Research progress in pH-responsive antibacterial nanomaterials for inhibiting oral plaque biofilms / 中华口腔医学杂志

pH-responsive antibacterial nanomaterials are a new type of nanomaterials that can selectively undergo structural changes and trigger drug release according to significant pH differences produced by the body under physiological and pathological conditions. The formation of acidic microenvironment in plaque is the key to the pathogenicity of oral plaque biofilm, which also creates conditions for the oral application of pH-responsive antibacterial nanomaterials. pH-responsive antibacterial nanomaterials can respond to changes in pH of plaque microenvironment and accurately control the release of antibacterial drugs, providing a new direction for improving drug efficacy and targeted antibacterial. The present article reviews the classification, mechanism and application of pH-responsive antibacterial nanomaterials in oral plaque inhibition.

Analysis on missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery by echocardiography from one single medical center / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives: To analyze the reasons of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis on anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) by echocardiography. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients with ALCAPA who underwent surgical treatment in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from August 2008 to December 2021 were included. According to the results of preoperative echocardiography and surgical diagnosis, the patients were divided into confirmed group or missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis group. The results of preoperative echocardiography were collected, and the specific echocardiographic signs were analyzed. According to the experience of the doctors, the echocardiographic signs were divided into four types, namely clear displayed, vague/doubtful displayed, no display and no notice, and the display rate of each sign was calculated (display rate=number of clearly displayed cases/total number of cases×100%). By referring the surgical data, we analyzed and recorded the pathological anatomy and pathophysiological characteristics of the patients, and the rate of missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis of echocardiography in patients with different characteristics was compared. Results: A total of 21 patients were enrolled, including 11 males, aged 1.8 (0.8, 12.3) years (range 1 month to 47 years). Except for one patient with anomalous origin of left anterior descending artery, the others were all originated from the main left coronary artery (LCA). There were 13 cases of ALCAPA in infant and children, and 8 cases of adult ALCAPA. There were 15 cases in the confirmed group (diagnostic accuracy was 71.4% (15/21)), and 6 cases in the missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis group (three cases were misdiagnosed as primary endocardial fibroelastosis, two cases were misdiagnosed as coronary-pulmonary artery fistula; and one case was missed diagnosis). The working years of the physicians in the confirmed group were longer than those in the missed diagnosis/misdiagnosed group ((12.8±5.6) years vs. (8.3±4.7) years, P=0.045). In infants with ALCAPA, the detection rate of LCA-pulmonary shunt (8/10 vs. 0, P=0.035) and coronary collateral circulation (7/10 vs. 0, P=0.042) in confirmed group was higher than that in missed diagnosis/misdiagnosed group. In adult ALCAPA patients, the detection rate of LCA-pulmonary artery shunt was higher in confirmed group than that in missed diagnosis/misdiagnosed group (4/5 vs. 0, P=0.021). The missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis rate of adult type was higher than that of infant type (3/8 vs. 3/13, P=0.410). The rate of missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis was higher in patients with abnormal origin of branches than that of abnormal origin of main trunk (1/1 vs. 5/21, P=0.028). The rate of missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis in patients with LCA running between the main and pulmonary arteries was higher than that distant from the main pulmonary artery septum (4/7 vs. 2/14, P=0.064). The rate of missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension was higher than that in patients without severe pulmonary hypertension (2/3 vs. 4/18, P=0.184). The reasons with an echocardiography missed diagnosis/misdiagnosis rate of≥50% included that (1) the proximal segment of LCA ran between the main and pulmonary arteries; (2) abnormal opening of LCA at the right posterior part of the pulmonary artery; (3) abnormal origin of LCA branches; (4) complicated with severe pulmonary hypertension. Conclusions: Echocardiography physicians' knowledge of ALCAPA and diagnostic vigilance are critical to the accuracy of diagnosis. Attention should be paid to the pediatric cases with no obvious precipitating factors of left ventricular enlargement, regardless of whether the left ventricular function is normal or not, the origin of coronary artery should be routinely explored.

