Efficacy and safety of transurethral flexible ureteroscopy combined with single channel minimally invasive percutaneous nephroscopy in the treatment of complex renal calculi / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral flexible ureteroscopy combined with single channel minimally invasive percutaneous nephroscopy in the treatment of complex renal calculi.Methods:A total of 72 patients with complex renal calculi admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2019 to April 2022 were prospective selected, which were randomly divided into study group and control group by the random number table method, with 36 cases in each group. The control group underwent single channel minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy, while the study group underwent transurethral flexible ureteroscopy combined with single channel minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The perioperative indexes (operation time, postoperative hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss), stone removal effect, renal function indicators [blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr)] and complication rate were compared between the two groups. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used for inter-group comparison. The Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method were used to compare the count data of two groups. Results:The operation time [(101.05±11.34) min vs (107.84±10.28) min] and postoperative hospital stay [(8.54±3.15) d vs (12.36±4.08) d] in the study group were significantly shorter than those in the control group, and the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The amount of intraoperative bleeding was close to that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The primary stone clearance rate and summary stone clearance rate in the study group were 91.67% (33/36) and 100.0% (36/36), respectively, which were significantly higher than 69.44% (25/36) and 83.33% (30/36) in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The postoperative BUN and SCr levels in the study group were (5.24±0.31) mmol/L and (90.65±25.57) μmol/L, respectively, the control group was (7.69±0.78) mmol/L and (131.96±37.80) μmol/L, respectively. BUN and SCr levels in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.56% vs 16.67%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Transurethral flexible ureteroscopy combined with single channel minimally invasive percutaneous nephroscopy is an ideal method for the treatment of complex renal calculi, which has good removal effect, less complications and helps to improve renal function.

Clinical characteristics analysis of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia and improve the diagnosis and treatment skills of clinicians on this disease. Methods The clinical data of thirty-nine Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia cases detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) from September 2020 to January 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Results There was a history of poultry exposure in 89.7%(35 cases) of the patients. The most common clinical manifestations were high fever (92.3%, 36), cough (76.9%,30), muscle soreness (48.7%,19), headache (38.5%,15), etc. Laboratory examinations showed 76.9% of patients had a normal leukocyte count, and 76.9% had decreased lymphocyte count, often accompanied by elevated C-reactive protein (100%), procalcitonin (97.4%), interleukin-6 (95.8%), interleukin-10 (95.8%), alanine aminotransferase (74.4%), and aspartate aminotransferase (84.6%). Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the levels of aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin between severe pneumonia patients and non-severe pneumonia patients（P<0.05）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an elevated blood urea nitrogen (OR=4.899) had guiding significance for predicting the occurrence of severe pneumonia. Bronchoscopy examination showed no abnormalities in 53.6% of the patients. The imaging manifestations of pulmonary lesions were mainly lobar pneumonia (61.5%) and air bronchograms (94.9%). Therapeutically, it was sensitive to tetracyclines, macrocyclic lactones, and fluoroquinolones. A total of 84.6%(33 cases) of the patients were cured and discharged from the hospital at the end of the treatment. Conclusion Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia is a zoonotic disease that can be detected by mNGS. An elevated blood urea nitrogen level has guiding significance for predicting the occurrence of severe pneumonia. Empirically-selected regimens based on doxycycline are effective for the treatment of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia.

Protective role and mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the protective effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and to clarify the critical role and regulating mechanism of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) 6/poly adenosine-diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) 1 signaling pathway during this process. Methods The hucMSC-Exo was extracted by ultracentrifugation, and identified by transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanoparticle tracing analysis and Western blot. SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group (group S), sham operation+TRPC6 inhibitor SKF96365 group (group SS), renal IRI group (group IRI), exosome treatment group (group EXO) and exosome +TRPC6 inhibitor SKF96365 group (group ES), with 6 rats in each group. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were detected. Pathological changes of renal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Paller score was calculated. The expression levels of key molecules of necroptosis in rat renal tissues, including receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK)1, RIPK3 and mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), TRPC6 and PARP1, were detected by Western blot. Results Typical saucer-like structure was observed under TEM. Nanoparticle tracing analysis showed that the average diameter of the extracted substance was 125.9 nm. Western blot revealed that the surface markers of CD9, CD63 and CD81 were positively expressed, confirmed that the extracted substance was exosome. Compared with group S, the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were up-regulated, the pathological damage of renal tissues was worsened, Paller score was elevated, the relative expression levels of TRPC6 and PARP1 proteins were down-regulated, and the relative expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL proteins were up-regulated in group IRI (all P < 0.05). Compared with group IRI, the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were down-regulated, the pathological damage of renal tissues was mitigated, Paller score was decreased, the relative expression levels of TRPC6 and PARP1 proteins were up-regulated, and the relative expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL proteins were down-regulated in group EXO (all P < 0.05). Compared with group EXO, the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were up-regulated, the pathological damage of renal tissues was aggravated, Paller score was increased, the relative expression levels of TRPC6 and PARP1 proteins were down-regulated, and the relative expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL proteins were up-regulated in group ES (all P < 0.05). Conclusions hucMSC-Exo may alleviate the necroptosis induced by renal IRI in rat models, which is related to the activation of TRPC6/PARP1 signaling pathway.

