high-concentration DNCB group, indicating that high-concentration DNCB modeling has more advantages in studying microbiological changes associated with atopic dermatitis.

Therapeutic Effect of Spleen Low Molecular Weight Extracts on Leukopenia Caused by Epirubicin in Mice and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of spleen low molecular weight extracts on epileptics hydrochloride-induced leukopenia in mice and explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#The model of leukopenia in mice was established by the injection of epirubicin hydrochloride (10 mg/kg). After the injection of chemotherapeutic drugs, leukocytopenia mice were treated with different doses of spleen low molecular weight extract, Ganoderma oral solution and recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). The general survival status indicators such as body weight, coat color and athletic ability of mice in each group were recorded; the tail vein blood of mice in each group was collected and the white blood cell count in them was calculated; bone marrow of mice was taken and bone marrow smears were observed.@*RESULTS@#In the model group, the weight of the mice gradually decreased in the later period, their coat became dark and rough, and the ability to exercise decreased, while the mice in the treatment groups showed different degrees of improvement in their survival status except for the mice treated by rhG-CSF. There was no significant fluctuation in the white blood cell count of the blank control mice. After injection of epirubicin, the white blood cell count of peripheral blood in the model mice and treated mice were decreased. The white blood cell count was lower in the mice treated with high-dose low molecular weight extract and rhG-CSF than that in other experimental groups. Bone marrow smear showed that the proportion of bone marrow nucleated cells in the mice treated with the low molecular weight extract of the spleen was significantly higher than that of model mice (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The low molecular weight spleen extracts can significantly improve the hematopoietic state of mouse bone marrow, promote the proliferation of inhibited bone marrow cells, and thus has the effect of treating leukopenia in mice.

Variant analysis on steroid 5-reductase type 2 deficiency caused by a novel SRD5A2 mutation / 中国当代儿科杂志

This article reported the clinical characteristics and SRD5A2 gene mutation pattern of a child with steroid 5-α reductase type 2 deficiency. The 2-month-old boy showed hypospadias and short penis shortly after birth. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the child and his parents. The endocrine disease-related genes were captured and sequenced by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the family DNA samples were verified by Sanger sequencing. The results showed that c.680G>A(p.R227Q) and c.608G>A(p.G203D) compound heterozygous mutations existed in the SRD5A2 gene of the child. The c.680G>A mutation inherited from his father, which was a known pathogenic mutation. The c.608G>A mutation originated from his mother, which was a novel mutation discovered in this study. These results provide molecular evidence for the etiological diagnosis of the child and genetic counseling for the family, as well as extend the mutation spectrum of SRD5A2 gene.

Novel application of Influenza A virus-inoculated chorioallantoic membrane to characterize a NP-specific monoclonal antibody for immunohistochemistry assaying

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are widely applied in disease diagnoses. Herein, we report a MAb, WF-4, against Influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP), its broad response with Influenza A virus, and its application in an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. WF-4 was screened by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The results showed that its reactivity with baculovirus-expressed full-length recombinant NP (rNP) in Western blot (WB), indicating its IHC applicability. Fifteen Influenza A virus (reference subtypes H1 to H15) infected chicken embryonated chorioallantoic membranes (CAM), fixed by formalin, were all detectable in the WF-4-based IHC assay. Also, the reactivity of the IHC test with NP from experimentally inoculated H6N1 and from all recent outbreaks of H5 subtype avian Influenza A virus (AIV) field cases in Taiwan showed positive results. Our data indicate that CAM, a by-product of Influenza A virus preparation, is helpful for Influenza A virus-specific MAb characterization, and that the WF-4 MAb recognizes conserved and linear epitopes of Influenza A virus NP. Therefore, WF-4 is capable of detecting NP antigens via IHC and may be suitable for developing various tests for diagnosis of Influenza A virus and, especially, AIV infection.

Preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts postoperative surgical site infections in patients with colorectal cancer / 肠外与肠内营养

Objective:The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of PNI in surgical site infections (SSIs) for colorectal cancer patients undergoing enterectomies.Methods:A retrospective review of 332 colorectal cancer patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2014 and 2015 was performed.Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for SSIs,and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) cure was used to quantify the effectiveness of PNI.Results:SSIs were diagnosed in 43 (12.1％) patients,with incisional infection or deep incisional infection in 36 patients and organ/space infection in 7 patients.ROC curve analysis defined a PNI cut-off level of 48 corresponding to postoperative SSIs (area under the curve [AUC] =0.763,78.1 ％ sensitivity,62.7 ％ specificity).Furthermore,a multivariate analysis indicated that operation time ≥ 3 h (OR=3.42,95 ％ CI:1.22-8.78,P =0.04) and PNI ＜ 48 (OR=2.35,95％ CI:1.20-4.53,P =0.03) were independently associated with postoperative SSIs.Conclusion:Preoperative PNI is a simple and useful marker to predict SSIs in colorectal cancer patients after enterectomies.

Emerging alveolar echinococcosis and gene fragments of Nad 2 and Cob in Nileke County, Yili area of Xinjiang, China / 中国人兽共患病学报

We investigated the endemic situation of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in Nileke County,Yili Prefecture,Xinjiang and its genetic diversity of Echinococcus multilocularis.Human AE cases in the county were retrospectively investigated including their location and surrounding ecological conditions.Sequence detection and analysis of nad2,cob gene fragments of AE mtDNA from patients was used to identify genotype variation.Results showed that a total of 48 AE cases were diagnosed and the first AE patient was identified in 1989 in the county.The 45.8％ of AE cases were found in the recent 5 years (2011-2015) and annual prevalence was 1.7 per 100 000.The patients were distributed along the Kashgar River,particularly intensive in Wulasitai Township.The 38.6％ of the patients were aged arranged 35-44 years old,64.6％ were male and 95.8％ were farmers and herdsmen.AE cases were confirmed further and there was only one haplotype by sequencing analysis from 11 AE clinical patients in the county.It suggests that Nileke County is AE foci,and alveolar echinococcosis with sequences conserved is an emerging disease in the county.

Effect of genistein on ammonia-induced NF-κB activation in astrocytes / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To explore the effect of genistein on ammonia-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and the underlying mechanism.METHODS:Primary astrocyte cultures were prepared and challenged with NH4Cl to establish a hyperammonemic model.The activation of ERK,Akt and NF-κB was examined by Western blot.RESULTS:AG1478 and genistein significantly inhibited ammonia-induced activation of ERK and Akt.Ammonia-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation was significantly inhibited by the pretreatment of LY294002,genistein and AG1478.CONCLUSION:Genistein significantly inhibited ammonia-induced ERK activation and Akt-mediated NF-κB activation,which might represent the important mechanism by which this naturally occurring substance exerts its swelling-inhibiting effect.

Effect of genistein on ammonia-induced NF-κB activation in astrocytes / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To explore the effect of genistein on ammonia-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and the underlying mechanism.METHODS:Primary astrocyte cultures were prepared and challenged with NH4Cl to establish a hyperammonemic model.The activation of ERK,Akt and NF-κB was examined by Western blot.RESULTS:AG1478 and genistein significantly inhibited ammonia-induced activation of ERK and Akt.Ammonia-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation was significantly inhibited by the pretreatment of LY294002,genistein and AG1478.CONCLUSION:Genistein significantly inhibited ammonia-induced ERK activation and Akt-mediated NF-κB activation,which might represent the important mechanism by which this naturally occurring substance exerts its swelling-inhibiting effect.

Endoscopic Approach to Remove Intra-extracranial Tumors in Various Skull Base Regions: 10-year Experience of a Single Center / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Some problems have been found in the usually adopted combined approach for the removal of intra-extracranial tumors in skull base. Herein, we described a pure endoscopic transnasal or transoral approach (ETA) for the removal of intra-extracranial tumors in various skull base regions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospectively, clinical data, major surgical complications, pre- and postoperative images, and follow-up information of a series of 85 patients with intra-extracranial tumors in various skull base regions who were treated by surgery via ETA in our skull base center during the past 10 years were reviewed and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 80/85 cases (94.1%) in this study. All 37 cases with tumors in anterior skull base and all 14 cases with tumors in jugular foramen received total tumor removal. Thirteen and three cases with tumors in clivus received total and subtotal tumor removal, respectively. Total and subtotal tumor removal was performed for 16 cases and 2 cases in lateral skull base, respectively. The complications in this study included: cerebrospinal fluid leakage (n = 3), meningitis (n = 3), and new cranial nerve deficits (n = 3; recovered in 3 months after surgery). In the follow-up period of 40-151 months (median: 77 months), seven patients (8.8%) out of the 80 cases of total tumor removal experienced recurrence.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Complete resection of intra-extracranial growing tumors in various skull base regions can be achieved via the pure ETA in one stage in selected cases. Surgical procedure for radical removal of tumors is feasible and safe.</p>

