The clinical effects on the salivation of children with cerebral palsy of oral-facial muscle training based on action observation and a virtual environment / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of oral-facial muscle training applying virtual reality technology (VR) and of action observation therapy on the salivation of children with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods:Sixty CP children with uncontrolled salivation were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each of 30. In addition to conventional rehabilitation treatment, the control group received routine tongue muscle training, buccal lip muscle training, ice stimulation, and Masako swallowing training. The observation group received oral-facial muscle training based on action observation therapy in a virtual environment. Both groups were trained 30min per day, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, drooling (DDSS) and swallowing function scores were evaluated. Integrated surface electromyography (iEMG) of the buccinator and orbicularis oris muscles was also performed.Results:After treatment, a significant decrease was observed in the average DDSS and the swallowing function scores of both the control and observation groups, along with a significant increase in the average root mean square values of the buccinator and orbicularis oris iEMGs of both groups. However, the average DDSS score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group, while the average iEMG readings were significantly better.Conclusion:VR-based action observation oral-facial muscle training is a more effective supplement to conventional rehabilitation treatment than conventional oral-facial muscle training in improving the salivation of children with CP.

Protective effects of micro RNA-98-5p targeting Kruppel-like factor 9 against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the protective effect of micro RNA(miR)-98-5p targeting Kruppel-like factor 9(KLF9) against myocardial isehemia-reperfusion(MI/R) injury in rats. Methods Totally 50 rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, miR-98-5p agomir group, agomir-NC group, and miR-98-5p agomir+pcDNA-3. 1-KLF9 group, 10 in each group. MI/R model was established by coronary artery ligation. The pathological changes of myocardial tissue were detected by HE staining. The myocardial apoptosis were detected by TUNEL. The levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of miR-98-5p and KLF9 mRNA were detected by Real-time PCR. The expression of KLF9, Bax and JAK2/STAT3 pathway relative protein were detected by Western blotting. Dual luciferase assay verified the relationship between miR-98-5p and KLF9. Results Compared with the sham operation group, the arrangement of myocardial cells in the model group was disordered, and the myocardial cells appeared necrosis. The apoptosis rate of myocardial cells, serum CK, CK-MB and LDH contents increased, the expression level of miR-98-5p decreased, and the expression levels of KLF9 mRNA and protein, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein increased (P < 0. 05) . After the overexpression of miR-98-5p, the myocardial cells arranged more orderly and the myocardial cell necrosis decreased. The apoptosis rate of myocardial tissue, the contents of CK, CK-MB and LDH in serum and the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein were decreased (P< 0. 05) . The result of dual luciferase assay showed that KLF9 was the target gene of miR-98-5p. The overexpression of KLF9 reversed the effects of miR-98-5p agomir on myocardial injury. Conclusion MiR-98-5p targeting KLF9 can improve the myocardial injury of MI/R rats. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway by miR-98-5p which inhibit myocardial cell apoptosis.

Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a case of 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical features and genetic characteristics of a child with 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome.@*METHODS@#Whole exome sequencing (WES) and low-coverage massively parallel copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) were used to determine the potentially pathogenic variants as well as the copy number variations (CNVs). Candidate CNVs were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.@*RESULTS@#The patient presented with psychomotor retardation, epilepsy, peculiar face and hypotonia. The results of WES suggested that he has carried a heterozygous deletion for chr5:86 564 268-88 119 605. CNV-seq indicated that the patient carried a heterozygous deletion of 4.76 Mb heterozygous deletion on chromosome 5q14.3. The MEF2C gene and RASA1 gene in the deletion area were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results showed that the MEF2C geneand RASA1 gene were heterozygous deletion, which was consistent with the sequencing results.@*CONCLUSION@#The child was diagnosed with 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome. Haploinsufficiency of the MEF2C gene may underlie the manifestations of 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome.

