To develop a prognostic model for neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy efficacy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by analyzing the immune microenvironment.

Objective: The choice of neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is controversial. This study aims to provide a basis for clinical treatment selection by establishing a predictive model for the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 30 patients was conducted, divided into Response and Non-response groups based on whether they achieved major pathological remission (MPR). Differences in genes and immune microenvironment between the two groups were analyzed through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF). Variables most closely related to therapeutic efficacy were selected through LASSO regression and ROC curves to establish a predictive model. An additional 48 patients were prospectively collected as a validation set to verify the model's effectiveness. Results: NGS suggested seven differential genes (ATM, ATR, BIVM-ERCC5, MAP3K1, PRG, RBM10, and TSHR) between the two groups (P < 0.05). mIF indicated significant differences in the quantity and location of CD3+, PD-L1+, CD3+PD-L1+, CD4+PD-1+, CD4+LAG-3+, CD8+LAG-3+, LAG-3+ between the two groups before treatment (P < 0.05). Dynamic mIF analysis also indicated that CD3+, CD8+, and CD20+ all increased after treatment in both groups, with a more significant increase in CD8+ and CD20+ in the Response group (P < 0.05), and a more significant decrease in PD-L1+ (P < 0.05). The three variables most closely related to therapeutic efficacy were selected through LASSO regression and ROC curves: Tumor area PD-L1+ (AUC= 0.881), CD3+PD-L1+ (AUC= 0.833), and CD3+ (AUC= 0.826), and a predictive model was established. The model showed high performance in both the training set (AUC= 0.938) and the validation set (AUC= 0.832). Compared to the traditional CPS scoring criteria, the model showed significant improvements in accuracy (83.3% vs 70.8%), sensitivity (0.625 vs 0.312), and specificity (0.937 vs 0.906). Conclusion: NICT treatment may exert anti-tumor effects by enriching immune cells and activating exhausted T cells. Tumor area CD3+, PD-L1+, and CD3+PD-L1+ are closely related to therapeutic efficacy. The model containing these three variables can accurately predict treatment outcomes, providing a reliable basis for the selection of neoadjuvant treatment plans.

Histone lactylation inhibits RARγ expression in macrophages to promote colorectal tumorigenesis through activation of TRAF6-IL-6-STAT3 signaling.

Macrophages are phenotypically and functionally diverse in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, how to remodel macrophages with a protumor phenotype and how to manipulate them for therapeutic purposes remain to be explored. Here, we show that in the TME, RARγ is downregulated in macrophages, and its expression correlates with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In macrophages, RARγ interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which prevents TRAF6 oligomerization and autoubiquitination, leading to inhibition of nuclear factor κB signaling. However, tumor-derived lactate fuels H3K18 lactylation to prohibit RARγ gene transcription in macrophages, consequently enhancing interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the TME and endowing macrophages with tumor-promoting functions via activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in CRC cells. We identified that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) exerts effective antitumor action by directly binding to RARγ to inhibit TRAF6-IL-6-STAT3 signaling. This study unravels lactate-driven macrophage function remodeling by inhibition of RARγ expression and highlights NDGA as a candidate compound for treating CRC.

The Function of Circular RNAs in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Underlying Mechanisms and Therapeutic Advancement.

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) represents a prevalent and severe cardiovascular condition that arises primarily after myocardial infarction recanalization, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, and both stable and unstable angina pectoris. MIRI can induce malignant arrhythmias and heart failure, thereby increasing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is important to assess the potential pathological mechanisms of MIRI and develop effective treatments. The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in MIRI has increasingly become a topic of interest in recent years. Moreover, significant evidence suggests that circRNAs play a critical role in MIRI pathogenesis, thereby representing a promising therapeutic target. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the role of circRNAs in MIRI and discuss the mechanisms through which circRNAs contribute to MIRI development and progression, including their effects on apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic applications of circRNAs in MIRI treatment, including the use of circRNA-based therapies and modulation of circRNA expression levels, have been explored. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of circRNAs in MIRI and underscores their potential as novel therapeutic targets.

Advances in acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis via citespace.

