Prevalence of Echinococcus infection in small mammals captured from Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in small mammals in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide insights into echinococcosis control in Shiqu County. Methods One setting with frequent activity of small mammals was sampled as the survey site from each of 9 townships where human alveolar echinococcosis was hyperendemic, in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020. Two quadrats measuring 50 m × 50 m were assigned in each survey site during the period between July and August from 2015 to 2020 to capture all small mammals in quadrats, and the species of small mammals were identified by morphological characteristics. All captured small mammals were dissected in the field and Echinococcus infection was identified by visual examinations. The affected organs of Echinococcus-infected small mammals were collected, and Echinococcus infection was detected using PCR assay, with Echinococcus species characterized. The prevalence of Echinococcus infection was calculated in small mammals, and the trends in the prevalence of Echinococcus infection were analyzed during the period from 2015 to 2020. In addition, the prevalence of Echinococcus infection was compared in small mammals using visual examinations and PCR assay. Results A total of 2 692 small mammals were captured in the survey sites of Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, and morphology characterized 1 360 Microtus fuscus (50.52%) and 1 332 Plateau pika (49.48%). The prevalence rates of Echinococcus infection were 35.63%, 19.16%, 21.41%, 8.40%, 7.68% and 4.44% by visual examinations and 18.96%, 5.36%, 5.61%, 4.58%, 3.30% and 0.37% by PCR assay in small mammals in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, both showing a tendency towards a decline year by year (χ2 = 215.024 and 117.045, both P values < 0.001). The prevalence of Echinococcus infection was significantly higher in small mammals by visual examinations than by PCR assay during the period from 2015 to 2020 except in 2018 (χ2= 33.597, 21.815, 51.373, 17.268 and 9.537, all P values < 0.01). PCR assay detected a reduction in the prevalence of E. multilocularis infection from 10.21% to 0.37% and a reduction in the prevalence of E. shiquicus infection from 8.75% to 0 in small mammals in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, both appearing a tendency towards a decline year by year (χ2 = 117.045 and 43.436, both P values < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections reduced from 15.19% to 0.45% and from 8.23% to 0 in M. fuscus, and the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections reduced from 7.76% to 0 and from 9.01% to 0 in P. pika in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020. Conclusions M. fuscus and P. pika were dominant species of small mammals in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020, and E. multilocularis infection was mainly found in M. fuscus and E. shiquicus infection mainly found in P. pika. The prevalence of Echinococcus infection appeared a tendency towards a decline in both M. fuscus and P. pika year by year during the period from 2015 to 2020.

Activity and mechanism of palbinone against hepatic fibrosis and inflammation / 药学学报

The study aims to investigate the anti-hepatic fibrosis and anti-inflammatory activities of palbinone, and to explore the internal regulatory mechanism, so as to lay an active foundation for its development as an anti-non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) candidate. First, sulforhodamine B (SRB) method was used to detect the effect of palbinone on the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2 and rat hepatic stellate cells HSC-T6. Following, in the in vitro hepatic fibrosis cell model that activated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of palbinone on the transcription level and protein expression level of hepatic fibrosis markers. And the regulating mechanism of palbinone on fibrosis-related genes was analyzed at the same time. In addition, in the inflammatory cell model that induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and nigericin, ELISA was used to detect the effect of palbinone on the released interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level. At the same time, Western blot was used to detect the effect of palbinone on the related proteins of inflammatory pathway. The results showed that palbinone could significantly inhibit the proliferation activity of LX-2 and HSC-T6, and their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ​​were (375.11 ± 55.45) and (260.27 ± 36.81) nmol·L-1, respectively. In addition, palbinone showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the expression levels of TGF-β1-induced fibrosis-related genes, including collagen type Ⅰ α 1 (COL1A1), TGF-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). Mechanism study showed that palbinone may decrease the expression level of Yes-associated protein (YAP), thereby weakening its activation effect on the downstream fibrosis pathway. In addition, palbinone also exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory factors cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1) and IL-1β release. In conclusion, palbinone can not only inhibit the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the expression of YAP, but also inhibit the expression and release of inflammatory factors at the same time. All these studies provide theoretical support for the development of palbinone as an anti-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis drug.

Clinical study of anesthesia management and treatment strategies for emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To discuss the essentials of anesthesia management and treatment strategies for emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and to provide standardized recommendations for the development of emergency TAVR technology in China.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the relevant data of patients undergoing emergency TAVR surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from March 2019 to February 2021, including baseline patient characteristics, perioperative echocardiography data, prognosis and 30-day follow-up. Post-operative data were compared with pre-operative data using paired-sample test.Results:Thirteen patients, aged (75.62±9.63) years, underwent emergency TAVR surgery, and 6 of them were male. Eleven patients were New York Heart Association class Ⅳ. The preoperative Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was (20.31±15.15)%. The trans-aortic valve differential pressure was significantly reduced after surgery [(68.92±30.66)mmHg vs. (2.70±2.36)mmHg, P<0.01]. Two patients died within 30 days after surgery, one patient developed a new third degree atrioventricular block, one patient had a stroke, and 4 patients developed pulmonary infection. Conclusions:Emergency TAVR surgery is a feasible and effective rescue strategy for patients with aortic stenosis in critical condition. The establishment of anesthesia standard operation procedure process for TAVR surgery helps ensure homogenized medical behavior and good teamwork.

Effect of Combined Therapy of Lung and Intestine on NF-κB Inflammatory Pathway and Macrophage Polarization in LPS-induced Acute Lung Injury Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of combined therapy of lung and intestine （Mahuangtang + Da Chengqitang） on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury （ALI） in rats and its protective mechanism. MethodWistar rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose groups with combined therapy of lung and intestine ， and dexamethasone group. LPS （10 mg·kg-1） was given （ip） to induce ALI in rats. The general state of rats in each group was observed and recorded. The body temperature of rats in each group was recorded 0-8 h after modeling by means of anal temperature measurement. Serum and lung tissues were collected 24 h after modeling. Serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and arginase-1 （Arg-1） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B p65 （NF-κB p65）， phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， NF-κB inhibitor α （IκBα）， and phosphorylated IκBα （p-IκBα） in lung tissues of rats. The levels of classically activated （M1） macrophage marker CD80 and IL-1β and macrophage markers F4/80 and IL-10 were detected by double immunofluorescence. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased body temperature and thermal response index （TRI）， elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α and IL-1β and anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα in lung tissues （P<0.01）， and increased levels of F4/80， CD80， and IL-1β in lung tissues （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the lung-intestine combined treatment groups and the dexamethasone group exhibited decreased body temperature and TRI in rats （P<0.01）， declined serum levels of inflammatory factor TNF-α and IL-1β （P<0.05， P<0.01）， elevated serum levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and Arg-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated protein levels of p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα in lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased levels of CD80 and IL-1β， and increased levels of IL-10 in lung tissues （P<0.01）， while the level of F4/80 was not significantly changed. ConclusionThe combined therapy of lung and intestine can obviously alleviate the fever and inflammatory state of ALI rats， and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB inflammatory pathway and the polarization of lung tissue macrophages to anti-inflammatory phenotype.

The quality control standards and principles of the application and training of critical ultrasonography / 中华内科杂志

Critical ultrasonography is widely used in ICU and has become an indispensable tool for clinicians. However, besides operator-dependency of critical ultrasonography, lack of standardized training mainly result in the physicians′ heterogenous ultrasonic skill. Therefore, standardized training as well as strict quality control plays the key role in the development of critical ultrasonography. We present this quality control standards to promote better development of critical ultrasonography.

A study on the composite indices of femoral neck strength in non-low-weight postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus in community / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To explore the risk of hip fracture, changes of composite indices of femoral neck strength and its influential factors in non-low-weight postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:A total of 626 non-low-weight postmenopausal women were selected and divided into type 2 diabetes group, pre-diabetic group, and non-diabetic group according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Diabetes Association in 2010. Each participant completed the questionnaire, physical examination, laboratory examination, and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA) examination.Results:Hip fracture rate in T2DM group was significantly higher than that in non-diabetic group(3.4% vs 0.7%, P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between pre-diabetic group and non-diabetic group(1.1% vs 0.7%, P>0.05). Bone mineral density(BMD) of lumbar spine 1-4, femoral neck, and total hip was comparable between T2DM group and non-diabetic group or pre-diabetic group and non-diabetic group, respectively( P>0.05). The composite indices of femoral neck strength in T2DM group was significantly lower than that in non-diabetic group( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between pre-diabetic group and non-diabetic group( P>0.05). Regression analysis showed that age and body mass index were the main influential factors of the femoral neck bone mineral density and the composite indices of femoral neck strength( P<0.05). Conclusion:The composite indices of femoral neck strength could be used as one of the markers to evaluate the risk of hip fracture in type 2 diabetic patients.

Comparison of effects of conservative treatment and percutaneous kyphoplasty on paravertebral muscle degeneration in patients with osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To compare effects of conservative treatment and percutaneous kyphoplasty on paravertebral muscle degeneration in patients with osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures.Methods:A retrospective case control analysis was conducted on 286 cases of osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures from January 2017 to December 2019. There were 54 males and 232 females, with a mean age of 67.7 (range, 52-90 years). According to the treatment, the patients were divided in to conservative treatment group (134 patients) and percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment group (152 patients). The pre-operation and post-operation of paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration (FI% ) , bed rest time, visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), the sagittal view Cobb angle, and the anterior column height of fractured vertebra were compared between these two groups.Results:The two groups had no significant difference in CSA and FI% of paravertebral muscle in each plane of the intervertebral discs of the L 3-4、L 4-5 and L 5S 1. The CSA of multifidus in each plane of the intervertebral discs three months after operation were 6.56±1.26 cm 2, 6.87±1.31 cm 2, and 7.14±1.29 cm 2; the CSA of erector were 12.39±2.16 cm 2, 14.72±2.67 cm 2, and 16.45±3.09 cm 2; the CSA of psoas major were 7.05±1.52 cm 2, 8.12±1.75 cm 2, and 8.68±1.66 cm 2, which all were larger than those in conservative treatment group and showed significant difference between two groups ( P<0.05). However, the two groups had no significant difference in FI% of paravertebral muscle three months after operation. The CSA of multifidus in each plane of the intervertebral discs one year after operation were 6.43±1.23 cm 2, 6.62±1.42 cm 2, and 7.06±1.32 cm 2; the CSA of erector were 12.02±2.08 cm 2, 14.53±2.76 cm 2, and 16.39±2.84 cm 2; the CSA of psoas major were 6.98±1.47 cm 2, 8.01±1.59 cm 2, and 8.37±1.72 cm 2, which all were larger than those in conservative treatment group and showed significant difference between two groups ( P<0.05). The FI% of multifidus in each plane of the intervertebral discs one year after operation were 31.40%±5.84% , 32.54%±6.64% , and 33.26%±7.16% ; the FI% of erector were 22.64%±3.47% , 23.08%±3.72% , and 23.84%±3.99% ; the FI% of psoas major were 9.23%±2.20% , 9.72%±2.54% , and 10.98%±2.43% , which all were less than those in conservative treatment group and showed significant difference between two groups ( P<0.05). Two groups had significant difference in bed rest time as (9.21±2.52) d vs. (40.32±9.79) d ( t=37.79, P<0.001). The VAS, ODI score at the time of the first day after treatment and the last follow-up of the surgical treatment group were all significantly lower than those of conservative treatment group ( P<0.05). The operation could effectively improve the kyphosis deformity and reduce the loss the anterior column height of fractured vertebra compared with conservative treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusion:There exists paravertebral muscle degeneration of varying degrees during the course of the osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures. Compared to conservative treatment, percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment can not only significantly relieve pain in the short term, improve quality of patient's life, but also significantly delay the degeneration of paravertebral muscle.

Efficacy of radial shockwave therapy for promoting healing of delayed of forearm fractures in children with ultrasonic guidance / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on delayed union of forearm fractures in children with ultrasonic guidance.Methods:A retrospective analysis of information on 18 children with delayed forearm fracture union who received ultrasonic guided extracorporeal shockwave therapy from February 2018 to June 2019 was conducted. Among them, there were 14 males and 4 females; Age: 9.44±3.75 years (range, 3-15 years); All the children were closed forearm fractures, including 13 cases of ulna and 5 cases of radius. Initial fixation methods: intramedullary nails fixation in 8 cases, Kirschner wire fixation in 4 cases, steel plate fixation in 2 cases, external fixation in 2 cases, conservative treatment in 2 cases; The classification of fracture nonunion were: 14 cases of hypertrophy, 4 cases of atrophy; The course of disease was 4.0 (3.0, 6.0) months. The front and lateral X-ray films of the affected side forearm were taken before treatment, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. The scores of callus condition were performed using Lane-Sandhu X-ray scoring standard and Fernandez-Esteve X-ray evaluation standard of callus grade.Results:All children completed treatment and were followed up for 6 months. The bone healing standard was the disappearance of the fracture line shown by anterior and lateral X-ray films. Within 6 months after treatment, 11 patients got bone union. The healing rate was 61.11% (11/18). The average of Lane-Sandhu X-ray scores before treatment, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were 3.0 (1.0, 4.0), 6.0 (4.0, 8.0) and 10.0 (5.0, 12.0), respectively, there were statistically significant differences in pairwise comparisons at each time point. And the average scores of Fernandez-Esteve X-ray evaluation standard for callus grade were 1.0 (1.0, 2.0), 3.0 (2.0, 4.0), and 4.0 (3.0, 4.0), respectively, there were statistically significant differences from 3 months and 6 months after treatment to preoperative group, while there was no statistically significant difference between 3 months and 6 months after treatment. The mixed effects model analysis results showed that only the Lane Sandhu X-ray score and Fernandez Esteve X-ray standard score of callus grade at different follow-up time points were significantly different. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, number of shockwave treatments and interval time from the first treatment after the initial fixation.Conclusion:The radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy can effectively treat the delayed healing of forearm fractures in children; the X-ray score has been significantly improved. The treatment is highly accepted by children and their parents, and can be used as one of the methods to treat delayed healing of fractures in children in the future.

The use of the single purse-string parachute suturing technique for pancreaticojejunostomy in laparscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the single purse-string parachute suturing technique for pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, and to determine its feasibility and safety.Methods:The clinical data of 71 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy using the single purse-string parachute suturing technique for pancreaticojejunostomy from October 2018 to October 2021 at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 30 females, with age (59.1±9.7) years old. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, complication rate and other data were analyzed.Results:All 71 patients successfully underwent total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, with 5 patients who underwent 2D laparoscopic surgery and 66 patients 3D laparoscopic surgery. There were additional vascular resection and reconstruction in 2 patients. The operative time was (388.9±92.9) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (411.3±176.9) ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was (14.1±5.8) d. The operation time of 71 patients who underwent the single purse-string parachute technique of pancreaticojejunostomy was (26.9±6.8) min. Postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients (25.4%). Grade B pancreatic fistula occurred in 2 patients (2.8%), and the longest time for removal of abdominal drain was 17 days after operation. Among the 71 patients, complications including biliary fistula occurred in 6 patients (8.5%), delayed gastric emptying in 5 patients (7.0%), pulmonary infection in 4 patients (5.6%), non-pancreatic fistula-related abdominal infection in 4 patients (5.6%), non-pancreatic fistula-related abdominal bleeding in 1 patient (1.4%), biliary tract bleeding in 1 patient (1.4%), and chylous leakage in 2 patients (2.8%).Conclusion:The single purse-string parachute technique of pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy had the advantages of being safe and reliable. The procedure is worthy of furthers promotion.

Application of multidisciplinary teams online teaching in the teaching of urology residents based on network platform / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Introducing the multidisciplinary cooperation model into the clinical teaching of residents has gradually been paid attention to, and the relevant multi-disciplinary teaching teams participate in and formulate teaching plan. The Department of Urology of the Peking University Third Hospital carries out multidisciplinary cooperative teaching of residents based on network platform to improve residents' autonomous learning ability and teaching effect. This model has certain advantages in mobilizing students' subjective initiative and cultivating learning interest. It is of great significance for the training of urology residents.

Analysis of risk factors for bleeding in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factor analysis and model prediction of bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 302 patients with MOJ treated with ERCP who were treated in the No. 363 Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University from January 2015 to June 2021. The general clinical data of the patients were collected, and the biochemical indicators of the pancreatic and bile ducts were detected. The patients were followed up after discharge, and the patients were divided into a bleeding group ( n=47) and a control group ( n=255) according to whether the follow-up patients were bleeding after ERCP. Compared the general and clinical data of the two groups of patients, including age, gender, platelet count, presence of bile duct stones, acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, number of stones, intraoperative bleeding, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, duodenal papillary diverticulum, and pre-surgical incision. The measurement data that obey the normal distribution were represented by the mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the two independent sample t test was used for the comparison between groups; the data that do not conform to the normal distribution were represented by M ( Q1, Q3), and the comparison between groups was used Mann-Whitney U test. The comparison of enumeration data between groups adopted chi-square test. Logistic multivariate regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of postoperative bleeding after ERCP, and a nomogram prediction model was established and verified according to the independent risk factors of postoperative bleeding. Results:The two groups of patients were compared in age, gender, platelet count, bile duct stones, acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, the number of stones, intraoperative bleeding and other aspects, the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The percentages of pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, duodenal papillary diverticulum, and surgical pre-incision in the bleeding group were 12.77%, 17.02%, 19.15%, 51.06%, 59.57%, and 14.89%, respectively. , the percentages of the control group were 3.92%, 5.10%, 9.02%, 19.22%, 17.65%, and 5.88%, and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups ( P<0.05). Taking postoperative bleeding as the dependent variable, and using the indicators with statistical differences in univariate analysis as independent variables, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the patient had pancreatic cancer ( OR=1.838, 95% CI: 1.524-4.613, P=0.041), cholangiocarcinoma ( OR=2.548, 95% CI: 1.870-5.116, P=0.015), stone incarceration ( OR=3.078, 95% CI: 2.374-6.012, P<0.001), duodenum Intestinal papillary diverticula ( OR=1.140, 95% CI: 1.045-1.628, P<0.001), surgical pre-incision ( OR=1.640, 95% CI: 1.321-1.928, P<0.001) were associated with postoperative bleeding in MOJ patients after ERCP independent risk factors. The predictive ability of duodenal papillary diverticulum was the highest; the predictive ability of stone incarceration and cholangiocarcinoma was the second, and there was no significant difference between them; the predictive ability of pancreatic cancer, stone diameter, and pre-incision on bleeding after ERCP in MOJ patients smaller. Pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, duodenal papillary diverticulum, and pre-incision scores were 42, 63, 28, 65, 76, and 34 points respectively, and the total score was 308 points corresponding to the nomogram model. The predictive power of the nomogram was 61.6%, and overall, the nomogram had good predictive performance. Harrell concordance index analysis and ROC curve were used to evaluate the model discrimination, the C-index calculation result was 0.826 (95% CI: 0.771-0.847), the ROC curve AUC was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.801-0.884), and the ROC prediction The value and the calculation result of C-index are relatively close. The model discrimination is applied in this study and has a certain prediction effect. The nomogram model in the Calibration curve predicted the probability of postoperative bleeding after ERCP in MOJ patients with high consistency with the actual probability. Conclusion:ERCP is safe and feasible for most patients with MOJ, but for patients with pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, and duodenal papillary diverticulum, it should be performed with caution, and preoperative incision should be avoided, to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding. In addition, the nomogram model has a strong predictive ability in predicting bleeding after ERCP in patients with MOJ, which is worthy of reference in clinical research.

Aging-elevated inflammation promotes DNMT3A R878H-driven clonal hematopoiesis

Aging-elevated DNMT3A R882H-driven clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a risk factor for myeloid malignancies remission and overall survival. Although some studies were conducted to investigate this phenomenon, the exact mechanism is still under debate. In this study, we observed that DNMT3A R878H bone marrow cells (human allele: DNMT3A R882H) displayed enhanced reconstitution capacity in aged bone marrow milieu and upon inflammatory insult. DNMT3A R878H protects hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from the damage induced by chronic inflammation, especially TNFα insults. Mechanistically, we identified that RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis signaling was compromised in R878H cells in response to proliferation stress and TNFα insults. Briefly, we elucidated the molecular mechanism driving DNMT3A R878H-based clonal hematopoiesis, which raises clinical value for treating DNMT3A R882H-driven clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies with aging.

Pulmonary delivery of siRNA against acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome

The use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has been under investigation for the treatment of several unmet medical needs, including acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) wherein siRNA may be implemented to modify the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at the mRNA level. The properties such as clear anatomy, accessibility, and relatively low enzyme activity make the lung a good target for local siRNA therapy. However, the translation of siRNA is restricted by the inefficient delivery of siRNA therapeutics to the target cells due to the properties of naked siRNA. Thus, this review will focus on the various delivery systems that can be used and the different barriers that need to be surmounted for the development of stable inhalable siRNA formulations for human use before siRNA therapeutics for ALI/ARDS become available in the clinic.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in the treatment of adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in the treatment of adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion.@*METHODS@#From February 2010 to June 2018, 64 patients with adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion were retrospectively analyzed and divided into observation group and control group. In observation group, there were 23 males and 10 females performed with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, including 27 cases of single segment fusion and 6 cases of double segment fusion, aged from 55 to 83 years old with an average of (65.7±7.4) years old. In control group, there were 22 males and 9 females performed with traditional open fusion revision, including 25 cases of single-segment fusion and 6 cases of double segment fusion, aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of(64.8±7.8) years old. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, postoperative ambulation time and length of postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI). The complications between two groups were observed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for at least 2 years. The observation group patients were followed up with an average of (2.4±0.5) years. The control group patients were followed up with an average of(2.6±0.7) years. Compared with control group, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time and length of postoperative hospital stay of the observation group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the fluoroscopy times of observation group were significantly increased compared with control group(P<0.05). The VAS of low back and lower limb, and ODI at the latest follow-up between two groups were all significantly improved compared to those of pre-operation (P<0.05). The VAS of low back at each point and ODI at 1, 3 months after operation in observation group was significantly reduced compared with control group(P<0.05), however there was no significant difference in VAS for lower limb between two groups (P>0.05). The difference of complications between two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with traditional open fusion revision surgery, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion has the advantages of reducing operation time and intra-operative blood loss, shortening ambulation time and the length of postoperative hospital stay, and promoting pain and functional improvement, and decrease incidence of complications. However, long-term clinical efficacy needs further study.

Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis model rats, as well as the relationship between sensory and sympathetic nerves and the formation of sensitized area, and to initially reveal the partial physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area in the colitis model rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10), a model group (n=18) and a guanethidine group (n=7). 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was adopted for 6-day free drinking to establish colitis model in the model group and the guanethidine group. On day 6 and 7, in the guanethidine group, guanethidine solution (30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for sympathetic block. On day 7, after injection of evans blue (EB) solution, the EB extravasation areas on the body surface were observed to investigate the distribution and physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area. The control area was set up, 0.5 cm away from the sensitized area, and with the same nerve segment innervation. Disease activity index (DAI) score of rats was compared between the normal group and the model group, and the morphological changes in the colon tissue were investigated with HE method. Using infrared thermal imaging technology and laser speckle flow imaging technology, skin temperature and blood infusion were determined in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. Immunofluorescence technique was adopted to observe the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the correlation with blood vessels; as well as the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in skin tissue in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. MSD multi-level factorial method and ELISA were applied to determine the contents of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10) and anti-inflammatory substance corticosterone (CORT).@*RESULTS@#Sensitization occurred at the T12-S1 segments of the colitis model rats, especially at L2-L5 segments. Compared with the normal group, DAI score was increased in the rats of the model group (P<0.05), and the colonic mucosal damage was obvious, with the epithelial cells disordered, even disappeared, crypt destructed, submucosal edema and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated. In comparison with the control area, the skin temperature and blood infusion were increased in the sensitized area of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01); as well as the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of SP, CGRP and TH of skin tissue (P<0.05), which was specially distributed in peripheral vessels, the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-HT of the skin tissue were all expanded (P<0.05) in the sensitized area of the model group. Compared with the model group, the number of sensitized areas was reduced in the guanethidine group (P<0.05). In comparison with the control area of the model group, in the sensitized area, the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and the anti-inflammatory substance CORT of skin tissue were all increased (P<0.05); and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CORT (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The sensitized areas on the body surface of colitis rats are mainly distributed in the L2-L5 segments. Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the acupoint sensitization, and the sensitized areas may have the dynamic changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances.

Factors Associated with Macular Staphyloma Area on Ultra-widefield Fundus Images

Purpose@#To assess the feasibility of applying ultra-widefield fundus (UWF) images for macular staphyloma area (MSA) measurement and investigate the associated factors with MSA. @*Methods@#This is a retrospective study. MSA was measured by UWF imaging. Central foveal thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, subfoveal scleral thickness were measured on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Intraclass correlation coefficients of MSA measurement would be evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the associated factors with MSA. @*Results@#In total, 135 eyes of 92 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 64.73 ± 10.84 years. Mean MSA on UWF image was 279.67 ± 71.70 mm2. Intraclass correlation coefficients of MSA measurement was 0.965 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.946 to 0.977; p < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, after adjusting for subfoveal choroidal thickness, best-corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness, and subfoveal scleral thickness, the factors independently related to MSA were axial length (β = 8.352; 95% CI, 3.306 to 13.398; p = 0.001), sex (β = -26.673; 95% CI, -51.759 to -1.586; p = 0.037), age (β = 1.184; 95% CI, 0.020 to 2.348; p = 0.046). @*Conclusions@#It is feasible to measure MSA on UWF image. Female, longer axial length, and older age may indicate larger MSA.

Effects of 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation on bone metabolism in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation on ovariectomized rats' bone metabolism.@*METHODS@#Twenty four 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat were randomly divided into control group, sham operated group, 275 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation group and 310 nm UV irradiation group. Each group contained 6 rats. The rats in the two irradiation groups were treated with bilateral ovariectomy. The rats in sham operated group received sham operation (They were given the same back incision and a bit of par-ovarian fat were removed). Control group received no disposition. About 24 weeks after operation, all the rats received detailed bone mineral density (BMD) detection again. Detection regions include cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur. Next, osteopenia rats in 275 nm irradiation group were UV irradiated 275 nm with fixed illumination intensity (15 μW/cm2) everyday for 16 weeks. The osteopenia rats in 310 nm irradiation group were UV irradiated 310 nm with fixed illumination intensity (15 μW/cm2) everyday for 16 weeks. The backs of the rats were shaved regularly as irradiation area (6 cm×8 cm). After 16-week irradiation, all the rats' BMD of cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur were measured. At the end of the trial, all the rats' blood specimens were obtained and serum 25(OH)D, procollagen type Ⅰ N-peptide (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC) were measured.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control group [(238.78±26.74) mg/cm3], the BMD of the whole body were significantly lower in 275 nm [(193.34±13.28) mg/cm3] and 310 nm [(191.19±18.48) mg/cm3] irradiation groups (P=0.002, P=0.001). There were no significant difference between sham operated group [(227.20±14.32) mg/cm3] and control group. After 16-week ultraviolet irradiation, the BMD of the whole body were significantly increased in 275 nm [(193.34±13.28) mg/cm3 vs. (221.68±25.52) mg/cm3, P=0.005] and 310 nm groups [(191.19±18.48) mg/cm3 vs. (267.48±20.54) mg/cm3, P < 0.001] after corresponding irradiation. The BMD of the four body regions (lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur) had significantly increased after irradiation in 275 nm irradiation group. For 310 nm irradiation group, the BMD in cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur also had increased significantly after 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation. The concentration of serum 25(OH)D and OC was higher in 275 nm irradiation group than in control group [(46.78±5.59) μg/L vs. (21.32±6.65) μg/L, P=0.002;(2.05±0.53) U/L vs. (1.32±0.07) U/L, P=0.022]. Compared with the control, the concentration of serum 25(OH)D [(58.05±12.74) μg/L], OC [(2.04±0.53) U/L] and PINP [(176.16±24.18) U/L] was significantly higher (P < 0.001, P=0.015, P=0.005) in 310 nm irradiation group. However, there were no significantly difference between sham operated group and the control.@*CONCLUSION@#Both 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet could improve rats' vitamin D synthesis. Both 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet could improve osteopenia rats' bone condition. The irradiation of 310 nm might be more effective on bone condition improvement.

Clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of 6 cases of congenital granular cell tumor / 中华口腔医学杂志

To provide references for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital granular cell tumor (CGCT), by comprehensive analysis of the clinical data, histopathological and immunohistochemical results. Patients with CGCT were involede, from March 2015 to November 2020, at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. A total of 6 children, aged 3-16 days, 1 male and 5 female, 5 maxillary and 1 mandibular, with maximum tumor diameter of 6-70 mm, were included. The lesions of CGCT were single and connected to the alveolar ridge by a pedicle. The surface of the tumor was covered with a vascular network, and two cases had ulcers on the surface of the tumor. All 6 cases had the tumor removed surgically and there was no recurrence or metastasis in the follow-up visit. Although CGCT is rare, it is a benign tumor and generally does not recur or metastasize after surgery, and has a good prognosis. The prenatal imaging, clinical manifestations after delivery, pathological characteristics and immunohistochemical analyses may provide reference for early diagnosis and treatment of CGCT.

The applications of ionic liquids in drug delivery / 药学学报

Ionic liquids (ILs) are liquid mixtures formed by anions and cations in a certain stoichiometric ratio under certain conditions. They are widely used in various fields because of their simple preparation process, low volatility, high stability, high conductivity and non-flammability. Here, we firstly introduce their formation principles, classification, and physical and chemical properties in detail. Then, we summarize their functions in pharmaceutical preparations, such as improving the solubility of insoluble drugs, enhancing the stability of drugs, and promoting the permeability of drugs, as well as their role as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to fabricate new drug delivery systems of API-ILs. Finally, we reviewed the applications of ILs in different administration routes, including oral, transdermal, mucosal, and injection routes, and meanwhile offer perspectives for the further use of ILs.

Low-dose helical CT projection data restoration using noise estimation / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To build a helical CT projection data restoration model at random low-dose levels.@*METHODS@#We used a noise estimation module to achieve noise estimation and obtained a low-dose projection noise variance map, which was used to guide projection data recovery by the projection data restoration module. A filtering back-projection algorithm (FBP) was finally used to reconstruct the images. The 3D wavelet group residual dense network (3DWGRDN) was adopted to build the network architecture of the noise estimation and projection data restoration module using asymmetric loss and total variational regularization. For validation of the model, 1/10 and 1/15 of normal dose helical CT images were restored using the proposed model and 3 other restoration models (IRLNet, REDCNN and MWResNet), and the results were visually and quantitatively compared.@*RESULTS@#Quantitative comparisons of the restored images showed that the proposed helical CT projection data restoration model increased the structural similarity index by 5.79% to 17.46% compared with the other restoration algorithms (P < 0.05). The image quality scores of the proposed method rated by clinical radiologists ranged from 7.19% to 17.38%, significantly higher than the other restoration algorithms (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The proposed method can effectively suppress noises and reduce artifacts in the projection data at different low-dose levels while preserving the integrity of the edges and fine details of the reconstructed CT images.