Epidemiological characteristics of human- and chicken-derived CTX-M-type extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from China.

Bacterial resistance to ß-lactams is mainly attributed to CTX-M-type extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs). However, the predominant sequence type (ST) of blaCTX-M-carrying Escherichia coli (blaCTX-M-Ec) in chickens, an important food animal, in China and its contribution to human ß-lactam resistance are not investigated. In this study, approximately 1808 chicken-derived strains collected from 10 provinces from 2012 to 2020 were screened for blaCTX-M-Ec, and 222 blaCTX-M-Ec were identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests, whole genome sequencing and conjugation experiment were performed. All quality-controlled 136 chicken-derived blaCTX-M-Ec and 1193 human-derived blaCTX-M-Ec genomes were downloaded from NCBI and EnteroBase to comprehensively analyze the prevalence of blaCTX-M-Ec in China. blaCTX-M-55 (153/358, 42.7% in chicken isolates; 312/1193, 26.2% in human isolates) and blaCTX-M-14 (92/358, 25.7% in chicken isolates; 450/1193, 37.7% in human isolates) were dominant in blaCTX-M-Ec. The STs of blaCTX-M-Ec were diverse and scattered, with ST155 (n = 21) and ST152 (n = 120) being the most abundant in chicken- and human-derived isolates, respectively. Few examples indicated that chicken- and human-derived blaCTX-M-Ec have 10 or less core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (cgSNPs). Genetic environment analysis indicated that ISEcp1, IS26 and IS903B were closely associated with blaCTX-M transfer. The almost identical pc61-55 and pM-64-1161 indicated the possibility of plasmid-mediated transmission of blaCTX-M between humans and chickens. Although the genomes of most blaCTX-M-Ec isolated from chickens and humans were quite different, the prevalence and genetic environment of blaCTX-M variants in both hosts were convergent. CTX-M-mediated resistance is more likely to spread through horizontal gene transmission than bacterial clones.

[Correlations of Birth Defects With Birth Weight and Gestational Age].

Objective To analyze the incidence rate of birth defects in infants born at different gestational ages and birth weights,so as to provide a basis for improving the surveillance system and reducing the incidence of birth defects. Methods Data of all perinatal infants born at and after 28 weeks of gestation and within 7 days after delivery in all the hospitals with the obstetrical department from October 1,2003 to September 30,2015 were collected. Results From 2003 to 2015,1 236 937 perinatal infants were monitored,including 10 619 with birth defects (incidence rate of 8.59‰).Among the infants with birth defects identified by the hospital surveillance system of birth defects in Xi'an during the study period,3 306,3 473,and 224 infants showed the birth weights less than 2 500 g,the gestational age within the range of [28,37] weeks,and the gestation age≥42 weeks,respectively.The low birth weight infants showed higher incidence rate of birth defects than the normal birth weight infants (χ2=37 097.79,P<0.001).The premature infants (gestational age<37 weeks) and postterm infants (gestational age≥42 weeks) showed higher incidence rates of birth defects than infants born at normal gestational age (χ2=24 998.24,P<0.001;χ2=196.40,P<0.001).The top five birth defects of low birth weight infants were congenital hydrocephalus,spina bifida,congenital heart disease,anencephaly,and cleft lip and cleft palate.The outcomes of birth defects in normal weight infants and low weight infants were mainly live births (68.60%) and stillbirths (54.72%),respectively,which showed a significant difference (χ2=647.59,P<0.001).The main outcomes of birth defects in the infants born at normal gestation age,postterm infants,and premature infants were mainly live births (77.38%),live births (83.93%),and stillbirths (57.79%),respectively,which showed significant differences (premature infants vs.infants born at normal gestation age: χ2=2 025.08,P<0.001;premature infants vs. postterm infants:χ2=245.39,P<0.001;infants born at normal gestation age vs.postterm infants:χ2=16.28,P=0.001). Conclusions Premature infants,low birth weight infants,and postterm infants showed significantly higher incidence rate of birth defects than the infants born at normal gestation age.The outcomes of birth defects had significant differences between low birth weight infants and normal birth weight infants,between premature infants and infants born at normal gestation age,between premature infants and postterm infants,and between infants born at normal gestation age and postterm infants.

