3 mg/L was significantly worse than in those with hs-CRP≤3 mg/L (18.18%,5.45%;P=0.044,log-rank test). Higher hs-CRP concentration was an independent predictor of death or new vascular event(OR 3.609;95% CI 0.869—14.992;P=0.047).Conclusion Higher hs-CRP concentration in acute phase after ischemic stroke is an independent predictor of death or new vascular event in a year.

OBJECTIVETo explore the dose-effect relationship between 1-bromopropane (1-BP) exposure and health effects in workers.

METHODSOccupational field investigations were conducted in 1-BP factories. Ambient 1-BP concentrations were detected with detection tube, and the 8 h time-weighted average individual exposure levels (TWA-8 h) were measured by passive sampler. Workers underwent questionnaire survey, neurological examination, nerve conduction velocity examination, vibration sensation test. routine blood test as well as blood biochemical test. According to TWA values or TWA x duration values, workers were divided into three dose groups for dose-effect relationship analysis. USEPA BMDS 2.1 software was applied to calculate 1-BP benchmark dose (BMD) and its 95% lower limit (BMDL).

RESULTSThe TWA-8h concentrations ranged from 0.35 to 535.19 mg/m3 (geo-mean 14.08 mg/m3). Dose-dependent analysis showed that the motor nerve distal latency (linear regression coefficient was 0.066 6), vibration sensation of toes (linear regression coefficient were 0.157 2 and 0.193 9), creatine kinase (linear regression coefficient was -1.05) and thyroid stimulating hormone levels (linear regression coefficient was 0.1024) of 1-BP exposed workers changed in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). BMD calculation based on DL as 1-BP toxic effect endpoint showed that TWA-8h of the BMD values and BMDL values were 50.55 mg/m3 and 30.78 mg/m3, respectively.

CONCLUSION1-BP causes dose-dependent changes in tibial nerve DL, vibration sensation, CK and TSH levels.

Adult ; Creatine Kinase ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocarbons, Brominated ; analysis ; toxicity ; Maximum Tolerated Dose ; Neural Conduction ; drug effects ; Occupational Exposure ; Tibial Nerve ; physiopathology ; Workplace

OBJECTIVETo investigate the health effects of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) on female exposed workers.

METHODSFour 1-BP manufacturing plants were investigated. Workers were interviewed with questionnaire and examined with neurobehavioral core test battery, nerve conduction velocity tests of nervus tibialis and nervus suralis, vibration sensation test, hematological and biochemical tests. Ambient 1-BP concentration was measured with detection tube, and time-weighed average levels of individual workers were estimated with passive samplers.

RESULTS1-BP concentration in the plants ranged from 0 to 402.40 mg/m3 (Geomean 32.19 mg/m3). Time-weighted average exposure levels (TWA-8 h) ranged from 0.35 to 535.19 mg/m3 (Geomean 14.08 mg/m3). Compared with the control group, 1-BP exposed workers showed reduced motor nerve conduction velocity [(44.8 +/- 8.7) m/s] and sensory nerve conduction velocity [(45.5 +/- 4.9) m/s], prolonged distal latency [(7.5 +/- 2.1) ms], reduced toe vibration perception, and altered neurobehavior parameters(POMS vigor, tension, anxiety, confusion) significantly (P < 0.05). As to hematological and biochemical indicators, the exposed workers showed decreased white blood cell count [(5.6 +/- 2.17) x 10(3)/microl], red blood cell count [(3.9 +/- 0.4) x 10(6)/microl], hemoglobin [(121.1 +/- 14.5) g/L] and creatine kinase [(82.0 +/- 27.5) IU/L] (P < 0.05), and increased serum total protein (8.0 +/- 0.5 g/dl), lactate dehydrogenase [(335.2 +/- 356.6) IU/L], thyroid-stimulating hormone [(3.6 +/- 2.3) microIU/ml] and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (18.7 +/- 24.4 mIU/ml) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION1-BP exposure may affect peripheral nerves and central nervous system, and lead to abnormal hematological and biomedical indicators.

Adult ; Creatine Kinase ; metabolism ; Female ; Hematologic Tests ; Hemoglobins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydrocarbons, Brominated ; adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Nervous System ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Neural Conduction ; drug effects ; Occupational Exposure ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is one of the most common causes of visual loss. Many approaches have been tried to treat central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with various results. However, there is no defined protocol and limited evidence to support the interventions currently used. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine Fufang XueShuan Tong (FXST) in treating experimentally created RVO.

METHODSRVO model was first induced in forty-four pigmented rabbits through photocoagulation following injection of rose Bengal. The rabbits were divided into four groups based on the dose of FXST administered (212 mg/kg, 424 mg/kg, 848 mg/kg and control group). The rabbits were observed for four weeks after the procedure, using color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography and electroretinogram examination. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the vitreous and histopathologic evaluation were monitored.

RESULTSThe obstructed vessels in the treatment groups reopened or anastomosed faster than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The amplitude of maximum b wave and the oscillatory potential were significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). At both two weeks and four weeks, VEGF and IL-6 levels in the vitreous were significantly decreased in the treatment groups (P < 0.01), while NO levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.01). At the same time, histopathologic evaluation showed different retinal neuroepithelium structures in the different groups. Immunoreactivity of VEGF was greater in the control group than in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONFXST was helpful in reconstructing retinal vessels in the RVO model, protecting retinal structures and improving visual function, and could inhibit the neovascular factor.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate in vitro cytotoxicity and oxidative stress response induced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).

METHODSCultured macrophages (murine RAW264.7 cells) and alveolar epithelium cells type II (human A549 lung cells) were exposed to the blank control, DNA salt control, and the MWCNTs suspensions at 2.5, 10, 25, and 100 μg/mL for 24 h. Each treatment was evaluated by cell viability, cytotoxicity and oxidative stress.

RESULTSOverall, both cell lines had similar patterns in response to the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress of MWCNTs. DNA salt treatment showed no change compared to the blank control. In both cell lines, significant changes at the doses of 25 and 100 μg/mL treatments were found in cell viabilities, cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress indexes. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also found to be significantly higher at the dose of 10 μg/mL treatment, whereas no change was seen in most of the indexes. The ROS generation in both cell lines went up in minutes, reached the climax within an hour and faded down after several hours.

CONCLUSIONExposure to MWCNTs resulted in a dose-dependent cytotoxicity in cultured RAW264.7 cells and A549 cells, that was closely correlated to the increased oxidative stress.

Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Lung ; drug effects ; enzymology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; drug effects ; enzymology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Nanotubes, Carbon ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Surface Properties