An analysis of lactate/albumin, procalcitonin/albumin, and blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratios as a predictor of mortality in uroseptic patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the ratios of lactate/albumin, procalcitonin/albumin, and blood urea nitrogen/albumin to predict 14- and 28-day mortality in uroseptic patients. Urosepsis is a disease with high mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment are important. METHODS: Patients with urosepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2021 and September 2022, had a follow-up of at least 28 days, and met the inclusion criteria were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 70.23 (15.66) years and 84 (53.85%) were males. The number of non-survivors were 75 (48%) in the 14-day mortality group and 97 (62.1%) in the 28-day mortality group. Based on the 14-day mortality data, the blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio was higher in non-survivors vs. survivors (median, 15.88 vs. 9.62), and the lactate/albumin ratio was higher (median, 0.96 vs. 0.52, p<0.01, all). Based on the 28-day mortality data, the blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio was higher in non-survivors vs. survivors (median, 14.78 vs. 8.46), and the lactate/albumin ratio was higher (median, 0.90 vs. 0.50, p<0.01, all). CONCLUSION: It is very difficult to determine the prognosis of patients admitted to the emergency department with the diagnosis of urosepsis. The lactate/albumin ratio and the blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio can be used as early prognostic markers for both 14-day and 28-day mortality until more reliable markers are identified.

Ameliorating effects of ethanol extract of root bark of Salacia nitida on blood electrolyte and renal perturbations in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Abstract Malaria, a disease of public health concern is a known cause of kidney failure, and dependence on herbal medicines for its treatment is increasing due to the high cost of drugs. So this study is designed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of ethanol extract from Salacia nitida root bark on electrolyte and renal perturbations in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Thirty malariainfected mice divided into five groups of six mice each and another group of six uninfected mice were used for the study. 280, 430, and 580 mg/kg of extract were given to infected mice in groups B, C, and D, 4 mg/kg of artesunate given to group E mice, and 4 ml/kg of physiological saline given to group A and uninfected group F mice for five days. Serum Na+, K+, HCO3, Cl-, TB, urea, creatinine, BUN concentrations, and BUN/creatinine ratio were determined using standard methods. Results showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in Na+, K+, and HCO3 and decreases in Cl-, TB, urea, creatinine, BUN, and BUN/creatinine ratio in the infected treated mice in groups B - E. This study showed that ethanol extract of S. nitida root bark is efficient in the treatment of renal disorders and blood electrolyte perturbations

The prognostic value of blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio in patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To determine whether the blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin (B/A) ratio was a useful prognostic factor of mortality in the patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB).Methods:Totally 1 120 patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (VUGIB) admitted to the Emergency Department from January 2019 to December 2021 were prospectively and continuously collected and 449 eligible patients with acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal tract were finally enrolled. The clinical data, laboratory tests and endoscopic results of the patients were recorded, and the data from the 30-day survival group and the non-survival group were compared and analyzed.Results:Significant differences were observed in age, mean arterial pressure, pulse rate, albumin levels, total protein levels, blood urea nitrogen levels, glucose, Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), Rockall, and AIMS65 scores between the survival and non-survival groups (all P <0.05). The B/A ratio in the non-survival group was significantly higher than that in the survival group [(24.9 ± 16.4) vs. (9.0 ± 8.6) mg/g, P<0.001]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the best cutoff value of B/A ratio for predicting 30-day death was 32.08 mg/g, with a sensitivity of 0.776 and specificity of 0.823. There was a significant difference in the 30-day Kaplan-Meier survival curve between patients with B/A ratio ≥32.08 mg/g and those with B/A ratio <32.08 mg/g (Log Rank 32.229, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the B/A ratio (≥32.08 mg/g) was associated with 30-day mortality ( OR=4.87, 95% CI: 1.94-6.85, P<0.001). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) for B/A ratio, GBS, Rockall and AIMS65 scores for predicting 30-day mortality were 0.855 (95% CI: 0.807-0.902), 0.849 (95% CI: 0.796-0.901), 0.657 (95% CI: 0.576-0.737), and 0.828 (95% CI: 0.774-0.883), respectively. Conclusions:The B/A ratio is a simple but potentially useful prognostic factor of mortality in the ANVUGIB patients.

