[Levels of Galectin-7 in serum and sputum in children with asthma]

Objective: To observe the expression of Galectin-7 in the serum and sputum of asthmatic children and to explore its significance in asthmatic children. Methods: The study prospectively selected 183 children diagnosed with bronchial asthma at Department Ⅱ of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University. The control group consisted of 41 children with other bronchial diseases and 43 healthy children. Children in the asthma group were divided into acute and non-acute exacerbation groups. Acute exacerbation group was divided as mild acute, moderate acute and severe acute groups; non-acute exacerbation group was divided as mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent groups. Children without acute exacerbation asthma in the asthma group were divided into high and low Galectin-7 groups based on median serum Galectin-7 levels. Serum and sputum were collected, Galectin-7 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study compared and analyzed the differences in Galectin-7 levels between children with asthma and the control groups using Mann-Whitney U test or the Kruskal-Wallis or the Chi-square test for inter-group comparisons. Results: Among 183 children, 61 cases had acute asthma exacerbation, and 122 cases had persistent asthma without acute exacerbation. The asthma group comprised 110 males and 73 females. The control group consisted of 41 children with other bronchial diseases, including 24 cases of bronchiectasis and 17 cases of obliterans bronchitis. The control group comprised 26 males and 15 females. Forty-three healthy children who underwent physical examination, including 22 males and 21 females. The levels of Galectin-7 in serum were significantly higher in children with an acute asthma exacerbation than that of healthy children (0.1 (0, 0.7) vs. 0 (0, 0.2) μg/L, Z=2.09, P=0.001). Galectin-7 levels in sputum were higher in children with an acute asthma exacerbation than that in children with other bronchial diseases (1.2 (0.1,3.7) vs. 0.4 (0.1, 1.5) μg/L, Z=2.20, P<0.001). Serum Galectin-7 levels were significantly higher in children with persistent asthma compared to children with other bronchial diseases and healthy children (0.6 (0.3, 1.2) vs. 0.1 (0, 0.5) and 0 (0, 0.2) μg/L, Z=-6.12,-7.63, both P<0.001), and the levels were significantly and positively correlated with asthma severity (r=0.77, P<0.001), disease duration (r=0.34, P=0.001), and number of previous attacks (r=0.51, P<0.001). There were 61 children in the high-Galectin-7 group and 61 children in the low-Galectin-7 group. Children with high Galectin-7 had more asthma triggers, a greater proportion with a positive family history, more previous asthma attacks, longer duration of asthma, and higher serum total IgE levels compared to those with low Galectin-7 (χ2=9.30, 22.46, Z=5.06, 3.57, 2.31, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of Galectin-7 is found to be elevated in the serum and sputum of asthmatic children and correlated with asthma conditions.

[A multicenter prospective study on early identification of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children]

Objective: To explore potential predictors of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in early stage. Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted in Zhejiang, China from May 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020. A total of 1 428 patients with fever >48 hours to <120 hours were studied. Their clinical data and oral pharyngeal swab samples were collected; Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in pharyngeal swab specimens was detected. Patients with positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA results underwent a series of tests, including chest X-ray, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. According to the occurrence of RMPP, the patients were divided into two groups, RMPP group and general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group. Measurement data between the 2 groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between clinical data and RMPP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the power of the markers for predicting RMPP. Results: A total of 1 428 patients finished the study, with 801 boys and 627 girls, aged 4.3 (2.7, 6.3) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was positive in 534 cases (37.4%), of whom 446 cases (83.5%) were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, including 251 boys and 195 girls, aged 5.2 (3.3, 6.9) years. Macrolides-resistant variation was positive in 410 cases (91.9%). Fifty-five cases were with RMPP, 391 cases with GMPP. The peak body temperature before the first visit and LDH levels in RMPP patients were higher than that in GMPP patients (39.6 (39.1, 40.0) vs. 39.2 (38.9, 39.7) ℃, 333 (279, 392) vs. 311 (259, 359) U/L, both P<0.05). Logistic regression showed the prediction probability π=exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004×LDH (U/L))/(1+exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004 × LDH (U/L))), the cut-off value to predict RMPP was 0.12, with a consensus of probability forecast of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.89, and specificity of 0.67; and the area under ROC curve was 0.682 (95%CI 0.593-0.771, P<0.01). Conclusion: In MPP patients with fever over 48 to <120 hours, a prediction probability π of RMPP can be calculated based on the peak body temperature and LDH level before the first visit, which can facilitate early identification of RMPP.

[The efficacy and safety of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors as monotherapy in the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) ibrutinib or zanubrutinib monotherapy in newly diagnosed patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) . Methods: The efficacy and adverse effects of 58 patients with newly diagnosed WM receiving BTKi monotherapy in Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were analyzed retrospectively from January 2018 to August 2022. Results: The response of 55 patients may be examined. Forty patients received ibrutinib monotherapy for a median of 15 months, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 85%, a main remission rate (MRR) of 70%, and a very good partial remission (VGPR) rate of 10%. Fifteen patients received zanubrutinib monotherapy for a median of 13 months, with an ORR of 93%, an MRR of 73%, and a VGPR rate of 0%. For various reasons, 10 patients were converted from ibrutinib to zanubrutinib. Ibrutinib treatment lasted an average of 7.5 months before conversion. The median duration of zanubrutinib therapy after conversion was 3.5 months. The ORRs before and after conversion were 90% and 100%, MRRs were 80% and 80%, and VGPR rates were 10% and 50%, respectively. After a median of 16 months, the 24-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate of patients who received both BTKi was 86%. PFS did not differ statistically across individuals with low, medium, and high-risk ISS scores (P=0.998). All of the patients survived. The most common side effects of BTKi were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, which occurred in 12% and 10% of all patients, respectively. Ibrutinib accounts for 5% of atrial fibrillation, and zanubrutinib has a 7% risk of bleeding. Conclusions: In treating WM, ibrutinib or zanubrutinib provides good efficacy and tolerable adverse effects.

[The beginnings and evolution of a pancreatic surgeon: a technical morphological analysis in first 5 years]

Objective: To explore the development of the pancreatic surgeon technique in a high-volume center. Methods: A total of 284 cases receiving pancreatic surgery by a single surgeon from June 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively included in this study. The clinical characteristics and perioperative medical history were extracted from the medical record system of Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University. Among these patients,there were 140 males and 144 females with an age (M (IQR)) of 61.0 (16.8) years(range: 15 to 85 years). The "back-to-back" pancreatic-jejunal anastomosis procedure was used to anastomose the end of the pancreas stump and the jejunal wall. Thirty days after discharge,the patients were followed by outpatient follow-up or telephone interviews. The difference between categorical variables was analyzed by the Chi-square test or the CMH chi-square test. The statistical differences for the quantitative data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test and further analyzed using the LSD test or the Nemenyi test,respectively. Results: Intraoperative blood loss in pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2015 and 2020 were 300,100(100),100(100),100(0),100(200) and 150 (200) ml,respectively. Intraoperative blood loss in distal pancreatectomy was 250 (375),100 (50),50 (65),50 (80),50 (50),and 50 (100) ml,respectively. Intraoperative blood loss did not show statistical differences in the same operative procedure between each year. The operative time for pancreaticoduodenectomy was respectively 4.5,5.0(2.0),5.5(0.8),5.0(1.3),5.0(3.3) and 5.0(1.0) hours in each year from 2015 to 2020,no statistical differences were found between each group. The operating time of the distal pancreatectomy was 3.8 (0.9),3.0 (1.5),3.0 (1.8),2.0 (1.1),2.0 (1.5) and 3.0(2.0) hours in each year,the operating time was obviously shorter in 2018 compared to 2015 (P=0.026) and 2020 (P=0.041). The median hospital stay in 2020 for distal pancreatectomy was 3 days shorter than that in 2019. The overall incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula gradually decreased,with a incident rate of 50.0%,36.8%,31.0%,25.9%,21.1% and 14.8% in each year. During this period,in a total of 3,6,4,2,0 and 20 cases received laparoscopic operations in each year. The incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) gradually decreased,the incident rates were 0,4.8%,7.1%,3.4%,4.3% and 1.4%,respectively. Two cases had postoperative abdominal bleeding and received unscheduled reoperation. The overall rate of unscheduled reoperation was 0.7%. A patient died within 30 days after the operation and the overall perioperative mortality was 0.4%. Conclusion: The surgical training of a high-volume center can ensure a high starting point in the initial stage and steady progress of pancreatic surgeons,to ensure the safety of pancreatic surgery.

