Objective A suspected strain of Brucella canis isolated in Hebei Province in 2015 was identified and its genetic characteristics were analyzed.Methods After conventional identification of the bacteria strain,multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) were conducted to determine its species and genetic characteristics.Results The strain was identified as Brucella canis by conventional subtyping and M-PCR.Using Panel 1,the strain was genotype 3,using Panel 2A,the strain was genotype 28.It was closely clustered with Brucella canis,and differences of repeated numbers at variablenumber tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci Bruce04,Bruce07,Bruce09 and Bruce16 were also displayed.Conclusions The conventional subtyping and molecular methods can improve the stability and accuracy of the identification.Genetic characteristics of the strain is closely related to that of Brucella canis.

Objective A suspected Brucella strain, isolated from the first case of mink breeder in Hebei Province was identified and genetic characteristics were analyzed.Methods Blood sample of the patient with brucellosis was collected at brucellosis laboratory of Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention;anti-Brucella antibody was tested and Brucella was isolated by two phase culture bottles.Conventional methods were used to identify the isolated strain, the genetic characteristics were analyzed by multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA).Results Anti-Brucella antibody was tested positive.The isolated strain was identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 1 using the conventional methods.Using Pannel 1, the strain was genotype 42 clustering to the East Mediterranean Brucella Melitensis group.It was closely clustered with Brucella melitensis biovar 3, and difference of repeated numbers at variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci bruce19 was also displayed.Conclusion The case is the first brucellosis case of mink breeder in Hebei Province, the isolated strain from this patient is identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and the genetic characteristics of the strain are closely related to those of Brucella melitensis biovar 3.

Objective To investigate clinicopathological features、diagnosis and surgical treatment of duodenal stromal tumors. Methods A retrospective clinical analysis was made in 23 cases of duodenal stromal tumors admitted from 1995 to 2004. Results Melena and abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom. Complete resection was achieved in all cases, including pancreatoduodenectomy in 13 cases, by pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy in 3 cases, and tumor enucleation in 7 cases. The mean size of the tumor was 6. 6 cm (2 - 21 cm) , among them 10 cm in 6. Pathologically tumors less than 5 cm were all of potential malignancy, whereas those larger than 5 cm were malignant. Follow-up of 2 months to 9 years found all cases alive and healthy except for one who died of liver metastasis one year postoperatively. Conclusion Duodenal stromal tumors were low malignancy tumors. Aggressive surgery is the choice of treatment. Favorable prognosis is expected after complete surgical excision.

Objective To analyze the brucellosis epidemic and genotyping characteristics of Brucella strains isolated from Hebei Province,and to provide scientific basis for brucellosis control and prevention.Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis (including region,population,and time distribution characteristics) was performed using individual data of human brucellosis in Hebei Province from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016,Brucella strains were isolated by phase culture bottles in Brucellosis Lab from Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) was used to identify the genotyping characteristics of the isolates.Results There were 3 774 reported cases in 2016,and 11 cities in the province had reported the cases.The cases were found mainly in Zhangjiakou,Chengde and Tangshan.And 95.98％ (167/174) of all counties were reported brucellosis cases.Vocational high risk population was farmers and herdsmen engaged in livestock and processing of animal products,accounting for 90.22％ (3 405/3 774).Male had the highest incidence,accounting for 74.38％ (2 807/3 774).The onset time was concentrated in January-August,accounting for 83.67％ (3 161/3 774).Twenty-one strains of Brucella were isolated,twenty isolates were Brucella melitensis biovar 3,and one isolate was Brucella abortus biovar 3.Panel 1 (MLVA-8) identified three genotypes 42,43,and 114,with genotype 42 representing 85.00％ (17/20);Panel 1 + Panel 2A (MLVA-11) identified three genotypes 116,122,291,with genotype 116 representing 85.00％ (17/20),which were identified as belonging to the East Mediterranean group.Panel 1 (MLVA-8) identified the genotype 36,Panel 1 + Panel 2A (MLVA-11) identified the genotype 72 of one Brucella abortus strain.It was identified as belonging to abortus C.Conclusions The brucellosis epidemic in Hebei is relatively severe,the pathogenic bacteria is mainly Brucella melitensis.The MLVA assay is a very practical and important molecular genotyping tool,it provides a basis for tracing the source of brucellosis infection.

Objective To explore the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT)applied to the quadriceps muscle on the recovery of exhausting-cycling-exercise-induced fatigue.Methods According to a randomised,double-blind and crossover design,16 healthy male students were randomly assigned to an LLLT-1,LLLT-3,LLLT-5 and a placebo group,and received LLLT for 300 s at the dosage of 0.06 J· cm-2,0.18 J·cm-2,0.3 J·cm-2 and 0 to the bilateral rectus femoris after the exhausting-cycling-exercise-induced fatigue.The blood lactate(BL),heart rate(HR),rated perceived exertion(RPE)and visual analogue scale(VAS)were assessed before the exercise,immediately after exercise,10 and 20 min after exercise,as well as immediately after the first Wingate(WG)test,5 and 30 min after the WG test.Meanwhile,the second WG test was performed 40 min after the first WG test.Results The average HR value of LLLT-1 group was significantly lower than the placebo group at 10 min after exercise(P＜ 0.05)and immediately after the WG test(P＜0.01),while that of LLLT-3 and LLLT-5 groups was significantly lower than the placebo group immediately and 5 min after the WG test(P＜0.01).Compared to the placebo group,the average BL of LLLT-1,LLLT-3 and LLLT-5 groups was significantly lower 10 min after exercise(P＜0.05 for all)and that of LLLT-5 group was also significantly lower 30 min after the first WG test(P＜0.05).However,the average blood glucose of LLLT-5 group was significantly higher than the placebo group right after the first WG test(P＜0.05).Moreover,significant increase was observed in the mean(P=0.002)and peak power(P=0.006)at the second WG test and the mean(P=0.048) power at the first WG test of LLLT-3 group,compared to the placebo group.Conclusion LLLT applied to quadriceps muscles after exhausting exercise may enhance recovery,and LLLT at the dose of 0.18 J·cm-2 is of the best effect.

