Objective To explore the role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. Methods Twenty-seven patients with chronic eczema were enrolled into this study along with 12 normal human controls. The severity of eczema was evaluated by eczema area and severity index (EASI) in patients. Skin specimens and vein blood samples were obtained from all the subjects. Reverse-transcription PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of IL-18 and IFN-γ in the skin tissue, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the protein expression of IL-18 and IFN-γ in the sera of these subjects. Results The mRNA expression level in patients and controls was 1.04±0.29 pg/mL and 0.52±0.15 pg/mL for IL-18, respectively, 0.96±0.34 pg/mL and 0.47±0.12 pg/mL for IFN-γ, respectively; a significant increase was observed in the mRNA expression level of both IFN-γ and IL-18 in the patients than in the controls (both P<0.01). Moreover, the mRNA expression level of both IFN-γ and IL-18 positively correlated with the severity of eczema in patients (r=0.737, 0.883, both P<0.01). The protein expression level of IL-18 and IFN-γ was 475.8±59.4 pg/mL and 10.1±7.0 pg/mL, respectively, in the patients, 123.6 ±29.5 pg/mL and 11.1±3.4 pg/mL, respectively, in the controls; a statistical difference was observed in the protein expression level of IL-18 (P<0.01), but not in that of IFN-γ(P>0.01), between the patients and controls. No significant correlation was observed betweenthe serum level of IL-18 or IFN-γ and sererity of eczema in the patients (both P>0.01). Conclusions IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. Also, in local lesions, IL-18 seems to correlate with the induction of production of Th1 type cytokines, such as IFN-γ which could subsequently mediate hypersensitivity response.

Objective To investigate the expression and secretion of mice DNaseI gene plasmid transfected into bone marrow (BM-MSCs) mesenchymal stem cells. Methods The plasmids of mouse DNaseI gene had been transfected into the BM-MSCs of mice by liposomes. The expression of DNaseI gene in the BM-MSCs was detected by western blotting and the DNaseI activity was measured by DNA-methyl green substrate colorimetry. Results About 30% BM -MSCs were transfected with mice plasmid DNaseI gene, DNaseI was expressed in the transfected BM-MSCs and active DNaseI could be detected in the supernatant of cell culture. Conclusion The mice DNaseI gene plasmid can be transfected into mice BM -MSCs by liposomes and DNaseI gene can be expressed by the transfected BM-MSCs and active DNaseI can be secreted. This may provide potential target for the treatment of SLE.

Objective To investigate the clinical results of minimally invasive fixation of the sacroiliac triangle for vertically unstable pelvic posterior ring injury. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of 20 patients who had been treated for vertically unstable pelvic posterior ring from January 2014 to August 2016. They were 12 males and 8 females, aged from 20 to 58 years ( average, 35 years ) . According to Tile classification for pelvic fractures, there were 4 cases of type C1. 1, 6 cases of type C1. 2, 7 cases of type C1. 3 and 3 cases of type C2. Their posterior rings were treated by fixation through posterior paraspinal approach with S1-iliac pedicle screws plus percutaneous sacroiliac screws, and their anterior rings by closed reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screws, Infix or plate following open reduction. The incision length, operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Postoperative reduction quality was assessed by Matta radio-logical criteria and pelvic function by Majeed criteria at the final follow-ups. Results Altogether 20 fixation systems of S1-iliac pedicle screws and 37 sacroiliac joint screws were inserted in this series. The length of incision ranged from 5. 5 to 7. 6 cm ( average, 6. 2 cm ) , the operation time from 89 to 130 minutes ( average, 98 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss from 110 to 320 mL (average, 195 mL). According to Matta ra-diological criteria, reduction was excellent in 13, good in 5 and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 90％. The follow-up time for the 20 patients ranged from 6 to 15 months ( average, 9 months ) . The healing time ranged from 10 to 14 weeks ( average, 12. 5 weeks ) . At the final follow-ups, X-ray and CT three-dimensional reconstruction showed fine fracture union. By the Majeed criteria, the pelvic function was excellent in 11 cases, good in 5, fair in 3, and poor in one, with an excellent and good rate of 80％. No loosening, breakage or pull-out of pedicle screws or sacroiliac screws happened. Conclusion Minimally invasive fixation of the sacroiliac triangle for vertically unstable pelvic posterior ring injury can lead to precise placement, quick recovery, small incision and good functional outcome.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous induced thrombosis closure on small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) solely under echocardiography guidance.Methods From June 2013 to September 2016,276 PDA patients were treated by femoral artery retrograde approach under echocardiography guidance.Twenty-five patients (14 boys,11 girls) among them with small PDA received percutaneous induced thrombosis closure because the delivery sheath could not pass PDA,with mean age (3.7 ± 1.6) years,mean body weight (16.6 ±5.4) kg and the mean diameter of the most narrow PDA was (1.3 ± 0.4) mm.All patients were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography,chest radiography and electrocardiography preoperatively.The intraoperative and postoperative effects were evaluated by echocardiography.Outpatient assessment was performed at 1,3,6 and 12 months after operation with electrocardiography and echocardiography,and yearly thereafter.Results Twenty-five patients were successfully treated with percutaneous induced thrombosis closure solely under echocardiography guidance.The mean operation time was (35.2 ± 6.1) minutes.The immediate residual shunt rates and 24 hours after operation were 28.0％ (7/25 cases) and 16.0％ (4/25 cases),respectively.All patients recovered and were discharged from hospital.The average hospitalization stay was (3.0 ± 0.6) days.The mean follow-up was (16.8 ± 12.3) months,residual shunt was observed in 2 patients (8.0％),and it decreased from 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm preoperatively to 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm postoperatively,respectively.All patients survived without peripheral vascular injury,cardiac perforation,PDA rupture or thrombembolia.Conclusions Percutaneous induced thrombosis closure of small PDA solely under echocardiography guidance is safe and effective.It can avoid occluder implantation and radiation injury.However,the residual shunt after operation needs following up closely.

Background::Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a viable option for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. In China, the INBONE-II implant is the only total ankle prosthesis approved since 2016. The purpose of this study is to report a large sample of findings for the TAR with INBONE-II prosthesis.Methods::A total of 64 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, who underwent primary TAR using INBONE-II by the same surgeon from 2016 to 2019, at a single institution were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Clinical data, radiographic findings, survival rate, and complications were recorded and assessed pre-operatively and at the most recent follow-up.Results::A total of 64 patients were available for follow-up at least 2 years after surgery; the mean follow-up duration for clinical outcomes was 37.9 months (24–59 months), and for radiographic findings was 22.8 months (12–59 months). There were significant improvements ( P < 0.01) in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale, the visual analog scale for pain, and the Short Form-36. There were statistically significant differences between pre-operative and post-operative comparisons of the talar tilt angle (TT) and the tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) in the radiographic findings (TT from 4.7 ± 4.3° to 1.3 ± 1.3°, TLS from 80.4 ± 7.7° to 87.4 ± 2.3°, P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in improvement of the tibial anterior surface angle ( P = 0.14). Ten complications (all low grade) were recorded according to the Glazebrook classification system. The survivorship of the prosthesis was 100% (64/64). Conclusion::Patients who underwent TAR with INBONE-II prosthesis demonstrated significant improvements in all measures of pain and function as well as in radiographic findings. High survival and a low incidence of complications were observed in this study.

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of transthoracic minimally invasive patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion in infants and young children.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 105 infants and young children who received the transthoracic minimally invasive PDA occlusion in our hospital from 2012-10 to 2014-10. According to PDA diameter, patients were divided into 2 groups:Group A, the patients with PDA diameter ≥ 4 mm,n=64 and group B, the patients with 2 mm ≤ PDA diameter < 4 mm,n=41. All patients received the left third parasternal intercostal incision under suprasternal echocardiography guidance. The operative effect was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography, and the follow-up study was performed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months period and then annually after the operation by echocardiography.
Results: All 105 patients had successfully implanted PDA occluders. The patients’ gender, age, body weight, tracheal intubation time and the in-hospital time were similar between 2 groups,P>0.05. Compared with Group B, Group A had the larger diameters of PDA (5.7 ± 1.4) mm vs (2.7 ± 0.6) mm, P<0.001, PDA occluders (10.6 ± 1.8) mm vs (7.2 ± 1.3) mm, P<0.001, and the higher rates of moderate and severe post-operative thrombocytopenia 10.9% (7/64) vs 0% (0/41),P=0.028, immediate post-operative residual shunt as 15.6% (10/64) vs 2.4% (1/41),P=0.031. There was 1 patient in Group A suffered from pericardial tamponade due to hemorrhage at 2 days after operation and he was cured by emergent pericardial drainage. The patients were followed-up for (11.6 ± 7.8) months. The 1 month post-operative residual shunt was similar between 2 groups as 1.6% (1/64 ) vs 0% (0/41),P=0.421, and there was no residual shunt at 3 months after the operation. There were no complications of occluder detachment, hemolysis, pericardial effusion, left pulmonary artery or descending aortic stenosis occurred during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: Transthoracic minimally invasive PDA occlusion is a safe and effective method to treat the relevant infants and young children, while the post-operative residual shunt and thrombocytopenia should be closely observed in patients with large PDA.