OBJECTIVE: To understand research advances and frontiers of acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis. METHODS: Publications related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the datasets and generate knowledge maps. RESULTS: A total of 445 relevant publications published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of annual publications fluctuated from 2013 to 2016 but increased gradually from 2016 to 2022. China produced the highest number of publications, while the USA established the most extensive cooperation relationships. China Academy of Chinese Medical Science was the most productive institution. Chen Jiande D.Z. was the most prolific author and Rong Peijing holds the most extensive cooperation network. Han Jisheng was the most co-cited author. Relevant research involved mechanism exploration and clinical efficacy research, and "anti-inflammatory effect" was the most active research topic, especially cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The most cited references mainly focused on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders were the most active medical conditions studied in this field. CONCLUSIONS: Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function over the past decade. However, the mechanisms of the autonomic effects of acupuncture need further investigation. High-quality clinical studies are required to determine the optimal parameters of acupuncture for clinical application.

PDHA1 Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Improving Myocardial Insulin Resistance During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a requisite technique for thoracotomy in advanced cardiovascular surgery. However, the consequent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is the primary culprit behind cardiac dysfunction and fatal consequences post-operation. Prior research has posited that myocardial insulin resistance (IR) plays a vital role in exacerbating the progression of MIRI. Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain obscure. METHODS: We constructed pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 α subunit (PDHA1) interference and overexpression rats and used ascending aorta occlusion in an in vivo model of CPB-MIRI. We devised an in vivo model of CPB-MIRI by constructing rat models with both pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α subunit (PDHA1) interference and overexpression through ascending aorta occlusion. We analyzed myocardial glucose metabolism and the degree of myocardial injury using functional monitoring, biochemical assays, and histological analysis. RESULTS: We discovered a clear downregulation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein content expression in the CPB I/R model. In particular, cardiac-specific PDHA1 interference resulted in exacerbated cardiac dysfunction, significantly increased myocardial infarction area, more pronounced myocardial edema, and markedly increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Notably, the opposite effect was observed with PDHA1 overexpression, leading to a mitigated cardiac dysfunction and decreased incidence of myocardial infarction post-global ischemia. Mechanistically, PDHA1 plays a crucial role in regulating the protein content expression of GLUT4 on cardiomyocytes, thereby controlling the uptake and utilization of myocardial glucose, influencing the development of myocardial insulin resistance, and ultimately modulating MIRI. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study sheds new light on the pivotal role of PDHA1 in glucose metabolism and the development of myocardial insulin resistance. Our findings hold promising therapeutic potential for addressing the deleterious effects of MIRI in patients.

Clinical characteristics of infantile Takayasu arteritis complicated with cardiac involvements / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of infantile Takayasu Arteritis (TAK) complicated with cardiac involvements.Methods:The clinical data and cardiac lesions of infantile TAK were collected retrospectively, and the clinical characteristics of the disease were analyzed and summarized. Mainly using decriptive statistical methods.Results:In these 20 cases, 16 cases (80%) had cardiac involvements, only 2 cases had related symptoms. The common lesions were coronary artery lesion (CAL), valvular disease, and elevated myocardial enzymes, while the rare lesions were arrhythmia, pericardial effusion, hypertensive heart disease, and heart failure. One case had acute heart failure, which was systolic heart failure and was accompanied by hypertensive heart disease. All 14 patients with CAL were found by conventional coronary ultrasound screening. A total of 39 CAL were found, all of which were coronary artery dilation, and the left main coronary artery was involved. Five patients had heart valve disease, all of them were valve insufficiency. The involved valves were mitral and tricuspid valves, and one of them was severe insufficiency. Arrhythmias were found in 2 cases, of which P1 was found to have paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with high atrioventricular block at 3 months. All 20 children survived and were in stable condition after being treat with biological agents and/or glucocorticoids. A case of hypertensive heart disease complicated with heart failure was followed up for 4 years, and the cardiac function and blood pressure returned to normal. Fourteen children with CAL lesions were given oral aspirin disease, the CALs disappeared in 10 cases and retracted in 4 cases. During the follow-up of 5 children with heart valves, insufficiency disappeared in 4 cases and improved in 1. No child underwent valve replacement during the follow-up. One of the children with arrhythmia was treated with antiarrhythmic drugs. After treatment, the arrhythmia disappeared. Now they have been followed up for 5 years without recurrence.Conclusion:Infantile TAK has a high incidence of heart involvement, with extensive lesions but insidious clinical symptoms. CALs are common, and heart failure is rare. It should be evaluated and treated as early as possible.

