BACKGROUND: Serious scalding leads to dysfunction of each aspect in immune system, and activated macrophage can secret many bioactive transmitters. The relationship between macrophage dysfunction and signal conduction after scalding is unclear at present.OBJECTIVE: To observe the alternation of tumor necrosis factor- alpha(TNF-α) at different time points after scalding and the activity of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) and alternation of protein kinase C (PKC) after the application of specific modulator H-7 to explore whether PKC participates in the modulation of TNF-α in macrophage on signal conduction level for the clarification of some mechanisms of macrophage dysfunction.DESIGN: A randomized controlled experimental study by employing experimental animals as subjectsSETTING: An institute of burn research of a military medical university MATERIALS: The study was conducted in the Laboratory (state) of the Institute of Burn Research, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA between January and December 1999. Experimental animals were 32 healthy clean inbreeding Kunming white mice.METHODS: 15% Ⅲ scalding was created in mice for the establishment of routine scalding model. Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to different time points before or after scalding, I.e. 0(normal control group), 2, 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours group. Celiac macrophages were collected for the detection of TNF-α content by radioimmunoassay, NF-κB activity by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis (EMSA), and membrane or plasma PKC activity by isotope analysis.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① TNF-α content; ② NF-κB activity; ③Membrane or plasma PKC activity RESULTS: After scalding, macrophage excessively secreted TNF-α and reached its peak of (1 085.65 ± 122.99) ng/L at 12 hours, which was significantly higher than that of control group( t = 14.92, P ＜ 0.01 ).Compared with control group, membrane PKC activity increased after scalding, which significantly heightened to(231.80 ± 31.66) nmol/min · g at 2hours( t = 7. 930, P ＜ 0.01 ), slightly decreased to close to normal level of (174.29±16.80) nmol/min· gat 6hours(t=2.531, P ＜0.05), and rapidly elevated at 12 hours [512. 10 ±33.42) nmol/min · g] and 24 hours [ (454.70 ± 21.06) nmol/min · g] to reach its peak of(530.49 ± 28.54)nmol/min. G at 48 hours( t = 29.42, 28.03, 30. 19, P ＜ 0. 01 ). Correlation analysis of the alternation between TNF-α and membrane PKC indicated a significant positive correlation( r = 0. 796 4, P ＜ 0. 05) . As indicated by EMSA image, NF-κB activity significantly elevated after scalding. Twelve hours after scalding was set as modulation point, NF-κB activity was significantly inhibited by the application of H-7.CONCLUSION: The secretion of TNF-α and the activities of PKC and NF-κB are significantly activated in celiac macrophage after scalding, and PKC-NF-κB signal pathway participates in the modulation of TNF-α expression, which provide experimental data for the modulation of immune function and rehabilitative intervention during scalding.serious scalding.

BACKGROUND: Severe scald injury leads to a variety of disorders in the immune system. Activated macrophages are known to secrete many kinds of biologically active transmitter, but the relation between the functional disorder of the macrophages and signal transduction after burn injury has not been fully understood.OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes in nuclear factor(NF) -κκB activity and expressions of IκκB-α and tumor necrosis factor(TNF) -α in peritoneal macrophage of mice at different time points after severe scald injury and after the application of specific NF-κκB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), thereby to explore the mechanism of macrophage dysfunction in light of signal transduction.DESIGN: A randomized controlled experimental research.SETTING: State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury.MATERIALS: The experiment was carried out in the State Key Laboratory of Institute of Burn Research, Third Military Medical University during the period from January to June, 1999, using 30 healthy clean-grade Kunming mice of inbred strain.INTERVENTIONS: Common scald injury models(with third degree burn of 15% total body surface area) were established in the mice, which were randomized into 6 groups according to different time points after the injury for observation, namely 0 hour(normal control group) and postburn 2, 6, 12,24 and 48 hours. Peritoneal macrophages were collected at these time points for examining TNF-α content using radio-immunoassay and NF-κκB activity by means of electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA). The expressions of IκκB-α and TNF-α mRNA were determined by immunoblotting method and reverse transcription-PCR, respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Examinations of ① the content of TNF-α, ② NF-κκB activity,③ expression of IκB-α, and ④ expression of TNF-α mRNA.RESULTS: Macrophage secretion of TNF-α was enhanced postburn, reaching the peak level at 12 hours[(1085.65 ± 122.99) ng/L], which was significantly higher than that in the normal control group( t = 14.92, P ＜ 0.01) .Postburn NF-κκB activity significantly increased after the injury, peaking at 2 hours[ (56. 8 ± 7.3)RDU], which occurred much earlier than the peak of TNF-α secretion( t=13. 31, P ＜ 0.01 ). Compared with that in the normal control group, IκB-α expression decreased significantly 2 hours postburn ( t =4. 23, P ＜ 0. 01) to 0. 632 ±0. 086, followed by gradual increase to the peak level to 1. 161 ± 0. 097 24 hours after the burn injury( t = 7.06, P＜ 0. 01) and then by slight decrease to 1. 149 ±0. 167 till 48 hours(t = 4. 82, P ＜ 0.01) . Twelve hours after injury was the time point for intervention with PDTC application, when NF-κκB activity and TNF-α mRNA expression both decreased significantly( P ＜ 0.01 ).CONCLUSION: NF-κB activity and TNF-αmRNA expression decrease significantly after severe scald. At high levels, IκB-α and NF-κκB maintain an interaction for their restriction. After burn injury, NF-κκB signal transduction pathway is involved in the modulation of TNF-α expression in mouse peritoneal macrophage.

Methods: A total of 10 specific pathogen free (SPF) grade female DBA/2J mice were randomly divided into model group and QGA II group (n = 5 for each group), while additional 5 SPF-grade female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to control group. Mice presented spontaneous high IOP and showed elevated approximately at the age of seven months. The high IOP was maintained until week 38, when gavage was initiated. Mice in control group underwent the same intragastric treatment, while those in QGA II group were gavaged with QGA II (9.67 g/kg), once a day for four weeks. Retinal morphology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, with the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) counted. The expression level of Brn3a protein, a specific marker for RGCs, was detected by immunofluorescence, with the mean optical density (OD) measured for quantitative analysis. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing was leveraged to analyze changes in the diversity of gut microbiota, including their α-diversity (Chao1, Shannon, Pielou’s evenness, and observed species index) and β-diversity. Venn diagrams and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis was employed to investigate the number of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), the abundance of differential gut microbiota species, and the classification of species at both the phylum and genus levels within the three groups of mice. Results: HE staining revealed that compared with control group, model group showed significant reduction in the number of RGCs (P < 0.01), with intracellular vacuolar degeneration and nuclear pyknosis. After QGA II treatment, the number of RGCs was significantly increased compared with model group (P < 0.01), with notable improvements in intracellular vacuolar degeneration. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the mean OD of Brn3a protein was significantly decreased in model group compared with control group (P < 0.01), while QGA II treatment significantly elevated its expression level (P < 0.01). Analysis of α-diversity showed that after QGA II intervention, the Chao1, Shannon, and Pielou’s evenness indices were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the observed species index was elevated (P < 0.05). β-Diversity analysis demonstrated distinct clustering among the three groups, indicating relatively low similarity in bacterial community structures. ASV clustering identified a total of 14 061 ASVs across all groups, with 9 514 ASVs shared between model and QGA II groups. At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased in model group compared with control group (P < 0.01), while Firmicutes and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio were significantly increased (P < 0.01). QGA II treatment significantly reduced both Firmicutes abundance and the F/B ratio (P < 0.01). At the genus level, Lactobacillus was dominant across all groups, with its abundance significantly increased in model group (P < 0.01) and subsequently decreased following QGA II intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion QGA II restructured the gut microbiota of DBA/2J mice with chronic high IOP, bringing changes in their diversity and abundance of components. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, along with their associated microorganisms, are likely critical components of the gut microbiota that contribute to the optic neuroprotective effects of QGA II on chronic high IOP mice.