The research on the efficiency of single-port plus-one robot-assisted pyeloplasty for children with UPJO / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Da Vinci robot-assisted single-port plus-one laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RSPY) in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).Methods:The clinical data of 13 children with UPJO diagnosed by robot-assisted single-port plus-one laparoscopic pyeloplasty in Fujian Provincial Hospital from September 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the children was 60.0 (1.3, 108.0) months. The lesions of 10 patients were on the left, and 3 were on the right. The clinical manifestations were abdominal pain in 3 cases, urinary tract infection in 2 cases, and no symptoms in 10 cases. Preoperative isotope renogram showed affected renal function (28.32±1.82)%, and bilateral renal function difference > 10% in 7 cases. Mechanical obstruction existed in 5 cases. Preoperative ultrasound showed the affected side's renal cortex thickness of (1.98 ± 0.23) cm. During the operation, a single-port multi-channel trocar was placed in the umbilicus with another single port in the epigastrium, and a robotic system was placed to explore the subperitoneal dilated renal pelvis. The renal pelvis was suspended and pulled through the abdominal wall. The visual field was exposed, and the dilated renal pelvis was incised. The dilated renal pelvis was cut, a ureteral stent was placed, and the ureteropelvic duct was anastomosed.Results:The operation of 13 cases was successfully completed, without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was 180.0(165.0, 190.2)min. The intraoperative blood loss was < 5 ml. The postoperative hospital stay was 7.0(7.0, 7.0)d, and hospitalization costs were 56.3(52.1, 56.5)thousand yuan. The ureteral stent was removed 2 months after the operation, and no obvious complications such as urinary tract infection or low back pain occurred. The median postoperative follow-up was 12 months, ranged from 6 to 18 months. Urinary color ultrasound showed that the renal cortex was (4.95±0.57) cm, which was thicker than before. Isotope renogram showed that the renal function was (38.02±1.76)%, which was higher than before. Mechanical obstruction was transformed into incomplete obstruction.Conclusions:Da Vinci robot-assisted single-port plus-one laparoscopic pyeloplasty is precise and could achieve good surgical results on the basis of the effective restoration of lesion kidney function.

Somatostatin-Positive Neurons in the Rostral Zona Incerta Modulate Innate Fear-Induced Defensive Response in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Defensive behaviors induced by innate fear or Pavlovian fear conditioning are crucial for animals to avoid threats and ensure survival. The zona incerta (ZI) has been demonstrated to play important roles in fear learning and fear memory, as well as modulating auditory-induced innate defensive behavior. However, whether the neuronal subtypes in the ZI and specific circuits can mediate the innate fear response is largely unknown. Here, we found that somatostatin (SST)-positive neurons in the rostral ZI of mice were activated by a visual innate fear stimulus. Optogenetic inhibition of SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI resulted in reduced flight responses to an overhead looming stimulus. Optogenetic activation of SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI induced fear-like defensive behavior including increased immobility and bradycardia. In addition, we demonstrated that manipulation of the GABAergic projections from SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI to the downstream nucleus reuniens (Re) mediated fear-like defensive behavior. Retrograde trans-synaptic tracing also revealed looming stimulus-activated neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) that projected to the Re-projecting SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI (SC-ZIrSST-Re pathway). Together, our study elucidates the function of SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI and the SC-ZIrSST-Re tri-synaptic circuit in mediating the innate fear response.

Pharmacodynamic Mechanism of Kuanxiong Aerosol for Vasodilation and Improvement of Myocardial Ischemia / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in rat models.@*METHODS@#Totally 24 rats were radomly divided into control, ISO, KXA low-dose and high-dose groups according to the randomized block design method, and were administered by intragastric administration for 10 consecutive days, and on the 9th and 10th days, rats were injected with ISO for 2 consecutive days to construct an acute myocardial ischemia model to evaluate the improvement of myocardial ischemia by KXA. In addition, the diastolic effect of KXA on rat thoracic aorta and its regulation of ion channels were tested by in vitro vascular tension test. The influence of KXA on the expression of calcium-CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway has also been tested.@*RESULTS@#KXA significantly reduced the ISO-induced increase in ST-segment, interventricular septal thickness, cardiac mass index and cardiac tissue pathological changes in rats. Moreover, the relaxation of isolated thoracic arterial rings that had been precontracted using norepinephrine (NE) or potassium chloride (KCl) was increased after KXA treatment in an endothelium-independent manner, and was attenuated by preincubation with verapamil, but not with tetraethylammonium chloride, 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, or barium chloride. KXA pretreatment attenuated vasoconstriction induced by CaCl2 in Ca2+-free solutions containing K+ or NE. In addition, KXA pretreatment inhibited accumulation of Ca2+ in A7r5 cells mediated by KCl and NE and significantly decreased p-CaMK II and p-ERK levels.@*CONCLUSION@#KXA may inhibit influx and release of calcium and activate the CaMK II/ERK signaling pathway to produce vasodilatory effects, thereby improving myocardial injury.