Differences in related indicators after Toric intraocular lens implantation in cataract patients with different axial lengths / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the differences in visual recovery, corneal astigmatism, and rotation stability of Toric intraocular lens(TIOL)implantation in cataract patients with different axial lengths.METHODS: Retrospective analysis. A total of 132 patients(132 eyes)with age-related cataract and corneal astigmatism who underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with TIOL implantation in our hospital's ophthalmology department from February 2021 to September 2022 were selected. They were divided into two groups based on the axial length: the group with axial length ≤24mm(79 cases, 79 eyes)and the group with axial length &#x003E;24mm(53 cases, 53 eyes). Compare the best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), corneal astigmatism, and TIOL rotation between the two groups of patients at 3mo after surgery.RESULT: After 3mo of surgery, both groups of patients had improved BCDVA and significantly decreased corneal astigmatism compared to those before surgery(P&#x003C;0.001). However, there was no difference in BCDVA and corneal astigmatism between the two groups(P&#x003E;0.05), and there was no significant difference in TIOL rotation between the two groups [(5.24±3.72)° vs.(6.36±4.21)°, P=0.110].CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in visual recovery, corneal astigmatism, and TIOL rotational stability after TIOL implantation in cataract patients with different axial lengths.

A highly attenuated SARS-CoV-2 related pangolin coronavirus variant has a 104nt deletion at the 3'-terminus untranslated region

SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2r) from Guangdong and Guangxi pangolins have been implicated in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemics. We previously reported the culture of a SARS-CoV-2r GX_P2V from Guangxi pangolins. Here we report the GX_P2V isolate rapidly adapted to Vero cells by acquiring two genomic mutations: an alanine to valine substitution in the nucleoprotein and a 104-nucleotide deletion in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the 3-terminus untranslated region (3-UTR). We further report the characterization of the GX_P2V variant in in vitro and in vivo infection models. In cultured Vero and BGM cells, the GX_P2V variant produced minimal cell damage and small plaques. The GX_P2V variant infected golden hamsters and BALB/c mice but was highly attenuated. Golden hamsters infected intranasally had a short duration of productive infection. These productive infections induced neutralizing antibodies against pseudoviruses of GX_P2V and SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, our data show that the GX_P2V variant is highly attenuated in in vitro and in vivo infection models. Attenuation of the variant is likely due to the 104-nt deletion in the HVR in the 3-UTR. This study furthers our understanding of pangolin coronaviruses pathogenesis and provides novel insights for the design of live attenuated vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

Rapid and sensitive analysis of trace β-blockers by magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry / 药物分析学报

A rapid and sensitive method for analyzing trace β-blockers in complex biological samples,which involved magnetic solid-phase extraction(MSPE)coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron reso-nance mass spectrometry(FTICR-MS),was developed.Novel nanosilver-functionalized magnetic nano-particles with an interlayer of poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)(polyDOPA@Ag-MNPs)were synthesized and used as MSPE adsorbents to extract trace β-blockers from biological samples.After extraction,the analytes loaded on the polyDOPA@Ag-MNPs were desorbed using an organic solvent and analyzed by FTICR-MS.The method was rapid and sensitive,with a total detection procedure of less than 10 min as well as limits of detection and quantification in the ranges of 3.5-6.8 pg/mL and 11.7-22.8 pg/mL,respectively.The accuracy of the method was also desirable,with recoveries ranging from 80.9％to 91.0％following the detection of analytes in human blood samples.All the experimental results demonstrated that the developed MSPE-FTICR-MS method was suitable for the rapid and sensitive analysis of trace β-blockers in complex biological samples.

