Endothelin (ET) is a peptide released by vascular endothelial cells. Except for the potent vasoconstrictor function it plays an important physiological role in tissue differentiation and development, cell proliferation and hormone production. Investigation of the role of ET axis in a variety of tumors such as prostatic, cervical, breast carcinoma has provided evidences of its importance in cancer, recently. Data suggest that multiple functions of the ET axis have associations with mitogenesis, apoptosis inhibition, angiogenesis, and activation of proto-oncogene. The ET axis relates to invasiveness, osteoblast function, and metastatic cancer pain in advanced prostate cancer.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Endothelins ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Receptors, Endothelin ; physiology

Objective:To investigate the genetic subtypes and drug resistance monitoring of newly reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/AIDS virus in Anhui Province from 2020 to 2023.Methods:An observational design study was used to collect blood samples from patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the AIDS Prevention and Control Department of Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention from January 2020 to December 2023.The HIV-1 pol gene was amplified by reverse transcription-nested PCR, and the genetic subtypes were identified by phylogenetic tree analysis using MEGA 7.0 software. The mutation sites of drug resistance were analyzed by the online software tool of Stanford University′s HIV Drug resistance database. The influencing factors of drug resistance before treatment were analyzed by multivariate logistic analysis.Results:A total of 335 plasma samples were collected, and 332 HIV-1 pol gene sequences were obtained successfully. The main gene subtypes were CRF01-AE, accounting for 35.55% (118/332), followed by CRF07-BC, B and B+C types [29.22% (97/332), 11.74% (39/332), 9.93% (33/332)]. The total drug resistance rate before treatment was 30.12%(32/100), and the drug resistance rate of protease inhibitor (PIs) in HIV-1 was 6.33% (21/332). The drug resistance rate of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) before treatment was 6.33% (21/332). The drug resistance rate of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) before treatment was 17.47% (58/332).The comparison of drug resistance rate of different drug types showed statistical significance ( χ2=30.435, P<0.05).Among the 100 cases of drug resistance, the main mutation point of HIV-1 protease inhibitor was Q58E (21.00%), and the main mutation point of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor was M184V/I (6.00%). Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutation points mainly K103N (22.00%).There were statistically significant differences in the starting time of antiviral therapy, the number of CD4 +T cells at baseline and the drug resistance rate of gene subtypes (the chi-square values are respectively 24.152, 32.516, 11.652, P<0.05).Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the baseline CD4 +T cell count was <200/μl, subtype B, subtype B+C, CRF01-AE subtype, CRF55-01B subtype and 01-BC subtype was the influential factor of drug resistance before treatment (the chi-square values are respectively 4.577, 8.202, 4.416, 5.206, 7.603 and 4.804, P<0.05). Conclusion:The newly reported HIV/AIDS population in Anhui Province from 2020 to 2023 has a variety of viral gene subtypes, and NNRTIs are the main types of drug resistance gene mutations before treatment. Attention should be paid to the number of baseline CD4 +T cells, the duration of antiviral treatment, and the distribution of gene subtypes to reduce the drug resistance of HIV/AIDS patients before treatment.

Objective:To investigate the genetic subtypes and drug resistance monitoring of newly reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/AIDS virus in Anhui Province from 2020 to 2023.Methods:An observational design study was used to collect blood samples from patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the AIDS Prevention and Control Department of Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention from January 2020 to December 2023.The HIV-1 pol gene was amplified by reverse transcription-nested PCR, and the genetic subtypes were identified by phylogenetic tree analysis using MEGA 7.0 software. The mutation sites of drug resistance were analyzed by the online software tool of Stanford University′s HIV Drug resistance database. The influencing factors of drug resistance before treatment were analyzed by multivariate logistic analysis.Results:A total of 335 plasma samples were collected, and 332 HIV-1 pol gene sequences were obtained successfully. The main gene subtypes were CRF01-AE, accounting for 35.55% (118/332), followed by CRF07-BC, B and B+C types [29.22% (97/332), 11.74% (39/332), 9.93% (33/332)]. The total drug resistance rate before treatment was 30.12%(32/100), and the drug resistance rate of protease inhibitor (PIs) in HIV-1 was 6.33% (21/332). The drug resistance rate of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) before treatment was 6.33% (21/332). The drug resistance rate of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) before treatment was 17.47% (58/332).The comparison of drug resistance rate of different drug types showed statistical significance ( χ2=30.435, P<0.05).Among the 100 cases of drug resistance, the main mutation point of HIV-1 protease inhibitor was Q58E (21.00%), and the main mutation point of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor was M184V/I (6.00%). Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutation points mainly K103N (22.00%).There were statistically significant differences in the starting time of antiviral therapy, the number of CD4 +T cells at baseline and the drug resistance rate of gene subtypes (the chi-square values are respectively 24.152, 32.516, 11.652, P<0.05).Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the baseline CD4 +T cell count was <200/μl, subtype B, subtype B+C, CRF01-AE subtype, CRF55-01B subtype and 01-BC subtype was the influential factor of drug resistance before treatment (the chi-square values are respectively 4.577, 8.202, 4.416, 5.206, 7.603 and 4.804, P<0.05). Conclusion:The newly reported HIV/AIDS population in Anhui Province from 2020 to 2023 has a variety of viral gene subtypes, and NNRTIs are the main types of drug resistance gene mutations before treatment. Attention should be paid to the number of baseline CD4 +T cells, the duration of antiviral treatment, and the distribution of gene subtypes to reduce the drug resistance of HIV/AIDS patients before treatment.

BACKGROUNDFluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for fluid therapy dedicated to SAP. So, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of fluid therapy treatment on prognosis of SAP.

METHODSSeventy-six patients were admitted prospectively according to the criteria within 72 hours of SAP onset. They were randomly assigned to a rapid fluid expansion group (Group I, n = 36) and a controlled fluid expansion group (Group II, n = 40). Hemodynamic disorders were either quickly (fluid infusion rate was 10 - 15 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1), Group I) or gradually improved (fluid infusion rate was 5 - 10 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1), Group II) through controlling the rate of fluid infusion. Parameters of fluid expansion, blood lactate concentration were obtained when meeting the criteria for fluid expansion. And APACHE II scores were obtained serially for 72 hours. Rate of mechanical ventilation, incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), sepsis, and survival rate were obtained.

RESULTSThe two groups had statistically different (P < 0.05) time intervals to meet fluid expansion criteria (Group I, 13.5 +/- 6.6 hours; Group II, (24.0 +/- 5.4) hours). Blood lactate concentrations were both remarkably lower as compared to the level upon admission (P < 0.05) and reached the normal level in both groups upon treatment. It was only at day 1 that hematocrit was significantly lower in Group I (35.6% +/- 6.8%) than in Group II (38.5% +/- 5.4%) (P < 0.01). Amount of crystalloid and colloid in group I ((4028 +/- 1980) ml and (1336 +/- 816) ml) on admission day was more than those of group II ((2472 +/- 1871) ml and (970 +/- 633) ml). No significant difference was found in the total amount of fluids within four days of admission between the two groups (P > 0.05). Total amount of fluid sequestration within 4 days was higher in Group I ((5378 +/- 2751) ml) than in Group II ((4215 +/- 1998) ml, P < 0.05). APACHE II scores were higher in Group I on days 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.05). Rate of mechanical ventilation was higher in group I (94.4%) than in group II (65%, P < 0.05). The incidences of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and sepsis were significantly lower in Group II (P < 0.05). Survival rate was remarkably lower in Group I (69.4%) than in Group II (90%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSControlled fluid resuscitation offers better prognosis in patients with severe volume deficit within 72 hours of SAP onset.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Female ; Fluid Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis ; pathology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate strategy of treatment of hemofiltration on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and fulminant acute pancreatitis (FAP).

METHODSOne hundred and thirty patients with SAP and eighty-one patients with FAP treated with hemofiltration (HF) were prospectively observed from March 1997 to December 2008. Indications for HF, variables (time interval for hemofiltration), mode, therapeutic dosage, blood rate, heparin dosage and components of hemofiltration, therapeutic efficacy (time of disapearance of abdominal pain, intra-abdominal pressure and survival rate) and complications (incidence of bleeding and blood infection).

RESULTSAll patients underwent high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) or hemodialysis-filtration (HDF) within 72 hours after onset of the disease. Dose of SAP and FAP was (53 +/- 6) mlxkg(-1)xh(-1) and (59 +/- 10) mlxkg(-1)xh(-1) (P < 0.05), respectively. Rate of short veno-venous hemofiltration in SAP (76.9%) was higher than that of FAP (38.3%) (P < 0.05); however, rate of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (23.1%) was lower than that of FAP (37.0%) (P < 0.05). Rate of HDF was much higher in FAP than that of SAP. Low molecular weight heparin and heparin were both available to anticoagualte;but dosage required in patients with FAP was much higher than that of SAP (P < 0.05). Time intervals for amelioration of abdominal pain in SAP and FAP were (9 +/- 6) h and (15 +/- 10) h, respectively. Itra-abdominal pressure was decreased significantly at the end of hemofiltration compared to prior to hemofiltration in SAP and FAP (P < 0.05). Level of serum triglyceride decreased abruptly after adsorption (P < 0.05). Rate of operation within 28 days in SAP (73.8%) was lower than FAP (87.7%). The in-hospital survival rates in SAP and FAP were 88.5% and 67.9%, respectively. Amount of platelet decreased in patients with blood flow rate less than 240 ml/min was higher than that of more than 240 ml/min (P < 0.05). And incidence of blood stream infection and bleeding increased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHVHF and HDF used in SAP and FAP patients underwent conservative treatment within 72 hours, respectively, can increase survival rate significantly.

