A Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy and the Involved Mechanisms.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which can lead to renal failure in diabetic patients. At present, the first-line drugs for DN are mainly the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and the latest approved aldosterone receptor antagonist finerenone, which delay the progression of DN to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but the therapeutic effect is still not ideal. With a history of thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich experience in the treatment of DN. Based on the theory of TCM, the clinical treatment of DN mainly focuses on generating fluid and nourishing blood, nourishing Qi and Yin, detoxifying and detumescent. In recently years, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM prescription, Chinese herbal medicine, and its active components on DN have received extensive attention in new drug development. This paper reviews the research progress of the mechanism of TCM on DN.

Recent Progress of Perovskite Nanocrystals in Chem/Bio Sensing.

Perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are endowed with extraordinary photophysical properties such as wide absorption spectra, high quantum yield, and narrow emission bands. However, the inherent shortcomings, especially the instability in polar solvents and water incompatibility, have hindered their application as probes in chem/bio sensing. In this review, we give a fundamental understanding of the challenges when using PNCs for chem/bio sensing and summarize recent progress in this area, including the application of PNCs in various sensors and the corresponding strategies to maintain their structural integrity. Finally, we provide perspectives to promote the future development of PNCs for chem/bio sensing applications.

Ultrasonography for Serial Monitoring and Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamic Disorders After Decompressive Craniectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is widely used to treat intracranial hypertension following severe head injury. However, impairments of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics such as hydrocephalus and subdural effusion are common complications that occur after DC. Therefore, monitoring of intracranial pressure is a staple of neurocritical care post-DC. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of transcranial duplex sonography (TDS) for serial monitoring and management of CSF disorders after DC. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who underwent DC between June 2016 and May 2019 were recruited for the study. Transcranial duplex sonography examinations were performed between 1-day and 1-year post-DC. Transcranial duplex sonography was mainly used for monitoring changes in ventricle size and morphology, and also to monitor intraventricular hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, intracranial hygromas, and ventricle changes during CSF release procedures. RESULTS: A total of 456 TDS examinations were performed on patients after DC. Of these, 402 were performed in the neuro-intensive care unit. Two patients had intraventricular hemorrhage and underwent TDS-guided external ventricular drainage. Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with hydrocephalus. The results of TDS were consistent with those of cranial computed tomography. Three cases of ventriculoperitoneal shunt and 1 case of lumbar peritoneal shunt underwent valve pressure reset according to TDS, to obtain satisfactory ventricle size. Transcranial duplex sonography was used to monitor ventricle changes and control drainage volume during CSF release procedures, including 2 external ventricular drainage, 6 external lumbar drainage, and 10 lumbar punctures. Eighteen patients were detected with single or multiple intracranial effusions, including 16 subdural hygromas, 5 longitudinal fissure hygromas, and 6 brain cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Transcranial duplex sonography can efficiently help monitor changes in ventricle size and morphology and intracranial effusions. Due to its noninvasive nature, suitability for bedside application, real-time, and inexpensiveness, TDS can significantly replace cranial computed tomography and become part of the patient's daily inspection work after DC.

Analysis and evaluation of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The choice of the most appropriate therapeutic approach for a diagnosed papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for unifocal PTMC with a diameter of ≤0.6 cm. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive patients with PTMC treated with MWA were studied retrospectively. MWA was performed using the hydrodissection technique and multidimensional fixed-needle principle. We analyzed the absorption of the MWA area and evaluated the prognosis over a follow-up period of 24 months. In addition, 83 patients with PTMC who underwent surgery were selected. The operating room characteristics and procedural complications of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: In the MWA group, the volume of nodules (p < 0.05) decreased from 0.04 ± 0.03 cm3 to 0.0001 ± 0.0004 cm3 at the 24-month follow-up after MWA, and the volume reduction rate (p < 0.05) was 99.43 ± 1.58%. The incidence of temporary reactive hyperplastic lymphadenectasis was higher and that of other complications was lower in the MWA group than in the surgery group. One percent of the patients in the surgery group had recurrence or metastasis, but none were detected in the MWA group. The loss of thyroid tissue volume (p < 0.001), operating room time (p < 0.001), and the mean length of hospital stay (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the MWA group than in the surgery group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided MWA is an effective treatment strategy for unifocal PTMC with a diameter of ≤0.6 cm.

