Feasibility analysis of inferior vena cava variability combined with rectus femoris atrophy fraction in predicting the outcome of weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To identify the feasibility of inferior vena cava variability (ΔDIVC) combined with rectus femoris atrophy fraction in predicting the outcome of weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).Methods:From January to December 2021, the patients with the need for IMV admitted to the Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University were recruited into prospective case-control study. The patients who met the withdrawal criteria were treated with a 2-h spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and then extubated immediately. Patients with stable spontaneous breathing after extubation for more than 48 h were classified as successful weaning group, and on the contrary, the other patients were classified as failed weaning group. The clinical data and withdrawal indexes of the two groups were evaluated. The correlation between ΔD IVC and rectus femoris atrophy fraction was assessed. The influencing factors of weaning outcome were observed. The diagnostic value of ΔD IVC, rectus femoris atrophy fraction and the combination of two indexes in predicting weaning success were calculated by a plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:Sixty IMV patients were included in this study, including 38 cases of successful weaning and 22 cases of failed weaning. The two groups were comparable with regard to clinical data (all P>0.05). The rectus femoris cross-sectional area in the two groups diminished gradually with the length of ICU stay ( F=3.266, 3.625, both P<0.05). The rectus femoris cross-sectional area at the first SBT was significantly lower than that on the first day of admission in both groups [the successful weaning group: (2.54±0.88) cm 2vs. (3.08±0.98) cm 2; the failed weaning group: (2.22±0.87) cm 2vs. (3.02±1.10) cm 2, both P<0.05], but there was no significant difference between the two groups (all P>0.05). Patients in the successful weaning group had higher ΔD IVC and higher rectus femoris atrophy fraction than those in the weaning failure group [ΔD IVC: (25.02±4.65)% vs. (20.30±3.16)%; rectus femoris atrophy fraction: (81.89±5.09)% vs. (72.68±8.98)%, both P<0.05]. There was a positive correlation between ΔD IVC and rectus femoris atrophy fraction ( r=0.346, P=0.007). Both ΔD IVC and rectus femoris atrophy fraction played an important role in affecting weaning success (all P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of ΔD IVC combined with rectus femoris atrophy fraction for predicting the weaning success was 0.880, which was significantly higher than that of ΔD IVC (AUC=0.791) or rectus femoris atrophy fraction (AUC=0.826). Conclusions:The predictive value of ΔD IVC combined with rectus femoris atrophy fraction for successful weaning of patients undergoing IMV is relatively accurate, which can be used to guide weaning.

Percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided transabdominal sac embolization is an effective technique for treating complicated type II endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we evaluated and compared the outcomes of transarterial embolization with those of percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided transabdominal sac embolization (PUSE) for type II endoleaks (T2ELs). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients who had undergone T2EL embolization between January 2015 and December 2020 at our center. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the embolization approach: PUSE vs transarterial. Freedom from aneurysm growth, safety, immediate technical success, freedom from persistent T2ELs, and the repeat embolization rate were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients and 28 embolization procedures (PUSE, n = 16; transarterial embolization, n = 12) were examined. Both the fluoroscopic time (13.3 ± 3.2 minutes vs 35.0 ± 7.0 minutes; P < .001) and the procedural time (84.9 ± 8.4 minutes vs 117.1 ± 14.8 minutes; P < .001) were significantly shorter in the PUSE group than in the transarterial group. After the embolization procedure, the patients were followed up for a mean duration of 24.7 ± 14.9 months for the PUSE group and 35.9 ± 21.1 months for the transarterial group (P = .1323). Five patients in the transarterial group had undergone unsuccessful embolization, with success in 7 of the 12 patients in the transarterial group and all 16 patients in the PUSE group (P = .0081). Failure had resulted from failed transarterial access or a recurrent T2EL. Three of the five patients had undergone subsequent PUSE during follow-up. No patient in the PUSE group had experienced sac expansion compared with four patients in the transarterial group (P = .0242). Similarly, no patient in the PUSE group had developed a newly discovered T2EL vs four patients in the transarterial group (P = .0242). Thus, the outcomes were markedly better for the PUSE group than were those for the transarterial group. A major procedure-related complication (abdominal abscess) occurred in one patient in the transarterial group. CONCLUSIONS: PUSE is safe and effective for managing T2ELs. It yields better outcomes in terms of preventing aneurysm growth, decreasing the incidence of repeat embolization and complications, minimizing the recurrence of T2ELs, and reducing the fluoroscopic and procedural times. We, thus, regard it as the preferred approach for the management of T2ELs.

