Epidemiology and hospitalization costs analysis of female inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing from 2013 to 2020 / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To study epidemiological characteristics and hospitalization costs of female inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in Beijing.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted to analyze electronic hospitalization summary reports of female inpatients with AECOPD in Beijing from 2013 to 2020. Clinical characteristics (age distribution and comorbidities), epidemiological characteristics (temporal and spatial distribution characteristics), hospi-talization times and costs of patients were described.@*RESULTS@#A total of 57 911 subjects in 166 hospitals were included in this study, with a mean age of (78.84±8.59) years and the highest number of patients aged 80-89 years (49.06%), followed by patients aged 70-79 years (31.08%), and the lowest number of patients under 50 years (0.41%). The proportions of patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension and heart failure were 30.60%, 30.52% and 26.54% respectively. The median number of daily hospitalizations during the study period was 18 (IQR: 16). The number of daily hospitalizations for AECOPD showed an overall growth trend over the eight years from 2013 to 2020, starting to increase significantly in 2015 and continuing to increase until 2019, then followed by a decline in 2020. The proportion of inpatient admissions was higher in winter and spring (54.09%) than that in summer and autumn (45.91%). The top three districts in terms of the proportion of total inpatient admissions were Xicheng district (14.18%), Chaoyang district (14.12%) and Fengtai district (13.47%). The density of inpatients was relatively high in the western regions, central urban areas and northeastern regions of the city, while the density of inpatients was relatively low in the near suburbs. The median number of hospital days for female patients with AECOPD was 12 days, and the median hospital costs was CNY 20 648.37. Patients from urban areas had longer hospitalization times and higher hospitalization costs than those from suburban areas (P < 0.001). Western medicine expenses accounted for the largest proportion of total hospital expenses (33.32%). During the study period, hospitalization costs exhibited an overall pattern of initial growth, followed by subsequent decline, eventually stabilizing. The differences in hospitalization costs among the patients with different comorbidities were significant.@*CONCLUSION@#Female hospitalized patients with AECOPD in Beijing were older than 70 years, often complicated by cardiovascular disease. AECOPD occurred mainly in winter and spring, with regional differences. The hospitalization costs were closely associated with the patients' age, comorbidities, and the geographicical region.

Naringin Inhibits Colorectal Carcinogenesis by Inhibiting Viability of Colorectal Cancer Cells / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect of naringin on colorectal cancer (CRC) and the related mechanism.@*METHODS@#Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and annexin V-FITC/PI assay were used to detect the effect of naringin (50-400 µg/mL) on cell proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells, respectively. The scratch wound assay and transwell migration assay were used to assess the effect of naringin on CRC cell migration. Four-week-old male nude mice were injected with HCT116 cells subcutaneously to establish the tumor xenograft model. Naringin was injected intraperitoneally at 50 mg/(kg·d), with solvent and 5-fluorouracil treatment as control. The width and length of the tumors were measured and recorded every 6 days, and tumor tissues were photographed and weighed on the last day of the 24-d observation period. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and TUNEL assay were used to evaluate the effect of naringin on cell proliferation and apoptosis in tumor tissues. The body weight, food and water intake of mice were recorded, and the major organs in different treatment groups were weighed on the last day and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. Meanwhile, the routine blood indicators were recorded.@*RESULTS@#CCK-8 and annexin V-FITC/PI results confirmed that naringin (100, 200, and 400 µg/mL) could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis. The scratch wound assay and transwell migration assay results confirmed the inhibitory activity of naringin against CRC cells migration. In vivo results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of naringin on tumor growth with good bio-compatibility.@*CONCLUSION@#Naringin inhibited colorectal carcinogenesis by inhibiting viability of CRC cells.

Analysis on pre-donation blood testing in blood services in Chongqing / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To provide data reference for the implementation of the homogenization of pre-donation blood testing by investigating the relevant situation of pre-donation blood testing in various blood services in Chongqing and analyzing their differences. 【Methods】 A questionnaire covering the basic information of pre-donation blood testing items, quality control and the management of deferral donors was developed, and issued to 19 blood services in Chongqing through E-mails by Chongqing Society of Blood Transfusion. The data collected were sorted, revised and analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 19 questionnaires from 19 blood services(including 1 blood center, 1 sub-center, 6 central blood stations and 11 central blood banks) were collected. All of the pre-donation blood test items of 19 blood services met the Blood Donor Health Test Requirements. Hemoglobin, blood group, ALT and HBsAg testing were carried out by 19 blood services, anti-TP testing by 15, and lipid blood testing by 11, using different detection methods and reagents. Significant differences were found in the frequency and rules of internal quality control for quantitative testing items. In addition, the deferral time and re-recruitment strategy of deferral blood donors were also significantly different. 【Conclusion】 There were differences in the management of pre-donation blood testing and blood donor management after blood donation among blood services in Chongqing. Further standardization was needed to realize regional homogenization and guarantee blood safety and the safety of blood donors.