Network Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in treatment of hypertension / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of oral Chinese patent medicines on hypertension with network Meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials on the treatment of hypertension with oral Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional western medicine were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library(from establishment of the database to August 2021). Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted the data, and evaluated article quality. Then R 4.1.0 was employed for data analysis. Finally, 195 eligible articles were screened out, involving 22 546 patients and 18 oral Chinese patent medicines. The results of the network Meta-analysis are as follows. In terms of reducing systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP), Xuesaitong, Qiangli Dingxuan Tablets, Songling Xuemaikang Capsules combined with conventional western medicine are superior. In improving blood lipids, the overall effects of Xinmaitong Capsules, Compound Xueshuantong Capsules, Ginkgo Folium preparations, Yindan Xinnaotong Soft Capsules, and Naoxintong Capsules combined with conventional western medicine are outstanding. In terms of regulating endothelial function, Yindan Xinnaotong Soft Capsules, Xinmaitong Capsules, Zhenju Jiangya Tablets, Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, Xuesaitong with conventional western medicine have certain advantages. As for the safety, the incidence of adverse reactions of conventional western medicine combined with oral Chinese patent medicines is lower than that of conventional western medicine alone. In summary, compared with conventional western medicine alone, the 18 oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in the treatment of hypertension show advantages in improving blood pressure, blood lipids, and endothelial function. Among them, Xuesaitong, Qiangli Dingxuan Tablets, and Songling Xuemaikang Capsules may be the best oral Chinese patent medicines for lowering blood pressure. The conclusion needs to be further verified by more high-quality studies.

A Deep Mesencephalic Nucleus Circuit Regulates Licking Behavior / 神经科学通报·英文版

Licking behavior is important for water intake. The deep mesencephalic nucleus (DpMe) has been implicated in instinctive behaviors. However, whether the DpMe is involved in licking behavior and the precise neural circuit behind this behavior remains unknown. Here, we found that the activity of the DpMe decreased during water intake. Inhibition of vesicular glutamate transporter 2-positive (VGLUT2+) neurons in the DpMe resulted in increased water intake. Somatostatin-expressing (SST+), but not protein kinase C-δ-expressing (PKC-δ+), GABAergic neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) preferentially innervated DpMe VGLUT2+ neurons. The SST+ neurons in the CeA projecting to the DpMe were activated at the onset of licking behavior. Activation of these CeA SST+ GABAergic neurons, but not PKC-δ+ GABAergic neurons, projecting to the DpMe was sufficient to induce licking behavior and promote water intake. These findings redefine the roles of the DpMe and reveal a novel CeASST-DpMeVGLUT2 circuit that regulates licking behavior and promotes water intake.

Clinical characteristics of 170 cases of macrodactyly / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of 170 cases of macrodactyly.@*METHODS@#Medical records of 170 macrodactyly patients at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between March 2006 and October 2019, including demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, anatomical distributions, X-rays, pathological findings, and treatments, were reviewed. PIK3CA mutation analyses of 12 patients were also reviewed.@*RESULTS@#Disease incidence was similar across sex and geographical regions. Multiple-digit involvement was 3.9 times more frequent than single-digit involvement. In upper deformit: ies, the index finger, middle finger and thumb were mostly involved, and the second and third toes were the most affected on the foot. Two digits were affected more often than three digits, with the affected multiple digits were adjacent most time. The cases of progressive macrodactyly, in which the affected digits grew at a faster rate than the unaffected digits, were found more than static type. Most of progressive macrodactyly were noticed at birth. In terms of nerve involvement, affected fingers mostly occurred in the median nerve innervation area (79.4%) accompanied by median nerve and brunches enlargement and fat infiltration, i.e., nerve territory oriented; affected toes mostly occurred in the medial plantar nerve innervation area (89.1%), marked with overgrowth of adipose tissue with a lesser degree of neural overgrowth, i.e., lipomatous. Only 17 cases had comorbid of syndactyly. The metacarpal bones were involved only in progressive type of macrodactyly. Ten of the 12 cases subjected to PIK3CA mutation analysis were positive. Among all tested specimens, PIK3CA mutation levels ranged from 7% to 27%. In terms of tissue sources in which a mutation was found, adipose tissue had the highest mutation detection rate, followed by nerve and skin. All the DNA samples of blood from the 12 PIK3CA mutation-positive patients were negative.@*CONCLUSION@#Macrodactyly fingers mostly occurred in the median nerve innervation area accompanied by median nerve and brunches enlargement and fat infiltration. The index and middle fingers were mostly involved. Macrodactyly toes mostly occurred in the medial plantar nerve innervation area, marked with overgrowth of adipose tissue with a lesser degree of neural overgrowth. The second and third toes were the most affected on the foot. A high proportion (83%) of isolated macrodactyly patients carry activating PIK3CA mutations. Adipose, nerve, and skin tissues provide the highest PIK3CA mutation detection yield among all types of tissue studied.