Case report of Gillespie syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Clinical data of a child diagnosed as Gillespie syndrome in the Department of Rehabilitation, Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.The 6-month-old boy presented psychomotor retardation, muscular hypotonia, photophobia, nystagmus and inability to focus and follow objects.Slit lamp examination of eyes revealed fixed dilation pupils, bilateral partial aniridia and characteristic iris strands.Genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed a heterozygous splicing mutation in intron 26 of ITPR1 gene, c.3256-1G>A, which was a newly identified pathogenic mutation that was not been reported yet.Moreover, pa-rents of this case did not carry this mutation.It is suggested that Gillespie syndrome should be considered in children with bilateral partial aniridia, psychomotor retardation and muscular hypotonia.Genetic sequencing is helpful for early diagnosis.

One-stop strategy for treatment of atrial fibrillation: feasibility and safety of combining catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure in a single procedure / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Catheter ablation is effective in restoring sinus rhythm and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is increasingly used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to observe the feasibility and safety of performing AF ablation and LAAC in a single (one-stop) procedure.@*METHODS@#Consecutive AF patients who underwent the combined procedure of AF ablation and LAAC with WATCHMAN device between March 2017 and September 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Baseline and intra-procedural parameters were evaluated. Three-month and subsequent 1-year follow-up were performed in all and earlier-enrolled subjects, respectively.@*RESULTS@#A total of 178 AF patients (94 males, 68.9 ± 8.1 years) underwent the one-stop procedure with CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.3 ± 1.5 and HAS-BLED score 1.6 ± 1.0, respectively. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients while additional linear ablation was applied if the operator deemed necessary, yielding immediate ablation success rate of 98.9% (176/178). In the subsequent LAAC, satisfactory seal (residual leak <5 mm) was achieved in all patients. One stroke and four cardiac perforations occurred peri-operatively. At 3-month follow-up, sinus rhythm and satisfactory seal were maintained in 153/178 (86.0%) and 178/178 (100%) patients, respectively. One stroke and one delayed cardiac tamponade occurred, while no device-related thrombus or device migration was observed. During the 1-year follow-up for the earlier enrolled subjects, 52/72 (72.2%) of the patients maintained sinus rhythm. There was no stroke or systemic embolism observed.@*CONCLUSION@#Combining catheter ablation and LAAC in a single procedure can be successfully and safely performed in non-valvular AF patients of Chinese population.

Feasibility and perioperative safety of the combined procedure of catheter ablation and watchman left atrial appendage closure / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: We aimed to explore the feasibility and perioperative safety of performing catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in a single (one-stop) session in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This study is an observational study. Consecutive AF patients who underwent the combined procedure of catheter ablation and LAAC with Watchman device of Xinhua Hospital in Shanghai between March 2017 and May 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Baseline, intra-and peri-procedural parameters were evaluated. Results: A total of 358 AF patients (189 males, (69.0±8.0) years) underwent the one-stop procedure. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.2±1.5 and HAS-BLED score was 2.4±1.1, respectively in this patient cohort. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients, while additional linear ablation was applied in 180 (50.3%) patients, yielding immediate success rate of 99.7%. Successful Watchman implantation was achieved in all patients. The perioperative serious adverse event occurred in 14 cases (3.9%). including 6 pericardial effusions (1.7%), 1 stroke (0.3%) and 5 vascular complications (1.4%), yielding procedure-related complication rate of 3.4%. In addition, 2 (0.6%) new-onset heart failures occurred postoperatively. There was no major bleeding or death during the perioperative period. Conclusions: Combined catheter ablation and LAAC can be successfully and safely performed in AF patients with high stroke risk. Follow-up data are needed to evaluate the outcome of this one-stop procedure.

