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OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the changes in the gene expression profile of T cells in CML patients after TCRζ up-regulation expression, and to explore the molecular mechanism of T cell reactivation after transgenic up-regulation of TCRζ.@*METHODS@#The peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) from 3 newly untreated chronic-stage CML patients were collected, and the CD3@*RESULTS@#A total of 2248 differentially-expressed genes were obtained, including 553 up-regulated genes and 1695 down-regulated genes in experimental group as compared with those in control group (P<0.05) . The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that differentially expressed genes involved in the biological processes related to T cell immune function, such as TCR signaling pathway, T cell proliferation and activation. Some of core genes involved in promoting the TCR signaling pathway, T cell proliferation, activation and apoptosis pathways were significantly up-regulated, while some core genes involved in inhibiting T cell activation were significantly down-regulated.@*CONCLUSION@#The molecular mechanism of the significantly improved T cell activation and proliferation ability in CML patients after TCRζ up-regulation may be related to the differential transcripts mediated signaling pathways of T cell activation, proliferation and apoptosis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Leukocytes, Mononuclear , Lymphocyte Activation , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics , T-Lymphocytes , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the frequency characteristics and the pathological characteristics of the horizontal crista ampullaris in patients with Meniere's disease,and to analyse its structural basis. Methods: Between March, 2019 and November, 2019, seventy-two patients diagnosed as Meniere's disease (27 males and 45 females, aged from 13 to 74 years, with a course of disease ranging from 4 months to 32 years)in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital were included.Caloric test, sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test (SHA), video-head impulse test (v-HIT), Gadolinium-enhanced inner-ear 3D-FLAIR MRI and pure tone audiometry were conducted in the patients. The function of the horizontal semicircular canal in these patients were analysed as well as its relationship with the degree of endolymphatic hydrops,clinical stage and duration. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the ultrastructure of horizontal semicircular canal crista ampullaris from six patients with refractory Meniere's disease who underwent labyrinthectomy. The number of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells, the common pathophysiological changes of horizontal semicircular canal crista ampullaris were investigated in these patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0. Results: With the increase of detection frequency, the abnormal rate decreased gradually. The abnormal rate of caloric test was 69.4% (50/72), SHA 51.4% (37/72), V-HIT 36.1% (26/72), comparation of the positive rate among the three tests showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Neither caloric test nor SHA had correlation with the degree of hydrops(P>0.05), but v-HIT(r=0.434,P<0.01).There was correlation with clinical stage to SHA and v-HIT(r=0.338,0.462,P<0.01), except caloric test(P>0.05).No significant relation was found with caloric test, SHA, v-HIT and course of disease(P>0.05).Morphological observation found abnormal monolayer epithelialization of the horizontal semicircular canal crista ampullaris significantly decreased number of type Ⅱ hair cells compared with type Ⅰhair cells. Hair cells showed perinuclear vacuolization, cytoplasmic vacuoles, mitochondrial electron density increasement and loss of stereocilia. Conclusions: The horizontal semicircular canal damage in the patients with Meniere's disease has a frequency-dependent characteristic, mainly occurres in low frequency area. With progress of the disease, the high frequency area of ampulla will be impaired gradually, and it is related to the degree of endolymphatic hydrops and hearing level. Hair cell injury would be observed,the frequency characteristics may be more associated with the disorder of type Ⅱ hair cells.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Caloric Tests , Endolymphatic Hydrops , Meniere Disease , Semicircular Canals , Semicircular DuctsABSTRACT
To analyze the domestic clinical application of vascular dementia scales, and provide the basis for the refinement of clinical scales. VIP, SinoMed, Wanfang and CNKI databases were searched by computer to analyze the clinical application of vascular dementia scales published in Chinese Core Periodicals in Library of Peking University, CSSCI and CSCD, with time limit from database establishment to August 31, 2020. According to the inclusion or exclusion criteria, the combination of Note Express software and manual search was used to complete the literature duplicate detection and screening. According to the research needs, the relevant data were extracted and a new database was established. In this study, a total of 4 246 related literatures were initially searched, 2 048 repetitive literatures were eliminated, 1 484 literatures were manually screened out, and finally 714 literatures and 44 scales were included. The total using frequency of scales was 2 660. The results of descriptive analysis showed that there were many kinds of clinical scales for vascular dementia. In order to avoid the repeated use of scales with similar functions, it is correct to include the possible influences such as the purpose of use, way, frequency and function of the scales into reference factors of scale selection according to the disease diagnostic criteria. It is necessary to develop the scales with traditional Chinese medicine characteristic for objective clinical evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.