Preparation of mitochondrial targeted calcium arsenite/doxorubicin lipid nanoparticles and the in vitro study in reversing tumor drug resistance / 药学学报

This study aims at the critical role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in tumor drug resistance, taking advantage of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) dependence of P-gp mediated drug transport and efflux across the cell membrane. Mitochondrial targeted calcium arsenite/doxorubicin (DOX) lipid nanoparticles were constructed via hydrothermal method and thin-film dispersion method for reversing tumor drug resistance. The results showed that the lipid nanoparticles were uniform in size and well dispersed with a mean particle size of (261 ± 7) nm, zeta potential of (-9.6 ± 1.3) mV. The DOX loading efficiency and encapsulation efficiency were 22.6% and 84.0%. The in vitro drug release profile was pH-dependent; the drug accumulation at mitochondria was significantly increased, which then caused overload of calcium and inhibition of P-gp and ATP, thereby reversing tumor drug resistance. The simultaneously released arsenite ion and DOX could synergistically kill the tumor cells. In summary, the lipid nanoparticles prepared in this study have uniform particle size, high drug loading efficiency and encapsulation efficiency, excellent colloidal stability, pH responsiveness, and impressive ability to reverse tumor drug resistance, which may hold great potential in further clinical applications.

Clinical characteristics of 170 cases of macrodactyly / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of 170 cases of macrodactyly.@*METHODS@#Medical records of 170 macrodactyly patients at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between March 2006 and October 2019, including demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, anatomical distributions, X-rays, pathological findings, and treatments, were reviewed. PIK3CA mutation analyses of 12 patients were also reviewed.@*RESULTS@#Disease incidence was similar across sex and geographical regions. Multiple-digit involvement was 3.9 times more frequent than single-digit involvement. In upper deformit: ies, the index finger, middle finger and thumb were mostly involved, and the second and third toes were the most affected on the foot. Two digits were affected more often than three digits, with the affected multiple digits were adjacent most time. The cases of progressive macrodactyly, in which the affected digits grew at a faster rate than the unaffected digits, were found more than static type. Most of progressive macrodactyly were noticed at birth. In terms of nerve involvement, affected fingers mostly occurred in the median nerve innervation area (79.4%) accompanied by median nerve and brunches enlargement and fat infiltration, i.e., nerve territory oriented; affected toes mostly occurred in the medial plantar nerve innervation area (89.1%), marked with overgrowth of adipose tissue with a lesser degree of neural overgrowth, i.e., lipomatous. Only 17 cases had comorbid of syndactyly. The metacarpal bones were involved only in progressive type of macrodactyly. Ten of the 12 cases subjected to PIK3CA mutation analysis were positive. Among all tested specimens, PIK3CA mutation levels ranged from 7% to 27%. In terms of tissue sources in which a mutation was found, adipose tissue had the highest mutation detection rate, followed by nerve and skin. All the DNA samples of blood from the 12 PIK3CA mutation-positive patients were negative.@*CONCLUSION@#Macrodactyly fingers mostly occurred in the median nerve innervation area accompanied by median nerve and brunches enlargement and fat infiltration. The index and middle fingers were mostly involved. Macrodactyly toes mostly occurred in the medial plantar nerve innervation area, marked with overgrowth of adipose tissue with a lesser degree of neural overgrowth. The second and third toes were the most affected on the foot. A high proportion (83%) of isolated macrodactyly patients carry activating PIK3CA mutations. Adipose, nerve, and skin tissues provide the highest PIK3CA mutation detection yield among all types of tissue studied.

