Role of MAPK Signaling Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is an autoimmune disease involving symmetrical small joints， with clinical manifestations such as small joint swelling， morning stiffness， progressive pain， and even joint deformity and loss of function. Due to the complex immune mechanism， the pathogenesis of RA remains unclear. However， studies have shown that the pathogenesis of RA is related to abnormal immune mechanism， increased synovial inflammatory response， abnormal biological behavior of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes （RA-FLSs）， and abnormal degradation of extracellular matrix. Mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） plays a key role in the regulation of cell growth， proliferation， differentiation， and apoptosis. It is involved in the abnormal release and activation of inflammatory mediators in RA， the abnormal proliferation， migration， and invasion of RA-FLSs， synovial angiogenesis， bone erosion， and cartilage destruction. The thousands of years of practical experience show that Chinese medicine can effectively mitigate the clinical symptoms such as joint swelling， morning stiffness， and pain and delay the occurrence of joint deformity in RA patients. Moreover， the Chinese medicine treatment has the advantages of overall regulation， personalized treatment， multiple pathways and targets， high safety， few adverse reactions， and stable quality. Modern studies have confirmed that Chinese medicine can play a role in the prevention and treatment of RA by interfering in the MAPK signaling pathway， reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines， inhibiting the abnormal proliferation， migration， and invasion of RA-FLSs， regulating the apoptosis of RA-FLSs， and protecting extracellular matrix. This article elaborates on the key role of MAPK signaling pathway in the development of RA and reviews the latest research results of Chinese medicine intervention in MAPK signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment RA， aiming to provide a basis for the development of new drugs and the clinical application of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of RA.

Study on the mechanism of VEGF inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma / 口腔医学

Objective@#To investigate the mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells(DCs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).@*Methods@#The DCs were divided into four groups: Control group (DC), VEGF group (VEGF added into DC), Co-culture group (DC co-cultured with SCC7) and Anti-VEGF group (anti-VEGF antibody added into DC co-cultured with SCC7). Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect DC surface markers. To detect the effect of DC on proliferation activity of T lymphocyte, the experiment included five groups: Nc group (T lymphocyte), Control group (T lymphocyte added into DC), VEGF group (T lymphocyte + DC + VEGF), Co-culture group (T lymphocyte + DC + supernatant of SCC7) and Anti-VEGF group (T lymphocyte + DC + supernatant of SCC7 + anti-VEGF antibody). Subsequently, the mixed lymphocyte reaction(MLR) was conducted. The expression levels of indole-2, 3-doxygenase(IDO)and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1)in DC were detected by western blot, real time PCR and FCM respectively. For the cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) assay, SCC7 cells and CTLs were mixed and CTL-mediated SCC7 cells cytotoxicity was tested. The experiment included four groups: Control group (T lymphocyte + DC), IDO inhibition group (T lymphocyte + DC + IDO inhibitor), Anti-PD-L1 antibody group (T lymphocyte + DC + anti-PD-L1 antibody) and Combination group (T lymphocyte + DC + IDO inhibitor + anti-PD-L1 antibody). The SCC7 tumor-bearing mice treated with IDO inhibitor and the anti-PD-L1 antibody were sacrificed and the tumor inhibition rate and the spleen index were determined. @*Results@#Compared with Control group, exogenous VEGF or SCC7 co-culture inhibited the relative number of DC expressing CD11C, CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHC Ⅱ. The positive DCs were increased in the Anti-VEGF group compared with VEGF or Co-culture group. In VEGF or Co-culture group, the number of T cells stimulated by SCC7-pulsed DCs was decreased compared with Control group. However, the ability of Anti-VEGF group to induce T cell proliferation was significantly increased compared with VEGF or Co-culture group. Significantly increased expression of IDO and PD-L1 were observed in VEGF and Co-culture group. However, this was partially reversed by addition of anti-VEGF antibody into the co-culture system. Compared with Control group, the expressions of CD11C and CD86 in DC in both the IDO inhibition group and Anti-PD-L1 antibody group were increased, and were significantly higher in the Combination group compared with the single drug groups. The similar results were exhibited in MLR and CTL assay. In vivo, the results revealed that the tumors obtained from the mice in three experimental groups were smaller than those in the control group. Furthermore, the tumor volume of the Combination group was the smallest. The spleen index of each group was calculated and the results showed the spleen index of the three experimental groups was significantly higher than that of Control group.@*Conclusion@#VEGF in OSCC micro-environment inhibits the maturation and function of DC that are transformed into tolerogenic DC by high expression of IDO and PD-L1.

