Objective To evaluate the application value of whole exome sequencing (WES) in diagnosis of NDDs (neuro-developmental disorders) children.Metheod WES was used for the diagnosis of 35 unexplained NDD children, which admitted to the outpatient and ward of Children′s hospital affiliated to Capital institute of pediatric from November 2015 to November 2016.These children′s clinical data was collected detailedly.Using bioinformatics software tools combining with patient′s phenotype, the candidate genetic/genomic variants of these patients were identified from WES data.The final pathogenicity of genetic/genomic variants was interpreted according to the guideline of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), meanwhile, the variants validation and co-separation analysis in the parents and their family members were performed by Sanger sequencing, real time-PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).Results 14 pathogenic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and three pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) were detected in the 35 NDD children, the detection rate in this study is 48.6%.Among the 14 pathogenic SNVs, 11 of them are the definite NDD-related genes according to OMIM database (such as CHARGE syndrome, Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, Cockayne syndrome, etc.), and six of them are de novo (6/11, 54.6%).Three pathogenic CNVs were identified from WES data, including two microduplications and one microdeletion.Meanwhile, a female child carrying a frame shift mutation in MECP2 was found and the germline mosaicism with low-frequency mutation of this site (8.4%) was confirmed by his father's sperm.Conclusions The diagnosis rate of WES in NDDs children is 48.6% in our small-sample study.In addition to pathogenic/likely pathogenic SNVs, CNVs can be detected successfully from WES data, which effectively improved the diagnosis yield in NDDs children.

BACKGROUNDThe SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery Score II (SS-II) can well predict 4-year mortality in patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD), and guide decision-making between coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is lack of data regarding the utility of the SS-II in patients with three-vessel CAD undergoing PCI treated with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the SS-II to predict long-term mortality in patients with three-vessel CAD undergoing PCI with second-generation DES.

METHODSTotally, 573 consecutive patients with de novo three-vessel CAD who underwent PCI with second-generation DES were retrospectively studied. According to the tertiles of the SS-II, the patients were divided into three groups: The lowest SS-II tertile (SS-II ≤20), intermediate SS-II tertile (SS-II of 21-31), and the highest SS-II tertile (SS-II ≥32). The survival curves of the different groups were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the SS-II and 5-year mortality. The performance of the SS-II with respect to predicting the rate of mortality was studied by calculating the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The predictive ability of the SS-II for 5-year mortality was evaluated and compared with the SS alone.

RESULTSThe overall SS-II was 27.6 ± 9.0. Among patients in the lowest, intermediate and the highest SS-II tertiles, the 5-year rates of mortality were 1.6%, 3.2%, and 8.6%, respectively (P = 0.003); the cardiac mortality rates were 0.5%, 1.9%, and 5.2%, respectively (P = 0.014). By multivariable analysis, adjusting for the potential confounders, the SS-II was an independent predictor of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio: 2.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.38-4.36; P = 0.002). The SS-II demonstrated a higher predictive accuracy for 5-year mortality compared with the SS alone (the area under the ROC curve was 0.705 and 0.598, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe SS-II is an independent predictor of 5-year mortality in patients with three-vessel CAD undergoing PCI treated with second-generation DES, and demonstrates a superior predictive ability over the SS alone.

Aged ; Coronary Disease ; mortality ; surgery ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; mortality ; Retrospective Studies

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of cinepazide maleate injection in the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ⅳ clinical trial, led by Peking Union Medical College Hospital, was conducted in 65 Hospitals in China. The efficacy of cinepazide maleate injection in patients with acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction with onset time of ≤48 hours, 7≤National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score ≤25 was assessed from August 2016 to February 2019, using the proportion of modified Rankin scale (mRS) score≤1 and Barthel index (BI) score≤95 on day 14 as efficacy endpoint. The patients were divided into treatment group who were treated with cinepazide maleate injection and control group who were treated with placebo.Results:A total 937 patients were involved in the final efficacy analysis (466 in treatment group and 471 in control group). The proportion of subjects with mRS score≤1 on day 14 after treatment were higher in the treatment group than that in the control group (102/466(21.89%) vs76/471(16.14%)). Logistic regression analysis showed that patients treated with cinepazide maleate were significantly more likely to have a favorable outcome (mRS score≤1) than patients treated with placebo on day 14 ( OR=0.677, 95% CI 0.484-0.948 , P=0.023), and patients treated with cinepazide maleate were more likely to reach independence in activities of daily living (Barthel Index ≥95) than those treated with placebo on day 14 (125/466(26.82%) vs 91/471(19.32%); OR=0.632, 95% CI0.459-0.869, P=0.005). The rate of adverse events was similar between the treatment and control groups. Conclusion:The 14-day treatment with cinepazide maleate injection could reduce the degree of disability whereas did not increase the risk of adverse events.

Objective:To confirm the efficacy and safety of cinepazide maleate injection in acute ischemic stroke patients with obvious motor function deficit.Methods:This study is a subgroup analysis of multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ⅳ clinical trial. A total 812 patients of acute ischemic stroke with obvious limb motor deficit [motor function of limbs score in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥4] were enrolled in this subgroup analysis. Patients received either cinepazide maleate injection or placebo. The treatment period was 14 days and follow-up was 90 days. The efficacy endpoints included the proportions of patients with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2, mRS score ≤1 and Barthel Index <95 on day 90. Safety was evaluated by recording all adverse events, monitoring vital signs, laboratory parameters and electrocardiogram.Results:A total of 732 patients were involved in the final efficacy analysis (361 in cinepazide maleate group and 371 in control group). The baseline limb motor function score of NIHSS was 5.23±1.43 in the cinepazide maleate group whereas 5.20±1.36 in the control group. Logistic regression analysis showed that following treatment for 90 days, the proportion of patients with a mRS score ≤2 was significantly higher in the cinepazide maleate group than in the control group [56.0% (202/361) vs 44.2% (164/371), OR=0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.82, P=0.002]. The proportion of patients with a mRS score ≤1 was higher in the cinepazide maleate group than in the control group [43.3% (139/361) vs 35.2% (118/371), OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.97, P=0.031]. The proportion of patients with a Barthel Index <95 on day 90 was significantly lower in the cinepazide maleate group than in the control group [45.2% (145/361) vs 55.2% (185/371), OR=0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88, P=0.007]. During the treatment and follow-up period, the incidence of the most common adverse events in the cinepazide maleate group was 50.4% (199/395). Constipation and abnormal liver function were more common, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion:Cinepazide maleate injection is superior to placebo in improving neurological function and activities of daily living, reducing disability, and promoting functional recovery and safe in patients with acute ischemic stroke with obvious limb motor deficit.

Objective:To investigate the blood pressure change in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hypertension treated with cinepazide maleate injection.Methods:This was a subgroup analysis of post-marketing clinical confirmation study of cinepazide maleate injection for acute ischemic stroke: a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-parallel controlled trial, which conducted in China from August 2016 to February 2019. Eligible patients fulfilled the inclusive criteria of acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of 7-25. The primary endpoints were mean blood pressure of AIS patients treated with cinepazide maleate or control, which were assessed during the treatment period (14 days), and the proportion of the patients with normal blood pressure was analyzed after the treatment period. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis was performed to investigate a possible effect of the history of hypertension on outcomes.Results:This analysis included 809 patients with hypertension. There was no significant difference in patients blood pressure and the proportion of patients with normal blood pressure (60.5% vs. 59.0%, P>0.05) between cinepazide maleate group and control group. Conclusion:Administration of cinepazide maleate injection does not affect the management of clinical blood pressure in patients with AIS.

Insulin resistance,as the main link in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus( T2 DM),runs through the whole process of occurrence and development of T2 DM and is closely related to the insulin receptor signaling pathway. Insulin stimulation causes autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor( IR),which then activates tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate( IRS).Phosphorylation of IRS can induce and activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase( PI3 K),subsequently activate downstream 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protease 1( PDK1) and Akt/PKB,and finally promote expression and translocation of glucose transporter 4 to increase glucose uptake of insulin-sensitive tissues and alleviate insulin resistance. Currently,oral hypoglycemic agents for clinical treatment of T2 DM have different side effects on the human body. Traditional Chinese medicine not only has a wide range of sources and abundant types,but also has comprehensive multi-component,multi-link and multi-target effects,showing unique advantages in the treatment of diabetes. In recent years,more and more researchers at home and abroad pay attention to the active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine for alleviating insulin resistance. In this paper,we would summarize the active hypoglycemic ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine associated with the insulin receptor signaling pathway,which may provide some theoretical guidance for the development of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Insulin ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins ; Insulin Resistance ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Phosphorylation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; Receptor, Insulin/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction

Aim To explore the mechanism by which total coumarins in Pileostegia tomentella (TCPT) inhibits the proliferation of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) H1688 cells via inducing ferroptosis. Methods The gradient concentrations of TCPT were used to treat H1688 cells. CCK-8 assay was applied for detection of proliferative inhibition of H1688 cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to approach the morphological changes of H1688 cells under the treatment of TCPT. Additionally, dichlorofluorescein (DCFH-DA) probe was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. BODIPY 581/ 589 Cll probe was applied to examine the intracellular lipid peroxide formation. Western blotting was employed to detect the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), kelch-like ECH-associated protein (KEAP1), nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NRF2), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) proteins in HI688 cells. Results The proliferation of small cell lung cancer cell H1688 was dramatically inhibited after TCPT intervention (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01). The morphological characteristics of ferroptosis induced by TCPT were observed by transmission electron microscope. TCPT could also effectively elevate intracellular level of ROS and lipid peroxide. In HI688 cells the expression of ferroptosis markers GPX4, NRF2, and FTH1 was down-regulated, while the expression of KEAP1 was up-regulated, and there were statistically significant differences among the markers mentioned a-bove (P<0. 01). Conclusions Total coumarins in TCPT can significantly inhibit the proliferation of H1688 cells, possibly through increasing ROS and intracellular lipid peroxide levels and eventually inducing ferroptosis.

Interstitial fluid (ISF) flow through vascular adventitia has been discovered recently. However, its kinetic pattern was unclear. We used histological and topographical identification to observe ISF flow along venous vessels in rabbits. By magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in live subjects, the inherent pathways of ISF flow from the ankle dermis through the legs, abdomen, and thorax were enhanced by paramagnetic contrast. By fluorescence stereomicroscopy and layer-by-layer dissection after the rabbits were sacrificed, the perivascular and adventitial connective tissues (PACTs) along the saphenous veins and inferior vena cava were found to be stained by sodium fluorescein from the ankle dermis, which coincided with the findings by MRI. The direction of ISF transport in a venous PACT pathway was the same as that of venous blood flow. By confocal microscopy and histological analysis, the stained PACT pathways were verified to be the fibrous connective tissues, consisting of longitudinally assembled fibers. Real-time observations by fluorescence stereomicroscopy revealed at least two types of spaces for ISF flow: one along adventitial fibers and another one between the vascular adventitia and its covering fascia. Using nanoparticles and surfactants, a PACT pathway was found to be accessible by a nanoparticle of <100 nm and contained two parts: a transport channel and an absorptive part. The calculated velocity of continuous ISF flow along fibers of the PACT pathway was 3.6‒15.6 mm/s. These data revealed that a PACT pathway was a "slit-shaped" porous biomaterial, comprising a longitudinal transport channel and an absorptive part for imbibition. The use of surfactants suggested that interfacial tension might play an essential role in layers of continuous ISF flow along vascular vessels. A hypothetical "gel pump" is proposed based on interfacial tension and interactions to regulate ISF flow. These experimental findings may inspire future studies to explore the physiological and pathophysiological functions of vascular ISF or interfacial fluid flow among interstitial connective tissues throughout the body.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the measures and rules of Chinese medicine (CM) and provide reference for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). METHODS: The data source was from CM COVID-19 prevention and treatment programs on government websites and official media websites of the different provinces and cities. The search lasted from December 8, 2019 to March 10, 2020. Main variables were medication frequency and combinations of medicines. Cluster analysis and complex network analysis were used by prevention and treatment stage and by area. RESULTS: Among 27 CM diagnosis and treatment plans, 203 therapeutic prescriptions were enrolled, of which the top 4 herbs were: Radix glycyrrhizae, Semen armeniacae amarum, Herba ephedrae, and Herba agastachis, respectively. The core combinations were Herba ephedrae and Semen armeniacae amarum. Forty-eight preventive formulae were identified. Ten herbs, including Radix Astragali seu hedysari, Radix glycyrrhizae, Radix saposhnikoviae, Flos lonicerae, etc. were most frequently used. The core prescription of CM compatibility was Radix astragali seu hedysari, Radix glycyrrhizae, and Radix saposhnikoviae, which is the main component of Yu Ping Feng San. There were 45 prevention and treatment prescriptions in East China; the most used CM was Radix glycyrrhizae, Herba agastachis, Pericarpium citri reticulatae, and Gypsum fibrosum. Fifty prescriptions were identified in North China. According to CM analyses, Herba agastachis, Semen armeniacae amarum, Herba ephedrae, and Poria were most frequently used. CONCLUSIONS CM for COVID-19 prevention mainly focuses on improving human immunity; for treatment, prescription focuses on clearing the lungs and removing dampness. Prescriptions vary with regions, perhaps due to climatic and environmental differences, which help clinicians to quickly make CM plans and treat patients according to clinical status, further minimizing resource wastage.
COVID-19/diagnosis* ; COVID-19 Testing ; China/epidemiology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment

Objective: To analyze the difference of application methods and effects of local flap in small and medium-sized defects of different aesthetic subunits of nose, in order to provide reference for clinical work. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on 59 patients with external nasal masses and scars who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from July 1, 2021 to January 30, 2022, including 27 females and 32 males, aged 15 to 69 years. Using Likert scale, the repair methods and effects of local flap for nasal soft tissue defects were evaluated and summarized from three aspects of texture, flatness and scar concealment. GraphPad Prism 5.0 software was used for data statistics and analysis. Results: The use of skin flaps to repair small and medium-sized areas of the nose could achieve satisfactory results. For patients with different subunits, in terms of skin flatness and scar concealment degree in the operation area, patients' satisfaction with the dorsal and lateral nasal areas was higher than that of the alar and tip areas, respectively (F=6.40, P=0.001; F=10.57, P<0.001). For patients with different skin flap repair methods, the satisfaction of patients with Z-plasty and Dufourmentel skin flap was higher than that of other skin flap repair methods (F=4.38, P=0.002), and the satisfaction of patients with Dufourmentel skin flap was the highest in the degree of scar concealment (F=2.57, P=0.038). Conclusions: In the small and medium-sized defects of the nose, the use of multiple local flaps can achieve good cosmetic effects and functional recovery. The operator should select the appropriate flap repair method according to the characteristics of different aesthetic subunits of the nose.