Intragastric balloon for weight reduction: rationale, benefits, risks and indications / 南方医科大学学报

Intragastric balloon (IGB) placement under endoscopy is a non-invasive method for weight loss.By placing a space-occupying balloon in the stomach, IGB treatment can achieve better effect of weight loss than medications.Herein we review the development of IGB, its effect on weight loss and the mechanism, and the eligible individuals for IGB treatment.We also examine the high-intensity postoperative management following IGB placement, which is important for maintaining long-term weight loss, and discuss the future development of IGB.The patients should understand that on the basis of ensuring a high safety, the weight-losing effect of IGB can be limited and relies heavily on postoperative management.Patients should make a decision on IGB placement after careful consideration of their own physical, economic, and psychological conditions, lifestyle and the line of work in addition to the indications of IGB.IGB placement combined with high-intensity postoperative management and active interventions of lifestyle and dietary habits help to achieve long-term effect of weight loss and improve obesity-related complications.

Optimization of extraction process of Shenqi Qiangxin Tablets based on pharmacodynamic test and analytic hierarchy process / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the extraction technology of Shenqi Qiangxin Tablets (SQT). Methods: With the improvement of heart lesion of pharmacological model of isoproterenol induced heart failure in rats as the index, pharmacological efficacy test was used to screen extracting conditions of the technology. The extraction technology was optimized by analytic hierarchy process combined with principal component analysis, single factor and orthogonal tests using each content of solid matter, ginsenosides Rg1, Re as indexes. And the verification test was carried out by using solid mass and icariin content as indexes. Results: Pharmacological efficacy test showed that technology 4 was superior. The optimal extraction condition of technology 4 was as follow: five medicinal materials including red ginseng and astragalus were reflux extracted three times with 50% ethanol, 11 fold for the first time, 10 fold for the second and three times, 2.5 h for each extraction; Epimedium and the other two medicinal materials were decocted three times with water, 19 fold for the first time, 16 fold for the second and third times, 1.5 h for each decction. The verification test showed that the average yield of ethanol extracted solids was 19.78%, and the average extraction rate of ginsenoside Rg1 and Re was 77.52%; The average value of water extracted solids was 16.58%, and the average extraction rate of epimedium was 90.98% (RSD < 2.0%, n = 3). Conclusion: The optimized extraction technology was stable and feasible.

Evaluation of single family room effects on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the impact of family single room practices in NICU on maternal anxiety and breastfeeding status and neuropsychological development in preterm infants. Methods One-hundred NICU-born preterm infants were divided into the experimental group (n= 48) and the control group (n=52) according to random number table. Neonates in the experimental group were guaranteed parental care in the family ward for at least 4 hours a day during hospitalization in NICU, while the control group used a traditional video-based approach for daily scheduled visits. Finally, the results of exclusive breastfeeding, nosocomial infection, maternal anxiety, parental satisfaction, and full-term NBNA score after correction of gestational age were collected and recorded. Results The rates of exclusive breastfeeding were 82.50%(33/40),42.50%(17/40)during hospitalization and six months old in the experimental group, and 17.07%(7/41),12.20%(5/41)in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant during hospitalization and at 6 months of age (χ2=32.25, 9.40,P <0.01). The score of maternal anxiety was 33.00(31.00, 41.75)in the experimental group, and 43.00(34.50, 46.00)in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Z=-2.97, P =0.003).The NBNA score in the experimental group was 38.50(38.00, 40.00), and 37.00(36.00, 39.00)in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(Z=-2.86, P<0.01). Conclusions The development of family ward is conducive to raising the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, reducing the incidence of nosocomial infection, relieving the anxiety of mother-infant separation and enhancing the satisfaction of parents, which can promote the behavioral and neuropsychological development of preterm infants.

Clinical Study on the Specificities of Needling Manipulation in Point-toward-point Needling at Scalp Acupoints for Acute Stroke / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the efficacy difference between different needling manipulations in treating acute stroke with point-toward-point needling at scalp acupoints, for seeking the optimal treatment protocol. Method Ninety patients with acute stroke were randomized into a manual needling group, an electroacupuncture group, and a needle-retaining group, 30 cases each. In addition to the neurological treatment, the three groups were all given point-toward-point needling from Baihui (GV20) to Taiyang (EX-HN5) on the affected side, respectively with manual twisting, electroacupuncture and needle retaining methods. Before and after 14-day treatment, the Neurological Deficit Score (NDS), level of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and total efficacy were compared among the three groups. Result The NDS dropped significantly in the three groups after the intervention (P<0.05); the manual needling group showed the most significant improvement, better than the electroacupuncture group and needle retaining group. The level of NSE declined significantly in the three groups after the intervention (P<0.05); the decrease in the manual needling group was the most significant compared to that in the electroacupuncture group and needle retaining group. The total effective rate in the manual needling group (90.0%) was significantly higher than that in the electroacupuncture group and needle retaining group (P<0.05). Conclusion Point-toward-point needling at scalp acupoints with manual operation can effectively improve the neurological deficit in stroke patients, and the application of needling manipulations can further enhance the therapeutic efficacy, which is specific.

Efficacy of liraglutide in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:a Meta analysis / 重庆医学

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of liraglutide in the treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD).Methods Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that evaluated the efficacy of liraglutide for NAFLD treatment were searched in multiple databases,including Pubmed,EMBASE,the Cochrane library,CNKI,Wanfang database and VIP.Literature identification and data extraction were based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.RevMan 5.3 software was used for Meta-analysis.Results A total of 7 RCTs with 500 patients of NAFLD were included.Improved liver histology,or improved the level of alanine aminotransferase[WMD=-25.32,95％CI(-37.22,-13.41),P<0.01] and aspartate aminotransferase[WMD=-24.56,95％CI(-35.10,-14.03),P<0.01] were seen in 12-48 weeks liraglutide treatment.However,liraglutide could not decreased the level of serum cholesterol[WMD=-14.38,95％CI(-48.95,-20.20),P=0.42] and triglyceride[WMD=-15.55,95％CI(-36.20,-5.10),P=0.14].Conclusion liraglutide has the therapeutic effect of NAFLD.

Internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Accordance with Local Conditions in The Context of "Belt and Road" / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of the overall strategy of "Belt and Road",special resources and national advantages.In the face of the "Belt and Road" strategy to the internationalization of Chinese medicine brought an excellent opportunity.This paper proposed the important TCM treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment "according to local conditions",which can be applied to the internationalization construction of TCM.It put forward the implementation of recommendations to create a full range of Chinese medicine open pattern.

Effective study in the real-world study of intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs injection in the treatment of fundus diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To understand the clinic effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) drugs injection in the treatment of fundus disease in the real-world study (RWS).METHODS:The clinical cases treated with anti-VEGF drugs in our department from September 2012 to June 2015 were enrolled in this study.Retrospective investigation was reviewed to the kinds of diseases, frequency, usage, efficacy, adverse reaction, and the effects on visual acuity, fundus and macular thickness which were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs injection.RESULTS:In 305 patients (340 eyes) treated with anti-VEGF drugs, 53 patients (60 eyes, 17.6%) were wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) 16 cases (18 eyes, 5.3%), diabetic macular edema (DME) 120 cases (134 eyes, 39.4%), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) secondary macular edema 61 cases (68 eyes, 20.0%), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) secondary macular edema 29 cases (32 eyes, 9.4%), idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV) 16 cases (18 eyes, 5.3%), high myopia with choroid neovascularization 4 cases (4 eyes, 1.2%), neovascular glaucoma 4 cases (4 eyes, 1.2%), retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) 1 cases (1 eyes, 0.2%) and optic papillary neovascularization 1 cases (1 eyes, 0.2%).The minimum age was 16 years old, and the maximum age 90 years old.There were 247 cases (275 eyes, 80.9%) were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injection, 58 cases (65 eyes, 19.1%) intravitreal conbercept injection.The time number of all patients accepted anti-VEGF drugs treatment was 465, with an average of 1.7 times per eye.Which, the 3 + PRN treatment method in 98 patients (109 eyes, 32.1%), 1 + PRN treatment in 207 patients (231 eyes, 67.9%).69 cases (77 eyes, 22.6%) were used alone to receive anti-VEGF drugs therapy, 10 cases (11 eyes, 3.2%) combined with intravitreal triamcinolone injection(TA), 35 cases (39 eyes, 11.5%) combined with vitrectomy, 26 cases (29 eyes, 8.5%) combined with photodynamic treatment (PDT), 165 cases (184 eyes, 54.1%) combined with simple laser treatment.After anti-VEGF drug treatment, majority of patients' the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus and central macular thickness(CMT) were significantly improved, compared with the pre-treatment, the difference is significant (P<0.05).So that anti-VEGF drugs can effectively improve visual function and ocular fundus for fundus diseses.There were no serious adverse reactions except 3 patients appearling skin redness, itching, rash, 1 patient low low-grade fever and 1 patient acute cerebral infarction during the treatment.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs injection can significantly improve the visual function and ocular fundus for patients with fundus diseases, but there are still some adverse events, which should be attached great importance to medical workers.

Acupoint catgut embedding therapy in treatment of anal fissure at Ⅰ and Ⅱ stages:a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the difference in the clinical therapeutic effects on anal fissure at Ⅰ and Ⅱ stages between the acupoint catgut embedding therapy and western medication.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients of anal fissure at Ⅰ and Ⅱ stages were randomized into an embedding therapy group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the embedding therapy group, the acupoint catgut embedding therapy was applied at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Changqiang (GV 1), bilateral Chengshan (BL 57) and Tigangxue (Extra), once a week. In the western medication group, the external inunctum on the wound was given with 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment, once every morning and evening a day. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks continuously in the two groups. The follow-up visit was done for 3 months after treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and anal pain duration were observed and recorded before treatment and on the 3rd day and the 7th day of treatment separately. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, on the 3rd day and the 7th day of treatment, VAS score and anal pain duration were all reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all<0.01). The differences in the embedding therapy gruop were better than those in the western medication group before and after treatment (<0.01,<0.05). In the 2nd and 4th weeks after treatment, the clinical therapeutic effects in the embedding therapy group were better than those in the western medication group (both<0.05). In 3-month follow-up, the recurrent case in the embedding therapy group was one, and the recurrent case in the western medication group was six.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The acupoint catgut embedding therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of anal fissure at Ⅰ and Ⅱ stages and its recurrent case is lower as compared with the treatment of western medication.</p>

Application value of combined detection of virus nucleic acid and antibody in HFMD / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the application value of combined detection of enterovirus 71 type(EV71) nucleic acid and antibody in diagnosis of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD).Methods From Jan.to Nov.2015,a total of 180 children with suspected HFMD were divided into nucleic acid detection group,antibody detection group and combined detection group,with 36 subjects for each group.Viral nucleic acid was detected by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Antibody was detected by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.All detected results were analyzed.Results The positive rate of nucleic acid detection group was the highest(80.55%),while that of antibody detection group was the lowest(47.22%).Among various symptoms,the positive rates of nucleic acid,antibody and combined detection in subjects with skin rash were the highest.Conclusion Combined detection of EV71 nucleic acid and antibody could avoid the false positive result of nucleic acid detection and false negative result of antibody detection,thus could be helpful for increasing diagnostic accuracy rate of HFMD.

Comparative study of transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance in preoperative estimation of circumferential resection margin of mid-low rectal cancer / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To compare the value of transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS) and magnetic resonance(MR) in preoperative estimation of circumferential resection margin (CRM) of mid-low rectal cancer.Methods Both TRUS and MR were performed prior to surgery in 111 patients with mid-low rectal cancer.The CRM was evaluated and compared with the postoperative pathologic findings.Results The accuracy of TRUS and MR for CRM was 91.9％(102/111) and 85.6％(95/111),respectively,there was no statistical difference between them (P =0.137).Their specificities were 94.0％ (79/84)and 84.5％ (71/84),there was statistical difference between them(P =0.046).The consistency of the results between TRUS and pathology was better than that between MR and pathology(Kappa1 =0.783,Kappas =0.652).Conclusions TRUS is proved to have an important diagnostic value for CRM of mid-low rectal cancer.

Patients Aged 80 Years or Older are Encountered More Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are prominent prescribing issues in elderly patients. This study was to investigate the different prevalence of PIM use in elderly inpatients between 65-79 years of age and 80 years or older, who were discharged from Geriatric Department in West China Hospital.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A large-scale cohort of 1796 inpatients aged 65 years or over was recruited. Respectively, 618 patients were 65-79 years and 1178 patients were 80 years or older. Updated 2012 Beers Criteria by the American Geriatric Society was applied to assess the use of PIM among the investigated samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A review of the prescribed medications identified 686 patients aged 80 years or older consumed at least one PIM giving a rate of 58.2%. Conversely, 268 (43.4%) patients aged 65-79 years consumed at least one PIM (χ2 = 40.18, P < 0.001). Patients aged 80 years or older had higher hospitalization expenses, length of stay, co-morbidities, medical prescription, and mortality than patients aged 65-79 years (all with P < 0.001). Patients aged 80 years or older were prescribed with more benzodiazepines, drugs with strong anticholinergic properties, megestrol, antipsychotics, theophylline, and aspirin. In multiple regression analysis, PIM use was significantly associated with female gender, age, number of diagnostic disease, and number of prescribed medication.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The finding from this study revealed that inpatients aged 80 years or older encountered more PIM use than those aged 65-79 years. Anticholinergic properties, megestrol, antipsychotics, theophylline, and aspirin are medications that often prescribed to inpatients aged 80 years or older. Doctors should carefully choose drugs for the elderly, especially the elderly aged 80 years or older.</p>

Inhibit effect of Curcumin on human papilloma virus replication by inducing cell autophagy / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of autophagy induced by Curcumin on human papilloma virus (HPV) replication . Methods Human cervical cancer cell SiHa were treated with Curcumin to induce autophagy .Fluorescence microscope was used to observe the autophagosome .Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression level of autophagy marker protein LC3‐ Ⅱ /LC3‐ Ⅰ .Real time‐polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect HPV E6 mRNA and protein expres‐sion level .After adding the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyl adenine (3‐MA) ,real time‐PCR and Western blotting was employed to detect the expression level of HPV E6 .Results The fluorescence intensity of SiHa cells treated by Curcumin was significant in‐creased ,while the ratio of LC3‐ Ⅱ and LC3‐ Ⅰ was also significantly increased (P< 0 .05) .The expression of HPV E6 mRNA and protein were decreased significantly after induction of autophagy ,while increased significantly after adding autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA .Conclusion Curcumin might inhibit HPV replication by inducing cell autophagy .

Effect of acupuncture on early onset of SSRIs treating depressive disorder and related indicators of neuroimmunology / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the intervention effect of acupuncture on early onset of selec- tive serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depressive disorder, and to study its effect on ser- um 5-HT and unbalanced inflammatory cytokines secreted by TH1/TH2.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 90 patients with depressive disorder were randomly assigned to the drug control group (as the control group, 45 cases) and the acupuncture combined drug treatment group (as the treatment group, 45 cases). All patients were treated for 4 consecutive weeks. Another 45 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy control group. The effect of acupuncture on early onset of SSRls in treating acute phase depressive disorder pa- tients was evaluated by HAMD score in the control group and the treatment group before treatment,and at weekends of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week after treatment. Besides, their serum levels of 5-HT, IL-1β and IL-6 (secreted by TH1), and IL-4 and IL-10 (secreted by TH2) were detected before treatment and after treatment at the weekend of the 4th week.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the healthy control group,serum lev- els of 5-HT, IL-4, and IL-10 decreased in the two drug-treated groups before treatment (P < 0.01); serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 increased (P <0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, HAMD score decreased in the control group at weekends of the 2nd and the 4th week after treatment (P < 0.01); HAMD scores decreased in the treatment group at weekends of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,and 4th week after treatment (P < 0.01); serum levels of 5-HT, IL-4, and IL-10 increased,serum levels of IL-1β and IL- 6 decreased in the two drug-treated groups after treatment (all P < 0.01). Compared with the control group at the same time point,HAMD scores decreased in the treatment group at weekends of the 1st, 2nd,3rd,and 4th week after treatment (P < 0.01),serum levels of 5-HT, IL-4, and IL-10 increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), serum levels of IL-6 decreased (P < 0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture could accelerate early onset of SSRIs in treating acute phase depressive disorder, and effectively regulate serum 5-HT levels and inflammatory cytokines secreted by TH1/TH2.</p>

High prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in Marfan's syndrome / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To review the current evidence about the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Marfan's syndrome, and discuss some proposed potential mechanisms for this relationship.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>The data in this review were mainly from Medline and PubMed articles published in English from 1990 to 2013. The search term was "Marfan's syndrome and sleep apnea".</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Clinical evidence about the epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Marfan's syndrome; the mechanism that causes obstructive sleep apnea; interventional therapy for patients with Marfan's syndrome, and coexisting obstructive sleep apnea.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea exists in patients with Marfan's syndrome. The potential reasons are craniofacial abnormalities and lax upper airway muscles, which lead to high nasal airway resistance and upper airway collapse. Obstructive sleep apnea mechanically deteriorates aortic dilatation and accelerates progression of aortic aneurysms. The condition is reversible and rapid maxillary expansion and adequate continuous positive airway pressure therapy are possible effective therapies to delay the expansion of aortic diameter in patients with Marfan's syndrome.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with Marfan's syndrome. Craniofacial abnormalities and lax upper airway are the main mechanisms. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea accelerates progression of aortic dissection and rupture. Effective therapies for obstructive sleep apnea could postpone the aortic dilatation in patients with Marfan's syndrome.</p>

Diagnostic value of soluble B7-H4 in rheumatoid arthritis / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnosis value of soluble B7-H4(sB7-H4) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) .Methods By using the ELISA sandwich method ,the serum levels of soluble B7-H4 ,anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide(anti-CCP) antibody and glu-cose 6-phosphate isomerase(GPI) were detected in 67 cases of RA ,72 cases of osteoarthritis(OA) and 75 cases of healthy people . The immunoturbidimetric method was adopted to determine the serum rheumatoid factor (RF) .Then the diagnostic value of sB7-H4 in RA was compared and analyzed .Results The serum level of soluble B7-H4 in the RA group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the OA group with statistically significant difference between them (P<0 .01) .The sensitivity of sB7-H4 in diagnosing RA was higher than that of RF ,anti-CCP antibody and GPI ,but the specificity was lower than that of anti-CCP antibody and GPI .There was better correlation between sB7-H4 with RF and anti-CCP antibody .The combination detecting of sB7-H4 ,RF , anti-CCP antibody and GPI could increase the diagnostic rate of RA .Conclusion B7-H4 has better clinical application prospects in diagnosing RA .

miR-30b and miR-30c expression predicted response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors as first line treatment in non-small cell lung cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Aberrantly expressed microRNAs are a hallmark of cancer, and microRNA expression profiling is associated with tumor progression and response to chemotherapy, suggesting their potential application as prognostic and predictive biomarkers. The role of microRNAs in lung cancer remains elusive. It has been recently reported that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) tyrosine kinase can regulate expression of specific microRNAs including miR-30b, miR-30c, miR-221, miR-222, miR-103 and miR-203, and induce tumorigenesis and gefitinib resistance in lung cancers. We intend to study the role of miR-30b and miR-30c expression in predicting response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We have therefore retrospectively examined expression of miR-30b miR-30c in 41 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples from NSCLC patients when TKIs were used as first line therapy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We found a significant correlation between expression of miR-30b and miR-30c. Furthermore, miR-30b and miR-30c expression correlated with short-term response. Kaplan-Meier analysis further revealed that the expression of miR-30b and miR-30c predicted progression free survival and the overall survival rate in the examined cohort.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our study identified miR-30b and miR-30c as useful prognostic predictors in NSCLC patients who underwent first line treatment with TKIs.</p>

Positioning errors of CT common rail technique in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of CT common rail technique for application in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-seven NPC patients underwent Somatom CT scans using the Siemens CTVision system prior to the commencement of the radiotherapy sessions. The acquired CT images were registered with the planning CT images using the matching function of the system to obtain the linear set-up errors of 3 directions, namely X (left to right), Y (superior to inferior), and Z (anterior to posterior). The errors were then corrected online on the moving couch.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 27 NPC patients underwent a total of 110 CT scans and the displacement deviations of the X, Y and Z directions were -0.16∓1.68 mm, 0.25∓1.66 mm, and 0.33∓1.09 mm, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CT common rail technique can accurately and rapidly measure the space error between the posture and the target area to improve the set-up precision of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for NPC.</p>