Wnt5a-Flt1 activation contributes to preterm altered cerebral angiogenesis after prenatal inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) causes morbidity and mortality in preterm infants and prenatal exposure to inflammation contributes to brain injury. Moreover, prenatal exposure to severe inflammation increases the risk of IVH in preterm neonates. The current study investigated whether intrauterine exposure to inflammation affects cerebral angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Wnt5a, flt1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A levels in cord blood serum (stored in a bio-bank) of the enrolled patients were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A preterm prenatal inflammation exposure model was established in rats by intraperitoneal injection intraperitoneally during pregnancy. Angiogenesis of cerebral tissue was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Wnt5a, flt1, and VEGF-A expression levels were measured via immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or western blotting. The correlation between Wnt5a and flt1 expression and the cerebral vessel area was also analyzed. RESULTS: The Wnt5a and flt1 levels in the cord blood serum were significantly higher in the amnionitis group than in the non-amnionitis group. The VEGF-A level in the cord blood serum was significantly lower in the amnionitis group. In the rat model, preterm rats in the prenatal inflammation group exhibited increased microglial cell infiltration and decreased vessel area and diameter in the cerebral tissue compared to the control group. Wnt5a was located in microglial cells, and Wnt5a and flt1 expression in brain tissue significantly increased after prenatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. VEGF-A expression declined after prenatal LPS exposure. The cerebral vessel area was negatively correlated with Wnt5a and flt1 expression. CONCLUSION: Disordered cerebral angiogenesis is associated with increased Wnt5a-Flt1 activation in microglial cells after exposure to intrauterine inflammation.

Aspiration risk of preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and the influencing factors / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the aspiration risk of preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and the influencing factors.Methods:The clinical data of 220 patients with advanced esophageal cancer who received radiotherapy and preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube feeding from November 2020 to November 2021 in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. The level of aspiration risk was measured according to the standard swallowing function assessment scale (SSA). The questionnaire collected the following data: (1) the general data including gender, age, educational level, history of smoking, history of alcoholism, knowledge of aspiration; (2) the disease factors including tumor staging, tumor site, swallowing function, abdominal distention; (3) the nosocomial factors including history of esophageal cancer surgery, sedation and analgesia treatment, combination of chemotherapy or not, cumulative radiotherapy dose, grade of radiation esophagitis, the position, time and tube feeding method of enteral nutrition. The standard swallowing function of patients was measured and repeated saliva swallowing test (RSST) was used to screen the patients with the difficulty in the esophageal function swallowing. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors affecting aspiration risk.Results:A total of 220 patients with advanced esophageal cancer were enrolled in the investigation. Finally, 70 patients (31.8%) had grade 0 aspiration risk, and SSA score was 19; 23 patients (10.5%) had grade I aspiration risk, and SSA score was (23.4±1.3); 103 patients (46.8%) had grade Ⅱ aspiration risk, and SSA score was (27.5±1.1); 24 patients (10.9%) had grade Ⅲ aspiration risk, and SSA score was (33.2±1.5); 136 patients (61.8%) in total had aspiration risk. There were 32.7% (72/220) patients knowing the knowledge of aspiration. Multifactor analysis showed that esophageal tumor site ( t = -2.869, P = 0.005), cumulative radiotherapy dose ( t = 5.558, P < 0.001), grade of radiation esophagitis ( t = 11.405, P < 0.001), the duration time of enteral nutrition ( t = 4.050, P < 0.001) were independent factors affecting the aspiration risk. Conclusions:The aspiration risk of preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy is high, which is related to esophageal tumor site, grade of radiation esophagitis, cumulative radiotherapy dose and the duration time of enteral nutrition.

Autologous cord blood mononuclear cell infusion for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm monozygotic twins: A study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded multicenter trial.