Subject(s)
Humans , Dementia, Vascular/diagnosis , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Medicine, Chinese TraditionalABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To compare accuracy of anterior cervical pedicle screws between assist of rapid prototyping 3D guide plate and free-hand insertion, and evaluate the safety of two methods.@*METHODS@#Eight adult cervical cadaver specimens after formaldehyde immersion, including 4 males and 4 females, aged 32 to 65(40.3±5.6) years old. After X-ray examination to exclude bone damage and deformity, 4 of them (3D guide plate group) randomly selected were for CT scan to obtain DICOM format data, and the data was imported into Mimics software for model, designed the ideal entry point and nail path for anterior cervicaltranspedicular screw (ATPS). After obtaining the personalized guide plate of the nail channel, it was exported as STL data, and the individual guide plate was printed by rapid prototyping and 3D printing technology. In turn, with the assistance of 3D guide plates, one-to-one personalized ATPS screws were placed on the four lower cervical cadaver specimens. Another 4 (free-hand group) lower cervical cadaver specimens were implanted with ATPS screws using free-hand technique. All specimens were performed CT thin-layer scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction after operation. The Tomasino method was used to evaluate the safety of the screws on the CT cross-sectional and sagittal images, to determine whether there was a cortical puncture of the lower and inner edges of the pedicle. According to the CT rating results, gradeⅠandⅡwere safe, and grade Ⅲ- Ⅴ were dangerous.And the accuracy of screws was recorded and analyzed between two groups.@*RESULTS@#Two screws were inserted in each segment from C@*CONCLUSION@#The 3D printing rapid prototyping guide plate assisted insertion of the anterior cervical pedicle screw can significantly improve the accuracy and safety, and provide a theoretical basis for further clinical application.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bone Plates , Cervical Vertebrae/surgery , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pedicle Screws , Printing, Three-DimensionalABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infections among AIDS patients in Nanchang City. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among AIDS patients in Nanchang City during the period between May and September, 2016. B. hominis infection was detected in patients’stool samples using a PCR assay, and the CD4+ T cell count was measured in subjects’blood samples. In addition, the risk factors of B. hominis infection in AIDS patients were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A survey was conducted in Nanchang City from May to September 2016. A total of 505 AIDS patients were investigated, and the prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.16%. Univariate analysis revealed that B. hominis infection correlated with the occupation (χ2 = 8.595, P = 0.049), education level (χ2 = 14.494, P = 0.001), type of daily drinking water (χ2 = 10.750, P = 0.020), root of HIV infections (χ2 = 8.755, P = 0.026) and receiving anti-HIV therapy (χ2 = 23.083, P = 0.001) among AIDS patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified daily direct drinking of tap water as a risk factor of B. hominis infections [odds ratio (OR) = 7.988, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.160, 55.004)] and anti-HIV therapy as a protective factor of B. hominis infection [OR = 0.183, 95% CI: (0.049, 0.685)]. Conclusions The prevalence of B. hominis is 4.16% among AIDS patients in Nanchang City. Daily direct drinking of tap water is a risk factor, and anti-HIV therapy is a protective factor of B. hominis infection among AIDS patients living in Nanchang City.