Mechanic study based on untargeted metabolomics of Pi-pa-run-fei-tang on pepper combined with ammonia induced chronic cough model mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pi-pa-run-fei-tang (PPRFT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula with long-standing history, demonstrated beneficial effect on chronic cough. However, the mechanism underlying efficacy unclear. In current research, we explored the impact and molecular mechanism of chronic cough mouse stimulating with capsaicin combined with ammonia. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the metabolic modulating effects, and potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of PPRFT in chronic cough. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic cough mouse models were created by stimulating mice by capsaicin combined with ammonia. Number of coughs and cough latency within 2 min were recorded. With lung tissue and serum samples collected for histopathology, metabolomics, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and WB analysis. Lymphocytes were isolated and flow cytometric assays were conducted to evaluate the differentiation between Th17 and Treg cell among CD4+ cells. RESULTS: Results indicated that PPRFT obviously reduced the number of coughs, prolonged cough latency, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and lung tissues damage, and decreased the serum level of IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-17 while increasing IL-10 levels. Notably, PPRFT suppressed Th17 cell divergence and promoted Treg cell divergence. Furthermore, serum metabolomic assays showed that 46 metabolites differed significantly between group, with 35 pathways involved. Moreover, mRNA levels of IL-6, NF-κB, IL-17, RORγT, JAK2, STAT3, PI3K and AKT in lung tissues remarkably reduced and mRNA levels of IL-10 and FOXP3 were elevated after PPRFT pretreatment. Additionally, PPRFT treatments decreased the protein levels of IL-6, NF-κB, IL-17, RORγT, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, p-PI3K, and p-AKT and increased the protein levels of IL-10 and FOXP3, but no significantly effects to the levels on JAK2, STAT3, PI3K, and AKT in the lungs. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, our result suggested the effect with PPRFT on chronic cough may be mediated through IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, which regulate the differentiation between Th17 and Treg cell. This beneficial effect of PPRFT in capsaicin and ammonia-stimulated chronic cough mice indicates its potential application in treating chronic cough.

Pi-Pa-Run-Fei-Tang alleviates lung injury by modulating IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/IL-17 and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and balancing Th17 and Treg in murine model of OVA-induced asthma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pi-Pa-Run-Fei-Tang (PPRFT) is an empirical TCM prescription for treating asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms of PPRFT in asthma treatment have yet to be elucidated. Recent advances have revealed that some natural components could ameliorate asthma injury by affecting host metabolism. Untargeted metabolomics can be used to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying asthma development and identify early biomarkers that can help advance treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to verification the efficacy of PPRFT in the treatment of asthma and to preliminarily explore its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mouse asthma model was built by OVA induction. Inflammatory cell in BALF was counted. The level of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in BALF were measured. The levels of IgE in the serum and EPO, NO, SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA in the lung tissue were measured. Furthermore, pathological damage to the lung tissues was detected to evaluate the protective effects of PPRFT. The serum metabolomic profiles of PPRFT in asthmatic mice were determined by GC-MS. The regulatory effects on mechanism pathways of PPRFT in asthmatic mice were explored via immunohistochemical staining and western blotting analysis. RESULTS: PPRFT displayed lung-protective effects through decreasing oxidative stress, airway inflammation, and lung tissue damage in OVA-induced mice, which was demonstrated by decreasing inflammatory cell levels, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels in BALF, and IgE levels in serum, decreasing EPO, NO, and MDA levels in lung tissue, elevating SOD and GSH-Px levels in lung tissue and lung histopathological changes. In addition, PPRFT could regulate the imbalance in Th17/Treg cell ratios, suppress RORγt, and increase the expression of IL-10 and Foxp3 in the lung. Moreover, PPRFT treatment led to decreased expression of IL-6, p-JAK2/Jak2, p-STAT3/STAT3, IL-17, NF-κB, p-AKT/AKT, and p-PI3K/PI3K. Serum metabolomics analysis revealed that 35 metabolites were significantly different among different groups. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that 31 pathways were involved. Moreover, correlation analysis and metabolic pathway analysis identified three key metabolic pathways: galactose metabolism; tricarboxylic acid cycle; and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. CONCLUSION: This research indicated that PPRFT treatment not only attenuates the clinical symptoms of asthma but is also involved in regulating serum metabolism. The anti-asthmatic activity of PPRFT may be associated with the regulatory effects of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/IL-17 and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB mechanistic pathways.

