Objective To evaluate specific clinical and imaging features of osteogenesis imperfecta V and to improve diagnostic accuracy of this disease. Methods Data of 15 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type V were retrospectively analyzed for their clinical and imaging features. There were 10 males and 5 females, aged from 1 year and 30 years old (median age,12.5 years ). All 15 patients had plain X-ray, and 4 of 15 had CT. All data were analyzed by 3 experienced deputy chief doctors in OI according to OI V standard. Results X-ray:calcification of the interosseous membrane between radius-ulna was detected in all patients and calcification of the interosseous membrane between tibia-fibula was detected in 2 of 15 patients. Dislocation of the radial head was seen in 13 of 15 patients,bilateral in 9 and utilateral in 4.All patients showed restriction in the pronation and supination of the forearm and restricton in the flexion and extention of the elbow joint. Patients with dislocation of raidal head were associated with large coronoid process and olecranon of the ulna. Hyperplastic callus of the extremities were detected in 7 of 15 patients (7 at femur , 3 at humerus, 1 at tibia.In early stage, hyperplastic callus showed thin cortice, and clear boundares with the diaphysis showing and low density, irregular, mesh-like lamellation inside. In the later stage, there were dense calcification inside hyperplastic callus, and no difference in density with the diaphysis. Diaphysis surrounded by hyperplastic callus had clear boundaries with the hyperplastic callus. No cortical destruction was detected. CT:there were sparse needle-dot calcification inside hyperplastic callus, with the patterns of granular, ring-and-arch,irregular streaky mineralization. The cross section of proximal femoral shaft showed irregular shape , flat square shape and tiny medullary cavity, with no calcification on the edge of hyperplastic callus. CT value:-91 HU inside hyperplastic callus; 283 HU in femoral shaft. Conclusions Interosseous membrane between radius-ulna or tibia-fibula, hyperplastic callus ,dislocation of the radial head are specific features in osteogenesis imperfecta V. X-ray can make a definitive diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta V. CT scan is helpful in the differential diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta V from osteosarcoma.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the changes in microRNA-130a (miR-130a) and its correlation with cardiotoxicity during epirubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel plus trastuzumab (EC-D+T) adjuvant chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients. Methods: A total of 72 HER2+ breast cancer patients who underwent resection and were scheduled to receive EC-D+T adjuvant therapy were consecutively enrolled. The expression of miR-130a and cardiotoxicity (defined as any of the following situations: 1) absolute decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 10% and LVEF < 53%; 2) heart failure; 3) acute coronary artery syndromes; and 4) fatal arrhythmia) were assessed every 3 months throughout the 15-month EC-D+T treatment. Results: The accumulating cardiotoxicity rate was 12 (16.7%), of which the incidence of heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, life-threatening arrhythmias, ΔLVEF ≥ 10%, and LVEF < 53% was 0 (0.0%), 1 (1.4%), 0 (0.0%), and 12 (16.7%), respectively. Baseline miR-130a expression was negatively correlated with LVEF (%) and positively correlated with cardiac troponin I. The expression of miR-130a gradually increased in both cardiotoxicity and noncardiotoxicity patients during EC-D+T treatment, while the increment of miR-130a was more obvious in cardiotoxicity patients compared with non-cardiotoxicity patients. Further logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that miR-130a was an independent predictive factor for increased cardiotoxicity risk. Conclusion MiR-130a increases constantly and predicts high cardiotoxicity risk during ECD+T adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2+ breast cancer patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the changes in microRNA-130a (miR-130a) and its correlation with cardiotoxicity during epirubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel plus trastuzumab (EC-D+T) adjuvant chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients. Methods: A total of 72 HER2+ breast cancer patients who underwent resection and were scheduled to receive EC-D+T adjuvant therapy were consecutively enrolled. The expression of miR-130a and cardiotoxicity (defined as any of the following situations: 1) absolute decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 10% and LVEF < 53%; 2) heart failure; 3) acute coronary artery syndromes; and 4) fatal arrhythmia) were assessed every 3 months throughout the 15-month EC-D+T treatment. Results: The accumulating cardiotoxicity rate was 12 (16.7%), of which the incidence of heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, life-threatening arrhythmias, ΔLVEF ≥ 10%, and LVEF < 53% was 0 (0.0%), 1 (1.4%), 0 (0.0%), and 12 (16.7%), respectively. Baseline miR-130a expression was negatively correlated with LVEF (%) and positively correlated with cardiac troponin I. The expression of miR-130a gradually increased in both cardiotoxicity and noncardiotoxicity patients during EC-D+T treatment, while the increment of miR-130a was more obvious in cardiotoxicity patients compared with non-cardiotoxicity patients. Further logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that miR-130a was an independent predictive factor for increased cardiotoxicity risk. Conclusion MiR-130a increases constantly and predicts high cardiotoxicity risk during ECD+T adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2+ breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVETo explore the sensitivity and accuracy of CT and HRCT in early detection of coal-worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) associated micronodules, nodule coalescence and emphysema from coal miners with and without radiographic CWP evidence.

METHODContinuously Thorax-Vol. CT scanning and High resolution CT scanning were performed on 113 coal miners with or without radiographic CWP evidence and 37 health controls by the use of Multi Spiral Computed Tomography (MSCT). The CT and HRCT images were evaluated for lung parenchyma opacity profusion category, nodule coalescence, emphysema index and mean lung attenuation, and then compared with that on radiographs.

RESULTGood agreement for CWP associated opacity profusion grading was achieved between radiographs and CT scans (Kappa = 0.771). The sensitivity of CT and HRCT were 98.70% for CWP diagnosis when compared with radiographs. 8 (22.22%) cases out of 36 radiographic CWP negative coal miners were categorized as grade 1 opacity profusion in consistent with CWP on CT and HRCT scans, and 26 (35.62%) cases out of 73 radiographic grade 1-2 CWP patients were detected to have at least grade 3 nodular profusion on CT and HRCT scans. Among 113 coal miners, 36 (31.86%) were recognized as emphysema positive on CT; whereas only 7 (6.19%) on radiographs. According to CT opacity profusion grading, mean lung attenuation in coal miners with grade 1-2 opacity profusion classification was significantly increased than that in health control, CWP negative coal miner and grade 4 opacity profusion groups (F1 = -45.73, F2 = -23.00 and F3 = 52.72, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCT and HRCT acquired from MSCT showed high sensitive and accurate for the early detection of micronodules, nodule coalescence and emphysema in coal miners. It could be used as semi-quantitative and quantitative method in early diagnosis of CWP and its complications.

Adult ; Aged ; Anthracosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Case-Control Studies ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Lung ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Emphysema ; diagnostic imaging ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo assess the expression of Hsp72 and Hsp73 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to evaluate their roles in damage from coal dust exposure.

METHODSA case control study of 50 coal miners suffering from COPD and 50 healthy coal miners were selected from one coal mine. The levels of Hsp72 and Hsp73 in peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry for all subjects.

RESULTS(1) The expression of basic Hsp72 of peripheral blood lymphocytes for patients and controls was not different from that inducible expressed Hsp72 by 42 degrees C heat stress or by BPDE exposure. (2) The expression of Hsp72 in COPD patients (17.7 +/- 4.9) was significantly lower than that in healthy coal miners (22.6 +/- 10.0) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the expression of Hsp73 in COPD patients (33.5 +/- 11.7) was higher than that in healthy coal miners (19.6 +/- 5.9) (P < 0.01). (3) A-positive relationship between the expression of Hsp72 and cumulative inhaling coal dust exposure was observed. No relationship was found between Hsp73 and cumulative inhaling coal dust exposure.

