[Effect of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators on the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To investigate the impact of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators on the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to include 178 patients with Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC complicated with COPD who received at least 2 times of immunotherapy in Xinqiao Hospital of the Army Medical University from January 2019 to August 2021. Baseline peripheral blood inflammatory indicators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were collected within 2 weeks before the first treatment, with the last one being on or before February 7, 2022. X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators. The Cox multivariate regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Among the 178 patients, there were 174 males (97.8%) and 4 females (2.2%); the age ranged from 42 to 86 (64.3±8.3) years old.There were 30 cases (16.9%) of immunotherapy monotherapy, 114 cases (64.0%) of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, 21 cases (11.8%) of immunotherapy combined with antivascular therapy, and 13 cases (7.3%) of immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy. The median follow-up period was 14.5 months (95%CI: 13.6-15.3 months). The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 44.9% (80/178) and 90.4% (161/178) for the whole group, the median PFS was 14.6 months (95%CI: 11.6-17.6 months), and the median OS was 25.7 months (95%CI: 18.0-33.4 months). The results of Cox multivariate analysis showed that IL-6>9.9 ng/L (HR=5.885, 95%CI: 2.558-13.543, P<0.01), TNF-α>8.8 ng/L (HR=3.213, 95%CI: 1.468-7.032, P=0.003), IL-8>202 ng/L (HR=2.614, 95%CI: 1.054-6.482, P=0.038), systemic immune inflammatory index (SII)>2 003.95 (HR=2.976, 95%CI: 1.647-5.379, P<0.001) were risk factors for PFS, and advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI)>171.15 was protective factor for PFS (HR=0.545, 95%CI: 0.344-0.863, P=0.010). IL-6>9.9 ng/L(HR=6.124, 95%CI: 1.950-19.228, P<0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)>190.7 U/L (HR=2.776, 95%CI: 1.020-7.556, P=0.046), SII>2 003.95 (HR=4.521, 95%CI: 2.241-9.120, P<0.001) were risk factors for OS, and ALI>171.15 was a protective factor for OS (HR=0.434, 95%CI: 0.243-0.778, P=0.005). Conclusion: Baseline high levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, SII, LDH, and low levels of ALI are risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC-COPD receiving immunotherapy.

[The clinical application of targeted next-generation sequencing and metagenomics next-generation sequencing in pathogenic microorganism detection]

Infectious diseases seriously threaten human health. The early detection of the causative organism and antibiotic resistance genes of infection remains a major clinical challenge. Next-generation sequencing has been widely used in diagnosing infectious diseases. Cheaper and faster targeted next-generation sequencing technology is progressively being used in clinical practice. However, the awareness among clinicians about the clinical utility of this technology is limited. The article presents the theoretical background, advantages and disadvantages, clinical applications of targeted next-generation sequencing, and its contrasts with metagenomics next-generation sequencing. It provides a reference for clinicians to select laboratory methods for identifying pathogens in clinical practice.

[Association between congenital hypothyroidism and in-hospital adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants]

Objective: To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the adverse outcomes during hospitalization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted based on the data from the Sino-northern Neonatal Network (SNN). Data of 5 818 VLBWI with birth weight <1 500 g and gestational age between 24-<37 weeks that were admitted to the 37 neonatal intensive care units from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2022 were collected and analyzed. Thyroid function was first screened at 7 to 10 days after birth, followed by weekly tests within the first 4 weeks, and retested at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or before discharge. The VLBWI were assigned to the CH group or non-CH group. Chi-square test, Fisher exact probability method, Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CH and poor prognosis during hospitalization in VLBWI. Results: A total of 5 818 eligible VLBWI were enrolled, with 2 982 (51.3%) males and the gestational age of 30 (29, 31) weeks. The incidence of CH was 5.5% (319 VLBWI). Among the CH group, only 121 VLBWI (37.9%) were diagnosed at the first screening. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CH was associated with increased incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) (OR=1.31(1.04-1.64), P<0.05) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of stage Ⅲ and above (OR=1.74(1.11-2.75), P<0.05). However, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between CH and EUGR, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in stage Ⅱ or above, and ROP in stage Ⅲ or above (OR=1.04 (0.81-1.33), 0.79 (0.54-1.15), 1.15 (0.58-2.26), 1.43 (0.81-2.53), 1.12 (0.70-1.80), all P>0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between CH and in-hospital adverse outcomes, possibly due to timely diagnosis and active replacement therapy.

Design and synthesis of oridonin derivatives as cytotoxic agents

Oridonin is one of the ent-kaurane diterpenes that have been studied extensively for various bioactivities. In an effort to expand natural scaffold-based library as anticancer agents, we have designed and synthesised a number of novel oridonin derivatives and evaluated their bioactivities on a panel of human cancer cell lines (HCT116, A375, MCF-7, HepG2, and A549). Compound 4b bearing a 4-fluorophenyl moiety was found to be the most active compound with an IC50 value of 0.3 μM against MCF-7 cells, which was 7.4-fold more active than oridonin. This study could provide some insightful information for further synthesis of oridonin derivatives as anticancer agents.

Triterpenoid and Coumarin Isolated from Astilbe grandis with Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Inhibiting the NF-κB Pathway in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Cells

The roots of Astilbe grandis, known as "Ma sang gou bang", are used as a Miao traditional medicine with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the active components and mechanism of action of this plant remain mostly uncharacterized. The aim of this study was to identify its active components and verify their pharmacological activity. The extract of A. grandis root was separated using various chromatographic methods. As a result, we obtained one novel triterpenoid, named astigranlactone (1), which has an unusual lactone moiety formed between C-7 and C-27. Additionally, a known coumarin compound, 11-O-galloyl bergenin (2) was isolated from this plant. The structures of these two compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR experiments in conjunction with HR-ESI-MS data. To the best of our knowledge, both compounds were isolated from this species for the first time. Moreover, we tested the anti-inflammation effect of the two compounds by establishing a cellular inflammation model induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells. The effect of different concentrations of these compounds on the activity of RAW264.7 cells was assessed using a CCK8 assay. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the supernatant of each group were evaluated using the Griess method and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-RCR) were used to measure the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. Our findings revealed that these two compounds inhibited the high levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS (induced by LPS). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that these two compounds reduced the activation of the nuclear transcription factor-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p65. Therefore, our study indicates that compounds 1 and 2 can exert a definite anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Bioactive icetexane and abietane diterpenes from Isodon phyllopodus

A new icetexane diterpenoid, 11, 12, 20α-trihydroxyl-7β-methoxyicetexa-8, 11, 13-triene-19, 10-lactone [Phyllane A (1)], and a new abietane diterpenoid, 7β, 20-epoxy-3β, 17-acetoxy-abieta-8, 11, 13-teriene-11, 12-diol [phyllane B (2)], along with two known compounds (3 and 4) were isolated from the methanol (MeOH) extract of twigs and leaves of the folk medicinal Isodon phyllopodus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses including 2 D NMR spectral data, and further confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Moreover, the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV activities, and phyllane A showed anti-HIV activity with an IC₅₀ value of 15.7 μM, but phyllane B was found to be cytotoxic to the A549 host cells with a CC₅₀ value of 108.5 μM.