Pulmonary arterial hypertensionin critically ill elderly patients

Objective: To assess the incidence, possible risk factors and prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension [PAH] in critically ill elderly patients

Methods: We selected 122 cases admitted to the ICU, ages 60-93 years old. An echocardiography examination was performed within four days after admission to the ICU. PAH is usually suspected if the patient's pulmonary artery systolic pressure >/= 40 mmHg. We collected echocardiography data, relevant clinical data and routine laboratory data; we then used a statistical method to analyze the risk factors for PAH in critically ill elderly patients and examined its impact on the prognosis

Results: Total 51 patients were diagnosed with PAH. The prevalence of critically ill elderly patients with PAH was 41.8%. The ANOVA analysis showed that if patients had COPD [P = 0.031] and/or respiratory failure [P = 0.021], they were more prone to PAH. An enlarged left atrium [P = 0.038] and/or right ventricle [P = 0.029], a declining left ventricle fractional shortening rate [P = 0.038], and an elevated amount of the brain natriuretic peptides [P = 0.046] were all associated with the occurrence of PAH. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the left atrial diameter [P = 0.045] was the risk factor in critically ill elderly patients with PAH. The 30-day mortality rate was 33.3% for elderly patients with PAH, which is statistically significant [P = 0.035] when compared with the mortality rate of patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure. Our multivariate regression analysis also showed that, for critically ill elderly patients admitted in the ICU, PAH [P = 0.039] is risk factor for increased mortality

Conclusions: A higher incidence of PAH occurs in critically ill elderly patients. PAH is more likely to occur in patients with an enlarged left atrium, and these problems adversely impact the prognosis

Pulmonary papillary adenoma: report of two cases

Pulmonary papillary adenoma is a rare tumor. Two cases without any clinical symptoms were enrolled in our hospital. Both cases were incidentally detected in pulmonary area by imaging. Pathological examination revealed well-circumscribed nodules consisting of papillary growth of cuboidal to low columnar epithelial cells lining the surface of the fibrovascular stroma. Immunohistochemistry [IHC] staining showed that the lining cells were diffusely positive for TTF-1, CK, p63, CK7, and Napsin A. The Ki-67 proliferation index was approximately 2%. The morphological features and the IHC profile of the tumor were in agreement with that of pulmonary papillary adenoma. Both patients are doing well without recurrence or metastasis of the tumor

A New Comprehensive Short-form Health Literacy Survey Tool for Patients in General

PURPOSE: To validate a conceptual short-form health literacy 12 items questionnaire (HL-SF12) in patient populations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a convenient sample of 403 patients from three departments of a community general hospital in the northern Taiwan. Patients' health literacy was assessed with a validated HL-SF12, derived from the full scale, the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q), as well as a single-item from Chew's Set of Brief Health Literacy Question. A reference population in Northern Taiwan (n = 928) via the HLS-EU-Q in 2013–2014 was used as a reference to compare the health literacy between that of the general public and the patients. Data was analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency analysis, correlation analysis, and linear regression models. RESULTS: Patients' health literacy assessed with the HL-SF12 was shown with high internal consistency (Cronbach α = .87), and moderately correlated with the single-item from Chew's Set of Brief Health Literacy Question, with satisfactory item-scale convergent validity (item-scale correlation ≥ .40), without floor/ceiling effect, and with satisfactory goodness of fit indices of the three-factor construct model for most of the patients. Their health literacy was significantly positively associated with female gender, higher income, and more often watching health-related TV programs. On the other hands, patients were reported with significantly higher healthcare health literacy than the general public, but not in general health literacy, disease prevention health literacy, or health promotion health literacy. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive HL-SF12 was a valid and easy to use tool for assessing patients' health literacy in the hospitals to facilitate healthcare providers in enhancing patients' health literacy and healthcare qualities.

Two Different Total Hip Arthroplasties for Hartofilakidis Type C1 Developmental Dysplasia of Hip in Adults / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is more complex than the normal hip, with large replacement risks and many complications. Although nonosteotomy THA is convenient to perform, femoral osteotomy shortening can avoid blood vessel and nerve traction injuries. This study aimed to compare osteotomy THA with nonosteotomy to determine reasonable options for operative management of DDH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data on 48 DDH patients who underwent THA were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A 29 cases (nonosteotomy), and group B 19 cases (osteotomy). Harris and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, limb length discrepancy (LLD), radiological data on the hip, and claudication were evaluated. Data were analyzed by using paired-sample Student's t-test, independent-sample Student's t-test, and Pearson's Chi-square test; the test level was α =0.05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Postoperative Harris (90.7 ± 5.1) and WOMAC scores (88.0 ± 10.6) were significantly improved compared with preoperative Harris (44.8 ± 5.7) and WOMAC scores (42.0 ± 5.3) in group A (P < 0.05). Postoperative Harris (90.4 ± 2.8) and WOMAC scores (88.2 ± 5.9) were significantly improved compared with preoperative Harris (44.4 ± 4.2) and WOMAC scores (43.2 ± 4.3) in group B (P < 0.05). One case of dislocation occurred in group A; after closed reduction, dislocation did not recur. In group A, 2 patients developed cutaneous branch injury of the femoral nerve, which spontaneously recovered without treatment. Postoperative LLD >2 cm was seen in one case in group A and five cases in group B. Postoperative claudication showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). No patients developed infection; postoperative X-rays showed that the location of the prosthesis was satisfactory, and the surrounding bone was not dissolved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>THA is effective and safe for DDH. For unilateral high dislocation DDH patients with limb lengthening ≤4 cm and good tissue conditions, THA without femoral osteotomy may be considered.</p>

Anatomical study of endoscope-assisted far lateral keyhole approach to the ventral craniocervical region with neuronavigational guidance / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Image-guided neurosurgery, endoscopic-assisted neurosurgery and the keyhole approach are three important parts of minimally invasive neurosurgery and have played a significant role in treating skull base lesions. This study aimed to investigate the potential usefulness of coupling of the endoscope with the far lateral keyhole approach and image guidance at the ventral craniocervical junction in a cadaver model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We simulated far lateral keyhole approach bilaterally in five cadaveric head specimens (10 cranial hemispheres). Computed tomography-based image guidance was used for intraoperative navigation and for quantitative measurements. Skull base structures were observed using both an operating microscope and a rigid endoscope. The jugular tubercle and one-third of the occipital condyle were then drilled, and all specimens were observed under the microscope again. We measured and compared the exposure of the petroclivus area provided by the endoscope and by the operating microscope. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With endoscope assistance and image guidance, it was possible to observe the deep ventral craniocervical junction structures through three nerve gaps (among facial-acoustical nerves and the lower cranial nerves) and structures normally obstructed by the jugular tubercle and occipital condyle in the far lateral keyhole approach. The surgical area exposed in the petroclival region was significantly improved using the 0° endoscope (1147.80 mm(2)) compared with the operating microscope ((756.28 ± 50.73) mm(2)). The far lateral retrocondylar keyhole approach, using both 0° and 30° endoscopes, provided an exposure area ((1147.80 ± 159.57) mm(2) and (1409.94 ± 155.18) mm(2), respectively) greater than that of the far lateral transcondylar transtubercular keyhole approach ((1066.26 ± 165.06) mm(2)) (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>With the aid of the endoscope and image guidance, it is possible to approach the ventral craniocervical junction with the far lateral keyhole approach. The use of an angled-lens endoscope can significantly improve the exposure of the petroclival region without drilling the jugular tubercle and occipital condyle.</p>

Evaluation of mouse models of myocardial dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis by speckle tracking imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI) in assessing regional myocardial dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis in a mouse model of myocardial infarction.Methods Twenty C57/B6 mice were randomly divided into two groups:myocardial infarction (MI) group (n =10) and sham-operation (SO) group (n =10).Echocardiography was performed four weeks after surgery.High frame rate two dimensional images were recorded in the left ventricular short axis views at the papillary muscle level and analysised at EchoPac workstation.Peak radical strain (PRS) and peak radical strain rate (PRSR) of each segment were measured at systolic period.Percent segmental fibrosis (PSF) was assessed from histological left ventricular cross sections stained by Masson trichrome.Results Compared with SO group,PRS and PRSR decreased significantly in all segments of MI group (P ＜ 0.01),especially in anterosepetal,anterior and lateral segments (P ＜0.05).PSF of anterosepetal,anterior,lateral and posterior segments in MI group increased significantly than those in SO group(P ＜0.01),and were negatively correlated with PRS and PRSR of these segments(r =-0.88,P ＜0.001 ; r =-0.77,P ＜0.001).Conclusions STI could accurately quantify regional myocardial function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction.Segmental radial strain and strain rate measured by STI were significantly correlated with PSF,which can be a non-invasive tool for monitoring myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction.

Re-evaluation of transvenous lead extraction with modified standard technique: A prospective study in 229 patients / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

As new-type powered sheaths are expensive and unavailable, the standard lead extraction techniques remain the mainstay in clinical applications in many countries. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the clinical application of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment, and make some procedural modifications and innovations. In our center, between January 2006 and May 2012, 229 patients (median, 66 years) who underwent lead extraction due to infection and lead malfunction were registered and followed up prospectively with respect to clinical features, reasons for lead extraction, technical characteristics, and clinical prognosis. A total of 440 leads had to be extracted transvenously by using special tools from 229 patients (male, 72.1%). Vegetations ≥1 cm were detected in six patients. Locking Stylets were applied for 398 (90.5%) leads. Telescoping dilator polypropylene sheaths and counter traction technique were used for 202 (45.9%) leads due to lead adhesion, and the mean implant duration of the 202 leads was longer than the other 238 leads (48.9±22.6 vs. 26.6±17.8 months; P <0.01). In addition, modified isolation and snare techniques were used for 56 leads (12.7%). Minor and major procedure-related complications occurred in three (1.3%) and four (1.7%) cases respectively, including one death (0.4%). Severe lead residue occurred in one case. Complete procedural success rate was 96.1% (423/440), and clinical success rate was 98.9% (435/440). The median follow-up period was 18 (1-76) months. No infection- and procedure-related death occurred in our series. Our data demonstrated that high clinical success rate of transvenous lead extraction can be guaranteed by making full use of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment with individualized modifications.

Effects of epithelial cell injury of the lower respiratory tract in the pathogenesis of allergic responses in a rat model / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Asthma is a complex disease involving genetic and environment interactions. Atopy is a strong risk factor for asthma. The airway epithelium not only forms a physical barrier but also provides immune defense against harmful materials. To explore the effects of airway epithelium on asthma, we hypothesized that environmental injuries could act on bronchial epithelial cells and damage the physical barrier, which might facilitate allergens to stimulate immunoreactions and play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups with six rats in each group: control group, asthma group, ovalbumin (OVA) + OVA group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and LPS + OVA group. In the control group, 0.9% saline was injected intraperitoneally on day 1. Fourteen days later, the rats were exposed to aerosolized 0.9% saline. In the asthma group, the rats were sensitized with an injection of 10 mg of OVA, followed by an aerosolized 2% OVA challenge 14 days later. The OVA + OVA group was sensitized by an inhalation 2% OVA, 20 minutes a day, from day 1 to day 7, and then OVA challenged in the same way as the asthma group. In the LPS group, LPS (200 µl, 1 µg/µl) was given by airway on day 1 and day 3, with a simultaneous aerosol inhalation of 2% OVA for 20 minutes a day from day 1 to day 7. Fourteen days later, the rats were challenged with saline as in the control group. While in the LPS + OVA group, LPS (200 µl, 1 µg/µl) was given by airway on day 1 and day 3, with a simultaneous aerosol inhalation of 2% OVA for 20 minutes a day from day 1 to day 7. Fourteen days later, the rats were challenged with OVA as in the asthma group. The expression of interleukin (IL)-4, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in the lungs was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the pulmonary pathological changes were also observed. The level of IL-4, IFN-γ and IgE in plasma was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to conduct differential cell counts. Flow cytometry analysis was also used to count Th1 and Th2 cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pathological changes in the LPS + OVA group were similar to the asthma group, while in other groups, the pathological changes were not obvious. The ratio of lymphocytes in BALF, IL-4/IFN-γ in plasma and the expression of the TSLP and IL-4 in the asthma and LPS + OVA groups were higher than in the control group and the OVA + OVA group (P < 0.05). The level of IgE was higher in the asthma, LPS and LPS + OVA groups than in the control group and the OVA + OVA group (P < 0.05). By flow cytometry analysis, the Th1/Th2 ratio was lower in the LPS + OVA and asthma groups than in other groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The experiment results show that the injury to the bronchial epithelial layer may be the initial event of allergic responses. This finding implies that a rational approach to therapeutics would be to increase the resistance of the airways to environmental injuries rather than concentrating on suppressing inflammation.</p>