Testing-on-a-probe biosensors reveal association of early SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies and surrogate neutralizing antibodies with mortality in COVID-19 patients

The association of mortality with early humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection within the first few days after onset of symptoms (DAOS) has not been thoroughly investigated partly due to a lack of sufficiently sensitive antibody testing methods. Here we report two sensitive and automated testing-on-a-probe (TOP) biosensor assays for SARS-CoV-2 viral specific total antibodies (TAb) and surrogate neutralizing antibodies (SNAb), which are suitable for clinical use. The TOP assays employ an RBD-coated quartz probe using a Cy5-Streptavidin-polysacharide conjugate to improved sensitivity and minimize interference. Disposable cartridge containing pre-dispensed reagents requires no liquid manipulation or fluidics during testing. The TOP-TAb assay exhibited higher sensitivity in the 0-7 DAOS window than a widely used FDA-EUA assay. The rapid (18 min) and automated TOP-SNAb correlated well with two well-established SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization tests. The clinical utility of the TOP assays was demonstrated by evaluating early antibody responses in 120 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive adult hospitalized patients. Higher baseline TAb and SNAb positivity rates and more robust antibody responses were seen in patients who survived COVID-19 than those who died in the hospital. Survival analysis using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model showed that patients who were TAb and SNAb negative at initial hospital presentation were at a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Furthermore, TAb and SNAb levels at presentation were inversely associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load based on concurrent RT-PCR testing. Overall, the sensitive and automated TAb and SNAb assays allow detection of early SARS-CoV-2 antibodies which associate with mortality.

Prelimbic α2-adrenoceptors are involved in the regulation of depressive-like behavior in hemiparkinsonian rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To observe the depressive-like behavior in hemiparkinsonian rats and the effects of activation or blockade of prelimbic (PrL) α2-adrenoceptors on depressive-like behavior in sham-operated and the parkinsonian rats. Methods: The rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) was established by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Then the depressive-like behavior in rats was detected by the sucrose preference test and forced swim test (FST). In addition, changes in depressive-like behavior in the rats were also observed after local injection of a selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist or antagonist into the PrL. Results: The unilateral lesion of MFB by 6-OHDA induced depressive-like behavior as measured by the sucrose preference test and the FST compared to the sham-operated rats. Intra-PrL injection of selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine induced depressive-like behavior in the sham-operated and the lesioned rats. However, intra-PrL injection of α2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan elicited anti-depressant effects in both the sham-operated and the lesioned groups. Moreover, the effective doses for behavior produced by clonidine and idazoxan in the lesioned rats were higher than those in the sham-operated rats. Conclusion: The α2-adrenoceptors in the PrL play an important role in the regulation of depressive-like behavior in PD.

Prelimbic α1-Adrenoceptors are involved in regulation of neural activities in the amygdala in a rat model of Parkinson's disease with anxiety / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To observe the effects of activation or blockade of the prelimbic (PrL) α1-adrenoceptors on anxiety-like behaviors and amygdaloid neural activities in rats with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: The rat model of PD was established by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) unilateral lesion of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Then the anxiety-like behavior of rats was detected by the open field test. In addition, the changes of anxiety-like behavior, the effects of PrL α1-adrenoceptor stimulation on monoamines and c-Fos expression in the amygdala were also observed after local injection of the selective α1-adrenoceptor agonist or antagonist into the PrL by guided cannula. Results: Unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the MFB in rats induced anxiety-like behaviors (P<0.001). Furthermore, activation of the PrL α1-adrenoceptors significantly induced or enhanced anxiety-like behaviors in the rats (sham group: P<0.001; lesion group: P<0.05), while blockade of the α1-adrenoceptors produced anxiolytic effects (sham group: P<0.001; lesion group: P<0.05). Then activation of the PrL α1-adrenoceptors increased the levels of DA and 5-HT while blockade of the PrL α1-adrenoceptors decreased DA and 5-HT levels in the amygdala in sham-operated rats (DA & 5-HT: P<0.001). However, compared to those of sham-operated rats, activation of the PrL α1-adrenoceptors increased the levels of NA and 5-HT while blockade of the PrL α1-adrenoceptors decreased NA and 5-HT levels in the amygdala in the lesioned rats (NA & 5-HT: P<0.001). In addition, the density of c-Fos immunoreactive positive neurons in the amygdala increased after intra-PrL injection α1-adrenoceptors agonist phenylephrine (sham group & lesion group: P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings indicate that changed neural activities in the amygdala after activation or blockade of the PrL α1-adrenoceptors are involved in regulating anxiety-like behaviors in PD rats.

