bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulated heme oxygenase-1 expression of mouse mesenchymal stem cells resists to chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression
Authors: Chen Shuya , Wang Jishi , Fang Qin , Gao Rui , Shi Qianying , Zhang Hui , Zhao Jiangyuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Bone marrow hematopoietic function suppression is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, the bone marrow structure gets destroyed and the cells died, which might cause the hematopoietic function suppression. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key enzyme of antioxidative metabolism that associates with cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. The aim of this study was to restore or resist the bone marrow from the damage of chemotherapy by the HO-1 expression of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) homing to the mice which had the chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.

Methods

One hundred and sixty female Balb/c mice (6–8-weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was performed in 40 mice. The control group was intraperitoneally injected for 5 days and tail intravenously injected on the 6th day with normal saline. The chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression was established by intraperitoneally injecting cyclophosphamide (CTX) into the mice which performed as the chemotherapy group. The mMSCs were tail intravenously injected into 40 chemotherapically damaged mice which served as the mMSCs group. The difference between the HO-1 group and the mMSCs group was the injected cells. The HO-1 group was tail intravenously injected into the mMSCs that highly expressed HO-1 which was stimulated by hemin. The expression of HO-1 was analyzed by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Cell proliferation was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Histopathologic examinations were performed 1 week after injection.

Results

Compared with the control group, the expression levels of HO-1 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in the HO-1 group (all P <0.05), even obviously than the mMSCs group. CTX treatment induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. After injected, the white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) declined fast and down to the bottom at the 7th day. The bone marrow structure was destroyed incomplete. In vitro, the survival rate of cells in chemotherapy group was less than 50% after 24 hours. In contrast, mMSCs could do a favor to the cellular cleavage and proliferation. They slowed down the cell mortality and more than 50% cells survived after 24 hours. The effects of blocking apoptosis and bone marrow recovery could be more effective in the HO-1 group. In the HO-1 group, it had observed that the bone marrow structure became complete and the hemogram closed to normal at 7th day.

Conclusions

HO-1 played an important role in promoting the recovery of CTX-induced hematopoietic damage. We suggest that HO-1 is able to restore the functions of chemotherapy-induced hematopoietic damage.
Breast milk macronutrient composition and the associated factors in urban Chinese mothers
Authors: Yang Titi , Zhang Yumei , Ning Yibing , You Lili , Ma Defu , Zheng Yingdong , Yang Xiaoguang , Li Wenjun , Wang Junkuan , Wang Peiyu
Published: January 2024

Background

Infancy is a critical period of growth and physiological development, in which breast milk is the best source of nutrients. Compared to western countries, research on breast milk of Chinese population are limited. Thus, it is necessary to measure breast milk energy and macronutrient concentrations of healthy urban Chinese mothers at different lactation stages, to expand the database of milk composition of Chinese population, and to examine whether dietary or other maternal factors can affect the levels of macronutrients in breast milk.

Methods

Breast milk of full expression of one side breast from 436 urban Chinese lactating mothers at 5-11 days, 12-30 days, 31-60 days, 61-120 days, and 121-240 days postpartum was obtained at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Total energy, lactose, protein, and fat contents were measured. 24-hour dietary recall was surveyed, and maternal nutrient intakes were analyzed.

Results

Milk composition changed over the course of lactation and large individual variations were documented. The concentrations were 61.3 kcal/dl for total energy, 7.1 g/dl for lactose, 0.9 g/dl for protein, and 3.4 g/dl for fat in mature milk. Stage of lactation was a strong factor affecting milk composition. Minimal evidence was found for associations between maternal current dietary intake and milk macronutrient concentration, consistently with prior research. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with milk fat content, to a greater extent than did dietary intake. All other maternal characteristics were not significant for milk composition.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that milk composition is generally weakly associated with maternal factors except for stage of lactation, and is likely to be more susceptible to long-term maternal nutritional status than short-term dietary fluctuation.
Differences in P50 and prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex between male smokers and non-smokers with first episode schizophrenia without medical treatment
Authors: Song Lisheng , Chen Xingshi , Chen Meijuan , Tang Yunxiang , Wang Jijun , Zhang Mingdao , Lou Feiying , Liang Jianhua , Chen Chong
Published: January 2024

Backgorund

Nicotine may improve schizophrenia patient’s cognitive deficit symptoms. This study was to explore the chronic effects of smoking on prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI) and P50 in the patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES).

Methods

The event-related potentials (ERP) recording and analysis instrument made by Brain Products, Germany, was used to detect PPI and P50 in 49 male FES patients (FES group, n=21 for smokers and n=28 for non-smokers) and 43 normal male controls (control group, n=19 for smokers and n=24 for non-smokers).