Impact of Sulfur Fumigation on Ginger: Chemical and Biological Evidence

We previously found that sulfur fumigation, a commonly used controversial method for the post-harvest handling of ginger, induces the generation of a compound in ginger, which was speculated to be a sulfur-containing derivative of 6-shogaol based on its mass data. However, the chemical and biological properties of the compound remain unknown. As a follow-up study, here we report the chemical structure, systemic exposure, and anticancer activity of the compound. Chromatographic separation, nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and chemical synthesis structurally elucidated the compound as 6-gingesulfonic acid. Pharmacokinetics in rats found that 6-gingesulfonic acid was more slowly absorbed and eliminated, with more prototypes existing in the blood than 6-shogaol. Metabolism profiling indicated that the two compounds produced qualitatively and quantitatively different metabolites. It was further found that 6-gingesulfonic acid exerted significantly weaker antiproliferative activity on tumor cells than 6-shogaol. The data provide chemical and biological evidence that sulfur fumigation may impair the healthcare functions of ginger.

Corynoxine B derivative CB6 prevents Parkinsonian toxicity in mice by inducing PIK3C3 complex-dependent autophagy

Increasing evidence shows that autophagy impairment is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD). We previously identified a natural alkaloid named corynoxine B (Cory B) as a neuronal autophagy inducer. However, its brain permeability is relatively low, which hinders its potential use in treating PD. Thus we synthesized various derivatives of Cory B to find more potent autophagy inducers with improved brain bioavailability. In this study, we evaluated the autophagy-enhancing effect of CB6 derivative and its neuroprotective action against PD in vitro and in vivo. We showed that CB6 (5-40 μM) dose-dependently accelerated autophagy flux in cultured N2a neural cells through activating the PIK3C3 complex and promoting PI3P production. In MPP+-treated PC12 cells, CB6 inhibited cell apoptosis and increased cell viability by inducing autophagy. In MPTP-induced mouse model of PD, oral administration of CB6 (10, 20 mg· kg-1· d-1, for 21 days) significantly improved motor dysfunction and prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta. Collectively, compound CB6 is a brain-permeable autophagy enhancer via PIK3C3 complex activation, which may help the prevention or treatment of PD.

3,4-Seco-Isopimarane Diterpenes from the Twigs and Leaves of Isodon Flavidus

Three isopimarane diterpenes [fladins B (1), C (2), and D (3)] were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Chinese folk medicine, Isodon flavidus. The chemical structures were determined by the analysis of the comprehensive spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structures of 1–3 were formed from isopimaranes through the rearrangement of ring A by the bond break at C-3 and C-4 to form a new δ-lactone ring system between C-3 and C-9. This structure type represents the first discovery of a natural isopimarane diterpene with an unusual lactone moiety at C-9 and C-10. In the crystal of 1, molecules are linked to each other by intermolecular O-H···O bonds, forming chains along the b axis. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for their bioactivities against different diseases. None of these compounds displayed cytotoxic activities against HCT116 and A549 cancer cell lines, antifungal activities against Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, or antiviral activities against HIV entry at 20 µg/mL (62.9–66.7) µM. Compounds 1 and 3 did not show antiviral activities against Ebola entry at 20 µg/mL either; only 2 was found to show an 81% inhibitory effect against Ebola entry activity at 20 µg/mL (66.7 µM). The bioactivity evidence suggested that this type of compound could be a valuable antiviral lead for further structure modification to improve the antiviral potential.

Crystal structure of a second modification of Pachypodol, C18H16O7

C18H16O7, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 7.3948(3) Å, b = 24.2947(9) Å, c = 17.3201(6) Å, β = 93.063(1)°, V = 3107.2(2) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0427, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1241, T = 300(2) K.

[Analysis on the imported Coronavirus Disease 2019 related cluster epidemic in rural areas of Chengdu]

An epidemiological investigation was carried out on a local cluster of outbreak caused by imported cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in rural areas of Chengdu in December 2020, to find out the source of infection and the chain of transmission. According to Prevention and Control Protocol for COVID-19 (Version 7), field epidemiological investigation was adopted, combined with big data technology, video image investigation, gene sequencing and other methods to carry out investigation into COVID-19 cases and infections source tracing, analyze the epidemiological association, and map the chain of transmission. From December 7 to 17, 2020, 13 local COVID-19 confirmed cases and 1 asymptomatic case were diagnosed in Chengdu, of which 12 cases (85.71%) had a history of residence and activity in the village courtyard of Taiping (TP), Pidu (P) District, Chengdu. From November 8, 2020 to November 28, 2020, a group of inbound people form Nepal were transferred to the designated entry personnel quarantine hotel of P District which was adjacent to the TP village. During quarantine, there were 5 cases who tested positive for COVID-19. Through gene sequencing alignment, genes of local cases and Nepalese imported cases from the same period are homologous, all belong to the lineage of L2.2.3 (B.1.36 according to Pangolin lineage typing method). According to the results of field epidemiological investigation and gene sequencing analysis, the index case was most likely infected by contact with household waste of quarantine site. Under the situation of normalization prevention and control of COVID-19, sentinel monitoring of fever clinics in primary medical institutions is the key to early detection of the epidemic. The multi-department joint epidemiological investigation and the application of gene technology are the core links of the investigation and traceability of modern infectious diseases. The allocation of public health resources in rural areas needs to be strengthened. We need to improve the capacity for early surveillance and early warning of the epidemic in rural areas.

[Evaluation of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in pediatric patients with unilateral congenital aural atresia]

Objective: To evaluate the auditory efficacy and subjective satisfaction of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA). Methods: Ten subjects (5 males and 5 females) diagnosed with UCAA with an average age of 8.3 years old (ranged from 5 to 15) were included in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January to August 2019. The free sound field hearing threshold, word recognition score in quiet, speech reception threshold in noise and sound localization ability (results were measured by RMS error) tests were performed in unaided and aided situation, respectively. Subjective satisfaction questionnaires were also distributed to subjects. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used as statistical analysis methods. Results: The average hearing threshold in aided condition was improved by (21.9±4.4) dB (t=15.8，P<0.05). Speech recognition abilities were generally improved both under quiet and noise (P<0.05);however, when the binaural summation, squelch and head shadow effects were analyzed respectively, the binaural squelch effect was not statistically improved (P>0.05), while the other effects were improved in aided condition (P<0.05). In sound localization test, there was no significant difference of the RMS error value between the unaided and aided situation (P>0.05). The subjects got high satisfaction rates in three subjective questionnaires. Conclusion: The adhesive bone conduction hearing aid can provide significant audiological benefit for children with UCAA as well as raising the quality of their life.

[Surveillance of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and changing trend of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for the adjustment and development of the enterobiasis control strategy.

