Applications of nanomaterials in endometriosis treatment.

Endometriosis is a common disease of the reproductive system in women of childbearing age with an unclear pathogenesis. Endometriosis mainly manifests as dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, and infertility. Currently, medical therapy and surgical treatment are usually used for endometriosis treatment. However, due to the high recurrence rate and many complications, it has greatly affected patients' quality of life. Nanotechnology is a new technology that mainly investigates the characteristics and applications of nanomaterials. To date, nanotechnology has received widespread attention in the field of biomedicine. Nanomaterials can not only be used as drugs to treat endometriosis directly, but also enhance the therapeutic effect of endometriosis by delivering drugs, siRNA, antibodies, vesicles, etc. This review comprehensively discusses nanomaterial-based therapies for endometriosis treatment, such as nanomaterial-based gene therapy, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy, and magnetic hyperthermia, which provides a theoretical reference for the clinical application of nanotechnology in the treatment of endometriosis.

Comprehensive analysis of mitophagy in HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common tumour type in otorhinolaryngology, and its occurrence is related to long-term exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Recently, HPV infection has become an increasingly important contributor to HNSCC, and HPV-associated HNSCC has a different clinical course and better prognosis than non-HPV-associated HNSCC. However, the exact molecular mechanism of HNSCC is unclear. Here, we obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) to analyse the mitophagy process and related influencing factors of HPV-associated HNSCC via the integration of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. We found that in HPV-associated HNSCC, process of mitophagy affects tumour development, immune cell infiltration and prognosis. In the mitophagy process of HPV-related HNSCC: NOS2, IL17REL, TMSB15A, TUBB4A and other hub genes showed significantly higher expression levels than in non-HPV-related HNSCC. Furthermore, this was also confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR), which was used to detect the expression of differentially expressed genes in HNSCC tissues. Furthermore, we found that the unique immunological characteristics by expressing CD8+ T cell in a high level in HPV-related HNSCC, and the scores obtained from the score model affected the prognosis of patients. In conclusion, our study revealed the unique biomolecular signature of mitophagy in HPV-associated HNSCC, which may contribute to the development of precise treatment regimens for HPV-associated HNSCC patients.

Toxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on reproduction in mammals.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) are widely used in food, textiles, coatings and personal care products; however, they cause environmental and health concerns. Nano-TiO2 can accumulate in the reproductive organs of mammals in different ways, affect the development of the ovum and sperm, damage reproductive organs and harm the growth and development of offspring. The oxidative stress response in germ cells, irregular cell apoptosis, inflammation, genotoxicity and hormone synthesis disorder are the main mechanisms of nano-TiO2 toxicity. Possible measures to reduce the harmful effects of nano-TiO2 on humans and nontarget organisms have emerged as an underexplored topic requiring further investigation.

Effect of pre-injection of young rat plasma on cognitive dysfunction after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in aged rats and the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pre-injection of young rat plasma on cognitive dysfunction after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in aged rats and the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 18 months, weighing 600-650 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=18 each) by the random number table method: control group (group C), cerebral I/R group (group IR), pre-injection of young rat plasma group (group P) and PI3K inhibitor LY294002 group (group LY). In group P and group LY, young rat plasma 100 μl/time was injected via the tail vein. In group C and group IR, the equal volume of normal saline was injected via the the tail vein, 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Then the model of cerebral I/R injury was developed under sevoflurane anesthesia in IR, P and LY groups. LY294002 0.3 mg/kg was injected through the tail vein at 1 h before anesthesia in LY group. The neurological deficit score (Longa score) was performed at 24 h after reperfusion, and then 6 rats were randomly sacrificed, and brain tissues were obtained to determine the cerebral infarct volume. Spontaneous mobility and anxiety-like behavior were assessed by the open field test at day 29 of reperfusion, and cognitive function was assessed by the novel object recognition test at day 30 of reperfusion. At the end of the behavioral test, rats were sacrificed, hippocampal tissues were isolated for determination of the expression of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), postsynaptic dense protein-95 (PSD-95) and synaptic vesicle protein (SYN) (by Western blot), and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Results:There was no significant difference in motor speed, distance traveled, and time of staying at the center of the open field among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the Longa score and cerebral infarct volume were significantly increased, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were decreased, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, PSD-95 and SYN in hippocampal tissues was down-regulated, and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons were decreased in IR, P and LY groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group IR, Longa score and cerebral infarct volume were significantly decreased, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were increased, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, PSD-95 and SYN in hippocampal tissues was up-regulated, and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons were increased in group P ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group LY ( P>0.05). Compared with group P, Longa score and cerebral infarct volume were significantly increased, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were decreased, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, PSD-95 and SYN in hippocampal tissues was down-regulated, and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons were decreased in group LY ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Pre-injection of young rat plasma can attenuate cognitive dysfunction after cerebral I/R in aged rats, and the mechanism is related to activation of hippocampal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and improvement in synaptic plasticity.