[Long term results of central hole type posterior chamber intraocular lens in the correction of moderate to high myopia]

Objective: To evaluate the long-term safety,effectiveness,predictability and stability of ICL V4c implantation for moderate to high myopia. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, 95 eyes from 50 patients with moderate to severe myopia who were treated in 2015 underwent central hole type posterior chamber intraocular lens (ICL V4c) implantation at Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. The patients were followed up for a period of five years, during which we assessed various parameters including uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, axial length, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density (ECD), vault, and complications. We used the paired t-test and repeated measures one-way ANOVA in SPSS statistical software to analyze the data. Results: The mean spherical equivalent refraction (SE) decreased significantly from (-12.16±3.04) D preoperatively to (-0.19±0.55) D at one month and (-1.14±0.84) D at five years postoperatively. The safety indices (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.24±0.27 and 1.13±0.27, respectively, and the efficacy indices (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.14±0.25 and 0.87±0.26 at one month and five years postoperatively. At one month after surgery, 80.00% of the eyes were within ±0.50 D of the expected correction, and 96.84% were within ±1.00 D. There was no significant difference in IOP between preoperative and postoperative measurements. The rate of ECD was 3.87%, and the vault decreased by 106.32 μm at five years postoperatively. Conclusion: ICL V4c implantation is safe and effective with good predictability and stability for long term.

[Research Progress on the Application of Goel Technique in Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies]

Craniovertebral junction anomalies are a group of diseases characterized by the pathological changes of occipital bone,atlantoaxial bone,cerebellar tonsil,surrounding soft tissue,and nervous system,which are caused by a variety of factors.Chiari malformation is a common type of craniovertebral junction anomalies,the conventional surgical therapy of which is posterior fossa decompression.Currently,scholars represented by Goel have proposed a new theory on the classification,pathogenesis,and treatment of Chiari malformation based on posterior atlantoaxial fixation (Goel technique).This article introduces the progress in Goel technique,aiming to provide reference for the clinical work.

Molecular Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Regulating Cerebral Arterial Contractile Protein in Rats with Cerebral Infarction Based on MLCK Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on the vasoconstriction of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells after cerebral infarction.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table: the model group (n=24), the EA group (n=24), and the normal group (n=6). The model and the EA groups were divided into different time subgroups at 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), with 6 rats in each subgroup. MCAO model was established using intraluminal suture occlusion method. The EA group was given EA treatment at acupoint Shuigou (GV 26) instantly after MCAO for 20 min. The contents of cerebrovascular smooth muscle MLCK, the 3 subunits of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) MYPT1, PP1c-δ and M20, as well as myosin-ATPase activity were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The overall expression level of the MYPT1 and PP1c-δ in the model group was significantly higher (P<0.01). After EA intervention, the 0.5 h group expression level was close to that of the normal group (P>0.05), and the other subgroups were still significantly higher than the normal group (P<0.01). After EA intervention, the expression level of each subgroup was significantly lower than the corresponding model group. There was a significant difference between the 0.5 and 1 h subgroups (P<0.01), while a difference was also observed between the 3 and 6 h subgroups (P<0.05). The dynamic change rule gradually increased with the prolongation of infarction time within 6 h after infarction.

CONCLUSION

EA intervention can inhibit contraction of cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells and regulate smooth muscle relaxation by regulating MLCK pathway.

[Recurrence Rate and Risk Factors of Atypical Meningioma:a Meta-analysis]

Objective To systematically review the overall status of postoperative recurrence in patients with atypical meningiomas. Methods China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Database,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,VIP Database,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library were searched for collection of the relevant literature on the recurrence of atypical meningioma from database establishment to July 2021.Two investigators independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies,and then performed a meta-analysis by using R 5.0. Results A total of 29 studies involving 3122 patients were included in this study.The meta-analysis showed that the overall postoperative recurrence rate of atypical meningioma was 38%.The subgroup analysis showed that the tumor recurrence rate of patients ≥60 years old and<60 years old was 51% and 40%,respectively,with no significant difference.The tumor recurrence rates in male and female patients were 42% and 44%,respectively,which showed no significant difference.The recurrence rates of the patients with parasagittal meningiomas,brain tissue infiltration,Ki-67>8%,mitotic count ≥6/10 high-power fields,and tissue necrosis were 52%,47%,63%,53%,and 69%,respectively.The recurrence rate after subtotal tumor resection was as high as 58%,and the patients who received radiotherapy had higher tumor recurrence rate than that those who did not receive radiotherapy (38% vs.29%,P=0.007). Conclusions The current evidence demonstrates that atypical meningioma has a high recurrence rate after surgery.It is essential to pay more attention and take corresponding measures to improve the tumor-free survival rate of the patients.

[Pancreas multidisciplinary team optimizes the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas-related diseases and improves the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients]

Objectives: To evaluate the role of pancreas multidisciplinary team(MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases,patient compliance with MDT advice,and the impact of MDT on the postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included 927 patients(554 males,373 females,aged (58.1±13.3)years (range: 15 to 89 years)) that had visited the pancreas MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital from May 2015 to December 2021,and 677 patients(396 males, 281 females, aged (63.6±8.9)years(range: 32 to 95 years)) who underwent radical surgery and with pathologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 2012 to December 2020,of whom 79 patients had attended the pancreas MDT. The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for drawing the survival curve and calculating the survival rate. The univariate analysis was done by Log-rank test and the multivariate analysis was done by COX proportional hazards model. Survival rates were compared using χ2 test. Results: Among the 927 patients that had visited the MDT clinic,233 patients(25.1%) were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. A direct diagnosis was made in 109 cases (46.8%,109/233) by the MDT clinic, of which 98 were consistent with the final diagnosis,resulting in an accuracy of 89.9%(98/109). The direct diagnosis rate in the recent years(36.6%(41/112),from June 2019 to December 2021) decreased compared to that in the previous years(56.2%(68/121),from May 2015 to May 2019),yet the accuracy in the recent years(90.2%,37/41) was basically the same as before (89.7%,61/68). The rate of compliance of the entire cohort was 71.5%(663/927), with the compliance rate in the recent two and a half years(81.4%,338/415) remarkably higher than that in the previous four years(63.4%,325/512). Patients with pancreatic cancer that attended the MDT exhibited a trend toward longer median postoperative survival than patients that did not attend the MDT,but the difference was not statistically significant(35.2 months vs.30.2 months,P>0.05). The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients that attended the MDT were significanly higher than patients that did not attend the MDT(88.6% vs. 78.4%,P<0.05;32.9% vs. 21.9%,P<0.05,respectively),but the 5-year survival rate was not statistically different(7.6% vs. 4.8%,P>0.05). Conclusions: The pancreas MDT clinic is an accurate and convenient way to diagnose intractable pancreatic diseases,and in the recent years the patients' compliance rate with MDT advice has increased. Pancreatic cancer patients that have attended the MDT have higher 1-year and 3-year postoperative survival rates,but the long-term survival benefits of MDT still needs to be proved by clinical studies on a larger scale.

[Clinical effects of matrix acupuncture on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of matrix acupuncture on the neck disability index (NDI) score, clinical efficacy, and the calcification size of the nuchal ligament in patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification.

METHODS

A total of 120 cases were randomly divided into a matrix acupuncture group and a routine acupuncture group, with 60 cases in each group. In the matrix acupuncture group, Ashi-point, bilateral Tianzhu (BL10), bilateral Fengchi (GB20), bilateral Dazhu (BL11), bilateral Jianzhongshu (SI15), and Jianjing (GB21), Tianzong (SI11), Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Waiguan (TE5), and Hegu (LI4) at the affected side were selected. In the routine acupuncture group, C3-C7 Jiaji points at the neck and Jianjing (GB21), Tianzong (SI11), Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Waiguan (TE5), Hegu (LI4), and Ashi-point at the affected side were selected. The patients in the two groups were treated 30 min once, six days a week, for a total of four weeks. The NDI scores, clinical efficacies, and calcification sizes of nuchal ligament were compared between the two groups every wee-kend.

RESULTS

After four weeks of treatment, the NDI scores and calcification volumes of nuchal ligament decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with the routine acupuncture group, the matrix acupuncture group showed decreased NDI scores and reduced calcification volumes of nuchal ligament at the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The cure and marked effective rate in the matrix acupuncture group at the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th weeks of treatment were superior to those of the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The matrix acupuncture group and the routine acupuncture group are effective in reducing the NDI score and calcification size of nuchal ligament in patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification. However, matrix acupuncture has obvious advantages over routine acupuncture.

[Establishment of an animal model of Sparganum mansoni infection and study on therapeutic methods II Establishment of a mouse model of sparganosis mansoni via oral administration of procercoids]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an animal model of sparganosis mansoni through oral administration of Cyclops infected with procercoids.

METHODS

Domestic cats were infected with Sparganum mansoni under laboratory conditions, and fresh cat stool samples were collected, washed in dechlorinated water, and filtered. Spirometra mansoni eggs were collected and prepared into suspensions. Twenty C57BL/6j mice were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 5). Wild Cyclops were infected with Spirometra mansoni coracidia to allow 3 to 5 procercoids in each Cyclop. Then, each mouse in the experimental group was given 15 Cyclops infected with procercoids by gavage, while mice in the control group were orally administered with the same volume of dechlorinated water. All mice were sacrificed after 5 months, and dissected, and suspicious Sparganum mansoni worms were collected. The serum specific IgG antibody against Sparganum mansoni was measured in mice using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genomic DNA was isolated from suspicious Sparganum mansoni worms, and the specific Sparganum mansoni cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified using PCR assay.

RESULTS

Among the 15 mice in the experimental group, six were positive for the serum specific IgG antibody against Sparganum mansoni, and milky white worms were found and collected from the subcutaneous regions of 4 out of 6 mice. Only one worm was detected in each mouse, and the worm morphology was similar to Sparganum mansoni. Capillary electrophoresis of the PCR amplification products of COI gene presented a specific band with 151 bp in size, and sequencing analysis revealed 100% homology with Sparganum mansoni.

CONCLUSIONS

A mouse model of sparganosis mansoni is successfully created through oral administration of Cyclops infected with Spirometra mansoni procercoids.

[Comprehensive treatment options and influencing factors in elderly patients with breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the treatment options for breast cancer patients aged 65 and over, and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: The clinical data of 521 elderly patients aged 65 years or older,who underwent surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2015, were collected. They were all female and 65-98 years old. The patients were divided into 65-74 years old group (n=353) and ≥ 75 years old group (n=168). The differences of variables including age, functional status, treatment methods, pathological characteristics, comorbidities and survival time between the two groups were compared, and the differences of comprehensive treatment methods and their impact on clinical efficacy were analyzed. Results: The main operation methods of the two groups were modified radical mastectomy [39.1% (138/353) and 33.9% (57/168), respectively], breast conserving surgery [56.9% (201/353) and 61.3% (103/353), respectively]. Among the patients choosing adjuvant therapy, there was no significant difference between the two groups except chemotherapy (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the choice of chemotherapy was related to age, surgical methods, pathological types, tumor burden, molecular typing, functional status and comorbidities (all P<0.05). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score and the number of comorbidities were independent factors affecting the choice of chemotherapy for breast cancer in the elderly: [ECOG score: adjusted OR=0.45 (95CI: 0.26-0.75), number of comorbidities: adjusted OR = 0.63 (95CI:0.41-0.98); all P<0.05]. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of 521 elderly patients with breast cancer was 86.3%, 5-year overall survival rate was 88.8%, and the breast cancer specific survival rate was 94.3%. Conclusions: The comprehensive treatment of breast cancer patients aged 65 and above is not affected by age, but is associated with tumor burden, pathological type, molecular typing, comorbidities and ECOG score. Among them, ECOG score and the number of comorbidities are the independent factors influencing the choice of adjuvant chemotherapy.

[A comparative study of breast cancer mass screening and opportunistic screening in Chinese women]

Objective: To compare the population characteristics, the positive rate of screening, the detection rate of breast cancer, early diagnosis rate and the cost between the mass screening group and opportunistic screening group of breast cancer. Methods: This study is a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. The participants were enrolled for mass screening or opportunistic screening of breast cancer. After completing the questionnaire, all the participants received breast physical examination and breast ultrasound examination every year for 3 rounds by year. The participants' characteristics and screening results of the two groups were compared by χ² test, Fisher exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: A total of 20 080 subjects were enrolled. In the mass screening group, 9 434 (100%), 8 111 (85.98%) and 3 940 (41.76%) cases completed the 3 rounds of screening, and 10 646 (100%), 6 209 (58.32%) and 2 988 (28.07%) cases in the opportunistic screening group, respectively. In the opportunistic screening group, the proportions of less than 3 months lactation (1 275/9 796 vs. 1 061/8 860, χ²=4.597, P=0.032), non-fertility (850/10 646 vs. 574/9 434, χ²=27.400, P<0.01), abortion history (6 384/10 646 vs. 5 062/9 434, χ²=81.232, P<0.01), postmenopausal (2 776/10 646 vs. 2 217/9 434, χ²=17.757, P<0.01), long-term oral contraceptives(>6 months) (171/10 646 vs. 77/9 434, χ²=25.593, P<0.01) and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (464/10 646 vs. 236/9 434, χ²=51.257, P<0.01) were significantly higher than those in mass screening group. The positive rate of screening (514/10 646 vs. 128/9 434, χ²=194.736, P<0.01), the detection rate of breast cancer (158/10 646 vs. 13/9 434, χ²=107.374, P<0.01), and positive rate of biopsy (158/452 vs. 13/87, χ²=13.491, P<0.01) in the opportunistic screening group were significantly higher than those of the mass screening group. The early diagnosis rate of the mass screening group was significantly higher than the opportunistic screening group (10/12 vs. 66/141, χ²=5.902, P=0.015). The average cost for detecting each breast cancer case of the mass screening group was 215 038 CNY, which was 13.6 times of the opportunistic screening group (15 799 CNY/case). In the opportunistic screening group, the positive rate of biopsy in primary hospitals was significantly lower than that in large-volume hospitals (79/267 vs. 79/185, χ²=8.267, P=0.004), but there was no significant difference in the mass screening group (6/37 vs. 7/50, χ²=0.082, P=0.774). Conclusions: Breast cancer screening can improve early detection rate. Compared with the mass screening mode, the opportunistic screening mode has the advantages of higher proportion of high-risk factors, higher positive rate of screening, higher detection rate of breast cancer, higher positive rate of biopsy, and lower cost of screening. However, the early diagnosis rate of breast cancer of opportunistic screening is lower than that of mass screening. The positive rate of opportunistic screening in primary hospitals is lower than that of large-volume hospitals. The two screening modes have their own advantages and should be chosen according to local conditions of different regions in China.

[Effects of electroacupuncture "Shuigou" on expression of soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC) and protein kinase G (PKG)in vascular smooth muscle of cerebral artery in rats with cerebral infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP) and protein kinase G (PKG) of cerebral vascular smooth muscle in cerebral infarction (CI) rats, so as to study its dynamic regulation mechanism.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control (n=10), sham operation (n=40), model (n=40), and EA (n=40) groups, and the latter three groups were further di-vided into 3, 6, 12 and 24 h subgroups (n=10 in each subgroup). The CI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). EA(15 Hz, 2 mA)was applied to "Shuigou" (GV26) for 20 min. The cGMP, sGC and PKG activity and expression levels in the vascular smooth muscle of cerebral artery were detected using ELISA and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

After modeling, the immunoactivity and activities of sGC at 3 h, PKG at 3 and 6 h and cGMP from 3 h to 24 h were ob-viously decreased in the model group relevant to the normal control and sham-operation groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). After the intervention, the expression levels and activities of sGC at 3 h, PKG at 3 and 6 h and cGMP at 3 and 6 h were apparently up-regulated in the EA group relevant to the model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA intervention can significantly inhibit the down-regulation of sGC, PKG and cGMP expression of cerebral artery smooth muscle in MCAO model rats, which plays an important role in inhibiting cerebral artery smooth muscle spasm after ischemia, maintaining normal vascular function and state, and thus increasing blood perfusion around cerebral infarction area. However, acupuncture effect has a certain time-effectiveness.

[Prevalence and predictors of intraplaque hemorrhage in stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Methods: Ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis who were consecutively admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from January 2017 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. High-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging was used to assess atherosclerotic plaque characteristics of intracranial artery. Possible variables correlated with IPH were compared between IPH and no-IPH groups, as well as in symptomatic IPH and no symptomatic IPH groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of all IPH and symptomatic IPH in intracranial artery. Results: A total of 276 ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis were included, of which, 41.3% (114/276) were IPH-postive, and 28.1%(32/114) of them were symptomatic. In multivariate regression analysis, maximum wall thickness was independently associated with the presence of all IPH and symptomatic IPH (OR=2.15, 95%CI: (1.42-3.24) and OR=3.46, 95%CI: (1.94-6.17), respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of IPH in ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis is much higher than expected. Moreover, atherosclerosis plaque burden is independently associated with IPH, but it is non-specific in identifying symptomatic IPH.