Influence of blood metabolites and body condition score at parturition on fertility and milk yield in Holstein cows / Influencia de metabolitos sanguíneos y condición corporal al parto sobre la fertilidad y producción de leche de vacas Holstein / Influência dos metabólitos sanguíneos e da condição corporal ao nascimento na fertilidade e produção de leite de vacas Holstein

Abstract Background: Variables associated with body tissue mobilization place dairy cows at greater risk of reproductive failure. Objective: To investigate the association between blood metabolites and body condition score (BCS) at the beginning of lactation and the reproductive efficiency and milk yield of Holstein cows in a hot environment. Methods: In total, 165 Holstein cows were selected for the study from which blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of various blood metabolites and their association with the reproductive efficiency and milk yield. Results: Cows with serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) ≤0.8 mmol/L one week postpartum were 3.3 times more likely to become pregnant at first service, and 2.2 times more likely to become pregnant before 80 d postpartum than cows with higher serum BHBA levels. The odds (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3-5.4; p<0.01) of a cow getting pregnant at first service were higher in cows with serum creatinine levels higher than 2.0 mg/dL one week postpartum than cows with lower blood levels of this metabolite. The BCS at 30 and 60 d postpartum that predicted pregnancy at first service and pregnancy to all services was 3.0. Blood urea nitrogen >15 mg/dL, creatinine <1.8 mg/dL, total protein ≤5.0 mg/dL one week postpartum, and >0.40 units of BCS loss during the first 30 d postpartum were critical threshold that predicted the likelihood of 305-d milk yield higher than 10,500 kg. Conclusions: Serum BHBA and creatinine one wk after calving as well as BCS 30 and 60 d post-calving provided reasonably accurate cut-off screening values to discriminate cows with better reproductive performance and higher 305-d milk yield.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las variables asociadas a mayor movilización de tejido corporal en vacas lecheras conducen a un mayor riesgo de falla reproductiva. Objetivo: Investigar la asociación entre los metabolitos sanguíneos y condición corporal (BCS) al comienzo de la lactancia y la eficiencia reproductiva y producción de leche de vacas Holstein en un ambiente caluroso. Métodos: En total, se seleccionaron 165 vacas Holstein de las cual se tomaron muestras de sangre para determinar la concentración de varios matabolitos sanguíneos, los cuales se asociaron con el desempeño reproductivo y producción de leche. Resultados: Las vacas con β-hidroxibutirato (BHBA) en suero ≤0,8 mmol/L una semana postparto tuvieron 3,3 veces más probabilidades de quedar preñadas en los primeros servicios, y 2,2 veces más probabilidades de quedar gestantes antes de los 80 días postparto que las vacas con mayores niveles séricos de BHBA. Las probabilidades (OR 2,7; IC 95% 1,3-5,4; p<0,01) de que una vaca se preñara en el primer servicio fueron mayores en vacas con niveles de creatinina en suero sanguíneo superiores a 2,0 mg/dL una semana postparto que las vacas con niveles más bajos de este metabolito en sangre. Una BCS de 3 a los 30 y 60 días postparto fue un buen predictor de la preñez al primer servicio y la gestación considerando todos los servicios. El nitrógeno ureico en sangre >15 mg/dL, la creatinina <1,8 mg/dL, la proteína total ≤5,0 mg/dL una semana después del parto y >0,40 unidades de pérdida de BCS durante los primeros 30 días postparto fueron los valores críticos para predecir una producción de leche a 305 días superior a 10.500 kg. Conclusiones: El BHBA y la creatinina en suero sanguíneo una semana postparto, así como la BCS 30 y 60 d después del parto, proporcionan valores razonablemente precisos para identificar las vacas que tendrán mejor desempeño reproductivo y mayor producción de leche a 305 días.