Changes and clinical significance of multiple cytokines in exhaled breath condensate in patients with severe inhalation injury / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the changes and clinical significance of multiple cytokine levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients undergoing tracheotomy with severe inhalation injury.Methods:A prospective study was conducted. A total of 32 patients with severe burn combined with severe inhalation injury admitted to the department of burns and plastic surgery of Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May 2021 to August 2022 were enrolled. Twenty healthy volunteers from the same period were served as controls. EBC of patients at 12 hours after burn and the samples of healthy controls were collected. The levels of 27 cytokines in EBC, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17), were determined by liquid phase chip technology. Meanwhile, plasma of patients at 12 hours after burn and the plasma of volunteers were collected, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by liquid chip technology, and the differences between the levels in plasma and those in EBC were analyzed. Plasma and EBC of patients with aspiration injury were collected at 12 hours and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after burn, and TNF-α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:Finally, 32 patients were enrolled, and the total burned area was (40±16)% of total body surface area (TBSA). The time of admission was (4.2±2.3) hours after injury. ① Twenty-seven cytokines in EBC: 18 kinds of cytokines including macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), IL-6, IL-5, IL-2, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-9, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), TNF-α, chemotactic factor for eosinophil (Eotaxin), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were significantly increased in patients with severe aspiration injury compared with health controls. Eotaxin was not detected in EBC of healthy controls. Five cytokines, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5/RANTES), IL-13, IL-4 and MIP-1α, were not detected in EBC of severe inhalation injury patients and healthy controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-12 p70 in EBC of severe aspiration injury patients were slightly decreased as compared with healthy controls, while IL-7 and IL-17 were slightly increased, but the differences were not statistically significant. ② Six inflammatory cytokines in plasma: the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the severe aspiration injury group were significantly increased as compared with healthy controls [IL-6 (ng/L): 18.51 (10.87, 26.21) vs. 0.22 (0.10, 0.36), IL-8 (ng/L): 10.75 (8.58, 18.79) vs. 1.06 (0.81, 2.14), both P < 0.01]. The plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 were slightly increased in patients with severe aspiration injury as compared with healthy controls, and IL-17 was slightly decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. In the EBC collected during the same period, five inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, in patients with severe inhalation injury were significantly increased as compared with healthy controls [TNF-α (ng/L): 16.42 (12.57, 19.21) vs. 7.34 (6.11, 8.69), IL-1β (ng/L): 15.57 (10.53, 20.25) vs. 0.99 (0.67, 1.41), IL-6 (ng/L): 13.36 (9.76, 16.54) vs. 0.70 (0.42, 0.85), IL-8 (ng/L): 1 059.29 (906.91, 1 462.37) vs. 10.36 (8.40, 12.37), IL-10 (ng/L): 2.69 (1.54, 3.33) vs. 1.54 (1.18, 2.06), all P < 0.05]. ③ Dynamic changes of TNF-α in plasma and EBC: the level of TNF-α in EBC of patients with severe aspiration injury was lower than that in plasma. Plasma TNF-α level was increased gradually with the extension of time after injury, and was significantly higher than that of healthy controls on day 3 [ng/L: 30.38 (24.32, 39.19) vs. 22.94 (17.15, 30.74), P < 0.05], and reached the peak on day 14, then fell back. The level of TNF-α in EBC at 12 hours after injury was significantly higher than that in healthy controls [ng/L: 15.34 (11.75, 18.14) vs. 6.99 (6.53, 7.84), P < 0.01], and reached the peak on 3 days after injury, and then gradually decreased. Conclusion:There are changes in the expression of multiple cytokines in EBC of patients with severe inhalation injury, and the changes of many inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α are more sensitive than those in plasma, which can be used to monitor and evaluate the condition of patients with inhalation injury.

Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates palmitate-induced HMCs fibrosis by inhibiting NOX4/MAPK pathways / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on sodium palmitate induced fibrosis in human glomerullar mesangial cells (HMCs) and its mechanism. Methods (1) HMCs were treated with different concentrations of PA for 24 h, the intracellular lipid accumulation was observed by oil red staining, and the intracellular ROS production was detected by H2DCFDA kit; (2) HMCs were divided into control, PA (160 μmol·L

Durability of Protection against COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections and Severe Disease by Vaccines in the United States

BackgroundIntrinsic durability of immune responses elicited by COVID-19 vaccines will drive vaccine effectiveness long-term across settings and may differ by vaccine type. We aimed here to determine durability of protection of three COVID-19 vaccines BNT162b2, mRNA-1273 and Ad26.COV2.S following primary vaccination against breakthrough infections, hospitalisations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in the United States (US). MethodsUsing national claims and laboratory data covering 168 million lives, we conducted a matched case-control study with fully vaccinated individuals between January 1 and September 7, 2021. Odds ratios (OR) for developing outcomes in months two through six following primary vaccination were estimated relative to the first month after primary vaccination for each vaccine separately. Results compare each vaccine to itself and are not directly comparative. Odds ratios were translated into vaccine effectiveness (VE) using assumptions about event rates in an unvaccinated cohort. FindingsRelative to its baseline, stable protection was observed for the single-shot Ad26.COV2.S against infections and severe disease. Relative to their baseline protection waned overtime against infections for BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 and against hospitalisations for BNT162b2. No waning of baseline protection was observed at any time for ICU admissions for all three vaccines. Calculated baseline VE was consistent with the published literature. InterpretationWhile the starting protection level provided by the primary series may differ by vaccine type and mechanism of action, this study demonstrated by comparing each vaccine to its own baseline protection that the three vaccines in three separate populations may have different durability profiles. Further investigation is required to fully characterize the durability profile of the three vaccines. Moreover, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and as more countries and populations implement a standard of care consisting of three doses of the mRNA vaccines or two doses of Ad26.COV2.S, further investigation is critical to understand the level of protection and the durability of response over longer periods, novel variants and in response to homologous and heterologous boosting.

Application value of transrectal multimodal ultrasound in evaluating the efficacy of endocrine therapy for prostate cancer / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of transrectal multimodal ultrasound parameters in monitoring and evaluating the efficacy of endocrine therapy for prostate cancer.Methods:Thirty patients with prostate cancer confirmed by pathology and treated with endocrine therapy in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People′s Hospital from November 2019 to May 2021 were selected. The levels of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, color Doppler parameters, elasticity index and contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters were measured and recorded before treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment. The parameters before and after treatment were statistically analyzed. The correlation between the changes of each index and PSA was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Results:Total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen, and prostate volume were significantly different before treatment, and 1 month and 3 months after treatment( P<0.05), and the values showed a downward trend with increase of treatment time. There was no significant difference in resistance index before and 1 month after treatment( P>0.05), but decreased significantly 3 months after treatment( P<0.05). The values of elasticity index, peak intensity, area under curve and gradient at 1 month and 3 months after treatment were lower than those before treatment, while the arrival time and rising time at 1 month and 3 months after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment( P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between the changes of quantitative parameters and PSA value before and after treatment( P>0.05). Conclusions:Prostate volume, color Doppler parameters, elasticity index, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters change in the early stage of endocrine therapy for prostate cancer, which can be used as a useful supplement to PSA for prostate cancer, and can be used to evaluate the efficacy of clinical prostate cancer endocrine therapy.

Tyrobp promotes neuroinflammation in Tourette's syndrome model mice and related mechanisms / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the effects and possible mechanisms of Tyrobp gene on neuroinflammation in Tourette's syndrome mice.Methods:Twenty C57BL/ 6J and Tyrobp knock-out male mice aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups according to random number table method: WT+ NS group, Tyrobp -/-+ NS group, WT+ IDPN group and Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group. Mice in WT+ IDPN group and Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group were injected with IDPN intraperitoneally at a dose of 150 mg/kg·d, while mice in WT+ NS group and Tyrobp -/-+ NS group were injected with equal volume of normal saline, once a day for 7 days. Then stereotypical behavior of mice were evaluated. Western blot was used to detect the levels of Tyrobp, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα in the striatum of mice. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the activation of microglia. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 software, and t-test was used for comparison between two groups. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means of multiple samples, and LSD test was used for further pairwise comparison. Results:The results of behavior assessment showed that there were significant differences in the motor stereotypic behavior and categorical stereotypic behavior score( F=270.9, 379.7, P<0.01), and the scores in WT+ IDPN group were higher than those in Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group (motor stereotypic behavior: (3.23±0.26), (2.13±0.21), t=9.02, P<0.05; categorical stereotypic behavior: (45.80±4.29), (26.60±3.48), t=12.00, P<0.05). Western blot results showed that there were significant differences in the protein expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα ( F=29.07, 23.09, 39.36, 57.6, 52.55, 15.50, 40.48, all P<0.05), the level of those in WT + IDPN group was higher than those in WT+ NS group( t=8.31, 7.37, 8.13, 11.43, 10.47, 6.05, 9.96, all P<0.05), Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group was higher than Tyrobp -/-+ NS group ( t=3.60, 3.00, 5.84, 4.81, 3.59, 2.26, 4.68, all P<0.05), and WT + IDPN group was higher than Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group ( t=3.97, 3.93, 4.14, 6.40, 7.63, 3.45, 3.03, all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence showed that microglial cells in the striatum region of mice in WT+ IDPN group and Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group were enlarged and microglial cells were activated, and the activation pattern of microglial cells in WT+ IDPN group was more obvious than that in Tyrobp -/-+ IDPN group. Conclusion:Tyrobp may be involved in the pathogenesis of Tourette's syndrome by promoting neuroinflammation mediated by TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