Correlative study of bufogenin constituents in venom of Bufo bufo gargarizans / 中国中药杂志

As known,simultaneous determination of various chemical indicators is one of the future trends in quality control of traditional Chinese medicines because of the extremely complex chemical compositions. This project is to screen the quality markers that can accurately control the quality of the Bufonis Venenum by exploring the intrinsic correlation of components. In this study,venom of Bufo bufo gargarizans from 17 different sources were used as research samples,and the contents of 7 bufogenin were determined by HPLC-DAD. Then,the data obtained were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis and principal component analysis( PCA). In addition,a stepwise regression analysis was used to establish a predictive model for the contents of the seven bufogenin components( independent variable) and the total contents of the bufogenin( dependent variable). The results indicated that there is a significant positive correlation between the contents of telocinobufagin and cinobufotalin,and there is a significant positive correlation between the contents of bufalin,cinobufagin and resibufogenin. In contrast,the contents of telocinobufagin and cinobufotalin are negatively correlated with the contents of bufalin,cinobufagin and resibufogenin. However,the correlation between gamabufotalin and bufotalin and other components are not obvious. Furthermore,further study found that there is a correlation between the sum of the contents of bufalin,cinobufagin and telocinobufagin and the total contents of the bufogenin. In fact,the application of bufalin,cinobufagin and telocinobufagin as the quality control indicators of the Bufonis Venenum can better reflect the quality characteristics of the Bufonis Venenum compared with the previous quality control indicators. The conclusions will provide a reference for the revision of the quality standards of the Bufonis Venenum.

miR-7 inhibits activation of astrocytes derived from rats via silencing of EGFR / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effects of miR-7 on astrocyte activation and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Following isolation and culturing, astro-cytes extracted from rat cortex were treated with culture solution (control group), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF, an agonist of astrocyte activation), miR-7 mimic+CNTF, miR-7 mimic control+CNTF, miR-7 inhibitor+CNTF and miR-7 inhibitor control+CNTF, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA ex-pression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR). The protein expression of GFAP, EGFR, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3) and phosphoryla-ted STAT3 (p-STAT3) was measured using Western blot. Wild type pGL3-EGFR and mutant pGL3-EGFR-m recombinant plasmids were constructed and then co-transfected with miR-7 mimic into HEK293T cells,re-spectively. The luciferase activity of reporter gene was measured. In addition,astrocytes were treated with ei-ther EGFR siRNA or S31-201 (an inhibitor of STAT3),followed by the incubation with miR-7 inhib-itor and CNTF. Both qRT-PCR and Western blot were subsequently used to detect the mRNA and protein lev-els of GFAP. Results The expression levels of GFAP and EGFR as well as p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio in CNTF group were higher than those in control group (P <0.01). When compared with CNTF group,GFAP and EGFR levels and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio significantly decreased in miR-7 mimic+CNTF group but increased in miR-7 inhibitor+CNTF group(P<0.01). In com-parison with control group, transfection with miR-7 mimic markedly reduced the luciferase activity of wild type EGFR (P <0.01). Moreover, miR-7 inhibitor-induced up-regulation of GFAP expression was almost completely reversed by either EGFR siRNA or S31-201 pretreatment (P<0.01). Conclusion miR-7 antag-onizes the activation of astrocytes from rats by inhibi-ting the EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Total generalized variation minimization based on projection data for low?dose CT reconstruction / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To obtain high?quality low?dose CT images using total generalized variation regularization based on the projection data for low?dose CT reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The projection data of the CT images were transformed from Poisson distribution to Gaussian distribution using the linear Anscombe transform. The transformed data were then restored by an efficient total generalized variation minimization algorithm. Reconstruction was finally achieved by inverse Anscombe transform and filtered back projection (FBP) method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The image quality of low?dose CT was greatly improved by the proposed algorithm in both Clock and Shepp?Logan phantoms. The signal?to?noise ratios (SNRs) of the Clock and Shepp-Logan images reconstructed by FBP algorithm were 17.752 dB and 19.379 dB, which were increased by the proposed algorithm to 24.0352 and 23.4181 dB, respectively. The NMSE of the Clock and Shepp?Logan images reconstructed by FBP algorithm was 0.86% and 0.58%, which was reduced by the proposed algorithm to 0.2% and 0.23%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The proposed method can effectively suppress noise and strip artifacts in low?dose CT images when piecewise constant assumption is not possible.</p>