Results

Compared with normal controls, the FES group had prolonged PPI latency when elicited by single stronger stimulus (P <0.05); the FES group had prolonged PPI latency and increased PPI amplitude (P <0.05, 0.01) when elicited by weak and strong stimuli. The FES group had lower PPI inhibition rate than normal controls (P <0.05). Compared with normal controls, the FES group had increased P50-S2 amplitude and increased amplitude ratio S2/S1 (both P <0.05). In the control group, the smokers had a tendency of increase in P50-S2 amplitude (P >0.05) and shorter P50-S2 latency (P <0.05) than the non-smokers. The smokers had higher PPI amplitude than the non-smokers (P <0.05). In the FES group, the smokers had higher P50-S1 amplitude, shorter P50-S2 latency, and higher amplitude ratio S2/S1 than the non-smokers (P <0.05, 0.01). The smokers had higher PPI amplitude than the non-smokers (P <0.05).

Conclusions

There is obvious PPI and P50 deficits in schizophrenic patients. However, these deficits are relatively preserved in the smokers compared with the non-smokers, which suggests that long-term smoking might partially improve the sensory gating in schizophrenic patients. Whether this conclusion can be deduced to female patients requires further follow-ups.
Progress of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for ocular neovascular disease: benefits and challenges
Authors: Jianjiang Xu , Yimin Li , Jiaxu Hong
Published: January 2024

Objective

This review aims to summarize the progress of current clinical studies in ocular angiogenesis treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy and to discuss the benefits and challenges of the treatment. Data sources Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched with no limitations of language and year of publication.

Study selection

Clinical trials and case studies presented at medical conferences and published in peer-reviewed literature in the past decade were reviewed.

Results

Anti-VEGF agents have manifested great potential and promising outcomes in treating ocular neovascularization, though some of them are still used as off-label drugs. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents could be accompanied by devastating ocular or systemic complications, and intimate monitoring in both adult and pediatric population are warranted. Future directions should be focused on carrying out more well-designed large-scale controlled trials, promoting sustained duration of action, developing safer and more efficient generation of anti-VEGF agents.

Conclusions

Anti-VEGF treatment has proved to be beneficial in treating both anterior and posterior neovascular ocular diseases. However, more safer and affordable antiangiogenic agencies and regimens are warranted to be explored.
Overexpression of SIRT1 is a poor prognostic factor for advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiang Kewei , Lyu Liang , Shen Zhanlong , Zhang Jizhun , Zhang Hui , Dong Jianqiang , Yan Yichao , Liu Fangfang , Wang Shan
Published: January 2024

Background

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been reported to have diverse roles in various biological processes through deacetylation of histone and nonhistone proteins. However, the correlations among SIRT1 protein expression, clinicopathological parameters, and survival of colorectal cancer patients remain unclear.

Methods

SIRT1 protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry in a paraffin-embedded tissue microarray, including 120 paired colorectal cancer and normal mucosa tissues. The correlations among SIRT1 protein expression, clinicopathological features, and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

All samples (100%) were positive for SIRT1, with variable staining in the cytoplasm rather than in the nucleus. There was significant difference in SIRT1 overexpression between adenocarcinomas and normal mucosal tissue (P <0.01, χ2 test). SIRT1 overexpression was more frequently observed in advanced-stage tumors (P=0.046, 0.002, χ2 test). SIRT1 overexpression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (P=0.013, log-rank test) and disease-free survival (P=0.012, log-rank test).

Conclusions

SIRT1 overexpression correlated with advanced stage and poor prognosis. SIRT1 may play an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer.
Clinical efficacy of 0.1% pranoprofen in treatment of dry eye patients: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jingyao Chen , Fei Dong , Wei Chen , Xuguang Sun , Yingping Deng , Jing Hong , Mingchang Zhang , Wenzhao Yang , Zuguo Liu , Lixin Xie
Published: January 2024

Background

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and the ocular surface. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, pranoprofen, in the treatment of dry eye.

Methods

It is a prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled, parallel group study. One hundred and fifteen patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease (55-60 in each treatment group) participated in this multi-center study. Patients were randomly administered with eyedrops containing 0.1% pranoprofen (PRA) plus 0.1% sodium hyaluronate (SH) or SH only, three times daily for 28 days, followed by a 1-week after treatment observation. Dry eye symptom score (DESS), fluorescein corneal staining (FLCS), tear break-up time (TBUT), and Shirmer 1 tear test (ST1, without anesthesia) were evaluated or conducted before treatment and at each study visit. Conjunctival impression cytology was taken from the patients treated with PRA plus SH before and after treatment and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the changes of human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1).

Results

Patients treated with PRA plus SH showed gradual improvements of DESS, FLCS, and TBUT. Between-group comparisons of FLCS and TBUT have statistically significant differences from day 14. Good tolerance with no severe adverse events was found in both groups. Patients treated with PRA plus SH had a reduced expression level of HLA-DR and were statistically different after 28 days of therapy.

