Low diastolic blood pressure and adverse outcomes in inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A multicenter cohort study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Although intensively studied in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the prognostic value of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) has little been elucidated in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study aimed to reveal the prognostic value of DBP in AECOPD patients.@*METHODS@#Inpatients with AECOPD were prospectively enrolled from 10 medical centers in China between September 2017 and July 2021. DBP was measured on admission. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality; invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were secondary outcomes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariable Cox regressions were used to identify independent prognostic factors and calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for adverse outcomes.@*RESULTS@#Among 13,633 included patients with AECOPD, 197 (1.45%) died during their hospital stay. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that low DBP on admission (<70 mmHg) was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.53-3.05, Z = 4.37, P <0.01), invasive mechanical ventilation (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.32-2.05, Z = 19.67, P <0.01), and ICU admission (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.24-1.69, Z = 22.08, P <0.01) in the overall cohort. Similar findings were observed in subgroups with or without CVDs, except for invasive mechanical ventilation in the subgroup with CVDs. When DBP was further categorized in 5-mmHg increments from <50 mmHg to ≥100 mmHg, and 75 to <80 mmHg was taken as reference, HRs for in-hospital mortality increased almost linearly with decreased DBP in the overall cohort and subgroups of patients with CVDs; higher DBP was not associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality.@*CONCLUSION@#Low on-admission DBP, particularly <70 mmHg, was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes among inpatients with AECOPD, with or without CVDs, which may serve as a convenient predictor of poor prognosis in these patients.@*CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, No. ChiCTR2100044625.

Detection of peripheral blood circulating tumor cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its correlation with the clinicopathological features of OSCC.@*METHODS@#Ninety-three patients diagnosed as OSCC in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2019 to May 2020 were selected as the experimental group, and 20 healthy volunteers were employed as the control group. The CTCs value of peripheral blood of the patients were measured by CTCs detection technology, and its clinical significance was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The CTCs values in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (@*CONCLUSIONS@#Peripheral blood CTCs has important clinical value for early screening, auxiliary diagnosis, evaluation of metastasis, and determination of malignant degree, progression, and pathological grade of OSCC and a relatively reliable tumor detection indicator.

Local administration of mononuclear cell, platelet-rich plasma and zoledronic acid for the prevention and treatment of early femoral head osteonecrosis and collapse: study / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: There are various treatment methods for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and collapse, but conservative treatment is invalid. Once femoral head collapse occurs, the development is irreversible. Our previous research has shown that local administration of zoledronic acid can prevent necrotic femoral head collapse. Moreover, bone marrow mononuclear cells obtain satisfactory short-term efficacy in the treatment of ONFH. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the curative efficacy of local administration of mononuclear cell, platelet-rich plasma and zoledronic acid for the prevention and treatment of early ONFH and collapse. METHODS: This prospective, single-center, randomized, parallel, controlled clinical trial was conducted at the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China. One hundred patients with ONFH (stages I-II by Ficat and Arlet classification) were enrolled and randomly assigned into either the treatment group or control group (n=50 per group). Patients were given an injection of mononuclear cell, platelet-rich plasma and zoledronic acid into the necrotic femoral head, or drilling decompression at the necrotic area. Patients in both groups were then followed up for 4, 8, 12, and 18 months. The primary outcome measures were the blood supply, osteogenesis and appearance of the necrotic femoral head observed on hip perfusion by dynamic MRI, CT restruction of the hip joint and radiography of the hip joint, as well as Harris hip scores and numerical rating scale scores. Secondary outcome measures included SF-36 Health Survey and Activities of Daily Living scores. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this trial have provided quantitative data for analyzing the effectiveness of local administration of mononuclear cell, platelet-rich plasma and zoledronic acid on ONFH and collapse. Written approval for this protocol was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Chinese PLA General Hospital in China (approval No. S2015-082-01). Participants and their families are informed of the study protocol and procedures, and signed an informed consent. The study was in accordance with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, formulated by the World Medical Association. Trial began in January 2015 and will be completed in December 2017. Trial results will be published in scientific reports, or in peer-reviewed journals. This trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02721940. Patient recruitment is ongoing.

Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility analysis of Trichosporon asahii in urinary tract infection / 临床检验杂志

Objective To analyze the epidemiology,infection status,risk factors and microbiological characteristics of Trichosporon asahii in urinary tract infection for guidance of selecting the prompt and effective antifungal drugs in clinical therapy.Methods A total of 18 strains of Trichosporon asahii isolated from the patients with urinary tract infection were selected from 2013 to 2016.The isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria,results of antimicrobial susceptibility test and clinical data were investigated by retrospective epidemiological survey.Results The 5 antifungal drugs,i.e.,5-fluorocytosine,amphotericin B,fluconazole,itraconazole and voriconazole,exhibited favorable antibacterial activity for the 18 strains of Trichosporon asahii with resistance rate of 0,5.6％,0,0 and 0 except itraconazole which showed only 50％ of sensitive rate.The risk factors of Trichosporon asahii infection in urinary system mainly included such as male,basic diseases (100％),long-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (100％),indwelling catheter (83.3 ％),application of corticosteroids (50.0％) and immunosuppressive agents (38.9％) as well as a small proportion of granulocytopenia (5.6％).The 16 cases treated with fluconazole were improved,while the other 2 cases died following the treatment with itraconazole or voriconazole for reasons irrelevant to antifungal treatment.Conclusion Trichosporon asahii could cause urinary tract infections with high risk factors including basic diseases,long-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents,indwelling catheter,etc.The drug of top choice should be fluconazole.The key elements for successful treatment of Trichosporon asahii infection include early diagnosis of pathogens and correct selection of antifungal agents based on sensitivity and resistance tests of drugs.

Advantages and disadvantages of magnetic resonance susceptibility effect applied clinically and countermeasures / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To explore the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic resonance susceptibility effect applied clinically and countermeasures. Methods The application range of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) technique and the harm of susceptibility artifact were introduced with considerations on MRI clinical application and experiences, and then some countermeasures were put forward accordingly. Results SWI technique could be used for the diagnoses of multi diseases, and susceptibility artifact could be suppressed by sequence, parameter and corresponding techniques. Conclusion Susceptibility effect contributes to extending the clinical application of MRI, and references are provided for the development and reform of other new techniques.

Assessing the severity of acute pulmonary embolism using CT obstruction index and the relationship between its CT obstruction index and D-dimer levels / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To assess the value of pulmonary artery CT obstruction index for the evaluation of the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE),and to investigate the relation between pulmonary artery CT obstruction index and D-dimer levels.Methods 125 patients were diagnosed as PE by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA)and D-dimer.Patients were separated into high-risk group and non-high risk group.CT obstruction index,D-dimer levels,diameter of the pulmonary artery were compared between two groups. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation between the CT obstruction index and the D-dimer levels,diameter of the pulmonary artery.Results CT congestion index of high-risk PE group was obviously higher than that of the non-high risk group (P=0.000).The diameter of pulmonary artery in high-risk PE group was obviously greater than that of the non-high risk group,the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000).No statistically significant difference was found in D-dimer levels between the two groups (P=0.103).There was no correction with CT congestion index and D-dimer levels(P=0.71).Conclusion The D-dimer levels of serum was a predictor of pulmonary embolism,cannot evaluate the severity of PE.CT obstruction index can reflect the severity of PE in some extent as an indicator of PE,there was no correlation with CT obstruction index and D-dimer levels.

Ginsenoside metabolites Compound K suppress TNF-α-induced RANTES secretion in human bronchial epithelial cell line / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the effects of ginsenoside metabolite Compound K (CK) on TNF-α-induced RANTES secretion in human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B and to elucidate its possible mechanism. Methods BEAS-2B cells were cultured and treated with CK in different dosages, and then the secretion of RANTES in BEAS-2B cells exposed to inflammatory stimuli was measured by ELISA kits. Expressions of RANTES mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Reporter gene assay was employed to elucidate the interaction between CK and activator protein 1(AP-1), glucocorticoid receptor (GR). CK antagonist mifepristone was used to observe whether the inhibitory effect of CK against RANTES was mediated by GR. Results TNF-α-induced secretion of RANTES in BEAS-2B was markedly inhibited by CK (3-30 μmol/L). Treatment with CK also reduced RANTES mRNA and protein expression. Reporter gene assays indicated that CK was a GR agonist and could repress TNF-α-induced AP-1 transactivation. The inhibitory effects of CK on RANTES secretion were antagonized by mifepristone, suggesting a pivotal role of GR. Conclusion These results suggest that CK may inhibit TNF-α-induced RANTES secretion in human bronchial epithelial cells, which might be associated with GR pathway activation and AP-1 pathway inhibition.

Clinical Research on External Application and Rectal Instillation with Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure Combined with Acute Gouty Arthritis / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to investigate the curative effect on external application and rectal instillation with Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF) with acute gouty arthritis (GA). A total of 82 CRF patients with acute GA from the First People's Hospital of Hengyang City were randomly divided into the study group (n = 42), which was treated with external application and rectal instillation with Chinese medicine, and the control group (n = 40), which was treated with prednisone. The comparison was made on symptoms and body signs of GA, blood uric acid, creatinine, creatinine clearance, adverse reaction, and recurrence rate between two groups. The re-sults showed that there was no significant difference on alleviating of joint swelling and pain between the study group and the control group. Compared with pretreatment, the blood uric acid and creatinine were significantly decreased after treatment in the study group (P< 0.01). The creatinine clearance was obviously increased (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences on blood uric acid, creatinine and creatinine clearance in the control group before and after treatment. There was no adverse reaction in the study group. In the one-month follow-up, there were only three recurrent cases in the study group, which were obviously better than the control group (P< 0.01). It was concluded that external application and rectal instillation with Chinese medicine had a good curative effect on CRF with acute GA in the near future with low recurrence rate and no adverse reaction, which was worthy of popularizing in the clinical practice.

Experimental study on Dendrobium candidum polysaccharides on promotion of hair growth / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect and mechanism of Dendrobium candidum polysaccharides (DCP) in promoting hair growth, in order to lay a foundation for the development and utilization of D. candidum.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method was adopted to extract DCP, and the phenol-sulphuric acid method was used to determine its content. Thirty C57BL6J mice were collected to establish the hair loss model with hair removal cream. They were randomly divided into the control group, the positive control group and the DCP group, and given 0.2 mL of ultra-pure water, minoxidil tincture and DCP (5.0 g x L(-1)) 21 days. The mice hair growth scoring standard was adopted to evaluate the hair growth of C57BL/6J mice at 7, 14 d. The hairs in unit hair-losing areas of treated C57BL/6J mice at 21 d were weighed to evaluate the effect of DCP on the promotion of hair growth. MTT assay and RT-PCR method were used to evaluate the effect of DCP on the proliferatin of HaCaT cells and the mRNA expression of VEGF in HaCaT cells.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The extraction percent of DCP was 29.87%, and its content was 79.65%. The average scores for the hair growth and weight of C57BL/6J mice of DCP group were much higher than the control group. The survival rate and mRNA expression of VEGF of HaCaT cells were much higher than the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DCP has the effect in promoting hair growth. Its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of the mRNA expression of VEGF.</p>

XCT790 inhibits rat vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation through down-regulating the expression of estrogen-related receptor alpha / 药学学报

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in several pathological processes of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the effects of XCT790, a potent and selective inverse agonist of estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRalpha), on rat VSMCs proliferation and related signal pathways were investigated. The proliferative activity of VSMCs was determined by CCK-8 assay. The mRNA levels of ERRalpha, PGC-1alpha, OPN and MCAD were assayed by RT-PCR. The protein levels of ERRalpha, ERK2 and p-ERK1/2 were evaluated by Western blotting. ELISA was used to assess the protein expression of VEGF. The results showed that XCT790 (5-20 micromol x L(-1)) inhibited rat VSMCs proliferation, and the expression of ERRalpha and its target genes, as well as p-ERK1/2, were also inhibited. XCT790 inhibited VSMCs proliferation in a dose-dependent manner at the dose range from 5 to 20 micromol x L(-1) and in a time-dependent manner at the dose range from 10 to 20 micromol x L(-1). These findings demonstrate that XCT790 inhibits rat VSMCs proliferation by down-regulating the gene level of ERRalpha and thus inhibiting the ERK signal pathway, suggesting that ERRalpha may be a novel potential target for therapeutic approaches to inhibit VSMCs proliferation, which plays an important role in several cardiovascular diseases.

Establish and optimization of real-time fluorescent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of avian influenza H5 hemagglutinin gene / 病毒学报

H5 subtype avian influenza (AIV-H5) is a major causative agent of animalloimia a rapid and sensitive molecular biological diagnosis is crucial to the control program of AIV-H5. AIV-H5 real-time fluorescent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qRT-LAMP) was established by means of heat treatment of the samples. The sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of this method were assessed and the performance of Calcein,SYBR Green I,HNB,SYTO 81 in colorimetric detection was comparatively analyzed to screen the optimum dye. The results showed the sensitivity of this method was 100 times higher than that of standard real-time fluorescent RT-PCR, and the detection limit was one copy of the gene per reaction. This method had no cross-reactivity with other common avian respiratory tract infectious disease-related pathogens such as IBV and NDV. The present study suggested Calcein was the optimum dye. Small-scale tests suggested this method was reliable for survey monitoring of AIV-H5 on the spot, indicating its potential applications in field investigation.

Experimental study on preclinical quality control, urgent poison and irritation of Dendrobium aurantiacum eye drops, a class I new drug against diabetic cataract / 中国中药杂志

To establish a quality control method of Dendrobium aurantiacum eye drops, in order to evaluate acute toxicity, irritation and irritability and lay a foundation for its development and utilization in the future. The content of gigantol and SA in D. aurantiacum eye drops were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The linear ranges of gigantol and SA were 0.040 8-1.530 0 g x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9) and 0.100 8-0.504 0 g x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9), with the average recoveries being 100.8%, 99.84%, and RSD being 1.4%, 1.8% (n = 9) respectively. The sample solution was stable at room temperature within 72 h. The acute toxicity test showed no toxic reaction of D. aurantiacum eye drops in mice. The irritating test for single-dose and multiple-dose administrations of D. aurantiacum eye drops and physiological saline in rabbit eyes and skin, as well as the allergic test in guinea pigs showed no eye irritation and skin irritation and irritability. These findings indicated that D. aurantiacum eye drops are safe and stable, with a good druggability.

Association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with coronary artery disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the association of COPD with CAD, especially with multi-vessel disease (VD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 354 patients who underwent multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for suspected CAD were analyzed. Luminal narrowing was defined as at least one lesion 50% or greater stenosis. The analysis of serum biochemistry profile and spirometry were performed on all eligible patients, and the diagnosis of COPD was defined as the criteria of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients with CAD had a significantly higher complication of COPD than those without CAD (11.8% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.001). Comparing with patients without COPD, those with COPD were more likely to have multi-VD, proportion of smoking and high C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the multi-VD was significantly correlated with COPD (P=0.012) and CRP (P=0.015).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There was a high complication of COPD in patients with CAD, and COPD may be a critical risk factor for CAD, especially for multi-VD. CAD and COPD were closely associated and the interplay of systemic inflammation might in part explain the relationship between them.</p>

Clinical features and genetic screening of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze clinical features of 4 families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and potential mutations of ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 genes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four unrelated HHT patients and their affected family members were analyzed. All exons and flanking regions of ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 genes were analyzed with PCR and direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eleven patients from the 4 families were enrolled in this study. Two ENG and 1 ACVRL1 mutations were identified, among which an ENG mutation (c.207G>A; p.L69L) and an ACVRL1 mutation (c.817C>T; p.L273L) have been previously reported. In addition, a novel ENG mutation (c.1004A>T; p.Q335L) has been found in 3 different families. Similar mutations were not detected in 200 healthy individuals. No mutations of ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 were found in the fourth family.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A novel mutation c.1004A>T (p. Q335L) of ENG has been identified in patients with HHT. And there is significant phenotypic variability and genetic heterogeneity with the disease.</p>

Comparative and correlational studies on contents of stilbenes in different portions of mulberry / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the contents of stilbenes in different parts and axial root bark of mulberry, and study their correlation.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The contents of 3 major stilbenes, mulberroside A, oxyresveratrol, and resveratrol in different parts of mulberry were determined by HPLC. The correlation and regression analysis between the contents of stilbenes in the different parts and axial root bark was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The contents of stilbenes in most different parts of mulberry showed significant correlation. Between the contents of stilbenes in the different parts and axial root bark, oxyresveratrol showed significant correlation among all different parts, resveratrol showed significant correlation except in spinal cord of annual branch, mulberroside A showed significant correlation between bark of annual branch, lateral root and axial root bark. The results of the correlation and regression analysis indicated that the contents of mulberroside A, oxyresveratrol, resveratrol in different parts and axial root bark were significant positively correlated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The contents of stilbenes are significant correlation distributed in different parts and axial root bark of mulberry. The contents of stilbenes in different parts could be used to estimate the content of the axial root bark. The result could be useful for breeding and preserving excellent germplasm at the system breed process for mulberry of rich in stilbenes.</p>

IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assay versus PPD tuberculin skin test in the diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the potential application of IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in the diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis (TE) by comparing ELISPOT assay with the traditional purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin skin test.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We examined 13 TE patients using an in-house ELISPOT kit, another 11 TE patients by PPD skin testing, and 57 healthy male volunteers by parallel test with both the methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve (92.3%) of the 13 TE cases were positive on ELISPOT assay, and 10 (90.9%) of the 11 TE cases positive on PPD skin test, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Among the 57 healthy male volunteers, 8 (14.0%) were positive on ELISPOT, and 28 (49.1%) positive on PPD test, the latter significantly higher than the former (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In terms of sensitivity, ELISPOT assay is similar to PPD test in the examination of tuberculous epididymitis. As for specificity, ELISPOT assay seems better than PPD test in differentiating tuberculous epididymitis patients from healthy males.</p>

Relationship between 6-minute walk test and pulmonary function test in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with different severities / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The relationship between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary function test in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. We evaluate the correlation of 6MWT and spirometric parameters in stable COPD with different severities. 6MWT data assessed included three variables: the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), 6-minute walk work (6MWORK), and pulse oxygen desaturation rate (SPO(2)%).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>6MWT and pulmonary function test were assessed for 150 stable COPD patients with different severities. Means and standard deviations were calculated for the variables of interest. Analysis of variance was performed to compare means. Correlation coefficients were calculated for 6MWT data with the spirometric parameters and dyspnea Borg scale. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to screen pulmonary function-related predictors of 6MWT data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The three variables of 6MWT all varied as the severities of the disease. The 6MWD and 6MWORK both correlated with some spirometric parameters (positive or negative correlation; the absolute value of r ranging from 0.34 to 0.67; P < 0.05) in severe and very severe patients, and the SPO2% correlated with the dyspnea Borg scale in four severities (r = -0.33, -0.34, -0.39, -0.53 respectively; P < 0.05). The 6MWD was correlated with the 6MWORK in four severities (r = 0.56, 0.57, 0.72, 0.81 respectively, P < 0.05), and neither of them correlated with the SPO(2)%. The percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)% predicted) and residual volume to total lung capacity ratio (RV/TLC) were predictors of the 6MWD, and the maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) was the predictor of the 6MWORK.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>6MWT correlated with the spirometric parameters in severe and very severe COPD patients. 6MWT may be used to monitor changes of pulmonary function in these patients.</p>