Literature Analysis of 31 Cases of Drug-induced Lupus Induced by Infliximab / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the general patterns and characteristics of drug-induced lupus (DIL) induced by inflix-imab,and to provide reference for the safety of drug use. METHODS:Usinginfiximab,lupusas searching words,inflix-imab-induced DIL literatures included in CJFD,VIP and PubMed from Jan. 2002 to Jun. 2016 were retrieved and analyzed. RE-SULTS:Totally 30 effective literatures were retrieved,involving 31 DIL patients,there were 8 male cases (25.81%) and 23 fe-male cases(74.19%);17 patients aged more than 50(54.84%). 20 cases occurred within 5-24 weeks(64.51%). 16 patients re-ceived infliximab alone (51.61%). Main clinical manifestations were skin rash or photosensitivie enteritig (15 cases),joint pain (16 cases,multiple arthritis and synovitis)and fever(12 cases). 5 patients suffered from 3 above symptoms simultaneously. Labo-ratory examination mainly manifested as antinuclear antibody,double stranded DNA antibody and anti-histone antibody positive. Thirty patients with DIL received drug withdrawal or steroid hormones treatment,among which the symptoms of 26 patients disap-peared after drug withdrawal or treatment within 6 months,and 1 patient deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS:DIL-induced by inflix-imab invovle patients'age and gender,disease types,family history and other factors. Clinicians should be aware of rules and char-acteristics of DIL induced by infliximab,and tighten drug use monitoring to reduce ADR.

Effect of ulinastatin on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, P-selectin, and thrombin-antithrombin complex in young rats with sepsis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) for early drug intervention on the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), P-selectin, and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) in young rats with sepsis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 120 male rats aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into normal control group, sham-operation group, sepsis group, low-dose UTI group (50 000 U/kg), and high-dose UTI group (200 000 U/kg), with 24 rats in each group. Modified cecal ligation and puncture was performed to establish a rat model of sepsis, and the rats in the low- and high-dose UTI groups were given caudal vein injection of UTI after model establishment. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of TNF-α, P-selectin, and TAT at 6, 12, and 24 hours after model establishment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sepsis group had significant increases in the serum levels of TNF-α, P-selectin, and TAT at 6 hours, and the serum levels of TNF-α and TAT continued to increase by 24 hours (P<0.05); P-selectin reached the peak at 12 hours and decreased slightly at 24 hours (P<0.05). The UTI groups had similar change patterns in the levels of P-selectin and TAT as the sepsis group. The UTI groups had significant increases in the level of TNF-α at 6 hours, but gradually decreased over time. The changes in serum levels of TNF-α, P-selectin, and TAT in the UTI groups were significantly smaller than in the sepsis group (P<0.05). The high-dose UTI group had significantly smaller changes in serum levels of TNF-α, P-selectin, and TAT than the low-dose UTI group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Early intervention with UTI can significantly improve coagulation function and inhibit the production of TNF-α, P-selectin, and TAT in young rats with sepsis. High-dose UTI has a significantly greater effect than low-dose UTI.</p>