Conclusions

The application of PRA at a dose of 0.1% was well tolerated and benefited to the patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease. The underlying mechanism of its efficacy may be associated with the reduction of inflammatory factors of conjunctival epithelial cells.
Duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery on type 2 diabetic rats reduces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the thoracic aorta
Authors: Wubulikasimu Maimaitiyusufu , Haifeng Han , Zhibo Yan , Xiang Zhang , Shaozhuang Liu , Guangyong Zhang , Aimaiti Kasimu , Sanyuan Hu
Published: January 2024

Background

Bariatric surgery offers a productive resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The development of T2DM vasculopathy is due to chronic inflammation, which increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression. This study sought to examine MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in the thoracic aorta after duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB) surgery on a T2DM rat model induced by a high-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin (STZ).

Methods

Twenty-one T2DM Wistar rats induced by high-fat diet and low dose STZ were randomly divided into DJB and sham duodenal-jejunal bypass (S-DJB) groups. Ten Wistar rats were fed a normal diet as a control. Recovery of gastrointestinal function post-operation and resumption of a normal diet completed the experiment. Body weight, blood glucose, blood lipid levels, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression levels in aortic endothelial cells were measured throughout.

Results

DJB rats showed significant weight loss 2 weeks post-operation compared with S-DJB rats. After surgery, DJB rats showed significant improvement and steady glycemic control with improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. They also exhibited improved lipid metabolism with a decrease in fasting free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides (all P <0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed decreased MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression 12 weeks after surgery (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

DJB surgery on an induced T2DM rat model improves blood glucose levels and lipids, following a high-fat diet and low dose STZ treatment. In addition, DJB decreased MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in vascular endothelial cells, which may play an important role in delaying the development of T2DM vascular disease.
Evaluation of clinical application of ESICM acute gastrointestinal injury grading system: a single-center observational study
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li Nan , Dong Lihua , Fu Yao , Liu Zhongmin , Wang Yushan
Published: January 2024

Background

In 2012, the working group on abdominal problems of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) proposed a definition and also guidelines for the grading system and treatment of acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI). Until now, clinical reports on this topic have not been available, and the practicality of using the AGI grading system requires further validation in the clinic. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the current AGI grading system in a clinical environment, and to provide evidence for its usefulness in assessing the severity and prognosis of critically ill patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 133 patients were examined for the presence or absence of AGI, their scores on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Lausanne Intestinal Failure Estimation (LIFE) test, and 28 days mortality. The presence and severity of AGI was based on guidelines provided by the ESICM. The patients were assigned to a NO-AGI group (n=50) or an AGI group (n=83). The AGI group was then further divided into three subgroups, consisting of AGI I (risk group, n=38), AGI II (gastrointestinal dysfunction group, n=33) and AGI III+AGI IV (gastrointestinal failure group, n=12). These subgroups were then compared for differences in AGI indicators.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the AGI group and the NO-AGI group in terms of age, gender, APACHE II score or LIFE score (P > 0.05); however, the two groups showed a significant difference in their respective rates of 28 days mortality (32.5% in the AGI group vs. 8.0% in the NO-AGI group (P < 0.05)). Patients in the three AGI subgroups showed significant differences in their 28 d mortality rates, APACHE II, and LIFE scores. AGI grading system showed strong positive correlations with APACHE II and LIFE scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current AGI grading system can be used to identify and evaluate gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients, and also to provide a preliminary assessment regarding the prognosis for patients with different grades of AGI.

Chin Med J 2014;127 (10): 1833-1836
KumaFix fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures: a prospective study on selective consecutive patients
Authors: Yan Liang , Guo Hua , Xu Zhengwei , Liu Tuanjiang , Wang Xiaodong , He Baorong , Hao Dingjun
Published: January 2024

Background

Short-segment U-shaped pedicle screw fixation has been widely used to treat thoracolumbar burst fracture. Some studies have reported the disadvantages of traditional U-shaped pedicle screw, which included a relatively high rate of adjacent segment degeneration and screw failure, including screw pullout and breakage. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of open reduction and fixation using KumaFix fixation system in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Methods

From June 2011 to June 2012, 45 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to treatment with KumaFix (the treatment group, n=23) or traditional U-shaped pedicle screw (the control group, n=22). The patients were followed up postoperatively and were assessed with regard to radiologic and clinical outcomes. Radiologic outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of Cobb angle and vertebral wedge angle. Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly with use of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Questionnaire.

