Effectiveness of the use of a high-flow nasal cannula to treat COVID-19 patients and risk factors for failure: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally, and many patients with severe cases have received oxygen therapy through a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). OBJECTIVES: We assessed the efficacy of HFNC for treating patients with COVID-19 and risk factors for HFNC failure. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of HFNC in patients with COVID-19 published in English from January 1st, 2020 to August 15th, 2021. The primary aim was to assess intubation, mortality, and failure rates in COVID-19 patients supported by HFNC. Secondary aims were to compare HFNC success and failure groups and to describe the risk factors for HFNC failure. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies fulfilled selection criteria and included 2851 patients. The intubation, mortality, and failure rates were 0.44 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38-0.51, I2 = 84%), 0.23 (95% CI: 0.19-0.29, I2 = 88%), and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.42-0.51, I2 = 56%), respectively. Compared to the success group, age, body mass index (BMI), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, D-dimer, lactate, heart rate, and respiratory rate were higher and PaO2, PaO2/FiO2, ROX index (the ratio of SpO2/FiO2 to respiratory rate), ROX index after the initiation of HFNC, and duration of HFNC were lower in the failure group (all Ps < 0.05). There were also more smokers and more comorbidities in the failure group (all Ps < 0.05). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) revealed that older age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, P = 0.02, I2 = 88%), a higher white blood cell (WBC) count (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%), a higher heart rate (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.15-1.76, P < 0.01, I2 = 0%), and a lower ROX index(OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.95, P = 0.03, I2 = 93%) after the initiation of HFNC were all significant risk factors for HFNC failure. CONCLUSIONS: HFNC is an effective way of providing respiratory support in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Older age, a higher WBC count, a higher heart rate, and a lower ROX index after the initiation of HFNC are associated with an increased risk of HFNC failure.

In-Vitro Comparison of Single Limb and Dual Limb Circuit for Aerosol Delivery via Noninvasive Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of single- and dual-limb circuits on aerosol delivery during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in adult models is unclear. METHODS: A noninvasive ventilator equipped with a single-limb circuit or an ICU ventilator equipped with a dual-limb circuit was connected to a simulated lung. Ventilator parameters were adjusted to maintain a tidal volume at ∼500 mL. Aerosol deposition with different placements of a vibrating mesh nebulizer and humidification conditions were compared. Additional experiments by using a non-vented mask or a vented mask were compared in the single-limb circuit only. Aerosol was collected by a disposable filter placed between the simulated lung and the head model (n = 3), and measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry (276 nm). RESULTS: The aerosol deposition varied between 4.12 ± 0.22% and 20.75 ± 0.95%. The greatest aerosol delivery during NIV when using a non-vented mask was found when a vibrating mesh nebulizer was placed between the mask and 15 cm from the exhalation port in the humidified single-limb circuit, and 15 cm from the Y-piece in the inspiratory limb of the humidified dual-limb circuit, and no significant difference of aerosol deposition was found between the two optimal positions (20.03 ± 1.48% vs 18.04 ± 0.93%, respectively; P =.042). There was no difference of aerosol delivery in dry versus humidified circuits, except when a vibrating mesh nebulizer was placed at the humidifier inlet in a dual-limb circuit. When using a vented mask, the aerosol deposition was poor (6.56 ± 0.41 ∼ 8.02 ± 0.39%), regardless of vibrating mesh nebulizer positions and humidification types. CONCLUSIONS: During NIV, the aerosol delivery was optimal when a vibrating mesh nebulizer was placed between the non-vented mask and 15 cm from the exhalation port in the single-limb circuit or 15 cm from the Y-piece in the inspiratory limb of the dual-limb circuit; no significant difference was found between the two optimal placements. Humidification had little effect on aerosol delivery. Aerosol delivery was poor in the single-limb circuit with a vented mask.