Design and verification of Luo-Ye pump-based stress formation for cultivation of tissue-engineered blood vessel / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To improve Luo-Ye pump-based stress-forming system and optimize the stimulating effect on smooth muscle cells during cultivation of tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBV).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A new Luo-Ye pump-based TEBV 3D culture system was developed by adding an air pump to the output of the bioreactor. A pressure guide wire was used to measure the stress at different points of the silicone tube inside the TEBV bio-reactor, and fitting curves of the stress changes over time was created using Origin 8.0 software. The TEBVs were constructed by seeding vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from human umbilical artery on polyglycolic acid (PGA) and cultured under dynamic conditions with 40 mmHg resistance (improved group), dynamic conditions without resistance (control group) or static condition (static group) for 4 weeks. The harvested TEBVs were then examined with HE staining, masson staining, α-SMA immunohistochemical staining, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy with semi-quantitative analysis of collagen content and α-SMA expression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The measured stress values and the fitting curves showed that the stress stimuli from the Luo-Ye pump were enhanced by adding an air pump to the output of the bioreactor. Histological analysis revealed improved VSMC density, collagen content and α-SMA expression in the TEBVs constructed with the improved method as compared with those in the control and static groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Adding an air pump to the Luo-Ye pump significantly enhances the stress stimulation in the TEBV 3-D culture system to promote the secretion function of VSMCs.</p>

Effect of leptin on expression of calpain-1 and Bcl-2 and apoptosis in myocardial tissue of neonatal rats after asphyxia / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of leptin on the expression of calcium-activated neutral protease 1 (calpain-1) and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and apoptosis in the myocardial tissue of neonatal rats after asphyxia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 48 neonatal rats were randomly and equally divided into normal control group, asphyxia group, leptin treatment groups, and calpain-1 inhibitor (CAI-1) group. The neonatal rat model of asphyxia under normal atmospheric condition was established in all groups except the control group. For the leptin treatment groups, rats received 20, 80, and 160 μg/kg leptin by intraperitoneal injection immediately after model establishment, respectively. For the CAI-1 group, rats received 10 mg/kg CAI-1 by intraperitoneal injection immediately after model establishment. For all the groups, the myocardial tissue was collected at 2 hours after model establishment. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of calpain-1 and Bcl-2. The TUNEL method was used to evaluate apoptosis of myocardial cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of calpain-1 and Bcl-2 and apoptosis index (AI) were significantly higher in the asphyxia group than in the normal control group (P˂0.05). The leptin treatment groups and the CAI-1 group had significantly lower expression of calpain-1, significantly lower AI, and significantly higher expression of Bcl-2 than the asphyxia group (P˂0.05). The CAI-1 group had the largest changes in all the indices compared with the asphyxia group. However, there were no significant differences in all indices between the 160 μg/kg leptin treatment group and the CAI-1 group. After asphyxia, the expression of calpain-1 was positively correlated with AI, while the expression of Bcl-2 was negatively correlated with AI and the expression of calpain-1 (P˂0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Leptin reduces apoptosis of myocardial cells in asphyxiated neonatal rats by the inhibition of calpain-1 activation and upregulation of Bcl-2 expression.</p>

EGFR siRNA inhibits activation of astrocytes derived from rats through blockade of STAT3 phosphorylation / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the expression of epider-mal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) in cerebral tissues around hematomas after intracerebral hemorrhage, and explore the effects of EGFR on activation of astrocytes derived from rats and the involved mechanisms. Meth-ods The specimens of cerebral tissues around hemo-tomas after intracerebral hemorrhage undergoing hemo-tomas removal operation were collected and then divid-ed into 4 groups according to the time of intracerebral hemorrhage: 10 d groups. Each group included 20 cases. At the same time, 20 dropped brain tissues distant to hemorrhage in the operative process were collected as control group. Immunohistostaining and Western blot were used to measure the expression of EGFR. After isolation and culturing, the astrocytes of rat cortex were treated with culture solution ( control group) , CNTF that was used to activate astrocytes, scramble siRNA + CNTF and EGFR siRNA +CNTF for 24h, respectively. The ex-pression of glial fibrillary acidic protein ( GFAP) mR-NA was detected through fluorescence real-time quanti-tative PCR. In addition, the protein levels of GFAP, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 ( STAT3 ) and phosphorylated STAT3 ( p-STAT3 ) were examined using Western blot. Results With the ex-tension of intracerebral hemorrhage time, positive sig-nal index and protein expression levels of EGFR gradu-ally elevated, reached the peak on 6 ~10d, and then decreased after 10 d. There was statistical difference ( P0. 05 ) . Conclusions EGFR expression is upregulated in the cerebral tissues around hemotomas after intracerebral hemorrhage. Gene silence of EGFR contributes to suppressing the activation of astrocytes derived from rats, which may be involved in the block-ade of STAT3 phosphorylation.