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OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical and epidemiological features of children with asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 20 children who were diagnosed with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection from January 20 to March 4, 2020 were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Among the 20 children, there were 7 boys (35%) and 13 girls (65%), aged 8 months to 14 years (mean 8±5 years). All these children had no clinical manifestations and attended the hospital for an epidemiological history of SARS-CoV-2. Nineteen children were shown with family aggregation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nasopharyngeal swabs were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2 in all 20 children. There were 4 children (20%) of mild type, 16 children (80%) of common type, and no children of severe type or critical type. The mean peripheral blood leukocyte count was (6.8±3.5)×10/L, and 7 children had an abnormal peripheral blood leukocyte count, with an increase in 5 children and a reduction in 2 children. One child had a decreased absolute value of lymphocytes (0.87×10/L), 3 children had an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (20-42 mm/h), 7 children had an increased lactate dehydrogenase level (>400 U/L), and 4 children had an increased blood lactate level (>1.6 mmol/L). Chest CT showed single or multiple small nodule shadows, patchy shadows, and ground-glass shadows in the middle or lateral lobe of lungs or under the pleura in 13 children.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Pediatric cases of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection mostly occur with family aggregation. Most of the children with asymptomatic infection have no obvious abnormalities in blood routine and other laboratory tests. Changes in chest CT scan can be used as an aid for early diagnosis of asymptomatic infection in children.
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Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections , Pandemics , Pneumonia, ViralABSTRACT
Objective@#Here we aimed to investigate the difference in clinical characteristics and outcomes between pediatric and adult patients with COVID-19.@*Methods@#A total of 333 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in the departments of Internal medicine of Shenzhen Third People's Hospital from January 11 @*Results@#Compared with adult patients, pediatric patients had a shorter time of symptom onset to hospitalization than adults [median time, 1 ( @*Conclusion@#Pediatric patients with COVID-19 had milder or less clinical symptoms, less evident pulmonary imaging changes, better prognosis, and shorter length of hospital stay.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Humans , Male , COVID-19/therapy , China/epidemiology , Hospitalization , Length of Stay , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
@# Objective To explore the relationship between the expression of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) and high-risk human papilloma virus(HR-HPV)infection in cervical carcinoma. Methods Immunohistochemistry and hybird capture Ⅱ assay were used to detect the expression of DcR3 and HR-HPV in 35 cases of normal cervical tissues(NCE), 39 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm(CIN)and 44 cases of cervical squamous epithelial carcinoma(CSES). Specific HR-HPV16 E7 siRNA and nonspecific HR-HPV16 E7 siRNA were synthesized and transfected to SiHa cells by Lipofectamine. The expression of DcR3 at mRNA and protein levels was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The growth inhibition was examined by MTT assay. Results In NCE, CIN and CSES, the positive expression rates of DcR3 were 8.6%(3/35), 48.7%(19/39)and 77.3%(34/44), respectively, and the expression intensity was increasing(2=36.942, P<0.001). In NCE, CIN and CSES, the infection rates of HR-HPV were 5.7%(2/35), 56.4%(22/39)and 93.2%(41/44), respectively(2=60.322, P<0.001) . The protein expression of DcR3 was positively correlated with the infection of HR-HPV in CSES(r=0.893, P=0.004). Conclusions DcR3 was highly expressed in cervical cancer. Its expression was positively correlated with HR-HPV infection, which may contribute to the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. HR-HPV silencing inhibited cellular growth and proliferation by down-regulating the expression of DcR3.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression and clinical significance of PD-L1 and microRNA-138-5p in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with acute myeloid leukemia.@*METHODS@#The SYBR GreenⅠreal-time PCR was used to detect the expression levels of PD-L1 mRNA and miR-138 in 20 cases of primary AML, 9 cases of relapsed/refractory AML and 8 cases of complete remission. The samples of peripheral blood of 20 healthy peoples were used as controls.@*RESULTS@#The expression levels of PD-L1 in both the primary AML and the relapsed/refractory AML groups were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P0.05). and there was a negative correlation between PD-L1 mRNA and miR-138 in primary AML patients (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of PD-L1 increases and the expression of miR-138 down-regulates in PBMNCs of AML patients, furthermore, both correlate each other.
