Benralizumab efficacy and safety in severe asthma: A randomized trial in Asia.

BACKGROUND: Benralizumab is indicated as add-on therapy in patients with uncontrolled, severe eosinophilic asthma; it has not yet been evaluated in a large Asian population with asthma in a clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of benralizumab in patients with severe asthma in Asia. METHODS: MIRACLE (NCT03186209) was a randomized, Phase 3 study in China, South Korea, and the Philippines. Patients aged 12-75 years with severe asthma receiving medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting ß2-agonists, stratified (2:1) by baseline blood eosinophil count (bEOS) (≥300/µL; <300/µL), were randomized (1:1) to benralizumab 30 mg or placebo. Endpoints included annual asthma exacerbation rate (AAER; primary endpoint), change from baseline at Week 48 in pre-bronchodilator (BD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (pre-BD FEV1) and total asthma symptom score (TASS). Safety was evaluated ≤ Week 56. RESULTS: Of 695 patients randomized, 473 had baseline bEOS ≥300/µL (benralizumab n = 236; placebo n = 237). In this population, benralizumab significantly reduced AAER by 74% (rate ratio 0.26 [95% CI 0.19, 0.36], p < 0.0001) and significantly improved pre-BD FEV1 (least squares difference [LSD] 0.25 L [95% CI 0.17, 0.34], p < 0.0001) and TASS (LSD -0.25 [-0.45, -0.05], p = 0.0126) versus placebo. In patients with baseline bEOS <300/µL, there were numerical improvements in AAER, pre-BD FEV1, and TASS with benralizumab versus placebo. The frequency of adverse events was similar for benralizumab (76%) and placebo (80%) in the overall population. CONCLUSIONS: MIRACLE data reinforces the efficacy and safety of benralizumab for severe eosinophilic asthma in an Asian population, consistent with the global Phase 3 results.

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Abnormal Muscle Tone in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To analyse the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and routine treatment in improving dystonia in children with cerebral palsy. Method: The randomized controlled trials published from the establishment of the databases to August 2022 on acupuncture in the treatment of dystonia in children with cerebral palsy were collected and comprehensively searched in China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), weipu (VIP), Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, Excerpta medica database (EMBASE), and Cochrane Library. The literature was selected according to the established standards, the quality of the included studies was evaluated, the heterogeneity of the included studies was evaluated with the I2 test, and the appropriate model was selected for analysis. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the reliability of the results, and a funnel plot was used to evaluate the publication bias. Results: Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The control group was treated with routine treatment and acupuncture combined with routine treatment. The outcome index showed that the effect in the treatment group was better: Modified Ashworth Scale score: -0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.62 to -0.41), p < 0.01. The treatment group showed reduced muscle tension to a greater extent (integral eletromyographic (iEMG) score: standard mean square deviation = -2.97, 95% CI (-4.87 to -1.06), p < 0.01). The effective rate in the control group was 74.2% and that in the treatment group was 91.5%, odds ratio = 3.70, 95% CI (2.02-6.78), p < 0.01. The funnel plot showed publication bias. Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with routine training could improve muscle tension abnormalities and improve the efficiency of clinical treatment.

Scalp acupuncture Yikang therapy on Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen improves neurobehavior in young rats with cerebral palsy through Notch signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of scalp acupuncture Yikang therapy on Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen, on neurobehavior in young rats with cerebral palsy based on Notch signaling pathway. METHODS: Thirty 7-day-old rats were randomly divided into sham, model and acupuncture, 10 rats in each group. The cerebral palsy model was established by the accepted modeling method, the acupuncture group selected "Baihui (GV20)", "Sishencong (EX-HN1)", "Zhisanzhen" and "Niesanzhen" for intervention 24 h after the model was made. The body masses were recorded before and after the treatment, respectively. After the intervention, the rats were subjected to suspension experiment, slope experiment, tactile stimulation experiment and Morris water maze experiment. After the end of the experiment, the morphological changes of hippocampal histology were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining under light microscope, and the expression of Notch1, Notch3 and Hes5 were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The changes in body mass of the rats in each group were different; in behavioral experiments, compared with the sham, the suspension time of the model was shortened, the slope experiment, tactile stimulation experiment, and escape latency time were prolonged, and the number of platform crossing was reduced in the model, compared with the model, the suspension time of the acupuncture was prolonged, the slope experiment, tactile stimulation experiment, and escape latency time were shortened, and the number of platform crossing times was increased; HE staining showed severe hippocampal damage in the model and reduced hippocampal damage in the acupuncture. Western Blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression of Notch1, Notch3 and Hes5 were increased in the model and the expression of Notch1, Notch3, Hes5 in acupuncture were decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Scalp acupuncture Yikang therapy may improve neurobehavior and reduce brain injury in rats with cerebral palsy by downregulating the expression of Notch1, Notch3, and Hes5.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Rhinogobius wuyanlingensis (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae: Gobionellinae).