[Classification and grading of environments with Oncomelania hupensis snails inside embankment of marshland and lake areas].

OBJECTIVE: To classify and grade the environments with Oncomelania hupensis snails inside embankment in marshland and lake areas, so as to improve the work efficiency and realize the systematic management. METHODS: The schistosomiasis endemic area Liaodi and Xiongdi villages in Jiangling County, Hubei Province were selected as the experiment villages, and the environments with snails in the two villages were divided into sections with a length of 500 m, then the snail situation were surveyed by the systematic sampling method with 10 m and 50 m a frame respectively. The environments were classified according to the discovery of infected snails and wild fecal contamination, and the numbers of sites with snails and their areas in different classes were recorded. Meanwhile, the data of sites with infected snails in Jingzhou City during the recent 5 years were collected and graded according to the average density of snails, so as to discuss the correlativity between the grades of environments with snails and the numbers of sites with infected snails and the occurrence rate of frames with snails. RESULTS: There were 1 967 sites with infected snails in Jingzhou City during the recent 5 years, and there was a positive correlation between the grades of environments with snails and the occurrence rate of frames with snails (r(s) = 0.77, P < 0.01), when the grade was 5, the constituent ratio of numbers of sites with infected snails was 3.1%, and when the grade was 2-3, the ratio raised to 56.3%. There were 39 sites with snails in the two villages, the Class 1, 2 and 3 environments included 1, 18 and 20 sites, with the areas of 1080, 51,640 m2 and 41,220 m2, respectively. There were no statistically significant difference between the grades divided by snail survey with 10 m and 50 m a frame ( chi2 = 4.667, P > 0.05), but the time-consuming of the former was 3 times of the latter. CONCLUSIONS: The classification and grading of the environments with snails inside embankment in marshland and lake areas can master the key point of the snail survey. The subsection and setting frames at a suitable distance can save time and manpower, improve work efficiency, as well as understand the distribution of snail status of the environment with snails, which can realize the sort management of the snail environments inside embankment.

Comparison of before and after CBCT image registration based on the lung cancer intensity-modulated planning / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To study the CBCT image registration of PTV enlarging distance and IMRT planning(CT-1) for patients with lung cancer,and evaluate their characters.Methods Ten patients with lung cancer were included in the study.Two sets image,before and after radiotherapy,were acquired every week.Then delineated the targeted volume and made the planning (CT-2) according the enlarging distance data.To comparize the parameters of DVH for lung and spinal cord,volumes and dose of PTV and NTCP with CT-1 and CT-2.The difference of two plan was analyzed by covariance analysis or Wilcoxson's z-test.Results The max,min and mean dose of PTV,the lung V5,V10,V20,V30,V50 were similar in both plans (P =0.242-0.663).There was superiority in CT-2 of PTV and lung's mean dose(P =0.049,0,035).The NTCP had the decent tendency followed by the increasing of lung Vs,V10,V20(P =0.146,0.053,0.000).Conclusions CBCT based image registration can reduce PTV,the mean dose of lung,NTCP,and increase PTV dose.This provides a tool for exploring acurate radiotherapy strategies.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in deep second-degree scald wounds in rats / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in deep second-degree scald wounds,with an attempt to further explore the role of VEGF in burn wound healing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 36 adult Wistar rats were randomized into two groups: the scald group(30 rats)and the control group(6 rats). In the scald group,rat models of deep second-degree scald wounds were established. Full-thickness tissues of the wounds were collected respectively 1,3,7,14,and 21 days after the modeling. The expressions of the VEGF mRNA and protein were detected with real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot,respectively. In the control group,the same procedures were performed but without modeling.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group,the expressions of VEGF mRNA and proteins were significantly higher in the scald group(P<0.05). The expression levels reached the peak on day 1,gradually decreased on day 3,reached the lowest points on day 14,but increased again on day 21.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>VEGF is involved in the healing of scald burns. The expression of VEGF during the wound healing is closely correlated with the wound angiogenesis.</p>