[Total neoadjuvant therapy followed by watch and wait approach or organ preservation for MRI stratified low-risk rectal cancer: early result from a prospective, single arm trial]

Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of watch and wait strategy and organ preservation surgery after total neoadjuvant treatment for MRI stratified low-risk rectal cancer. Methods: A prospective single arm phase Ⅱ trial developed at Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute was preliminarily analyzed. Subjects were enrolled from August 2016 to January 2019. Low-risk rectal cancer with following MRI features were recruited: mid-low tumor, mrT2-3b, MRF (-), EMVI (-), CRM (-), differentiation grade 1-3. Patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) 50.6 Gy/22f with concurrent capecitabine and 4 cycles of consolidation CAPEOX. Patients with cCR/near-cCR confirmed by physical examination, rectal MRI, endoscopy, and serum CEA were recommended for watch & wait approach or local excision (LE). The main study outcomes were 2-year organ preservation rate (OPR) and sphincter preservation rate (SPR). Results: Thirty-eight patients were eligible for analysis, including 24 males and 14 females with median age of 56 years; 9 cases of mrT2 (23.7%), 14 cases of mrT3a (36.8%) and 15 cases of mrT3b (39.5%); 5 cases of well differentiated adenocarcinoma (13.2%), 32 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (84.2%) and 1 case of mucinous adenocarcinoma (2.6%). Carcinoemobryonic antigen (CEA) was elevated before treatment in 1 case. One case (2.6%) of grade 3 radiation dermatitis occurred during IMRT; 18 cases (47.4%) occurred grade 3 to 4 adverse events during consolidation chemotherapy. After total neoadjuvant treatment, the cCR and near-cCR rates were 42.1% (16/38) and 23.7% (9/38), respectively, while non-cCR rate was 34.2% (13/38). Twenty patients (20/38, 52.6%) of cCR or near-cCR underwent watch & wait approach, with a local regrowth rate of 20% (4/20). Four patients received LE, including one salvage LE. Thirteen patients (4 were ypCR) received radical resection, including 10 cases of initial low anterior resections (LAR), 1 cases of initial abdominal perineal resection (APR) and 2 cases of salvage LAR, four patients refused operation. The median follow-up time was 23.5 (8.5-38.3) months. At the last interview of follow-up, the OPR and SPR were 52.6% (20/38) and 84.2% (32/38), respectively. Only one patient developed lung metastasis and no local recurrence occurred after radical resection or LE. Conclusion: Total neoadjuvant treatment for low-risk rectal cancer achieves high cCR/near-cCR rate, with increased probability of receiving watch and wait approach and organ preservation in this subgroup.

[Safety evaluation on different ventilation strategies set for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a network Meta-analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the relative safety of different ventilation methods regarding mortality and rates of complication, on neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Methods: Network Meta-analysis was used to collect data on randomized controlled trials of pulmonary ventilation strategies in preterm infants with a mean gestational age of less than 32 weeks. Diagnostic criteria on NRDS were published in the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Springer Link databases from January 1986 to June 2018. Revman 5.3 software was used to evaluate the quality of studies, based on the Cochrane quality assessment tool. Data were analyzed by Bayesian and frequency methods, using both Win BUGS 1.4.3 and STATA 13.0 software. Safety of different ventilation strategies for NRDS mortality and complications would include intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and were evaluated. Counted data was displayed by OR and 95%CI. Results: A total of 31 RCTs were included in this paper, including 5 827 preterm infants and 11 ventilation strategies. There were no statistically significant differences appearing in 11 ventilation strategies on mortality, PDA or ROP. IVH results were reported in 28 studies. Compared with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), both high- frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) (OR=3.33, 95%CI: 1.08-16.67, P<0.05) and synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation (SIMV) (OR=8.22, 95%CI: 1.25-29.44, P<0.05) schemes seemed to have increased the risk of IVH in preterm infants with NRDS. NIPPV appeared the optimal ventilation strategy in the rankings of cumulative probability. Results on clustering showed that NIPPV was probably the best ventilation strategy for children with NRDS after considering the orders of IVH, PDA and ROP on mortality, respectively. However, HFOV, IMV, and SIMV did not seem to be the ideal ventilated strategies. Conclusions: Most of the clinical decision makers might prefer using NIPPV in the treatment of children with NRDS through mechanical ventilation systems to reduce both the incidence and death caused by IVH, PDA and ROP. It was not recommended to use HFOV, SIMV and IMV in treating NRDS with gestational less than 32 weeks. We suggested that larger numbers of multi-center RCTs ba carried out to make the above conclusions more convincing.

Promoted diffusion mechanism of Fe2.7wt.%Si-Fe10wt.%Si couples under magnetic field by atomic-scale observations

Diffusion behavior of newly designed Fe2.7wt.%Si-Fe10wt.%Si couples at 1100 °C for up to 12 h has been investigated under the 0, 0.8 and 3 T magnetic fields. Diffusion thickness of solid solution layer and weight percent of Si on Fe2.7wt.%Si side increase significantly under a magnetic field. Application of a magnetic field promotes the diffusion of solid solution layer through the possible diffusion of vacancies mainly due to the appearance of defects, which has been demonstrated by the increased dislocation density and broadening of the typical XRD peaks. Replacement of Si sits by Fe atoms in the crystal structure leads to the appearance of Fe diffraction peaks, which has been confirmed by the increased interplanar spacings under a magnetic field. The magnetic field benefits the depinning of dislocations and leads to higher dislocation density because of the magnetoplastic effect which has been confirmed by the significantly reduced thickness of Fe2.7wt.%Si. Nano-sized Fe₃Si particles precipitate in the matrix with an orientation relationship on Fe10wt.%Si side as {220}_Fe3Si || {220}_matrix & < 1–10 >_Fe3Si || < 1–10 >_matrix. Fe₃Si particles pin dislocation moving and lead to higher dislocation density.

[Imaging characteristics of patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome and its relationship with the acoustically evoked short latency negative response]

Objective: To explore the imaging characteristics of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) patients and their relationship with the acoustically evoked short latency negative response (ANSR), so as to provide reference for the diagnosis of LVAS. Methods: Clinical data of 174 patients(334 ears) with LVAS diagnosed and treated by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, from October 2009 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, including 117 males and 57 females, aged from 5 months to 47 years old, with the median age of 4 years and 4 months. ABR and imaging data of patients were collected. Midpoint diameter and the outlet diameter of the vestibular aqueduct were measured on CT images, the midpoint diameter of the intraosseous parts and the extraosseous parts of enlarged endolymphatic sac(EES) were measured on MRI images. The correlation between the above measurements was analyzed by Pearson test using SPSS 17.0. According to whether ASNR was detected in ABR, the above data were divided into two groups, and the differences of the above imaging measurements were compared by the Independent-Sample Test. Results: The average midpoint diameter of the vestibular aqueduct was (1.87±0.58) mm (x±s, the following was the same), and the outlet diameter was (3.07±0.99) mm on CT; the average midpoint diameter of the intraosseous parts in enlarged endolymphatic sac(EES) was (2.39±1.37) mm, and the extraosseous parts was (2.50±2.18) mm on MRI. There was a correlation between the four measurements (P<0.05), among which the midpoint diameter of vestibular aqueduct was strongly positively correlated with the outlet diameter (r=0.760), and the remaining pairs were weakly correlated. ASNR was detected in 241 ears (72.16%,241/334) and undetected in 93 ears (27.84%, 93/334) of the 334 ears with LVAS. Midpoint diameter and the outlet diameter of the vestibular aqueduct in no ASNR group were smaller than the ASNR group, and the difference was statistically significant (t value was 2.814 and 2.754, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the midpoint diameter of the intraosseous parts and the extraosseous parts of enlarged endolymphatic sac between the two groups, and the difference was no statistically significant(t value was 0.101 and 0.683, P>0.05). Conclusions: There is a strong positive correlation between the midpoint diameter of vestibular aqueduct and the outlet diameter in LVAS patients. There is a certain correlation between the size of vestibular aqueduct and the size of endolymphatic sac. The smaller the diameter of vestibular aqueduct, the lower the occurrence rate of ASNR.