Rhinogobius wuyanlingensis is endemic to the upper reaches of Feiyunjiang river basin. In this article, the complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) for this freshwater goby was first determined. Sequence analysis showed the genome consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and two main non-coding regions (the control region and the origin of the light strand replication). This circular molecule was 16,491 bp in length with a slight AT bias of 53.5%. In the phylogenetic tree, R. wuyanlingensis was closer to Rhinogobius brunneus, Rhinogobius yonezawai, Rhinogobius flumineus, and Rhinogobius cliffordpopei. The mitochondrial genome of R. wuyanlingensis reported here would provide basal molecular data for evolution, taxonomy, and population genetics of Rhinogobius.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on nocturnal blood pressure in patients complicated with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and different circadian rhythms of hypertension / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objectives:To analysis the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on nocturnal blood pressure in patients complicated with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and different circadian rhythms of hypertension.Methods:A total of 61 eligible patients were monitored by overnight polysomnography (PSG) at the Sleep Center of the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and April 2021. During the period of PSG monitoring, continuous non-invasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored simultaneously. Frequency domain analysis was used to measure HRV and low/high frequency was used to indirectly reflect sympathetic activity. According to the nighttime systolic BP decrease rate, patients were divided into three groups: dipper pattern (descent rate ≥10%), non-dipper pattern (descent rate was less than 10% but higher than 0) and reverse dipper pattern (descent rate≤0). The PSG parameters, BP data as well as sympathetic activity etc. were compared within and among groups before and after CPAP treatment. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors of antihypertensive effect of CPAP.Results:There were no significant differences in awake systolic BP (SBP) values, the severity of OSAHS, ESS scores, awake sympathetic activity and the other baseline data among the three groups. After CPAP treatment, the mean value of asleep BP in entire group showed a modest decline as compared to the baseline values [SBP decreased 4.6 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa); diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased 2.4 mmHg, both P<0.001]. Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in asleep SBP of 11.1 mmHg and DBP of 4.9 mmHg (both P<0.001) in reverse dipper group, respectively, compared with the baseline values. While in dipper and non-dipper group, there were no significant differences before and after CPAP treatment in terms of BP (both P>0.05). In addition, there was no difference in awake sympathetic activity among three groups, while sleep sympathetic activity showed a gradual increasing trend. Sleep sympathetic activity decreased significantly from baseline after CPAP treatment in reverse dipper group ( P<0.001), while no differences were found in the other two groups before and after treatment. After controlling for baseline data such as age etc., the line regression model showed that the antihypertensive effect of CPAP was correlated with reverse dipper (SBP: β=0.548, P=0.002; DBP: β=0.454, P=0.013) and the improvement of nocturnal MpO 2 (SBP: β=0.410, P=0.046), but not with the severity of OSAHS, daytime sleepiness, or baseline BP values. Conclusion:For patients with moderate to severe OSAHS and hypertension, reverse dipper is an effective indicator to predict the antihypertensive effect of CPAP therapy.