The correlation of the levels of interleukin-15 with late onset myasthenia gravis / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between the plasma level of interleukin 15 (IL-15) and the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score in late-onset myasthenia gravis (MG).Methods The blood samples of 86 patients (over 50 years old) who admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital between 2010 and 2016 were collected at two different stages:pre-treatment and six months post-treatment.The diagnosis was verified by characterizing clinical manifestation,neostigmine testing,electromyographic recording,thymic imaging and plasma anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR).All the patients were divided further by modified Osserman classification and treated with cholinesterase inhibitor and glucocorticoid.The blood samples of 42 healthy controls were also collected from their physical examination at the end of 2016.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the levels of IL-15 in plasma.Thymectomy was performed on patients with MG accompanied by thymoma.The possible correlation between the expression of IL-15 and the QMG scores,different types were analyzed.Results Before treatment,the levels of IL-15 in the plasma were much higher in the late onset MG patients (both ocular and generalized) than in the healthy controls ((5.75± 1.57) pg/ml vs (4.40±0.50) pg/ml,t=2.925,P＜0.01).And the late onset MG patients with thymoma showed higher level of IL-15 compared to the healthy controls ((7.39±0.84) pg/ml vs (4.40±0.50) pg/ml,t=3.925,P＜0.01).Further analysis showed that the IL-15 levels in all the MG patients with different pathological types of thymoma were higher than in the healthy controls.In the mild type of late-onset MG patients without thymoma,the IL-15 level was not increased ((4.49±0.74)pg/ml vs (4.40±0.50) pg/ml,t=1.752,P＞0.05) and in the severe type of late-onset MG patients without thymoma,the IL-15 level was mildly increased ((4.76±0.75) pg/ml vs (4.40±0.50) pg/ml,t=2.462,P＜0.05) compared to the healthy controls.Furthermore,the IL-15 level decreased dramatically upon the therapy in all the MG patients,especially in the late-onset MG patients with thymoma.Moreover,IL-15 was positively correlated with QMG scores before treatment (r=0.375,P＜0.01),especially in the late-onset MG patients with thymoma (r=0.823,P＜0.01),but not in the late-onset MG patients without thymoma (r=0.039,P＞0.05).IL-15 and QMG scores returned to normal six months after treatment.Conclusions IL-15 is increased in the plasma of late-onset MG patients,and is positively correlated with the QMG scores,especially in the late-onset MG patients with thymoma.In addition,IL-15 is decreased upon the therapy in the MG patients.

Effects of Children's Crawling-Promotion-Training-Robot on Rehabilitation of Children with Spastic Diplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effects of Children's Crawling-Promotion-Training-Robot on gross motor function and cognitive function in children with spastic diplegia.Methods From January to December, 2017, 60 children with spastic diplegia were selected and randomly divided into three groups, with 20 cases in each group. All the groups received routine comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. In addition, group I received manual crawling training, group II was treated with crawler-training therapy, and group III was treated with Children's Crawling-Promotion-Training-Robot. They were treated ten minutes every day, five days a week for twelve weeks. Before and after treatment, the gross motor development, the muscle tension and cognitive function were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Measure Scale-88 (GMFM-88), modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and developmental quotient (DQ) in Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS), respectively.Results After treatment, the overall percentage of GMFM-88 and the score of C dimension which were tightly tied to crawling and kneeling improved in all the groups (t>17.438, P<0.001), and the score was better in groups II and III than in group I (P<0.05), especially in group III (P<0.05); the score of MAS improved in all the groups (t>2.144, P<0.05), and no significant difference was found among them (F=0.199, P>0.05); the score of DQ in GDS improved in groups II and III (t>3.040, P<0.001), and the score was better in groups II and III than in group I (P<0.05), especially in group III (P<0.05).Conclusion Children's Crawling-Promotion-Training-Robot could improve the gross motor and cognitive function of children with spastic diplegia, which is better than manual crawling training and crawler-training.

Precise dosage of commercial warfarin sodium tablets and hydrochlorothiazide tablets by 3D printing / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to apply 3D printing technology to hospital drug dosing operations, and explore its feasibility and scalability. Drugs often dosed in hospitals are selected as models. The commercially available drug was ground into powder, diluted with medicinal excipients and then mixed with 75% ethanol and binder to prepare a paste for 3D printing. The dose and physicochemical properties of divided tablets were controlled by setting print parameters and printing models in computer software. Different 3D printers were employed to evaluate the impact of the device on the dosing tablet. Two drugs were dosed in this study to explore the scalability of 3D printing technology between different drugs. The drug content of the three divided dose tablets (warfarin sodium 1 mg, 2 mg, hydrochlorothiazide 5 mg) was 1.02±0.03, 1.96±0.01, 5.19±0.06 mg. The content uniformity was 1.0, 5.3, 2.6, respectively. The drug dissolution rate was (99.3±1.2)%, (101.5±0.3)%, (98.1±0.8)% in 45, 45 and 30 min. The mechanical properties of the three sub-doses and the stability within 30 days were in line with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015) requirements. At the same time, it was found that the printing parameters and prescriptions can affect the properties of the divided dose tablets. By controlling the dilution ratio of commercial drug and printing parameters, the drug release rate can be customized to achieve individualized treatment. Both different modes of 3D printers can produce qualified sub-doses, and 3D print dispensing technology was also versatile between the two drugs. 3D printing can prepare small-volume, high-precision, high-repetition dosing tablets, with all properties in compliance with pharmacopoeia regulations. Thus, this method can be used as a new and scalable sub-dosing method.

EPhrinB2-modified mesenchymal stem cells help repair brain injury in a rat model of cerebral palsy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate any protective effect of transplanting EPhrinB2-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSCs) with a rat model of cerebral palsy. Methods BMSCs were isolated and cultured, then further modified by lentivirus-mediated transfection of the EPhrinB2 gene. Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a solvent control group ( PBS group) , an empty lentivirus group ( EGFP group) and an EPhrinB2 recombinant lentivirus group ( EPhrinB2 group) , each of 24. A model of cerebral palsy was estab-lished in the rats of the PBS, EGFP and EPhrinB2 groups using hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Seven days after the operation, the lateral ventricles of the PBS, EGFP and EPhrinB2 group mice were injected with phosphate-buff-ered saline solution, BMSCs or EPhrinB2-modified BMSCs respectively. EPhrinB2 protein expression in the hippo-campus was detected using immunohistochemistry 28 days after the operation. The neuron density in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and any apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. The expression of nestin and CD31 in the hippocampus was observed using immunofluorescence assays. Morris water maze testing was also conducted to e-valuate changes in learning and memory ability. Results Compared with the other 3 groups, a significant increase in the expression of protein EPhrinB2 was observed in the hippocampuses of the EPhrinB2 group rats. The pathologi-cal changes in the hippocampus among the EPhrinB2 group were significantly less severe than those in the PBS and EGFP groups. The rate of apoptosis in the hippocampuses of the EPhrinB2 group was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Immunofluorescence showed that nestin- and CD31-positive cells were significantly more numerous in the EPhrinB2 group than in the others. In the water maze the average latency of the EPhrinB2 group was signifi-cantly shorter than those of the other groups. Conclusion Lentiviral-mediated EPhrinb2 transfection of BMSCs into the hippocampus can promote EPhrinB2 gene expression, promote angiogenesis and neuron differentiation, inhibit ap-optosis and accelerate the repair of injured nerves.

Expression of TTF1 in hypothalamus of female rats and its relationship with GnRH and KiSS1 / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective·To investigate the changes and distribution of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1) expression around the puberty and to explore the position relationship among gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), KiSS1 and TTF1 expression in the hypothalamus of female SD rats. Methods?·?Female SD rats were divided into three groups: juvenile (JUV), early puberty (EP), and adult (AD). Tissue immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of TTF1, KiSS1 and GnRH immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamus and the relative position among them. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of KiSS1, GnRH, TTF1 on mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), and arcuate nucleus (ARC) respectively. Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in protein level of KiSS1 and TTF1. Results?·?TTF1 was densely expressed in hypothalamus nucleus AVPV, ARC and median eminence (ME) of female rats. GnRH,KiSS1 and TTF1 were adjacently expressed in ARC and ME. The mRNA level of TTF1 in the hypothalamus showed an upward trend after a slight decrease, while in AVPV and ARC tended to be consistent and showed an upward trend. The GnRH mRNA expression levels were significantly increased and reached the peak at AD. The mRNA expression levels of KiSS1 showed a sharp rise which was prior to the peak expression of GnRH mRNA at EP and then sustained the high level until AD. The protein expression level of TTF1 reached the peak at AD and the KiSS1 expression showed a sustained growth. Both of them showed an upward trend and basically consistent with the mRNA expression trend. Conclusion?·?Neuronal nuclei protein TTF1 mainly expressed in the nuclei AVPV, ARC, and ME of female rat hypothalamus. It was prominent in cells of ARC and ME which were localized GnRH, KiSS1, TTF1 positive neural cells. During the development of puberty onset, KiSS1 mRNA preceded GnRH mRNA to reach the peak at EP. The expression of TTF1 mRNA increased and reached a peak at AD, which was consistent with the overall increase of KiSS1 and GnRH expression. Protein expression of KiSS1 showed a corresponding upward trend together with their mRNA expression. TTF1 protein expression increased and peaked in AD.

Value of Combining Left Atrial Diameter and Amino-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide to the CHA2DS2-VASc Score for Predicting Stroke and Death in Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome after Pacemaker Implantation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used clinically for stroke risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to investigate whether the CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts stroke and death in Chinese patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) after pacemaker implantation and to evaluate whether the predictive power of the CHA2DS2-VASc score could be improved by combining it with left atrial diameter (LAD) and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 481 consecutive patients with SSS who underwent pacemaker implantation from January 2004 to December 2014 in our department were included. The CHA2DS2-VASc scores were retrospectively calculated according to the hospital medical records before pacemaker implantation. The outcome data (stroke and death) were collected by pacemaker follow-up visits and telephonic follow-up until December 31, 2015.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During 2151 person-years of follow-up, 46 patients (9.6%) suffered stroke and 52 (10.8%) died. The CHA2DS2-VASc score showed a significant association with the development of stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.75, P< 0.001) and death (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22-1.71, P< 0.001). The combination of increased LAD and the CHA2DS2-VASc score improved the predictive power for stroke (C-stat 0.69, 95% CI 0.61-0.77 vs. C-stat 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.74, P= 0.013), and the combination of increased NT-proBNP and the CHA2DS2-VASc score improved the predictive power for death (C-stat 0.70, 95% CI 0.64-0.77 vs. C-stat 0.67, 95% CI 0.60--0.75, P= 0.023).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CHA2DS2-VASc score is valuable for predicting stroke and death risk in patients with SSS after pacemaker implantation. The addition of LAD and NT-proBNP to the CHA2DS2-VASc score improved its predictive power for stroke and death, respectively, in this patient cohort. Future prospective studies are warranted to validate the benefit of adding LAD and NT-proBNP to the CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting stroke and death risk in non-AF populations.</p>

Preliminary report of a low-dose step-up regimen of recombinant human FSH for young women undergoing ovulation induction with IUI

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone [r-FSH] low-dose step-up regimen for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in patients undergoing ovulation induction [OI] with intrauterine insemination [IUI]

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan. In this prospective, observational study, consecutive infertile women [20-35 years] with regular menstrual cycles and a normal baseline FSH level were prospectively enrolled between January 2010 and September 2010. A starting dose of 112.5 IU/day r-FSH was administered on day 3 and increased by 37.5 IU/day every 2 days until a follicle >/= 11 mm in diameter was present. Recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin [r-hCG] was administered when a follicle >/= 18 mm was noted. Monifollicular development was defined as only one follicle with a diameter >/= 16 mm. Clinical pregnancy was defined as a pregnancy diagnosed by ultrasonographic visualization of one or more gestational sacs

Results: A total of 29 women and 30 cycles were included. The mean daily dose of r-FSH to achieve a follicle of >/= 11 mm in diameter was 131.3 +/- 23.6 IU and the mean total dose was 1030.0 +/- 383.2 IU. Approximately 41% of the cycles were monofollicular. Clinical pregnancy was observed in 9 [30.0%] cycles, and a fetal heart beat was observed in 7 [23.3%]. There were no multiple pregnancies. Mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which was resolved with conservative management, was observed in 3 [10.0%] cycles

Conclusion: This r-FSH low-dose step-up regimen seems to be a feasible and practical method for OI in younger infertile women undergoing IUI