Diagnostic method and value of echocardiography for screening right patent ductus arteriosus in infants / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic method and value of echocardiography in screening right patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) of infants.Methods:This was a prospective study.Thirty-one infants with right PDA diagnosed by ultrasound and confirmed by prenatal ultrasonography, electronic computed tomography angiography, angiocardiography and/or surgery in Hebei Children′s Hospital from April 2014 to May 2022 were collected as research subjects, and the association of right ductus arteriosus with aortic arch anomalies and complex cardiac malformations were summarized. The diagnostic method and value of ultrasonic screening were summed up.Results:Of the 31 cases, 30 cases were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound and 1 case was misdiagnosed, who was a left aortic arch descending to the right, a crossover variation of the right and left pulmonary arteries, and a rightward displacement of the ductus arteriosus. Among these cases diagnosed correctly, 27 cases (including 24 cases with right aortic arch and 3 cases with left aortic arch) presented that ductus arteriosus was open and its ostium of pulmonary artery end was located in the proximal right pulmonary artery in views of parasternal short-axis view of great vessels at cardiac base with the combination of two dimensions and color Doppler flow imaging. Other 3 cases of right aortic arch were all single ventricle with transposition of the great artery. Due to the parallel relationship of the two great arteries, the standard parasternal short-axis view of great vessels could not be obtained, and the right ductus arteriosus was found in the high parasternal views.In all of the 27 cases with right aortic arch and right ductus arteriosus, high parasternal views showed that one end of the ductus arteriosus was connected to the right aortic arch isthmus and the other end was connected to the right pulmonary artery. In all of the 3 cases with left aortic arch and right ductus arteriosus, the high parasternal views showed that one end of the ductus arteriosus was connected to the right subclavian artery and the other end was connected to the right pulmonary artery. Among the 27 cases with right aortic arch, 16 cases were accompanied with mirror image branches, 9 cases of which had complex cardiac malformations; 10 cases were associated with aberrant left subclavian artery, 1 case of which had complex cardiac malformations; 1 case was with isolated left subclavian artery, and without complex cardiac malformations. All 3 cases of left aortic arch were accompanied with isolated right subclavian artery and none of them were associated with complex cardiac malformations. Clinical outcomes of 30 cases with right PDA: 14 cases underwent ductus arteriosus ligation due to thick ductus or other heart malformations. In other 16 cases, 4 cases were closed spontaneously, 9 cases had persistent small ductus arteriosus, and 3 cases were lost to follow-up.Conclusions:Right ductus arteriosus is mostly related to the right aortic arch, and those with mirror image branches are prone to complex cardiac malformations; cases of left aortic arch with right ductus arteriosus are tend to accompany isolated right subclavian artery. Ultrasound has an important application in the screening and diagnosis of right PDA.