Results

All patients were followed up from 9 to 22 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to preoperative indices. The operation time in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Preoperative Cobb angles and vertebral wedge angles in two groups were significantly decreased after surgery, and these have been well maintained at the last follow-up with mild correction losses. The results of clinical outcome showed lower VAS and ODI scores in two groups compared with those preoperative, and the treatment group had greater improvement on the ODI compared with the control group at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

Compared with traditional U-shaped pedicle screw, KumaFix fixation system can achieve gradual, controlled reduction, provide enough space for bone implantation, and avoid acceleration of adjacent segment degeneration. It is an effective and reliable technique to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures.
In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of Pogostone
Authors: Peng Fu , Wan Feng , Xiong Liang , Peng Cheng , Dai Min , Chen Jianping
Published: January 2024

Background

Our pervious antibacterial studies on several traditional Chinese medicines have found thatPatchoulioil fromPogostemon cablinhad significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), which has spread worldwide and infected innumerable people. In order to find the more active natural substances inPatchoulioil, one of the major components,Pogostone, was isolated and its antibacterial activity was evaluatedin vitroandin vivoin this study.

Methods

In vitrotest,Pogostonewas screened for antimicrobial properties against 83 bacteria comprising 35 gram positive and 48 gram negative bacteria strains via the agar double dilution method.In vivotest, specific pathogen free (SPF) strain of both male and female white Kunming mice, weighing 18-22 g, were used to test the protective ability ofPogostoneafter being injected with the median lethal doses (MLDs) of the tested strains.

Results

In vitro test,Pogostonecould inhibit both gram negative bacteria (0.098-1 600 μg/ml) and gram positive bacteria(0.098-800 μg/ml). ForCorynebacterium xerosisand someChryseobacterium indologenes, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ofPogostonewere extremely low (<0.098 μg/ml). It was significant thatPogostonewas also active against some drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Furthermore,Pogostoneshowed antibacterial activity in vivoagainstEscherichia coli(E. coli) and MRSA via intraperitoneal injection. Ninety percent of the mice infected withE. coilcould be protected at the concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg, and 60% of the mice at 25 mg/kg, while the rate of protection for the mice infected with MRSA was 60% and 50% at doses of 100 and 50 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusion

Pogostonecould be developed as a potential antibacterial agent for clinical therapy.
Common variants in PERK , JNK , BIP and XBP1 genes are associated with the risk of prediabetes or diabetes-related phenotypes in a Chinese population
Authors: Nan Feng , Xiaowei Ma , Xiaowei Wei , Junqing Zhang , Aimei Dong , Mengmeng Jin , Hong Zhang , Xiaohui Guo
Published: January 2024

Background

Prediabetes is an early stage of β-cell dysfunction presenting as insulin resistance. Evidences suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. In a Chinese population with prediabetes, we investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes of PERK, JNK, XBP1, BIP and CHOP which encode molecular proteins involved in ER stress pathways.

Methods

Nine SNPs at the PERK, JNK, XBP1, BIP and CHOP loci were genotyped by mass spectrometry in 1 448 unrelated individuals. By using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 828 subjects were diagnosed as prediabetes and 620 subjects aged 55 years and over as normal controls based on WHO diagnostic criteria (1999) for diabetes mellitus.

Results

The allele C of SNP rs867529 at PERK locus was a risk factor for prediabetes, with the carriers of C allele genotype at a higher risk of prediabetes compared to non-carriers (OR=1.279, 95% CI: 1.013-1.614, P=0.039, after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The SNPs rs6750998 at PERK locus was associated with homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P=0.019), and rs17037621 with BMI (P=0.044). The allele G of SNP rs10986663 in BIP gene was associated with a decreased risk of prediabetes (OR=0.699, 95% CI: 0.539-0.907, P=0.007). The SNP rs2076431 in JNK gene was associated with fasting plasma glucose levels (P=0.006) and waist-hip ratios (P=0.019). The SNP rs2239815 in XBP1 gene was associated with 2-hour plasma glucose levels after 75 g oral glucose load (P=0.048) in the observed population.

Conclusion

Common variants at PERK and BIP loci contributed to the risk of prediabetes, and the genetic variations in JNK and XBP1 genes are associated with diabetes-related clinical parameters in this Chinese population.
Feasibility and value of quantitative dynamic contrast enhancement MR imaging in the evaluation of sinonasal tumors
Authors: Xian Junfang , Du Huarui , Wang Xinyan , Yan Fei , Zhang Zhengyu , Hao Hui , Zhao Bo , Tong Yajian , Zhang Jue , Han Demin
Published: January 2024

Background

Quantitative dynamic contrast enhancement MR imaging (DCE-MRI), used to measure properties of tissue microvasculature and tumor angiogenesis, is a promising method for distinguishing benign and malignant tumors and characterizing tumor response to antiangiogenic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of quantitative parameters derived from clinically used DCE-MRI for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors in the sinonasal area, which may be potentially useful for prediction and monitoring of treatment response to chemoradiotherapy of sinonasal tumors.

Methods

One hundred and forty-three patients with sinonasal tumors, including 78 malignant tumors and 65 benign tumors and tumor-like lesions, underwent clinically used DCE-MRI. Parametric maps were obtained for quantitative parameters including K
trans, kep
and v
e. Two radiologists reviewed these maps and measured K
trans, kep
and v
e in the tumor tissue. Data were analyzed using independent T-test or Mann-Whitney U test analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

K
trans, kep
and v
e showed significant differences between benign and malignant tumors in the sinonasal area (P=0.000 1). The accuracy of K
trans, kep
and v
e in differentiation between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors were 72.0%, 76.2% and 67.1%, respectively. There were significant differences in kep
and v
e between malignant epithelial sinonasal tumors and lymphomas (P <0.05). Using a ve value of 0.213 as the threshold value differentiated malignant epithelial tumors from lymphomas with an accuracy of 78.3%, sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 68.0%, positive predictive value of 66.7%, and negative predictive value of 90.9%. However, no significant difference in K
trans and kep
was found between malignant epithelial and non-epithelial tumors in the sinonasal area (P >0.05).

Conclusions

It is feasible that quantitative parameters of tumors can be derived from clinically used DCE-MRI in the sinonasal region. Preliminary findings suggest an increased value for quantitative DCE-MRI in the evaluation of sinonasal tumors in clinical practice.
International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria is suitable for gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis: further evidence from China
Authors: Yumei Wei , Huixia Yang , Weiwei Zhu , Hongyun Yang , Haixia Li , Jie Yan , Cuilin Zhang
Published: January 2024

Background

The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) recommended new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after extensive analyses of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study. Unfortunately, there was no data from mainland of China in this study. We evaluated the feasibility of IADPSG criteria for GDM diagnosis in China.

Methods

A large prospective study was conducted. We reviewed medical records of a total of 25 674 pregnant women who underwent GDM screening and diagnosis between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012 in the Peking University First Hospital. The prevalence of gestational glucose metabolism abnormalities was calculated according to different cut off values defined by the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) or the IADPSG, and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to GDM was analyzed.

Results

According to the cut off values of NDDG and IADPSG criteria, the prevalence of gestational glucose metabolism abnormalities was 8.4% and 18.9% (P <0.01) respectively, and the prevalence of cesarean section (52.5% vs. 46.0%, P <0.01), macrosomia (7.5% vs. 6.3%, P <0.05), neonatal hypoglycemia (1.6% vs. 1.0%, P <0.01), and perinatal death (0.5% vs. 0.2%, P <0.01); the prevalence was significantly lower when IADPSG criteria were applied. The prevalence of macrosomia, cesarean section, neonatal hypoglycemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, etc. was also higher in the GDM group than in the normal group. The prevalence of cesarean section (62.3%) and macrosomia (14.8%) was the highest in untreated mild GDM patients.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that treatment/intervention of women with GDM identified by IADPSG criteria was related to significantly lower risk of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. Such findings provide support for applying IADPSG criteria in China.
Clinical treatment and prognostic observation for different pathological infiltrations in 537 patients with unilateral retinoblastoma
Authors: Yizhuo Wang , Dongsheng Huang , Jitong Shi , Jianmin Ma , Junyang Zhao , Bin Li , Xiaolin Xu , Huimin Hu , Yan Zhou , Yongchang Sun
Published: January 2024

Background

The use of post-enucleation adjuvant therapy to decrease the extraocular relapse rate is frequently considered, but there is much controversy about the indications for adjuvant therapy. The aim of this retrospective study was to observe the treatment and prognosis for different degrees of invasion of eye tissue in retinoblastoma (RB) and identify the indications for post-enucleation adjuvant therapy.

Methods

We recruited 537 children who had been diagnosed with unilateral RB and had received enucleation from January 2006 to December 2012 in our hospital, and divided them into three groups according to their number of histopathologic risk factors: 0 factor, 1 factor, or ≥2 factors. Histopathologic high-risk factors included invasion of the optic nerve posterior to the ethmoid plate (including optic nerve stumps) and extensive invasions of the choroid, sclera, anterior chamber, iris, and ciliary body. Treatment was delivered accordingly, and the prognosis of different degrees of histopathologic invasion was observed. The subjects were followed up for 6 months to 7 years (average follow-up time: 35 months). Statistical analysis was analyzed using χ2 test. P <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the 537 RB patients who received enucleation, 25 died (overall survival: 95.3%). Of the 369 (68.7%) with no histopathologic risk factors, 1 died of recurrence, with a mortality rate of 0.3%, whereas of the 168 (31.3%) with histopathologic risk factors, 26 had recurrences and 24 died (mortality rate: 14.3%; P=0.000). Of the 93 patients (17.3%), each of whom had a single risk factor, nine had recurrences, 16 died (8.6%). Of the 75 patients (14%) with two or more high-risk factors, 16 died (21.3%). These differences were statistically significant between the three (P=0.000).