METHODS

Soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites were assigned in 51 counties (districts, cities) in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the E. vermicularis infections were detected using a modified Kato-Katz technique and the cellophane tape method among children at ages of 3 to 9 years living in these surveillance sites. The epidemiological profiles of E. vermicularis-infected children were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 5 060 children at ages of 3 to 9 years were detected in 51 soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 2.23%. The annual prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 3.99% (26/651), 1.70% (14/824), 0.96% (8/837), 2.90% (45/1 552) and 1.67% (20/1 196) from 2016 to 2020, respectively, with a significant difference detected among years (χ² = 21.455, P < 0.01). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 1.25% (15/1 198), 1.85% (14/755), 3.18% (84/2 640) and 0 (0/467) among children from central, eastern, southern and northern Shandong Province (χ² = 27.326, P < 0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections between male (1.98%, 56/2 831) and female children (2.56%, 57/2 229) (χ² = 1.916, P > 0.05); however, there was age-specific prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children (χ² = 16.448, P < 0.05), with the greatest prevalence detected among children at ages of 6 years (3.18%, 25/786), and the lowest prevalence seen among children at ages of 3 years (0.75%, 6/800).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections remained at a medium level among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, with region-specific prevalence found across the province. An integrated strategy is required for enterobiasis control.

[Effect of γ-secretase inhibitor on middle ear ultrastructures in ovalbumin-mediated otitis media with effusion in rats]

Objective: To study the effect of the inhibitor of Notch signaling pathway-γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT on the ultrastructures of middle ear in the ovalbumin (OVA)-mediated allergic OME in vivo. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, weighing 250-300 g, were completely and randomly divided into three groups (5 rats, 10 ears in each group):(1)Control group(2)OME group(3)OME+DAPT group. Rats in the OME group underwent systemic and local sensitization by intraperitoneal and intratympanic injection of ovalbumin to make the model of OVA-induced OME. Rats in the control group were sensitized with PBS. On the basis of establishing the OME model, OME+DAPT group were intraperitoneal injected with DAPT (10 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days and were administered before intratympanic injection of ovalbumin. After the model was successfully established, endoscopy,H&E staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the histology and mucous-ciliary ultrastructures of the non-ciliated and ciliated mucosa in the middle ear of each group. One-way ANOVA and Tukey methods were used for statistical analysis. Results: H&E staining showed that the three groups had statistically significant differences in submucosal thickness both in non-ciliated and ciliated regions (non-ciliated area:(6.83±1.47)μm, (38.58±9.57)μm, (32.17±11.89)μm, respectively. F=107.9;cilia area:(26.69±3.22)μm, (30.41±6.75)μm, (26.76±4.06)μm, respectively. F=5.62,both P<0.01). The thickness of the submucosa in the non-ciliated area and the cilia area of the OME group were significantly thicker than that of control group (F=42.08 and 4.40,both P<0.05); the thickness of the non-ciliated area and the ciliated area in OME+DAPT group were reduced compared to OME group(F=1.55 and 2.77,both P<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the array of cilia on the middle ear mucosa was disorderly arranged and inversed, this phenomenon was relieved in the OME+DAPT group. The number of goblet cells in the control group, OME group, and OME+DAPT group were 9.87±1.92; 15.67±5.77; 10.33±1.99 respectively and the difference between them was statistically significant (F=11.43, P<0.01). The number of goblet cells in the OME group were significantly higher than those in the control group (F=9.00,P<0.01) and the number of goblet cells in the OME+DAPT group were decreased compared to those of OME group (F=8.41, P<0.01). Conclusions: The study demonstrates the pathological changes of the ultrastructure in middle ear in OVA-induced OME and the effect of the γ-secretase inhibitor on it. In OME group, the cilia are disorderly arranged and inversed, the number of goblet cell is increased and they are swelled which suggest the hypersecretion of the mucus. DAPT can regulate OVA-induced allergic inflammation and relieve pathological changes of ultrastructure in middle ear mucociliary transport system through alleviating submucosal inflammation, reducing the hypersecretion of goblet cell and the morphological damage of cilia through the Notch signaling pathway.

Rubesanolides F and G: Two Novel Lactone-Type Norditerpenoids from Isodon rubescens

A phytochemical investigation of the leaves of the medicinal plant Isodon rubescens led to the isolation of the two new degraded abietane lactone diterpenoids rubesanolides F (1) and G (2). Their structures were elucidated based on the analyses of the HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR spectral data, and their absolute configurations were determined by ECD spectrum calculations and X-ray single crystal diffraction methods. Compounds 1 and 2, with a unique γ-lactone subgroup between C-8 and C-20, were found to form a carbonyl carbon at C-13 by removal of the isopropyl group in an abietane diterpene skeleton. Rubesanolide G (2) is a rare case of abietane that possesses a cis-fused configuration between rings B and C. The two isolates were evaluated for their biological activities against two cancer cell lines (A549 and HL60), three fungal strains (Candida alba, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus nigricans) and three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis).

[Bonebridge implantation combined with simultaneous bilateral auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of auricle reconstruction combined with Bonebridge implantation for bilateral aural atresia patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 36 cases(72 ears) who underwent Bonebridge implantation combined with bilateral auricle reconstruction from February 1, 2017 to January 15, 2020. All cases were bilateral congenital aural atresia and underwent Nagata auricle reconstruction for both sides simultaneously. Bonebridge implantations were performed during the second stage of auricle reconstruction. Results: All 36 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharged. The preoperative average bone conduction threshold of the patients was(8.5±5.8) dB HL and postoperative bone conduction threshold was (8.4±5.2) dB HL. There was no significant change after the implantation (P=0.724). The preoperative average air conduction threshold of was(64.9±7.4)dB HL and postoperative air conduction threshold was (24.0±5.3) dB HL, which had a significant change after the implantation (P<0.001). The hearing threshold with Bonebridge significantly decreased by 40.9 dB HL compared with the preoperative air conduction threshold(P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased by 62.5%, 63.5% and 72.2% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words and short sentences in noise environment were significantly increased by 55.9%, 58.9% and 69.9% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 18.3 months in average, the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfied. One patient had implant rupture and healed after revision surgery. Conclusions: With an integrated surgical procedure, patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia can complete bilateral auricle reconstruction and hearing implantation within six months. This integrated surgical procedure is safe and efficient, with a stable hearing improvement and good appearance.

Stable Axially Chiral Isomers of Arylnaphthalene Lignan Glycosides with Antiviral Potential Discovered from Justicia procumbens

Arylnaphthalene lignans (ANLs) were known to have axial chirality due to the biphenyl skeleton with hindered rotation at the single bond. However, the stable ANL atropisomers have not been isolated from nature until the present study. Phytochemical separation of the methanol extract of the stems and barks of Justicia procumbens led to the isolation of 11 ANL glycosides including four pairs of new atropisomers with stable confirmations at room temperature. Their structures were deduced from elucidation of the extensive spectral data, and their absolute configurations were determined by the circular dichroism, electronic circular dichroism, and X-ray methods as well as the total synthesis of one pair of the atropisomers. The ANL compounds were evaluated for their antiviral potential, and it was found that they displayed great antiviral activity discrepancy between a pair of atropisomers due to the geometric orientation. The 1'P-oriented atropisomers showed much more significant antiviral potency than their corresponding 1'M-oriented counterparts. The biological activity discrepancy caused by the axial chirality will not only inspire synthetic design of novel ANL atropisomers to enrich the structural diversity, but also provide important hints to direct the synthetic approaches toward the antiviral drug development of ANL compounds.

[Comparison of different reconstruction procedures after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer]

Objective: To systematically compare the effect of Roux-en-Y with Billroth Ⅰ or Billroth Ⅱ in gastric cancer patients after distal gastrectomy by meta-analysis. Methods: Systematic search was conducted on the relevant electronic databases of Pubmed, Embase, Wanfang Database, CNKI and VIP from the established time to August 18, 2019. The randomized controlled trials about comparison of Roux-en-Y with Billroth Ⅰ or Billroth Ⅱ were strictly screened and analyzed by the software of Revman 5.3. Procedure and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, respectively. Results: A total of 783 relevant literatures were systematically retrieved, and 6 randomized controlled trials, including 954 patients, finally met the inclusion criteria after strict screening. The results of meta-analysis showed that operative time of Billroth Ⅰ was significantly shorter than that of Roux-en-Y (MD=-37.60, 95%CI:-50.79--24.40, P<0.001), intraoperative bleeding (MD=-21.64, 95%CI:-32.20--11.07, P<0.001) and the number of delayed gastric emptying (RR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.31-0.86, P=0.01) of Billroth Ⅰ were both significantly less than those of Roux-en-Y, while bile reflux (RR=8.17, 95%CI: 2.21-31.53, P=0.002) and residual gastritis (RR=1.75, 95%CI:1.43-2.14, P<0.000 01) of Billroth Ⅰ were both significantly higher than those of Roux-en-Y, other outcomes showed no significant difference. Compared with Roux-en-Y, operative time of Billroth Ⅱ was significantly shorter (MD=-19.73, 95%CI:-32.82--6.64, P=0.003), while bile reflux (RR=17.63, 95%CI: 4.50-69.02, P<0.001), residual gastritis (RR=1.94, 95%CI:1.15-3.26, P=0.01) and reflux esophagitis (RR=3.13, 95%CI: 1.31-7.45, P=0.01) of Billroth Ⅱ were all significantly higher, and there was no significant difference in other outcomes. Conclusion: Compared with Billroth Ⅰ and Billroth Ⅱ, the operation time of Roux-en-Y in gastric cancer patients undergoing distal gastrectomy is longer, but the incidences of bile reflux and residual gastritis are both lower, and the postoperative quality of life seems better.

[Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Shandong province, 2017-2018]

Objective: To understand epidemiological characteristics of imported cases of malaria in Shandong province and provide scientific basis for timely adjustment of prevention and control measures. Methods: The incidence data of malaria, case investigation data and case review data by Shandong Provincial Reference Laboratory for Malaria Diagnosis from 2017 to 2018 were collected. Software SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis and software QGIS 2.18 was used for mapping. Results: A total of 442 imported cases of malaria were reported in Shandong from 2017 to 2018, and the main infection source was in Africa (97.96%, 433/442). All the 17 prefectures in Shandong reported imported malaria cases, mainly in Jining (88 cases), Yantai (65 cases), Weihai (46 cases), Qingdao (44 cases) and Dezhou (42 cases), accounting for 64.48% (285/442). The cases were distributed in 77.37%(106/137) of counties of the province. The cases were reported in every month without seasonal characteristics. The median (M) of time interval between onset and the first medical care seeking was 2 days, and the interquartile range (IQR) was 3 days. The M of time interval between the first medical care seeking and final diagnosis was 0 day, and the IQR was 3 days. The proportion of medical care seeking on onset day was only 27.83% (123/442). Only 69.68% (308/442) of cases were diagnosed with malaria in the first medical care seeking, and the diagnostic accuracy of medical institutions below the county level was lower than other medical institutions (all P<0.01). Only 51.13% (226/442) of cases were diagnosed with malaria in the first medical care seeking, the differences in the rates among medical institutions at different levels were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: The imported malaria in Shandong was characterized by a large number of cases, multiple infection sources and wide area distribution during 2017-2018. The awareness of timely medical care seeking in the cases was low, meanwhile the awareness and ability of malaria diagnosis and treatment in primary medical institutions were still inadequate. It is necessary to adjust the prevention and control measures accordingly.

Crystal structure of isopimara-7,15-dien-3-one, C20H30O

C20H30O, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 1), a = 6.6084(9) Å, b = 10.8811(16) Å, c = 12.0845(16) Å, α = 85.719(6)°, β = 79.547(5)°, γ = 89.903(5)°, V = 852.1(2) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0744, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1953, T = 173(2) K.

Crystal structure of (E)-4-hydroxy-3-((5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)thio)pent-3-en-2-one, C13H12N2O3S

C13H12N2O3S, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.3541(8) Å, b = 14.3818(10) Å, c = 7.3757(5) Å, β = 96.471(2)°, V = 1302.12(15) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0417, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1080, T = 293(2) K.

The phytochemistry, pharmacology and applications of Melicope pteleifolia: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

The leaves, stems and roots of Melicope pteleifolia (Champ. ex Benth.) T.Hartley (MP; Rutaceae, called sanyaku in Chinese; syn.: Euodia lepta), have been used traditionally for the treatment of sore throat, rheumatism, eczema, dermatitis, bruises, and insect, rat, snake bites based on traditional Chinese medicine concepts.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies on MP and focusing on potential relationships between traditional uses and pharmacological effects, assessing the therapeutic potential as a medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant data on MP were retrieved using the keywords "Melicope pteleifolia", "pharmacology", "toxicity" and "applications" in databases including "Pubmed", "SciFinder", "Springer", "Elsevier", "Wiley", "Web of Science", "Google Scholar", "China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases (CNKI)", "PhD" and "MSc dissertations", and a hand-search.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The heat-clearing, dampness-removing and gallbladder-normalizing actions of MP have been linked to biomedical concepts like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. The latter is potentially based on the presence of furaquinoline alkaloids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-tumor effects have also been reported. Currently limited evidence is available relating to potential toxicological risks especially of aqueous extracts with so far no reports signalling specific risks. Although some studies on the pharmacodynamics of MP have been reported, studies on action mechanisms of MP are still rare.

CONCLUSIONS

In the future and prior to initiating clinical trials, the safety, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, and mechanism of action of MP needs to be assessed, including a focus on the link between traditional uses and modern applications. In addition, phytochemical and biological studies need to conduct on flowers and fruits of MP. Furthermore, strict quality control measures are needed in the studies investigating any aspect of the pharmacology, chemistry and biology of MP.

[Recent clinical advances in refractory chronic sinusitis]

Refractory chronic sinusitis is one of the difficult diseases in otolaryngology. Lots of research have been conducted on the pathogenesis and treatment of the refractory chronic sinuses. Many guidelines, including abroad, have provided descriptions and treatment guidelines for the disease, but the definition and diagnostic criteria of refractory chronic sinusitis still need to reach a consensus. Therefore, this article summarizes the latest research status of refractory chronic sinusitis.

[Effect of omeprazole on plasma concentration and adverse reactions of capecitabine in patients with colon cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of omeprazole on plasma concentration, efficacy and adverse reactions of capecitabine in patients with colon cancer. Methods: Seventy-two patients with colon cancer treated with capecitabine were analysed retrospective. The patients treated with capecitabine combined with omeprazole were identified as experimental group and the capecitabine treatment alone as control group.The differences of blood concentration and the side effects of capecitabine between these two groups were compared. Results: The plasma concentration of 5-Fluorouracilum in experimental group was (126.25±50.59) μg/ml, without significant difference of (123.09±56.70) μg/ml in control group (P=0.121). The incidence of Ⅲ to Ⅳ degree bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome in experimental group were 13.8%, 0%, 0% and 19.4%, respectively. In control group, the incidence of Ⅲ to Ⅳ degree bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and the hand-foot syndrome were 11.1%, 0%, 0% and 19.4%, respectively, without significant difference of experimental group (P>0.05). The incidence of acid reflux and heartburn in the control group was 72.2%, significantly higher than 44.4% of the experimental group (P<0.05). The objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival time (PFS) in these two groups were 30.6% and 33.3%, and 8.0 month and 8.5 month, respectively, without significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: The intravenous omeprazole attenuates reflux and heartburn of colon cancer patients treated with capecitabine, without affecting its plasma concentration and side effects and has no impact on the PFS of these patients.

Sodium Hydrosulfide Post-conditioning Protects Hippocampal CA1 Neurons from Neuronal Cell Injury in the Rat Model of Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia Through Activation of Extracellular-regulated Kinases Signaling

INTRODUCTION

The effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on global cerebral ischemia remains partially understood. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a donor of H2S) post-conditioning and its underlying mechanism in a transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) model.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The tGCI rat model was established by the four-vessel occlusion method. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham, tGCI, tGCI +NaHS, tGCI+vehicle, tGCI+U0126 and tGCI+U0126+NaHS groups. Neurons survival was assessed by Nissl staining and NeuN immunostaining. Levels of extracellular extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Intraperitoneal injection of NaHS (24 µmol/kg) at 24 h post-tGCI attenuated tGCI-induced decrease of the survival and NeuN-positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 subregion.

RESULTS

Compared to the sham group, tGCI significantly up-regulated p-ERK1/2 protein at 26 and 48 h post-tGCI. NaHS post-conditioning further enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 at 26, 48 and 168 h post-tGCI. Nevertheless, U0126 (an inhibitor of MEK1/2) pre-treatment reduced the p-ERK1/2 level in both the tGCI+ U0126 group and the tGCI+ U0126+ NaHS group. IHC staining revealed that p-ERK1/2-positive cell could be observed in several hippocampal subregions of the rats receiving NaHS post-conditioning. Immunofluorescence staining showed that some neurons were double-stained with p-ERK1/2 and NeuN. Furthermore, U0126 pre-treatment significantly attenuated the protective effect of NaHS post-conditioning on the neurons survival and NeuNpositive neurons in CA1 subregion.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that NaHS post-conditioning can protect hippocampal CA1 neurons from tGCI-induced injury, at least partially, through activation of ERK1/2 signaling.

Post-treatment with a Hydrogen Sulfide Donor Limits Neuronal Injury and Modulates Potassium Voltage-gated Channel Subfamily D Member 2 (Kv4.2) and Potassium Channel Interacting Protein 3 (KChIP3) During Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Although the neuroprotective effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a hydrogen sulfide donor) pretreatment has been revealed, the effect of NaHS post-conditioning remains largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of NaHS post-conditioning against transient Global Cerebral Ischemia (tGCI)-induced hippocampal CA1 injury and its underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

A tGCI rat model was established using the four-vessel occlusion method for 15 min of ischemia. The survival of hippocampal neurons was determined by Nissl staining and NeuN immunostaining. Protein expression of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily D member 2 (Kv4.2) and potassium channel interacting protein 3 (KChIP3) was assessed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot.

RESULTS

Decreased concentrations (12 and 24 µmol/kg) of NaHS post-conditioning significantly increased the numbers of survival neurons and NeuN-positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region at 7 days post-tGCI (all P<0.05). NaHS post-conditioning (24 µmol/kg) at 12 and 24 hr posttGCI can achieve the best protective effect (both P<0.05). IHC data demonstrated that NaHS postconditioning (24 µmol/kg) markedly attenuated tGCI-induced down-regulation of Kv4.2 protein in the hippocampal CA1 region at 26 hr post-tGCI. Confocal images showed that Kv4.2 did not express in the neuronal nuclei but predominantly express in the neuronal dendrites. In addition, NaHS post-conditioning significantly up-regulated Kv4.2 and down-regulated KChIP3 in tGCI rats at 26 and 168 hr post- tGCI (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Decreased concentrations of NaHS post-conditioning at 12-24 hr post-tGCI effectively protected hippocampal CA1 neurons from tGCI-induced injury, which may be through regulating the expression of Kv4.2 and KChIP3.

[Correlation between N-terminal probrainnatriuretic peptide and prognosis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between N-terminal probrainnatriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the prognosis of death in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods: A cohort study of 169 patients with acute exacerbations COPD. According to the age and NT-proBNP value measured on admission, cases were divided into 3 groups. The risk ratio of mortality among the three group were analyzed. Results: Thirty-two patients died within 1 year. There are 93 cases in group A (NT-proBNP < 300 ng/L), 45 cases in group B (aged 75 and below with NT-proBNP 300-900 ng/L, older than 75 with NT-proBNP 300-1 800 ng/L), 31 cases in group C (aged 75 and below with NT-proBNP>900 ng/L, older than 75 with NT-proBNP>1 800 ng/L); The in-hospital mortalities were 3.2%, 11.1% and 32.3%respectively, and mortalities within a year were 5.4%, 17.8% and 61.3% . The risk ratio (RR) and 95%CI for dying in hospital of group C to group A and B were 10.00 (3.61-56.50) and 2.90 (1.15-12.60), RR and 95%CI for dying within 1 years after hospitalization were 11.40 (8.78-88.46) and 3.45 (2.56-20.97, P<0.05). Conclusion: The NT-proBNP values measured at admission were associated with the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients with AECOPD.

[Application of adaptie statistical iterative reconstruction technology combined with low tube voltage in three phase enhanced low dose liver scanning]

Objective: To explore the application value of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) combined with low tube voltage in three-stage enhanced low-dose scan of liver. Methods: From March 2017 to November 2017, two groups which each group included 50 patients were randomly selected at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University with different stages of arterial phase, delayed phase and portal vein scanning. GE Discovery CT 750 HD Liver CT Ⅲ was used during enhanced scanning. A total of 100 patients included 56 males and 44 females, aged 27-73 years old and 42 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 44 patients with hepatic hemangioma, and 14 patients with other diseases. The arterial and delayed period of group A patients were scanned with a low dose of 100 kV+ASIR, and the portal vein phase was conventional. Dosage scanning was 120 kV+FPP; the arterial and delayed period of group B was normal dose scanning, 120 kV+FPP, and the portal vein phase was low dose scanning, 100 kV+ASIR. At the same time, FBP reconstruction was used for all low-dose scanning phases to obtain low-dose images under normal reconstruction mode. The objective evaluation index of image quality was analyzed by completely randomized design analysis of variance, and Dunnett-t test was used to compare the two groups. For the subjective evaluation part, the rank sum test of multiple groups was used. Results: ASIR combined with low tube voltage enhanced low dose scanning in the third phase of the liver, and the radiation dose decreased by 37% in the low dose group compared with the normal dose group. There was no statistically significant difference between the low dose group (100 kV+ASIR) and the normal dose group (120 kV+FPP) in subjective image quality evaluation (P>0.05); objective evaluation of image quality except for low dose(100 kV+ASIR) portal stage noise slightly worse than conventional dose group (120 kV+FBP) (low dose 10.86±1.98, conventional dose 9.40±2.12, P<0.05), the other indexes in each period were superior or indifferent to the normal dose group. Conclusion: ASIR technique combined with low tube voltage can be used in the third phase of liver enhanced low-dose scanning and the image quality is improved.

[Microcystic, elongated and fragmented invasion pattern in endometrial carcinoma: the clinicopathology analysis]

Objective: To assess the clinical value for the clinicopathological features of microcystic elongated and fragmented (MELF) invasion in endometrial carcinoma (EEC) . Methods: The clinicopathological data of 108 cases of endometrial carcinoma with total hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, and pelvic dissection were retrospectively analysis in Peking University People's Hospital from April 2015 to October 2016. Twenty-five patients with endometrial carcinoma showing MELF invasion pattern were collected. We analyzed retrospectively the association of MELF pattern invasion with clinical pathology data and prognosis of the patients, partial immunohistochemical staining was implemented. MELF invasion was a special invasion pattern and characterized by microcystic, elongated, fragmented (composed of cluster cells) gland in muscular layer. Results: The incidence rate was 23.1% (25/108). These patients mean age was (59.3±10.9) years old. Four cases were premenopausal, and 21 were postmenopausal. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was the main clinical presentation. The lesions tend to appear adjacent to the tumor body. Sometimes, it may be appears away from the tumor body in the deep muscle layer.Lymph node metastasis were present in 5 cases (20%, 5/25). Thirteen cases (52%, 13/25) of them demonstrated lymph vascular space involvement (LVSI). The immunohischemical expression of ER,PR, Ki-67 and galectin-3 showing MELF invasion pattern were weaker than no showing MELF invasion pattern endometrial carcinoma, cktokeratin (CK) was showed diffuse strong positive expression, E-cadherin was moderately positive expression. All 25 cases were followed up for (23.2±5.9) months (14-33 months) after the therapy with no recurrence on metastasis. Conclusions: MELF invasion pattern is a special invasion pattern in low-grade EEC. The incidence of LVSI and lymph node metastasis rate in endometrial carcinoma with MELF invasion are significantly increased. The prognosis of MELF invasion pattern may be poor.

[Effect of hydrogen-rich saline on the CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells of allergic rhinitis guinea pigs model]

Objective: To explore the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on the CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells in a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis (AR) and investigate the underling anti-inflammatory mechanism. Methods: Using random number table, eighteen guinea pigs were divided into three groups (control group/AR group/HRS group, n=6 of each group). AR guinea pig model was built with ovalbumin and aluminum. The guinea pigs were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (HRS group) for ten days after sensitation. And control group was injected with equal normal saline at the same time. Number of sneezes, degree of runny nose and nasal rubbing movements were scored. Peripheral blood eosinophil count was recorded. The content of interleukin 10(IL-10) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical method was taken to detect IL-10 and TGF-β in nasal mucosa. The proportion of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T cells in the CD4(+) T cells of spleen and peripheral blood were determined with flow cytometry. SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: There was significant difference in symptom scores among them. The scores of AR group preceded control group, and HRS could decrease the scores of AR ((6.29±1.79) vs (1.01±0.71), (4.50±0.84) vs (6.29±1.79), F=24.725, all P<0.05). The highest number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood belonged to control group, and the number of eosinophils were dramatically reduced after HRS administration ((0.41±0.05)×10(9)/L vs (0.25±0.03 )×10(9)/L, (0.32±0.03)×10(9)/L vs (0.41±0.05)×10(9)/L, F=70.05, all P<0.05). The content of IL-10 and TGF-β in control group is peak ((86.88±17.17) pg/ml, (598.28±72.70) pg/ml, respectively), and compared with AR group, HRS also increased the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β of peripheral blood ((72.54±11.75) pg/ml vs (53.49±10.07) pg/ml, (530.23±57.15) pg/ml vs (482.69±65.96) pg/ml, F value was 28.357, 14.128, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells in controls exceeded HRS group and AR group (1.81%±0.10%, 1.29%±0.74%, respectively), and HRS treatment increased the ratio of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells than AR group of peripheral blood ((1.50%±0.11%) vs (1.15%±0.11%), F=168.96, P<0.05). But there was no significant diferences in splene tissue ((1.01%±0.08%) vs (0.98%±0.09%), F=97.381, P>0.05). Conclusion: Both the number and the cytokine secretion of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells are decreased in AR group, HRS may inhibit inflammatory response and ameliorate AR via improving the number and the cytokine secretion.

[The effect of combined therapy on seasonal allergic rhinitis]

Objective:To observe the effect of combined therapy on seasonal allergic rhinitis(AR) and quality of life.Method:Ninety-six patients with severe seasonal AR unresponsive to intranasal corticosteroids alone were divided randomly into nasal budesonide group(group A),Nasal Budesonide combined with fexofenadine hydrochloride group(group B),and budesonide combined with montelukast group(group C).The symptom scores,Uni-VAS,and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life(RQLQ) were evaluated 2 and 4 weeks after treatment initiation.Result:In the group B and C,the symptom scores,Uni-VAS,and RQLQ were significantly lower than the group A(P<0.05).As for nasal itching(after 2 weeks),rhinorrhea and sneezing,the symptom scores and Uni-VAS of group B were significantly lower than that of group C(P<0.05).However,compared to group B,the improvement of nasal obstruction in group C was much better(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in other symptoms and RQLQ.Conclusion:For patientswith severe seasonal AR unresponsive to intranasal corticosteroids alone,combined therapy can help alleviate clinical symptoms and improve quality of life.The combination of drugs should be individulized based on the severity of symptoms.

Crystal structure of Ent-7β,20-epoxy-kaur-16-en-1β,6α,7α,14α,15α-pentaol-20-one, C20H30O8

C20H30O8, monoclinic, C2 (no. 5), a = 21.684(13) Å, b = 7.275(4) Å, c = 14.320(9) Å, β = 118.975(11), V = 1976(2) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0362, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0920, T = 298 K.

[Analysis of the tibial baseplate coverage and symmetrical tibial prosthesis in primary total knee arthroplasty]

Objective: To investigate the tibial baseplate coverage with symmnetrical tibial prosthesis in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: From August 2014 to February 2015, 39 patients (39 knees) with varus knee osteoarthritis were retrospective reviewed in Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Xiqing Hospital. Nine males and 30 females; aged 50 to 78 years (67±6 year). 3D tibia models of the knee were built with Mimics 10.01 software, simulated TKA surgeries were performed. The morphology of the proximal tibia was measured, including the mediolateral (ML), anteroposterior (AP) and medial and lateral tibial plateau AP dimensions. 3D models of PFC Sigma tibial prosthesis were imported and the tibial coverage characters were analyzed. Results: The AP and ML dimensions of the tibial resection surface were (45.7± 3.4) mm, (71.7± 4.2) mm respectively, the plateau aspect ration ratio (AP/ML) was 63.8%±3.0%. The medial tibial plateau AP[(46.9± 3.3) mm]was significantly greater than the lateral side[(41.8±3.3) mm, P=0.000], the asymmetric ratio averaged 112.4%±6.9%. The medial tibial plateau, anteromedial, posteromedial, posterolateral unsatisfied coverage ratio were 33.3%, 76.9%, 20.5%, 33.3% respectively. There are 5 cases underhang and 3 cases overhang in the posteromedial side, whereas 1 case underhang and 12 cases overhang posterolateral, the overhang ratio was 30.8%. Posteromedial, posterolateral prosthesis coverage had linear positive correlation to the ipsilateral tibial plateau AP diameter. Conclusions: The medial AP diameter of tibial plateau is significantly lager than the lateral side in varus knee osteoarthritis patients. With symmetrical tibial baseplate placement in TKA, the prosthesis usually lead to medial tibial plateau anterior and posterior underhang and posterolateral overhang.

Multimode fiber tip Fabry-Perot cavity for highly sensitive pressure measurement

We demonstrate an optical Fabry-Perot interferometer fiber tip sensor based on an etched end of multimode fiber filled with ultraviolet adhesive. The fiber device is miniature (with diameter of less than 60 μm), robust and low cost, in a convenient reflection mode of operation, and has a very high gas pressure sensitivity of −40.94 nm/MPa, a large temperature sensitivity of 213 pm/°C within the range from 55 to 85 °C, and a relatively low temperature cross-sensitivity of 5.2 kPa/°C. This device has a high potential in monitoring environment of high pressure.

[Epidemiology of febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological disease-a prospective multicentre survey in China]

目的

了解中国血液病患者中性粒细胞缺乏（粒缺）伴发热的发生率、临床和微生物学特征及危险因素。

方法

前瞻性研究2014年10月20日至2015年3月20日来自全国11家血液病中心发生粒缺伴发热的连续血液病患者发热情况及危险性因素。

结果

1 139例患者共发生784例次粒缺伴发热，粒缺持续21 d时发热的累积发生率为81.9%。多因素分析显示中心静脉置管（P<0.001，HR= 3.407，95% CI 2.276~4.496）、胃肠道黏膜炎（P<0.001，HR=10.548, 95% CI 3.245~28.576）、既往90 d内暴露于广谱抗生素（P<0.001，HR=3.582，95% CI 2.387~5.770）和粒缺持续时间>7 d（P<0.001，HR= 4.194，95% CI 2.572~5.618）是粒缺伴发热的危险因素。无任何危险因素、具备1项、2项、3~4项危险因素患者发热的累计发生率依次增加（35.4%、69.2%、86.1%及95.6%，P<0.001）。784例次粒缺伴发热中，不明原因发热253例次（32.3%），临床证实的感染429例次（54.7%），微生物学证实的感染102例次（13.0%）。最常见的感染部位依次为肺（388例次，49.5%）、上呼吸道（159例次，16.0%）、肛周组织（77例次，9.8%）、血流（60例次，7.7%）。最常见的病原菌为革兰阴性菌（44.54%），其次为革兰阳性菌（37.99%）和真菌（17.47%）。发热与未发热患者相比，两组之间总体病死率差异无统计学意义（9.2%对4.8%，P=0.099）。多因素分析显示年龄>40岁（P=0.047，HR=5.000，95% CI 0.853~28.013）、血流动力学不稳（P=0.001，HR=13.185, 95% CI 2.983~54.915）、既往耐药菌的定植或感染（P=0.005，HR=28.734，95% CI 2.921~313.744）、血流感染（P=0.038，HR=9.715, 95% CI 1.110~81.969）和肺部感染（P=0.031，HR=25.905, 95% CI 1.381~507.006）是与总体死亡相关的危险因素。

结论

发热是血液病患者粒缺期常见的合并症，不同部位的感染有不同的致病菌谱。粒缺持续时间>7 d、中心静脉置管、胃肠道黏膜炎和既往90 d内暴露于广谱抗生素是粒缺伴发热发生的危险因素。

Crystal structure of 7β,14β,15β-trihydroxy-1α-acetoxy-7α,20-epoxy-ent-kaurane, C22H32O6

C22H30O6, monoclinic, P21 (no. 14), a = 9.111(3) Å, b = 9.535(3) Å, c = 11.331(4) Å, β = 92.703(4)°, V = 983.3(5) Å3, Z = 2, R gt (F) = 0.0418, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1152, T = 293 K.

Crystal structure of ent-1β-acetoxy-7α,14α-di-hydroxy-7β,20-epoxykaur-16-en-15-one, C22H30O6

C22H30O6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.1339(16) Å, b = 6.1262(9) Å, c = 14.771(2) Å, β = 103.567(5)°, V = 1867.9(12) Å3, Z = 2, R gt (F) = 0.0430, wR ref (F 2 ) = 0.1165, T = 293 K.

Crystal structure of 1α,7β-dihydroxy-11β-acetoxy-ent-7β,20-epoxykaur-16-en-15-one, C22H30O6

C22H30O6, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 5.979(4) Å, b = 16.735(12) Å, c = 20.323(15) Å, V = 2034(3) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0498, wR ref (F 2 ) = 0.1209, T = 293(2) K.

Crystal structure of 5,5,9,13-tetramethyltetracyclo[10·2·1·01,10·04,9]pentadecane-3,7,14-triol, C20H34O4

C20H34O4, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 6.222(2) Å, b = 13.705(5) Å, c = 21.903(8) Å, V = 1867.9(12) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0627, wR ref (F 2 ) = 0.1736, T = 293(2) K.

Sagnac interferometer hydrogen sensor based on panda fiber with Pt-loaded WO3/SiO2 coating

A highly sensitive optical fiber Sagnac interferometer hydrogen sensor is proposed and demonstrated. The device is fabricated by inserting a segment of panda fiber coated with Pt-loaded WO₃/SiO₂ into a Sagnac interferometer loop. When Pt/WO₃ film is exposed to hydrogen, the exothermic reaction raises the temperature of the panda fiber, resulting in the resonant wavelength shift of the interferometer, and the resonant dip obtained has a large extinction ratio of ∼25  dB and a narrow linewidth of 2.5 nm. Such a device responds fast to hydrogen, exhibits a high sensitivity of -7.877  nm/% (vol. %) within the range of 0%-1.0% and is robust, low cost, and easy to fabricate.

Association of BCSC-1 with human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Breast cancer suppressor candidate-1 (BCSC-1) is a newly identified candidate tumor suppressor gene. BCSC-1 shows decreased levels in a variety of cancer types. In this study, we investigated the association between BCSC-1 and human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). BCSC-1 expression was detected in ESCC and normal tissues adjacent to tumor tissues by Western blot analysis and real-time PCR  as well as immunohistochemistry of paraffin sections. The relationships between BCSC-1 expression and various clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR showed that levels of BCSC-1 protein and mRNA expression in ESCC significantly decreased compared with those in adjacent normal tissues.  Immunohistochemistry exhibited marked reduction of BCSC-1 in 38 of 105 ESCC specimens. Moreover, downregulation of BCSC-1 was associated with the grade of tumor cellular differentiation (P<0.05). These findings indicate that BCSC-1 downregulation in ESCC is associated with carcinogenesis and may play important roles during the process of ESCC cancer development.

Miniature and robust optical fiber in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on a hollow ellipsoid

An optical fiber in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on a hollow ellipsoid fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining and fusion-splicing technique is demonstrated. The surface of the hollow ellipsoid acts as an internal mirror that can be utilized for the construction of an interferometer. Such an interferometer device is miniature and robust and can perform external refractive index, curvature, and high-temperature sensing in a mutually independent way, and hence a simultaneous multiple parameter measurement capability can be readily achieved.

Downregulation of PLK1 by RNAi attenuates the tumorigenicity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis

Polo-like kinase 1(PLK1) is essential for the maintenance of genomic stability during mitosis. PLK1 has been reported to be upregulated in several solid tumors, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the role of PLK1 in tumorigenesis of ESCC remains undetermined. We used siRNA and lentivirus-mediated PLK1 RNA interference to investigate the tumor suppressor function of PLK1 reduction in ESCC cells. Flow cytometry and Terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling assay in vitro, as well as immunohistochemitry analysis of Caspase-3 and CD31 in s.c. tumor tissue section, were performed. Knock down of PLK1 expression significantly suppressed the ability of ESCC cells to form colonies in plastic and soft agar. PLK1 reduction mediated by lentivirus caused growth suppression of ESCC in nude mice. Caspase-3 upregulation further indicated that dysregulated apoptosis might contribute to reduced tumorigenecity. In particular, downregulation of CD31 suggested that PLK1 reduction-induced angiogenesis inhibition may also contribute, at least in part, to attenuated tumorigenecity. These findings indicate that PLK1 might play roles in tumorigenesis of ESCC and that PLK1 might be a potential gene therapy target in ESCC. Apoptosis induction together with decreased angiogenesis might be involved in the mechanism of tumor suppressor function of RNA interference targeting PLK1.

Isolation and characterization of the CD133+precursors from the ventricular zone of human fetal brain by magnetic affinity cell sorting

A fast and effective method to enrich large number of neural precursors from the ventricular zone of human fetus by magnetic affinity cell sorting (MACS) is reported. After incubation with phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated anti-CD133 antibodies and anti-PE magnetic beads followed by one cycle of MACS, CD133(+) cells were harvested at 85% purity as confirmed by flow-cytometry and immunocytochemistry. In contrast to CD133(-) cells, these CD133(+) cells initiated primary and secondary neurospheres in culture, and the progeny of sorted cells could be differentiated into both neurons and glia, indicating that these highly enriched cells are capable of self-renewal and multi-lineage potential.

[The experimental study on protective effects and its mechanisms of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on isolated swine kidney with ischemia/reperfusion]

AIM

To observe the protective effects and approach its mechanisms of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on the isolated swine kidney with ischemia/reperfusion (IR).

METHODS

Thirty two swine were divided randomly into control group (n = 11), IR group (n = 11) and IL-1ra treatment group (IL-1ra group, n = 10) in the study. All swine were electrified. The kidneys were removed and put in ice-box immediately for detecting in control group. In IR group and IL-1ra group, reperfusion pressure and flow rate were both observed once every 30 minutes, the urine at the time of reperfusion 2 hours and the renal cortex at the time of reperfusion 2 hours and 30 minutes were taken for detecting.

RESULTS

The resistance of perfusion in IL-1ra group was much lower than that in the IR group during reperfusion except start of reperfusion, there was a significant difference between IR group and IL-1ra group (P < 0.05, under the same). The content of MDA,TNF-alpha and IL-8 in the renal cortex in IR group were higher and the activities of SOD and Na(+) -K(+) -ATPase were lower than those in control group, In IL-1ra group, the content of MDA and the activity of SOD in renal cortex was respectively higher or lower than that in control group. Compared with IR group, the content of MDA and TNF-alpha and IL-8 in the renal tissues and urine protein were lower and the activities of SOD and Na(+) -K(+) -ATPase were higher in IL-1ra group. The serious degeneration and necrosis of renal tissue were observed in IR group under light microscope and electron microscope, but there was only slight degeneration in IL-1ra group.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that IL-1ra were effective in protecting the isolated swine kidney from IR injury.

Precancerous lesions in two counties of China with contrasting gastric cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and shows remarkable geographical variation even within countries such as China. Linqu County in Shandong Province of northeast China has a GC rate that is 15 times higher than that of Cangshan County in Shandong, even though these counties are within 200 miles of each other.

METHOD

In order to evaluate the frequency of precancerous gastric lesions in Linqu and Cangshan Counties we examined 3400 adults in Linqu County and 224 adults in Cangshan County. An endoscopic examination with four biopsies was performed in each individual of the two populations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia (DYS) was 30% and 15.1%, respectively, in Linqu compared to 7.9% and 5.6% in Cangshan (P < 0.01). Within these histological categories, advanced grades were found more often in Linqu than in Cangshan. The prevalences of IM and DYS were more common at each biopsy site in Linqu, where the lesions also tended to affect multiple sites.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study support the concept that IM and DYS are closely correlated with risks of GC and represent late stages in the multistep process of gastric carcinogenesis.

Helicobacter pylori infection, garlic intake and precancerous lesions in a Chinese population at low risk of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Cangshan County of Shandong Province has one of the lowest rates of gastric cancer (GC) in China. While intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia (DYS) are less common in Cangshan than in areas of Shandong at high risk of GC, these precursor lesions nevertheless affect about 20% of adults age > or = 55.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

In order to evaluate determinants of IM and DYS in Cangshan County, a low risk area of GC a survey was conducted among 214 adults who participated in a gastroscopic screening survey in Cangshan County in 1994.

METHOD

A dietary interview and measurement of serum Helicobacter pylori antibodies were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of H. pylori was lowest (19%) among those with normal gastric mucosa, rising steadily to 35% for superficial gastritis (SG), 56% for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 80% for IM, and 100% for DYS. The prevalence odds of precancerous lesions were compared with the odds of normal histology or SG. The odds ratio (OR) or CAG associated with H. pylori positivity was 4.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] : 1.7-10.0), while the OR of IM/DYS associated with H. pylori positivity was 31.5 (95% CI: 5.2-187). After adjusting for H. pylori infection, drinking alcohol was a risk factor for CAG (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1-9.2) and IM/DYS (OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.3-47.7). On the other hand, consumption of garlic showed non-significant protective effects and an inverse association with H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that infection with H. pylori is a risk factor and garlic may be protective, in the development and progression of advanced precancerous gastric lesions in an area of China at relatively low risk of GC.