Underlying Mechanisms of Memory Deficits Induced by Etomidate Anesthesia in Aged Rat Model: Critical Role of Immediate Early Genes / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Etomidate (R-1-[1-ethylphenyl] imidazole-5-ethyl ester) is a widely used anesthetic drug that had been reported to contribute to cognitive deficits after general surgery. However, its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to explore the neurobiological mechanisms of cognitive impairments that caused by etomidate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into two groups randomly to receive a single injection of etomidate or vehicle. Then, the rats' spatial memory ability and neuronal survival were evaluated using the Morris water maze test and Nissl staining, respectively. Furthermore, we analyzed levels of oxidative stress, as well as cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding (CREB) protein phosphorylation and immediate early gene (IEG, including Arc, c-fos, and Egr1) expression levels using Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with vehicle-treated rats, the etomidate-treated rats displayed impaired spatial learning (day 4: 27.26 ± 5.33 s vs. 35.52 ± 3.88 s, t = 2.988, P = 0.0068; day 5: 15.84 ± 4.02 s vs. 30.67 ± 4.23 s, t = 3.013, P = 0.0057; day 6: 9.47 ± 2.35 s vs. 25.66 ± 4.16 s, t = 3.567, P = 0.0036) and memory ability (crossing times: 4.40 ± 1.18 vs. 2.06 ± 0.80, t = 2.896, P = 0.0072; duration: 34.00 ± 4.24 s vs. 18.07 ± 4.79 s, t = 3.023, P = 0.0053; total swimming distance: 40.73 ± 3.45 cm vs. 27.40 ± 6.56 cm, t = 2.798, P = 0.0086) but no neuronal death. Furthermore, etomidate did not cause oxidative stress or deficits in CREB phosphorylation. The levels of multiple IEGs (Arc: vehicle treated rats 100%, etomidate treated rats 86%, t = 2.876, P = 0.0086; c-fos: Vehicle treated rats 100%, etomidate treated rats 72%, t = 2.996, P = 0.0076; Egr1: Vehicle treated rats 100%, etomidate treated rats 58%, t = 3.011, P = 0.0057) were significantly reduced in hippocampi of etomidate-treated rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our data suggested that etomidate might induce memory impairment in rats via inhibition of IEG expression.</p>

Correlation of the levels of interleukin-17 and its receptor with myasthenia gravis / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation of plasma interleukin ( IL)-17 level and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) expression in the thymus of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).Methods The blood samples of 63 patients (38 with glucocorticoid treatment, 25 with thymus removal) who admitted to Henan Provincial People′s Hospital between 2010 and 2014 were collected at three different stages: pre-treatment, 1 week post-treatment and 1 month post-treatment.The blood samples of 42 healthy controls were also collected.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the levels of IL-17 in plasma.Twenty-five thymus tissues from MG patients and another 12 thymus tissues from patients with congenital heart disease who had surgery therapy were also collected.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the mRNA levels of IL-17R.The possible correlation between the expression of IL-17 and IL-17R with MG was analyzed.Results Before treatment, the levels of IL-17 in the plasma were much higher in all the MG patients ( both ocular and generalized) when compared to the healthy controls ( controls (3.2 ±0.7) pg/ml, MG patients (8.5 ±1.7) pg/ml, t =2.450, P 0.05, compared to the healthy controls).In the surgery therapy cases, the IL-17 levels were also reduced after the thymus removal ( pre-surgery (8.8 ±1.4) pg/ml, 1 week after surgery (5.3 ±0.7) pg/ml, t=1.950, P<0.05;1 month after surgery (3.0 ±0.4) pg/ml, t=2.683, P<0.01).In the thymus tissues of the MG patients, the mRNA levels of IL-17R were much higher than that of the controls ( relative level 2.31 folds, t =2.682, P <0.01).Meanwhile, a positive correlation was found between the plasma IL-17 levels and the relative IL-17R levels in thymus tissues ( r =0.945 4, P <0.01 ).Furthermore, IL-17 was positively correlated with quantitative myasthenia gravis scores (QMGS) either pre-treatment (r =0.798 1, P <0.01) or post-treatment (r=0.906 5, P<0.01).And IL-17R was positively correlated with QMGS pre-treatment (r=0.775 5, P<0.01).Conclusions IL-17 is increased in the plasma of MG patients (both ocular and generalized) , and is decreased upon the glucocorticoid treatment or surgery therapy, suggesting that it can be used as a parameter to determine the therapeutic effects.IL-17R is increased in the thymus tissues of MG patients, suggesting that it can potentially be used as a pathological diagnosis parameter.

outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and laser assisted hatching in women undergoing in vitro fertilization are affected by the cause of infertility

We sought to determine the association between factors that affected clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in patients who underwent in vitro fertilization [IVF] and received intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] and/or laser assisted hatching [LAH], or neither. In this retrospective cohort study, the records of women who underwent IVF with or without ICSI and/or LAH at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan between January 2007 and December 2010 were reviewed. We divided patients into four groups: 1. those that did not receive ICSI or LAH, 2. those that received ICSI only, 3. those that received LAH only and 4. those that received both ICSI and LAH. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in each group. A total of 375 women were included in the analysis. Oocyte number [OR=1.07] affected the live birth rate in patients that did not receive either ICSI or LAH. Maternal age [OR=0.89] and embryo transfer [ET] number [OR=1.59] affected the rate in those that received ICSI only. Female infertility factors other than tubal affected the rate [OR=5.92] in patients that received both ICSI and LAH. No factors were found to affect the live birth rate in patients that received LAH only. Oocyte number, maternal age and ET number and female infertility factors other than tubal affected the live birth rate in patients that did not receive ICSI or LAH, those that received ICSI only, and those that received both ICSI and LAH, respectively. No factors affected the live birth rate in patients that received LAH only. These data might assist in advising patients on the appropriateness of ICSI and LAH after failed IVF

Detection of chromosomal translocations involving ALK gene in anaplastic large cell lymphoma by fluorescence in-situ hybridization and its clinical significance / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate clinicopathologic features and clinical value of the chromosomal translocation involving anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 55 cases, including 45 cases of ALCL and 10 reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, were collected during 1999 to 2006 in the Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University. All cases were studied by FISH using dual color break apart probes of ALK for detection of chromosomal translocation, compared with the previous results of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of ALK aberrations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The result of FISH showed that the clear red and green fluorescence signals were detected in 38 cases of ALCL, in which conspicuous split signals were observed in tumor cells in 24 cases (63.2%), suggesting the rearrangement of the ALK locus, with multiple copies of ALK gene in one case. In addition, the rearrangement of the ALK locus was not identified in 14 of 38 cases (36.8%); and the FISH results were unable to be evaluated in 7 cases, because no fluorescent signals involving ALK gene were found or signals were too weak to be analyzed. The concordance for the detection ALK aberrations in ALCL between FISH and RT-PCR, FISH and IHC were both statistically significant (P < 0.01). Chromosomal translocation involving ALK gene was not found in all 10 cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ALCL is an entity of lymphoma characterized by special clinical presentation, morphology, and ALK aberrations. FISH is helpful for detection of the chromosomal translocations involving ALK in ALCL, however, the detection efficiency by FISH may be affected by storage time of the paraffin-embedded tissue; and therefore combined detection with IHC and RT-PCR could complement each other and help for differential diagnosis of ALK(+)ALCL from ALK(-)ALCL.</p>

PEG-mediated covalent binding of VEGF to decellularized aortic valves promotes adhesion and proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To improve the biological properties of decellularized aortic valves by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated covalent incorporation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PEG crosslinking of decellularized aortic valves were completed via a Michael-type addition reaction, followed by covalent incorporation of VEGF through another Michael-type addition reaction between the unsaturated propylene acyl of PEG and the thiol groups on cysteine residues of VEGF. The effect of VEGF incorporation was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immune fluorescence assay. The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were seeded on decellularized aortic valves with or without these modifications, and after 10 days of culture, the valves were examined for DNA content and by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immune fluorescence and ELISA showed that the maximal VEGF incorporation on the decellularized aortic valve reached 908.94∓0.27 pg. Compared with the unmodified valves and the valves with PEG crosslinking, decellularized aortic valves with covalent incorporation of VEGF significantly promoted the adhesion and proliferation of EPCs, which formed a confluent cell monolayer on the valve surface.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PEG-mediated covalent incorporation of VEGF in the decellularized aortic valves improves the adhesion and proliferation of the seeded EPCs to facilitate the construction of tissue-engineered heart valves.</p>