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is recommended for patients with histopathologic risk factors, especially those with two or more histopathologic risk factors.
Recombinant osteopontin attenuates hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9
Authors: Zhang Xiangfeng , Liu Fen , Zhu Guangfa , Wang Zengzhi
Published: January 2024

Background

Exposure of adult mice to more than 95% O2 produces a lethal injury by 72 hours. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcriptional factor that plays a key role in the modulation of cytokine networks during hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein produced principally by macrophages. Studies have reported that exogenous OPN can maintain the integrity of the cerebral microvascular basement membrane and reduce brain damage through inhibiting NF-κB activities in the brain after subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, it is not clear whether OPN can reduce lung injury during ALI by inhibiting transcriptional signal pathways of NF-κB and consequent inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. Thus we examined the effects and mechanisms of recombinant OPN (r-OPN) on ALI.

Methods

Ninety-six mice were randomly divided into phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and r-OPN groups. Mice were put in an oxygen chamber (>95% O2) and assessed for lung injury at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Expressions of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and tissue inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) mRNA in lungs were examined with RT-PCR. Expression and distribution of NF-κB protein in lungs were measured with immunohistochemistry.

Results

Exposure to hyperoxia for 72 hours induced more severe lung injury in the PBS group compared with the r-OPN group. Expression of NF-κB mRNA in the PBS group exposed to hyperoxia for 48 and 72 hours was significantly higher than the r-OPN group (P <0.05). With 72-hour exposure, expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in the r-OPN group was significantly higher than that of the PBS group (P <0.05). Expression of TIMP-2 mRNA in the r-OPN group at 48 and 72 hours was significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P <0.05). After 72-hour exposure, expression of NF-κB protein in airway epithelium in the PBS group was significantly higher than that in the r-OPN group (P <0.05).

Conclusion

r-OPN can inhibit the release and activation of MMPs through inhibition of the expression of NF-κB and promotion of the expression of TIMPs, and alleviate hyperoxia-induced ALI.
Evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of tuberculosis and rifampin resistance in county-level laboratories in Hunan province, China
Authors: Hu Peilei , Bai Liqiong , Liu Fengping , Ou Xichao , Zhang Zhiying , Yi Songlin , Chen Zhongnan , Gong Daofang , Liu Binbin , Guo Jingwei , Tan Yunhong
Published: January 2024

Background

The Xpert MTB/RIF showed high sensitivity and specificity in previous studies carried out in different epidemiological and geographical settings and patient populations in high-burden tuberculosis (TB) countries. However, there were little data obtained by validation or demonstration study of the assay in China. In this study, the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF was investigated in two county-level laboratories in Hunan Province, China.

Methods

Consecutive patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and suspicion for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were enrolled. For each patient suspected to have PTB, three sputum specimens (one spot sputum, one night sputum, and one morning sputum) were collected and each sputum was tested with smear microscopy, Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF test. For comparison across subgroups and testing methods, 95% confidence intervals were calculated. All analyses were done with SPSS 16.0, and P <0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

For case detection, the sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF was 100% for smear- and culture-positive TB and 88.6% for smear-negative and culture-positive TB; the overall sensitivity was 94.5% for all culture-positive patients. The specificity was 99.8%. The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was 22.0% in clinical TB patients and the specificity reached 100.0% in the group of patients who are infected with nontuberculous mycobacteria. For the detection of rifampin resistance, the sensitivity of MTB/RIF RIF-resistance detection was 92.9%, and the specificity was 98.7%. Of the 26 Xpert MTB/RIFpositive and RIF-resistant patients confirmed by LJ proportion tests, 20 (76.9%) patients were infected by MDR-TB.

Conclusions

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a highly sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of TB and RIF resistance, which will enable it to have the potential to be used in county-level laboratories and lead to the reduction of the infectious pool and improvements in TB control in China. Further evaluations in county-level laboratories for implementing the assay are still required.
Expression and significance of fat mass and obesity associated gene and forkhead transcription factor O1 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Jielei , Li Shan , Li Jingyi , Han Chao , Wang Zhifang , Li Chong , Wang Xiaoman , Liu Zhenzhen , Wen Jianguo , Zheng Lili
Published: January 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disorder and has been closely linked to obesity. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a newly discovered gene related to obesity, which enhances oxidative stress and lipogenesis in NAFLD. The forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) is another important gene involved in NAFLD, which causes lipid disorders when insulin resistance appears in the liver. However, the interactions between FTO and FoxO1 during the pathogenesis of NAFLD have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to identify the relationship between these two factors that are involved in the development of NAFLD.

Methods

This study includes two parts referred to as animal and cell experiments. Twelve female SPF C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet to serve as an NAFLD animal model. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression and histological localization of FTO, FoxO1, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The L02 cells were exposed to high fat for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Oil red O staining was used to detect intracellular lipid droplets. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used for analyzing the levels of FTO and FoxO1 mRNA.