Subject(s)
Humans , B7-H1 Antigen , Genetics , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Genetics , Leukocytes, Mononuclear , MicroRNAs , Genetics , Remission InductionABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in frequencies of 5 Hz and 10 Hz for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods:From March, 2017 to March, 2018, 60 PHN patients were randomly divided into groups A (n = 20), B (n = 20) and C (n = 20), who accepted sham rTMS, 5 Hz rTMS and 10 Hz rTMS, respectively, ten times for two weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patients' Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC), medication regulation (MR) and incidence of adverse events, before treatment (T0), immediately after stimulation (T1-T10), one month after treatment (T11) and three months after treatment (T12). Results:Compared with group A, VAS scores reduced in groups B and C at T3-T12 (P < 0.05), and reduced more in group C than in group B at T7-T12 (P < 0.05). The average VAS reduction was less in group B than in group C (χ2 = 5.347, P < 0.05). The PSQI and PGIS scores were less in groups B and C than in group A at T12 (P < 0.05), while it was less in group C than in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among three groups in MR and the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions:rTMS in either frequencies of 5 Hz or 10 Hz may relieve pain, and improve sleep for PHN patients, while 10 Hz rTMS seems more effective in terms of pain and sleep.
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Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in frequencies of 5 Hz and 10 Hz for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods:From March, 2017 to March, 2018, 60 PHN patients were randomly divided into groups A (n = 20), B (n = 20) and C (n = 20), who accepted sham rTMS, 5 Hz rTMS and 10 Hz rTMS, respectively, ten times for two weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patients' Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC), medication regulation (MR) and incidence of adverse events, before treatment (T0), immediately after stimulation (T1-T10), one month after treatment (T11) and three months after treatment (T12). Results:Compared with group A, VAS scores reduced in groups B and C at T3-T12 (P < 0.05), and reduced more in group C than in group B at T7-T12 (P < 0.05). The average VAS reduction was less in group B than in group C (χ2 = 5.347, P < 0.05). The PSQI and PGIS scores were less in groups B and C than in group A at T12 (P < 0.05), while it was less in group C than in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among three groups in MR and the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions:rTMS in either frequencies of 5 Hz or 10 Hz may relieve pain, and improve sleep for PHN patients, while 10 Hz rTMS seems more effective in terms of pain and sleep.
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Chorismate synthase(CS, EC:4.2.3.5) catalyses 5-enolpyruvy-shikimate-3-phosphate to form chorismate, which is the essential enzyme for chorismate biosynthesis in organisms. The amino acid sequences of CS from 79 species of higher plants were reported in GenBank at present. 125 amino acid sequences of CS from Baphicacanthus cusia and other 78 species of plants were predicted and analyzed by using various bioinformatics software, including the composition of amino acid sequences, signal peptide, leader peptide, hydrophobic/hydrophilic, transmembrane structure, coiled-coil domain, protein secondary structure, tertiary structure and functional domains. The phylogenetic tree of CS protein family was constructed and divided into eight groups by phylogenetic analysis. The homology comparison indicated that B. cusia shared a high homology with several plants such as Sesamum indicum, Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum and so on. The open reading frame(ORF) of all samples is about 1 300 bp, the molecular weight is about 50 kDa, the isoelectric point(pI) is 5.0-8.0 which illustrated that CS protein is slightly basic. The ORF of CS we cloned in B. cusia is 1 326 bp, the amino acid residues are 442, the molecular weight is 47 kDa and pI is 8.11. The CS in B.cusia showed obvious hydrophobicity area and hydrophilicity area, no signal peptide, and may exists transmembrane structure areas. The main secondary structures of CS protein are random coil and Alpha helix, also contain three main structural domains which are an active structural domain, a PLN02754 conserved domain and a FMN binding site. The acquired information in this study would provide certain scientific basis for further study on structure-activity relationship and structure modification of CS in plants in the future.
Subject(s)
Acanthaceae , Amino Acid Sequence , Computational Biology , Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases , Chemistry , Phylogeny , Plant Proteins , Chemistry , Protein Structure, SecondaryABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical effects of protecting the internal structure of the knee and internal fixation through two different directions for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures with medial large block split.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2010 to January 2016, data of 21 patients of tibial plateau with medial large block split fractures who were treated with protecting the internal structure of the knee and internal fixation through two different directions were retrospectively analyzed, including 17 males and 4 females, with an average age of (39.2±3.2) years old ranging from 27 to 63 years. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs as well as computed tomography(CT) images were obtained in the course of preoperative. It was made in the operation to protect medial knee structure, combining with internal fixation via two different directions plates(medial and posteromedial). If the posterolateral condyle fracture was involved, a plate was applied through posterolateral approach. Rasmussen score was used for radiological assessment, and HSS knee score was used for efficacy assessment at 1 year after operation. The fracture healing time was judged by X-ray and clinical examinations, additionally, the complications and corresponding outcomes were also recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up for 10 to 24 months with an average of(17.2±1.7) months. All fractures were healed, the healing time was 9 to 16 weeks with an average of(11.1±3.2) weeks. The Rasmussen score after surgery was 1 to 18 points with an average of(16.7±1.5) points. Sixteen cases got excellent, 3 good and 2 fair. At the final follow-up, HSS functional scores ranged from 60 to 100 points with an average of (87.3±6.7) points, the result was excellent in 18 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For a split fracture of the medial tibial plateau, the medial incision, full protection of the medial knee structure, and two different directions of supporting plate fixation are feasible, and the short-term effect is satisfactory.</p>
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<p><b>Objective</b>To study the expression of CLAUDIN-11 in the testis tissue of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients with different severities and investigate its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-two NOA patients were divided into a hypospermatogenesis (HS) group (n = 30) and a Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO) group (n =32). The expression of CLAUDIN-11 in the testicular tissue of the patients was detected by immunohistochemistry, that of CLAUDIN-11 mRNA determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the levels of serum reproductive hormones measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of CLAUDIN-11 was mainly in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells around the seminiferous tubule wall in the HS group, but diffusely distributed in the membrane of the Sertoli cells in the SCO group. RT-qPCR revealed a significantly lower expression of CLAUDIN-11 mRNA in the HS than in the SCO group (0.008 ± 0.001 vs 0.013 ± 0.002, t = 10.616, P<0.01). The level of serum luteotropic hormone (LH) was also markedly lower in the HS than in the SCO group (［3.62 ± 1.34］ vs ［4.96 ± 3.10］ IU/L, P<0.05) and so was that of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (［5.36 ± 2.80］ vs ［10.65 ± 9.18］ IU/L, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The up-regulated expression of CLAUDIN-11 in Sertoli cells may play an important role in the development and progression of spermatogenic dysfunction in NOA patients.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Azoospermia , Genetics , Metabolism , Claudins , Metabolism , Follicle Stimulating Hormone , Metabolism , Oligospermia , Genetics , Metabolism , RNA, Messenger , Metabolism , Seminiferous Tubules , Metabolism , Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome , Genetics , Metabolism , Sertoli Cells , Metabolism , Spermatogenesis , Testis , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To improve the voltage regulator for the traditional X-ray machine to provide heating voltage and current to X-ray tube filament heating circuit.Methods The circuits included the ones for regulator output voltage sampling,desired voltage generation,control voltage generation,synchronous pulse triangular signal generation,phase control,siliconcontrolled rectifier (SCR) and regulator input voltage sampling.Negative feedback control was executed by the sampling,detection and comparison of the regulator output voltage,and the comparison was carried out with the synchronous pulse triangular signal to generate the signal for controlling SCR.The regulator output voltage was kept stable by regulating the modes of SCR conduction angle.Results Installing and debugging of designed circuit for domestic power frequency X-ray machine contributed to realizing voltage regulation for the filament heating circuit.The test also measured voltage waveform distortion in AC circuits,and this kind of adverse effect did not affect the filament heating circuit.Conclusion The improved system has small volume,low heat,little noise and high performance,which can replace the traditional MSVR.
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The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of precision nursing and its implications for education,practice and research.The emphases are on the contributions of nursing practice and research to genomics as well as precision health and precision medicine.Recommendations are elucidated on how to build knowledge and competence of precision nursing within the broad arena of precision health and precision medicine to promote the development of precision nursing.
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We constructed a home care platform for orthopedics,and clinical nurse specialists in orthopedics in Jiangsu Province opened online clinics on it.Patients with knee or hip joint replacement could be added to the platform,and the clinical nurse specialists provided patients with professional home care service when discharged.In the interviews of clinical nurse specialists,they said that the application of the platform was conducive to enhance their own values,and expressed their willingness to continue to use it.The joint function and quality of life scores of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P＜0.001).The application of the home care platform is conducive to give full play to the role of clinical nurse specialists to provide professional home care services for patients.