Objective:To observe the expression level of β-arrestin 1/2 in mice with Parkinson's disease(PD)and its relationship with pathogenesis of PD.Methods:PD model was prepared by using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride(MPTP). The mice were killed at 3 days after the last administration and the brain tissue was taken for observing brain histopathological changes.The colocalization of β-arrestin1/2 with microglia was detected by using immunofluorescence double-labeling of β-arrestin1/2 and microglia.Tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and Iba-1 were used to label cells, and then the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the activation of microglia were observed by immunohistochemistry.Results:As compared with the blank control group, the relative expression level of β-arrestin1 protein in brain tissue of PD mice was increased significantly, while the relative expression level of β-arrestin2 protein was decreased significantly( t=11.535, 9.948, both P=0.000), and β-arrestin1/2 shared cell localization with microglia.After MPTP induced PD, the number of Th + neurons in SNc area of midbrain was decreased significantly in β-arrestin1 + /+ group and β-arrestin1 -/- group( t=4.098, 3.571, P=0.000, 0.001), while the number of Iba-1 + cells in SNc area of midbrain was increased significantly( t=10.097、6.448, both P=0.000). After MPTP induced PD, the number of Th + neurons in SNc area of midbrain was decreased significantly in β-arrestin2 + /+ group and β-arrestin2 -/- group( t=3.512, 5.237, P=0.001, 0.000), while the number of Iba-1 + cells in SNc area of midbrain was increased significantly( t=5.816、8.402, P=0.000). Compared with β-arrestin1 + /+ group, the expressions of TRAF6, NF-κB and COX-2 in mouse microglia were significantly increased in β-arrestin1 -/- group( t=5.324, 5.837, 9.350, all P=0.0000). Compared with β-arrestin2 + /+ group, the expressions of TRAF6, NF-κB and COX-2 in mouse microglia were significantly down-regulated in β-arrestin2 -/- group( t=5.094, 6.318, 9.466, all P=0.000). Conclusions:The expression of β-arrestin1 is up-regulated and β-arrestin2 is down-regulated in brain tissue of PD mice.β-arrestin1/2 may affect the proliferation and activation of microglia and the loss of dopaminergic neurons through TRAF6/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway, and participate in the pathological process of PD.

Objective:To investigate the effects and significance of α-synuclein(α-syn)on the expression level of β-arrestin 2 in Parkinson's disease(PD)in a mouse model.Methods:Twenty-eight C57BL/6J mice with similar motor skills were randomly divided into a model group and a control group, with 14 mice in each group.A PD model was established by injecting preformed fibrils of α-syn into the striatum of the brain, and behavioral changes were monitored after 4 weeks.The expression levels of α-syn, the dopamine receptor(DR), tyrosine hydroxylase(TH), inflammatory factors, β-arrestin 2 and the nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway-related proteins were determined by Western blotting.The interaction between α-syn and β-arrestin 2 was detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer(FRET), and the regulation of α-syn on β-arrestin 2 transcriptional activation was detected by the dual luciferase report assay.Results:After 4 weeks of modeling, compared with the control group, the average movement speed of mice in the model group was significantly reduced( t=9.415, P<0.001), the movement track was sparse and concentrated around the open field, and the time needed to climb the pole was significantly prolonged( t=16.412, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the relative expression of α-synin in astrocytes in the model group increased significantly, the relative expressions of D1DR and TH decreased significantly[(1.14±0.18) vs.(0.53±0.16), (0.67±0.13) vs.(1.15±0.11), (0.46±0.05) vs.(0.81±0.06)]( t=9.810, 10.917 and 17.356, all P<0.001), the relative expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins increased significantly( t=3.583, 4.284, 5.396, 11.747, 16.375 and 18.294, all P<0.001), and the relative expression of β-arrestin 2 protein[(0.42±0.11) vs.(1.33±0.14)]in astrocytes decreased significantly( t=19.795, P<0.001). The FRET results suggested a possible direct interaction between α-syn and β-arrestin 2.The results of the dual luciferase report assay showed that the transcription activity of β-arrestin 2 was significantly increased after α-syn gene knockout. Conclusions:The α-syn may induce inflammation in astrocytes by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and participate in the pathogenesis of PD by reducing dopamine biosynthesis and inhibiting its physiological function through negative regulation of β-arrestin 2.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of our self-made minimally invasive pelvic channel instrument in the treatment of pelvic ring fracture-dislocation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 35 patients who had been treated for pelvic ring fracture-dislocation from December 2015 to November 2017 and fully followed up at Department I of Orthopaedis,Beijing Chaoyang Emergency Rescue Center.They were 25 males and 10 females,aged from 20 to 73 years (average,41.3 years).According to the Tile classification for pelvic fractures,there were 26 cases of type B (type B1 in 8,type B2 in 12 and type B3 in 6) and 9 cases of type C(type C1 in 5,type C2 in 3 and type C3 in 1).Infix or anterior plate combined with percutaneous internal fixation with sacroiliac cannulated screws was used in 11 patients,sacroiliac triangle fixation combined with percutaneous internal fixation with anterior ring cannulated screws in 5 ones,and internal fixation with cannulated screws for anterior and posterior rings in 19 ones.All the channels were established using our self-made minimally invasive pelvic channel instrument for internal fixation with cannulated screws.The time for each screw placement and the number of X-ray projection were recorded.Postoperative reduction,pelvic function at the final follows-ups and complications were recorded.Results A total of 84 cannulated screws were inserted in the 35 patients.The time for each cannulated screw placement ranged from 5 to 13 minutes (average,8.1 minutes);the number of X-ray projection for each screw placement ranged from 7 to 15 times (average,10.3 times).Postoperative CT showed that all the cannulated screws were located in the preset channels.According to the Matta radiological criteria,postoperative reduction quality was excellent in 29,good in 4 and fair in 2,giving a good to excellent rate of 94.3％.The follow-up time for the 35 patients ranged from 6 to 15 months (average,12.3 months).At the final follow-ups,all the patients showed fine fracture union.There was no loosening or breakage of screws in all but one patient in whom one sacroiliac screw became loose 3 months after surgery.By the Majeed criteria,the pelvic function was excellent in 27 cases,good in 5,fair in 3 and poor in one,giving a good to excellent rate of 91.4％.Conclusion Our self-made minimally invasive pelvic channel instrument can be used to establish pelvic channels,leading to more accurate placement,shorter operative time and less X-ray projection.

Background: Currently available guidelines contain conflicting recommendations on the management of blood pressure (BP) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, it is necessary to appraise the guidelines and summarize the agreements and differences among recommendations. Methods: Four databases and the websites of guideline organizations were searched for guidelines regarding BP targets and thresholds for pharmacologic therapy in DM patients, and the included guidelines were appraised with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Results: In 6,498 records identified, 20 guidelines met our inclusion criteria with 64.0% AGREE II scores (interquartile range, 48.5% to 72.0%). The scores of the European and American guidelines were superior to those of the Asian guidelines (both adjusted P<0.001). Most of the guidelines advocated systolic BP targets <130 mm Hg (12 guidelines, 60%) and diastolic BP targets <80 mm Hg (14 guidelines, 70%) in DM patients. Approximately half of the guidelines supported systolic BP thresholds >140 mm Hg (10 guidelines, 50%) and diastolic BP thresholds >90 mm Hg (nine guidelines, 45%). The tiny minority of the guidelines provided the relevant recommendations regarding the lower limit of official BP targets and the ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM)/home BP monitoring (HBPM) targets and thresholds in DM patients. Conclusion The lower official BP targets (<130/80 mm Hg) in patients with DM are advocated by most of the guidelines, but they contain conflicting recommendations on the official BP thresholds. Moreover, the gaps regarding the lower limit of official BP targets and the ABPM/HBPM targets and thresholds need to be considered by future study.