Predictive Value of Lymphocyte Count Changes on Checkpoint-inhibitor-related Pneumonitis in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the correlation of peripheral blood lymphocyte, T-cell, Th-cell, and Ts-cell counts with the development of checkpoint-inhibitor-related pneumonitis in NSCLC. Methods The clinical data of 85 patients with NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were retrospectively analyzed.Paired t-test was used to analyze lymphocyte changes.ROC curves were utilized to analyze predictive performance.The Spearman correlation coefficient test was conducted to analyze the linear relationship between lymphocyte changes and CIP grade. Results A statistically significant decrease in lymphocyte, T-cell, Th-cell, and Ts-cell counts from the baseline was observed in patients at the onset of CIP (P < 0.05), whereas no such change was observed in the control group.ROC curve analysis revealed AUCs of 0.867, 0.843, 0.865, and 0.843 for lymphocyte, T-cell, Th-cell, and Ts-cell counts, respectively.A linear relationship was found between the percentage decrease in lymphocyte, T-cell, and Ts-cell counts from the baseline and the severity of CIP (P < 0.05). Conclusion Decreased lymphocyte, T-cell, Th-cell, and Ts-cell counts have a predictive value for the development of CIP, and the lymphocyte count change has the greatest predictive value.The percentage decrease in lymphocyte, T-cell, and Ts-cell counts from the baseline is correlated with the severity of CIP.

Intravenous malposition of double J stent: a case report and literature review / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the causes of intravenous malposition of double J stent and treatment strategies, in order to improve clinicians’ awareness of this complication. 【Methods】 Clinical data of a patient with intravenous malposition of double J stent were analyzed and relevant literature was reviewed. 【Results】 A 51-year-old female was admitted with post-hysterectomy urinary fistula and diagnosed with right intravenous malposition of double J stent and ureterovaginal fistula. Da Vinci robot-assisted laparoscopic right double J stent removal and ureteral reimplantation were performed. 【Conclusion】 Intravenous malposition is a rare and life threatening complication of double J stent placement, which can migrate further. The surgical method should be selected according to the location of the stent and general condition of the patients. Minimally invasive surgery is the first choice of treatment.

Analysis of changes in plasma endothelin-1 concentrations in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To analyze the changes in plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations in the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods:Fourteen patients with ARDS induced by trauma, 8 males and 6 females, aged 19-80 yr, were studied. The severity of ARDS was graded according to the Berlin definition of ARDS after admission to intensive care unit (ICU). Venous blood samples were obtained on 1st, 3rd and 5th days after admission to ICU, the plasma ET-1 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay, the pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) was determined by PiCCO technique, and multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) score and lung injury score (LIS) were assessed. Spearman correlation of plasma ET-1 concentrations with MOD score, LIS and PVPI was analyzed.Results:MOD score, LIS, PVPI and plasma ET-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in mild ARDS patients ( n=5) as compared with moderate ARDS patients ( n=9, P<0.05). The plasma ET-1 concentration was positively correlated with MOD score, LIS and PVPI ( r=0.69, 0.76, 0.62, P<0.001). Conclusions:Plasma ET-1 concentrations can reflect the pulmonary vascular permeability and even the severity of the disease in the early stage of ARDS, so it is necessary to carry out dynamic monitoring in the patients.

Influencing factors of death in patients with MDR-TB based on Bayesian Cox regression model / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB)has a high mortality and is always one of the major challenges in global TB prevention and control.Analyzing the factors that may impact the adverse outcomes of MDR-TB patients is helpful for improving the systematic management and optimizing the treatment strategies for MDR-TB patients.For follow-up data,the Cox proportional hazards regression model is an important multifactor analysis method.However,the method has significant limitations in its application,such as the fact that it is difficult to deal with the impacts of small sample sizes and other practical issues on the model.Therefore,Bayesian and conventional Cox regression models were both used in this study to analyze the influencing factors of death in MDR-TB patients during the anti-TB therapy,and compare the differences between these 2 methods in their application. Methods:Data were obtained from 388 MDR-TB patients treated at Lanzhou Pulmonary Hospital from November 1,2017 to March 31,2021.Survival analysis was employed to analyze the death of MDR-TB patients during the therapy and its influencing factors.Conventional and Bayesian Cox regression models were established to estimate the hazard ratios(HR)and their 95% confidence interval(95% CI)for the factors affecting the death of MDR-TB patients.The reliability of parameter estimation in these 2 models was assessed by comparing the parameter standard deviation and 95% CI of each variable.The smaller parameter standard deviation and narrower 95% CI range indicated the more reliable parameter estimation. Results:The median survival time(1st quartile,3rd quartile)of the 388 MDR-TB patients included in the study was 10.18(4.26,18.13)months,with the longest survival time of 31.90 months.Among these patients,a total of 12 individuals died of MDR-TB and the mortality was 3.1%.The median survival time(1st quartile,3rd quartile)for the deceased patients was 4.78(2.63,6.93)months.The majority of deceased patients,accounting for 50%,experienced death within the first 5 months of anti-TB therapy,with the last mortality case occurring within the 13th month of therapy.The results of the conventional Cox regression model showed that the risk of death in MDR-TB patients with comorbidities was approximately 6.96 times higher than that of patients without complications(HR=6.96,95% CI 2.00 to 24.24,P=0.002)and patients who received regular follow-up had a decrease in the risk of death by approximately 81% compared to those who did not receive regular follow-up(HR=0.19,95% CI 0.05 to 0.77,P=0.020).In the results of Bayesian Cox regression model,the iterative history plot and Blue/Green/Red(BGR)plot for each parameter showed the good model convergence,and parameter estimation indicated that the risk of death in patients with a positive first sputum culture was lower than that of patients with a negative first sputum culture(HR=0.33,95% CI 0.08 to 0.87).Additionally,compared to patients without complications,those with comorbidities had an approximately 6.80-fold increase in the risk of death(HR=7.80,95% CI 1.90 to 21.91).Patients who received regular follow-up had a 90% reduction in the risk of death compared to those who did not receive regular follow-up(HR=0.10,95% CI 0.01 to 0.30).The comparison between these 2 models showed that the parameter standard deviations and corresponding 95% CI ranges of other variables in the Bayesian Cox model were significantly smaller than those in the conventional model,except for parameter standard deviations of receiving regular follow-up(Bayesian model was 0.77;conventional model was 0.72)and pulmonary cavities(Bayesian model was 0.73;conventional model was 0.73). Conclusion:The first year of anti-TB therapy is a high-risk period for mortality in MDR-TB patients.Complications are the main risk factors of death in MDR-TB patients,while patients who received regular follow-up and had positive first sputum culture presented a lower risk of death.For data with a small sample size and low incidence of outcome,the Bayesian Cox regression model provides more reliable parameter estimation than the conventional Cox model.

Correlation of polymorphisms at the matrix metalloproteinase-3-1612 position of the promoter region with the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in elderly patients with cerebral ischemic stroke / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the association of polymorphisms at the matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3-1612 position of the promotor region with the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in elderly patients with cerebral ischemic stroke.Methods:In this retrospective study, 129 elderly patients with cerebral infarction diagnosed and treated in our hospital between March 2019 and March 2021 were enrolled as the study group, and 110 healthy subjects were selected as the control group.Polymorphisms of the MMP-3-1612 position in the promotor region, the inflammatory response and oxidative stress were examined using appropriate parameters and the associations between them were analyzed. Results:Compared with the control group, the proportions of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and smoking history in the study group were significantly higher( χ2=16.05, 17.19, 14.19, all P<0.05), and the levels of fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein, and homocysteine were also significantly higher( t=6.22, 3.64, 2.69, all P<0.05).Meanwhile, compared with patients carrying the MMP-3-5A/6A or the MMP-3-6A/6A genotype, the levels of serum inflammatory markers such as high mobility group box-1 protein(HMGB1), fractalkine(FKN), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-17(IL-17)in patients carrying the MMP-3 gene 5A/5A genotype were significantly higher(all P<0.05).In addition, the expression of serum oxidative stress-related molecules Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor2(Nrf2), antioxidant response element(ARE), quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)was also significantly increased(all P<0.05), but there was no difference in these markers between patients carrying the MMP-3-5A/6A genotype and patients carrying the MMP-3-6A/6A genotype( P>0.05).Patients carrying the 5A/5A genotype and the 6A/6A genotype exhibited only one 97 bp band and one 120 bp band, respectively, while the patients carrying the 5A/6A genotype exhibited two 97 bp bands and two 120 bp bands.There was no statistical difference in the number of patients carrying the 5A/6A genotype in the cerebral infarction group compared with the control group( P>0.05), and the number of patients carrying the 5A/5A genotype in the cerebral infarction group was higher than that in the control group(69% or 53.49% vs.35% or 31.82%, χ2=11.34, P<0.05).Polymorphisms of the MMP-3 gene had a positive correlation with the risk of stroke( r=0.25, P<0.05). MMP-3-1612 gene polymorphism( OR=7.21, 95% CI: 1.13-1.83, P=0.01), elevated blood glucose( OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.18-2.06, P<0.001), high homocysteine( OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.08-1.58, P<0.01), hypertension( OR=5.414, 95% CI: 1.140-4.46, P<0.01), elevated low-density lipoprotein( OR=4.03, 95% CI: 1.03-2.35, P=0.02), coronary heart disease( OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.47-3.19, P<0.01)and diabetes( OR=8.52, 95% CI: 1.32-4.71, P<0.01)were risk factors for cerebral infarction. Conclusions:In elderly patients with cerebral infarction, polymorphisms of the MMP-3-1612 position in the promotor region is closely related to the risk of cerebral ischemic stroke, the inflammatory response and oxidative stress.MMP-3 gene polymorphisms are risk factors for stroke.

Effect analysis of simultaneous implantation of artificial cavernous body and sphincter in patients with severe erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence after traumatic posterior urethral stricture / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To discuss the effect of simultaneous implantation of artificial cavernous body and urethral sphincter for severe erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence after traumatic posterior urethral stricture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 3 patients with traumatic posterior urethral stricture admitted to the Southern Theater General Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022, aged 42, 32, 28 years old, all of whom suffered pelvic fracture and posterior urethral stricture after trauma. Patient 2 were missing left lower limb and patient 3 were missing right lower limb, all of whom had dysuria. Preoperative cystourethrography indicated posterior urethral stricture with a length of 2, 2, 3 cm, respectively. No erectile response and severe erectile dysfunction were reported in penile nocturnal erectile function tests. Posterior urethral stricture was cured by end-to-end anastomosis surgery. After urethral stricture was cured, the nighttime erectile function test indicated severe erectile dysfunction and diagnosed erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. After 3 months of continuous administration of sildenafil and/or tadalafil, the erectile dysfunction did not improve, and the score of the international erectile function test was 1, 2, 2 points. Severe erectile dysfunction. The urine could not be controlled, the number of urine pads per day was 6, 6, 8, respectively, and pelvic floor rehabilitation training was adopted for urinary incontinence. 6 months later, urodynamic examination indicated severe stress incontinence, and the urine pad test was 30g, 32g, and 82g per hour. Patients were fully informed of the surgical risks before surgery. Simultaneous implantation of artificial penile cavernous body and artificial urethral sphincter were performed after full preoperative preparation: General anesthesia, supine frog position with transverse incision in upper scrotum, the urethra was separated and the artificial urethral sphincter cuff was easily inserted into the upper scrotum. Then the left and right sides of the penis cavernous sinus were dilated and the length of the cavernous body was measured. Suitable artificial penis cavernous body was implanted, water sacs were placed in the posterior pubic space and the anterior vesical space, and the tubes were connected. The erectile switch was placed under the scrotum, and the incision was closed after repeated testing of urine control and normal erectile function.Results:Three cases were successfully completed. The simultaneous implantation time of artificial cavernous body and artificial urethral sphincter was 270, 260, 240 min, respectively. The catheter was removed 1 week after surgery, and the erection switch was trained 2 weeks after surgery, and full erection was achieved after 1 week. The urine control switch was activated 6 weeks after surgery, and urine control was normal without urine pad. Following up for 12 to 18 months, 2 cases had normal erections and urinary control, 1 case had urethral corrosion 2 months after surgery, the original artificial sphincter was removed completely and a new artificial urethral sphincter was implanted in the same period, the operation was successful, and the follow-up was 1 year, urine control and erectile function returned to normal.Conclusions:For the severe erectile dysfunction and severe urinary incontinence after traumatic posterior urethral stricture, simultaneous implantation of artificial penile cavernous body and artificial urethral sphincter could be alternative choice.

The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral magnetic stimulation of the mylohyoid muscle on post-stroke dysphagia / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore any effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral magnetic stimulation of the mylohyoid muscle on dysphagia among stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors with dysphagia were randomly divided into a control group, a peripheral magnetic stimulation group, a central magnetic stimulation group, and a central + peripheral magnetic stimulation group, each of 15. In addition to routine swallowing training, the subjects were given the appropriate magnetic stimulation daily, five times a week for two weeks. Before and after the intervention, swallowing was evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and a functional dysphagia scale (FDS).Results:The average FDS, PAS, and FOIS scores of all four groups had improved significantly after the treatment. Improvement significantly greater than in the control group was observed in the average FOIS, FDS and PAS scores of the other three groups. The peripheral + central magnetic stimulation group showed the greatest average improvement.Conclusion:Combining mylohyoid muscle magnetic stimulation with magnetic stimulation of the cerebral cortex can significantly relieve dysphagia. It is more effective than conventional swallowing rehabilitation or either magnetic stimulation alone.

Influencing factors of metabolic syndrome among adults in Nanjing， China： an analysis based on decision tree and logistic regress models / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveWe analyzed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adult residents of Nanjing and explored its influencing factors in order to provide technical references for the prevention of metabolic syndrome. MethodsBased on the data of the Nanjing adult chronic disease thematic survey from January 2017 to June 2018， the influencing factors of metabolic syndrome were analyzed using multifactorial logistic regression model and decision tree model. ResultsThe weighted prevalence of metabolic syndrome among people aged 18 years and over in Nanjing was 16.14%（95%CI：16.12%‒16.16%）. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was statistically different（P<0.05）among respondents with different demographic characteristics. Logistic regression model analysis showed that age， gender， education， physical activity level， marriage status， smoking status， drinking status， weight status， diabetes and hypertension family history were the influencing factors for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome（P<0.05）. The results of the decision tree model showed that weight status was the most influential factor for metabolic syndrome， followed by age， gender， diabetes family history and smoking status. ConclusionThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high among the adult population in Nanjing， and special attention should be paid to middle-aged and elderly men who are overweight and obese， have a family history of diabetes and smoking.

The value of maximal rate of left ventricular pressure in evaluating cardiac function in patients with sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy / 中华危重病急救医学

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the value of maximal rate of left ventricular pressure (dp/dtmax) in evaluating the changes of cardiac function before and after heart rate reduction in patients with sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC).@*METHODS@#A single-center, prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. Adult patients with sepsis/septic shock admitted to the department of intensive care unit (ICU) of Tianjin Third Central Hospital from April 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022 were enrolled. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and pulse indication continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring were performed immediately after the completion of the 1 h-Bundle therapy. The patients with heart rate over 100 beats/minutes were selected and randomly divided into esmolol group and regular treatment group, 55 cases in each group. All patients underwent STE and PiCCO monitoring at 6, 24 and 48 hours after admission in ICU and calculated acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). Primary outcome measure: change in dp/dtmax after reducing heart rate by esmolol. Secondary outcome measures: correlation between dp/dtmax and global longitudinal strain (GLS); changes of vasoactive drug dosage, oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2) and stroke volume (SV) after the administration of esmolol; proportion of heart rate reaching the target after the administration of esmolol; 28-day and 90-day mortality in two groups.@*RESULTS@#Baseline data on age, gender, body mass index, SOFA score, APACHE II score, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, lactic acid, 24-hour fluid balance, sepsis etiology and prior comorbidities were similar between esmolol group and regular treatment group, there were no significant differences between the two groups. All SIC patients achieved the target heart rate after 24 hours of esmolol treatment. Compared with regular treatment group, parameters reflecting myocardial contraction such as GLS, global ejection fraction (GEF) and dp/dtmax were significantly increased in esmolol group [GLS: (-12.55±4.61)% vs. (-10.73±4.82)%, GEF: (27.33±4.62)% vs. (24.18±5.35)%, dp/dtmax (mmHg/s): 1 312.1±312.4 vs. 1 140.9±301.0, all P < 0.05], and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) significantly decreased [μg/L: 1 364.52 (754.18, 2 389.17) vs. 3 508.85 (1 433.21, 6 988.12), P < 0.05], DO2 and SV were significantly increased [DO2 (mL×min-1×m-2): 647.69±100.89 vs. 610.31±78.56, SV (mL): 49.97±14.71 vs. 42.79±15.77, both P < 0.05]. The system vascular resistance index (SVRI) in esmolol group was significantly higher than that in regular treatment group (kPa×s×L-1: 287.71±66.32 vs. 251.17±78.21, P < 0.05), even when the dosage of norepinephrine was similar between the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that dp/dtmax was negatively correlated with GLS in SIC patients at 24 hours and 48 hours after ICU admission (r values were -0.916 and -0.935, respectively, both P < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between esmolol group and regular treatment group [30.9% (17/55) vs. 49.1% (27/55), χ2 = 3.788, P = 0.052], the rate of esmolol use in patients who died within 28 days was lower than that in patients who survived [38.6% (17/44) vs. 57.6% (38/66), χ2 = 3.788, P = 0.040]. In addition, esmolol has no effect on the 90-day mortality of patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for SOFA score and DO2 factors, patients who used esmolol had a significantly lower risk of 28-day mortality compared with patients who did not use esmolol [odds ratio (OR) = 2.700, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.038-7.023, P = 0.042].@*CONCLUSIONS@#dp/dtmax in PiCCO parameter can be used as a bedside indicator to evaluate cardiac function in SIC patients due to its simplicity and ease of operation. Esmolol control of heart rate in SIC patients can improve cardiac function and reduce short-term mortality.

The effect of ERAS on VAS score and serum immunoglobulin in children undergoing low-temperature plasma radiofrequency tonsillectomy / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of accelerated rehabilitation surgery (ERAS) on visual analogue scale (VAS) and serum immunoglobulin in children undergoing low-temperature plasma radiofrequency tonsillectomy.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 200 children who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency from January 2022 to April 2023 at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology. They were randomly divided into an observation group ( n=100) and a control group ( n=100) using a random number table method. The control group received traditional perioperative treatment, while the observation group received perioperative treatment under ERAS mode. We compared the postoperative conditions, pain VAS at different time points, and incidence of complications between two groups, as well as serum immunoglobulins and inflammatory markers before and 2 days after surgery. Results:The observation group had shorter postoperative pseudo film detachment time time, white membrane formation time, dietary recovery time, and hospital stay than the control group (all P<0.05); The VAS of the observation group was lower than that of the control group at different time points after surgery (all P<0.05); Two days after surgery, the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in both groups decreased, with the observation group showing a smaller decrease than the control group (all P<0.05); Two days after surgery, the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly increased in both groups, with the observation group showing a lower increase than the control group (all P<0.05); The total incidence of complications in the observation group was 5.00%(5/100), significantly lower than the control group′s 13.00%(13/100, P<0.05). Conclusions:After undergoing ERAS intervention during the perioperative period, children undergoing low-temperature plasma tonsillectomy can accelerate their recovery process, shorten hospital stay, reduce pain VAS and inflammatory indicators, and reduce the impact on their serum immunoglobulin levels.

Transition of autophagy and apoptosis in fibroblasts depends on dominant expression of HIF-1α or p53 / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

It has been revealed that hypoxia is dynamic in hypertrophic scars; therefore, we considered that it may have different effects on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and p53 expression. Herein, we aimed to confirm the presence of a teeterboard-like conversion between HIF-1α and p53, which is correlated with scar formation and regression. Thus, we obtained samples of normal skin and hypertrophic scars to identify the differences in HIF-1α and autophagy using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, we used moderate hypoxia in vitro to simulate the proliferative scar, and silenced HIF-1α or p53 gene expression or triggered overexpression to investigate the changes of HIF-1α and p53 expression, autophagy, apoptosis, and cell proliferation under this condition. HIF-1α, p53, and autophagy-related proteins were assayed using western blotting and immunofluorescence, whereas apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry analysis, and cell proliferation was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) staining. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation was performed to verify the binding of HIF-1α and p53 to transcription cofactor p300. Our results demonstrated that, in scar tissue, HIF-1α expression increased in parallel with autophagosome formation. Under hypoxia, HIF-1α expression and autophagy were upregulated, whereas p53 expression and apoptosis were downregulated in vitro. HIF-1α knockdown downregulated autophagy, proliferation, and p300-bound HIF-1α, and upregulated p53 expression, apoptosis, and p300-bound p53. Meanwhile, p53 knockdown induced the opposite effects and enhanced HIF-1α, whereas p53 overexpression resulted in the same effects and reduced HIF-1α. Our results suggest a teeterboard-like conversion between HIF-1α and p53, which is linked with scar hyperplasia and regression.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of 362 vaccinated or unvaccinated patients infected by novel coronavirus Omicron variant / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients infected by novel coronavirus Omicron variant, and also to analyze whether vaccination against novel coronavirus has an impact on the severity and prognosis of Omicron patients.Methods:A prospective, single-center observational study was conducted to collect data of consecutive patients with Omicron variant infection admitted to the designated hospital for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) charged by Tianjin COVID-19 rescue medical team of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, from January 8 to February 2, 2022. The clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed, and the influence of whether the patients were inoculated with booster vaccination on the condition and outcome was analyzed. Data were collected including epidemiological, clinical features, laboratory and imaging examination, treatment measures and clinical outcomes, and difference between groups was analyzed.Results:A total of 362 patients were included, including 136 cases (37.57%) in the booster group, 190 cases (52.49%) in the routine vaccination group, and 36 cases (9.94%) in the unvaccinated group. There was a trend of concentrated distribution of patients, of which 171 cases (47.24%) patients showed family clustering, involving 69 families. Seventy-four cases (20.44%) of the 362 patients had one or more underlying diseases, mainly hypertension (64 cases, 17.68%), diabetes mellitus (23 cases, 6.35%), and coronary heart disease (18 cases, 4.97%); 215 patients (59.39%) had one or more discomfort symptoms, mainly cough (158 cases, 43.65%), pharyngeal discomfort (154 cases, 42.54%) and fever (136 cases, 37.57%). The diagnostic typing was mild type in 194 cases (53.59%), moderate type in 165 cases (45.58%) and severe type in 3 cases (0.83%). The patients had elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers to the novel coronavirus on admission [23.17 (3.08, 60.77)]. Patients were medically isolated and the main treatment measures included traditional Chinese medicine identification (Chinese medicine or tonics) in 265 cases (73.20%), prone treatment in 188 cases (51.93%), anticoagulation with low-molecular heparin in 106 cases (29.28%), immunomodulatory therapy with thymofacine in 21 cases (5.80%), antimicrobial drugs in 20 cases (5.52%), transnasal high-flow oxygen therapy in 12 cases (3.31%), glucocorticoids in 5 cases (1.38%), non-invasive mechanical ventilation in 1 case (0.28%), and invasive mechanical ventilation in 1 case (0.28%). A total of 362 patients were discharged with no deaths, of which 12 patients (3.31%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The median duration of illness was 13 (10, 15) days, the median length of hospitalization was 13 (11, 15) days, and the median time to nucleic acid conversion was 13 (10, 15) days. Compared with the unvaccinated group, the IgG antibody titers of patients in the booster and routine vaccination groups [41.49 (20.32, 81.38), 19.94 (2.33, 49.25) vs. 0.16 (0.07, 1.94)] and the proportion of mild patients [66.91% (91/136), 48.94% (93/190) vs. 27.28% (10/36)] were higher, which were also higher in the booster vaccination group than in the conventional vaccination group (all P < 0.05). Compared to the conventional and booster vaccination groups, the unvaccinated group had a higher proportion of severe patients [5.56% (2/36) vs. 0.53% (1/190), 0 (1/136)], longer time to nucleic acid conversion [days: 15 (11, 16) vs.12 (10, 15), 13 (11, 15)], and longer disease duration [days: 15 (11, 16) vs. 12 (10, 15), 13 (11, 15)], and a higher percentage of ICU admissions [16.67% (6/36) vs. 2.63% (5/190), 0.74% (1/136)], with statistically significant differences among the three groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Omicron variant is extremely infectious with aggregated onset, but its clinical symptoms are mild. The vaccine, especially the booster vaccination, remains effective in preventing severe-stage progression and improving prognosis in patients with Omicron variant infection.

Clinical study of awake prone positioning treatment in patients with common coronavirus disease 2019 caused by Omicron variant / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of awake prone positioning (APP) for common coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Omicron variant.Methods:Retrospectively analyze the clinical data of patients with COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant admitted by medical team of Tianjin Third Central Hospital during the period of supporting Tianjin COVID-19 designated hospital from January 8 to February 20, 2022. Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for common COVID-19 and had risk factors for developing severe disease or had pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2) ≤0.93 after exercise without supplementary oxygen were enrolled. Patients were divided into APP group and control group according to whether they completed the daily 12-hours APP in the first three days after enrollment. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, COVID-19 vaccination status, laboratory examination, disease progression (progression to severe), time to nucleic acid negative conversion, length of hospital stay, and adverse reactions and tolerability [visual analog scale (VAS) score (the higher the score, the worse the tolerability] during APP were evaluated in two groups. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), SpO 2/inhaled oxygen concentration (FiO 2) ratio and ROX index (ROXI) were compared between two groups at enrollment, 3rd and 7th day after enrollment. Results:There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, vaccination rates of COVID-19 and laboratory tests between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in IL-6, CRP, SpO 2/FiO 2 ratio and ROXI between two groups at the time of enrollment. Compared with the group at the time of enrollment, SpO 2/FiO 2 ratio and ROXI in APP group increased significantly at the 3rd day after enrollment [SpO 2/FiO 2 ratio: 461.90 (457.10, 466.70) vs. 446.67 (437.14, 457.10), ROXI: 25.40 (23.33, 25.93) vs. 22.57 (21.86, 24.40), all P < 0.05], and the levels of IL-6 and CRP in control group were significantly increased [IL-6 (ng/L): 18.30 (6.50, 37.75) vs. 7.40 (5.10, 11.15), CRP (mg/L): 11.46 (2.11, 17.96) vs. 4.11 (1.72, 9.05), all P < 0.05]. At the 3rd day of enrollment, the levels of IL-6 and CRP in APP group were significantly lower than those in control group [IL-6 (ng/L): 7.35 (4.35, 12.80) vs. 18.30 (6.50, 37.75), CRP (mg/L): 4.52 (1.98, 9.66) vs. 11.46 (2.11, 17.96), all P < 0.05], while SpO 2/FiO 2 ratio and ROXI were significantly higher than those in control group [SpO 2/FiO 2 ratio: 461.90 (457.10, 466.70) vs. 446.67 (441.90, 459.52), ROXI: 25.40 (23.33, 25.93) vs. 23.31 (22.10, 24.66), all P < 0.05]. At the 7th day of enrollment,there were no significant differences in IL-6, CRP, SpO 2/FiO 2 ratio and ROXI between two groups. There were no severe cases in both groups. The time of nucleic acid negative conversion and length of hospital stay in APP group were significantly shorter than those in control group [10.0 (8.0, 12.0) days vs. 11.0 (9.0, 13.0) days, 12.0 (10.0, 14.0) days vs. 14.0 (12.0, 16.0) days, respectively, all P < 0.05]. The main adverse reaction during APP was back pain, and the incidence in APP group was slightly lower than that in control group, but the difference was not statistically significant [17.9% (17/95) vs. 26.5% (27/102), P = 0.149]. VAS score in control group was significantly higher than that in APP group [score: 2.5 (2.0, 4.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0, 3.0), P = 0.004]. Conclusions:In common COVID-19 patients caused by Omicron variant with high risk factors for progression to severe disease or decreased oxygen reserve capacity, early APP can shorten the time of nucleic acid negative conversion and the length of hospital stay, but its effect on preventing disease progression cannot be determined.

Volume dynamics and volume management in intensive care unit patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Volume dynamics is a two-compartment dynamical model using hemoglobin (Hb) derived plasma diluted level as input data and urine output as input variable through consecutive repeated measurements of Hb concentration in the blood during infusion. It could be applied to evaluate and guide crystalloid fluid rehydration for patients with dehydration or hypovolemia and during anesthesia or surgery. Volume dynamics could be also used to quantificate of strains, hypovolume, and the change of fluid distribution and elimination caused by anesthesia or surgery. The factors which influence the volume resuscitation are complex, including gender, age, hemodynamic state [mean arterial pressure (MAP)], health and stress state, renal function, consciousness, surgical or anesthesia state and so on, which may affect the half-life, distribution, and volume of the fluid. This article summarizes and analyzes the pathophysiological changes of crystalloids fluid in vivo, in order to provide reference for volume management in critically ill patients.

Comparative and analysis of the medical assistance from China, Japan, the United States and Europe to the Republic of Mozambique / 国际中医中药杂志

As a natural extension of One Belt and One Road Initiative in Africa, the Republic of Mozambique plays an important role in the spread of Chinese medicine in Africa. By searching for the materials from the official foreign aid agencies of China, Japan, the United States and Europe, this paper compares and analyzes the current situation of medical aid to Mozambique by China, Japan, the United States and Europe. It is found that Japan, the United States and Europe focus on basic health facilities, social vulnerable groups, local epidemic diseases and other grassroots assistance. Finally, it proposes to set up projects that cater to the needs of recipient countries and strengthen the exchange of traditional medicine to seek multilateral aid cooperation and develop medical aid based on project audience. We hope that we can learn from others, so that China’s medical aid to Mozambique and thus to Africa could be more comprehensive, and the spread of Traditional Chinese Medicine could be spreaded in Africa.

Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of adrenal lymphangioma / 中华泌尿外科杂志

By summarizing and analyzing the clinical diagnosis and treatment experience of 17 cases of adrenal lymphangioma, the imaging characteristics and pathological types of the disease were discussed. The results showed that the imaging of adrenal lymphangioma was non-specific, and the appearance was similar to that of general cysts.Howerer, the density of the cyst was slightly higher than that of simple cysts. Some cases showed calcification on the cyst wall, and a few showed adenoma-like appearance. The diagnosis mainly depends on pathological examination. For those patients with tumors ≥4.0 cm, endocrine function, suspected malignancy, or obvious clinical symptoms, surgery is recommended.

Esophagofundostomy combined with pericardial devascularization for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of esophagofundostomy combined with pericardial devascularization in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by portal hypertension.Methods:The clinical data of 108 patients with portal hypertension admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from Feb 2009 to Feb 2015 were analyzed. Among them 42 patients underwent esophagofundostomy combined with pericardial devascularization as the study group, and 66 patients underwent pericardial devascularization only as the control group. All patients presented with splenomegaly or hypersplenism; the spleen was routinely removed during the operation.Results:The difference of operation time between the study group and the control group was statistically significant [(157±41) min vs. (143±27) min, t=2.81, P<0.05]. The improvement in the esophagogastric varices in the study group within 6 months was significantly better than that in the control group( Z=2.47, P<0.05). In addition, the rebleeding rates of varicose veins within 1, 3 and 5 years in the study group was 2%, 5% and 10%, while that in the control group was 15%, 21% and 26% (χ 2=5.49, 4.27, 4.31, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Esophagofundostomy combined with pericardia devascularization achieves complete devascularization and low rebleeding rate.

A clinical study on the wean effect of setting parameters of proportional pressure support on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with difficult weaning / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of setting proportional pressure support (PPS) parameters by target tidal volume (VT) method.Methods:The study was conducted retrospectively on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients admitted to Tianjin Third Central Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to the PPS parameter setting method, the patients were divided into the airway blocking group and target VT group. The baseline characteristics, initial setting values of flow assist (FA) and volume assist (VA), respiratory system parameters, and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups.Results:Fifty-nine patients were enrolled, 29 patients in the airway blocking group, and 30 in the target VT group. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics, compliance, resistance, and initial settings of FA and VA between the two groups. Compared with the target VT group, the respiratory rate (RR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), VT, and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2) recorded 1 hour after the initial setting of the PPS parameters in the airway block method group were significantly reduced [RR (times/minute): 21.0 (18.5, 22.5) vs. 23.0 (21.0, 25.0), MAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 84.0 (79.0, 90.5) vs. 90.0 (87.0, 96.2), VT (mL): 305.24±41.07 vs. 330.87±46.84, PaO 2 (mmHg): 68.0 (66.0, 73.5) vs. 74.0 (69.8, 82.5), all P < 0.05], while arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2) and oral closure pressure (P0.1) were both increased significantly [PaCO 2 (mmHg): 41.0 (39.0, 46.0) vs. 37.5 (35.0, 42.2), P0.1 (cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O = 0.098 kPa): 1.42±0.78 vs. 0.90±0.67, both P < 0.05]. Compared with airway blocking group, the duration of weaning, ICU stay, and hospital stay in the target VT group were significantly shorter [duration of weaning (hours): 42.0 (24.0, 70.5) vs. 64.0 (30.5, 97.5), ICU stay: 10.00±3.38 to 13.28±5.41, hospital stay (days): 12.07±3.40 vs. 15.41±5.60, all P < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in the invasive mechanical ventilation time, weaning failure rate, ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Conclusion:This study suggested that the target TV method has the advantages of practicality, safety, convenience, and rapid to set PPS parameters than the airway block method, which shortens the duration of weaning and ICU stay, and has a good clinical prospect.