Diagnostic value of thickness ratio between noncompacted and compacted myocardium of different phases with conventional and left heart contrast echocardiography in noncompaction cardiomyopathy / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of thickness ratio between noncompacted and compacted myocardium (NC/C ratio) measured by echocardiography at end-systole and end-diastole comparatively in left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC).Methods:Thirty-five patients with suspected LVNC were collected and underwent conventional (2DE) and left ventricular opacification (LVO) in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2019 to June 2020. The distribution and detection rate of two-layered segments, non-compaction (NC) segments and their NC/C ratios were comparatively analyzed at end-diastole and end-systole using 2DE, LVO and combined techniques respectively. With the diagnostic criteria of end-diastolic NC/C ratio>2.3 or end-systolic NC/C ratio>2.0, echocardiographic results were also recorded and compared with cMRI results.Results:Compared with 2DE, the number of detected segments was increased ( P<0.001), but the numbers of two-layered segments and NC segments were not significantly improved in end-systole using 2DE combined with LVO ( P>0.006). The diagnostic accuracy was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). However, when observing in end-diastole, the detected numbers of 3 kinds of segments were significantly increased using 2DE+ LVO in comparison with 2DE (all P<0.001), and the diagnostic accuracy was also significantly improved ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the detected rates of two-layered and NC semgents between 2DE+ LVO and cMRI ( P>0.006). 2DE+ LVO in end-diastole resulted in the highest diagnostic sensitivity (88.9%) and accuracy (85.7%), and also the largest area under ROC curve (0.95). Conclusions:The combination of 2DE and LVO can detect more NC segments, and diagnostic accuracy of end-diastolic NC/C ratio is higher than that in end-systolic in patients with LVNC.

Efficacy and safety of Shenyankangfu Tablet, a Chinese patent medicine, for primary glomerulonephritis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease.@*OBJECTIVE@#This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION@#This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Primary glomerulonephritis patients, aged 18-70 years, with blood pressure ≤ 140/90 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min per 1.73 m@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#The primary outcome was change in the 24-hour proteinuria level, after 48 weeks of treatment.@*RESULTS@#A total of 735 participants were enrolled. The percent decline of urine protein quantification in the SYKFT group after 48 weeks was 8.78% ± 2.56% (P = 0.006) more than that in the losartan 50 mg group, which was 0.51% ± 2.54% (P = 1.000) less than that in the losartan 100 mg group. Compared with the losartan potassium 50 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg group had a 13.39% ± 2.49% (P < 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein level. Compared with the losartan potassium 100 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 100 mg group had a 9.77% ± 2.52% (P = 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein. With a superiority threshold of 15%, neither was statistically significant. eGFR, serum creatinine and serum albumin from the baseline did not change statistically significant. The average change in TCM syndrome score between the patients who took SYKFT (-3.00 [-6.00, -2.00]) and who did not take SYKFT (-2.00 [-5.00, 0]) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group.@*CONCLUSION@#SYKFT decreased the proteinuria and improved the TCM syndrome scores of primary glomerulonephritis patients, with no change in the rate of decrease in the eGFR. SYKFT plus losartan potassium therapy decreased proteinuria more than losartan potassium therapy alone.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER@#NCT02063100 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Effects of Wrist Brace on Activities of Hemiplegic Hand after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of a wrist brace on activities of spastic hemiplegic hand after stroke, based on Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection and electrical stimulation. Methods:From January, 2016 to December, 2018, 52 stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia on upper extremities accepted BTX-A injection, and electrical stimulation two days later, while group A (n = 26) wore a wrist brace during stimulation and group B (n = 26) did not. They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Box and Block test (BBt) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) before treatment (T0), and two (T1), four (T2) and twelve 12 (T3) weeks after treatment. Results:The scores of MAS, BBt and ARAT improved after treatment in both groups (Ftime > 118.32,P < 0.001), and improved more in group A than in group B in the scores of BBt and ARAT at each time point (Fgroup > 31.26,P < 0.001;Finteract = 10.65,P < 0.001). Conclusion:Based on the BTX-A injection and electrical stimulation, wearing a wrist brace would further improve the activities of hand for stroke patients.

Reversed vascularized second metatarsal flap for reconstruction of Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia with reduced donor site morbidity / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The predominant method for Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia is pollicization. However, for those who are not willing to sacrifice the index finger, a method that could reconstruct a functionally capable and aesthetically acceptable thumb remains desirable. This study aimed to investigate and assess the functional and radiographic outcomes of utilizing a reversed vascularized second metatarsal composite flap for thumb reconstruction as a new alternative.@*Methods@#From May 2014 to January 2017, 15 patients with Manske type IIIB or IV thumb hypoplasia who were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. An osteocutaneous flap containing a section of second metatarsal and its distal head was transferred in reversed position to reconstruct carpometacarpal joint. The donor site was reconstructed by a split half of the third metatarsal. Various functional reconstructions were commenced at second stage. The reconstructed thumbs were evaluated using the Kapandji score, pinch force, and the capacities of performing daily activities through a detailed questionnaire.@*Results@#Among these 15 patients (seven type IIIB and eight type IV), there were ten boys and five girls with median age of 4.2 years (range: 2.0-7.0 years). There were seven right, three left, and five bilateral thumbs for whom only the right thumb received surgery. There were 14 metatarsal flaps survived (14/15). With an average follow-up of 19.2 months, the reconstructed thumbs had acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and the donor foot presented in decent appearance without signs of impaired function. All 15 children have improved the Kapandji score (from 0 to an average of 6.7), pinch force (from 0 to an average of 1.5 kg), with ability of grip and pen holding. X-ray indicated continuous bone growth. Patients and parents had good acceptance of the new thumb.@*Conclusions@#Reconstruction of an unstable hypoplastic thumb (Manske type IIIB and IV) with use of a vascularized metatarsal is an effective strategy. It offers an alternative solution for parents insisting on saving the thumb.

Protective Effect of Ferulic Acid on PC12 Cells with H2O2-induced Oxidative Damage / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of ferulic acid on PC12 cells injured by H2O2 and the molecular mechanisms. Method:The oxidative stress model was established by treating PC12 cells with H2O2, and then different dosages of ferulic acid (1, 10, 100 μmol·L-1) were used for intervention. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cell viability,lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdelyde (MDA) in cell supernatant, and superoxidedismutase (SOD) in cells was tested by biochemical method respectively. Insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1) mRNA and protein expressions were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. Result:The 24 h intervention with different dosages of ferulic acid (1, 10, 100 μmol·L-1) could significantly improve the oxidative damage of PC12 cells induced by H2O2, compared with the model group, ferulic acid at 1,10,100 μmol·L-1 significantly increased PC12 cells viability,significantly decreased LDH and MDA content in cell supernatant (PPPPPConclusion:Ferulic acid exerts a protective effect on H2O2-inducing PC12 cells injury,which might be related to insulin signaling pathways.

Diagnostic value of three sections of aortic arch under ultrasonography in fetal aortic coarctation / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the diagnostic value of three sections of aortic arch under ultrasonography, including the three vessels and tracheal view (3VT), long-axis and coronal view of the aortic arch, in fetal coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and the reasons for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.@*Methods@#This study involved 52 fetuses with CoA who were identified by prenatal ultrasonography and confirmed in postnatal operation in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2013 to June 2018. Echocardiographic findings of all cases were analyzed retrospectively to summarize the prenatal imaging features.@*Results@#The 3VT was displayed in all cases (100%). The long-axis view of the aortic arch was observed in 88.5%, while the coronal view was observed in 76.9%. Among the 52 cases, nine were missed diagnosis and three were misdiagnosed due to unsatisfactory views of the three sections of aortic arch. All cases showed an increased ratio of the pulmonary artery to the aorta diameter in 3VT, which was a critical indicator of CoA in prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. Satisfactory aortic arch coronal views were obtained in 40 cases and all showed constriction at the isthmus of aortic arch and an connection to the descending aorta. Out of the 46 with a satisfactory long-axis view of the aortic arch, a narrow isthmus of aortic arch was shown in 38 cases, with the inner diameter of (1.8±0.2) mm ranging from 0.9 to 2.9 mm.@*Conclusions@#Observation of three sections of aortic arch under ultrasonography is of great importance in prenatal diagnosis of CoA.

Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill () Protects against NaSO-Induced Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury in H9c2 Cells / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the protective effects of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (, STP) on NaSO-induced hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells.@*METHODS@#The cell viability and levels of mRNA and protein expression in H9c2 cells were determined following NaSO-induced hypoxia using Hoechst staining, annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#STP pretreatment significantly increased the viability and inhibited aberrant morphological changes in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells induced by NaSO treatment (P<0.05). In addition, STP pretreatment attenuated NaSO-induced hypoxic damage, down-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, and up-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#STP was strongly cardioprotective in hypoxia-reoxygenation injury by preventing hypoxic damage and inhibiting cellular apoptosis. These results further support the use of STP as an effective drug for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Reversed vascularized second metatarsal flap for reconstruction of Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia with reduced donor site morbidity / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The predominant method for Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia is pollicization. However, for those who are not willing to sacrifice the index finger, a method that could reconstruct a functionally capable and aesthetically acceptable thumb remains desirable. This study aimed to investigate and assess the functional and radiographic outcomes of utilizing a reversed vascularized second metatarsal composite flap for thumb reconstruction as a new alternative.@*METHODS@#From May 2014 to January 2017, 15 patients with Manske type IIIB or IV thumb hypoplasia who were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. An osteocutaneous flap containing a section of second metatarsal and its distal head was transferred in reversed position to reconstruct carpometacarpal joint. The donor site was reconstructed by a split half of the third metatarsal. Various functional reconstructions were commenced at second stage. The reconstructed thumbs were evaluated using the Kapandji score, pinch force, and the capacities of performing daily activities through a detailed questionnaire.@*RESULTS@#Among these 15 patients (seven type IIIB and eight type IV), there were ten boys and five girls with median age of 4.2 years (range: 2.0-7.0 years). There were seven right, three left, and five bilateral thumbs for whom only the right thumb received surgery. There were 14 metatarsal flaps survived (14/15). With an average follow-up of 19.2 months, the reconstructed thumbs had acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and the donor foot presented in decent appearance without signs of impaired function. All 15 children have improved the Kapandji score (from 0 to an average of 6.7), pinch force (from 0 to an average of 1.5 kg), with ability of grip and pen holding. X-ray indicated continuous bone growth. Patients and parents had good acceptance of the new thumb.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Reconstruction of an unstable hypoplastic thumb (Manske type IIIB and IV) with use of a vascularized metatarsal is an effective strategy. It offers an alternative solution for parents insisting on saving the thumb.

Diagnostic value of three sections of aortic arch under ultrasonography in fetal aortic coarctation / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of three sections of aortic arch under ultrasonography, including the three vessels and tracheal view (3VT), long-axis and coronal view of the aortic arch, in fetal coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and the reasons for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Methods This study involved 52 fetuses with CoA who were identified by prenatal ultrasonography and confirmed in postnatal operation in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2013 to June 2018. Echocardiographic findings of all cases were analyzed retrospectively to summarize the prenatal imaging features. Results The 3VT was displayed in all cases (100%). The long-axis view of the aortic arch was observed in 88.5%, while the coronal view was observed in 76.9%. Among the 52 cases, nine were missed diagnosis and three were misdiagnosed due to unsatisfactory views of the three sections of aortic arch. All cases showed an increased ratio of the pulmonary artery to the aorta diameter in 3VT, which was a critical indicator of CoA in prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. Satisfactory aortic arch coronal views were obtained in 40 cases and all showed constriction at the isthmus of aortic arch and an connection to the descending aorta. Out of the 46 with a satisfactory long-axis view of the aortic arch, a narrow isthmus of aortic arch was shown in 38 cases, with the inner diameter of (1.8±0.2) mm ranging from 0.9 to 2.9 mm. Conclusions Observation of three sections of aortic arch under ultrasonography is of great importance in prenatal diagnosis of CoA.

Prenatal ultrasonographic features of fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the prenatal ultrasonographic features of fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).Methods Forty-one cases who received prenatal ultrasound examination and then were diagnosed with TAPVC by postnatal surgery at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2013 to June 2018 were enrolled.Echocardiography findings of all cases were analyzed retrospectively,and the prenatal imaging features were summarized.Results Among all cases,21 were confirmed as supracardiac type,14 as intracardiac type,four as infracardiac type and two as mixed type after surgery.The echocardiographic features of TAPVC were as follows:all 41 cases showed smooth posterior wall of left atrium without visible part of pulmonary venous connected to the left atrium in the-four chamber view;in 33 cases,the space between left atrium and descending aorta was widened and the pulmonary venous confluence was observed in the four-chamber view;ten cases showed a dilated coronary sinus in the four-chamber view and 27 cases showed vertical vein in the three vessels and trachea or the upper abdomen view.None of the 41 cases was complicated by other structural intracardiac abnormalities.However,seven cases were complicated by obstruction of blood flow,and the blood flow velocity measured by Doppler ultrasound was 0.76 m/s to 1.25 m/s.Conclusions Blood flow in pulmonary veins should be carefully observed in prenatal ultrasonography,and anomalous pulmonary venous connection should be considered when pulmonary veins do not connect to the left atrium.

Clinical correlation between incipient C-reactive protein and kidney injury of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between the incipient serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinicopathologic features in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV).Methods Data of 138 consecutive AAV patients were collected.According to their serum CRP levels,patients were divided into group 1 with normal CRP,group 2 with slightly increased CRP and group 3 with severely increased CRP.Clinical features of AAV and histopathologic features of the kidney injury were compared among groups.Results CRP levels increased in 77.53％ AAV patients on admission.Patients in the group of severely increased CRP had the highest levels of BVAS,serum C3,serum ANCA titer,leukocyte counts and the lowest levels of hemoglobin and albumin among the 3 groups (all P ＜ 0.05).The mortality during the stage of therapy was highest in patients with severely increased CRP (P ＜ 0.05).The focal kidney damage was more obvious in patients with severely increased CRP.There was no significant difference in renal prognosis among patients with different CRP levels.Conclusion The levels of incipient serum C-reactive protein of AAV vary in different patients and are positively correlated with patients' inflammation status as well as the disease activity,but are not correlated with the severity of kidney injury.

Clues and techniques of prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis for fetal aortic arch anomalies / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To explore the ultrasonographic features ,diagnostic clues and methods of fetal aortic arch anomalies ,and to improve the diagnosis rate of prenatal ultrasonography for fetal aortic arch anomalies . Methods Fetuses with aortic arch anomalies diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound were selected as the study objects . The prenatal ultrasonographic features of the three views of the aortic arch were carefully observed . The three views included the followings :the transverse view ( the view of three vessels and trachea) ,the sagittal view ( the longitudinal view of the aortic arch) ,and the coronal view ( the coronal view of the descending aorta) . The prenatal diagnostic clues and diagnostic techniques of aortic arch anomalies were summarized and analyzed . Results Eighty-one cases with aortic arch anomalies were followed up . Fifteen cases were left-sided aortic arch and left-sided ductus arteriosus with aberrant right subclavian artery ,22 cases with right aortic arch and left-sided ductus arteriosus with aberrant left subclavian artery ,4 cases were mirror right aortic arch and left-sided ductus arteriosus ,2 cases were mirror right aortic arch and right-sided ductus arteriosus ,11 cases were double aortic arch ,23 cases were coarctation of the aorta ,and 4 cases were interruption of aortic arch . Among them ,27 cases were complicated with other cardiac and extra-cardiac malformations and 13 cases with chromosomal abnormalities . Prenatal ultrasonographic clues for diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta included the three vessels and trachea view showing small diameter and disproportion to the diameter of the ductus arteriosus . And the longitudinal view of the aortic arch was helpful for showing the position and the extent of coarctation of the aorta . Prenatal ultrasonographic clues for diagnosis of interruption of aortic arch were that the three vessels and trachea view and the longitudinal view of the aortic arch showed the interruption between aortic arch and descending aorta . And the abnormal combination cases of the aortic arch segments also had their corresponding diagnostic clues . These clues included that the three vessels and trachea view showed abnormal position ,arrangement and running of the branches of the aortic arch . And the coronal view of the descending aorta also showed abnormal changes in the branches of aortic arch . Conclusions Various types of congenital aortic arch anomalies have characteristic ultrasonography and their corresponding diagnostic clues and methods . The combined use of the three views of the aortic arch is effective in prenatal diagnosis for aortic arch anomalies .