CONCLUSIONThe decreased expressions of Hsp72 in peripheral blood lymphocytes of COPD coal miners.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Coal Mining ; Dust ; Flow Cytometry ; HSC70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; biosynthesis ; HSP72 Heat-Shock Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; metabolism

Objective To observe the effects of tetrandrine on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of melanoma cell B16,and to explore its effects on epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT)and potential regulatory mechanisms.Methods(1)The proliferation of B16 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay after 0,2,4,6,8 and 10 μmol·L-1 of tetrandrine intervention for 24 and 48 hours.The colony formation ability of B16 cells was detected by plate clone formation assay after 1,2 and 4 μmol·L-1 of tetrandrine intervention;the migration and invasion ability of B16 cells was detected by cell scratch assay and Transwell invasion assay;the expressions of N-cadherin,Vimentin and E-cadherin related to EMT in B16 cells were detected by Western Blot assay.The mouse melanoma lung metastasis model was replicated by tail vein injection of B16 cells to observe the effects of tetrandrine(50 and 100 mg·kg-1)administered by gavage on the number of metastatic tumor nodules in the lungs of mice.(2)The CTD,SwissTargetPrediction and Similarity Ensemble Approach databases were used to predict the targets of tetrandrine;the GeneCards database was used to search for targets related to melanoma disease;the intersection of these two databases was taken as the potential target of tetrandrine for melanoma treatment.The intersected targets were imported into STRING database to construct protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and screen the core targets;the intersected targets were imported into DAVID database for GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis;and molecular docking between tetrandrine and the core targets was verified by Autodock software.(3)In vivo experimental validation:after intervention of 1,2 and 4 μmol·L-1 tetrandrine,Western Blot method was used to detect the expression of the key pathway AKT/NF-κB/CREB pathway-related proteins;and AKT agonist SC79 was used to validate the replication experiments.Results(1)The IC50 of B16 cells intervened by tetrandrine was 4.273 and 4.085 μmol·L-1 at 24 and 48 hours.Compared with the control group,the colony forming ability,scratch healing rate and invasion rate of cells in the 1,2 and 4 μmol·L-1 tetrandrine group were all significantly reduced(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001);the expressions of cellular Vimentin and N-cadherin protein expressions were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01,P＜0.001),and E-cadherin protein expression was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Compared with the model control group,the number of melanoma lung metastatic nodules was significantly reduced in the mice in the high-dose group of tetrandrine(P＜0.05).(2)A total of 60 potential targets were obtained for the treatment of melanoma with tetrandrine;core targets such as AKT1,TNF,CCND1,RELA,CASP9,CHUK,and CREBBP were further screened,among which AKT1 was the most strongly interacting target;the signaling pathways such as apoptosis,FoxO,TNF,PI3K-AKT,and NF-κB were mainly involved.The molecular docking showed that tetrandrine had strong binding activity with AKT1,TNF,RELA and other core targets.Compared with the control group,protein expressions of p-AKT/AKT,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κ B p65,and p-CREB/CREB were significantly down-regulated in the cells of the tetrandrine 1,2,and 4 μmol·L-1 groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);protein expressions of p-AKT and p-NF-κB p65 were significantly up-regulated in the cells of the SC79 group(P＜0.001).Compared with the SC79 group,protein expressions of p-AKT,p-NF-κB p65,and p-CREB were significantly down-regulated in the cells of the 2 μmol·L-1 tetrandrine+ SC79 group(P＜0.001).Conclusion Tetrandrine may inhibit the proliferation,migration,invasion and EMT of mouse melanoma by regulating the AKT/NF-κB/CREB pathway,and thus inhibit the lung metastasis of mouse melanoma.

The study was aimed to investigate the factor V coagulation activity (FV:C), and to evaluate FVgene polymorphisms and activated protein C resistance (APCR) in the patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). 95 patients with VTE and 95 normal controls were investigated for FV gene polymorphisms. FV Leiden, FVCambridge, and FVHong Kong were detected by PCR, MnlI and BstNI digestion respectively. FVAsp79His and FVI359T were detected by MassARRAY. FV:C and APCR in 65 patients with VTE and 60 normal controls were determined by a one-stage clotting method and the APTT-based assays respectively. The results showed that the mean levels of plasma FV:C were significantly higher in VTE group than that in controls (108.03% +/- 28.29% vs 95.17% +/- 29.75%) (P = 0.008), the incidence of APCR were 20.0% (13 of 65 cases) in patients with VTE and 5.0% (3 of 60 cases) in normal controls (P = 0.012). FV Leiden, FVCambridge, FVHong Kong, FVAsp79His and FVI359T mutations were not found in two groups. It is concluded that the increased plasma level of FV:C is a risk factor for VTE. There is APCR in both groups, APCR is also a risk factor to VTE. APCR may not be associated with mutations of FV Leiden, FVCambridge, FVHong Kong, FVAsp79His and FV I359T polymorphisms, other factors need to study further in APCR.
Activated Protein C Resistance ; complications ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Factor V ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Protein C ; metabolism ; Venous Thromboembolism ; blood ; complications ; genetics ; Young Adult

Objective: To determine the impact of inflammatory reaction levels and the culprit plaque characteristics on preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The is a retrospective study. A total of 1 268 STEMI patients who underwent pre-intervention optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination of culprit lesion during emergency PCI were divided into 2 groups by preprocedural TIMI flow grade (TIMI 0-1 group (n =964, 76.0%) and TIMI 2-3 group (n =304, 24.0%)). Baseline clinical data of the 2 groups were collected; blood samples were collected for the detection of inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), myocardial injury marker, blood lipid, etc.; echocardiography was used to determine left ventricular ejection fraction; coronary angiography and OCT were performed to define the lesion length, diameter stenosis degree of the infarct-related arteries, presence or absence of complex lesions, culprit lesion type, area stenosis degree and vulnerability of culprit plaques. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent correlation factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of continuous independent correlation factors was analyzed, and the best cut-off value of TIMI 0-1 was respectively determined according to the maximum value of Youden index. Results: The mean age of 1 268 STEMI patients were (57.6±11.4) years old and 923 cases were males (72.8%). Compared with TIMI 2-3 group, the patients in TIMI 0-1 group were older and had higher N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, lower cardiac troponin I (cTnI) level, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and higher hsCRP level (5.16(2.06, 11.78) mg/L vs. 3.73(1.51, 10.46) mg/L). Moreover, the hsCRP level of patients in TIMI 0-1 group was higher in the plaque rupture subgroup (all P<0.05). Coronary angiography results showed that compared with TIMI 2-3 group, the proportion of right coronary artery (RCA) as the infarct-related artery was higher, the angiographical lesion length was longer, minimal lumen diameter was smaller, and diameter stenosis was larger in TIMI 0-1 group (all P<0.05). The prevalence of plaque rupture was higher (75.8% vs. 61.2%) in TIMI 0-1 group. Plaque vulnerability was significantly higher in TIMI 0-1 group than that in TIMI 2-3 group with larger mean lipid arc (241.27°±46.78° vs. 228.30°±46.32°), more thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA, 72.4% vs. 57.9%), more frequent appearance of macrophage accumulation (84.4% vs. 70.7%) and cholesterol crystals (39.1% vs. 25.7%). Minimal flow area was smaller [1.3(1.1-1.7)mm² vs. 1.4(1.1-1.9)mm², all P<0.05] and flow area stenosis was higher (78.2%±10.6% vs. 76.3%±12.3%) in TIMI 0-1 group. Multivariable analysis showed that mean lipid arc>255.55°, cholesterol crystals, angiographical lesion length>16.14 mm, and hsCRP>3.29 mg/L were the independent correlation factors of reduced preprocedural TIMI flow grade in STEMI patients. Conclusions: Plaque vulnerability and inflammation are closely related to reduced preprocedural TIMI flow grade in STEMI patients.
Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/diagnostic imaging* ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/surgery* ; Stroke Volume ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; Ventricular Function, Left

Objective: Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( Results: Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks. Conclusion Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes.
Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome