Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Risk factors of postoperative sexual function in patients with urethral diverticulum and their partners: A cohort study of 83 women

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective: Several studies have focused on the treatment and recurrence of urethral diverticulum (UD). However, few investigations have addressed sexual function in patients with UD. Therefore, we sought to examine sexual function in women affected by UD. Materials and Methods: There were 108 accepted cases involving transvaginal diverticulectomy at our institution. Ultimately, 83 women were included for further analysis, only 61 of these women had sexual partners. We collected data for the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) from the female patients and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) from their male partners before and after surgery. Results: Preoperatively, the UD size affected the female patient's arousal and lubrication (p=0.04), and the UD location affected their satisfaction. However, no significant between-group differences were found in the total FSFI score. For all women, sexual activity improved after surgery (p=0.0087). In addition to improvements in arousal for women with a large UD, improvements in lubrication were affected by the UD size, number and shape, increases in satisfaction scores were impacted by the UD location and shape, and pain relief was linked to the UD number and shape. Analysis of the MSHQ results revealed no between-group differences among the male partners. Conclusion: Only the UD size and location affected sexual function in women with a small UD. Surgery could improve female sexual function but did not affect the sexual function of the patient's partners.

Research progress on the inhibitors against factor XI / 药学学报

The incidence of thrombotic diseases has increased in the past decade, a factor endangering human health. Currently, antithrombotic drugs used in the clinic have side effects such as inducing bleeding. Data from clinical observation indicate that congenital deficiency of factor XI (FXI) gene decreases the incidence of stroke and deep venous thrombosis, without causing spontaneous bleeding. This unique property of FXI makes it a potential new target for antithrombotic drugs development. Many studies have focused on the discovery of novel inhibitors targeting FXI. This review summarizes the research progress in searching for the inhibitors against FXI.

A novel protease-activated receptor 1 inhibitor from the leech Whitmania pigra / 中国天然药物

Whitmania pigra has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for promoting blood circulation, alleviating blood coagulation, activating meridians and relieving stasis for several hundred years. However, the therapeutic components of this species, especially proteins and peptides were poorly exploited. Until now only a few of them were obtained by using chromatographic isolation and purification. In recent decade, transcriptome techniques were rapidly developed, and have been used to fully reveal the functional components of many animal venoms. In the present study, the cDNA of the salivary gland of Whitmania pigra was sequenced by illumina and the transcriptome was assembled by using Trinity. The proteome were analysed by LC-MS/MS. Based on the data of the transcriptome and the proteome, a potential antiplatelet protein named pigrin was found. Pigrin was cloned and expressed using P. pastoris GS115. The antiplatelet andantithrombotic bioactivities of pigrin were tested by using aggregometer and the rat arterio-venous shunt thrombosis model, respectively. Thebleeding time of pigrin was measured by a mice tail cutting method. The docking of pigrin and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) or collagen were conducted using the ZDOCK Server. Pigrin was able to selectively inhibit platelet aggregation stimulated by PAR1 agonist and collagen. Pigrin attenuated thrombotic formation in vivo in rat, while did not prolong bleeding time at its effective dosage. There are significant differences in the key residues participating in binding of Pigrin-Collagen complex from Pigrin-PAR1 complex. In conclusion,a novel PAR1 inhibitor pigrin was found from the leech Whitmania pigra. This study helped to elucidate the mechanism of the leech for the treatment of cardiovascular disorder.

Recombinant human calcineurin B inhibits orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma xenograt growth in mice by promoting apoptosis

Objective: To explore the effects of recombinant human calcineurin B (rhCNB) on hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Methods: An in vivo mouse model with hepatocellular carcinoma was established, and the mice were randomized into the rhCNB, positive control and vehicle treatments groups. Tumor growth was assessed via bioluminescence using a small animal imaging system. Relative tumor proliferation rate and tumor growth inhibition were calculated. The expression of p53 and caspase-9 proteins in tumors were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, flow cytometry was used to quantify the cell-cycle stages and rate of apoptosis. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR assays were used to evaluate the effects of rhCNB on protein and gene expression of CDK1, cyclin B1, p53 and caspase-9. Results: rhCNB at the higher dose significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo and caused tumor cell apoptosis in vitro. The rhCNB at the higher dose was as effective as cisplatin, and was safer. Conclusions: rhCNB has potent pro-apoptotic effects on tumor cells in vivo and in vitro and is well tolerated in vivo.

Expression of IL-25 and IL-33 and the count of EOS in peripheral blood of children with allergic rhinitis receiving immunotherapy / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the expression of IL-25,IL-33 and EOS in children with allergic rhinitis (AR).@*METHODS@#Ninety-four AR children receiving immunotherapy and 23 healthy people were concluded in the study. The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 were detected by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and a count of EOS were measured.@*RESULTS@#The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in the mild group were higher than control group (0.05). The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in the severe group were higher than those in mild group (<0.05). The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in the severe group were higher than control group (<0.05). The count of EOS in the severe group were higher than those in mild group (<0.05). The count of EOS in the severe group were higher than those in control group (<0.05). Spearman test showed the serum levels of IL-25 in the children with AR patients have positive correlation with the serum levels of IL-33 (<0.05, =0.238).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Expression of IL-25 levels, IL-33 levels and the count of EOS in patients with AR are enhanced, which shows that IL-25, IL-33 and the count of EOS are involved in the AR. If we can understand the mechanism of them, it will profound implications for treatment.

Partition-Optimized Single Emulsion Particles Improve Sustained Release of Amphiphilic Bumped Kinase Inhibitors to Control Malaria Transmission.

Amphiphilic molecules are challenging to be incorporated into polymeric particles for sustained release due to their significant solubility in both water and organic solvent used in the fabrication process. Here, we investigated an extensive panel of fabrication methods for the incorporation and release of amphiphilic molecules, in particular, novel amphiphilic bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs). Previously, BKIs were shown to reduce malaria transmission by blocking of gametocyte exflagellation. Prolonged BKI bioavailability for effective transmission blocking is crucial since infectious gametocytes circulate for several weeks in the mammalian host, well beyond the half-life of BKIs. So far, delivery systems for sustained release of those BKIs have not been successfully formulated yet. Here we demonstrate that out of several delivery vehicles the partition-optimized single emulsion particles are the ideal system for incorporation and sustained release of amphiphilic BKIs. They increased the incorporation greater than 90% through optimized partitioning of amphiphilic molecules to the polymer phase and sustained release of BKIs up to several weeks with a reduction in the initial burst release. Overall this work provides a method for the incorporation and sustained release of amphiphilic BKIs, and can be adapted for other amphiphilic molecules.

Simultaneous detection of hepatitis B virus genotypes and mutations associated with resistance to lamivudine, adefovir, and telbivudine by the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction

OBJECTIVES: Detection of mutations associated to nucleos(t)ide analogs and hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotyping are essential for monitoring treatment of HBV infection. We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) assay for the rapid detection of HBV genotypes and mutations associated with lamivudine, adefovir, and telbivudine resistance in HBV-infected patients. METHODS: HBV templates were amplified by PCR, followed by LDR and electrophoresis on a sequencer. The assay was evaluated using plasmids that contained wild-type or mutant HBV sequences and 216 clinical samples. RESULTS: The PCR-LDR assay and sequencing gave comparable results for 158 of the 216 samples (73.1 percent) with respect to mutation detection and genotyping. Complete agreement between the two methods was observed for all the samples (100 percent) at codon 180 and codon 204. Concordant results were observed for 99.4 percent of the 158 samples at codon 181 and 98.7 percent at codon 236. The genotyping results were completely concordant between the PCR-LDR assay and sequencing. The PCR-LDR assay could detect a proportion of 1 percent mutant plasmid in a background of wild-type plasmid. CONCLUSION: The PCR-LDR assay is sensitive and specific for detection of HBV genotypes and drug resistance mutations, and could be helpful for decision making in the treatment of HBV infection.

Effects of allergen and intranasal glucocorticoid on Th17 and RORgamma t in peripheral blood in patients with allergic rhinitis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of specific immunotherapy and intranasal glucocorticoid on T help 17 (Th17) cells and RORgammat in peripheral blood in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients with allergic rhinitis (group A) were divided randomly into two subgroups (group A1 and A2), and each subgroup had 20 patients. The patients in group A1 were treated with intranasal glucocorticoid (INGS) for one-year. The patients in group A2 were treated with special immunotherapy (SIT) for 4 weeks. Blood samples were respectively taken from 10 healthy individuals (group B), 20 AR patients (group A1) before and after SIT with specific standardized allergen and 20 AR patients (group A2) before and after INGS. The ratio of Th17 cells in peripheral blood monouclear cells (PBMC) were analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of RORgammat mRNA were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the interleukin-23(IL-23), IL-17, IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC and the expression of RORgammat mRNA in group A [(18.97 +/- 1.05)% and (0.604 +/- 0.027)] were respectively higher than those in group B [(15.12 +/- 1.09)% and (0.447 +/- 0.024)] and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively -10.056 and -17.986, each P < 0.01). The level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 in group A were respectively higher than those in group B and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively -41.149, -17.618 and -26.824, all P < 0.01). The ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC, the expression of RORgammat mRNA, the level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 before INGS did not show significant difference from those of after INGS in group A1 (t were respectively 0.298, 0.240, -1.136, 0.283 and -1.670, all P > 0.05). The ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC and the expression of RORgammat mRNA were respectively (18.99 +/- 1.14)% and (0.603 +/- 0.027) before SIT and were respectively (16.30 +/- 1.63)% and (0.429 +/- 0.023) after SIT in group A2, and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively 6.035 and 22.015, all P < 0.01). The level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 before SIT were lower respectively than those of after SIT in group A2 and the difference reached statistical significance (t were respectively 9.235, 11.289, 7.267, all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The ratio of Th17 cells in PBMC, the expression of RORgammat mRNA, the level of IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 were up-regulated in patients with AR. The treatment of SIT could get the 5 items down and the treatment of INGS couldn't.</p>

Combined use of optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of combined optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examinations in detecting coronary artery plaque during percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>OCT and IVUS examinations were performed on 30 diseased coronary vessels from 27 patients underwent PCI from Feb. 2008 to July. 2008.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventeen vulnerable plaques (4 intima tearing which were not detected by IVUS), 5 plaque rupture (1 out of 5 was detected by IVUS), 5 thrombus lesions (1 out of 5 was found by IVUS), 12 thin-cap lipid-rich lesions (2 detected by IVUS) were detected by OCT in 22 lesions (without 8 lesions post DES stents). Analysis result of plaque burden by IVUS was superior to that obtained by OCT. In 8 DES stents (implanted for 6 months to 4 years), OCT detected 2 had severe restenosis, 6 stents struts were completely covered with neointima without restenosis, 1 stent had aneurysm-like dilatation. IVUS results were similar except for limitations on exactly detecting neointima post stenting. In 19 newly implanted stents, the incidence of stent under-expansion detected by OCT was 26.0% (same as that by IVUS), stent malposition was 63.2% (10.5% by IVUS, P < 0.01), near stent tearing was 10.5% (not detected by IVUS), tissue prolapse between coronary stent struts was 52.6% (10.5% in IVUS, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>OCT imaging is superior to IVUS on detecting vulnerable plaques and change of structure around stents while IVUS is superior to OCT on estimating plaque burden in patients underwent PCI.</p>

Genetic epidemiologic study on nasal polyps / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the genetic mode of nasal polyp and the effect of genetic factor on occurrence of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A genetic epidemiological case-control study including 280 pedigrees (120 nasal polyp cases and 160 controls) was conducted. The segregation ratio and the heritability of nasal polyp were respectively estimated by the Li-Mantel-Gart method and the Falconer method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The segregation ratio was 0.124 (95% CI 0.081-0.167), significantly lower than 0.25, which showed that nasal polyp did not possess the characteristics of monogenetic model. The prevalence rate of first-degree and second-degree relatives in cases were 8.571% and 3.086% respectively, which were significantly different (X2 = 24.851, P < 0.01) and were higher than that noticed 1.376% and 1.141% in controls (X2 = 33.547 and 14.274, all P < 0.01). The heritability of the first-degree and second-degree relatives of nasal polyp was 64.488% and 61.947%. Among the first-degree relatives of nasal polyp probands, the heritability of the adult group and the children group were respectively 60.735% and 74.598% (the difference was significant, X2 = 4.504, P < 0.05). The heritability of the first-occurred group was 62.839% and the recurred group was 74.304% (the difference was significant, X2 = 4.105, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study indicated that the genetic model of nasal polyp belonged to polygenetic and the genetic factors played an important role in the occurrence of nasal polyp, especially for young or recurred patients.</p>

Effect of Intravenous Nutrition on Immune Function in Premature Infants / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To observe the effect of intravenous nutrition on blood serum triglyceride (TG),humoral immunity and cellular immunity function in premature infants.Methods Sixty premature infants were randomly divided into 3 groups:amino acid group (group A),amino acid plus medium-long chain fatty group (group B) and amino acid plus long chain fatty group (group C).Amino acid and the fatty were used on them from 24 hours after their birth,started from 1.0 g/(kg?d),increased progressively 0.5 g/(kg?d) until 3.0 g/(kg?d),totally 7 days.TG and immunoglobulin IgA,IgM,IgG,complement C3,C4 and T-lymphocyte subsets CD3,CD4,CD4/CD8 and NK cell were checked in the first day before treatment and the ninth day after treatment.Results Compared with before treatment,TG of 3 groups were elevated(Pa0.05).Compared with group A and B,NK cell in group C were decreased obviously(Pa

Expression of T-bet and its relation with IgE and eosinophil cationic protein in patients with allergic rhinitis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of T-bet mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as its relations with total IgE (TIgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in serum and nasal allergic symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The allergen, TIgE and ECP in serum of patients with AR were detected by Unicap CAP system. Blood sample was taken from 8 healthy individuals and 22 patients with allergic rhinitis. PBMC was isolated by density gradient centrifugation and one part of them was cultured with 50 microg/ml mite allergen. PBMC was subjected to analysis of T-bet mRNA expression using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ratio of T-bet to beta-actin mRNA levels was 0.381 +/- 0.099 in patients and 0.750 +/- 0.067 in normal individuals, the difference was significantly (P <0.01). The expression intensity of T-bet mRNA had no relation to varying severity of allergic symptoms and concentration of ECP and the correlation coefficient was 0.187 and -0.165 (all P > 0.05). However, there was an inverse correlation between expression intensity of T-bet mRNA and TIgE concentration (r = -0.525, P < 0.05). Mean mRNA level (x +/- s) of T-bet expression before and after being stimulated by allergen was 0.381 +/- 0.099 and 0.365 +/- 0.104 respectively, which indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Among allergic patients whose allergen was mite, there was a down-regulated expression of T-bet mRNA, which had no relation to ECP concentration and allergic symptoms, but was one of important links in mechanisms of imbalance of Th1/Th2 in AR. There was no effect of specific allergen on T-bet mRNA in patients with AR T-bet was one of indirect factors that affected the level of IgE.</p>