Results

At the end of 10 weeks, ALP, ALT, AST, and LDL were significantly increased (P <0.01), while TC and TG were also significantly higher (P <0.05). In addition, HDL was significantly decreased (P <0.05). The FTO and FoxO1 proteins were weakly expressed in the control group, but both FTO and FoxO1 were expressed significantly higher (P <0.01) in the experimental group, and the expression of the two factors was significantly correlated. AMPK in the high-fat group showed a low level of correlation with FTO, but not with FoxO1. Oil Red O staining results showed that the cells cultured in 50% fetal bovine serum for 24, 48, or 72 hours exhibited steatosis. FTO and FoxO1 mRNA were increased in the high-fat group compared with the normal group (P <0.01). The expression levels of FTO and FoxO1 mRNA were the highest at 48 hours (P <0.05).

Conclusions

A high-fat diet leads to higher expression of FTO, phosphorylation of FoxO1, and decreased phosphorylation of AMPK. These results suggest that the interactions between FTO and FoxO1 are closely related to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Genetics of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Dongmei Zhang , Yi Xiao , Jinmei Luo
Published: January 2024

Objective

To have a better understanding of genetic contributions to the development of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by reviewing studies on its genetic basis.

Data sources

A comprehensive search of the PubMed literature without restriction on the publication date was carried out using terms “obstructive sleep apnea” and “candidate genes” or “genetics”.

Study selection

Articles were selected if they were an original research paper or meta analysis of the genetic factors of OSAHS.

Results

Four intermediate phenotypes were described and several candidate genes that may determine the expression and severity of OSAHS were reviewed.

Conclusion

Multiple gene-gene interactions occurring in genes that affect obesity, craniofacial structure, ventilator control and asleep-awake pattern may influence the expression of OSAHS in a suitable environment.
STOP-Bang questionnaire is superior to Epworth sleepiness scales, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire in screening obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients
Authors: Jinmei Luo , Rong Huang , Xu Zhong , Yi Xiao , Jiong Zhou
Published: January 2024

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is underdiagnosed. Screening patients at high risk of OSAHS is extremely important. Using the standard questionnaire to screen OSAHS is a practical method. This study aimed to evaluate the value of the STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) in screening OSAHS in sleep-disordered breathing clinic by comparing it with the Epworth sleepiness scales (ESS), Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire.

Methods

In this study, 212 patients at the sleep-disordered breathing clinic of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2011 and January 2012 were prospectively included. They were asked to fill in the SBQ, ESS, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire before overnight polysomnography (PSG). Using PSG as gold standard, the sensitivities and specificities of SBQ were compared with those of ESS, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire.

Results

There was no significance in applying ESS score ≥11 to screen OSAHS and detect moderate and severe OSAHS (P >0.05). SBQ was superior to Berlin questionnaire and STOP questionnaire in screening OSAHS and detecting the severity of OSAHS patients. The sensitivities of SBQ score ≥3 with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5/h, AHI ≥15/h, and AHI ≥30/h as gold standards were 94.9%, 96.5%, and 97.7%, respectively. The specificities were 50.0%, 28.6%, and 17.9%, respectively. The area upper curves were 0.815 (0.706–0.925, P <0.01), 0.746 (0.665–0.828, P <0.01), and 0.751 (0.686–0.817, P <0.01), respectively. According to SBQ, the population was classified into high-risk group and low-risk group. The gender, BMI, neck circumference, AHI, LSpO2, and number of subjects of AHI ≥5/h, AHI ≥15/h, and AHI ≥30/h of these two groups were significantly different.

Conclusions

The SBQ has superior predictive value compared with ESS, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire. It should be used further in screening for OSAHS in the general population.
Course of major paravertebral vessels and the positional relationship to the vertebral bodies in healthy Chinese subjects: a CT-based study
Authors: Gao Fuqiang , Zhao Xuanji , Sun Wei , Pradhan Abhinav , Li Zirong
Published: January 2024

Background

Several studies, including those done in China, report that paravertebral vascular injury during posterior spinal surgery can greatly harm patients, though it is a relatively rare complication. However, few studies have examined their course and anatomic relationship to the spine. The aim of this study was to measure the course of the major paravertebral vessels and their positional relationships to the vertebral bodies in Chinese subjects using computed tomography.

Methods

We studied a total of fifty subjects who underwent thoracolumbar computed tomography from T1-S1 at our institution. We measured the theoretical distance, actual distance, theoretical angle, and actual angle of the paravertebral vessels at each thoracolumbar intervertebral disc.

Results

The paravertebral artery actual angle at T4-L4 ranged from -11.41 to 79.75° and the actual distance from 16.98 to 52.53 mm. The actual angle of the inferior vena cava at L1-L5 intervertebral disc ranged from -40.75 to 34.50° and the actual distance from -36.63 to 61.69 mm. There was no significant difference in the actual angle of the paravertebral vein or in the actual distance in the thoracic segments according to gender (P >0.05). However, the actual distance in the lumbar segments were significantly different according to gender (P <0.05).

Conclusions

The major paravertebral vessels’ course is closer to the mid-sagittal plane as they move posterior along the vertebrae, and the actual distance of the paravertebral artery and azygos vein increase, while the actual distance of the inferior vena cava decreases. The course of the lumbar paravertebral vessels varies, especially at L4/L5, and may be more prone to intraoperative injury in female subjects.
Low-intensity aerobic exercise training attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling in a rat model of steroid-resistant asthma
Authors: Qingwu Qin , Xi Chen , Juntao Feng , Ling Qin , Chengping Hu
Published: January 2024

Background

Aerobic exercise can improve symptoms, reduce airway inflammation, and even ameliorate airway remodeling in asthmatic animals and patients. However, previous studies have focused mainly on the effect of aerobic exercise on steroid-sensitive asthma (SSA). The goals of this study were to determine the effect of low-intensity aerobic exercise training on airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in a rat model of steroid-resistant asthma (SRA) and to identify the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.

Methods

Endotoxin-free ovalbumin with or without lipopolysaccharide were applied to establish rat models of SRA and SSA, respectively. Airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, remodeling, expression of interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), and IL-17 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the role of dexamethasone (DXM) were compared between these two asthmatic rat models. The effect of low-intensity aerobic exercise training and anti-HMGB1 treatment on airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in SRA rats also was evaluated.

Results

SRA rats developed neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation ((29.5±4.1)% of the total cell numbers in BALF), whereas SSA rats developed eosinophil-dominated airway inflammation ((24.0±6.1)% of the total cell numbers in BALF). Compared with SSA rats, SRA rats had more severe airway hyperresponsiveness, lower levels of IL-25 ((33.6±10.3) vs. (104.8±24.9) pg/ml), IL-33 ((87.5±25.0) vs. (226.6±40.7) pg/ml), and TSLP ((1 933.2±899.5) vs. (7 224.0±992.1) pg/ml), and higher levels of HMGB1 ((21.2±4.5) vs. (5.4±1.6) ng/ml) and IL-17 ((780.5±261.7) vs. (291.4±76.4) pg/ml) in BALF (all P <0.05). However, there was no significant difference in goblet cell hyperplasia, subepithelial collagen thickness, and airway smooth muscle remodeling between the two groups. Compared with control SSA rats, airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in SRA rats were less sensitive to DXM treatment. Anti-HMGB1 treatment attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in SRA rats to a certain extent and was accompanied by lower levels of IL-17 ((369.2±126.7) vs. (780.5±261.7) pg/ml in control SRA rats) in BALF (P <0.05). Low-intensity aerobic exercise training decreased the expression of both HMGB1 ((14.1±2.9) vs. (21.2±4.5) ng/ml in control SRA rats) and IL-17 ((545.3±148.6) vs. (780.5±261.7) pg/ml in control SRA rats) in BALF (all P <0.05) and was accompanied by improved airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in SRA rats (all P <0.05).

Conclusions

Low-intensity aerobic exercise training attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in a rat model of SRA. Decreased HMGB1 and IL-17 levels in BALF by aerobic exercise training at least partly contributed to the improvements of SRA.
Gastrodin prevents steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats by anti-apoptosis
Authors: Zheng Huifeng , Yang Erping , Peng Hao , Li Jianping , Chen Sen , Zhou Jianlin , Fang Hongsong , Qiu Bo , Wang Zhe
Published: January 2024

Background

Gastrodin, as one of the major components extracted from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata Bl., has many biologic effects, one of which is anti-apoptosis. Apoptosis is considered to be one of the pathogenetic mechanisms in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Therefore, we performed this study to investigate whether gastrodin has the potential to prevent steroid-induced ONFH.

Methods

All 18 male adult Wistar rats were divided equally into three groups: the steroid group, the gastrodin+steroid group, and the control group. Osteonecrosis was induced by low-dose lipopolysaccharide and subsequent high-dose methylprednisolone. Histomorphometric method was used to determine the incidence of osteonecrosis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to detect apoptotic index of osteocytes and osteoblasts. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Fisher's exact probability test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Turkey's post hoc test were used to examine significant differences between groups.

Results

The incidence of osteonecrosis in the gastrodin+steroid group (16.7%) was significantly lower than that in the steroid group (83.3%). According to TUNEL assay, the apoptotic indices in the steroid group, the gastrodin+steroid group, and the control group were 91.1%, 27.1%, and 5.4%, respectively, and the differences were significant between groups. Compared with the control group and the gastrodin+steroid group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly higher in the steroid group, but the Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly lower.

Conclusion

Gastrodin could prevent steroid-induced ONFH by anti-apoptosis.