Bacillus licheniformis, a potential probiotic, inhibits obesity by modulating colonic microflora in C57BL/6J mice model

AIMS

This study evaluated the effects of a potential probiotic, Bacillus sp., on the growth, serum and hepatic triglyceride, histological features of liver tissues and colonic microflora in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups: mice fed a low-fat diet (Cont), mice fed a high-fat diet (Hf), Hf and orally challenged with Bacillus subtilis (Bs), B. licheniformis (Bl) and a mixture of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (Bls). Gavage feeding was provided at week 9 and the experiment was continued for 8 weeks. Treatment with B. licheniformis and a mixture of Bacillus sp. attenuated body weight gain at the end of study and enhanced glucose tolerance by sensitizing insulin action in the Hf-fed mice. Lower serum and hepatic triglyceride and epididymal fat weight were observed in Bl and Bls groups than that of Hf group. Lesser hepatic fat deposition was observed in the Bl and Bls groups than in the Hf group. High-throughput sequencing showed that Bacillus sp. supplementation dramatically changed the colonic bacterial community in obese mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus licheniformis reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance, obesity and insulin resistance in Hf-fed mice by changing colonic microbiota composition.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Orally administration of Bacillus licheniformis may reduce body weight and decrease fat deposition by modulating colonic bacterial community in Hf model.

[Carcinogenicity study of CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells and identification of related microRNAs]

Objective: To compare the carcinogenic abilities of CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells and general laryngeal cancer stem cells and to identify the mechanism underlying the action of miRNAs. Methods: Solid tumor-derived laryngeal carcinoma stem cells and Hep-2-derived laryngeal carcinoma stem cells were cultured, and CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells were sorted by flow cytometry. Boden chamber invasion assay, cell migration assay and tumor formation assay were then performed to compare the invasion, migration and tumorigenic abilities of CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells and general laryngeal cancer stem cells. And then, miRNAs isolated from two laryngeal cancer stem cells were detected and analysed with miRNA chip. Results: (1)In Boyden chamber invasion assay, the cell invasion rate of CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells was obviously higher (80.2%±2.3% vs. 63.9%±3.2%, t=5.011, P=0.027); (2)CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells also had higher mobility in cell migration assay (82.9%±1.1% vs. 70.9%±0.6%, t=4.514, P=0.031); (3)In tumor formation assay, the tumor formation rate of CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells was also higher (80% vs. 50%). What's more, we identified 15 miRNAs that were significantly upregulated in CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells and 3 miRNAs that were significantly downregulated in CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells, compared with normal laryngeal cancer stem cells. Conclusions: CD133(+)CD44(+) laryngeal cancer stem cells have stronger invasion, migration and tumorigenic abilities compared with normal laryngeal cancer stem cells, and the difference of miRNAs' expression is one of the possible causes.

[The regulation of tight junction protein via PKCα/β for abnormal permeability of brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to paraquat]

Objective: To explore if conventional protein kinase C (cPKC: PKCα and PKCβ) contributes to paraquat (PQ) -induced abnormal permeability of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) via the regulation of tight junction (TJ) proteins. Methods: The immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) was used to establish a monolayer blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In order to evaluate the function of the in vitro BBB model, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability were measured by a Millicell-ERS volt-ohmmeter and sodium fluorescent (Na-FLU) , respectively. MTT assay was used to determine the relative survival rate of cells. The dose-response relationship was determined by treating cells with 0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours. The time-response relationship was determined by treating cells with 200 μmol/L PQ for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. After the treatment of cells with 0, 100, 200, and 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours, the protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were measured by immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) , respectively; the expression of PKCα, PKCβ, phosphorylated (p) -PKCα, and p-PKCβ was determined by Western blot. After the treatment of cells with 200? mol/L PQ for 24 hours following the pretreatment with a classical PKC inhibitor (Go 6983, 1 μmol/L) for 1 hour, the protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-5, p-PKCα, and p-PKCβ was measured by Western blot. Results: The TEER of the bEnd. 3 cells increased gradually with the cell culture time, and reached a peak value of 114.3±6.9 Ω·cm(2) on day 6. According to the permeability analysis by Na-FLU, cell permeability gradually decreased with the cell culture time, and reached 1.7±0.2 cm/min on day 6, suggesting a well-behaved barrier function of cells. Compared with the control group, the survival rates of the bEnd.3 cells were significantly reduced after exposure to 100, 200, or 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours (P<0.05) , or after exposure to 200 μmol/L PQ for 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours (P <0.05) , indicating a dose-and time-dependent relationship. The IF and qRT-PCR results showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were significantly reduced with the increase in the concentration of PQ (P<0.05) . The Western blot analysis showed that compared with the control group, cells exposed to PQ had significantly higher protein expression of p-PKCα and p-PKCβ and significantly lower protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 (P<0.05) . Compared with the PQ treatment group, the Go 6983 intervention group had significantly higher protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 and significantly lower protein expression of p-PKCα and p-PKCβ (P<0.05) . Conclusion: By activation of cPKC (PKCα and PKCβ) , PQ reduces the protein and mRNA expression of TJ proteins and enhances the permeability of murine BMECs.

[The role of the AMPK-mTOR pathway in paraquat-induce autophagy in PC12 cells]

Objective: To investigate the regulation of AMPK-mTOR signal transduction pathway in paraquat-induced autophagy of pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) . Methods: The PC12 cell were treated with terminal concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours, and the cells were induced by 300 μmol/L PQ for different time (6, 12, 24, 48 h) . MTT was used to detect the relative survival rate of cells, and the dose/time-effect relationship was determined respectively. The cells were treated with PQ at concentrations of 0, 100, 200 and 300 μmol/L PQ for 24 hours, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture supernatant was detected by spectrophotometry. The expression and distribution of autophagic lysosomes were observed by MDC staining. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) . The expression of microtubule-related protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) was measured by immunofluorescence. The protein level of LC3Ⅱ, p62, Beclin1 and p-AMPK, p-mTOR were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, the cell survival rate of the 100, 200, 300, 400 μmol/L PQ group decreased significantly, and showed a dose-dependent pattern (P<0.05) . The survival rate of cells treated with 300 μmol/L PQ decreased significantly with the prolongation of exposure time (12, 24, 48 h) (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the activity of LDH in 100, 200, 300 μmol/L PQ-treated group were significantly higher while The fluorescence intensity of ROS was significantly increased (P<0.05) . MDC staining showed the density of autophagic lysosomes and fluorescence intensity in PQ-treated group significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Immunofluorescence results showed the LC3 fluorescence intensity of PQ-treated group decreased which was consistent with MDC staining results. Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of autophagy related proteins LC3Ⅱand Beclin1 in PQ-treated group were significantly lower, while the expression level of p62 protein was higher (P<0.05) . p-AMPK protein level decreased and p-mTOR protein expression increased in 200 and 300μmol/L PQ-treatd groups, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) . Conclusion: AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway played a regulatory role in PQ-induced decreased autophagy of PC12 cell.

Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides against high-fat diet-induced renal injury and lipid deposition in rat kidneys

This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) against hyperlipidemia and lipid-induced renal injury in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=30) were randomly divided into three equal groups: a control group (fed a regular diet) and two experimental groups (fed a high-fat diet). By feeding rats a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, an animal model of hyperlipidemia was established, after which one experimental group received oral LBPs at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day. Blood lipids, renal function, and urinary proteins were measured after 12 weeks. Changes in renal pathology and expression levels of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1), interleukin-6 (IL- 6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were determined. Rats with hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet showed increases in blood lipids and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary protein, as well as increases in renal levels of SREBP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 and decreases in renal levels of adiponectin and AMPK. Administration of LBPs restored blood lipid, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary protein levels, downregulated renal levels of SREBP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, and upregulated renal levels of adiponectin and AMPK. These results indicate that LBPs may mediate lipid metabolism, enhance anti-inflammatory responses, and ameliorate renal injury caused by lipid metabolism isorders in a rat model of hyperlipidemia.