Objective To evaluate the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)in differentiate reactive lymph node,metastatic lymph node and lymphoma.Methods In a prospective study CEUS was performed in 129 patients with cervical lymph node enlargement.The entire process were recorded and preserved in DICOM format.The results were registered with Sonoliver.The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve)analysis was performed to find the corresponding cutoff values. The selected node was removed surgically and submitted for histology.Results Of all the nodes,26 were reactive nodes,85 were metastases and 1 8 were lymphoma.Enhancement pattern was the most accurate way to characterize lymph nodes.The enhancement pattern of reactive lymph nodes was homogeneous and most of them were enhanced by lymphatic type while the metastatic lymph nodes were inhomogeneously enhanced or weakly enhanced by peripheral type.Lymph node lymphoma usually had no fixed enhancement pattern. Arrive time (AT),rise time (RT),time to peak (TTP),mean transit time (mTT),maximum intensity (IMAX),under the curve (AUC),rising slope(Kup),semi descending slope(Kdown)and perfusion index (PI)were significantly different in the three groups(P <0.05).RT,TTP and mTT of reactive lymph nodes were the shortest,which had significant difference compared with those of metastatic lymph nodes and lymphoma (P < 0.05 ).Kup,Kdown,IMAX%,AUC,PI in the reactive lymph nodes were significantly decreased compared with the metastatic group (P <0.05),but there was no significant difference compared with those in lymphoma (P >0.05 ).When TTP≥ 7.74 s,mTT≥26.54 s,metastatic lymph nodes were considered.When RT≥4.62 s,TTP ≥ 7.74 s,mTT ≥ 28.32 s,reactive lymph nodes were not considered. Conclusions Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound image and enhancement pattern can distinguish neck lymph nodes while the optimal cut-off point time of the time-intensity curve parameters can further contribute to the identification of lymph nodes.

Adenine ; analogs & derivatives ; Fanconi Syndrome ; Humans ; Organophosphonates

Objective To summarize the experience of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in communicating hydrocephalus and its complications. Methods The clinical features, operative techniques and outcome of 100 patients with hydrocephalus were analysed retrospectively. Results Ninety-five (95%) cases had a good result. Postoperative complications were found in 6(6%) cases including shunt apparatus blockage (4 cases) and shunt infection (2 cases). All the cases improved after taking the corresponding measures. Conclusion VPS is the most common shunt style for communicating hydrocephalus. The shunt apparatus blockage and infection are common postoperative complications. Intraoperative aseptic technique, the minimally invasive procedure, and the optimal placement of shunt tube may play an important role in improving the outcome of cerebrospinal fluid shunting surgery for communicating hydrocephalus.

Objective To preliminarily observe the clinical efficacy of hippocampal-sparing prophylactic cranial irradiation (HS-PCI) using helical tomotherapy (HT) in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) after chemoradiotherapy,and compare HT with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in dose distribution.Methods From April to June,2014,six patients with LS-SCLC who had achieved a complete remission after chemoradiotherapy were assigned to HS-PCI using HT within a month after brain metastasis was ruled out using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).After fusing CT images and MRI images,the hippocampus was contoured in the fusion images and hippocampal avoidance regions were created using a volumetric expansion of 3 mm around the hippocampus.A dose of 25 Gy in 10 fractions to 95％ of planning target volume (PTV) was prescribed in HT,IMRT,and VMAT.The clinical efficacy,adverse reactions,neurocognitive function,and brain metastasis were evaluated for HT.The dose distribution in PTV and hippocampus were compared between HT,IMRT,and VMAT.Results There were one patient with abdominal wall and abdominal lymph node metastases,one patient with local recurrence,and no patient with brain metastasis during the observation period.The numbers of patients with grade 1 and grade 2 headache,dizziness,and hair loss reactions were 3 and 1,3 and 1,and 4 and 2,respectively.There were no significant differences in the average score of the Mini-Mental State Examination before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after treatment (29.7,29.2,and 29.3 ; P =0.083,0.317,and 0.157).The mean dose to the hippocampus was 16.85 Gy for IMRT and 17.59 Gy for VMAT.For HT,the mean doses to the hippocampus and avoidance regions were reduced to 5.26 Gy and 6.21 Gy,respectively.The prescribed dose for HT was reduced by 79％ and 71％ compared with IMRT and VMAT,respectively.The average coverage rate of the prescribed dose was 94.48％ for HT.Conclusions HT achieves promising dose distribution and target coverage in sparing of the hippocampus.Moreover,HT dose not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.The change in neurocognitive function needs to be further studied with longterm observation and large-scale sampling.

A plan of constructing a platform of excavating and protecting characteristic technology of diagnosis and treatment in research-based hospital of TCM was put forward by Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Institution of Characteristic Technology of Diagnosis and Treatment Affiliated with Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The platform has begun to take shape on the basis of previous theoretical thought and preliminary practice. It has its own management system and working standards and contents with a clear and definite developing direction. Its working contents include excavating and protecting clinical experience of famous and aged practitioner of Chinese medicine, folk proved recipe and technology of diagnosis and treatment of TCM, intangible cultural heritage of TCM. Some problems appeared during the work, such as the evaluation criterion of the folk proved recipe and technology of diagnosis and treatment, the management of clinical proving projects, the issue of intellectual property protection and so on, which must be further solved.

Objective To identify the risk factors of delirium in ICU by Meta-analysis. Methods Quality of the studies was assessed in terms of study design, definitions of main variables, statistics, and bias control. Analysis of sensitivity and heterogeneity were performed and cumulative effects were calculated using either fixed or random effects models by RevMan 4.2.Results Ten studies met all inclusive and exclusive criteria. Simple sizes range from 100 to 3308. Twenty-one risk factors of delirium in ICU were involved, but only alcohol abuse, respiratory disease, infection, APACHE Ⅱ,elevated level of serum urea nitrogen, hyponatremia, hyperbilirubinemia and using sedatives were identified as having a cumulative effect on delirium in ICU. Conclusions Infection, abnormality or disturbance of metabolism and intoxication or acute withdrawal from drug or alcohol are independent predictors of delirium in ICU, while advanced age and hypoxemia, which are commonly considered as independent risk factors of delirium in ICU, are still inconclusive.

BACKGROUND: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a special type of cells with self-renewal and multi-differentiation potential, which can differentiate into intestinal organoids under certain conditions. OBJECTIVE: To explore whether iPSCs can differentiate into intestinal organoids under specific conditions in vitro.METHODS: iPSCs from B6J mice were recovered and cultured for 3 days until clone units covered about 80％ of the culture dish, and then the cells were cultured in the medium containing Activin A for 3 days until the deterministic endoderm formed. Further, the culture medium was replaced by the medium with fibroblast growth factor 4 and Wnt3A for 4 days to differentiate into the spheroids with CDX2+. After that, spheroids were collected and mixed with Matrigel,and then the mixture was dropped into the 4-well plate and cultured with Rspondin1, Noggin, epidermal growth factor, B27 and other growth factors to differentiate into intestinal organoids. Cell morphology was observed, FoxA2 and Sox17 expresson in the deterministic endoderm was detected, and CDX2, Sox9, CGA, MMP7 were measured.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: iPSCs were cultured with Activin A for 3 days with higher cell fusion, initial differentiation and FoxA2/Sox17 expression (P < 0.05) than those of non-induced iPSCs. Spheroids began to appear at the 3rd day after culture with fibroblast growth factor 4 and WNT3A, and formed a lot at the 4th day. And CDX2 expression in spheroids was significantly increased compared with that in the deterministic endoderm (P < 0.05). Organoids gradually formed after 3 days culture, which contained all cell types of intestinal organoids, and expressions of specific markers, Sox9, CGA, MMP7, were significantly higher than those in spheroids (P < 0.05). To conclude, iPSCs can be induced to differentiate into intestinal organoids in three-dimensional niche in vitro.