Resumo Antecedentes: A maior mobilização do tecido corporal das vacas leiteiras leva a um aumento do risco de falhas reprodutivas. Objetivo: Para investigar a relação entre os metabolitos sanguíneos e condição do corpo (BCS) para o início da lactação e eficiência reprodutiva e produção de leite de vacas Holstein num ambiente quente. Métodos: No total, foram selecionadas 165 vacas da raça Holandesa, das quais foram coletadas amostras de sangue para determinar a concentração de vários metabólitos sanguíneos, associados ao desempenho reprodutivo e à produção de leite das vacas. Resultados: As vacas com β-hidroxibutirato (BHBA) soro ≤0,8 mmol/L de uma semana após o nascimento foram 3,3 vezes mais probabilidade de engravidar nos primeiros serviços, e 2,2 vezes mais provável que seja grávida antes de 80 dias após o parto do que vacas com níveis séricos de BHBA mais elevados. As probabilidades (OR 2,7, IC de 95% 1,3-5,4, p<0,01) que uma vaca preñara primeiros serviços vacas foram maiores com níveis mais elevados de creatinina no soro do sangue >2,0 mg/dL, uma semana pós-parto do que vacas com níveis sanguíneos mais baixos deste metabolito. Um CC de 3 aos 30 e 60 dias pós-parto foi um bom predictor de gravidez no primeiro serviço e gestação, considerando todos os serviços. O azoto de ureia no sangue >15 mg/dL, creatinina <1,8 mg/dL e proteína total, ≤5,0 mg/dL uma semana após o parto e >0,40 unidades perda CC durante os primeiros 30 dias após o nascimento estavam valores críticos que previram produção de leite em 305 dias >10.500 kg. Conclusões: BHBA e creatinina sérica, uma semana após o parto, bem como CC 30 e 60 d após o parto, forneceram valores razoavelmente precisos para discriminar vacas com melhor desempenho reprodutivo e maior produção de leite em 305 dias.

Synergetic delivery of triptolide and Ce6 with light-activatable liposomes for efficient hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been known as the second common leading cancer worldwide, as it responds poorly to both chemotherapy and medication. Triptolide (TP), a diterpenoid triepoxide, is a promising treatment agent for its effective anticancer effect on multiple cancers including HCC. However, its clinical application has been limited owing to its severe systemic toxicities, low solubility, and fast elimination in the body. Therefore, to overcome the above obstacles, photo-activatable liposomes (LP) integrated with both photosensitizer Ce6 and chemotherapeutic drug TP (TP/Ce6-LP) was designed in the pursuit of controlled drug release and synergetic photodynamic therapy in HCC therapy. The TP encapsulated in liposomes accumulated to the tumor site due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Under laser irradiation, the photosensitizer Ce6 generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and further oxidized the unsaturated phospholipids. In this way, the liposomes were destroyed to release TP. TP/Ce6-LP with NIR laser irradiation (TP/Ce6-LP+L) showed the best anti-tumor effect both

Artesunate alleviates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis via NLRP3 inflammasome / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of artesunate on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rat. Methods Twenty-five SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group (Sham group), model group (IRI group), low-dose artesunate group (ART-L group), high-dose artesunate group (ART-H group) and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor group (INF39 group), with 5 rats in each group. The levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and pathological damage of renal tissue were analyzed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in serum were quantitatively measured. The expression level of IL-1β in renal tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins were detected by fluorescent staining and Western blot. Results Compared with the Sham group, the levels of Scr and BUN were higher, the renal tissue injury was aggravated, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1βwere higher, and the expression levels of kidney injury molecule (KIM-1), pyroptosis-related protein NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase-1), Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and IL-1β proteins were higher in the IRI group. Compared with the IRI group, the levels of Scr and BUN were decreased, the renal tissue injury was mitigated, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were down-regulated, and the expression levels of KIM-1, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD and IL-1β proteins were down-regulated in the ART-L, ART-H and INF39 groups. Conclusions Artesunate may inhibit pyroptosis induced by NLRP3 inflammasome, down-regulate the expression levels of pyroptosis -related proteins, reduce the release of inflammatory factors after renal IRI and alleviate renal IRI.

Effects of adjuvant therapy with low molecular weight heparin on nephrotic syndrome in 32 cases / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of adjuvant therapy with low molecular weight heparin on nephrotic syndrome.Methods:Sixty-four patients with nephrotic syndrome who received treatment in Linyi People's Hospital between January 2018 and January 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either conventional treatment combined with low molecular weight heparin treatment (observation group, n = 32) or conventional treatment (control group, n = 32) for 28 successive days. Before and after treatment, renal function indexes, blood lipid, coagulation function indexes, clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, 24-hour urinary protein, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in the observation group were (109.21 ± 9.81) μmol/L, (5.35 ± 1.01) mmol/L, (1.12 ± 0.25) g/L, (5.12 ± 1.09) mmol/L, (1.52 ± 0.18) mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(120.54 ± 9.72) μmol/L, (6.05 ± 0.95) mmol/L, (1.42 ± 0.28) g/L, (6.92 ± 1.15) mmol/L, (1.96 ± 0.22) mmol/L, t = 4.641, 2.855, 4.521, 6.426, 8.756, all P < 0.05]. The activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time in the observation group were (1.52 ± 0.18) seconds and (14.57 ± 1.70) seconds, respectively, which were significantly longer than those in the control group [(31.02 ± 4.59) seconds, (12.62 ± 1.67) seconds, t = -4.388, -4.628, both P < 0.05]. Total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [96.88% (31/32) vs. 75.00% (24/32), χ2 = 6.335, P < 0.05]. The time to relief of symptom in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(3.12 ± 1.42) weeks vs. (5.04 ± 1.24) weeks, t = -5.761, P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [3.13% (1/32) vs. 21.88% (7/32), χ2 = 5.143, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Based on conventional treatment, adjuvant therapy with low molecular weight heparin for nephrotic syndrome can greatly improve clinical symptoms, increase clinical efficacy, and decrease the incidence of adverse reactions.

Clinical efficacy of adult kidney transplantation from unilateral pediatric donor kidney / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of adult kidney transplantation from unilateral pediatric donor kidney. Methods Clinical data of pediatric donors (n=10) and adult recipients (n=19) undergoing kidney transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The changes of renal function, liver function and the maximal diameters of the kidney allografts were compared at 1, 7, 14, 28, 60 d after operation. The short-term survival and incidence of postoperative complications of the recipients were analyzed. Results Ten donors included 6 males and 4 females, aged (7±3) years old, with a body mass index (BMI) of (16.3±3.8) kg/m2. All donors were donation after brain death followed by cardiac death. Among 19 recipients, 12 were males and 7 were females, aged (34±12) years old, with a BMI of (20.3±1.3) kg/m2.An oblique incision was created in the lower right abdomen of the recipients. The arteries and veins of donor kidney were anastomosed with the external iliac arteries and veins of the recipients. The ureter of donor kidney was anastomosed with the bladder of the recipients. After anastomosis, the kidney was placed and fixed in the right iliac fossa. The serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels of the recipients were decreased at 1 week after kidney transplantation, and restored to normal range at postoperative 2 weeks. All parameters related to liver function were normal after operation. At postoperative 1 month, the maximal diameters of the kidney allografts were (9.5±0.3) cm on average, which basically reached those of normal adults. The 1-year survival rate of 19 recipients was 95%. One recipient died from pulmonary infection after ineffective treatment. Two recipients developed rejection, and 1 recipient experienced urinary system infection, who were healed after corresponding treatment. Conclusions Adult kidney transplantation from unilateral pediatric donor kidney is safe, feasible and effective, which can be utilized to enlarge the source of donor kidneys.

Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell on the expression of IL-10 and TNF-α in mice with ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) on the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in mice with ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury (IR-AKI). Methods All mice were randomly divided into the sham operation group (control group), ischemia-reperfusion injury group (IRI group) and BMSC treatment group (BMSC group), with 6 mice in each group, respectively. The renal function and pathological changes of mice were detected. The cell apoptosis of renal tissues of mice was determined. The expression levels of serum IL-10 and TNF-α of mice were quantitatively measured. The mouse BMSC was randomly divided into the control and hypoxia-reoxygenation groups (IRI group), and the expression levels of IL-10 and TNF-α in cell supernatant were determined. Results The renal structure of mice was normal in the control group, severe damage was observed in the IRI group, and mild damage occurred in the BMSC group. Compared with the control group, the renal tissue injury scores were significantly higher in the IRI and BMSC groups (both P < 0.05). Compared with the IRI group, the renal tissue injury score was significantly lower in the BMSC group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were remarkably up-regulated in the IRI group, and the level of BUN was significantly up-regulated in the BMSC group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the IRI group, the levels of Scr and BUN were significantly down-regulated in the BMSC group (both P < 0.05). In the IRI group, the quantity of apoptotic cells in the renal tissues was considerably higher than those in the BMSC and control groups, and the quantity of apoptotic cells in the BMSC group was significantly higher than that in the control group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IL-10 and TNF-α were significantly up-regulated in the IRI group, whereas the level of serum TNF-α was significantly down-regulated and the level of serum IL-10 was significantly up-regulated in the BMSC group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the IRI group, the levels of serum IL-10 and TNF-α were significantly down-regulated in the BMSC group (both P < 0.05). The levels of IL-10 and TNF-α in the cell supernatant did not significantly differ between the IRI and control groups (P=0.080、0.627). Conclusions BMSC infusion may reduce the incidence of renal IRI and inflammation, probably via the mechanism of down-regulating TNF-α expression rather than up-regulating IL-10 expression.