HIV nucleic acid results and follow-up of 73 WB negative and indeterminate samples in Dujiangyan area / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To test the HIV virus nucleic acid using immunoblot method (Western blotting, WB) and to follow-up with the negative and indeterminate samples in the Dujiangyan area, compare the WB and nucleic acid results before and after followed-up, and try to reduce the WB band′s false-negatives and false-positives.Methods:The 286 suspected HIV infection samples in the Dujiangyan region from January to October 2021 were confirmed by WB, the HIV virus load were tested for the samples that were WB negative and WB indeterminate, those patients were followed-up with epidemiological history and viral load results, and the results before and after tracking were compared.Results:In the 286 samples of suspected HIV infection included in this study, we reported 213 (74.48%) WB positive, 37 WB negative (12.94%), and 36 WB indeterminate (12.58%); 10 of 37 WB negative samples were followed-up; 18 of 36 WB indeterminate samples were followed-up. Among the followed-up WB negative and indeterminate samples, 17 of them had virus nucleic acid detection prior to the follow-up, and all of them turned positive after following-up. The others with no previous virus nucleic acid detection were confirmed to be negative.Conclusions:Among the followed-up samples, 2 samples were false-negative in WB negative results, and 3 were false-positive in WB indeterminate results. The viral nucleic acid must be tested and followed-up in WB negative and indeterminate samples.

Effects of early intervention with low-dose dobutamine on pneumonia complicated by sepsis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of early intervention with low-dose dobutamine on pneumonia complicated with sepsis.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 200 patients with pneumonia complicated by sepsis who received treatment in the First People's Hospital of Taizhou from January 2015 to January 2018. We divided these patients into control and observation groups with 100 patients/group according to different treatment methods. The control group was treated with immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone and given ventilator-assisted ventilation. The observation group was given low-dose dobutamine based on the treatments given in the control group. Clinical efficacy, pulmonary function, the incidence of adverse reactions, length of hospital stay, time to dyspnea disappearance, organ failure rate, and mortality were compared between the two groups.Results:Total response rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [96.0% (96/100) vs. 77.0% (77/100), χ2 = 15.45, P < 0.05]. After treatment, improvements in the pulmonary function indexes [forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity] in the observation group were superior compared with those in the control group ( t = -15.25, -34.56, -3.77, all P < 0.001). Length of hospital stay and time to dyspnea disappearance in the observation group were (4.23 ± 0.89) days and (3.21 ± 0.58) days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(8.96 ± 1.58) days, (7.26 ± 0.24) days, t = -26.08, -64.52, both P < 0.001]. The incidence of adverse reactions, incidence of organ failure, and mortality in the observation group were 2.0% (2/100), 1.0% (1/100) and 2.0% (2/100) respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [18.0% (18/100), 20.0% (20/100), 10.0% (10/100), χ2 = 16.80, 19.20, 5.67, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Early intervention with low-dose dobutamine for the treatment of pneumonia complicated by sepsis can greatly improve clinical efficacy, reduce adverse reactions, decrease the incidence of organ failure and mortality, improve pulmonary function, and shorten the length of hospital stay and time to dyspnea disappearance.

Common risk factors for daytime sleepiness and hypertension in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objectives:To investigate the common risk factors for excess daytime sleepiness (EDS) and hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) patients.Methods:Between January 2020 and February 2021, a total of 103 OSAHS patients diagnosed in the Department of Sleep Medicine Center, the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled as the study population. During polysomnography (PSG) monitoring, noninvasive continuous blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored simultaneously. Low/high frequency components (LF/HF) were used to reflect sympathetic-vagal balance in frequency domain analysis. According to Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and BP levels, patients were divided into four groups: simple OSAHS group (ESS<10 scores and BP<140/90 mmHg, n=30)(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), OSAHS+hypertension group (ESS<10 scores and BP≥140/90 mmHg, n=23), OSAHS+EDS group (ESS≥10 scores and BP<140/90 mmHg, n=26) and OSAHS+hypertension+EDS group (ESS≥10scores and BP≥140/90 mmHg, n=24). The clinical and PSG parameters were analyzed and compared among the four groups. Regression analyses were used to explore the common causative factors for EDS and hypertension. Results:The LF/HF in OSAHS+hypertension+EDS group was significantly higher than the other three groups [3.2% (2.6%, 4.2%) vs 1.4% (1.2%, 1.6%), 2.2% (1.8%, 2.9%), 2.5% (1.6%, 3.1%), all P<0.05]. No difference was observed between OSAHS+hypertension group and OSAHS+EDS group ( P=0.779), but both higher than simple OSAHS group. The linear regression equation showed that LF/HF was most correlated with the percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation<90% (T90) as compared to the other parameters of sleep disordered breathing (β=0.201, P=0.006). In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed that LF/HF was significantly correlated with ESS scores and asleep BP levels ( r=0.536, r=0.456, all P<0.05). The logical regression equation showed that LF/HF was a causative risk factor for both EDS and hypertension in OSAHS (β=0.164, 95% CI: 1.018-1.364, P=0.028). Conclusion:The sympathetic-vagal imbalance is a common risk factor for EDS and hypertension in OSAHS patients

Correlation between the oxygen desaturation rate and blood pressure among patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and the possible mechanism / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To investigate the association between oxygen desaturation rate and blood pressure (BP) among severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the possible mechanism.Methods:Patients with snoring were enrolled from the Department of Sleep Medicine Center, the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University form March 2018 to January 2019 and underwent polysomnography (PSG). Noninvasive BP and Heart rate variability were full-night monitored continuously and synchronized with PSG. Based on the PSG results and exclusion criteria, a total of 86 severe OSAS patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups according to the ambulatory BP measurements: hypertensive group ( n=44) and normotensive group ( n=42). Oxygen desaturation rate was expressed as the change in the percentage of pulse oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO 2) per second during desaturation events after the obstructive apnea events occurred. The PSG parameters were compared between the two group and the multiple regression analyses were used to explore the association between oxygen desaturation rate and BP and its possible mechanism. Results:The apnea-hyperpnoea index (AHI) and respiratory event-related arousals (RERAs) were significantly higher in hypertensive group than those in normotensive group [(69.8±18.2) vs. (56.5±13.9) event/h; (40.5±17.4) vs. (30.2±14.6) event/h, both P<0.01]. In addition, hypoxia exposure conditions in the hypertensive group were more severe than those in the normotensive group, especially oxygen desaturation rate [(0.45±0.14)%/s vs. (0.33±0.10)%/s, P<0.001]. After adjusting for age, sex, neck circumference, waist circumference, smoking, drinking, the regression analyses showed that only the oxygen desaturation rate was significantly associated with both awake and asleep BP in OSAS patients ( β=0.473, 0.478, both P<0.01) and the correlation analyses suggested that the oxygen desaturation rate was related to the both awake and asleep sympathetic-parasympathetic imbalance ( r=0.367, 0.337, both P<0.01). Conclusion:Oxygen desaturation rate is closely related to BP levels in patients with severe OSAS, and the underlying mechanism is associated with the increased sympathetic activity.

Hospitalization Due to Asthma Exacerbation: A China Asthma Research Network (CARN) Retrospective Study in 29 Provinces Across Mainland China

PURPOSE: Details of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in mainland China are lacking. To improve disease control and reduce economic burden, a large sample survey among this patient population is indispensable. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of such patients.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals of 29 regions in mainland China during the period 2013 to 2014. Demographic features, pre-admission conditions, exacerbation details, and outcomes were summarized. Risk factors for exacerbation severity were analyzed.RESULTS: There were 3,240 asthmatic patients included in this study (57.7% females, 42.3% males). Only 28.0% used daily controller medications; 1,287 (39.7%) patients were not currently on inhaled corticosteroids. Acute upper airway infection was the most common trigger of exacerbation (42.3%). Patients with severe to life-threatening exacerbation tended to have a longer disease course, a smoking history, and had comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and food allergy. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking history, comorbidities of hypertension, COPD, and food allergy were independent risk factors for more severe exacerbation. The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation varied with seasons, peaking in March and September. Eight patients died during the study period (mortality 0.25%).CONCLUSIONS: Despite enhanced education on asthma self-management in China during recent years, few patients were using daily controller medications before the onset of their exacerbation, indicating that more educational efforts and considerations are needed. The findings of this study may improve our understanding of hospital admission for asthma exacerbation in mainland China and provide evidence for decision-making.

Downregulation of miR-4772-3p promotes enhanced regulatory T cell capacity in malignant pleural effusion by elevating Helios levels / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a complicated condition of patients with advanced tumors. Further dissecting the microenvironment of infiltrated immune cells and malignant cells are warranted to understand the immune-evasion mechanisms of tumor development and progression.@*METHODS@#The possible involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in malignant pleural fluid was investigated using small RNA sequencing. Regulatory T cell (Treg) markers (CD4, CD25, forkhead box P3), and Helios (also known as IKAROS Family Zinc Finger 2 [IKZF2]) were detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of IKZF2 and miR-4772-3p were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The interaction between miR-4772-3p and Helios was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-4772-3p on Helios expression were evaluated using an in vitro system. Correlation assays between miR-4772-3p and functional molecules of Tregs were performed.@*RESULTS@#Compared with non-malignant controls, patients with non-small cell lung cancer had an increased Tregs frequency with Helios expression in the MPE and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The verified downregulation of miR-4772-3p was inversely related to the Helios Tregs frequency and Helios expression in the MPE. Overexpression of miR-4772-3p could inhibit Helios expression in in vitro experiments. However, ectopic expression of Helios in induced Tregs reversed the effects induced by miR-4772-3p overexpression. Additionally, miR-4772-3p could regulate Helios expression by directly targeting IKZF2 mRNA.@*CONCLUSION@#Downregulation of miR-4772-3p, by targeting Helios, contributes to enhanced Tregs activities in the MPE microenvironment.

Downregulation of miR-4772-3p promotes enhanced regulatory T cell capacity in malignant pleural effusion by elevating Helios levels / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a complicated condition of patients with advanced tumors. Further dissecting the microenvironment of infiltrated immune cells and malignant cells are warranted to understand the immune-evasion mechanisms of tumor development and progression.@*Methods@#The possible involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in malignant pleural fluid was investigated using small RNA sequencing. Regulatory T cell (Treg) markers (CD4, CD25, forkhead box P3), and Helios (also known as IKAROS Family Zinc Finger 2 [IKZF2]) were detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of IKZF2 and miR-4772-3p were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The interaction between miR-4772-3p and Helios was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-4772-3p on Helios expression were evaluated using an in vitro system. Correlation assays between miR-4772-3p and functional molecules of Tregs were performed.@*Results@#Compared with non-malignant controls, patients with non-small cell lung cancer had an increased Tregs frequency with Helios expression in the MPE and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The verified downregulation of miR-4772-3p was inversely related to the Helios+ Tregs frequency and Helios expression in the MPE. Overexpression of miR-4772-3p could inhibit Helios expression in in vitro experiments. However, ectopic expression of Helios in induced Tregs reversed the effects induced by miR-4772-3p overexpression. Additionally, miR-4772-3p could regulate Helios expression by directly targeting IKZF2 mRNA.@*Conclusion@#Downregulation of miR-4772-3p, by targeting Helios, contributes to enhanced Tregs activities in the MPE microenvironment.

Development of a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system based on fluorescence properties of methylene blue / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system based on the fluorescence properties of methylene blue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the optical properties of methylene blue, we used a custom-made specific LED light source and an interference filter, a CCD camera and other relevant components to construct the near-infrared fluorescence imaging system. We tested the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of this imaging system for detecting methylene blue under different experimental conditions and analyzed the SBR in urine samples collected from 15 Wistar rats with intravenous injection of methylene blue at the doses of 0, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0 0 mg/kg methylene blue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The SBR of this imaging system for detecting methylene blue was affected by the concentration of methylene blue and the distance from the sample (P<0.05). In the urine samples from Wistar rats, the SBR varied with the the injection dose, and the rats injected with 1.6 mg/kg methylene blue showed the highest SBR (8.71∓0.20) in the urine (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This near-infrared fluorescence imaging system is useful for fluorescence detection of methylene blue and can be used for real-time recognition of ureters during abdominal surgery.</p>

Differences in dielectric properties between mucosal and serosal surface of malignant colorectal tissues, adjacent tissues at 1 cm and 3 cm and normal colorectal tissues / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differences in dielectric properties (relative permittivity and conductivity) between the mucosal surface and serosal surface of malignant colorectal tissues, adjacent tissues at 1 cm and 3 cm from the tumor focus and normal colorectal tissues.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The dielectric properties of the mucosal and serosal surface of malignant colorectal tissues, adjacent tissues (1 cm and 3 cm) and normal colorectal tissues from 39 patients with colorectal cancer were measured with an open-ended coaxial probe within the frequency range of 50 MHz-3 GHz, and the corresponding dielectric properties were analyzed respectively; statistical tests of the data were used to analyze the dielectric properties at 6 specific frequency points.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The dielectric properties were significantly higher in the malignant mucosa surface than in the adjacent tissues and normal colorectal tissues at the 6 specific frequency points (P<0.01). The dielectric properties decreased progressively in adjacent tissues at 1 cm and 3 cm and normal mucosa surface. The mucosal and serosal surface of malignant tissues showed significant differences in dielectric properties at 64 MHz, 128 MHz, 298 MHz, 433 MHz, and 915 MHz (P<0.01) but not at 2450 MHz (P>0.01), but such differences were not observed in normal tissues (P>0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The dielectric properties of the mucosal surface of the mucosal decrease in the order of malignant colorectal tissue, adjacent tissues at 1 cm and 3 cm from the tumor foci and normal colorectal tissues. The dielectric properties are higher in the mucosal surface than in the serosal surface in the malignant tissue, but comparable in normal colorectal tissues.</p>

Seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China.Methods This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast,north,central,east,south,northwest and southwest).The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded.The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared.Results During the study period,6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation,accounting for 3.14％ of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals.The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61％) was highest,and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97％).Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P＜0.000 1).In most areas,both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October).In the northeast area,east area and south area,the peaks in spring were more obvious,while in the north area and southwest area,the peaks in autumn were more obvious.In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August),respectively.The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast,north,and southwest areas (P＜0.005).Conclusion The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China.In most areas,more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.

Seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China.Methods This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast,north,central,east,south,northwest and southwest).The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded.The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared.Results During the study period,6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation,accounting for 3.14％ of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals.The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61％) was highest,and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97％).Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P＜0.000 1).In most areas,both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October).In the northeast area,east area and south area,the peaks in spring were more obvious,while in the north area and southwest area,the peaks in autumn were more obvious.In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August),respectively.The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast,north,and southwest areas (P＜0.005).Conclusion The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China.In most areas,more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.

Evaluation of asthma management from the surveys in 30 provinces of China in 2015-2016 / 中华内科杂志

Objective To evaluate the general level of asthma management in urban areas of China and further promote the national asthma management plan. Methods A multi-center, cross-sectional survey was carried out in 30 provinces of China (except for Tibet) during Oct 2015 to May 2016. It's a questionnaire-based face-to-face survey which included asthma management using peak flow meter (PFM) and pulmonary function test,medication choice of maintenance therapy and asthma education.Results A total of 3 875 asthmatic outpatients were recruited including 2 347(60.6%)females and 1 528(39.4%)males. The mean age was(50.7±16.7)years ranging from 14 to 99.Only 10.1%(388/3 837)patients used PFM as monitoring, whereas 62.1%(2 405/3 874) patients underwent pulmonary function test during the past year. There were 57.4%(2 226/3 875) patients treated with inhaled cortical steroid plus long-acting β2-agonist combinations (ICS+LABA) as daily medication. 43.3%(1 661/3 836) patients were followed up by physicians. Among this population, 1 362 asthmatic outpatients were recruited, who also took part in the asthma control survey in 2007-2008 in 10 cities.In this subgroup,17.9%(244/1 360)were tested by PFM and 66.6%(907/1 362)by pulmonary function test during last year.As to the medication,63.1%(860/1 362) selected ICS+LABA for daily control. There were 50.4%(685/1 359) patients in the follow-up cohort by physicians.Compared to the similar survey conducted in 2007-2008,the proportion of patients with ICS+LABA regimen and follow-up by physicians were markedly higher,while the rate of PFM use did not have significant improvement. Conclusion Although the present level of asthma management in China is still far from ideal, asthma management has improved compared to 8 years ago. Yet the use of PFM does not significantly improve.Asthma action plan and application of PFM should be further promoted to improve the level of asthma management.

Clinical and Immunological Effects of rhIL-2 Therapy in Eastern Chinese Patients with Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis.

It is urgent to find an optimised therapy regimen for the control of MDR-TB globally. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiacy and safety of a combined regimen of rhIL-2 injection and standard chemotherapy within 18-month duration in a randomized controlled trial conducted in 14 centres in eastern China. From Jan. 2009 to July. 2016, 271 MDR-TB cases were enrolled and followed up in two groups, 142 cases in study group while 129 cases in control group. Clinical efficacy, safety and immune activity (Th1, Th17, Treg, IFN-γ, IL-17) among the two groups were evaluated and compared. After 24-month following up, cure rate in IL-2 group show higher than that in control group (56% VS 36%, P < 0.01). Rate of mycobacterium clearance (sputum negative) within 3 months was significantly higher in IL-2 group (74% VS 59%, P < 0.05) with no adverse events raised. Patients after rhIL-2 treatment showed increasing of Th1 populations and decreasing of Th17 and Regulatory T cells (Treg) populations, while levels of IL-17A, ROR-γt, and Foxp3 mRNA decreased and level of IFN-γ mRNA increased in PBMCs. Thus, rhIL-2 combined regimen within shorter duration achieved high conversion and success rates and improved Th1/Th17 immune responses, with no safety concerns emerging in MDR-TB patients.

Complexity analysis of resting state fMRI signals in depressive patients.

Analysis of brain signal complexity reveals the intrinsic network dynamics and is widely utilized in the investigation of mechanisms in mental disorders. In this study, the complexity of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals was explored in patients with depression using multiscale entropy (MSE). Thirty-five patients diagnosed with depression and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were considered. The MSE profiles in five brain networks of the two participant groups were evaluated and analyzed. The results showed that depressive patients exhibited higher complexity in the left frontoparietal network than that seen in healthy controls, which is known to be critical for executive control functions. Through this study, the efficacy of MSE in identifying and understanding the mental disorders was also demonstrated.

The relationship between smoking status and epidermiology of asthma in people aged over 14 years in China / 中华内科杂志

Objective To study the relationship between bronchial asthma and smoking status in Chinese people.Methods Asthma epidemiological survey and stratified-cluster-random method survey were performed in residents over 14 years in 8 provinces (cities) of China from February 2010 to August 2012.Asthma was diagnosed based upon case history,clinical signs and lung function test.Smoking status was investigated by questionnaire.Results Sampling population was 180 099 and 164 215 were valid.A total of 2 034 subjects were diagnosed as asthma including 79 692 men and 84 523 women.The overall prevalence rate of asthma was 1.24％ (2 034/164 215).Smokers were 23.8％ (39 137/164 215) in the whole population.Smokers were 34.5％ (702/2 034) in asthmatic patients,compared with 23.7％ (38 435/ 162 181) in no-asthmatic population.The incidence of asthma was 1.79％ and 1.06％ in smokers and nonsmokers respectively (P ＜0.001),suggesting that OR of smoking was 1.70 (95％ CI 1.55-1.86,P ＜ 0.001).According to asthma control test (ACT) score,the level of asthma control in non smoking group was higher than that in smoking group(43.2％ vs 35.3％).The times of hospitalization due to acute exacerbations (0.51 vs 0.41 events/person/year),total hospitalization rate (27.35 ％ vs 20.12％),annual emergency room visits (0.80 vs 0.60 events/person/year) and emergency room visit rate (31.77％ vs 24.47％) were all much higher in smoking asthmatic patients than those in non smoking asthmatic patients,indicating that the level of asthma control in smoking patients was significantly worse than in non smoking patients.Conclusions The smoking rate in Chinese people over 14 years is still high.The prevalence rate of asthma in smokers is significantly higher than that of non-smokers.The level of asthma control in smokers is significantly worse than that in non smokers.