A new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol from Hypericum pseudohenryi / 药学学报

Eight polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of Hypericum pseudohenryi by MCI column, silica gel column and preparative HPLC. These compounds were defined as hypseudohenrin L (1), hyperbeanin P (2), furohyperforin (3), furoadhyperforin (4), ascyronone F (5), attenuatumione E (6), hyphenrone T (7) and hyperforatone N (8), compound 1 is a new compound. Compounds 1, 3, 5, 7 showed an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage cells.

Research progress of CT texture analysis in the diagnosis of renal tumors / 中华全科医师杂志

The classification and differentiation of renal tumors are related to the choice of therapeutic modalities and prognosis of patients. CT texture analysis is an objective and quantitative assessment of tumor heterogeneity based on the distribution and relationship characteristics of pixel or voxel gray levels in images, which can make up for the subjective limitations of traditional image visual analysis methods for diagnosis. In this article, CT texture analysis and its application in the diagnosis of renal tumors are reviewed and the limitations are also discussed.

Neutrophils mediate T lymphocyte function in septic mice via the CD80/cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 signaling pathway / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the effect of neutrophils on T lymphocyte function in septic mice and the role of CD80/cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) signaling pathway in this modulated effects.Methods:① In vivo experiment: 6-8 weeks old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham operation group (Sham group, n = 20), Sham+CTLA-4 antibody treatment group (Sham+aCTLA-4 group, n = 20), cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) induced sepsis model group (CLP group, n = 30) and CLP+CTLA-4 antibody treatment group (CLP+aCTLA-4 group, n = 30) according to the random number table. CLP was used to reproduce mouse sepsis model. The mice in the Sham group were treated identically but their cecums were neither punctured nor ligated. In CTLA-4 antibody treatment groups, 50 μg CTLA-4 antibody was injected intraperitoneally 6 hours and 24 hours after the operation. Forty-eight hours after operation, 6 mice in Sham group and Sham+aCTLA-4 group, 14 mice in CLP group and CLP+aCTLA-4 group were randomly selected to detect the expression of CD69 in spleen. At the same time, spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood were collected, and the expression of CD80 on neutrophils was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of CTLA-4 on the surface of T lymphocytes in spleen was detected by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The remaining mice in each group were used to observe the 96-hour survival after operation.② In vitro experiment 1: neutrophils were extracted from bone marrow of healthy mice and stimulated with LPS (1 mg/L) for 4, 8 and 12 hours respectively. The control group was added with the same amount of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at each time point, and the expression of CD80 was detected at each time point.③ In vitro experiment 2: splenic T lymphocytes of healthy mice were extracted and divided into PBS control group, LPS group (final concentration of LPS 1 mg/L), neutrophil group and neutrophil+LPS group. In the latter two groups, the co-culture model of neutrophils and T lymphocytes was established, and then the corresponding treatment was given to detect the expression of CTLA-4 on the surface of T lymphocytes. With the above four groups as controls, CTLA-4 antibody treatment groups (final concentration of CTLA-4 antibody 50 mg/L) were set up respectively. After 48 hours, the level of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the cell supernatant was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:① Results of in vivo experiment: compared with Sham group, the expression of CD80 on neutrophils in spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood was significantly up-regulated, while the expression of CTLA-4 on the surface of T lymphocytes was significantly increased [(9.98±0.84)% vs. (3.48±0.64)%, P < 0.05]. It suggested that neutrophils may affect T lymphocytes function through CD80/CTLA-4 pathway in sepsis. Compared with CLP group, CTLA-4 antibody could significantly improve the 96-hour cumulative survival rate of CLP mice (56.25% vs. 18.75%, P < 0.05), and increase the expression of CD69 on the surface of T lymphocytes. It suggested that CTLA-4 antibodies might increase T lymphocytes activation in sepsis and improve survival. ② Results of in vitro experiment: with the prolongation of LPS stimulation, the expression of CD80 on neutrophils gradually increased in time-dependent manner as compared with PBS control group [4 hours: (6.35±0.40)% vs. (3.41±0.40)%, 8 hours: (8.57±0.64)% vs. (3.09±0.27)%, 12 hours: (19.83±1.06)% vs. (5.16±0.36)%, all P < 0.05]. Compared with PBS control group, the expression of CTLA-4 on CD4 +/CD8 + T lymphocytes was not significantly affected by LPS stimulation alone, but CTLA-4 was increased after co-culture with neutrophils [CD4 +: (4.92±0.30)% vs. (3.33±0.25)%, CD8 +: (4.26±0.21)% vs. (2.53±0.66)%, both P < 0.05], and the increased trend of CTLA-4 was more obvious after co-culture with LPS-stimulated neutrophils [CD4 +: (6.34±0.50)% vs. (3.33±0.25)%, CD8 +: (6.21±0.41)% vs. (2.53±0.66)%, both P < 0.05]. In the PBS control group and LPS group, CTLA-4 antibody had no significant effect on IL-2 secretion of T lymphocytes. Compared with PBS control group, co-culture with neutrophils could inhibit the secretion of IL-2 by T lymphocytes (ng/L: 1 938.00±68.45 vs. 2 547.00±218.00, P < 0.05), and the inhibitory effect of neutrophils stimulated by LPS was more obvious (ng/L: 1 073.00±34.39 vs. 2 547.00±218.00, P < 0.05). CTLA-4 antibodies could partially restore IL-2 secretion. In conclusion, after promoting the expression of CTLA-4 on the surface of T lymphocytes, neutrophils might mediate the inhibition of T lymphocytes function by reducing the production of IL-2. Conclusions:Neutrophils mediate T lymphocytes dysfunction in sepsis, and the CD80/CTLA-4 pathway plays an important role. The CTLA-4 antibody improves survival and T lymphocytes function in sepsis mice, which may be a new method of immunotherapy for sepsis.