Hepatic Expression of Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1, a Cholesterol Reabsorber from Bile, Exacerbates Western Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor Mutant Mice.

Westernization of dietary habits increases lipid intake and is responsible for increased numbers of patients with atherosclerotic diseases. Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1)-a cholesterol importer-plays a crucial role in dietary cholesterol absorption in the intestine and is closely associated with several lipid-related diseases, including atherosclerosis. NPC1L1 is highly expressed in the liver and intestine in humans, whereas NPC1L1 expression is low in the rodent liver. Due to species differences in the tissue distribution of NPC1L1, there are limited studies on the pathophysiological role of hepatic NPC1L1, a cholesterol reabsorber from bile. In the present study, to explore whether hepatic NPC1L1 is involved in the development/progression of atherosclerosis, we compared four kinds of atherosclerosis mouse models with different expression levels of NPC1L1 in the intestinal and liver tissues in a genetic background of dysfunctional low-density lipoprotein receptor mutation. Western diet (WD)-induced hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic plaque formation were more severe in mice expressing NPC1L1 in both the liver and intestine (plasma cholesterol, 839.5 mg/dl; plaque area, 29.5% of total aorta), compared with mice expressing NPC1L1 only in the intestine (plasma cholesterol, 573.1 mg/dl; plaque area, 13.3% of total aorta). Such hepatic NPC1L1-mediated promotion of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis was not observed in mice not expressing intestinal NPC1L1 and mice treated with ezetimibe, an NPC1L1 inhibitor used clinically for dyslipidemia. These results suggested that hepatic NPC1L1 promotes WD-induced dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis in concert with intestinal NPC1L1. Our findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiological importance of hepatic NPC1L1 in development/progression of atherosclerosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, a cholesterol importer and a molecular target of ezetimibe clinically used for dyslipidemia, is highly expressed not only in the intestine, but also in the liver in humans, although the pathophysiological importance of hepatic NPC1L1 in atherosclerotic diseases remained unclear. By using novel mouse models to separately analyze the effects of hepatic and intestinal NPC1L1 on the development/progression of atherosclerosis, we first demonstrated that hepatic NPC1L1 accelerates Western diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation in an intestinal NPC1L1-dependent and an ezetimibe-sensitive manner.

[Prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in Chinese patients with bronchial asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of sensitization to Aspergillus antigens and the prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthmatic patients. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive non-smoking outpatients with asthma (≥ 18 years) underwent skin testing with aeroallergens, peripheral eosinophil counting, measurements of total serum IgE level and specific IgE against Aspergillus fumigatus, radiologic investigations and pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: Eleven patients (5.5%) had a positive skin reactivity to Aspergillus antigens. Five of these 11 patients (45.5%) met the diagnostic criteria of ABPA, an overall prevalence of 2.5% (5/200). There were 2 males and 3 females, aging from 19 to 62 years, with a disease duration from 15 to 40 years. All of the patients had asthmatic symptoms such as cough and wheeze. Moderate to severe obstructive ventilatory defect was found in 4 patients. Total serum IgE levels and specific IgE against Aspergillus fumigates were elevated significantly in all the patients, and elevated eosinophil count was found in 3 patients. Three cases were diagnosed as ABPA-CB because of the presence of central bronchiectasis on HRCT. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ABPA in Chinese patients with asthma was underestimated. Clinical features of ABPA were similar to asthma alone, but with longer duration and more severe lung function defect. Sensitization to Aspergillus, increased eosinophils and total serum IgE levels were important indicators for the diagnosis of ABPA.