Self-assembled FeS-based cascade bioreactor with enhanced tumor penetration and synergistic treatments to trigger robust cancer immunotherapy

Major challenges for cancer treatment are how to effectively eliminate primary tumor and sufficiently induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) to provoke a robust immune response for metastasis control. Here, a self-assembled cascade bioreactor was developed to improve cancer treatment with enhanced tumor penetration and synergistic therapy of starvation, chemodynamic (CDT) and photothermal therapy. Ultrasmall FeS-GOx nanodots were synthesized with glucose oxidase (GOx) as template and induced by paclitaxel (PTX) to form self-assembling FeS-GOx@PTX (FGP)

Factores asociados con la letalidad por neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo: una cohorte retrospectiva / Factors associated with lethality from pneumonia in an acute care for the elderly unit: a retrospective cohort

Resumen: Introducción. La neumonía es la principal causa de muerte por infección en el mundo y afecta principalmente a la población de adultos mayores. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con la letalidad a 30 días en pacientes con neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional y analítico de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron 114 pacientes de 60 años o más hospitalizados en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo con diagnóstico de neumonía. El resultado primario fue la letalidad a 30 días. Se hicieron análisis de regresión log-binomial bivariado y multivariable para explorar la relación entre las variables independientes y el resultado primario. Resultados. La letalidad a 30 días fue de 26,3 % y la edad media de 84,45 ± 7,37 años. El 54,4 % de los participantes era de sexo masculino. En el análisis multivariable se encontró que una edad de 90 años o más (riesgo relativo, RR=1,62; IC95%: 1,05-2,68; p=0,04), el compromiso multilobar (RR=1,92; IC95%: 1,12-3,32; p=0,02), el nitrógeno ureico elevado (mediana≥22,5; RR=3,93; IC95%: 1,67-9,25; p<0,01), y un puntaje de cero en la escala de Lawton al ingreso (RR=3,20; IC95% 1,05-9,78; p=0,04) fueron factores predictores independientes de la letalidad a 30 días en adultos mayores con neumonía. Conclusión. En los pacientes adultos mayores hospitalizados por neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo la edad muy avanzada, la presencia de compromiso multilobar, la dependencia en el estado funcional y los niveles de nitrógeno ureico elevados fueron los principales factores de riesgo de letalidad a corto plazo.

Abstract: Introduction: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death due to infection in the world, mainly affecting the older adult population. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with lethality at 30 days in patients with pneumonia in an acute care for the elderly unit. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, analytical retrospective cohort study including 114 patients aged 60 years and older hospitalized in an acute care geriatric unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The primary outcome was lethality at 30 days. Bivariate and multivariable log-binomial regression analyzes were performed to explore the relationship between independent variables and the primary outcome. Results: The 30-day lethality was 26.3% and the mean age was 84.45 ± 7.37 years; 54.4% of participants were men. In the multivariable analysis, age ≥90 years (Relative Risk, RR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.05-2.68, p=0.04), multilobar commitment (RR=1.92, 95% CI:1.12-3.32, p=0.02), elevated urea nitrogen (≥22.5 the median; RR=3.93, 95% CI:1.67-9.25, p<0.01), and a score of zero in the Lawton index at admission (RR=3.20, 95% CI:1.05-9.78, p=0.04) were independent predictors of 30-day lethality from pneumonia. Conclusion: In older adults hospitalized for pneumonia in an acute care geriatric unit, advanced age, the presence of multilobar commitment, dependency in functional status, and elevated ureic nitrogen levels were the main predictors of short-term lethality risk.