Characterisation of novel Tn7-derivatives and Tn7-like transposon found in Proteus mirabilis of food-producing animal origin in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of Tn7-derivatives transposons in MDR Proteus mirabilis strains isolated from anal swabs of chicken and swine in China from 2015-2020. METHODS: The Tn7 tnsA gene was screened in 207 P. mirabilis isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Illumina Hiseq (200 × coverage) was used for genome sequencing. Transposon maps were completed by PCR and Sanger sequencing and analysed by BLAST. RESULTS: The Tn7 tnsA gene was detected in 21 strains by PCR. Eight novel Tn7-derivatives, named Tn6667, Tn6668, Tn6669, Tn6670, Tn7095, Tn7096, Tn7097 and Tn7098, were characterised. Three types of hybrid class 2/1 integrons were found at the right end of Tn7 derivatives. A novel Tn7-like transposon Tn6666 with an active integrase gene intI2, whose transposition module shows 93% nucleotide identity to the corresponding region of Tn7, was characterised in three strains. Tn6666 is also found next to Tn7097 or Tn7098 in the chromosomes of two clonally related P. mirabilis strains. The number of resistance genes carried by the novel transposons varied from 1 to 18. A novel variant of class A extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene, blaPER-16, with eight base substitutions compared with blaPER-12, was harboured by Tn7098. CONCLUSION: Our study characterised diverse novel Tn7-derivatives and a new Tn7-like transposon in P. mirabilis. An active integrase gene intI2 might promote the diversification of Tn7-like transposons. More attention should be paid to the prevalence and evolution of Tn7-derivatives and Tn7-like transposons and antimicrobial resistance genes they carry.

Echocardiographic features of isolated brachiocephalic artery branches and analysis of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the echocardiographic characteristics of isolated brachiocephalic artery branches, and to analyze the reason of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy.Methods:Echocardiographic features of isolated subclavian artery and brachibrachial trunk confirmed by operation or CT angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were retrospectively analyzed in Hebei Children′s Hospital from May 2017 to July 2021. Related literatures of other rare types of isolated brachiocephalic artery branches retrieved in PubMed were reviewed, and the echocardiographic characteristics of such vascular malformations were summarized.Results:A total of 4 children with isolated brachiocephalic artery branches were included. Echocardiography correctly diagnosed isolated brachiocebrachial trunk in 1 case and missed or misdiagnosis in 3 cases, including isolated subclavian artery was missed in 1 case, isolated subclavian artery was misdiagnosed as aberrant subclavian artery in 1 case and patent ductus arteriosus in 1 case. A total of 105 cases of isolated brachiocephalic artery branches were reviewed, including isolated brachiocephalic artery in 31 cases (53.3%), isolated common carotid artery in 15 cases (29.5%), isolated common carotid artery in 15 cases (14.3%) and isolated internal carotid artery in 3 cases (2.9%). The characteristic of echocardiography was that the brachiocephalic branch of the aortic arch was disconnected from the aortic arch, often via the ductus arteriosus or directly connected to the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery.Conclusions:Isolated brachiocephalic artery branches have certain characteristic echocardiographic features and these kinds of vascular malformations are accompanied by different degrees of stealing blood phenomenon. Careful tracing of the origin of brachiocephalic artery branches and combined with cervical vascular ultrasound when necessary can improve the diagnosis rate of isolated brachiocephalic artery branch lesions.

Twelve-section ultrasonic screening diagnosis method for neonatal complex congenital heart disease in primary hospitals at county level / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of "twelve-section ultrasonic screening diagnosis method" in screening for neonatal complex congenital heart disease (CHD) in primary hospitals.Methods:This is a prospective study. A total of 71 580 newborns were screened for CHD using the "twelve-section ultrasonic screening diagnosis method" from four pilot units in Hebei province, which were Bo'ai Hospital of Huanghua Development Zone, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Fengning County, Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Tang Country, and Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Rongcheng Country, from November 2015 to December 2019. Another 262 children with CHD were enrolled, including 39 with complex CHD. These cases received ultrasonography at four pilot units above and then were transferred to CHD Screening Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Hebei Children's Hospital (our center) prior to the implementation of "twelve-section ultrasonic screening diagnosis method" from June 2012 to June 2014, who were all confirmed by surgery. Set the diagnosis results of our center as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic consistency rate in screening for complex CHD cases were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Chi-square test were used to compare and analyze the sensitivity for screening neonatal complex CHD before and after implementing the method. The screening results of complex CHD after implementing the method between the pilot units and our center as well as between the four pilot units were compared and analyzed using Chi-square test. Results:A total of 553 (0.77%) CHD cases were detected by the "twelve-section ultrasound screening diagnosis method", including 66 cases of complex CHD and 487 cases simple CHD. Among the cases screened using the method, there were three false negative cases (one case with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, one with abnormal coronary artery originating from pulmonary artery, and one with atresia of distal to the left subclavian artery, aortic arch and left aortic arch of double-arch), one false positive case (false echo loss of aortopulmonary septal that was misdiagnosed as aortopulmonary septal defect), five cases of misdiagnosis (one common pulmonary venous atresia case that was misdiagnosed as total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, one persistent stenosis of the fifth aortic arch that was misdiagnosed as coarctation of aorta, one pulmonary artery sling that was misdiagnosed as absence of left pulmonary artery, one severe coarctation of aorta that was misdiagnosed as interruption of aortic arch, and one aortic isthmus atresia that was misdiagnosed as coarctation of aorta), and all were complex CHD cases. A total of 68 cases (12.3%) of complex CHD were confirmed by our center. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic consistency rate of screening were 95.6% (65/68), 99.8% (484/485), and 86.8% (59/68), respectively and the area under ROC curve was 0.98. Before the implementation, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic coincidence rates of ultrasonic screening for complex CHD were 69.2%(27/39), 95.5%(213/223), and 61.5% (24/39), respectively, and the area under ROC curve was 0.82. The sensitivity of complex CHD screening was significantly increased after implementing the method ( χ2=14.28, P<0.05). There was no significant statistical significance in the sensitivity for screening complex CHD after the implementation between the pilots and our center or between the four pilots (all P>0.05). Conclusions:"Twelve-section ultrasonic screening diagnosis method" is suitable for the screening of neonatal complex CHD in hospitals at the county level. However patients with some special types of complex CHD are recommended to be transferred for a more accurate diagnosis.

AI4AMP: an Antimicrobial Peptide Predictor Using Physicochemical Property-Based Encoding Method and Deep Learning.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are innate immune components that have recently stimulated considerable interest among drug developers due to their potential as antibiotic substitutes. AMPs are notable for their fundamental properties of microbial membrane structural interference and the biomedical applications of killing or suppressing microbes. New AMP candidates must be developed to oppose antibiotic resistance. However, the discovery of novel AMPs through wet-lab screening approaches is inefficient and expensive. The prediction model investigated in this study may help accelerate this process. We collected both the up-to-date AMP data set and unbiased negatives based on which the protein-encoding methods and deep learning model for AMPs were investigated. The external testing results indicated that our trained model achieved 90% precision, outperforming current methods. We implemented our model on a user-friendly web server, AI4AMP, to accurately predict the antimicrobial potential of a given protein sequence and perform proteome screening. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are innate immune components that have aroused a great deal of interest among drug developers recently, as they may become a substitute for antibiotics. New candidates need to fight antibiotic resistance, while discovering novel AMPs through wet-lab screening approaches is inefficient and expensive. To accelerate the discovery of new AMPs, we both collected the up-to-date antimicrobial peptide data set and integrated the protein-encoding methods with a deep learning model. The trained model outperforms the current methods and is implemented into a user-friendly web server, AI4AMP, to accurately predict the antimicrobial properties of a given protein sequence and perform proteome screening. Author Video: An author video summary of this article is available.

Anticancer effects of juglone in OVCAR-3 human ovarian carcinoma are facilitated through programmed cell death, endogenous ROS production, inhibition of cell migration and invasion and cell cycle arrest.

The Editors of JBUON issue an Expression of Concern to 'Anticancer effects of juglone in OVCAR-3 human ovarian carcinoma are facilitated through programmed cell death, endogenous ROS production, inhibition of cell migration and invasion and cell cycle arrest', by Jun-Yu Shi, Zhe-Ren Huang, Hong-Yan Gao, Xiao-Li Xu; JBUON 2020;25(2):779-784; PMID: 32521867. Following the publication of the above article, readers drew to our attention that part of the data was possibly unreliable. We sent emails to the authors with a request to provide the raw data to prove the originality, but received no reply. Therefore, as we continue to work through the issues raised, we advise readers to interpret the information presented in the article with due caution. We thank the readers for bringing this matter to our attention. We apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.

Research progress of necroptosis on bone related diseases / 中国骨伤

As a new type of cell death, necroptosis is initiated by tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1), and then activated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1(RIP1) and receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), following by the activation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein(MLKL) to deliver cell death signal. When necroptosis happens, damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) enter into extracellular area through the ruptured cytomembrane, followed by the disordered tissue hemeostasis. In recent years, many researches showed that necroptosis playimportant roles in a few bone related diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, osteosarcoma, etc. Thus, we try to briefly review the researches in this field.

Effects of Xingnaojing on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and neuron-specific enolase in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will systematically explore the effects of Xingnaojing (XNJ) on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage (ACH). METHODS: We will comprehensively search the following electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from inception to the March 1, 2020. There are no limitations related to the language and publication status. Two authors will independently perform all citation identification, information extraction, and study quality. All potential conflicts will be solved through discussion with the help of a third author. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for data synthesis and statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize the present evidence to investigate the effects of XNJ on serum hs-CRP and NSE in patients with ACH. CONCLUSION: This study may provide an impressive understanding of perspective from scientific basis for effects of XNJ on serum hs-CRP and NSE in patients with ACH. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020171648.

Anticancer effects of juglone in OVCAR-3 human ovarian carcinoma are facilitated through programmed cell death, endogenous ROS production, inhibition of cell migration and invasion and cell cycle arrest.

PURPOSE: Accumulating evidence suggests that Juglone is a potent anticancer molecule of plant origin. However, its anticancer effects have not been fully explored against human ovarian cancer cells. Therefore this study was undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of Juglone against the human OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: Cell viability was evaluated by WST-1 assay. Cellular apoptosis was studied using fluorescence microscopy with DAPI staining. The percentage of OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells was examined by using flow cytometry in combination with annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Effects on cell cycle were studied by flow cytometer while effects on cell migration and invasion were evaluated using wound healing and transwell assay, respectively. RESULTS: Juglone inhibited the growth rate of OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells and showed an IC50 of 30 µM. However, Juglone showed very high IC50 (100 µM) against the normal SV40 ovarian cells. DAPI staining showed that Juglone caused nuclear fragmentation of the OVCAR-3 cells, suggestive of apoptosis. Annexin V/PI staining showed that the percentage of the apoptotic OVCAR-3 cells increased from 2.15 in control to 45.24% at 60 µM concentration of Juglone. The induction of apoptosis in the OVCAR-3 cells was also accompanied with activation caspase-3, upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Juglone was also found to cause an upsurge in the ROS levels in the OVCAR-3 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that Juglone caused accumulation of the OVCAR-3 cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle triggering G2/M cell cycle arrest. Wound healing assay and transwell assay showed that Juglone suppressed the migration as well as the invasion of the OVCAR-3 cells, suggestive of the antimetastatic potential of this molecule. CONCLUSIONS: Juglone may prove advantageous in ovarian cancer treatment.

Spectrum of clinical features and neuroimaging findings in acute cerebral infarction patients with unusual ipsilateral motor impairment- a series of 22 cases.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral infarction occurs when the arteries to brain are obstructed, and motor impairment contralateral to responsible lesion is commonly recognized. Few studies have profiled the characteristics of cases with ipsilateral motor impairment. We sought to characterize clinical features of patients with motor dysfunction caused by ipsilateral ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrieved and analyzed the medical data for patients with ipsilateral cerebral infarction. Patients were regarded as having ipsilateral cerebral infarction if motor impairment is ipsilateral to recent stroke lesions. RESULTS: Only 22 patients with unusual ipsilateral cerebral infarction were included in this study. Ipsilateral limb paralysis was observed in all cases, and one case showed central facioplegia. Majority of patients with limb paralysis (90.9%, 20/22) presented with mild muscle strength deficits (MRC grading of 4 or more). Most of the patients (72.7%, 16/22) had a past history of stroke, and previous strokes were contralateral to the side of the recent stroke in 14 out of 16 patients (87.5%). No history of stroke or cerebral injury was identified in seven patients. With aspect of MRI findings, recent infarct lesions of all cases were located along the corticospinal tract. CONCLUSIONS: History of stroke plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ipsilateral motor impairment, and cortical reorganization in the unaffected hemisphere may contribute to the compensation of motor function after stroke. Besides that, some cases with first stroke may be due to impairment of ipsilateral uncrossed corticospinal fibers.

Successful treatment of reflex epilepsy with praxis induction by stimulus avoidance only.

PURPOSE: Reflex epilepsy is a type of epilepsy with seizures that are consistently triggered by a specific stimulus. Zipai is a Chinese ancient card game which has been popular in Southern China for hundreds of years. We sought to report and characterize clinical features of patients with reflex epilepsy evoked by playing Zipai. METHODS: We collected and analyzed clinical data of patients with Zipai-induced epilepsy. Patients were regarded as having Zipai-induced epilepsy if they suffered at least two seizure attack during the course of playing Zipai. Prolonged electroencephalography (EEG) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were applied to all patients. All patients were advised to avoid watching and playing Zipai games in daily life, instead of using antiepileptic drugs. The seizure outcome was assessed during outpatient visits and by telephone contact. RESULTS: Five patients were included in this study. No spontaneous seizures occurred in all five patients. No patients had experienced myoclonic and coexistent absences with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). All patients had normal MRI and prolonged EEG findings. All patients were advised to avoid the Zipai game, and became seizure-free without medication during the follow-up period (mean 5.4 years, range 3.5-7 years). CONCLUSION: Zipai-induced epilepsy may be an unreported subtype form of reflex epilepsy with praxis induction. Nonpharmacological conservative treatment plays a significant role in the treatment of reflex epilepsy.

Younger age at surgery and lesser seizure frequency as prognostic factors for favorable seizure-related outcome after glioma resection in adults.

The identification of variables predictive of good seizure control following surgical tumor resection in adult glioma patients with tumor-related epilepsy would greatly benefit treatment decisions. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical data of adult patients with tumor-related epilepsy who underwent tumor resection at our institute between November 2011 and August 2013. Patients were divided into seizure-free (Engel Ia) and unfavorable outcome groups (Engel Ib-IV), and potential prognostic factors were analyzed. Of 90 patients, 61 (68%) had a favorable outcome at an average of 3 years after surgery. Our analyses indicated that younger age at surgery (P=0.048) and rare seizure frequency (P=0.006) were associated with significantly more favorable postoperative seizure-related outcomes. In conclusion, younger age at surgery and lesser seizure frequency were independent predictors of favorable epileptic seizure control after glioma resection in adults. Thus, early surgical resection is necessary for achieving favorable seizure outcome.

Spectrum of neuroimaging findings in cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent patients in China - A series of 18 cases.