The efficacy and tolerance of prone positioning in non-intubation patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and ARDS: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The application of prone positioning with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in non-intubation patients is increasing gradually, applying prone positioning for more high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) patients. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of prone positioning combined with non-invasive respiratory support in patients with AHRF or ARDS. METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (prospective or retrospective cohort studies, RCTs and case series) published in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1 January 2000 to 1 July 2020. We included studies that compared prone and supine positioning with non-invasive respiratory support in awake patients with AHRF or ARDS. The meta-analyses used random effects models. The methodological quality of the RCTs was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies fulfilled selection criteria and included 243 patients. The aggregated intubation rate and mortality rate were 33% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.42, I2 = 25%], 4% (95% CI: 0.01-0.07, I2 = 0%), respectively, and the intolerance rate was 7% (95% CI: 0.01-0.12, I2 = 5%). Prone positioning increased PaO2/FiO2 [mean difference (MD) = 47.89, 95% CI: 28.12-67.66; p < 0.00001, I2 = 67%] and SpO2 (MD = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.35-7.80, p = 0.005, I2 = 97%), whereas it reduced respiratory rate (MD = -5.01, 95% CI: -8.49 to -1.52, p = 0.005, I2 = 85%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the intubation rate of shorter duration prone (⩽5 h/day) and longer duration prone (>5 h/day) were 34% and 21%, respectively; and the mortality rate of shorter duration prone (⩽5 h/day) and longer duration prone (>5 h/day) were 6% and 0%, respectively. PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2 were significantly improved in COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: Prone positioning could improve the oxygenation and reduce respiratory rate in both COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients with non-intubated AHRF or ARDS.The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Bioinformatics analysis of aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To discover methylated-differentially expressed genes (MDEGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore relevant hub genes and potential pathways. METHODS: The data of expression profiling GSE25097 and methylation profiling GSE57956 were gained from GEO Datasets. We analyzed the differentially methylated genes and differentially expressed genes online using GEO2R. Functional and enrichment analyses of MDEGs were conducted using the DAVID database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was performed by STRING and then visualized in Cytoscape. Hub genes were ranked by cytoHubba, and a module analysis of the PPI network was conducted by MCODE in Cytoscape software. RESULTS: In total, we categorized 266 genes as hypermethylated, lowly expressed genes (Hyper-LGs) referring to endogenous and hormone stimulus, cell surface receptor linked signal transduction and behavior. In addition, 161 genes were labelled as hypomethylated, highly expressed genes (Hypo-HGs) referring to DNA replication and metabolic process, cell cycle and division. Pathway analysis illustrated that Hyper-LGs were enriched in cancer, Wnt, and chemokine signalling pathways, while Hypo-HGs were related to cell cycle and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Based on PPI networks, PTGS2, PIK3CD, CXCL1, ESR1, and MMP2 were identified as hub genes for Hyper-LGs, and CDC45, DTL, AURKB, CDKN3, MCM2, and MCM10 were hub genes for Hypo-HGs by combining six ranked methods of cytoHubba. CONCLUSION: In the study, we disclose numerous novel genetic and epigenetic regulations and offer a vital molecular groundwork to understand the pathogenesis of HCC. Hub genes, including PTGS2, PIK3CD, CXCL1, ESR1, MMP2, CDC45, DTL, AURKB, CDKN3, MCM2, and MCM10, can be used as biomarkers based on aberrant methylation for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine for children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the preoperative sedation, the status of separation from parents, compliance with the mask, hemodynamic parameters and postoperative agitation of intranasal dexmedetomidine (DEX) premedication on children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.@*METHODS@#In the study, 60 children of American Society of Anesthesiology classification (ASA I-II), aged 2-9 years, were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups. Thirty minutes before operation, control group received intranasal placebo (0.9% saline) 0.02 mL/kg, and DEX group received intranasal DEX 2 μg/kg. The preoperative sedation score, the status of separation from parents, compliance with the mask and hemodynamic parameters were recorded by an anesthesiologists until anesthesia induction. Recovery conditions, postoperative agitation were also recorded.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference between the two groups in patient characteristics, operation time, extubation time and recovery time. Compared with the children in control group, those in DEX group were significantly more sedated when they were separated from their parents (56.7% vs. 26.7%, P<0.05). Satisfactory compliance with mask application was 40% in control group vs. 73.3% in DEX group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidences of postoperative agitation and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Compared with control group, the heart rate (HR) of DEX group was decreased after 20 minutes of drug administration [(97.13±12.93) beats/min vs.(104.53±11.97) beats/min, P<0.05]. The changes of the HR and SpO2 in the two groups were within the normal range. There were no incidences of bradycardia and hypoxemia in either of the groups during study observation.@*CONCLUSION@#Premedication with intranasal DEX 2 μg/kg for children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia produces good preoperative sedation. The levels of sedation, scores of parental separation and compliance with the mask were satisfied. The children have good recovery conditions, and no obvious postoperative agitation and respiratory depression after DEX administration. Intranasal DEX 2 μg/kg is an effective and safe alternative for premedication in children.