The role of coupler perfusion in transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of T-stage rectal cancer / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of coupler perfusion in transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of preoperative T staging of rectal cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the preoperative clinical data of 132 patients with rectal cancer in the People′s Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 2015 to November 2020. According to whether or not the patients agreed to coupler perfusion before ultrasound examination, they were divided into 2 groups, namely the perfusion group 69 cases and the non-perfusion group of 63 cases, with postoperative pathology as the gold standard, and compared with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) to evaluate the accuracy of the 2 groups and MRI in the T staging of rectal cancer.Results:The total coincidence rates of the coupling agent perfusion group, non-perfusion group and MRI group for the diagnosis of rectal cancer T staging were 89.9%, 76.2% and 87.9%, respectively, and the difference among the three methods was statistically significant (χ 2=6.096, P=0.047). The diagnostic sensitivity of the coupling agent perfusion group for T1 stage was 96.0%, which was higher than 61.5% of the non-perfusion group and 92.3% of the MRI ( P=0.010). The specificity of the perfusion group for the diagnosis of T2 stage was 95.7%, higher than the non-perfusion group and MRI ( P=0.037), the positive predictive value of the perfusion group for T2 stage was 90.9%, which was higher than the non-perfusion group and MRI ( P=0.035). The diagnostic accuracy of the perfusion group for T2 stage was 94.2%, higher than the non-perfusion group and MRI (χ 2=7.070, P=0.029). There were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy among the perfusion group and the non-perfusion group and the MRI for T3 and T4 (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Coupled-agent perfusion makes it convenient and fast for intracavity ultrasound to diagnose T staging of rectal cancer, and the diagnostic efficiency is comparable to MRI. In particular, it can be used as a highly reliable imaging method for T1 and T2 rectal cancer.

Analysis of the effect of different surgical methods in the treatment of uterine prolapse in the reproductive period / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic clinical effect of laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (LHUS) combined with cervical amputation and vaginal sacrospinal ligament fixation (SSLF) in the treatment of prolapse of uterus in childbearing period.Methods:From October 2011 to December 2016, the clinical data of 78 patients with uterine prolapse above grade Ⅱ treated in Department of Gynecology, Jizhong Energy Fengfeng Group Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into LHUS group (40 cases) and SSLF group (38 cases). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume and hospital stay of the two groups were compared by independent sample t test.Before and 6 months after the operation, the prolapse quality of life questionnaire (P-QOL), pelvic organ prolapse/incontinence sexual function questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) and pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PISQ-20) were used.PFDI-20 and pelvic floor impact questionnaire-short 7 (PFIQ-7) were used to evaluate patients′ quality of life, sexual function and pelvic floor function.Paired t test was used to compare the above scores before and 6 months after operation in the same group.Results:There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume and hospital stay between the two groups ( t value were 1.593, 1.203 and 0.535, , respectively, all P>0.05). The preoperative P-QOL, PISQ-12, PFDI-20, and PFIQ-7 scores of patients in the LHUS group were (55.4±11.1), (25.1±4.6), (15.0±4.9), (8.9±2.8) points, and (53.7±10.5), (23.9±3.7), (14.1±4.2), (9.2±3.0) in the SSLF group.There was no statistically significant difference in the indexes between the two groups before operation (t value were 0.694, 1.265, 0.869 and 0.457, respectively, all P>0.05). The scores of P-QOL, PISQ-12 at 6 months after operation in LHUS group((87.9±12.0), (39.1±6.1)) and SSLF group((81.3±11.7), (35.6±4.0)) were significantly higher than those before operation( t value were 12.574, 11.589, 10.823 and 13.236, respectively, all P<0.001). The scores of P-QOL and PISQ-12 at 6 months after operation in the two groups were higher than those before operation((87.9±12.0), (39.1±6.1)), and the P-QOL score of LHUS group was higher than that of SSLF group 6 months after operation, the difference was statistically significant ( t value were 12.574, 11.589, 10.823 and 13.236, respectively, all P<0.001). At 6 months after operation, PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores in LHUS group((2.1±0.3), (1.3±0.2) points) were significantly lower than before operation ( t value were=16.619 and, 17.123, all P<0.001). The PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores in LIHUS group were lower than those in SSLF group((2.7±0.3), (1.9±0.2)) at 6 months after operation (t values were 10.096 and 13.073, respectively, all P<0.001). Conclusion:LHUS combined with cervical resection in the treatment of prolapsed uterine prolapse can effectively improve the quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic floor function.The effect is better than SSLF, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Mechanism of intermittent and persistent noise exposure-induced anxiety and depression-like behavior in rats / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of intermittent and persistent noise exposure-induced anxiety and depression-like behavior in rats. METHODS: The specific pathogen free male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, four times/day intermittent noise exposure group, two times/day intermittent noise exposure group and persistent noise exposure group, with 15 rats in each group. The rats in the control group were housed in natural environment(background noise ≤50 dB), and the rats in other three exposure groups were exposed to noise with intensity of(95±2) dB of 20 to 20 000 Hz noise for four hours per day for 14 days; rats in the four times/day intermittent noise exposure group entered a five-hour quiet period every one hours of noise exposure, four times/day; rats in the two times/day intermittent noise exposure group entered a 10-hour quiet period every two hours of noise exposure, two times/day; rats in the persistent noise exposure group entered a 20-hour quiet period every four hours of noise exposure. After exposure, anxiety like behavior was evaluated by open field test and elevated cross maze test. The depression like behavior was evaluated by sugar preference test and forced swimming test. The pathological changes of neurons in the hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes of hippocampal tissues were observed by transmission electron microscope. Chemiluminescence and colorimetry were used to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS), malondialdehyde, glutathione(GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD). RESULTS: In the behavioral experiment, the percentage of exercise time in the central area decreased in the three noise exposure groups(all P<0.01). The exercise distance in the central area and sugar preference index decreased in the persistent noise exposure group(both P<0.01). The percentage of open arm exercise time and open arm exercise distance decreased in the two times/day intermittent noise exposure group and persistent noise exposure group compared with the control group(all P<0.01). The open arm distance of rats in the persistent noise exposure group were lower than those in the four times/day intermittent noise exposure group(P<0.05), while the immobility time was longer than in control group and the four times/day intermittent noise exposure group(both P<0.05). The HE staining showed that the neuronal spacing in CA1 area of the hippocampus of rats was significantly widened, and the pyramidal cells showed degeneration and necrosis in the persistent noise exposure group. There was no obvious necrosis found in the neurons of the other three groups. The ultrastructure of neurons showed that most mitochondria of cells in the hippocampus of rats in the two times/day intermittent noise exposure group were swollen. In the persistent noise exposure group, some neurons of the hippocampus of rats were necrotic, the cell membrane was discontinuous, the mitochondria were swollen, and the cristae were broken, dissolved or even disappeared. The mitochondrial structure of the hippocampus of rats in the other two groups was normal. The activity of SOD in the hippocampus of rats decreased in the four times/day intermittent noise exposure group(P<0.05), and the activity of SOD and the level of GSH in the hippocampus of rats decreased in the two times/day intermittent noise exposure group(both P<0.05), compared with the control group. The level of ROS and malondialdehyde in the hippocampus of rats in the persistent noise exposure group increased(all P<0.05), while the SOD activity and GSH level decreased(all P<0.05), compared with the other three groups. CONCLUSION: Intermittent noise exposure causes less anxiety and depression-like changes in rats than persistent noise exposure. Noise may cause anxiety and depression in rats through oxidative stress pathways.

Association between Clinical, Laboratory and CT Characteristics and RT-PCR Results in the Follow-up of COVID-19 patients

BackgroundSince December 2019, more than 100,000 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have been confirmed globally based on positive viral nucleic acids with real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, the association between clinical, laboratory and CT characteristics and RT-PCR results is still unclear. We sought to examine this association in detail, especially in recovered patients. MethodsWe analysed data from 52 confirmed patients who had been discharged with COVID-19. The clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were dynamically recorded and compared with the admission and follow-up RT-PCR results. ResultsIn this cohort, 52 admitted COVID-19 patients who had confirmed positive RT-PCR results were discharged after 2 rounds of consecutively negative RT-PCR results. Compared with admission levels, CRP levels (median 4.93 mg/L [IQR: 1.78-10.20]) decreased significantly (p<0.001). and lymphocyte counts (median 1.50x109/L [IQR: 1.11-1.88]) increased obviously after obtaining negative RT-PCR results (p<0.001). Additionally, substantially improved inflammatory exudation was observed on chest CT except for 2 progressed patients. At the two-week follow-up after discharge, 7 patients had re-positive RT-PCR results, including the abovementioned 2 progressed patients. Among the 7 patients, new GGO was demonstrated in 2 patients. There were no significant differences in CPR levels or lymphocyte counts when comparing the negative and re-positive PCT results (all p >0.05). ConclusionHeterogeneity between CT features and RT-PCR results was found in COVID-19, especially in some recovered patients with negative RT-PCR results. Our study highlights that both RT-PCR and chest CT should be considered as the key determinants for the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients.

Acute Myocardial Injury of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019

BackgroundSince the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, respiratory manifestations of the disease have been observed. However, as a fatal comorbidity, acute myocardial injury (AMI) in COVID-19 patients has not been previously investigated in detail. We investigated the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with AMI and determined the risk factors for AMI in them. MethodsWe analyzed data from 53 consecutive laboratory-confirmed and hospitalized COVID-19 patients (28 men, 25 women; age, 19-81 years). We collected information on epidemiological and demographic characteristics, clinical features, routine laboratory tests (including cardiac injury biomarkers), echocardiography, electrocardiography, imaging findings, management methods, and clinical outcomes. ResultsCardiac complications were found in 42 of the 53 (79.25%) patients: tachycardia (n=15), electrocardiography abnormities (n=11), diastolic dysfunction (n=20), elevated myocardial enzymes (n=30), and AMI (n=6). All the six AMI patients were aged >60 years; five of them had two or more underlying comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) severity was higher in the AMI patients than in patients with non-definite AMI (p<0.001). All the AMI patients required care in intensive care unit; of them, three died, two remain hospitalized. Multivariate analyses showed that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, NCP severity, and underlying comorbidities were the risk factors for cardiac abnormalities in COVID-19 patients. ConclusionsCardiac complications are common in COVID-19 patients. Elevated CRP levels, underlying comorbidities, and NCP severity are the main risk factors for cardiac complications in COVID-19 patients.

Primary development of visual uroflow scale / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To develop the visual uroflow scale (VUS), analyze the relationship of VUS score and index of free uroflowmetry, assess urination function preliminarily and improve the work efficiency in the clinic.@*METHODS@#Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) patients, who attended the Department of Urology in Peking University People's Hospital from March 2016 to March 2017, were assessed for their urination function according to the Visual Uroflow Scale without help from clinicians before undertaking a free uroflowmetry test. And afterwards, a free uroflowmetry was undertaken, and variables including maximal flow rate (Qmax), the average flow rate (Qave) and voiding volume (VV) was obtained. During the study, 124 cases were collected and 53 cases met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the study cohort. The Spearman correlation analysis was used for analyzing the correlation of VUS scores with free uroflowmetry variables and age. The validity of VUS was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Most of the patients could choose the very figure matched with self-condition by first instinct without any help from the clinician. The data were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. In the present study, voiding time was positively correlated with the VUS score (correlation coefficient, 0.62, P < 0.05). In the present cohort, the patients chose the third and fourth figures to take longer time to urinate, implying worse LUTS situation. Flow time and VUS scores were positively correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.61, P < 0.05). The patients with higher VUS scores would spend more time on urinate, no matter how long urinary hesitation was. Both Qmax and Qave were negatively correlated with the VUS score (correlation coefficient －0.54, －0.62, P < 0.05). The study illustrated that the VUS score suggested that the Qmax basically and further reflected the urination function. And its relationship to age revealed the decreased urination function of aging male, which had reached a consensus.@*CONCLUSION@#Development of VUS has helped the clinician assess the urination function preliminarily at the first time. Patients are assessed for a VUS score before getting surgery or receiving the drug for treatment, and can be re-assessed after. The VUS score can provide an objective quantitative basis to evaluate the treatment efficacy. In addition, considering that it is convenient, timesaving and easy to understand, the VUS is available for follow-up.

Clinicopathological features of dedifferentiated liposarcomas with meningothelial-like whorls: report of six cases / 中华病理学杂志

To investigate the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, molecular genetic characteristics of dedifferentiated liposarcomas with meningothelial-like whorls(DDLMW). Six cases of DDLMW diagnosed at Jiangsu Province Hospital(the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University) from March 2012 to August 2018 were enrolled. The cases were analyzed by routine HE staining, immunohistochemistry(MDM2, CDK4 and p16) and fluorescent in-situ hybridization(FISH) on MDM2 gene. Related literatures were also reviewed. Three of the 6 patients were male.The patient ages ranged from 40 to 77 years (mean, 58 years). Four tumors occurred in the retroperitoneum and two in the mediastinum. Histologically, the tumors showed, in addition to foci of well-differentied liposarcoma, characteristic, scattered meningothelial-like concentrical whorls. The whorls were composed of tightly, concentrically arranged, spindle to ovoid cells with mild to mederate cytological atypia. Metaplastic bone was present within or in their immediate vicinity in four case. The tumors cell also showed strong and diffuse immunoreactivity to MDM2, CDK4 and p16, but no immunoreactivity to S-100 protein, SMA, SOX10, EMA, CD21, CD23 or CD35. The Ki-67 labeling indexes were low, while FISH showed high levels of MDM2 amplification in all cases. DDLMW is a rare morphologic variant of dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The whorls in DDLMW do not represent perineurial or follicular dendritic differentiation. Recognition and familiarity with its existence, as well as combined application of immunohistochemical staining and MDM FISH, are important to avoid confusion with other lesions.

Effect of Different Compatibility of Menthae Haplocalycis Herba-Schizonepetae Herba on Influenza Virus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To research optimum compatibility components ratio for the anti-influenza virus effect of different compatibility of Menthae Haplocalycis Herba-Schizonepetae Herba. Method:The 228 SPF grade ICR rats of half male and half female were randomly divided into 19 groups, with 12 rats in each group. In each group, the ratio of flavonoids and volatile oil was determined. ICR rats were anesthetized with ether and infected with influenza A virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) with A 10-fold lethal dose（LD50）50 μL nasal drip infection. Than the blank control group was treated with the same amount of normal saline nasal drip control, and the rats were given the drug by gavage on the day after virus infection, the blank group and model group were given the same amount of distilled water, and the positive control group were given Oseltamivirphosphate and compound Jinyinhua granules by gavage, and once a day for 7 days. Different compatibility of volatile oil and flavonoids in Menthae Haplocalycis Herba and Schizonepetae Herba are applied to rats infected with influenza A/PR8/34 (H1N1) virus to study the pharmacodynamic screening by lung index of influenza-infected mice and histopathological examination. And antiviral effects as well as the expression of interleukin-6（IL-6）, interleukin-1β（IL-1β）, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is studied. Result:Lung infection injury was prepared by infecting mice with influenza A virus A/ pr8/34(H1N1). Lung mass increased at the end of the experiment in the model group, and lung index was compared with that in the blank group(P<0.01). And the experimental lung weight of oseltamivirphosphate group, compound Jinyinhua granules group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2 group, volatile oil 1 group and volatile oil 2 group were compared with that of the model group (P<0.05). Lung index of Oseltamivirphosphate group and volatile oil group was compared with that of model group (P<0.01).Lung index of compound Jinyinhua granules group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2 group, volatile oil 2-flavonoids 2 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2-flavonoids 1 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2-flavonoids 2 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2-flavonoids 2 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2-flavonoids 2 group and volatile oil 2 group were compared with the model group (P<0.05). And antiviral effect as well as the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α is studied. The expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α in volatile oil 1-flavonoids 1 group, volatile oil 1-flavonoids 2 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2-flavonoids 1 group, volatile oil 1-volatile oil 2-flavonoids 2 group, volatile oil 2 groups, flavonoids 2 groups were decreased, compared with the model group (P<0.01). Conclusion:It is found that different combinations have better biological effects and good antiviral effects. This study explores the synergies compatibility rule and mechanism of action on Menthae Haplocalycis Herba and Schizonepetae Herba pairs, which will not only develop the theory of Chinese medicine compatibility but also contribute to laying a foundation for the innovation of the influenza virus drug development.