Pathological changes in rat model of urinary calculus induced by melamine / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate melamine-induced pathological changes in the kidney.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Wistar rats were fed with a diet containing 0, 1% and 2% melamine for 15 weeks. After melamine feeding was stopped, various outcome measures were observed for 4 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Rats fed with melamine showed reduced caloric intake, slower weight gain and impaired renal function. The blood urea nitrogen of group A and B [(13.23 ± 5.10) mmol/L and (18.30 ± 5.90) mmol/L, respectively] and serum creatinine levels of group B [(19.90 ± 2.90) mmol/L] were higher than that of group C [(8.23 ± 2.30) mmol/L and (10.04 ± 1.73) mmol/L](P < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, the kidney coefficients of group A and B were higher than that of group C (P < 0.01, respectively). Crystals, tubular ectasia and interstitial inflammation and fibrosis were found in the kidneys of melamine fed rats. Four weeks after discontinuation of feeding with melamine-contained diet, the caloric intake and weight of the rats increased, the coefficients of the kidney decreased, and the blood urea nitrogen of group A and B [(17.96 ± 2.04) mmol/L and (19.20 ± 3.36) mmol/L, respectively] and serum creatinine levels of group B [(24.20 ± 5.28) mmol/L], which became worse than 4 weeks before (P < 0.01;P < 0.05, respectively), and were still higher than that of group C [(8.30 ± 1.79) mmol/L and (9.87 ± 2.71) mmol/L, P < 0.01, respectively]. Crystals remained inside the kidney, changes in the renal interstitium did not improve.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>(1) Melamine-induced urinary calculus rat model can be established by feeding 3-week old male Wistar rats with a diet containing 2% melamine for 15 weeks. The main constituent of the urinary calculus was melamine (> 90%), with a little uric acid and traces of cyanuric acid. (2) Melamine damaged the renal function, formed renal crystals, and led to the pathological changes of kidneys. All the influences seemed to be dose-depended and was related with the obstruction of the crystals or calculus in the kidney. (3) The renal function and the pathological changes did not improve 4 weeks after discontinuation of feeding with melamine-contained diet.</p>

Cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma: clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and prognostic study of 44 cases / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and prognosis of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (CALCL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemical study by Envision method were carried out in 44 archival cases of CALCL. The clinical information and follow-up data were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients presented with skin nodules, masses or plaques, sometimes associated with ulceration. The commonest sites of involvement were the extremities. Follow-up data were available in 39 patients. The overall survival rate was 87.2% (34/39). Disease relapses were detected in 46.2% (18/39) of the patients. Statistical analysis indicated that patients older than 50 years of age or with no less than two involved anatomic sites were more likely to have disease relapses (P < 0.05). Histologically, 31 cases were classified as common variant, 6 cases as small cell variant and 7 cases as neutrophil/eosinophil-rich variant. Immunohistochemical study showed that the rates of expression of CD30, CD45, CD45RO, CD43, CD3, cytotoxic protein and epithelial membrane antigen were 100% (44/44), 91.2% (31/34), 82.6% (19/23), 94.7% (18/19), 70.0% (28/40), 73.3% (22/30) and 31.8% (7/22), respectively. The CD4(+)/CD8(-), CD4(-)/CD8(+) and CD4(-)/CD8(-) immunophenotypes were found in 58.3% (21/36), 22.2% (8/36) and 19.4% (7/36) of the CALCL cases, respectively. Only one case (3.7%) expressed CD56.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CALCL is a form of low-grade primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a wide spectrum of clinicopathologic pattern. Special variants of CALCL should not be confused with other types of cutaneous lymphomas and inflammatory lesions. CALCL patients older than 50 years of age or with no less than two involved anatomic sites are more likely to have disease relapses.</p>