Renal manifestations of sickle cell disease in children

Background: Sickle cell disease prevalence is more in central part of India. This study tries to find extent of renal involvement, risk factors and screening tests in sickle cell disease.Methods: Study was Cross sectional observational study. Demographic and clinical findings were recorded. Renal function tests like serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, eGFR were studied. Presence of microalbuminuria was checkeed. Ultrasonography abdomen was done to see the texture and corticomedullary differentiation of kidney.Results: Total 143 patients were studied. Out of which, 117 homozygous (SS type), 26 heterozygous (AS type). Majority belonged to school going age group (i.e. 5 to 10 year age group) with male preponderance in homozygous state. Microalbuminuria was more common in crisis state (61.84% in SS pattern and 83.33% in AS pattern) as compared to steady state in both SS and AS pattern patients. Dipstic method detected more proteinuria than heat coagulation suggesting dipstick method superior to heat coagulation test. Low eGFR was common in patients with SS pattern as compared to patients with AS pattern and was significantly associated with microalbuminuria in both steady state and crisis state. Abnormal USG was seen 3.44% in patients with SS pattern. Renal involvement started below 5 years of age and then increases with age, homozygous childrens in crisis state are affected more.Conclusions: Renal involvement is common in sickle cell anemia i.e it is seen in 50% of the patients. Increasing age, male sex and homozygous state were risk factors. Simple test like dipstic method and heat coagulation test can be used as screening test to detect microalbumiburia, with dipstic method being superior. Presence of microalbuminuria can detect early renal involvement in sickle cell disease. This will help in early diagnosis and management of such patients which avoids further renal complications and thus prevents mortality and morbidity.

Impact of Foeniculum vulgare Fortified Diet on Coagulation Profile and Some Biochemical Parameters

Aims:Coagulation profile shows the clotting ability of blood. Biochemical tests indicate health status of vital organs such as liver, heart and kidneys. Herbal products are being assessed for their role in affecting these parameters. We evaluated role of Foeniculumvulgareincorporated diet on coagulation profile and some important biochemical parameters.Study Design:Laboratory centred randomized controlled trial.Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, Karachi between June 2018 and September 2018 Methodology: After selecting 30 healthy rabbits of either sex, we placed them in three groups; Control, 2% Foeniculumvulgareand 4% Foeniculumvulgaregroup. Control group was given standard diet whereas; 2% and 4% Foeniculumvulgaregroups were maintained on standard diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculumvulgarecrushed seeds. Coagulation profile and some biochemical parameters were done after interval of a month, for two months.Results:Platelet count and fibrinogen increased while activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels decreased in both the study groups animals as compared to control, while blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation was noted both Foeniculumvulgaregroups but within normal range.Conclusion:Foeniculumvulgaremay have some role in affecting coagulation and biochemical profile These parameters, however, need clinical trial to validate reliability

Dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets and their correlation with renal function in recipients with stable graft status after renal transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and their correlation with renal function in recipients with stable graft status after renal transplantation. Methods Forty-five recipients who underwent renal transplantation for the first time and had stable graft function within postoperative 6 months were selected. The proportion and absolute value of lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) in 180 peripheral blood samples from recipients at 15 d, 1, 3 and 6 months after renal transplantation. The dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets with the extension of postoperative time and their correlation with serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analyzed. Results The Scr levels did not significantly differ at 4 time points after renal transplantation (all P > 0.05). The BUN levels significantly differed between 15 d and 1 month after renal transplantation, and between 1 and 3 months after renal transplantation (P=0.002, P=0.001). The proportion of CD3+CD8+T cells, CD3+CD4+T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and CD4/CD8 ratio at postoperative 15 d significantly differed from those at 1 month after operation (P=0.009, P=0.004, P < 0.001, P=0.004). The proportion of B cells significantly differed between 15 d and 1 month, and between 1 and 3 months after renal transplantation (both P < 0.001). The absolute values of CD3+T cells, CD3+CD8+T cells, CD3+CD4+T cells and NK cells at postoperative 15 d significantly differed from those at 1 month after renal transplantation (P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.003, P < 0.001). The absolute values of CD3+CD8+T cells significantly differed between 3 and 6 months after operation (P=0.015). The absolute value of B cells at 1 month after renal transplantation significantly differed from that at 3 months after renal transplantation (P=0.001). The proportion and absolute value of lymphocyte subsets were not significantly correlated with the Scr level (both P > 0.05). The proportion and absolute value of CD3+CD8+T cells and NK cells were negatively correlated with BUN (P < 0.001-0.05), whereas the proportion of CD3+CD4+T cells and B cells was positively correlated with the BUN level (P < 0.001-0.05). The absolute value of CD3+T cells was negatively associated with the BUN level (P < 0.05). Conclusions T cells and NK cells in the lymphocyte subsets of stable recipients raise to the stable state within 1 month after renal transplantation, whereas B cells decrease to stable state within 3 months renal transplantation. The dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets are correlated with the BUN level.