Evaluation of the effect of chronic virus infection on laboratory tests results in patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of chronic virus infection on laboratory tests results in patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 121 patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis, who were hospitalized in Shenzhen Third People's Hospital during June 2008 to June 2012, were recruited for analysis. Clinical laboratory tests results were collected for comparison between patients with or without chronic co-infection with virus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 121 patients, thirty patients were co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), two were with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and one was co-infected with HBV, HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Compared to patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis without HBV/HCV/HIV infection, patients with chronic HBV/HCV/HIV virus infection had similar positive rate of laboratory tests including tissue smear acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, tissue Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) culture, tissue Mtb DNA detection, serological test of antibodies against Mtb, and Mtb. antigen-specific interferon-gamma release assay. Similar results were also found for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reative protein level and liver function including Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chronic infection with HBV/HCV in patients with have no obvious effect on clinical laboratory tests related to tuberculosis.</p>

Long-term non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The evidence for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) used in patients with severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is insufficient. The aim of the meta-analysis was to assess the treatment effects of long-term NIPPV on gas change, lung function, health-related quality of life (HRQL), survival and mortality in severe stable COPD patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover studies comparing the treatment effects of NIPPV with conventional therapy were identified from electronic databases and reference lists from January 1995 to August 2010. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality. Data were combined using Review Manager 5.0. Both pooled effects and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five RCTs and one randomized crossover study with a total of 383 severe stable COPD patients were included. NIPPV improved gas change significantly when using a higher inspiratory positive airway pressures. The weighted mean difference (WMD) for the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in artery (PaCO2) was -3.52 (-5.26, -1.77) mmHg and for the partial pressure of oxygen in artery (PaO2) 2.84 (0.23, 5.44) mmHg. There were significant improvements in dyspnea and sleep quality, but gained no benefits on lung function. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) was 0.00 (0.29, 0.29). And the benefits for exercise tolerance, mood, survival and mortality remained unclear.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Patients with severe stable COPD can gain some substantial treatment benefits when using NIPPV, especially improvements in gas change, dyspnea and sleep quality. Studies of high methodological quality with large population, especially those based on a higher inspiratory positive airway pressures are required to provide more evidences.</p>

The induced differentiation and apoptosis of THP-1 cells by anti-CD44 antibody and its mechanism / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of anti-CD44 mAb A3D8 on the cell proliferation of human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cell proliferation was assayed with MTT method, the expression of CD33, CD15, CD11b, CD14, Annexin-V, caspase-3 and cell cycle with flow cytometry, and the expression of p-Akt, p-ERK, bcl-2 and p27kip1 with Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A3D8 could remarkably inhibit the proliferation capacity of the THP-1 cells in a dosage- and time-dependent manner. THP-1 differentiation was observed when treated with A3D8 (2.0 µg/ml) for one to six days. Expression of CD33 (68.9 ± 2.0 vs 39.3 ± 1.5), CD15 (61.7 ± 5.5 vs 12.9 ± 2.6), CD11b (67.3 ± 3.8 vs 14.0 ± 2.0) and CD14 (83.0 ± 5.7 vs 8.0 ± 1.0) was significantly increased at day 4 compared with the control group (all P < 0.01). Cell cycle of the THP-1 cells was arrested in G(0)/G(1). Expression of the Annexin-V \[(32.5 ± 2.5)% vs (2.4 ± 0.3)%\] and caspase-3 \[(33.3 ± 2.5)% vs (3.6 ± 0.3)%\] was much higher than that in normal controls (all P < 0.01), and apoptosis was observed in THP-1 cells at day 5. Expression of p-Akt (0.24 ± 0.06 vs 1.20 ± 0.15), p-ERK (0.32 ± 0.05 vs 1.24 ± 0.09), and bcl-2 (0.11 ± 0.05 vs 0.65 ± 0.07) was much lower than that of the controls (all P < 0.01), while p27kip1 (1.08 ± 0.09 vs 0.10 ± 0.02) was significantly increased at day 4 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anti-CD44 antibody can induce the differentiation and apoptosis of THP-1 cell through inhibiting PI3K/AKt and ERK1/2 signaling pathway.</p>