Re-evaluation of transvenous lead extraction with modified standard technique: a prospective study in 229 patients / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

As new-type powered sheaths are expensive and unavailable, the standard lead extraction techniques remain the mainstay in clinical applications in many countries. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the clinical application of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment, and make some procedural modifications and innovations. In our center, between January 2006 and May 2012, 229 patients (median, 66 years) who underwent lead extraction due to infection and lead malfunction were registered and followed up prospectively with respect to clinical features, reasons for lead extraction, technical characteristics, and clinical prognosis. A total of 440 leads had to be extracted transvenously by using special tools from 229 patients (male, 72.1%). Vegetations ≥1 cm were detected in six patients. Locking Stylets were applied for 398 (90.5%) leads. Telescoping dilator polypropylene sheaths and counter traction technique were used for 202 (45.9%) leads due to lead adhesion, and the mean implant duration of the 202 leads was longer than the other 238 leads (48.9±22.6 vs. 26.6±17.8 months; P <0.01). In addition, modified isolation and snare techniques were used for 56 leads (12.7%). Minor and major procedure-related complications occurred in three (1.3%) and four (1.7%) cases respectively, including one death (0.4%). Severe lead residue occurred in one case. Complete procedural success rate was 96.1% (423/440), and clinical success rate was 98.9% (435/440). The median follow-up period was 18 (1-76) months. No infection- and procedure-related death occurred in our series. Our data demonstrated that high clinical success rate of transvenous lead extraction can be guaranteed by making full use of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment with individualized modifications.

Expression and clinical significance of γH2 AX in HPV16 positive cervial squamous carcinoma / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of γH2AX in cervical squamous carcinoma.Methods Firstly,DNA were extracted from 74 cervical squamous carcinoma samples and PCR were tested for HPV infection.Secondly,formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections (4 μm)were stained with H&E method to detect cervical lesions grading.Thirdly,HPV16 DNA were examined by in situ hybridization(ISH) and γH2AX,p16 were examined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.Then,30 cases typical tissue sections in which including the normal cervical tissue,cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical carcinoma in situ were selected for comparing the HPV DNA loading,and the γH2AX and,pl6 expression.Finally,the feasibility of γH2AX serving as a biomarks in HPV infection-related cervical carcinogenesis were analyzed.Results In this study,HPV infection ratio is 98.65％,and HPV16 is the most common type with 74.32％ infection.In situ hybridization showed no HPV16 DNA exist in normal cervical tissues and CINI.In CIN Ⅱ HPV DNA exist mainly as episomal DNA.With the increasing of cervical lesions grade,HPV DNA was integrated into chromosome steadily.The expression of γH2AX and pl6 were positively associated with grading of cervical lesions.HPV DNA and γH2AX protein co-exist primarily in the prickle cell layer and the granular cell layer.The HPV DNA and p16 protein exist in different cell layer.Conclusion γH2AX may be employed as a biomarker for HPV positive cervical carcinogenesis.

Reasons of bleeding complications and prevention methods in endovascular stenting for intracranial artery stenosis / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To summarize the reasons of bleeding complications and the prevention methods in stenting for intracranial arterial stenosis.Methods The clinical data of 366 patients underwent stent-assistant angioplasty of intracranial artery stenosis from July 2006 to December 2011were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,14 patients with bleeding complications were found.The initial 100 patients were categorized as early stage group and the rest as mature stage group.The reasons of bleeding and the methods for preventing this complication were summarized.Results The overall incidence of bleeding complication was 3.8％ (14/366).In the early stage group and mature stage group,the rates was 10％(10/100) and 1.5％ (4/266).Six cases were related to the operational manipulation and 8 cases secondary to hyperperfusion injury.Death was found in 6 patients,severe disability in 3,mild paralysis in 2,and no neurological deficits in 3.Conclusions The bleeding complications in stent-assisted angioplasty of intracranial artery stenosis have a high disability and mortality.The improvement of operative techniques and the more strict indications decrease the bleeding complications rate effectively.