Acute Disease ; Hemofiltration ; Humans ; Pancreatitis ; therapy ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo investigate the optimal starvation conditions of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and establish a highly efficient and stable method for separating HUVECs.

METHODSHUVECs harvested from human umbilical cords by digestion with 0.1% collagenase II for 15 min were cultured in endothelial culture medium (ECM) containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% endothelial cell growth factor (ECGS) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin solution(P/S) at 37 degrees celsius; in 5% CO2. The cells were observed for cell morphology under an inverted microscope and identified with immunofluorescence assay. The purity of HUVECs was detected using flow cytometry (FCM). The cell cycles of HUVECs cultured in the presence of 0, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% FBS for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h were analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTSs The purity of HUVECs harvested by digestion with 0.1% collagenase II reached 99.67%. The primary HUVECs showed a cobblestone or volute appearance in vitro. Immunocytochemistry showed that HUVECs highly expressed VIII-related antigen. Cell culture in the presence of different concentrations of FBS for 6 h resulted in 70% G0/G1 phase cells, which increased to 80%-90% at 12 h of cell culture, and further to around 95% at 18 and 24 h.

CONCLUSIONDigestion with 0.1% collagenase II can obtain high-purity primary HUVECs. Culturing HUVECs in serum-free medium for 12 h can result in a high purity (over 80%) of G0/G1 phase cells.

Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Cycle ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; Flow Cytometry ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 ; chemistry ; Serum

OBJECTIVETo develop and evaluate the efficiency of air purification and sterilization instrument based on nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic technique.

METHODSThe nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic air purification and sterilization instrument was designed and a sample had been prepared. The sterilization efficiencies for E.coli and Klebsiella by the nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic instrument and ultraviolet (UV) were measured in closed labs. The on-site efficiency of the instrument was evaluated, too.

RESULTSThe nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic air purification and sterilization instrument was composed of five units: rough filter, nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic unit, activated carbon fiber filter, negative ion generator, and programmed control unit. The E.coli killing rates by the nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic instrument were 76.0%, 81.8%, 77.5%, and 80.7% at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, respectively. There was no significant difference between the E.coli killing rates of the instrument and UV (P > 0.05), except the 120 minutes timepoint. The Klebsiella killing rates by the instrument were 78.4%, 79.5%, 67.3%, and 58.5% at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, respectively. The Klebsiella killing efficiencies of the instrument at 30 and 60 minutes were better than that of UV (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the Klebsiella killing efficiencies of the instrument and UV (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe air sterilization efficiency of the nano-sized TiO(2) photocatalytic instrument should be equivalent or better as compared with the UV. This instrument might be used for the air purification and sterilization of the public locations.

Air Pollution ; prevention & control ; Decontamination ; methods ; Disinfection ; methods ; Nanostructures ; Photochemistry ; Titanium

To investigate the value of renal resistive index (RRI) in early predictor and discriminator of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-related acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted. SAP patients complicated with AKI (within 1 week of onset) and admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to June 2019 were enrolled. The RRI within 24 hours admission was measured. Clinical data such as acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), arterial blood lactate (Lac), oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), base excess (BE), serum creatinine (SCr), urine output, norepinephrine (NE) and RRI were collected. Within 24 hours and 7 days after ICU admission, patients were grouped according to AKI classification criteria of Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), and the differences of relevant parameters were statistically analyzed. Influence factors of AKI grading were screened by Logistic regression analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between RRI and other parameters. The predictive value of RRI for AKI classification was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results A total 57 patients were included, with an average age of (54.6±13.5) years old, and APACHEⅡscore of 21.8±5.6. Within 24 hours, the number of patients suffered from stage 1-3 AKI were 19 (33.3%), 18 (31.6%) and 20 (35.1%), respectively. On day 7, the number of patients suffered from stage 0-3 AKI were 21 (36.9%), 8 (14.0%), 9 (15.8%) and 19 (33.3%), respectively. The higher APACHEⅡ score, CVP, IAP, Lac, NE dosage and RRI were found in the group with higher AKI grades, especially in the group with stage 3 AKI on day 7. RRI of patients with stage 3 AKI was significantly higher than that of patients with stage 1 and 2 AKI within 24 hours (0.74±0.04 vs. 0.65±0.05, 0.68±0.05, both P < 0.05). Similarly, RRI of patients with stage 2 and 3 AKI were significantly higher than that of patients with stage 0 and 1 AKI on day 7 (0.70±0.04, 0.74±0.04 vs. 0.65±0.05, 0.66±0.05, all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that RRI was an independent factor of AKI classification [odds ratio (OR) = 3.15, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.09-9.04, P < 0.05], and IAP and CVP also had significant impacts on AKI grading [OR value was 2.11 (95%CI = 1.16-4.22), 3.78 (95%CI = 1.21-12.90), both P < 0.05]. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) of RRI for predicting AKI ≥2 stage was 0.87 (P < 0.05); the cut-off ﹥ 0.71, sensitivity was 71% and specificity was 83%. The correlation analysis showed that RRI was positively correlated to a certain extent with IAP and lactic acid (r1 = 0.49, r2 = 0.39, both P < 0.05). Conclusion High RRI on ICU admission was a significant predictor for development of severe AKI during the first week, and RRI can help predict the tendency of AKI in SAP.

Objeodve To discuss the safety and efficacy of " point-line-surface" three step method of straight light beam green laser photoselective vaporesection of the prostate(PVRP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Methods The data of one hundred and twenty-six BPH patients who were treated with surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from May 2016 to August 2017 was analyzed retrospective.In all of the patients,69 cases were given "point-line-surface" three step method of straight light beam green laser PVRP(PVRP group),57 cases were given photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP group).Operation time,blood loss,postoperative washing time,indwelling catheter time,international prostate symptom score (IPSS),quality of life score (QOL),maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine (PVR) were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time in the PVRP group was shorter than that in the PVP group(P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the blood loss,postoperative washing time and indwelling catheter time between the PVRP group and PVP group(P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the IPSS,QOL,Qmax and PVR between the PVRP group and PVP group before operation (P ＜ 0.05).In the two groups,the IPSS,QOL and PVR were lower after operation than that before operation (P ＜ 0.05),while Qmax was higher after operation than that before operation(P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the IPSS,QOL,Qmax and PVR between the PVRP group and PVP group after operation(P ＜ 0.05).The rate of postoperative complications in the PVRP group and PVP group was 1.4％(1/69) and 1.8％ (1/57),respectively;there was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications between the PVRP group and PVP group (x2 =11.968,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion " Point-line-surface" three steps of straight light of PVRP for treating BPH have simple steps and short operation time.It is a safe and ideal surgical method for BPH.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the spectrum of bacteria and fungi in different sites in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODSThe prospective study was performed in 205 patients with SAP treated from January 2000 to December 2008. The Infection rate of bacteria and fungi was observed prospectively in pancreatic necrosis and(or) pus form abdomen, body fluids and deep vein catheter in SAP. Body fluids and pancreatic necrosis were cultured twice a week. Central venous catheter was cultured when it had been placed for two weeks. Blood was cultured for bacteria and fungi when body temperature was more than 39 degrees C. Constituent ratio of bacteria and fungi was observed in different sites and in all sites within 28 days after onset of SAP.

RESULTSThere were 937 pathogens, among which infection rates of gram-negative bacteria was higher than gram-positive bacteria and fungi (P < 0.05), the infection rates of gam-positive bacteria and fungi were similar. Infection rates of gram-negative bacteria in pancreatic necrosis (55.2%), bile (55.4%), blood (68.1%) and central venous catheter (44.4%) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with gram-positive bacteria and (30.2%, 33.9%, 23.4%, 38.9%) and fungi (14.6%, 10.7%, 8.5%, 16.7%); however, infection rate of fungi (59.6%) was increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with gram-negative bacteria (24.0%) and gram-positive bacteria (16.3%) in urine; infection rate of gram-negative bacteria (53.2%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of fungi (27.1%) and gram-positive bacteria (19.7%) in sputum. Infection rate of non-zymogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) in gram-negative bacteria in pancreatic necrosis, bile, blood, central venous catheter and sputum was significantly higher than that of zymogenic bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae) (P < 0.01); infection rate of zymogenic bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli) was higher significantly (P < 0.01) than that of non-zymogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii). Infection rate of staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in pancreatic necrosis and sputum;but infection rate of Enterococcus faecium in bile and urine was significantly higher than other gram-positive bacteria (P < 0.05). There was not difference among gram-positive bacteria;however, infection rate of Staphylococcus epidermidis in central venous catheter was increased significantly (P < 0.05). Infection rate of candida mycoderma in pancreatic necrosis, bile, urine and sputum was significantly higher than that of tricho bacteria (P < 0.05). The peak of infection rate of microbes in body fluid was within 2 to 3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSConstituent ratio in gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria and fungi as well as their species in different sites is diverse. The peak of infection rate of microbes is 2 to 3 weeks after onset of the disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacteria ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Fungi ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis ; microbiology ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult