OBJECTIVETo compare the short-term curative effect of clozapine (CZ) and its combination with electroacupuncture (EA) in treating schizophrenia.

METHODSNinety schizophrenia patients were randomly divided into two groups equally: the EA group treated with combination of CZ (200 - 300 mg/d in mean) and EA, and the CZ group treated with CZ alone. The effects of treatment were evaluated with PANSS, CGI and TESS before and at the 2th, 4th, 6th and 8th weekend of the treatment.

RESULTSThe initiation of effect in the two groups was the same, the total effective rate was 75% in the EA group and 73% in the CZ group. However, somatic complaint was lower and compliance was higher in the EA group than that in the CZ group respectively.

CONCLUSIONWith the effect equal to CZ, combination of CZ and EA shows higher compliance in treating schizophrenia, which would be beneficial in the later stage treatment for consolidation.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Clozapine ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Schizophrenia ; therapy

Female ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; therapy ; Humans ; Liver, Artificial ; Male ; Plasma Exchange ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the association between the genetic variant of miRNA-1 target gene COG6 rs9548934 C→T and the risk of premature coronary artery disease (pCAD).Methods This study included 226 pACD patients and 275 gender and age matched pCAD-free controls hospitalized in our hospital,diagnosis was made based on coronary angiography ( CAG ) results.The genotypes of miRNA-1 target gene COG6 rs9548934 C→T were detected by PCR-RFLP.Results Compared with the wide genotype CC,subjects with the variant genotypes CT of rs9548934 C→T was associated with a 45％ lower risk of pACD (adjusted OR =0.55,95％ CI =0.36 -0.82,P =0.003),and the subjects with CT/TT genotypes were also associated with a significantly lower risk of pACD ( adjusted OR =0.64,95％ CI =0.44 - 0.92,P=0.015).Using the median serum TG level (1.20 mmol/L) in control group as the cutoff value,subjects with higher serum TG levels were associated with increased risk of pACD after adjustment for age,gender and BMI ( adjusted OR =2.32,95％ CI =1.57 - 3.41,P ＜ 0.001 ).In addition,subjects with higher HDL-C levels were associated with significantly lower risk of pACD ( adjusted OR =0.48,95％ CI =0.31 -0.75,P =0.001 ).Stratified analyses showed that the risk reduction for pCAD in CT/TT genotypes carriers was more significant in the female subjects ( adjusted OR =0.54,95％ CI =0.30 - 0.97,P=0.040),and in subjects with lower TG,TC,HDL-C and LDL-C levels (adjusted OR =0.62,95％ CI =0.39 - 0.98,P =0.040; adjusted OR =0.55,95 ％ CI =0.35 - 0.85,P =0.008; adjusted OR =0.43,95％CI=0.22-0.87,P=0.018; adjusted OR=0.49,95％CI=0.32-0.75,P=0.001,respectively).Conclusion The polymorphism of miRNA-1 target gene COG6 rs9548934C→T is associated with lower risk of pCAD,especially in female subjects and subjects with lower serum lipid levels.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of one dressing of porcine acellular dermal matrix on deep partial thickness burns.

METHODSFrom January 1997 to January 2004, sixty-seven cases of deep partial thickness total burned surface area (TBSA) from 50% to 90% burn wound were treated by a single dressing of porcine acellular dermal matrix (the porcine acellular dermal matrix group). Ten cases of deep partial thickness burned patients with the same TBSA treated by exposure method served as the exposure method group. The healing time of the wound was observed. The patients were followed up for 3 months to 2 years, and the scar proliferation was observed.

RESULTSThe deep partial-thickness wound would be healed without dressing change in the porcine acellular dermal matrix group, and the average healing time was (12.2 +/- 2.6) days. The average healing time of the exposure method group was (27.4 +/- 3.5) days. Follow up of the patients within 3 months to 2 years showed that scar proliferation in the porcine acellular dermal matrix group was much less than that in the exposure method group, even no scar proliferation was observed in some patients.

CONCLUSIONWithout tangential excision, autografting and dressing change, a single dressing of porcine acellular dermal matrix on deep partial thickness burn wound could shorten the healing time and inhibit scar proliferation.

Animals ; Biological Dressings ; Burns ; pathology ; therapy ; Cicatrix ; prevention & control ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Swine ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing

Objective To analyze the expression of m6A methyltransferase like 3(METTL3)gene in pan-tumor and its effect on tumor microenvironment.Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database was used to analyze the gene sequencing and clinical data of patients with various tumors.The expressions of METTL3 gene in various tumors and its correlations with prognosis and tumor microenvironment were analyzed.Results METTL3 gene expression was upregulated in most malignancies,but only was associated with poor PFS of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer(P＜0.05).The expression of METTL3 gene was associated with the infiltration levels of many inmmunet cells in hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer,as well as the expression levels of inhibitory immune checkpoint genes(P＜0.05).Conclusions METTL3 gene overexpression could affect the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer,which maybe associated with immune invasion and inhibitory immune checkpoints increased.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for brain injury in preterm infants by a multicenter epidemiological investigation of brain injury in hospitalized preterm infants in Anhui, China. METHODS: Preterm infants who were hospitalized in the department of neonatology in 9 hospitals of Anhui Neonatal Collaboration Network between January 2016 and January 2017 were enrolled as subjects. The data of maternal pregnancy and clinical data of preterm infants were collected, and the logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for brain injury in preterm infants. RESULTS: A total of 3 378 preterm infants were enrolled. Of the 3 378 preterm infants, 798 (23.56%) had periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH), and 88 (2.60%) had periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Intrauterine distress, anemia, hypoglycemia and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were risk factors for PVH-IVH (OR=1.310, 1.591, 1.835, and 3.310 respectively; P<0.05), while a higher gestational age was a protective factor against PVH-IVH (OR=0.671, P<0.05). PVH-IVH, NEC and mechanical ventilation were risk factors for PVL (OR=4.017, 3.018, and 2.166 respectively; P<0.05), and female sex and use of pulmonary surfactant were protective factors against PVL (OR=0.514 and 0.418 respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asphyxia/anoxia, infection/inflammation, mechanical ventilation, anemia and hypoglycemia may increase the risk of brain injury in preterm infants.
Brain Injuries ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; China ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Leukomalacia, Periventricular

BACKGROUNDMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation provides a new approach for myocardial repair. However, many important fundamental questions about MSCs transplantation remain unanswered. There is an urgent need to identify MSCs from the beating heart and analyze the efficacy of this new approach. This study aimed to localize the magnetically labeled MSCs (MR-MSCs) and monitor the restorative effects of MR-MSCs with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

METHODSAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) was created in swine by a balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Cells were delivered via intracoronary infusion after myocardial infarction. Infarct size change and cardiac function were assessed with 3.0T MR scanner. The results were then confirmed by histological and western blot analysis. All statistical procedures were performed with Systat (SPSS version 12.01).

RESULTSA total of 26 swine were divided into four groups (sham-operated group, n=6; AMI group with PBS transplantation, n=6; labeled MSCs group, n=7; unlabeled MSCs group, n=7). MSCs, MR-MSCs (10(7) cells) or PBS were delivered by intracoronary injection after MI and serial cardiac MR imaging studies were performed at 0, 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation. MR imaging demonstrated MI size decreased after MSCs transplantation in labeled and unlabeled groups, however, increases were seen in the AMI group at 8 weeks after MI. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was slightly increased in the AMI group ((41.87+/-2.45)% vs (39.04+/-2.80)%, P>0.05), but significantly improved in the MR-MSCs group ((56.85+/-1.29)% vs (40.67+/-2.00)%, P<0.05) and unlabeled group ((55.38+/-1.07)% vs (41.78+/-2.08)%, P<0.05) at 8 weeks after treatment. MR-MSCs were further confirmed by Prussian blue and immunofluorescent staining. Western blot analysis demonstrated that there was an increased expression of cardiomyocyte markers such as myosin heavy chain and troponin T in the MSCs treatment groups and the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase 2 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 decreased in the labeled group and unlabeled group compared with the AMI group and sham-operated group.

CONCLUSIONTransplanted MR-MSCs can regenerate new myocardium and prevent remolding in an MI model at 2-month follow-up and represent a preferred method to better understand the mechanisms of stem cell therapy in future clinical studies.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Survival ; Disease Models, Animal ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetics ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Myocardial Infarction ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Swine ; Ventricular Function, Left

BACKGROUNDSuperparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles have shown much promise as a means to visualize labeled cells using molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Micrometer-sized superparamagnetic iron oxide (MPIO) particles and nanometer-sized ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) are two kinds of SPIO widely used for monitoring stem cells migration. Here we compare the efficiency of two kinds of SPIO during the use of stem cells to treat acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODSAn AMI model in swine was created by 60 minutes of balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Two kinds of SPIO particles were used to track after intracoronary delivered 10(7) magnetically labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MR-MSCs). The distribution and migration of the MR-MSCs were assessed with the use of 3.0T MR scanner and then the results were confirmed by histological examination.

RESULTSMR-MSCs appeared as a local hypointense signal on T₂*-weighted MRI and there was a gradual loss of the signal intensity after intracoronary transplantation. All of the hypointense signals in the USPIO-labeled group were found on T₂*-weighted MRI, contrast to noise ratio (CNR) decreased in the MPIO-labeled group (16.07 ± 5.85 vs. 10.96 ± 1.34) and USPIO-labeled group (11.72 ± 1.27 vs. 10.03 ± 0.96) from 4 to 8 weeks after transplantation. However, the hypointense signals were not detected in MPIO-labeled group in two animals. MRI and the results were verified by histological examination.

CONCLUSIONSWe demonstrated that two kinds of SPIO particles in vitro have similar labeling efficiency and viability. USPIO is more suitable for labeling stem cells when they are transplanted via a coronary route.

Animals ; Cell Survival ; Contrast Media ; Ferric Compounds ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of xenogenic (porcine) ADM as dermal substitute in scar treatment.

METHODSAfter scar excision, the wounds were covered with composite grafts of DR procine ADM and autologous thin split-thickness grafts in one stage or in two stages.

RESULTS22 out of 47 cases were treated in two-staged procedure. After the ADMs were applied to the wound, the autologous thin split-thickness grafts were implanted 7 days later. 25 cases were treated in one-staged procedure. The survival rates of composite grafts were (88.3 +/- 3.7)% for subcutaneous recipient bed and (89.7 +/- 3.4)% for deep fascia recipient bed in group with two-staged procedure, compared with (92.5 +/- 4.1)% and (93.2 +/- 5.2)%, respectively, in group with one-staged procedure. Early after grafts taken, the grafts had a pink colour and smooth surface. The patients were followed up for 90 days at most. The survived composite grafts were durable, elastic, smooth and soft with good function and appearance like normal skin. They could even be pinched up. The scar along the edge of the grafts was slightly hypertrophic.

CONCLUSIONSThe survival rate of composite graft is higher in patients with one-staged procedure. The elasticity and textural of the taken grafts are better on subcutaneous recipient bed than on deep fascia recipient bed, though the function has no difference. Xenogenic (porcine) ADM can be an optimal dermal substitute for wound coverage after scar excision.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Dermis ; cytology ; transplantation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin, Artificial ; Swine ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of negative charge aerosol (NCA) on the treatment of burn wound.

METHODSPatients with superficial or deep partial thickness burn only were enrolled in the study, and they were randomly divided into trial group (T, including 180 cases of superficial thickness burn and 100 cases of deep partial thickness burn), control group (C, including 30 cases with superficial thickness burn and 30 with deep partial thickness burn), and self control group (SC, including 10 cases with superficial thickness burn and 10 with deep partial thickness burn). The patients in T and SC groups were treated with NCA for 1.5 hours, 1-2 times a day, from 6 postburn hour (PBH) to 2 postburn day (PBD), while those in C group received conventional treatment. For those in SC group, some of the wounds were covered with sterile schissel, while other wounds without schissel covering. The general changes in the wounds during NCA treatment were observed, and bacterial culture before and after NCA treatment was performed. The healing time was recorded and the blood biochemical parameters were determined. Rat model with deep partial thickness scald was established, and the rats were also divided into T and C groups, and received treatment as in human. Tissue samples were harvested from the wounds of rats in the 2 groups before and 1, 2, 3 weeks after treatment for pathological examination.

RESULTSThere was no infection and little exudation in the patients in T group. No bacteria were found in the wound before and after NCA treatment. The healing time of the wounds of patients with superficial and deep partial thickness burn in T group was 6.3 +/- 1.6 d and 15.1 +/- 3.1 d, respectively, which was obviously shorter than those in C group (11.3 +/- 1.4 d and 21.2 +/- 1.4 d, P < 0.01). In SC group, the healing time of those with sterile schissel coverage was also significantly shorter than those without covering (P < 0.01). There was no obvious change in the liver and kidney functions and blood biochemical parameters among the patients. Pathological examination showed that the skin structure was almost recovered in the rats in T group 3 weeks after treatment, while those in C group was not.

CONCLUSIONNegative charge aerosol is safe and effective in promoting wound healing of the patients with partial thickness burns.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aerosol Propellants ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Burns ; pathology ; therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Wound Healing ; Young Adult