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism and protective effect of total saponins of Panax japonicas (TSPJ) on HepG2 cells apoptosis induced by palmitic acid (PA).The HepG2 cells were cultured , and divided into five groups: the control group, the model group, the high-dose group (50 mg·L⁻¹), the middle-dose group (25 mg·L⁻¹) and the low-dose group (12.5 mg·L⁻¹).The cells of the five groups were cultured continuously for 24 hours. The cell viability was measured with MTT. HepG2 cells apoptosis was detected by Hoechest staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The protein expressions of BCL-2, CHOP and TLR4 were measured with western blotting and flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, BCL-2, CHOP and GAPDH were measured with RT-PCR. The results suggested that compared with the control group, the number of HepG2 cells of the model group were reduced significantly (<0.01), while the number of apoptotic HepG2 cells were increased. Compared with the model group, the number of HepG2 cells of the high-dose group and the middle-dose group were increased significantly (<0.01), whereas the number of apoptotic HepG2 cells were reduced. Compared with the control group, TNF-α, IL-1β and CHOP mRNA expressions and CHOP and TLR4 protein expressions in the model group were significantly up-regulated (<0.01), while BCL-2 protein and mRNA expressions in the model group were significantly decreased (<0.01). Compared with the model group, TNF-α, IL-1β and CHOP mRNA expressions and CHOP and TLR4 protein expressions in the high-dose group were significantly decreased (<0.01), while BCL-2 protein and mRNA expressions in the high-dose group were significantly up-regulated (<0.01).In conclusion, TSPJ can reduce inflammation and apoptosis induced by palmitic acid, with a certain protective effect on liver cells.
Apoptosis ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Palmitic Acids ; Panax ; chemistry ; Phytochemicals ; pharmacology ; Saponins ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture and establish a nomogram model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with 613 cases of neonatal asphyxia treated in 20 cooperative hospitals in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from January to December 2019 as the asphyxia group, and 988 randomly selected non-asphyxia neonates born and admitted to the neonatology department of these hospitals during the same period as the control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for neonatal asphyxia. R software (4.2.2) was used to establish a nomogram model. Receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia, respectively. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that minority (Tujia), male sex, premature birth, congenital malformations, abnormal fetal position, intrauterine distress, maternal occupation as a farmer, education level below high school, fewer than 9 prenatal check-ups, threatened abortion, abnormal umbilical cord, abnormal amniotic fluid, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, emergency caesarean section, and assisted delivery were independent risk factors for neonatal asphyxia (P<0.05). The area under the curve of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia based on these risk factors was 0.748 (95%CI: 0.723-0.772). The calibration curve indicated high accuracy of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia. The decision curve analysis showed that the model could provide a higher net benefit for neonates at risk of asphyxia. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture are multifactorial, and the nomogram model based on these factors has good value in predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia, which can help clinicians identify neonates at high risk of asphyxia early, and reduce the incidence of neonatal asphyxia.
Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Nomograms ; Retrospective Studies ; Cesarean Section ; Risk Factors ; Asphyxia Neonatorum/etiology*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for treatment of acute leukemia in the tropical area. METHODS: Twelve acute leukemia patients who were underwent allo-HSCT from April 2013 to November 2018 in Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital were selected, including 5 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 7 case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Three cases received HLA matched sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, 8 cases received haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, 1 cases received partially mismatched unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Pretreatment regimen: 9 cases received modified BU/CY+ATG pretreatment regimen, 3 cases received BU/CY pretreatment regimen. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prevention regimen: all patients received cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil combined with short-term methotrexate regimen. The clinical efficacy of allo-HSCT in treatment of acute leukemia in the tropical area was analyzed by detecting hematopoietic reconstitution, GVHD, infection, relapse and survival after transplantation. RESULTS: All the 12 patients achieved granulocyte reconstruction and megakaryocyte reconstruction. The median time of granulocyte reconstruction was 11.5 (6-14) days, and the median time of megakaryocytic reconstruction was 12.5 (10-22) days. Within 100 days after transplantation, the acute GVHD occurved in 8 cases, including 6 cases of Ⅱ-Ⅳ degree acute GVHD and 2 cases of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree acute GVHD, 11 cases survived more than 100 days after transplantation, and the chronic GVHD occurred in 1 case, which was mildly limited. Pulmonary infection occurred in 7 cases, cytomegaloviremia occurred in 6 cases, EB viremia occurred in 6 cases, and hemorrhagic cystitis occurred in 5 cases. 2 cases relapsed and eventually died, and the remaining 10 patients survived without disease until the date of follow-up. The median follow-up time was 4 (1-68) months, 83.3% (10/12) survived without disease, and 16.7% (2/12) relapsed. CONCLUSION Allo-HSCT is an effective method for the treatment of acute leukemia in adults. Leukemia patients should be transplanted as soon as possible after remission. The incidence of pulmonary fungal infection in transplanted patients in tropics is high, therefore the prevention and treatment of fungal infection should be strengthened.
Graft vs Host Disease ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Transplantation, Homologous

BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and acute type A intramural hematoma (ATAIMH) are life-threatening diseases with high mortality. To better understand their clinical features in the Chinese population, we analyzed the data from the first Registry of Aortic Dissection in China (Sino-RAD) to promote the understanding and management of the diseases. METHODS: All patients with ATAAD and ATAIMH enrolled in Sino-RAD from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016 were involved. The data of patients' selection, history, symptoms, management, outcomes, and postoperation complications were analyzed in the study. The continuous variables were compared using the Student's t test for normal distributions and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal distributions. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: A total of 1582 patients with ATAAD and 130 patients with ATAIMH were included. The mean age of all patients was 48.4 years. Patients with ATAAD were significantly younger than patients with ATAIMH (48.9 years vs. 55.6 years, P < 0.001). For the total cohort, males were dominant, but the male ratio of patients with ATAAD was significantly higher compared to those with ATAIMH (P = 0.01). The time range from the onset of symptom to hospitalization was 2.0 days. More patients of ATAIMH had hypertension than that of ATAAD (82.3% vs. 67.6%, P < 0.05). Chest and back pain were the most common clinical symptoms. Computerized tomography (CT) was the most common initial diagnostic imaging modality. 84.7% received surgical treatment and in-hospital mortality was 5.3%. Patients with ATAAD mainly received surgical treatment (89.6%), while most patients with ATAIMH received medical treatment (39.2%) or endovascular repair (35.4%). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that doctors should comprehensively use clinical examination and genetic background screening for patients with ATAAD and ATAIMH and further shorten the time range from symptoms onset to intervention, achieving early diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing the mortality rate of patients with aortic dissection in China. We should standardize the procedures of aortic dissection treatment and improve people's understanding. Meanwhile, the curing and transferring efficiency should also be improved.
Acute Disease ; Aneurysm, Dissecting/diagnosis* ; China ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Registries ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome