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Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease which is categorized via destruction of joint cartilage and it also affects the various joints, especially knees and hips. Sinomenine active phytoconstituents isolated from the stem of Sinomenium acutum and already proof anti-inflammatory effect against the arthritis model of rodent. In this experimental protocol, we scrutinized the anti-osteoarthritis effect of sinomenine against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced OA in rats. Methods: MIA (3 mg/50 µL) was used for inducing the OA in the rats, and rats received the oral administration of sinomenine (2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight) up to the end of the experimental study (four weeks). The body and organs weight were estimated. Aggrecan, C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), glycosaminoglycans (GCGs), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), antioxidant, inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were analyzed. Results: Sinomenine significantly (P < 0.001) boosted the body weight and reduced the heart weight, but the weight of spleen and kidney remain unchanged. Sinomenine significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the level of nitric oxide, MCP-1 and improved the level of aggrecan, IFN-γ and GCGs. Sinomenine remarkably upregulated the level of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and suppressed the level of malonaldehyde. It effectually modulated the level of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators and significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the level of MMPs, like MMP-1, 2, 3, 9 and 13. Conclusions: Sinomenine is a beneficial active agent for the treatment of OA disease.
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Animals , Rats , Osteoarthritis , Iodoacetic Acid , Hip Injuries , Inflammation , Knee InjuriesABSTRACT
Objective:To compare the effects of "Rain Classroom" teaching model and traditional teaching model in the Pharmacology teaching for MBBS international students.Methods:A total of 55 MBBS international students of the Batch 2016 were selected, and randomly divided into the "Rain Classroom" teaching group ( n = 27, experimental group) and the traditional teaching group ( n = 28, control group) according to their academic performance, age, gender, learning attitude, learning ability, and their original country. The experimental group took "Rain Classroom" assisted teaching, and control group took traditional teaching.The teachers for two groups were the same. They have been engaged in the "Pharmacology" course for international students for many years. The chapter "Antihypertensives" in textbook " Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews, Pharmacology (edited by Karen Whalen)" was selected as teaching content. The teaching effects were evaluated by the knowledge assessment (70 points) and process evaluation (30 points). A questionnaire survey was conducted at the end of the course. The results were statistically analyzed by t-test and Chi-square test using SPSS 11.5 software. Results:Compared with the traditional teaching group, the students of "Rain Classroom" group obtained a significantly higher score in exam. The average exam score of the "Rain Classroom" group was (58.6±6.8) points, while the average exam score of the traditional teaching group was (52.3±9.4) points, indicating a better mastery of knowledge for "Rain Classroom" group ( P < 0.05). The process evaluation showed that the students in the "Rain Classroom" group were more active in participation and the interaction, which was significantly higher than that in the traditional teaching group (7.4 vs. 2.8 times per students). No obvious difference was observed in students' attendance and homework scores for these two groups. According to the questionnaire survey, the "Rain Classroom" group enhanced students' interest in learning, improved the concentration in classes, and thus promoted the mastery of knowledge. Conclusion:The present study has confirmed the "Rain Classroom" teaching method is conducive to mobilizing students' enthusiasm for learning and improving teaching effect.
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Positive-sense RNA viruses modify intracellular calcium stores, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus (Golgi) to generate membranous replication organelles known as viral factories. Viral factories provide a conducive and substantial enclave for essential virus replication via concentrating necessary cellular factors and viral proteins in proximity. Here, we identified the vital role of a broad-spectrum antiviral, peruvoside in limiting the formation of viral factories. Mechanistically, we revealed the pleiotropic cellular effect of Src and PLC kinase signaling via cyclin-dependent kinase 1 signaling leads to Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (GBF1) phosphorylation and Golgi vesiculation by peruvoside treatment. The ramification of GBF1 phosphorylation fosters GBF1 deprivation consequentially activating downstream antiviral signaling by dampening viral factories formation. Further investigation showed signaling of ERK1/2 pathway via cyclin-dependent kinase 1 activation leading to GBF1 phosphorylation at Threonine 1337 (T1337). We also showed 100% of protection in peruvoside-treated mouse model with a significant reduction in viral titre and without measurable cytotoxicity in serum. These findings highlight the importance of dissecting the broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics mechanism and pave the way for consideration of peruvoside, host-directed antivirals for positive-sense RNA virus-mediated disease, in the interim where no vaccine is available.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture (EA) for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 patients with AECOPD complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction were randomly divided into an EA group (50 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case excluded) and a medication group (50 cases). Both groups were treated with symptomatic and supportive treatment such as low flow oxygen, nebulized inhalation of short-acting β2 agonist (SABA) or short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) combined with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). The EA group was treated with EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Tianshu (ST 25), Chize (LU 5) and Lieque (LU 7), with discontinuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 30 min each time, once a day. In the medication group, oral mosapride citrate tablets were given, 3 times a day, 5 mg each time. Both groups were treated for 5 d. Before and after treatment, the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) score was observe, serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and plasma oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) were detected, and patient satisfaction degree was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, except for diarrhea dimension in the medication group, the total scores and each dimension scores of GSRS were decreased (P<0.05), serum PCT and CRP were decreased (P<0.05), plasma PaO2/FiO2 was increased (P<0.05) in the two groups after treatment. After treatment, in the EA group, the total score and abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation and diarrhea scores of GSRS were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05), meanwhile serum PCT and CRP were lower and plasma PaO2/FiO2 was higher than those in the medication group (P<0.05). The improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms, life quality and overall satisfaction degree in the EA group were superior to those in the medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA could improve the symptoms of patients with AECOPD complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, reduce inflammatory response, improve oxygenation and patient satisfaction degree.
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Humans , Electroacupuncture , Gastrointestinal Diseases/therapy , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy , Diarrhea , Abdominal Pain , C-Reactive ProteinABSTRACT
AIM: To observe the clinical features of acute macular neuroretinopathy(AMN)induced by Omicron.METHODS: A retrospective study. A total of 9 patients(18 eyes)diagnosed with AMN from December 2022 to January 2023 in the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. Patients underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA), fundus photography, autofluorescence(AF), infrared reflectance(IR), optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and multicolor, etc. Furthermore, they were followed up for 1～3mo and observed the prognosis.RESULTS: The initial symptom of the Omicron-induced AMN was the sudden onset of central/paracentral scotoma in the eyes with or without impaired vision and metamorphopsia, and the scotoma could persist for at least 3mo. The image features of AMN are as follows. First, the SD-OCT examination showed the rupture of outer retinal layers, scattered hyperreflective lesions, and atrophy of outer retinal layers. In severe cases, hyperreflective lesions were seen in the inner nuclear layer(INL)or with microcystic cavities under the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE). Second, the OCTA examination demonstrated the decreased blood flow density of the deep capillary plexus(DCP)of the macula. Third, the IR examination showed the weak reflection of lesion areas. Fourth, the fundus photography demonstrated the localized brown wedge-shaped lesion.CONCLUSIONS: The Omicron-induced AMN is mostly found in young females, and the characteristic manifestation of fundus is damage to the outer retinal layers. The extent of fundus lesions is related to the systemic inflammatory response and ocular microcirculatory changes after infection. The multimodal fundus image examination and a history of Omicron infection are helpful to diagnose the Omicron-induced AMN.
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Seven compounds were isolated from fermentation extract of cave-derived Metarhizium anisopliae NHC-M3-2 by silica gel, semi-preparative HPLC and other chromatographic methods. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, MS and NMR methods as 2,3-dehydroindigotide G (1), (-)-regiolone (2), naphtho-γ-pyrone (3), indigotide G (4), indigotide B (5) destruxin A (6) and destruxin B (7). Compound 1 is a new glycoside naphthopyranone compound. The anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity of these compounds was evaluated. The EC50 and CC50 of compound 3 against HBV were 4.5 μmol·L-1 and 92.3 μmol·L-1, respectively. This is the first report of the antiviral activity of compound 3.
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We explored the mechanism of patchouli oil in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on network pharmacology and differentially expressed genes in macrophages. The chemical composition of patchouli oil was detected by GC-MS, targets for active components were collected through TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction platform, and targets for treatment of IBD were retrieved from DrugBank, GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, and TTD databases. The intersection targets were merged, Cytoscape software was used to construct the "component-to-intersection target" network, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was drawn with String platform. The intersection targets were enriched for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on Metascape platform, and the molecular docking of AutoDock Vina was used to verify the analysis results. The macrophage chip data was downloaded, and the differential genes were obtained by using R software. KEGG signaling pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes were performed by DAVID platform. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to verify the screened components in the cell model in vitro. The 14 main components of patchouli oil corresponded to 112 targets, and the intersection obtained 97 common targets of patchouli oil for IBD treatment. GO enrichment analysis yielded 53 items. Eighteen items were obtained by KEGG enrichment analysis, involving cAMP signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, adhesion connection, Th17 cell differentiation and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the selected active components of patchouli oil had good binding activity with the targets. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in inflammatory pathways such as Toll-like receptors, JAK-STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways. q-PCR showed that patchouli oil, patchouli alcohol, pogostone can reduce the mRNA levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-23) and up-regulate the mRNA levels of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-1) in the inflammatory model of NCM460 normal colon epithelial cells. Patchouli alcohol can significantly reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS. This study revealed the multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway of patchouli oil, and confirms the anti-inflammatory effect of patchouli oil and its main components in the inflammatory cell model in vitro and the protection of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity function, which provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating the mechanism of patchouli oil in the treatment of IBD.
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OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the polymorphism of the HPA1-5,15 system of the donors in Zhangjiakou area.@*METHODS@#DNA was extracted from the blood samples of the donors, PCR- SSP method was used to divide HPA1-6, 15 genotype. The gene frequency and genotype frequency were calculated, compared with the difference and regiahal specificity of the populations in our country and foregiens was compared other populations.@*RESULTS@#The gene expression in the HPA-1, HPA-2 and HPA-4 systems were all homozygous aa, and the donors who expressed homozygous bb was not exessed. Among them, one heterozygous ab expression was found in both HPA-1 and HPA-4 systems (1%), and 14 cases of heterozygous ab expression were found in HPA-2 system (14%). The gene expression in the HPA-5 system was mainly homozygous aa (98%), and a very few expressed homozygous bb (2%) was found. The degree of heterozygosity of gene expression in the HPA-3 and HPA-15 systems was relatively high. The proprotion of the expression of aa, ab and bb in the HPA-3 system was respectively 46%, 40% and 14%, the proprotion of the expression of aa, ab and bb in the HPA-15 system was respectively 21%, 64% and 15%.@*CONCLUSION@#The gene frequency of platelet-specific antigen HPA1-5,15 system in zhangjiakou region shows local characteristics. The heterozygosity degree of gene expression in the HPA-3 and HPA-15 systems are both high, suggesting that they are more likely to result in alloimmunization and ineffective platelet transfusion, which should be pays attention to.
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Humans , Antigens, Human Platelet/genetics , Blood Donors , Gene Frequency , Genotype , Polymorphism, GeneticABSTRACT
Objective@#The characteristics of patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies and the pathogenic role of BRCA1/2 mutations remain poorly understood. We investigated these issues through a review of hospital records and nationwide Taiwanese registry data, followed by BRCA1/2 mutation analysis in hospital-based cases. @*Methods@#We retrospectively retrieved consecutive clinical records of Taiwanese patients who presented with these malignancies to our hospital between 2001 and 2017. We also collected information from the Data Science Center of the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) between 2007 and 2015. Next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were used to identify BRCA1/2 mutations and large genomic rearrangements, respectively. When BRCA1/2 mutations were identified in index cases, pedigrees were reconstructed and genetic testing was offered to family members. @*Results@#A total of 12,769 patients with breast cancer and 1,537 with ovarian cancer were retrieved from our hospital records. Of them, 28 had metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies. We also identified 113 cases from the TCR dataset. Eighteen hospital-based cases underwent BRCA1/2 sequencing and germline pathogenic mutations were detected in 7 patients (38.9%, 5 in BRCA1 and 2 in BRCA2). All BRCA1/2 mutation carriers had ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas. Of the 12 patients who were alive at the time of analysis, 5 were BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. All of them had family members with BRCA1/2-associated malignancies. @*Conclusions@#Our results provide pilot evidence that BRCA1/2 mutations are common in Taiwanese patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies, supporting the clinical utility of genetic counseling.
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Objective: To investigate the effect of ophiopogonin D (OP-D) on blood lipids and intestinal flora in ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: A total of 24 male ApoE-/- mice, aged six weeks old, were randomly divided into control group, model group, OP-D group [0.5 mg/(kg∙d)] and simvastatin group [5 mg/(kg∙d)]. Another six male C57BL/6 mice were in blank group. After 12 weeks of HFD, the drugs were given by intragastric administration for 12 weeks. After the end of administration, fresh feces of mice were collected to detect intestinal flora. Serum of mice was separated to detect blood lipid. Liver section staining was prepared to observe the damage. Results: OP-D could reduce the weight gain of mice caused by HFD, inhibit the increase of total cholesterol and triglyceride, improve hepatic steatosis, and regulate intestinal flora imbalance. Conclusion: OP-D may regulate blood lipids and hepatic steatosis by improving intestinal flora imbalance induced by HFD in ApoE-/- mice.
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Objective@#To investigate the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and cystatin C (CysC) in degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease and its clinical application value.@*Methods@#One hundred and eighty patients with degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease who were treated in Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 2016 to June 2018 were selected as the study subjects, and another 82 healthy subjects from the same hospital in the same period were selected as the control group. Serum ADMA and CysC levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. Risk factors of degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of serum ADMA and CysC for degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease was used by receiver operating characteristic curve.@*Results@#There were no significant differences in the general data between the two groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, drinking history, smoking history, and history of hypertension (P>0.05). The systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterin(LDL-C), CysC and ADMA levels of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group [(131.51 ± 19.09) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (126.48 ± 16.68) mmHg, (91.11 ± 16.35) mmHg vs. (86.89 ± 10.71) mmHg, (74.39 ± 15.22) beats/min vs. (70.09 ± 13.01) beats/min, (4.51 ± 1.12) mmol/L vs. (4.15 ± 0.92) mmol/L, (1.91 ± 0.63) mmol/L vs. (1.60 ± 0.65) mmol/L, (2.59 ± 1.13) mmol/L vs. (2.27 ± 0.85) mmol/L, (1.01 ± 0.22) mg/L vs. (0.79 ± 0.16) mg/L, (20.17 ± 6.38) ng/L vs. (11.88 ± 4.22) ng/L], and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), high density lipoprotein cholesterin (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower than those of the control group [(56.45 ± 9.21)%vs. (60.87 ± 10.02)%, (1.56 ± 0.63) mmol/L vs. (1.76 ± 0.62) mmol/L], there were significant differences (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that serum CysC and ADMA were independent risk factors for degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease (P<0.05). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that area under curve (AUC) of serum CysC for degenerative valvular heart disease was 0.785, with a sensitivity of 71.67%, and a specificity of 73.17%. The AUC of serum ADMA for degenerative valvular heart disease was 0.862, with a sensitivity of 71.67%, and a specificity of 87.80%. The AUC of serum CysC combined with ADMA in the diagnosis of degenerative valvular heart disease was 0.910, with a sensitivity of 85.56%, and a specificity of 84.15%, which was significantly higher than the two alone (Z=4.897 and 3.335, P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Serum ADMA is positively correlated with CysC in patients with degenerative valvular heart disease, and can be used as diagnostic serum markers for degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease. It has clinical reference value for improving the diagnosis of degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the auxiliary analgesic effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on patients undergoing transforaminal endoscope surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent percutaneous lateral transforaminal endoscope surgery were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with injection of 1% lidocaine for routine local infiltration anesthesia. The patients in the observation group were treated with wrist-ankle acupuncture at lower 5 area and lower 6 area for 30 min, 5 min before routine local infiltration anesthesia; immediately, 15 min, 30 min after insertion the left-right technique, up-down technique, and rotation technique were applied for six times, respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO) and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared between the two groups at the time points of intraoperative puncture (T), circular saw grinding (T), and placement of working channel (T). The intention of reoperation was recorded immediately after operation and 24 h after operation. The expectation and treatment credibility scale (ETCS) was used to evaluate the relationship between patients' expectation and efficacy 5 min before operation and immediately after operation.@*RESULTS@#At T and T during the operation, the MAP and HR in the obserrvation group were lower than those in the control group, while SpO was higher than that in the control group (0.05). At T, the peak VAS and average VAS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (0.05). The intention of reoperation in the observation group was higher than that in the control group both immediately after operation and 24 h after operation (0.05). The scores of ETCS1, ETCS2 and ETCS3 immediately after operation in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The wrist-ankle acupuncture has positive auxiliary analgesic effect on lumbago during transforaminal endoscope surgery, and strengthens the patients' confidence on the operation effect.
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OBJECTIVE@#To systematically assess the efficacy of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) versus posterior laminoplasty (LAMP) for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).@*METHODS@#PubMed and EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were collected from 7 databases of ACCF, LAMP from 1970 to May 2018. According to the criteria, the articles were included and independently screened by two authors. The quality of the articles was assessed by using the MINORS scale (methodological index for non randomized studies). After extracting the data from the article, the JOA score, cervical curvature, operation time, bleeding volume, excellent and good rate, recovery rate, adverse events and secondary surgery were analyzed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#Finally, a total of 22 articles with 1 678 patients were included in this Meta-analysis, with 810 patients in ACCF group and 868 patients in LAMP group. Meta analysis results showed that the ACCF group had higher postoperative JOA scores[MD=0.63, 95%CI(0.05, 1.20), = 0.03], higher excellent rate [=1.85, 95%CI (1.14, 3.02), =0.01] and higher recovery rate [=11.90, 95%CI (5.75, 18.05), =0.000 1]. But the LAMP group has a shorter operative time [MD=52.19, 95%CI (29.36, 75.03), <0.000 01], less complications [=1.56, 95%CI (1.03, 2.35), =0.04] and less reoperations [=3.73, 95%CI (1.62, 8.57), =0.002]. There was no significant different in postoperative lordosis [MD=3.15, 95%CI(-0.14, 6.43), =0.06] and blood loss[SMD= 0.26, 95%CI(-0.05, 0.57), =0.10] between two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The recovery of functionof ACCF group was better, but operation time, complications and reoperations of LAMP group were all better than ACCF group. There was no difference in postoperative lordosis and intraoperative blood loss between two groups. However, there are some limitations in this study. Therefore, higher quality and larger sample size clinical studies are needed to further verify.
Subject(s)
Humans , Calcium , Cervical Vertebrae , Decompression, Surgical , Laminoplasty , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Spinal Fusion , Treatment Outcome , VertebroplastyABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and cystatin C (CysC) in degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease and its clinical application value.Methods One hundred and eighty patients with degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease who were treated in Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 2016 to June 2018 were selected as the study subjects,and another 82 healthy subjects from the same hospital in the same period were selected as the control group.Serum ADMA and CysC levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.Risk factors of degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis.Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of serum ADMA and CysC for degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease was used by receiver operating characteristic curve.Results There were no significant differences in the general data between the two groups in terms of age,gender,body mass index,drinking history,smoking history,and history of hypertension (P＞ 0.05).The systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),heart rate (HR),total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterin(LDL-C),CysC and ADMA levels of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group [(131.51 ± 19.09) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs.(126.48 ± 16.68) mmHg,(91.11 ± 16.35) mmHg vs.(86.89 ± 10.71) mmHg,(74.39 ± 15.22) beats/min vs.(70.09 ± 13.01)beats/min,(4.51 ± 1.12) mmol/L vs.(4.15 ± 0.92) mmol/L,(1.91 ± 0.63) mmol/L vs.(1.60 ± 0.65) mmol/L,(2.59 ± 1.13) mmol/L vs.(2.27 ± 0.85) mmol/L,(1.01 ± 0.22) mg/L vs.(0.79 ± 0.16) mg/L,(20.17 ± 6.38)ng/L vs.(11.88 ± 4.22) ng/L],and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),high density lipoprotein cholesterin (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower than those of the control group [(56.45 ± 9.21)％vs.(60.87 ± 10.02)％,(1.56 ± 0.63) mmol/L vs.(1.76 ± 0.62) mmol/L],there were significant differences (P ＜ 0.05).Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that serum CysC and ADMA were independent risk factors for degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease (P ＜ 0.05).Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that area under curve (AUC) of serum CysC for degenerative valvular heart disease was 0.785,with a sensitivity of 71.67％,and a specificity of 73.17％.The AUC of serum ADMA for degenerative valvular heart disease was 0.862,with a sensitivity of 71.67％,and a specificity of 87.80％.The AUC of serum CysC combined with ADMA in the diagnosis of degenerative valvular heart disease was 0.910,with a sensitivity of 85.56％,and a specificity of 84.15％,which was significantly higher than the two alone (Z =4.897 and 3.335,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Serum ADMA is positively correlated with CysC in patients with degenerative valvular heart disease,and can be used as diagnostic serum markers for degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease.It has clinical reference value for improving the diagnosis of degenerative calcific aortic valvular disease.
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OBJECTIVE@#To explore the applicability of integration between three-dimensional (3D) facial and dental data to evaluate the nasolabial morphology variation before and after the cross-arch fixed restoration of the maxillary implant-supported prostheses.@*METHODS@#Twelve patients (4 women and 8 men), mean age (54.82±5.50) years (from 45 to 62 years) referred to the Department of Oral Implan-tology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, were selected and diagnosed with edentulous maxilla. For all the patients, 4 to 6 implants were inserted into the maxilla. Six months later, the final cross-arch fixed prostheses were delivered. The 3D facial images were collected before and after the final restoration. The 3D data of prostheses were also captured. All the 3D data were registered and measured in the same coordinate system. Then the displacement of all the landmarks [cheilion left (CHL), cheilion right (CHR), crista philtri left (CPHL), crista philtri right (CPHR), labrale supe-rius (LS), subnasale (SN), stomion (STO), upper incisor (UI), upper flange border of the prostheses (F-point, F)], and the variation of the distances between these landmarks (SN-LS, CPHR-CPHL, CHR-CHL, LS-STO) were analyzed and compared.@*RESULTS@#The consistency test among three measurements of the length of F-SN indicated that the integration method of the dental prostheses and soft tissue had the good repetitiveness, ICC=0.983 (95%CI: 0.957-0.995). After wearing the final cross-arch maxillary implant-supported prostheses, all the landmarks on the soft tissue moved forward. The nasal base area changed minimally, and the shift of SN in the sagittal direction was only (0.61±0.44) mm. But the sagittal shift of LS was (3.12±1.38) mm. In the vertical direction, SN, LS, CPHL, and CPHR moved upward. But STO, CHL, and CHR moved downward a little. Except for the slight decrease of the length of philtrum (SN-LS), the length of CHL-CHR, CPHL-CPHR, and the height of upper lip were increased together (P < 0.01). In the direction of Z axis, the strong correlations were found not only between the movements of SN and F (r=0.904 3) but also between the movements of LS and UI (r=0.958 4).@*CONCLUSION@#The integration method of 3D facial and dental data showed good repetitiveness. And the strong correlations between the landmarks of prostheses and nasolabial soft tissue in the sagittal direction were found by this new method.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Incisor , Lip , Maxilla/surgery , Mouth, Edentulous , Prostheses and ImplantsABSTRACT
Piperis Fructus is the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit of Piperaceae, which is an important spice material and a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is widely used in the world. It is recorded to possess the efficacy of warming spleen and stomach for dispelling cold, depressing Qi and dissolving phlegm. Piperis Fructus mainly contains amide alkaloids with piperine as the main ingredient and volatile oil dominated by monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, which have a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, etc. By referring to relevant papers at home and abroad, the researches on chemical compositions from different parts and pharmacological effects of Piperis Fructus in recent 5 years were summarized and analyzed. It was found that Piperis Fructus has great potential for drug development as a TCM with homology of medicine and food, which can provide a reference for further research and comprehensive utilization of Piperis Fructus.
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Early nutritional status, lifestyle and life experiences are critical to the health and development of one’s whole life. Previous studies on the effect of earthquake, flood, ice storm and hurricane, famine on population health were reviewed and sorted out from a perspective of life cycle. It turned out that catastrophic events exposure during the fetus period could have some adverse effects on the growth and development of fetuses, newborns and children, and also on mental health during the life cycle from newborns to adults. Based on the research results at home and abroad, future research on the long-term impacts of early-life adverse events on mental health could be further explored from such aspects as expanding research objects, improving research methods, and extending research content.
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INTRODUCTION@#To study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in blood donor (BD), haemodialysis (HD) and intravenous drug user (IVDU) populations in Singapore and assess the IL28B polymorphism if HCV positive.@*METHODS@#The BD population were healthy volunteers, the HD population were patients who were on haemodialysis for at least six months of follow-up between January 2009 and December 2014. IVDU population was from inmates at halfway houses who consented.@*RESULTS@#Between 2011 and 2014, of 161,658 individuals who underwent screening prior to blood donation, 95 (0.059%) were positive for HCV. Of the 42 sera available, common genotypes (GTs) were GT-3 (47.6%) and GT-1 (31.0%). Of 1,575 HD patients, 2.2% were anti-HCV positive. The HCV GT distribution was HCV GT-1 (32.4%), HCV GT-3 (20.5%) and GT-6 (8.8%). 83 halfway house inmates were screened. Of the 47 IVDUs, 36.2% were anti-HCV positive with predominant GT-3 (%). IL28B polymorphism was noted to be CC predominantly 85.3%.@*CONCLUSION@#Prevalence of HCV infection has decreased in both the BD and HD populations. However, it remains high in the IVDU population. GT-1 remains the most common in the HD population; however, GT-3 infection is now more common among the BD population in Singapore. IL28B - CC is the predominant variant among the HCV-infected individuals in Singapore.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Acute Kidney Injury , Blood , Alleles , Blood Donors , Genotype , Hepatitis C , Epidemiology , Interleukins , Genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Prevalence , Renal Dialysis , Singapore , Epidemiology , Substance Abuse, Intravenous , Blood , EpidemiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To study the preventive and therapeutic effects of safflower water extract on systemic scleroderma (SSc) in mice and its mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty BALB/C mice were randomly divided into the control group, model group, prednisone group and safflower low, middle, high dose groups, 10 mice in each group.The control group was injected with normal saline, and the other five groups were subcutaneously injected with bleomycin hydrochloride with 100 μl at the concentration of 200 μg /ml on the back, once a day for 28 days to establish the SSc models.At the same time, the control group and model group were treated with normal saline (10 ml/kg), the prednisone group was treated with prednisone 4.5 mg/kg (10 ml/kg), and the low, middle, and high dose safflower groups were treated with safflower at the doses of 1.5, 3, 6 g/kg (10 ml/kg), and all groups were treated for 28 days.After 28 days, all mice were decapitated. The blood samples and back skin of the BLM injection part were collected.After that, all the tissue slices were taken to measure the dermal thickness, and the content of hydroxyproline (HYP) in the skin tissues was detected by hydrolysis method.The contents of tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β ) in the skin tissues and the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in serum were determined by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the dermal thickness of the model group was increased(P＜0.05), the contents of CTGF, TGF-β and HYP in the skin tissues and the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum of the model group were increased(P＜0.05); compared with the model group, the dermal thickness in the prednisone group and safflower groups was decreased (P＜0.05), the levels of CTGF, TGF-β and HYP in the skin tissues and the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in the prednisone group and safflower groups were decreased (P＜0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Safflower water extract can improve skin condition (or dermal thickness) in SSc mice, and its mechanism may be related to reducing immune inflammatory response.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Bleomycin , Carthamus tinctorius , Chemistry , Connective Tissue Growth Factor , Metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Hydroxyproline , Interleukin-17 , Metabolism , Interleukin-6 , Metabolism , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Plant Extracts , Pharmacology , Random Allocation , Scleroderma, Systemic , Drug Therapy , Skin , Pathology , Transforming Growth Factor beta1 , MetabolismABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To analyze the maxillary sinus anatomy over edentulous ridges in the bilateral posterior maxillary area in Taiwanese patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: In total, 101 anatomical sites from 61 patients, including 32 premolar and 69 molar regions, were analyzed using CBCT. Measurements were made of the width and height of edentulous ridges, the thickness of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, and the presence of a sinus septum and the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA). A statistical analysis of the measurements was performed, and correlations among the measurements were assessed. RESULTS: The average ridge width was 10.26±3.16 mm, with a significantly greater ridge width in the second molar region than in the premolar region. The mean residual ridge height was 8.55±4.09 mm, and ridge height showed an opposite trend from ridge width for the premolar and molar regions. A sinus septum was present at 5.9% of the sites, and the PSAA was observed in 24.5%. The average thickness of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus was 2.08±0.94 mm, with no significant difference between the tooth position and lateral wall thickness. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the anatomical features of the maxillary sinus, which should be considered in sinus lift procedures for implant placement, in the Taiwanese population. The use of CBCT is recommended to avoid intraoperative complications.