Greatest International ANtiinfective Trial (GIANT) with moxifloxacin in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: subanalysis of Chinese data of a global, multicenter, noninterventional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A single infective acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) has a sustained effect on health status. Although a number of clinical investigations have demonstrated the efficacy of antibiotics in AECB, increased bacterial resistance has caused concern about the efficacy of currently available antibiotic therapies. This subanalysis of a global noninterventional study aimed to evaluate the impact of AECB on the patient and the community and the effectiveness and safety of a treatment with moxifloxacin (MXF) tablets in daily life clinical practice in China. METHODS: This prospective, noninterventional, noncontrolled, multicenter observational study, which started in China in April 2004 and ended in February 2007, was part of the global GIANT study. Patients with a diagnosis of mild to severe AECB were treated with MXF tablets 400 mg for a period at the physician's discretion. The observation period for each patient covered a complete treatment period with MXF. For each patient, the physician documented data at an initial visit (baseline) and at least one follow-up visit. Data were collected on demography, diagnosis of infection, pretreatment, concomitant diseases and medications, MXF therapy, course of symptoms during investigations, and final assessment of therapy with respect to MXF. RESULTS: In the Chinese subset of the GIANT study, a total of 11,377 patients were included in the intention-to-treat/safety population. At the end of the initial treatment period, improvement and recovery from infection was observed for 98.6% (n = 11,217/11,377) and 92.6% (n = 10,540/11,377) of all patients. After 1 week of treatment, 76.3% (n = 8681/11,377) of patients had recovered. Median time until improvement and recovery was 3.0 and 6.0 days, respectively. Correspondingly, in 95.8% (n = 10,903/11,377) of all patients, overall effectiveness during the initial treatment period with MXF was assessed as "very good" or "good". Compared with the last AECB, the number of days with impact on daily-life activities and the number of nights with sleep disturbances decreased from 3.0 to 2.0 (median) and from 2.0 to 1.0 (median), respectively. In general, MXF treatment was very well tolerated, with physician's overall assessment of tolerability as "good" or "very good" in 95.2% (n = 10,834/11,377) of patients. The incidence rate of adverse events and adverse drug reactions was 0.82% (n = 93) and 0.67% (n = 76), respectively. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea (0.31%, n = 35) and vomiting (0.19%, n = 22), which were mostly drug-related. One individual serious adverse event (dyspnea) occurred during the observation period, which was assessed as drug-related. CONCLUSION: MXF was effective and well tolerated in patients suffering from AECB. The fast speed of the drug's onset of action was associated with rapid improvement of clinical parameters.

[Impact of "three-in-one" asthma education and management model on asthma control in adult patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the asthma education and management model developed by Peking University People's Hospital on the level of asthma control. METHODS: Trained respiratory physicians from 6 large teaching hospitals in the urban districts of Beijing conducted a successive questionnaire survey in the form of face-to-face interviews with adult asthma patients attending their respective clinics. The results were used to compare the levels of asthma control between patients who were administered "three-in-one" asthma education and management (education group) and those who were not (control group). RESULTS: Among the 100 patients in the education group, 85% showed asthma control test (ACT) values > or = 20 points. This was significantly higher than that in the 427 control group patients (37%, chi2 = 74.345, P < 0.01). During the past 1 year, the rate of hospitalization due to exacerbation of asthma, number of emergency treatments, and missed working days were significantly lower in the education group than in the control group (4%, 18%, 20% vs 23%, 32%, 55%, respectively; chi(2) = 19.431, 7.515 and 17.853 respectively; and P < 0.01 for all). CONCLUSION: The "three-in-one" asthma education and management model can significantly improve asthma control.

[The impact of an asthmatic patient education program on asthma control and quality of life].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an asthmatic patient education program on asthma control and quality of life. METHODS: The program, which consisted of a special clinic for asthma, an asthma education center and the Asthmatic Patients Association, was carried out in Peking University People's Hospital. Interview-administered questionnaire of two groups of adult outpatients between Apr. and Jun. in 2005, the educated group (56 cases), including those having taken part in the asthma education program, and the control group (30 cases), including those of another hospital in Beijing without systematic asthma education program. The level of control of asthma and the quality of life in the past 8 weeks were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The rate of well-controlled asthma for the two groups was 61% (34 cases) and 10% (3 cases), respectively (chi2 = 20.50, P < 0.01); and the total score of quality of life for the two groups was 155 +/- 12 and 132 +/- 24, respectively (t = 5.17, P < 0.01). The results in the educated group were all better than those in the control group, the differences between the two groups being statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our asthmatic patient education program can significantly improve asthma control and quality of life.