[Evaluation of transperineal sonography for lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic floor reconstruction]

Objective: To evaluate transperineal sonography for lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic floor reconstruction. Methods: Eighty-three patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse received surgeries in Fuzhou General Hospital from September 2014 to September 2015, dividing into two groups: 27 patients were selected to receive transvaginal mesh (TVM) pelvic floor reconstruction surgery with tension-free vaginal tape-Abbrevo (TVT-Abbrevo) incontinence surgery, named TVM+TVT-Abbrevo group; 56 patients were selected to receive TVM pelvic floor reconstruction surgery only, named TVM group. The ultrasonic parameters at rest, on contraction and Valsalva condition respectively were observed and measured, including the bladder neck descent (BND), urethral rotation angle, retrovesical angle, levator urethra gap (LUG), the existence of bladder neck funneling, position of the tape, by using 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound. Results: The two groups were compared with the ultrasonic parameters before and after operation: two groups of patients with postoperative BND [(2.3±0.5) versus (3.1±0.7) cm, (1.6±0.4) versus (3.6±0.4) cm] were significantly reduced, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.02, P<0.01). The two groups of LUG before and after operation [(3.62±0.45) versus (3.26±0.92) cm, (2.96±0.47) versus (2.72±0.38) cm] both had significant difference by maximum Valsalva (P<0.01, P=0.04). There was statistical significance difference of urethral rotation angle in TVM+TVT-Abbrevo group by maximum Valsalva (P=0.01). Observation of morphology: (1) 2 patients with difficulty in urination in TVM+TVT-Abbrevo group, ultrasound showed when the position of the bladder down the urethra discount; 4 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), ultrasound showed slings off or release. (2) One patient with difficulty in urination in TVM group, but ultrasound showed lower urinary tract anatomy were normal; 5 patients with SUI, ultrasound showed the position of the bladder neck were significantly lower in 3 patients, showing high mobility, and the other 2 patients had a larger urethral diameter, showing a tendency of natural deletion. Conclusion: s Anatomy of lower urinary tract could be clearly showed by transperineal sonography. This could provide imaging support for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic floor reconstruction.

[Distribution and drug resistance of pathogens at hematology department of Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2015: results from a multicenter, retrospective study]

Objective: To describe the distribution and drug resistance of pathogens at hematology department of Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2015 to provide reference for empirical anti-infection treatment. Methods: Pathogens were from hematology department of 26 tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or agar dilution method. Collection of drug susceptibility results and corresponding patient data were analyzed. Results: The separated pathogens amounted to 4 306. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 64.26%, while the proportions of gram-positive bacteria and funguses were 26.99% and 8.75% respectively. Common gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli (20.48%) , Klebsiella pneumonia (15.40%) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.50%) , Acinetobacter baumannii (5.04%) and Stenotropho-monas maltophilia (3.41%) respectively. CRE amounted to 123 (6.68%) . Common gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (4.92%) , Staphylococcus hominis (4.88%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (4.71%) respectively. Candida albicans were the main fungus which accounted for 5.43%. The rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia resistant to carbapenems were 3.5%-6.1% and 5.0%-6.3% respectively. The rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to tobramycin and amikacin were 3.2% and 3.3% respectively. The resistant rates of Acinetobacter baumannii towards tobramycin and cefoperazone/sulbactam were both 19.2%. The rates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia resistant to minocycline and sulfamethoxazole were 3.5% and 9.3% respectively. The rates of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis resistant wards vancomycin were 0, 6.4% and 1.4% respectively; also, the rates of them resistant to linezolid were 1.2%, 0 and 1.6% respectively; in addition, the rates of them resistant to teicoplanin were 2.8%, 14.3% and 8.0% respectively. Furthermore, MRSA accounted for 39.15% (83/212) . Conclusions: Pathogens were mainly gram-negative bacteria. CRE accounted for 6.68%. The rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia resistant to carbapenems were lower compared with other antibacterial agents. The rates of gram-positive bacteria resistant to vancomycin, linezolid and teicoplanin were still low. MRSA accounted for 39.15%.

[Analysis of high-risk HPV infection and cervical cytologic screening in HIV positive women]

Objective: To analysis of high-risk HPV infection and cervical cytologic screening in HIV positive women, and to study the relationship between HIV infection and high-risk HPV infection. Methods: From June 2011 to May 2016, 58 cases of HIV positive women in Beijing Ditan Hospital for cervical screening were selected as the experimental group, and 59 cases of HIV negative women were selected as control group, thin-prep cytologic test(TCT)and HPV detection were used in two groups of subjects. The abnormal rate of TCT and the incidence rate of HPV were observed in the two groups, the relationship between HIV infection and HPV infection was analyzed. Results: TCT abnormal rate(91.4%, 53/58)of the experimental group was obviously higher than that of the control group(45.8%, 27/59), with statistically significant(χ²=12.365, P=0.036). High-risk HPV infection incidence(34.5%, 20/58)of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(16.9%, 10/59), with traditional significance(χ²=10.359, P=0.041). CD₄⁺ T lymphocytes and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺ ratio of high-risk HPV positive patients had significant difference with high-risk HPV negative patients(χ²=10.378, P=0.042; χ²=9.245, P=0.045). The proportion of different AIDS clinical stages of high-risk HPV positive patients had obvious difference with high-risk HPV negative patients(P<0.05). Conclusion: HIV positive women maybe have a large proportion of abnormal TCT and the infection with high-risk HPV, and infection of high-risk HPV in HIV positive women has relationship with CD₄⁺ T lymphocytes, CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺ ratio and AIDS clinical stage.

FOXC1 overexpression is a marker of poor response to anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy in sporadic triple-negative breast cancer

Purpose

Because of its aggressive characteristics and poor prognosis, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has become a hot topic in cancer research. Chemotherapy is currently the only treatment for patients with TNBC. The transcription factor FOXC1 has been associated with TNBC prognosis, but little is known about its effect on chemosensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FOXC1 on chemosensitivity.

Methods

A case–control study was performed on 25 TNBC patients who experienced relapse and/or metastasis. Another 25 patients without relapse or metastasis were randomly selected as controls. Medical records were reviewed for relevant information, and immunohistochemistry was performed to measure FOXC1 levels. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox analysis were used to analyze differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The correlation of FOXC1 expression with chemosensitivity was analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software, and a P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

In 15 of 22 case patients, FOXC1 was overexpressed, whereas only 8 control patients exhibited FOXC1 overexpression (P < 0.05). FOXC1 expression had no correlation with pathological indicators. An anthracycline-based regimen was administered to 21 study patients and 23 control patients. FOXC1 expression was significantly associated with a worse DFS (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.05–6.50, P = 0.038) but presented no correlation with OS (HR 2.53, 95% CI 0.76–8.40, P = 0.131) among these 44 patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that FOXC1 is correlated with chemosensitivity to anthracycline and could be used as an indicator of chemosensitivity in sporadic TNBC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00280-017-3319-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Drug coated balloon with paclitaxel for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease: early and midterm results]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug coated balloon (DCB) with paclitaxel in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

The clinical data of 18 patients, who were diagnosed as PAD and treated with DCB from October 2013 to June 2014 in Department of Vascular Surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed.Thirteen male and 5 female patients were in the series, the mean age of the patients was (65±7) years, and the Rutherford's categories were level 3 to 5. Patients were followed up at 3- and 6-month postoperative. The main efficacy end point were late lumen loss(LLL), rate of restenosis and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Meanwhile, the clinical events were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean lesion length, the percentage of total occlusions and the percentage of in-stent restenosis were (138±91) mm, 9/18 and 2/18, respectively. Rate of technical success was 18/18. At 6-month postoperative, LLL, rate of restenosis and TLR were (0.1±0.9) mm, 2/14 and 0, respectively. There was no deaths or no amputations.

CONCLUSION

DCB with paclitaxel is safe in patients with PAD, and associated with reductions in LLL, restenosis and clinically driven TLR 6-month postoperative.

[Reconstruct abdominal aortic branch arteries totally by endovascular repair in complex aortic aneurysms: a single-centre experience]

OBJECTIVE

To report experiences and results of complex aortic aneurysms involving the visceral arteries treating by total endovascular repair.

METHODS

Seventy cases of thoracoabdominal aortic lesions treating by total endovascular repair in Department of Vascular Surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 47 cases underwent chimney technique, 6 underwent sandwich technique, 15 underwent fenestration technique and 2 underwent branched stent grafts technique.

RESULTS

The average follow-up time was 21 months, range from 3 to 47 months. Completion angiography showed that typeⅠ endoleak of chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group were 9/47, 5/6, 2/15 and 0, respectively. While at 30-day typeⅠ endoleak reduced to 7/47, 2/6, 0 and 0. During follow-up, there were 3 target vessel stents occlusion in chimney group, the patency rate of target vessel stent was 95.1% (58/61). In sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group, all the target vessel stents kept patent.

CONCLUSION

In this study, chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts techniques show good short-term and midterm results, the long-term effects still need further studies.

[Observation on the clinical efficacy of spasmodic torticollis treated with matrix needling technique and acupuncture at "Wuxin points" mainly]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the difference in the efficacy on spasmodic torticollis between matrix needling technique combined with puncturing "Wuxin points" and the local injection of botox type A.

METHODS

Forty-two cases were randomized into an acupuncture group and a botox group, 21 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, the matrix needling technique was used and acupuncture was adopted at Fengchi (GB 20), "Wuxin points" [Shuigou (GV 26), bilateral Laogong (PC 8) and bilateral Yongquan (KI 1)] and local Ashi points. In the botox group, botox type A was injected at several spots of local region. The treatment course was 1 month in the two groups. The efficacy in each weekend and the results of follow-up visit in half a year after treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In the 1st weekend, the markedly effective rate was 42.8% (9/21) and the total effective rate was 90.5% (19/21) in the botox group, which were better than those of 4.8% (1/21) and 28.6% (6/21) respectively in the acupuncture group (both P < 0.01). In the 2nd weekend, the markedly effective rate was 71.4% (15/21) and the total effective rate was 95.2% (20/21) in the botox group, which were better than those of 19.1% (4/21) and 61.9% (13/21) respectively in the acupuncture group (both P < 0.01). In the 3rd weekend, the markedly effective rate was 66.7% (14/21) and the total effective rate was 95.2% (20/21) in the botox group, which were better than those of 38.1% (8/21) and 71.4% (15/21) respectively in the acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). The markedly effective rate and the total effective rate were not different significantly between the two groups in the treatment of 1 month and the follow-up visit in half a year (all P > 0.05). There was no adverse reaction in the acupuncture group. There were 14 cases of adverse reactions in the botox group, in which 9 cases of neck muscular weakness and 5 cases of neck muscular pain.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of matrix needling technique and combined with acupuncture at "Wuxin points" achieves the significant efficacy on spasmodic torticollis. Although the effect is not obtained as quickly as the local injection of botox, the efficacy of matrix needling technique is similar to that of botox in the treatment of 1 month and the follow-up visit in half a year. Moreover, this therapy has no adverse reaction.

Microbial diversity in the oral cavity of healthy Chinese Han children

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the oral microbial diversity of healthy Chinese Han children.

METHODS

Dental plaques were sampled from the oral cavity of ten healthy Chinese Han children. The oral microbiome was examined using the 16S rRNA-based Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray. The microbial diversity and similarity were analyzed using the Chao-Jaccard similarity index.

RESULTS

A total of 112 species, which belonged to nine bacterial phyla and 41 genera, were detected. Each individual harbored an average of 54.1 microbial species (ranging from 37 to 69) and 26.2 genera (ranging from 21 to 31), with interindividual variations both at the species and genus level. Thirteen genera were conserved among all individuals. The Chao-Jaccard similarity index averages, at the genus and species level, were 0.642 (ranging from 0.485 to 0.871) and 0.506 (ranging from 0.338 to 0.676), respectively, suggesting that the healthy oral community was more conserved at the genus level than at the species level.

CONCLUSION

Although there was interindividual variation in the oral microflora, some bacterial genera were conserved among individuals, supporting the existence of a core microbiome in the oral cavity of healthy Chinese Han children.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention on expression of vascular PKC in the ischemic cerebral tissue in rats with cerebral infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electroacupunctur (EA) of Shuigou(GV 26)on the expression of vascular protein kinase C (PKC) in the focal ischemia cerebral tissue in rats so as to study its dynamic regulation mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 78 Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group (n = 24), EA group (n = 24), sham operation (sham) group (n = 24) and control group (n = 6). The first 3 groups were further divided into 0. 5 h, 1 h, 3 h and 6 h subgroups, with 6 cases in each. Cerebral ischemia (CI) model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. EA (15 Hz, 1.0 mA) was applied to "Shuigou" (GV 26) for 20 min. The anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries on the infarct side of the brain were collected for assaying the expression of PKC protein by using Western blot, and the formalin-fixed artery samples were embedded with paraffin, followed by sectioning and staining with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the expression levels of cerebral vascular smooth PKC protein shown by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot were upregulated significantly at the time-points of 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h and 6 h after CI in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the expression levels of PKC protein in the cerebral vascular smooth muscle shown by the aforementioned two methods were down-regulated considerably in the EA group (P<0.01, P<0.05). No statistic differences were found between the control and sham groups in the expression of vascular PKC protein at different time-points (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA Intervention can significantly inhibit PKC expression in the cerebral vascular smooth muscle in CI rats, which may be responsible for its efficacy in improving ischemic stroke.

Investigation of characteristics of feather follicle stem cells and their regeneration potential

Feather follicles have the extraordinary ability to regenerate and undergo molting cycles. Being tissue-specific stem cells, feather follicle stem cells (FFSCs) have a strong capacity for proliferation and are presumed to be progenitor cells for various epidermal organs. In order to characterize FFSCs and to understand how the feather epidermis and FFSCs produce such a reliable differentiation program resulting in the formation of complex feathers, We developed a culture scheme to select and expand FFSCs from chick feather follicles. FFSCs were examined with cell profiles, mutilpotential differentiation and immunocytochemical staining. FFSCs from a single clone were capable of self-renewal and proliferation. These cells expressed integrin β1, CD49c, cytokeratin 15 (K15), cytokeratin 19 (K19) and a neural-genic cell marker, nestin, but not a teminal differentiation-related keratinocyte marker, cytokeratin 10 (K10). FFSCs could trans-differentiate into adipocytes, neurocytes and keratinocytes. The formation of micro-feather like structures ex-vivo also revealed the potential of regeneration. These results demonstrate that FFSCs possess the properties of stem/progenitor cells and may therefore serve as a useful model for studying mechanisms of stem cell differentiation and their involvement in organ regeneration.

[Indications of acupuncture outpatient based on clinical investigation]

OBJECTIVE

The present situation of clinical indications of acupuncture in China is investigated in this article which provides clinical evidence for the establishment of acupuncture indications.

METHODS

Out-patients of acupuncture departments of 31 Chinese provinces in the year 2008 were investigated through the method of cluster random sampling. And the analysis was made on diseases sorting and distribution based on Pareto principle and with EpiMap software.

RESULTS

Information of 31 858 out-patients of the first treatment from 36 hospitals were collected which referred to 368 diseases of 16 disease systems. Among them, there were 57 most commonly-encountered diseases, 60 commonly-encountered diseases and 251 rare diseases.

CONCLUSION

There are totally 368 acupuncture clinical indications at present according to the investigation with disproportional distribution in administrative districts. It is held that indications of acupuncture have high centralization degree. Thus, the populariza tion and promotion on application of acupuncture indications should be strengthened.

[Study on the efficacy graded-disease-spectrum of acupuncture and moxibustion by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation techniques: musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases]

The descriptive cross sectional surveys were carried out among the outstanding clinical physicians in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion by using the survey sampling. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation techniques was applied to evaluate the opinions of clinical experts in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion in order to classify the spectrum of diseases related to the musculoskeletal and connective tissue. After the statistical analysis on sixty-four diseases with 104 subtypes, the spectrum of diseases were determined as grade I spectrum of diseases with 13 subtypes of diseases, grade II spectrum of diseases with 51 subtypes of diseases, grade III spectrum of diseases with 10 subtypes of diseases, and grade IV spectrum of diseases with 30 subtypes of diseases. The outcomes reveal that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy have been applied widely for musculoskeletal diseases and connective tissue related diseases.

[Classification basis and train of thought of functional dyspepsia in disease menu of acupuncture]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the classification basis of functional dyspepsia in disease menu of acupuncture, and to provide regular analyzing process for classification of other diseases.

METHODS

Taking the control group as the classification basis, and the 5-level literature classification of evidence based medicine as the estimation basis, literatures which complied with the inclusion criteria were examined according to the sequence from high level to low. Evidences of low levels were given up if support can be acquired from documents of high level.

RESULTS

Acupuncture is approved to be effective for intervention on functional dyspepsia. Compared to the international accepted medicines such as Cisapride and Motilium, regular acupuncture has better therapeutic effects and less side effects in improving the gastro-power and relieving discomfort sensations.

CONCLUSION

Functional dyspepsia pertains to grade I of disease menu of acupuncture.

[Graded-disease-spectrum of the nervous system of acu-moxibustion therapy was determined based on its clinical efficacy and by fuzzy comprehensive estimation technique]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the graded-disease-spectrum of the nervous system of acu-moxibustion treatment based on its clinical efficacy.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional academic sample investigation on the graded-disease-spectrum of acu-moxibustion by collecting and analyzing data from the self-administered questionnaires which were completed by professional persons who have high-ranking professional titles (associate chief physicians and chief physicians) and are majoring in acupuncture and moxibustion. Then, the collected experts' opinions were analyzed by fuzzy comprehensive estimation technique and statistical processing.

RESULTS

A total of 58 medical conditions involving 4 grades and 126 subtypes were included and analyzed. The Grade I contains 14 subtypes as Bell's palsy (in the acute stage and convalescence stage), primary sciatic neuralgia, migraine (mild type and moderate type), etc. which can be relieved by using acu-moxibustion therapy only. The Grade II contains 53 subtypes, such as transient cerebral ischemic attack, acute cerebrovascular disease (in the convalescence stage and sequelae stage), chronic Bell's palsy (sequelae), Hunt's facial palsy, etc. which can be relieved by using acu-moxibustion as the main therapy. The Grade III contains 22 subtypes, such as acute stage of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (with coma and without coma), acute stage of hemorrhagic ischemic cerebrovascular disease (with coma and without coma), etc. which may be relieved to a certain degree by using acu-moxibustion as the supplementary or main therapy. The Grade IV contains 37 subtypes, such as Wohlfart-Kugelberg-Welander disease, myasthenia gravis (type III and type IV), myasthenia gravis of medicinal herbs resource, chorea major, etc. whose clinical effects are not known if treated with acu-moxibustion.

CONCLUSION

Acu-moxibustion therapy has apparent advantages in the treatment of different clinical conditions of the nervous system.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of herb-partitioned spread moxibustion for treatment of chronic nonspecific ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare therapeutic effects of herb-partitioned spread moxibustion and western medicine on chronic nonspecific ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Sixty cases were randomly divided into a spread moxibustion group (n = 28) and a western medicine group (n = 32). The spread moxibustion group was treated with herb-partitioned spread moxibustion at lower limb around stomach meridian, abdomen region around Guanyuan (CV 4) and lower Jiaji (EX B 2) points; and the western medicine group was treated with oral administration of Sulfasalazine. Their therapeutic effects were observed after treatment.

RESULTS

The cured-markedly effective rate was 71.4% (20/ 28) in the spread moxibustion group, and 25.0% (8/32) in the western medicine group, the former was better than the latter (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effect of herb-partitioned spread moxibustion for treatment of chronic nonspecific ulcerative colitis is better than that of the oral administration of Sulfasalazine with less adverse reaction, and is worth popularizing in clinic.

Low propagation loss SiN optical waveguide prepared by optimal low-hydrogen module

We investigated low-hydrogen SiN films prepared by a low temperature (350 degrees C) PECVD method. The impact of SiH(4)/N(2) flow ratio and radio frequency power on the hydrogen content in the SiN films was studied. In this work, we demonstrated a low-loss sub-micron SiN waveguide by using the corresponding optimal SiN films. The propagation loss was found to be as low as -2.1+/-0.2 dB/cm at 1550 nm with waveguide cross-section of 700 nm x 400 nm. The results suggest that the SiN films grown by PECVD with low hydrogen can be used in photonics integrated circuits for new generation communications applications.

Proteomic analysis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transduced with human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene during proliferation

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have reported immortalization and tumorigenicity of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) transduced with exogenous human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). We also have established a line of hMSCs transduced with hTERT (hTERT-hMSCs) and we have cultured these cells for 290 population doublings (PDs) during which they demonstrated a large proliferation potential but with no tumorigenicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protein expression profile of hTERT-hMSCs with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to be able to analyse the effects of exogenous hTERT on protein expression in hMSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We generated proteome maps of primary hMSCs and hTERT-hMSCs at PD 95 and PD 275.

RESULTS

A total of 1543 +/- 145 protein spots in gels of primary MSCs at PD 12, 1611 +/- 186 protein spots in gels of hTERT-hMSCs at PD 95 and 1451 +/- 126 protein spots in gels of hTERT-hMSCs at 275 PD were detected. One hundred of these were successfully identified, including 20 which were differentially expressed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that sustaining levels of prohibitin and p53 expression along with differential expression of proteins in hTERT-hMSCs provide an insight into lack of transforming activity of hTERT-hMSCs during cell proliferation.

Two new diterpenoids from Coleus forskohlii

Two new diterpenoids, forskolins I and J, have been isolated in our further investigation on Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. collected in Yunnan Province. Their structures have been determined as 1alpha,6beta-diacetoxy-7beta,9alpha-dihydroxy-8,13-epoxylabd-14-en-11-one (1) and 1alpha,9alpha-dihydroxy-6beta,7beta-diacetoxy-8,13-epoxylabd-14-en-11-one (2) by spectral methods (including 1D and 2D NMR techniques).

ent-Isopimarane diterpenoids of the leaves from Rabdosia forrestii

Two new diterpenes, forrestin H, ent-isopimaran-8 beta, 15R, 16-triol (1), forrestin I, ent-isopimaran-16-acetoxy-8 beta, 15R-diol (2) and the acetonide derivative of forrestin H were isolated from the leaves of Rabdosia forrestii. The structures were established on the basis of NMR spectroscopic analysis and of the modified Mosher's (1H) method.

[Screening the mimic antigen epitopes of triosephosphate isomerase of Schistosoma japonicum Chinese strain (Sjc-Tpi) with random phage peptide library]

OBJECTIVE

To screen the mimic antigen epitopes of the triose phosphate isomerase of Schistosoma japonicum Chinese strain (SjC-TPI) and investigate their immunogenicity.

METHODS

The random phage peptide library (PH.D.-12) was screened with the purified antibody(IgG) against SjC-TPI to get the positive phage which contained the mimic antigen epitopes of SjC-TPI, and the immuno-characterization of the mimic antigen epitopes were investigated.

RESULTS

Two mimic antigen epitopes (M1, M2) of SjC-TPI were obtained. The immuno-sera of mice (Kunming strain) against the positive phages could recognize both the SjC-TPI and the protein of the positive phages. The DNA sequencing data showed no homology between the sequences of the deduced amino acid of the two mimic antigen peptides and the amino acid of SjC-TPI.

CONCLUSION

The two mimic antigen epitopes of SjC-TPI obtained are imitative epitopes of the configuration antigen of SjC-TPI.

[Protective immunity induced by 23 kDa membrane protein DNA vaccine of Schistosoma japonicum Chinese strain in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To develop 23 kDa membrane protein DNA vaccine of Schistosoma japonicum Chinese strain and test its protective efficacy in infected C57BL/6 mice.

METHODS

The full length cDNA encoding SjC23 amplified from pUC19-SjC23 subcloned into pcDNA3.1. 48 female mice were divided into three groups: A, B and C. Group A (control group) was each immunized i.m. with 100 micrograms of pcDNA3.1; group B (SjC23 group) was each immunized i.m. with 100 micrograms of pcDNA3.1-SjC23; group C (SjC23 + IL-12) was each immunized i.m. with a mixture of 100 micrograms of pcDNA3.1-SjC23, 100 micrograms of pcDNA3.1-p35 and 100 micrograms of pcDNA-p40, followed by two boosts of the same DNA once every two weeks. All the mice were challenged with 45 cercariae at week 8, killed and perfused for worms at week 14. The expression of SjC23 and p35, p40 in muscle tissue was determined by immuno-histochemical method. By the culture of spleen cells, the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma after the stimulation of rSjC23-HD was determined two weeks before and after challenge. Anti-SjC23 antibodies were tested by Western blotting.

RESULTS

SjC23 and p35, p40 were all expressed on the membrane and in the plasma of muscle cells of the infected mice. Significant increase of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in SjC23 and SjC23 + IL-12 groups was observed before and after challenge. Western blotting showed that after the third immunization (before challenge) 8 out of 10 sera from SjC23 group and 9 out of 10 sera from SjC23 + IL-12 group were positive. The worm reduction rate in SjC23 group and SjC23 + IL-12 group was 26.9% and 35.4%, respectively; the number of eggs in liver tissue was reduced by 22.2% and 28.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

pcDNA3.1-SjC23 DNA vaccine could induce partial protection against Schistosoma japonicum in C57BL/6 mice.