Curcumin inhibits the replication of enterovirus 71 in vitro

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the main causative pathogen of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. The epidemic of HFMD has been a public health problem in Asia-Pacific region for decades, and no vaccine and effective antiviral medicine are available. Curcumin has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat a diversity of disorders including viral infections. In this study, we demonstrated that curcumin showed potent antiviral effect again EV71. In Vero cells infected with EV71, the addition of curcumin significantly suppressed the synthesis of viral RNA, the expression of viral protein, and the overall production of viral progeny. Similar with the previous reports, curcumin reduced the production of ROS induced by viral infection. However, the antioxidant property of curcumin did not contribute to its antiviral activity, since N-acetyl-l-cysteine, the potent antioxidant failed to suppress viral replication. This study also showed that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was activated by either viral infection or curcumin treatment, but the activated ERK did not interfere with the antiviral effect of curcumin, indicating ERK is not involved in the antiviral mechanism of curcumin. Unlike the previous reports that curcumin inhibited protein degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), we found that curcumin had no impact on UPS in control cells. However, curcumin did reduce the activity of proteasomes which was increased by viral infection. In addition, the accumulation of the short-lived proteins, p53 and p21, was increased by the treatment of curcumin in EV71-infected cells. We further probed the antiviral mechanism of curcumin by examining the expression of GBF1 and PI4KB, both of which are required for the formation of viral replication complex. We found that curcumin significantly reduced the level of both proteins. Moreover, the decreased expression of either GBF1 or PI4KB by the application of siRNAs was sufficient to suppress viral replication. We also demonstrated that curcumin showed anti-apoptotic activity at the early stage of viral infection. The results of this study provide solid evidence that curcumin has potent anti-EV71 activity. Whether or not the down-regulated GBF1 and PI4KB by curcumin contribute to its antiviral effect needs further studies.

Preliminary study in the treatment of lung cancer by using respiratory gating based on four-dimensional CT applied to IGRT / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the preliminary study of the four-dimensional CT-based respiratory gating applications in the IGRT treatment of lung cancer .Methods 38 patients′ were scanned with 4D-CT ,and could got 10 images:0-90% each one ,and then two kinds of radiation treatment plans :Plan-3D and Plan-4D were used ,respectively .Treatment of the patients in the IGRT mode with Plan-4D and following up were done in two months after treatment to evaluate the efficacy and complication probability . Meanwhile evaluation of the two plans by the volume histogram was done .Results The displacement of lung tumor respiratory mo-tion was different in three dimensions ,especially in the Vertical direction ,about(9 .1 ± 2 .2)mm .Accuracy of the distance was 2 .6 mm .The Plan-4D′s CTV was bigger than Plan-3D ,but its PTV was less than the Plan-3D significantly ,at the same time its lung V20 ,MLD were both less than the Plan-3D ,and the difference was statistically significant(P< 0 .05) .The total efficiency(CR+PR)was 77 .78% (28 case);the incidence of 1 ,2 ,3 acute radiation-induced lung injury were 86 .11% ,11 .11% ,2 .78% ,respectively ;the incidence of 1 ,2 acute radiation esophagitis injury were 80 .56% ,8 .33% .Conclusion The respiratory gating techniques based on 4D CT applied in image guided radiotherapy of lung cancer in clinical is feasible ,and it can reduce the volume of the planning tar-get volume ,and help to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy .The degree of respiratory motion is significantly different in individu-als ,and expanding outside the target ranges should be individualized .