Combined Effects of Plant-based Protein Supplementation with 8-week Resistance Training on Muscular Strength, Protein Catabolism, Immune Functions and Bone Metabolism Markers in Adult Males

@#Introduction: This study investigated the effect of combined plant-based protein supplementation and resistance training on muscular strength, blood markers of protein catabolism, immune function, and bone metabolism in sedentary adult males. Methods: In this randomised, double-blinded study, 28 healthy males aged 19 – 29 years old were equally assigned into four groups: a combined plant-based protein with resistance training (PBPEX), plant-based protein alone (PBP), resistance training alone (EX) and control (C). Mode of resistance training was flat barbell press, machine shoulder press, wide grip lateral pull-down, seated cable row, barbell back squat, leg press and leg extension. The 8-week resistance training involved three sets of 60-70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) at 4-6 repetition/set/mode per session, three sessions/week. Participants in PBPEX and PBP groups consumed a plant-based protein supplement consisted of 9.8 g soy and pea protein for seven days/week. Results: PBPEX showed significant increases (p<0.01) in the knee and shoulder flexion peak torque compared to EX groups, respectively. PBP showed a significantly higher level (p<0.05) of serum urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) compared to other groups. There were no changes in immune function and bone metabolism markers between pre- and post-exercise in all groups. Conclusions: These findings implied that a combination of plant-based protein supplementation and resistance training elicited greater beneficial effects on muscular strength than resistance training alone and plant-based protein supplementation alone. Therefore, combined plant-based protein with resistance training may be recommended in planning exercise and nutritional programme for sedentary male adults.

Precise delivery of obeticholic acid

Primary bile acids were reported to augment secretion of chemokine (C‒X‒C motif) ligand 16 (CXCL16) from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and trigger natural killer T (NKT) cell-based immunotherapy for liver cancer. However, abundant expression of receptors for primary bile acids across the gastrointestinal tract overwhelms the possibility of using agonists against these receptors for liver cancer control. Taking advantage of the intrinsic property of LSECs in capturing circulating nanoparticles in the circulation, we proposed a strategy using nanoemulsion-loaded obeticholic acid (OCA), a clinically approved selective farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, for precisely manipulating LSECs for triggering NKT cell-mediated liver cancer immunotherapy. The OCA-nanoemulsion (OCA-NE) was prepared

Correlation of the renal function changes to prognosis in critical patients with COVID-19 / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To get the message of kidney injury and its causes in patients with COVID-19, and analyze the correlation of kidney injury to COVID-19 typing and prognosis, so provide a reference for the treatment and prognosis evaluation of COVID-19. Methods: According to the retrospective cohort study protocol, the clinical data and prognosis of 319 confirmed patients with COVID-19, admitted in the General Hospital of Central Theater Command (Wuhan) from Jan. 1st to Mar. 14th, 2020, were collected. The correlation of COVID-19 patients' renal function changes to the classification and prognosis of diseases were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the 319 confirmed patients with COVID-19 was (55.2±17.0) years. The proportion of non-critical group (mild+moderate type) and critical group (severe+critical type) were 62.1% (198/319) and 37.9% (121/319), respectively. The fatality rate of present study cohort was 5.6% (18/319). About 3.8% cases (12/319) were with elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) at admission, and about 5.6% cases (18/319) were with elevated BUN only at admission. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the age, the levels of SCr and BUN at admission and one week after admission, the combination of diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were the risk factors associated with the death in critical group patients (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the elevated levels of BUN at admission and one week after admission were the independent risk factors of death in the critical group patients. Conclusions: The elevated levels of BUN at admission and one week after admission were the important clinical features and independent risk factors associated with the death of critical COVID-19 patients. More attention should be paid to all kinds of clinical factors that may lead to increase the level of BUN.