PURPOSE: Cryptococcosis is a devastating opportunistic disease commonly encountered in organ transplant recipients and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Few studies have profiled the disease in immunocompetent patients. We sought to characterize the neuroimaging findings of cryptococcal meningitis among immunocompetent patients in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis at our institute, on the basis of CSF culture or India Ink test, between November 2011 and February 2016, was performed. Only apparently immunocompetent patients, for whom at least one brain MRI examination was performed, were included in the analysis. The MRI results were available for all these patients before CSF diagnosis. Data related to variables such as patient demographics, clinical features, neuroimaging characteristics and CSF findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighteen apparently immunocompetent patients, for whom brain MRI radiographs were available, were included in the analysis. Abnormal MRI findings were observed in 16 patients. These included multiple intraparenchymal lesions with or without enhancement, prominent basal ganglia involvement, miliary distribution of parenchymal nodules, multiple dilated Virchow-Robin spaces and leptomeningeal enhancement. Six patients had ventriculomegaly. CONCLUSION: In our study, intraparenchymal findings were more common than leptomeningeal enhancement and perivascular lesions. Cryptococcal meningitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompetent patients with brain MRI findings of prominent parenchymal involvement such as bilateral patchy lesions in basal ganglia or miliary distribution of parenchymal nodules.

A confusing case report of pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis and literature review.

Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare disease. From the insidious onset and nonspecific manifestations, it is difficult to diagnose PLCH. To help improve the diagnosis and therapy options of adult PLCH, we present this case report and literature review about a confusing case of PLCH. In this report, we present a 37-year-old male PLCH case that was negative for CD1a and S100 expression. Smoking cessation and use of prescribed Spiriva appeared to improve the patient's symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PLCH in which improved symptoms were seen with the use of Spiriva alone.The mechanism is not clear, but potentially has some relationship with dilating the airway, decreasing the mucous hypersecretion and promoting anti-inflammatory pathways. From this patient's case, we may be able to find more cases to then find other first line therapies for PLCH patients.

Efficacy and clinical observation of Shenling Baizhu Pill in treating irritable bowel syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the clinic efficacy of Shenling Baizhu Pill on patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).Methods Ninety patients with IBS were collected and divided into Chinese patent medicine group and western medicine group by random number method,45 patients in each group,the Chinese patent medicine group received Shenling Baizhu pill group treatment,the western medicine group was gave Smectite Powder treatment.The changes of clinical symptoms,intestinal tract microorganism and serum inflammatory factor of patients were observed and compared between two groups before and after treatment.The clinical symptoms was evaluated by questionnaire, the Lactobacillus,Bifidobacterium,enterobacteria and yeast were determined by cultivation,the levels of IL -10,IL -18 and TNF -αwere detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results Two groups before treat-ment of anaerobic bacteria in feces reduction,aerobic bacteria increased serum IL -18 and TNF -alpha content, increased,the content of IL -10 decreased.Shenling Baizhu Pill intervention for 8 weeks in patients with intestinal anaerobic bacteria[(B/E 1.07 ±0.49)]and serum IL -10[(43.65 ±9.52)mg/L]content increased,aerobic bacte-ria[(B/E 1.07 ±0.49)],IL -18[(82.06 ±21.07)mg/L]and TNF -alpha[(28.44 ±10.20)mg/L]decreased. The IL -18 decreased the most,was different with the western medicine group,there was a statistical significance(t =9.926,P <0.01).Two groups had no bad reaction.Conclusion Shenling Baizhu Pill can effectively regulates and improves the intestinal micro -environment,promote the growth of intestinal probiotics and remodeling the intestinal function of biological barrier,decrease the levels of proinflammatory factors and rise the anti -inflammatory factors level,which has a good clinic effect in treating IBS.

Immunolocalization of vimentin, keratin 17, Ki-67, involucrin, ß-catenin and E-cadherin in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a subtype of very aggressive skin cancers. To investigate if epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process for epitheloid cells losing their polarity and cohesiveness and transform into spindle-shaped cells, occurs in skin SCC. By using immunofluorescence, we defined the immunolocalization of vimentin, Keratin 17, ß-catenin, E-cadherin, Ki-67 and involucrin, in SCC samples. Our results show reduced activity of involucrin and E-cadherin, and increased expression of Ki-67, ß-catenin, Keratin 17 and vimentin in SCC. These data propose that EMT really occurs in poorly differentiated SCC and keratin 17 and involucrin may be another two biomarkers for EMT.