Accuracy of shear wave elastography for the diagnosis of prostate cancer: A meta-analysis.

Many studies have established the high diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa); however, its utility remains a subject of debate. This meta-analysis sought to appraise the overall accuracy of SWE for the detection of PCa. A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases was conducted. In all of the included studies, the diagnostic accuracy of SWE was compared with that of histopathology, which was used as a standard. Data were pooled, and the sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated to estimate the accuracy of SWE. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PCa by SWE were 0.844 (95% confidence interval: 0.696-0.927) and 0.860 (0.792-0.908), respectively. The AUC was 0.91 (0.89-0.94), the PLR was 6.017 (3.674-9.853), and the NLR was 0.182 (0.085-0.389). The DOR was 33.069 (10.222-106.982). Thus, SWE exhibited high accuracy for the detection of PCa using histopathology as a diagnostic standard. Moreover, SWE may reduce the number of core biopsies needed.

Morin enhances hepatic Nrf2 expression in a liver fibrosis rat model.

AIM: To investigate whether morin can reduce hepatic fibrosis by activating the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, morin group, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) group, and morin + CCl4 group. Rats in both the CCl4 and morin + CCl4 groups were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 at a dose of 2 mL/kg twice a week. Rats in both the morin and morin + CCl4 groups were treated orally with morin at a dose of 50 mg/kg twice a week. Control rats were treated with vehicle only twice a week. At the end-point of the 8 wk of the experimental period, serum AST, ALT, and ALP were measured, and the liver specimens were obtained for pathological assessment. Real-time PCR and Western blot methods were used to analyze the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen III, Nrf2, heme oxygenase (HO-1), and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) using frozen liver specimens. RESULTS: Morin-treated rats in the morin + CCl4 group had less hyperplasia of fiber tissue, minimal inflammatory cells, and less body weight loss with favorable liver enzyme measurements compared to rats treated with CCl4 only. Additionally, morin-treated rats had significantly lower mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III, but significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 compared to rats treated with CCl4 only (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Morin could play a protective role by inducing the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant factors (HO-1 and NQO1) and reducing the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats.

The extended free lateral arm flap for buccal soft tissue reconstruction after buccal cancer / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summary the application of the extended free lateral arm flaps for buccal soft tissue reconstruction after buccal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January to August 2011, three patients underwent the operation of buccal defect reconstruction using the extended free lateral arm flap in one-stage. PRCA was identification with the Doppler probe. According to the mark of PRCA, size and shape of defects, the flaps were designed and extended to the lateral epicondyle of humerus. The flap size ranged from 9 cm x 5 cm to 10 cm x 6 cm with a pedicle of 10 cm in length. The wounds at donor sites were closed directly.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Vascular crisis happened in one case due to local negative pressure, which resolved after emergency management. All the flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 6 to 10 months with no recurrence. Both the esthetic and functional results were satisfactory. Two cases suffered from numb feeling in donor sites which alleviated six months later.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The extended free lateral arm flap has reliable blood supply with appropriate thickness. It is an optional method for reconstruction of buccal defects after ablation of buccal cancer.</p>

Clinical application of free thin anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of intraoral defects / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinical features and therapeutic effect of free thin anterolateral thigh flap for the reconstruction of intraoral defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathologic data of 34 cases with oral carcinoma were obtained from Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, from December 2008 to December 2011. These 34 patients underwent the simultaneous tumor resection and intraoral defects reconstruction with free thin anterolateral thigh flaps. The defects were located at tongue, buccal, mouth floor, and so on. The subcutaneous fat thickness of the flap at the site of the perforator is usually measured by ultrasound before the operation. If the thickness of the subcutaneous fat at the site of the perforator exceeded 1.5 cm, the patient was excluded from the study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 16 male and 18 female patients. The mean age was 55.4 years. Among the 34 patients, 26 flaps with musculocutaneous perforators and 8 flaps with septo-cutaneous perforators were used. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 2 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The free thin anterolateral thigh flap is the ideal soft tissue flap for the intraoral defects reconstruction. Satisfactory functional results can he achieved at recipient area with minimal morbidity at the donor site area.</p>

Maslinic acid induces apoptosis in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma cells by Ca2+-evoked p38 signaling pathway.

Maslinic acid (MA) is a triterpenoid with a high concentration that exists in olives. This natural compound, which has shown multiple biological activities, was proved to be an anti-tumoral agent more recently. We have investigated the mechanisms of MA with regard to its inhibitory effects on the growth of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). We demonstrated that MA at 10-100 µM reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, IC(50) of 43.68 µM, and 45.76 µM, respectively in cultured ACC-2 and ACC-M cells. Fifty micromolars of MA efficiently induced apoptosis as indicated by AO/EB staining, electronic microscopy, flow cytometry, and activation of caspase-3 activity. MA induced an elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in a dose-dependent manner, and cell viability inhibition and cell apoptosis induced by MA were blocked by an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator, BAPTA-AM. The elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by MA was blocked by EGTA or TRPV channel inhibitor suggesting TRPV channel involved in calcium influx induced by MA. MA also activated ERK and p38 MAPK in a time-dependent manner. MA induced cell apoptosis and activation of caspase-3 activity were reversed by SB203580, but not by PD98059, suggesting that the apoptosis induction of MA was via p38 MAPK, but not via ERK. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) with BAPTA reversed MA induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but SB203580 did not block MA-evoked elevation of [Ca(2+)](i), suggesting a Ca(2+)-evoked p38 MAPK signaling involved in MA-induced apoptosis in ACC cells. Taken together, in ACC cells, maslinic acid induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i), which evoked p38 MAPK phosphorylation, subsequently activated caspase-3 leading to apoptosis.

Construction and expression of recombinant adenovirus containing human catalase gene in vitro / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct the adenovirus vector containing recombinant human catalase (CAT) and to express the recombinant gene in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total RNA was extracted from human leukocytes and full-length human CAT cDNA was obtained with RT-PCR method. The CAT gene was cloned into pcDNA3.1(+) vector and pcDNA3.1(+)CAT was constructed. The positive clones were confirmed by the restriction enzyme digestion and gene sequencing. The CAT gene was cloned into the entry vector pENTR1A, and pENTR1A-CAT vector was constructed. By LR reaction pENTR1A-CAT and pAd/CMV/V5-DEST was recombined in vitro, and the recombinant adenovirus pAd/CMV/V5-DEST-CAT was obtained. The positive pAd/CMV/V5-DEST-CAT was confirmed by sequencing and transfected into 293A cells with Pac I linearization and Lipofectamine 2 000, and the recombinant virus particles were packaged and amplified in the cells. The expression of CAT protein and CAT enzyme activities of the recombinant virus were determined by Western blot and 240 nm UV absorption methods.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>High expression of recombinant adenovirus was obtained and the expressed human catalase had high enzyme activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ad/CMV/V5-DEST-CAT vector containing human catalase gene has been constructed successfully; and the expressed enzyme in 293A cells has high activity.</p>

Reconstruction of oral soft tissue defects with free anterolateral thigh flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinical features and therapeutic efficacy of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps for the intraoral defects reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathologic data of 67 cases with oral tumors were obtained from School of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical Center from Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2010. All the patients underwent the simultaneous tumor resection and intraoral defects reconstruction with free anterolateral thigh flaps. The defects included the tongue, buccal, gingival, mouth floor, and so on. The descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery was anastomosed to the external maxillary artery or superior thyroid artery; the vein was anastomosed to the common facial vein or external jugular vein. The flaps were divided into three types: musculocutaneous ALT flap, fasciocutaneous ALT flap and thinned ALT flap.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 38 male patients and 29 female. The anterolateral thigh flaps included 35 musculocutaneous flaps, 17 fasciocutaneous flaps and 15 thinned flaps. The success rate was 98.5% (66/67). Partial necrosis happened in one case with diabetes, which healed after debridement and dressing. 1 flap was totally necrosis. Double venous anastomosis was performed in 41 flaps, and one venous anastomosis was performed in 26 flaps. 8 patients required operative exploration in the perioperative period including 6 flaps with thrombotic events (5 flaps were complete survival after the salvages, and 1 flap was failure) , 1 flap with hematoma, and 1 flap with twisting of perforator. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 24 months( mean, 8.7 months). The result was satisfied. The donor sites were closed directly in all patients, and the wounds healed uneventfully.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The free anterolateral thigh flap is an ideal soft tissue flap for the intraoral defects reconstruction with good functional result at recipient area and less morbidity at the donor site.</p>

Effect of oxymatrine on the distribution of dendritic cells in lung and spleen tissues of asthmatic mice / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of oxymatrine (Oxy) on airway inflammation and the distribution of dendritic cells (DC) in lung and spleen tissues of asthmatic mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty BALB/c mice were assigned into five groups (n=10): an asthma model group, a dexamethasone (Dex) treatment group and three Oxy treatment groups (Oxy dose: 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg respectively). The histological changes of lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of 33D1 antigen (a marker of DC) in lung and spleen tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inflammatory reactions of the lung tissues in the Dex or Oxy treatment groups were less severe than those in the asthma model group. 33D1 antigen was remarkably expressed in the lung and spleen tissues of the asthma model group. After Dex treatment, the expression of 33D1 antigen in the lung and spleen tissues decreased significantly (P<0.01). 33D1 antigen expression in the lung tissues was significantly reduced in all of the three Oxy treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner compared with that in the asthma model group (P<0.01). The treatment with Oxy of 40 and 80 mg/kg decreased significantly the 33D1 antigen expression in the spleen tissues (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Oxy can alleviate airway inflammation and reduce the number of DC in lung and spleen tissues of asthma mice, which may be contributed to the mechanism of Oxy for treatment of asthma.</p>

Substance P and its receptors are involved in the effect of histamine H3 receptor agonist, IMETIT on nasal allergic symptoms in guinea pigs / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the influence of histamine H3 receptor agonist, IMETIT and simultaneous use of IMETIT and H1-receptor antagonist, Loratadine, on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and substance P(SP) secretion and expression of SP receptor (SP-R) mRNA in AR model in guinea pigs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Guinea pigs were divided randomly into 4 groups: AR group (group A), IMETIT group (group B), Loratadine group (group C) and IMETIT+Loratadine group (group D). The severity of AR was assessed by determining the extent of three markers of allergic symptoms (sneezing, nasal rubbing and nose blocking). The changes in the nasal mucosa were studied by pathological methods. The expression of positive cell of SP was detected by immunohistochemistry. SP-R mRNA expression in nasal mucosa was used to do reverse transcriptive-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using a SPSS 13.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In Group B, the mean (x ± s) number of sneeze [(15.0 ± 1.3) times], scratching nose [(16.5 ± 2.3) times] and respiratory frequency [(76.3 ± 4.1) times/min] were significantly improved than those in group A [(23.5 ± 2.6) times, (26.1 ± 4.1) times and (66.5 ± 5.8) times/min, respectively), P value were 0.000, 0.000 and 0.001, respectively]. The numbers of SP-positive cells [(11.6 ± 3.6)/HP] and SP-R mRNA expression (0.64 ± 0.04) in group B were reduced significantly compared to group A [(27.1 ± 9.7)/HP, (0.83 ± 0.03), P value were 0.000, 0.000, respectively]. Sneeze [(10.0 ± 2.3) times], scratching nose [(11.8 ± 1.7) times] and respiration [(90.0 ± 5.0) times/min] in Group D were improved significantly than those in group B (P value were 0.000, 0.002 and 0.000, respectively). SP-positive cells [(2.0 ± 1.7)/HP] and SP-R mRNA expression (0.52 ± 0.06) in Group D compared with group B were also significantly reduced (P value were 0.012 and 0.000, respectively). Pathological changes in guinea pig nasal mucosa in group B, group D were alleviated than those in group A. The combination of IMETIT and Loratadine had a synergistic effect on these effects (F value were 11.59, 8.28, 5.61, 5.48, 6.50, respectively, P value were 0.002, 0.008, 0.025, 0.027, 0.017).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IMETIT and the combination of IMETIT with Loratadine can effectively relieve the symptoms of AR in guinea pigs, its mechanism may be relevant to reduce SP secretion and the expression of SP-R mRNA, and the two has a synergistic effect. It may be useful as a novel therapeutic approach in nasal allergy.</p>

Expression of protein arginine N-methyltransferases in E3 rat models of acute asthma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of protein arginine N-methyltransferase (PRMT) genes in the lung and spleen of E3 rats with acute asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>E3 rats with ovalbumin-induced pulmonary inflammation were divided into two groups (n=10), and the validity of the acute asthma model was evaluated by histological observation with HE and PAS staining and by measurement of NO production. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was employed to detect the expressions of PRMT1-PRMT6 genes in the lung and spleen tissues of the rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the lung tissue of the asthmatic rats, the gene expressions of PRMT1 (P<0.01), PRMT2 (P<0.01), PRMT3 (P<0.05) and PRMT5 (P<0.05) were significantly increased, but the expression of PRMT4 gene (P<0.05) was significantly decreased as compared with those in the control tissue. In the spleen tissue of the asthmatic rats, the expressions of PRMT2 (P<0.05) and PRMT5 genes (P<0.05) showed a significant increase as compared with those in the control rat tissue.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The gene expressions of PRMTs vary significantly between asthmatic rats and control rats, suggesting that PRMTs play an important role in the post-translational modification process of asthma-related genes.</p>

Sulforaphane induces G2-M arrest and apoptosis in high metastasis cell line of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma.

New chemotherapeutic strategy should be investigated to enhance clinical management in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Recently, sulforaphane (SFN), as a natural compound from cruciferous vegetables exhibits a potent anti-cancer activity in various tumor cells, but remains uncertain in ACC cells. The present study examined whether SFN suppresses proliferation and in ACC cells, if so, the possible molecular targets would be further investigated. Cell survives, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and molecular targets were identified by multiple detecting techniques, including trypan blue dye exclusion assay, electron microscopy, AO/EB staining, flow cytometry and immunoblotting in human lung high metastasis cell line of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC-M). The results showed that 5-20 microM SFN suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of ACC-M cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated treatment of ACC-M cells with 20 microM SFN resulted in G(2)/M cell cycle arrest, which was associated with a marked decline in protein levels of G(2)/M regulatory proteins including cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1). In terms of apoptosis, SFN increased the expression of Bax and decreased the level of Bcl-2 and subsequently triggered release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activation of caspase-3, but Fas level and caspase-8 activity remained unchanged at all time points. Furthermore, levels of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 in both of the cytoplasm and the nucleus have also been markedly suppressed by SFN in a time-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest SFN inhibits cell growth via inducing G(2)/M cell arrest and apoptosis in ACC-M cells. These events have been associated with SFN-regulated multiple targets involved in ACC-M cell proliferation. The present study provides an evidence for testing SFN efficacy in vivo and warranting future investigations to exam the clinical potential of SFN in ACC chemotherapy.

Application of titanium mesh and free forearm flap for reconstruction of maxillary defect resulted from tumor resection / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the application of titanium mesh and free forearm flap for reconstruction of maxillary defect resulted from tumor resection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2004 to 2008, 19 cases with maxillary tumor underwent tumor resection. The defects were reconstructed immediately with titanium mesh for bony defects and free forearm flap for oral mucosa defects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>16 cases achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. The speech assessment was good without oronasal reflux. The titanium mesh was exposed and infected in 3 cases. Then the meshes were taken out and the defects were covered with the forearm flap to close the oronasal fistula. The midface was slightly depressed with no functional morbidity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is simple and practical to reconstruct maxillary defect with titanium mesh and free forearm flap. Both the functional and cosmetic results are satisfactory.</p>

Identification of differentially expressed genes in rat asthma model by suppression subtractive hybridization technology / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify differentially expressed genes related to asthma by using a rat model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total RNA extracted from the asthmatic rats was taken as the tester and the total RNA from the control rats as the driver. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to isolate the cDNA fragments of differentially expressed genes. The products of SSH were inserted into pGEM-T Easy vector to establish the subtractive library. The library was amplified through E.coli transformation and positive clones of the transformants were screened. The white clones in selective medium from cDNA library were isolated and digested by EcoR I restriction endonuclease. Thirty-six positive clones were chosen randomly and sequenced. Nucleic acid similarity was subsequently analyzed by comparing with the data from GenBank (NCBI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were more than 300 white clones in the cDNA library. The clones were sequenced and similarity search (http://www.ncbi.hlm.nih.gov/BLAST) revealed 4 known genes, 2 ESTs without homologous genes and 3 potential new gene fragments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The forward-subtracted cDNA library for differentially expressed in the lung of asthmatic rats has been successfully constructed and the interesting candidate genes related to asthma have been identified.</p>

Studies on HPLC fingerprint of co-hirudo injection / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Using HPLC To determine hypoxanthine in co-hirudo injection for establishing its HPLC fingerprint, and evaluating its internal quality.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm,5 microm). A linear gradient elution with A (0.01 mol x L(-1) x KH2PO4) and B (50% methanol) was used, the flow rate was 0.8 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm, and the column temperature was at normal.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Hypoxanthine was used as the reference substance in the fingerprint of co-hirudo injection, it showed 15 common peaks and theirs similarity threshod was 0.97.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method was accurate, repeatable and useful for the quality control of co-hirudo injection.</p>