An integrated strategy for comprehensive characterization of metabolites and metabolic profiles of bufadienolides from Venenum Bufonis in rats / 药物分析学报

Comprehensive characterization of metabolites and metabolic profiles in plasma has considerable sig-nificance in determining the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in vivo.However,this process is usually hindered by the insufficient characteristic fragments of metabolites,ubiquitous matrix interference,and complicated screening and identification procedures for metabolites.In this study,an effective strategy was established to systematically characterize the metabolites,deduce the metabolic pathways,and describe the metabolic profiles of bufadienolides isolated from Venenum Bufonis in vivo.The strategy was divided into five steps.First,the blank and test plasma samples were injected into an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/linear trap quadrupole-orbitrap-mass spectrometry(MS)system in the full scan mode continuously five times to screen for valid matrix compounds and metabolites.Second,an extension-mass defect filter model was established to obtain the targeted precursor ions of the list of bufadienolide metabolites,which reduced approximately 39％of the interfering ions.Third,an acquisition model was developed and used to trigger more tandem MS(MS/MS)fragments of precursor ions based on the targeted ion list.The acquisition mode enhanced the acquisition capability by approximately four times than that of the regular data-dependent acquisition mode.Fourth,the acquired data were imported into Compound Discoverer software for identification of metabolites with metabolic network prediction.The main in vivo metabolic pathways of bufadienolides were elucidated.A total of 147 metabolites were characterized,and the main biotransformation reactions of bufadienolides were hydroxylation,dihydroxylation,and isomerization.Finally,the main prototype bufadienolides in plasma at different time points were determined using LC-MS/MS,and the metabolic profiles were clearly identified.This strategy could be widely used to elucidate the metabolic profiles of TCM preparations or Chinese patent medicines in vivo and provide critical data for rational drug use.

Report of 8 cases with pediatric chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis and literature review / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical features of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) in children.Methods:Clinical data of 8 CNO patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from March 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical characteristics of 8 children with CNO were summarized and compared with those reported abroad.Results:A total of 8 CNO patients were recruited, involving 3 males and 5 females with the mean age of onset (7.2±3.2)years, and the average diagnosis time 25.9 months, respectively.The common clinical symptoms included bone pain (7 cases, 87.5%), arthritis (4 cases, 50.0%), and fever (3 cases, 37.5%). The main manifestations on X-ray and CT scans were bone destruction and progressive osteosclerosis.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bone marrow edema, periostitis, soft tissue swelling, and enhancement.All of them had more than one site of bone involvement.Seven patients(87.5%) had bilateral bone involvement, with the most common site of tibia (22.0%), followed by femur (17.1%) and mandible (9.8%). Bone biopsy was performed in 8 patients, and 4 cases showed osteonecrosis, 4 cases showed bone fibrosis and 2 cases showed osteomyelitis.The etiological examination of the bone was negative.Eight children received non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), bisphosphonates or tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) antagonists.After treatment, the patients were followed up for 3 months to 2 years.Eight children improved.Their inflammatory indexes were normal, and had no disability, teratology or multiple organ damage.Conclusions:Pediatric CNO is more common in children of school age, with a long course of disease.The main manifestations are multi-site bone pain and arthritis.Imaging studies indicate multiple bone involvement, which is more common at lower extremities.Non-steroids anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, DMARDs, bisphosphonates and TNF-α antagonists are effective to CNO.

Clinical characteristics of 11 cases of anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 autoantibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To clarity the clinical features of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) with positive anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody.Methods:Retrospective study.Clinical data of 11 anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM patients in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively recruited for analyzing their clinical characteristics, pulmonary imaging and pulmonary function, thus summarizing treatment experiences.Results:A total of 11 children with anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM were recruited, involving 2 males and 9 females, with the average onset age of 1-13 (5.8±4.2) years.Clinical manifestations included rash in 11 cases (100.0%), arthritis in 5 cases (45.5%), and myasthenia in 4 cases (36.4%). Muscle enzyme elevated in 10 cases (90.9%) and serum ferritin (SF) elevated in 9 patients (81.8%). Ten cases (90.9%) showed interstitial lung disease (ILD), manifesting as ground glass opacity at subpleural area on CT scans, restrictive ventilation and decreased diffusion function on lung function test, while respiratory symptoms were absent.All patients were treated with glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressor.Case 2 developed into rapid progressive pulmonary interstitial disease (RPILD), and died of respiratory failure 2 months later.The remaining was followed up for 1-2 years, and the ILD was relieved.Conclusions:All recruited children with anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM presented typical rash, and mild muscle weakness with a greater tendency to arthritis.Chinese pediatric patients are prone to complicate with ILD with no respiratory symptoms, but ground glass opacity at subpleural area on CT, and restrictive ventilation and decreased diffusion function on lung function test can be detected.Elevated SF is associated with the development of ILD.Glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressive therapy is effective to JDM with ILD, but ineffective for RPILD.The mortality of anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM is high without an effective treatment.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating functional constipation: An overview of systematic reviews / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders. Dissatisfaction with medications prescribed to treat FC may lead patients to seek alternative treatments. Numerous systematic reviews (SRs) examining the use of acupuncture to treat FC have reported inconsistent results, and the quality of these studies has not been fully evaluated.@*OBJECTIVE@#In this overview, we evaluated and summarized clinical evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating FC and evaluated the quality and bias of the SRs we reviewed.@*SEARCH STRATEGY@#The search strategy was structured by medical subject headings and search terms such as "acupuncture therapy" and "functional constipation." Electronic searches were conducted in eight databases from their inception to September 2020.@*INCLUSION CRITERIA@#SRs that investigated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for managing FC were included.@*DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS@#Two authors independently extracted information and appraised the methodology, reporting accuracy, quality of evidence, and risk of bias using the following critical appraisal tools: (1) A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2); (2) Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS); (3) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Acupuncture (PRISMA-A); and (4) the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). A κ index was used to score the level of agreement between the 2 reviewers.@*RESULTS@#Thirteen SRs that examined the clinical utility of acupuncture for treating FC were identified. Using the AMSTAR 2 tool, we rated 92.3% (12/13) of the SRs as "critically low" confidence and one study as "low" confidence. Using the ROBIS criteria, 38.5% (5/13) of the SRs were considered to have "low risk" of bias. Based on PRISMA-A, 76.9% (10/13) of the SRs had over 70% compliance with reporting standards. The inter-rater agreement was good for AMSTAR 2, ROBIS, and PRISMA-A. Using the GRADE tool, we classified 22.5% (9/40) of the measured outcomes as "moderate" quality, 57.5% (23/40) as "low" quality, and 20.0% (8/40) as "very low" quality. The inter-rater agreement was moderate when using GRADE. Descriptive analyses indicated that acupuncture was more efficacious than sham acupuncture for improving weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) and for raising the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) score. Acupuncture appeared to be superior to anti-constipation drugs for improving weekly spontaneous bowel movements, the total effective rate, and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score. Although ten SRs mentioned the occurrence of adverse events, serious adverse events were not associated with acupuncture treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture may be more efficacious than sham acupuncture for improving CSBMs and BSFS scores and may be superior to anti-constipation drugs for improving bowel movement frequency, as well as quality of life. Limitations to current studies and inconsistent evidence suggest a need for more rigorous and methodologically sound SRs to draw definitive conclusions.@*SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION@#PROSPERO CRD42020189173.

Construction of siNLRP3-loaded ultrasound response nanosystem and its therapeutic effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To evaluate the protective effect of siNLRP3-loaded nanosystem on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) via silencing NLRP3 under ultrasound-targeted microbubble blasting (UTMD). 【Methods】 After synthesis of polyethylene glycol polylysine block copolymer (mPEG-b-PLLys), siNLRP3-loaded hetero-assembled nanosystem system (siNLRP3-NBs) was constructed and characterized. Subsequently, a DCM rat model was established to investigate the protective effect of siNLRP3-NBS on the heart. Cardiac function of the rats was observed by small animal ultrasonography. HE and Masson staining were used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis change; the protein expression of NLRP3 and cell pyroptosis indexes were detected by Western blotting. 【Results】 1H NMR indicated that the structure of mPEG-b-PLLys was correct. The results of agarose electrophoresis showed that NBs could protect naked siNLRP3 from RNAase degradation, and the particle size and zeta potential of siNLRP3-NBs were (379.7±14.8) nm and (8.73±1.93) mV, respectively. The shape of NBs was almost spherical. siNLRP3-NBs combined with UTMD could enhance the protective effect on cardiac function and improve myocardial fibrosis in DCM rats. Protein expression indicated that UTMD could enhance the inhibitory effect of siNLRP3-NBS on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. 【Conclusion】 UTMD-mediated ultrasonic response combined nanosystem can enhance the therapeutic effect of siNLRP3 on DCM, suggesting that ultrasonic response siNLRP3-loaded nanosystem is a potentially effective strategy for the treatment of heart disease.

Study of feasibility of exchanging intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans after beam matching on two Linacs / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of the clinical implementation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans with 6MV photon on two Elekta Linacs (Versa HD and Synergy) after beam matching.Methods:The images of 12 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, central lung cancer and prostate cancer were randomly selected, and the IMRT and VMAT plans were designed. Two different dose tools of ionization chamber and three-dimensional detector ArcCheck were used to verify the individualized radiation treatment of 6MV photon beams on two Linacs and compare the differences.Results:The deviations between the doses of two Linacs (Versa HD and Synergy) measured by the ion chamber and treatment planning system were (0.32±1.32)% and (0.54±1.29)%. The differences of all plans were within the range of ±3%, and the deviations of the point dose between two Linacs were within the range of ±2% with no statistical significance (both P>0.05). The γ analysis of verification using ArcCheck showed that the passing rates of all plans under the 2mm/3% and 3mm/3% with 10% threshold conditions were over 95%, respectively. The average differences between two Linacs were 0.19%(2mm/3%) and 0.09%(3mm/3%). Conclusions:The results of performing IMRT/VMAT plans on two Linacs meet the clinical requirements and the differences between two Linacs are small. Hence, the same plans can be implemented interchangeably on different Linacs.

Analysis of 7 cases of macrophage activation syndrome secondary to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in infants and toddlers / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) complicated with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).Methods:From January 1st, 2018 to January 1st, 2020, 7 cases of SJIA-MAS were diagnosed. Their clinical and laboratory data were collected and summarized.Results:In these 7 cases, 2 were males and 5 were females, the ratio of male to female was 2∶5. The age range was 11 months to 2 years old. The course of disease was 14 to 32 days. The clinical manifestations included fever and rash in 7 without arthritis; hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy in 7; hematological involvement in 7; nervous system involvement in 2; digestive system involvement in 7; respiratory system involvement in 7; cardiovascular involvement in 3. White blood cell was decreased in 1 case, platelet was decreased in 1 case and hemoglobin was decreased in 7 cases. Ferritin, triglyceride, alanine transaminas and aspartate aminotransferase were increased in 7 cases, fibrinogen was significantly decreased in 7 cases, and direct bilirubin was increased in 4 cases. IL-2R was significantly increased. Hemophagocytosis was observed in bone marrow of 4 cases. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was 2 005 mg/L in 1 case. All the 7 cases were tested for exon genes, and no pathogenic mutation was found. All of the 7 cases showed lung lesions in chest CT scan. Multiple demyelinating lesions were found in 1 case by head magnetic resonance imaging. One case was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone combined with IL-6 receptor antagonist(tocilizumab). The other 6 cases were treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone combined with cyclosporine A (CsA). Two cases were treated with Janus kinases inhibitor(tofacitinib). After treatment, 7 cases got relieved, no death, no recurrence oocurred during the follow-up.Conclusion:Acute onset, multiple organ involvement and no joint inflammation are prominent in MAS of infants and toddlers. High fever, proressive reduction of blood cells and increase of SF are significant in SJIA-MAS. High dose glucocorticoid combined with CsA can benefit in most cases, and some severe cases need to be treated with biological agents.

Simple and robust differentiation of Ganoderma species by high performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with single quadrupole mass spectrometry QDa / 中国天然药物

In this study, a high performance thin-layer chromatography/single quadrupole mass spectrometry QDa (HPTLC-QDa) method for robust authentication of Ganoderma lucidum, a popular and valuable herbal medicine, has been developed. This method is simple and practical, which allows direct generation of characteristic mass spectra from the HPTLC plates automatically with the application of in situ solvent desorption interface. The HPTLC silica gel plates were developed with toluene-ethyl formate-formic acid (5 : 5 : 0.2, V/V) and all bands were transferred to QDa system directly in situ using 80% methanol with 0.1% formic acid as desorption solvent. The acquired HPTLC-QDa spectra showed that luminous yellow band b3, containing ganoderic acid B/G/H and ganodeneric acid B, the major active components of Ganoderma, could be found only in G. lucidum and G. lucidum (Antler-shaped), but not in G. sinense and G. applanatum. Moreover, bands b13 and b14 with m/z 475/477 and m/z 475/491/495, respectively, could be detected in G. lucidum (Antler-shaped), but not in G. lucidum, thus allowing simple and robust authentication of G. lucidum with confused species. This method is proved to be simple, practical and reproducible, which can be extended to analyze other herbal medicines.

Prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus with low-dose valganciclovir after renal transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of low-dose valganciclovir for preventing CMV infection after renal transplantation.Methods:Patients undergoing the first renal transplantation from January 2015 to January 2017 were selected. Recipients were divided into two groups according to anti-CMV prophylactic strategy. Recipients in test group (valganciclovir group, n=85) received oral valganciclovir 450 mg once daily and those in control group (ganciclovir group, n=81) had oral ganciclovir 1g thrice daily. Both drugs were prescribed within 10 days after transplantation and maintained for 3 months. Dose adjustments were based upon renal function. All recipients were followed up for 12 months posttransplantation. CMV-DNA, renal function, blood routine and liver function were regularly monitored. The incidence of CMV infection/disease, the median time to CMV infection onset, the incidence of opportunistic infections (OI) and acute rejection, graft or recipient survival and drug safety were evaluated.Results:A total of 166 renal recipients were admitted. Fewer recipients in test group (12, 14.1 %) than in control group (26, 32.1 %) had CMV infection ( P=0.006). The median time to CMV infection onset was longer in test group than in control group: 140.5 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 77.3-198.5 days) versus 47.5 days (IQR: 36.8-67.8 days) respectively ( P=0.014). The CMV disease rate was lower in test group ( P=0.080). The incidence of OI decreased significantly in test group (10.6 % vs 21.0 %, P=0.037). No patients in test group suffered allograft loss while 6 recipients (7.4 %) in control group ( P=0.032). Other adverse and side effects of both regimens were comparable. Conclusions:Low-dose valganciclovir regimen is both safe and efficacious in preventing CMV infection among kidney transplant recipients during the first year posttransplantation.

Analysis of clinical features of 14 infants with Takayasu arteritis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To improve the understanding and diagnosis and treatment level of infant with Takayasu arteritis (TA) by analyzing the clinical features of 14 pediatric patients and reviewing related articles.Methods The clinical and follow-up data of infants with TA who were admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics between July 2016 and May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.By reviewing related articles,the clinical features of this disease were summarized.Results The age of 14 patients (including 6 males and 8 females) were between 1 month and 23 days and 28 months.The most common clinical manifestations were fever in 10 cases (71.4％),hypertension in 9 cases (64.3％),weak or no pulse in 5 cases (35.7％).According to the clinical type of lesion vessels,11 cases (78.5％) were generalized type,3 cases (21.4％) were brachiocephalic artery type,and there was no thoracic abdominal aorta or single pulmonary artery type in this group.Among 14 infants with TA,12 cases had common carotid artery,carotid artery,subclavian artery,coronary artery and its branches (anterior descending branch,circumflex branch) involved (85.7％);11 cases had renal artery involved (78.6％);9 cases had radial artery involved (64.2％);8 cases had abdominal aorta involved (57.1％);6 cases had descending aorta involved (42.9％);6 cases had thoracic aorta involved (42.9％);6 cases had superior mesenteric artery involved (42.9％);5 cases had femoral artery involved (35.7％);5 cases had pulmonary artery involved (35.7％);and 4 cases had brachial artery involved (28.6％).In those 14 patients,11 cases were misdiagnosed,and 3 cases had unclear diagnosis,with misdiagnosis duration of 18 days to 2 months.In misdiagnosed cases,8 cases were misdiagnosed as atypical Kawasaki disease.Among those 14 cases,the ranges of most lesions were gradually decreased,and the slightly involved vessels even completely returned to normal state after treatment in 7 cases.The vascular imaging showed no significant exacerbation or imnprovement in 4 cases.Nine cases developed hypertension,the blood pressure of whom could be controlled within normal range with hypotensive drugs which could not be interrupted.Physical examination found weak or no pulse in 5 cases who were not improved.Among 14 patients,7 cases showed normal development,while the height and body mass of another 7 cases were the 25th percentile below those of normal children of the same age.All 14 patients were followed up for 2-22 months and received regular treatment without recurrence.Conclusions TA patients aged less than 3 years tend to have more blood vessels involved,be in serious condition and have higher rate of misdiagnosis.The disease can be controlled quickly after treatment,but vascular diseases may be developed easily.Some patients have a poor prognosis.