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We report a case of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF?ET) with oocyte donation in a woman with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy. The patient had a diagnosis of POI 4 years earlier and 11 weeks after successful pregnancy by IVF?ET with oocyte donation in 2003, she presented with facial edema, and further examinations confirmed the diagnosis of lupus nephritis. She received treatment with prednisone to control the activity of SLE and aspirin and low?molecular?weight heparin to improve placental blood flow with close monitoring of gravida and fetus throughout pregnancy. The condition of the patient remained unstable during pregnancy, and liver damage and placental circulation disorder occurred in late gestational weeks with suspected intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) of the fetus. For maternal and fetal safety, the patient received elective caesarean section and delivered a premature boy at 31 weeks of gestation. She subsequently received further medications for SLE and showed good recovery of the immunological parameters and absence of SLE symptoms during the follow?up for 14 years, indicating a clinical cure of SLE. Her son shows normal growth and development. Based on the experience with this case and literature review, we believe that immunological factor is an important cause of POI and thus recommend full immunological examinations in cases of idiopathic POI.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To measure the correlative parameters of vertebral pedicles from L₁ to S₁ by CT scan in the patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis(AS) and disc degenerative disease(DDD), and analyze their anatomical difference in order to provide the selection and placement of pedicle screw during operation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 30 male AS patients (AS group) with the mean age of(35.7±9.5) years (ranged, 23 to 51) and 30 male DDD patients (DDD group) with the mean age of(52.4±8.9) years(ranged, 39 to 64) underwent surgery in our institution from March 2012 to November 2014 were analyzed. The CT scans of lumbar and sacrum were performed before surgery. The parameters of vertebral pedicle from L₁ to S₁ were measured and compared, including pedicle width (PW), pedicle screw path length (PL), pedicle height (PH), pedicle transverse angle (EA), and pedicle inclined angle (FA). Paired sample t-test was used to detect the divergence in the above-mentioned data between left and right sides. In addition, results between two groups were compared using independent sample t-test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The study showed that a gradual increase in the average pedicle width both AS group and DDD group from L₁ to S₁. The average PW of AS group was bigger than DDD group in L₅ and S₁(<0.05), it was(16.47±2.66) mm and (21.76±2.97)mm vs. (14.51±2.11)mm and (18.87±2.14) mm respectively;the average PL of DDD group was smaller than AS group from L₁ to S₁(<0.05); the both maximum of PL were in L₃ segment; the average EA of AS group was smaller than DDD group from L₁ to S₁; the average FA of AS group was significantly smaller than DDD group from L₃ to S₁, (<0.05), was(-2.88±10.24)°, (-7.88±10.22)°, (-7.70±10.40)°, (-5.15±10.25)° vs. (4.05±2.21)°, (7.79±4.38)°, (7.07±3.21)°, (12.62±3.21)°, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Increasing the strength of internal fixation is feasible to insert the larger and bigger pedicle screws in low lumbar and S₁ among AS patients, while the EA should be decreased properly and the direction on the sagittal plane should be adjusted.</p>
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Angelica essential oil [AO], a major pharmacologically active component of Angelica sinensis [Oliv.] Diels, possesses hemogenesis, analgesic activities, and sedative effect. The application of AO in pharmaceutical systems had been limited because of its low oxidative stability. The AO-loaded gelatin-chitosan microcapsules with prevention from oxidation were developed and optimized using response surface methodology. The effects of formulation variables [pH at complex coacervation, gelatin concentration, and core/wall ratio] on multiple response variables [yield, encapsulation efficiency, antioxidation rate, percent of drug released in 1 h, and time to 85% drug release] were systemically investigated. A desirability function that combined these five response variables was constructed. All response variables investigated were found to be highly dependent on the formulation variables, with strong interactions observed between the formulation variables. It was found that optimum overall desirability of AO microcapsules could be obtained at pH 6.20, gelatin concentration 25.00%, and core/wall ratio 40.40%. The experimental values of the response variables highly agreed with the predicted values. The antioxidation rate of optimum formulation was approximately 8 times higher than that of AO. The in-vitro drug release from microcapsules was followed Higuchi model with super case-II transport mechanism