Objective To explore the effect of chitosan on vascular smooth muscle cells inhibited proliferation from rabbit arteriovenous fistula and its mechanisms.Methods Established rabbit fistula model on carotid arteryinternal jugular vein.After 1 month cultured VSMCs with primary culture by tissue-pieces inoculation.Cultured VSMCs were divided into three groups:①normal control group.②FBS-treated group:cell were treated with 5％,10％,20％ for 48 h,respectively; established the model of rabbit VSMCs proliferation.③chitosan-treated group:VSMCs cultured with 20％ FBS were exposed to different doses of chitosan(10,100,500,1000,2000μg/ml) for 48 h.And VSMCs were treated for different time (0,12,24,48 h) with Chitosan 1000 μg/ml.Expression levels of PCNA and TLR4/ NF-κB were detected by Western blotting.RT-PCR were applied to measure the mRNA expression of PCNA and TLR4.The protein levels of TLR4 and NF-κB were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with low concentration serum group,FBS-treated VSMCs exhibited a increase in mRNA and protein expression of PCNA and TLR4.FBS-induced protein expression of PCNA and TLR4/NF-κB were reduced by chitosan.Also mRNA expression of PCNA and TLR4 were reduced.They were dependent on concentration and time.In rabbit VSMCs TLR4 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and NF-κB expressed mainly in the nucleus.Compared with normal control group,TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression were significantly decreased by chitosan.Conclusion High concentration serum induced VSMCs proliferation.Chitosan can inhibit the proliferation of rabbit VSMCs.It is speculated that the mechanism may be related to the expression of TLR4 receptor activation,reducing expression of downstream factor MyD88 and NF-κB.It is suggest that chitosan can become potential new drugs of arteriovenous fistula prevention of intimal hyperplasia.

Neonatal chylothorax is a common cause of neonatal congenital pleural effusion and is often caused by the accumulation of chylous fluid in the thoracic cavity due to the rupture of the thoracic duct and its branched lymphatic vessels for a variety of reasons. Neonatal chylothorax caused by malignant tumors is extremely rare, and this is the first case of neonatal mediastinal neuroblastoma with chylothorax in China. The boy was found to have pleural effusion in the left thoracic cavity in the uterus, and experienced apnea at birth, as well as dyspnea and cyanosis as the main manifestations after birth. He was diagnosed with left chylothorax based on conventional biochemical analysis of pleural effusion. After the treatment including persistent chest drainage and symptomatic and supportive treatment, the drainage of the left thoracic cavity reached a volume of 90-180 mL per day. Neonatal refractory chylothorax was considered. Chest radiograph on day 13 after birth showed lesions in the upper left lung field, and contrast-enhanced plain CT scan of the chest suggested the possibility of posterior mediastinal neuroblastoma. The autopsy confirmed giant posterior mediastinal neuroblastoma (poorly differentiated), which involved the C7-T6 spinal canal and the nearby erector spinae, with a small amount of tumor tissue in the liver and both adrenal glands. Mediastinal tumor is considered the underlying cause of chylothorax in this case.
China ; Chylothorax ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Pleural Effusion ; Uterus

Objective:To develop a cultural competency assessment scale for geriatric clinical nurse specialists and test its reliability and validity.Methods:Through literature research, qualitative interviews, expert correspondence, and pretesting, the cultural competency assessment scale for geriatric clinical nurse specialists was developed. A total of 140 geriatric nurses from 8 tertiary hospitals in Beijing, Guizhou, Harbin, Shandong and Shaanxi from July to September 2021 were selected for the survey.Results:The final cultural competency assessment scale for geriatric clinical nurse specialists consisted of 4 dimensions of cultural knowledge, cultural awareness, cultural skills, and cultural interaction behaviors, with 31 entries, Cronbach α coefficient of 0.953 for the scale, Cronbach α coefficient of 0.875-0.974 for the 4 dimensions, and retest reliability of 0.925. I-CVI was 0.857-1.000, and the average S-CVI was 0.974. The cumulative contribution of the four common factors was 72.51%. Conclusions:The reliability and validity of the cultural competency assessment scale for geriatric clinical nurse specialists are good and can be used to evaluate the cultural competency of geriatric clinical nurse specialists.

BACKGROUNDAtopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by defective skin barrier and imbalance in T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) cytokine expression. Filaggrin (FLG) is the key protein to maintaining skin barrier function. Recent studies indicated that Th1/Th2 cytokines influence FLG expression in keratinocytes. However, the role of Th1/Th2 cytokines on FLG processing is not substantially documented. Our aim was to investigate the impact of Th1/Th2 cytokines on FLG processing.

METHODSHaCaT cells and normal human keratinocytes were cultured in low and high calcium media and stimulated by either interleukin (IL)-4, 13 or interferon-γ (IFN-γ). FLG, its major processing proteases and key protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI) were measured by both real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Their expression was also evaluated in acute and chronic AD lesions by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSIL-4/13 significantly reduced, while IFN-γ significantly up-regulated FLG expression. IL-4/13 significantly increased, whereas IFN-γ significantly decreased the expression of kallikreins 5 and 7, matriptase and channel-activating serine protease 1. On the contrary, IL-4/13 significantly decreased, while IFN-γ increased the expression of LEKTI and caspase-14. Similar trends were observed in AD lesions.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggested that Th1/Th2 cytokines differentially regulated the expression of major FLG processing enzymes. The imbalance between Th1 and Th2 polarized immune response seems to extend to FLG homeostasis, through the network of FLG processing enzymes.

Caspase 14 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cells, Cultured ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-13 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Intermediate Filament Proteins ; metabolism ; Keratinocytes ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory ; metabolism ; Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal-Type 5 ; Th1 Cells ; metabolism ; Th2 Cells ; metabolism

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different stimulatory factors on proliferation and function of cytokine induced killer (CIK) cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) were separated by Ficoll-Hypacue gradient. According to supplement of different stimulatory factors (CD28 mAb, IL-15 and IL-21), the experiment was divided into five groups:control group (CIK), CB28+IL-15+IL-21 group, IL-15+IL-21 group, CD28+IL-15 group and CD28+IL-21 group. Effects of different stimulatory factors on the proliferation of CIK cells were assayed by an automated hematology analyzer. Changes of granzyme B,perforin and CD107a were detected by flow cytometry. IL-10, IL-12, INF-γ and TNF-α were quantified by ELISA. Cytotoxicities on lung cancer cell line A549, breast adenocarcinoma cell line MFC-7 and human melanoma cell line HME1 were examined by lactate dehydrogenase release method. The results showed that there were significant differences among different groups. The highest proliferation index on days 10 was observed in group CD28mAb, IL-15 and IL-21(255.3 ± 6.3), which was higher than control group, IL-21+IL-15 group and CD28 mAb+IL-21 group (166.6 ± 13.5, 199.4 ± 15.0 and 228.8 ± 16.6) (P < 0.05). The expression of perforin in CD28 mAb+IL-15 group was higher than the other groups. The expression of perforin,GranB and CD107a of costimulatory groups was higher than control group. The cytotoxicities of CD28 mAb+IL-15 group on A549, MFC-7 and HME1 cells (82.2%, 59.3% and 70.6%) were much higher than that of control group (60.9%, 49.6% and 48.4%) (P < 0.05). The highest IFN-γsecretion was found in CD28 mAb, IL-15 and IL-21 groups. It is concluded that there are significant difference of proliferative capacity, cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity after being activated by different stimulatory factors. Adding corresponding stimulatory factors into the culture system displays a great value for target cells culture.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-12 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-15 ; pharmacology ; Interleukins ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDUnstable pelvic fractures are complex and serious injuries. Selection of a fixation method for these fractures remains a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to compare the stability of Tile C pelvic fractures fixed with two iliosacral (IS) screws and minimally invasive adjustable plate (MIAP) combined with one IS screw.

METHODSThis study was a biomechanical experiment. Six embalmed specimens of the adult pelvis were used. The soft tissue was removed from the specimens, and the spines from the fourth lumbar vertebra to the proximal one-third of both femurs were retained. The pubic symphysis, bilateral sacroiliac joints and ligaments, bilateral hip joints, bilateral sacrotuberous ligaments, and bilateral sacrospinous ligaments were intact. Tile C pelvic fractures were made on the specimens. The symphysis pubis was fixed with a plate, and the fracture on the posterior pelvic ring was fixed with two kinds of internal fixation in turn. The specimens were placed in a biomechanical machine at a standing neutral posture. A cyclic vertical load of up to 500 N was applied, and displacement was recorded. Shifts in the fracture gap were measured by a grating displacement sensor.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USEDPaired-samples t-test.

RESULTSUnder the vertical load of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 N, the average displacement of the specimens fixed with MIAP combined with one IS screw was 0.46, 0.735, 1.377, 1.823, and 2.215 mm, respectively, which was significantly lower than that of specimens fixed with two IS screws under corresponding load (P < 0.05). Under the vertical load of 500 N, the shift in the fracture gap of specimens fixed with MIAP combined with one IS screw was 0.261 ± 0.095 mm, and that of specimens fixed with two IS screws was 0.809 ± 0.170 mm. The difference was significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe stability of Tile C pelvic fractures fixed with MIAP combined with one IS screw was better than that fixed with two IS screws.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones ; surgery

BACKGROUNDPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases and began to get treated by transcatheter occlusion since 1997 in China. Since then, several devices have been invented for occluding PDA. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transcatheter occlusion of PDA with different devices.

METHODSOne thousand five hundred and twenty-six patients (537 boys, 989 girls) with PDA from January 1997 to September 2014 underwent descending aortogram and transcatheter occlusion procedure. We retrospectively analyzed data of these patients, including gender, age, weight, size and morphology of PDA, and devices used in transcatheter occlusion, outcomes, and postoperational complications.

RESULTSMedian age and median weight were 4.0 years (range: 0.3-52.0 years old) and 15.3 kg (range: 4.5-91.0 kg), respectively. Mean ductal diameter, aortic ductal diameter, ductal length, and pulmonary artery pressure were 3.50 ± 2.15 mm, 10.08 ± 2.46 mm, 7.49 ± 3.02 mm, and 30.21 ± 17.28 mmHg, respectively. Morphology of PDA assessed by descending aortogram was of type A in 1428 patients, type B in 6 patients, type C in 79 patients, type D in 4 patients, and type E in 9 patients according to the classification of Krichenko. Of all the 1526 patients, 1497 patients underwent transcatheter PDA closure, among which 1492 were successful. Devices used were Amplatzer duct occluder I (ADO I, 1280, 85.8%), Cook detachable coils (116, 7.8%), ADO II (ADO II, 68, 4.6%), muscular VSD occluder (12, 0.8%), and Amplatzer vascular plug (16, 1.0%).

CONCLUSIONSExcellent occlusion rates with low complication rates were achieved with all devices regardless of PDA types. With transcatheter occlusion technique and devices developing, more patients with PDA can be treated with transcatheter closure both safely and efficiently.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; surgery ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Design ; Retrospective Studies ; Septal Occluder Device ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect and safety of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) combined with double pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (MP) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the treatment of children with severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). METHODS: A total of 60 children with severe HSPN who were admitted to the hospital from January 2014 to March 2018 were enrolled and were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group (n=30 each). In addition to routine treatment, the children in the control group were given MP+CTX pulse therapy. Those in the observation group were given DFPP treatment in addition to the treatment in the control group, with three courses of treatment in total. After three courses of treatment, the two groups were compared in terms of 24-hour urinary protein, urinary microproteins, renal function parameters, adverse reactions, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: After three courses of treatment, the observation group had significantly greater reductions in 24-hour urinary protein, urinary albumin, urinary immunoglobulin G, urinary β2-microglobulin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen than the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment ended, the observation group had a significantly shorter time to achieve remission than the control group (P<0.05). No serious adverse reactions, such as hemorrhagic cystitis, thrombocytopenia, and hemolysis, were observed, and there was no significant difference in the overall incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with MP+CTX pulse therapy alone in the treatment of severe HSPN in children, DFPP combined with MP+CTX pulse therapy can further alleviate renal injury and improve clinical outcome and does not increase the incidence rate of adverse reactions.
Child ; Glucocorticoids ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Nephritis ; Plasmapheresis ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch

Objective:To explore the internal and external factors that affect the core competitiveness of nursing degree graduates in China, and to put forward strategies for improvement.Methods:SWOT analysis method was used to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities and threats of the core competitiveness of nursing graduates.Results:Students' own advantages include strong self-learning ability, strong scientific research thinking ability, strong education communication ability; disadvantages include inaccurate professional positioning, lack of clinical experience and professional quality; external opportunities include national policy attention, clinical platform demand, high attention of colleges and universities; threat factors include backward construction of teaching staff, lack of assessment methods and evaluation system, and lack of specialized curriculum system Characteristics of science and technology.Conclusion:The factors that affect the promotion of core competitiveness of professional degree nursing graduates in China cover two aspects: students themselves and training colleges and universities. We should make corresponding coping strategies on the basis of overall consideration of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the changes of inflammatory cytokine levels and prognosis of patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. The clinical date of critical COVID-19 patients undergoing IMV who were hospitalized in Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from February 4th to March 25th in 2020 were collected. At the same time, the inflammatory cytokine levels including interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at 48 hours before IMV and 48 hours after IMV of all the patients, as well as the 48 hours after weaning or right before death were recorded. Multivariate unconditional Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent risk factors of death during hospitalization.Results:Among the 43 patients, 13 patients improved and 30 died. Compared with the survival group, the patients in the non-survival group were older (years old: 67.6±7.3 vs. 58.5±11.9, P < 0.05), with higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease (53.3% vs. 15.4%, 63.3% vs. 23.1%, 26.7% vs. 0%, all P < 0.05), and the time from onset to admission to hospital, admission to ICU and IMV were longer (days: it was 9.17±5.00 vs. 5.07±2.49, 17.10±7.11 vs. 12.23±5.05, and 17.90±7.46 vs. 12.61±5.60, respectively, all P < 0.05). The IL-6 and TNF-α levels on 48 hours after IMV in the non-survival patients increased significantly as compared with those before 48 hours and the surviving patients. Especially, the IL-6 levels increased significantly as compared with those at 48 hours after IMV and 48 hours after weaning in the surviving patients [ng/L: 800.00 (194.25, 2 000.00) vs. 22.03 (6.66, 28.21), 3 204.00 (1 264.88, 5 000.00) vs. 5.00 (3.98, 12.27), both P < 0.01]. The IL-10 level before death in the non-survival patients increased significantly as compared with that at 48 hours after weaning in the surviving patients [ng/L: 55.89 (26.07, 100.14) vs. 3.53 (2.76, 12.36), P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the levels of IL-2 and IL-4 between the two groups at every time point. The variables of age, basic diseases, the IL-6 level after IMV were included in the multivariate unconditional Logistic regression analysis, which showed that age [odds ratio ( OR) = 0.821, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.695-0.968], hypertension ( OR = 0.027, 95% CI was 0.002-0.378), diabetes mellitus ( OR = 0.054, 95% CI was 0.005-0.611), coronary heart disease ( OR = 0.042, 95% CI was 0.002-0.968) and the IL-6 level after IMV ( OR = 0.902, 95% CI was 0.819-0.994) were independent risk factors for death during hospitalization in patients with critical COVID-19 undergoing IMV (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:The levels of inflammatory cytokine including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α increased significantly with aggravation in critical COVID-19 patients undergoing IMV, especially IL-6. IL-6 was an independent risk factor for death of critical COVID-19 patients undergoing IMV.