Background: Preterm-associated complications remain the main cause of neonatal death. Survivors face the challenges of short- and long-term complications. Among all complications, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the first important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Current treatment does not address this main preterm complication. Cord blood is regarded as a convenient source of stem cells. The paracrine bioactive factors of stem cells contribute to tissue repair and immune modulation. Our clinical studies and those of others have shown that cord blood cell infusion is both safe and possibly effective in the prevention and treatment of BPD. The therapeutic use of cord blood has emerged as a promising therapy. However, the genetic heterogeneity between control and intervention groups may reduce the comparability especially among small sample trials. The purpose of this study protocol is to investigate the effects of autologous cord blood mononuclear cell (ACBMNC) infusion on the prevention of BPD in very preterm monozygotic twins of less than 32 gestation weeks. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded multicenter clinical trial, 60 pairs of monozygotic twin preterm neonates of less than 32 weeks admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are randomly assigned to receive intravenous ACBMNC infusion (targeted at 5 × 107 cells/kg) or placebo (normal saline) within 24 h after birth in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will be survival without BPD at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. The secondary outcomes will include the mortality rate, BPD severity, other common preterm complication rates, respiratory support duration, length and cost of hospitalization, and long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes during a 2-year follow-up. Furthermore, we will perform single-cell RNA sequencing for cord blood cells and blood cells 3-10 days after intervention and detect whether reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines are present. Conclusion: This will be the first randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial to evaluate the efficacy of ACBMNC infusion to prevent BPD in monozygotic twin premature infants and investigate the underlying protective mechanisms. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for translational application of cord blood cell therapy in very preterm infants.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05087498, registered 10/09/2021, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000BAD7&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0002PLA&ts=2&cx=qvyylv.

Predictive value of serial platelet function testing on outcome in patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective@#To observe the predictive value of serial platelet function testing (PFT) on outcome in patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).@*Methods@#Six hundred and two consecutive patients undergoing complex PCI in Anzhen hospital were enrolled during October 2011 to June 2012.Adenosine diphosphate(ADP)-induced platelet aggregation was measured by light transmission aggregometry on the first, sixth and twelfth month after PCI and the mean value was calculated.The cut-off value of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) was defined as 40%.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event (MACCE). Clinical outcomes were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were compared using the log-rank test.Multivariate analyses by Cox proportion hazards regression were applied to identify variables independently associated with the adverse outcomes.@*Results@#Five hundred and eighty-five patients (HTPR, n=285; non-HTPR, n=280) finished the follow-up ((28.47±7.45) months). A total of 33 cases of MACCE were observed during the follow-up, among which 29 cases(8.42%) were in HTPR group and 9 cases (3.21%) in the non-HTPR group.Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that HTPR was associated with an increased incidence of MACCE (log-rank test, P=0.01). The Cox multivariate analysis indicated that HTPR was an independent risk factor of MACCE (HR=2.69, 95%CI 1.23-5.85, P=0.01) in patients undergoing complex PCI.Incidence of MACCE was similar between HTRP patients receiving standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or prolonged DAPT (>12 months).@*Conclusion@#Serial PFT could predict the long-term prognosis of patients underwent complex PCI.

Effect of dezocine on c-fos expression in neurons in midbrain periaqueductal gray in a rat model of incisional pain / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of dezocine on the c-fos expression in neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray in a rat model of incisional pain.Methods Thirty-six pathogen-free healthy adult male Wistar rats,weighing 250-300 g,were divided into 3 groups (n =12 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),incisional pain group (group I) and dezocine group (group D).A 1 cm longitudinal incision was made through skin,fascia and muscle of the plantar aspect of the right hind paw in sevoflurane-anesthetized rats.In group C,the rats were only anesthetized and underwent no operation.In group I,0.9％ sodium chloride solution 2 ml was injected via the caudal vein at 15 min before the model was established.In group D,dezocine 1 mg/kg (diluted to 2 ml in 0.9％ sodium chloride solution) was injected via the caudal vein at 15 min before the model was established.At 24 h before operation (T0) and 2,6 and 24 h after operation (T1-3),the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and cumulative pain score were measured.After measurement of the pain threshold at T3,the whole brain was removed for determination of the c-fos expression in neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with group C,the MWT was significantly decreased,cumulative pain scores were increased,and the expression of c-fos in neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray was upregulated at T1-3 in I and D groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group I,the MWT was significantly increased,the cumulative pain score was decreased,and the expression of c-fos protein in neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray was down-regulated at T1.3 in group D (P＜0.05).Conclusion Dezocine mitigates incisional pain through inhibiting the expression of c-fos in neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray of rats.

The distribution of frequent premature ventricular contractions originated from left/right ventricular and characteristics of radiofrequency ablation / 中华内科杂志

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the differences on origin distribution and radiofrequency ablation characteristics between premature ventricular contractions (PVC) from left and right ventricular.Methods A total of 354 frequent PVC patients were enrolled.Two hundred and eighty patients were PVCs with right ventricular origin (group RV) and 74 patients with left ventricular origin (group LV).The age,gender,ablation power,temperature and duration,time of target potential before QRS onset,fluoroscopic time,procedure time and success rate were compared between the two groups.Results Majority PVCs (79.10％) were of right ventricular origin,in which the most common site was at right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (55.93％);whereas,only 20.90％ were of left ventricular.There were significantly differences between group RV and group LV in age [(44.7 ± 13.6) yrs vs (49.6 ±15.9) yrs,P =0.017],gender [male:35.4％ (99) vs 55.4％ (41),P =0.002],time of target potential before QRS onset [(37.9 ± 16.2) msvs (31.3 ± 11.7) ms,P=0.008],procedure time [(85.1 ± 36.9) minvs (100.8 ± 45.5) min,P=0.017],fluoroscopic time [(12.3 ± 9.2) min vs (15.9± 10.8) min,P =0.028] and success rate (96.4％ vs 89.2％,P =0.012).Conclusions Radiofrequency ablation of PVCs was a safe and effective method.Subjects with RV PVCs are younger and more females than subjects with LV PVCs.The radiofrequency ablation for RV PVCs was easier,and the success rate was higher than that for LV PVCs.

Effects of simvastatin on heme oxygenase-1 expression and ventricular remodeling in rats with non -ischemic heart failure / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of simvastatin on heme oxygenase (HO) -1expression and ventricular remodeling in rats with non-ischemic heart failure. Methods Seventy eight male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: normal control group (n = 18), model group and simvastatin group (n= 60). Male Wistar rats in model and simvastatin group were given adrimycin(ADR) in an accumulated dose of 15 mg/kg for two weeks (2.5 mg /kg, peritoneal injection, three times per week), and 8 rats were dead. The survival rats (n= 52) were then randomly divided into two groups: model group (n=26) and simvastatin group (n=26), and 6 rats were dead in model group, while 7 dead in simvastatin group at the end of the study. Then rats in simvastatin treatment group(n=19)were given simvastatin 20 mg·kg-1·d-1 by gavage for four weeks,and rats in model group (n=20) and in control group (n=18) were treated with 5% glucose by gavage.At the forth week, another 9 rats were selected into the study and given ADR with an accumulated dose of 15 mg/kg for two weeks. The hemodynamics, mRNA expression of HO-1 in myocardium, left ventricular function as well as hydroxyproline were measured at the end of the sixth week. Results At the sixth week, compared with control group, systolic (+) and diastolic (-) function of the left ventricule (±LVdp/dtmax) of rats in model group and simvastatin group were reduced significantly, and the reduction amplitudes of + LVdp/dtmax and -LVdp/dtmax were 28.2%, 11.9% and 33.0%,27.9%,4, respectively (F = 4.899,3. 890, all P<0.01). The + LVdp/dtmax of rats in simvastatin group was higher than that in model group (F= 2.461, P<0.05). The content of myocardium hydroxyproline was elevated from the end of the second week [(485.0±52.9)g/kg vs. (364.0±41.6)g/kg,F=0.441 ,P<0.01]. At the end of the sixth week, the content of myocardium hydroxyproline of model group elevated continuously [(572.9±75.4) g/kg vs. (485.0±52.9)g/kg, F=0.654,P<0.05], but not for simvastatin group [(475.9±86.5) g/kg vs. (485.0±52.9)g/kg, P>0.05]. The mRNA expression of HO-1 in myocardium 'in model group was higher than that in control group [(0.6217±0.1229) vs. (0.2475±0.1053), F = 0.128, P < 0.01]. The mRNA expression of myocardium HO-1 was increased further by simvastatin treatment [(0.7860±0.1133) vs. (0.6217±0.1229),F=3.622,P<0.05]. Conclusions Compared with control group, the myocardial HO-1expression of heart failure rats is increased. Simvastatin treatment enhances the myocardium HO-1 expression further and alleviates myocardial injury and the degree of heart failure.

Cardiac manifestations of Fabry's disease / 中华内科杂志

Objective Fabry' s disease is a rare X-linked recessive disease. Its cardiac manifestations are not well recognized. Methods The data of 3 patients from different Chinese kindreds with Fabry's disease and cardiac manifestations who seeked medical advice in our department in 2007 were analyzed. The age, sex, family history, main symptoms, ECG and echocardiographic findings were recorded for all the patients. The diagnostic criteria of Fabry's disease was based on α-galactosidase (α-GAL) quantity in white blood cells. Results All of the patients were female. Their age was from 41 to 57. Two of them had the typical symptoms of Fabry's disease in their young age. All of them had family history of the disease and cardiac symptoms. ECG showed ST-T change and echocardiography showed hypertrophy of left ventricule of different degrees. Their α-galactosidase level in white blood cells was lower than normal. The α-galactosidase level in patient 1 was the lowest. Her cardiac symptoms were most serious in the three patients and she had involvement of other organs. Conclusion Patients with Fabry's disease may have cardiac manifestations. Family history, typical symptoms in young age and the characteristics of multi-systemic disorder are helpful clues to the diagnosis.

Assessment of static and dynamic balance in hemiparetic stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo discusse the relationship between static balance in laboratory approaches and dynamic balance in clinical assessment and identify the value of static and dynamic balance at functional outcome in hemiparetic stroke patients. MethodsNineteen stroke subjects were assessed in this study. The static balance was measured by postural sway test, the dynamic balance was measured by Berg balance scale(BBS)and Time up to go test(TUGT),the outcome was measured by FIM and 10m maximum walking speed(MWS). The level of association between the parameters of postural sway test and clinical variables were examined with Pearson's correlation coefficients. ResultsThe parameters of postural sway test was significantly negative related to BBS(r=-0.705--0.475,P<0.05);The parameters of postural sway close-eye test was significantly positive related to TUGT(r=0.508-0.583,P<0.05);The parameters of postural sway test was no related to FIM and MWS (r=-0.048--0.296;r=-0.404--0.01,P>0.05);BBS was significantly positive related to FIM and MWS(r=0.752;r=0.700,P<0.001). TUGT was significantly negative related to FIM and MWS(r=-0.600,P<0.01;r=-0.817,P<0.001).ConclusionClinical and laboratory balance assessments are related and that dynamic rather than static balance measures are valid indicators of functional outcome performance in hemiparetic stroke patients.

Value of walking speed at the evaluation of motor function recovery in hemiparetic patients after stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo identify the value of walking speed at the evaluation of motor function recovery in hemiparetic patients after stroke.MethodsFifty-five cases were assessed in the study. The walking speed, motor function, strengths of the paretic lower limb,balance and ambulation of ADL function were evaluated with the 10m Maximum Walking Speed Test,Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motricity Index, Berg Balance Scale and ambulation item of Functional Independence Measure. The level of association between walking speed and the clinical variables were examined with Pearson's correlation coefficients.ResultsIn the slow group, the gait-related clinical scores were related to walking speed (Pearson's r=0.581-0.770,P<0.05),while that in the moderate group and fast group were not (Pearson's r=0.016-0.380,P>0.05).The correlation between the gait-related clinical scores and walking speed was weakened when walking speed above 44.8m/min(or 41.3% of normal values).ConclusionWalking speed plays an independent role as an indicator of improved performance.

Evaluation of transisthmus conduction interval in predicting bidirectional block after ablation of typical atrial flutter / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether the extent of prolongation of the transisthmus interval after ablation predicts complete bidirectional block.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Since 1996 to 2002, 30 consecutive patients underwent ablation procedures for isthmus-dependent atrial flutter. There were 23 males and 7 females [mean age (47.85 +/- 9.35) years]. With the use of fluoroscopic view of anatomy, radiofrequency ablation was performed during coronary sinus pacing at a cycle length of 600 ms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bidirectional block was achieved with ablation in 29 (97%) of 30 patients. The transisthmus intervals before ablation and after complete transisthmus block were (73.82 +/- 13.01) ms and (140.47 +/- 20.48) ms, respectively, in the clockwise direction (P < 0.0001), and (77.63 +/- 8.36) ms and (138.17 +/- 15.55) ms, respectively, in the counterclockwise direction (P < 0.0001). A period of incomplete isthmus block was observed during 17 (58%) of the 29 ablation procedures. The clockwise transisthmus intervals during incomplete block [(107.65 +/- 21.33) ms] were (45.5 +/- 8.7)% longer than the baseline transisthmus intervals. An increase in the transisthmus interval by > or = 50% in both directions after ablation predicted complete bidirectional block with 100.0% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. The positive and negative predictive values were 90.6% and 100.0%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of a > or = 50% prolongation in the transisthmus interval was 83.3%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The analysis of transisthmus interval is a valuable method for determining complete bidirectional isthmus block.</p>