Objective:To evaluate the right atrial volume and function abnormalities in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) by four-dimensional automatic quantitation technique, and to explore the application value of this technique in evaluating the risk stratification and World Health Organization functional class(WHO-FC) of PH patients.Methods:Eighty-four adult patients with PH diagnosed by right heart catheterization from April to October 2022 in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital were consecutively enrolled as the PH group. All cases were divided into 3 groups according to the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP): mild PH group ( n=28), moderate PH group ( n=28), severe PH group ( n=28). Twenty-eight healthy volunteers matched by gender and age were included in the same period as the control group. The volume and strain parameters of the right atrium were obtained by analyzing the four-dimensional image of the right atrium using four-dimensional automatic quantitation technique, including right atrial minimum volume index (RAVImin), right atrial maximum volume index (RAVImax), right atrial presystolic volume index (RAVIpreA), right atrial ejection fraction (RAEF), right atrial passive ejection fraction (RAPEF), right atrial active ejection fraction, RAAEF, longitudinal strains of right atrial reserve, conduit and systolic period (RASr, RAScd, RASct), circumferential strains of right atrial reserve, conduit and systolic period (RASr-c, RAScd-c, RASct-c). The differences in right atrial parameters among four groups were compared.ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of right atrial four-dimensional strain parameters for PH patients with WHO-FC≥Ⅲ. Pearson linear correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships between RASr and right atrial area (RAA), NT-proBNP and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ratio (TAPSE/sPAP). Results:①Compared with the control group, RAEF, RAPEF, RASr, RAScd, RASr-c, RAScd-c were significantly decreased in mild, moderate and severe PH groups; while RAAEF, RASct, RASct-c were significantly increased in mild PH group and significantly decreased in moderate and severe PH groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). RAVImin, RAVImax, RAVIpreA gradually increased among the control, mild PH, moderate PH and severe PH groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). RAEF, RAPEF, RAAEF, RASr, RAScd, RASct, RASr-c, RAScd-c, RASct-c were decreased successively among mild, moderate and severe PH groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). ②ROC curve showed that RASr had the highest diagnostic efficiency in PH patients with WHO-FC ≥Ⅲ, and the cut-off value was 20.5% (AUC=0.914, P<0.001). ③Correlation analysis showed that RASr was correlated with RAA, NT-proBNP and TAPSE/sPAP ( r=-0.803, -0.621, 0.739; all P<0.001). Conclusions:The degree of right atrial function impairment increased in patients with mild, moderate and severe PH in turn. RASr is the best predictor of WHO-FC ≥Ⅲ in patients with pulmonary hypertension and is a potential parameter for risk stratification in patients with PH.

Objective To analyze the relationship between the fat content of supraspinatus muscle measured by spectral CT fat-muscle material decomposition technology and the tendon tear severity(TTS)of supraspinatus,as well as shoulder joint function.Methods A total of 108 patients were prospectively selected to undergo routine MRI and spectral CT imaging of the shoulder joints.The patients were divided into normal,degenerative,partial tear,and full-thickness tear groups based on MRI findings.A fat-muscle material decomposition image was generated through spectral analysis to measure the fat content of supraspinatus muscle.The differences in fat content of supraspinatus muscle between the groups were compared,and correlation analyses were performed between the fat content of supraspinatus muscle and the clinical baseline characteristics,symptom duration,and Constant-Murley scores in patients with supraspinatus tendon tears.Results Comparison of supraspinatus muscle fat content among the four groups:the full-thickness tear group＞the partial tear group＞the degenerative group＞the normal group(P＜0.05).There was a strong positive cor-relation between the supraspinatus muscle fat content and the supraspinatus TTS(r=0.654,P＜0.05).Among patients with partial and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon,there was a moderate positive correlation between supraspinatus muscle fat content and patient age(r=0.393,P＜0.05),a weak positive correlation with gender(r=0.199,P＜0.05),with higher fat content observed in females compared to males,no significant correlation with symptom duration(r=0.037,P＞0.05),a moderate positive correla-tion with body mass index(BMI)(r=0.463,P＜0.05),and a moderate negative correlation with Constant-Murley score(r=-0.316,P＜0.05).Conclusion In patients with rotator cuff tears,the quantitative fat content of supraspinatus muscle based on spectral CT fat-muscle material decomposition technology is strongly positively correlated with rotator cuff injury degree,and is also correlated with patient age,gender,BMI,and the strength of the shoulder joint muscles and range of the motion.

OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in aplastic anemia (AA)patients with iron overload.

METHODSA single arm, multi- center, prospective, open- label study was conducted to evaluate absolute change in serum ferritin (SF)from baseline to 12 months of deferasirox administration, initially at a dose of 20 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), and the safety in 64 AA patients with iron overload.

RESULTSAll patients started their deferasirox treatment with a daily dose of 20 mg · kg(-1) ·d(-1). The mean actual dose was (18.6±3.60) mg · kg(-1)·d(-1). The median SF decreased from 4 924 (2 718- 6 765)μg/L at baseline (n=64) to 3 036 (1 474- 5 551)μg/L at 12 months (n=23) with the percentage change from baseline as 38%. A median SF decrease of 651 (126-2 125)μg/L was observed at the end of study in 23 patients who completed 12 months' treatment, the median SF level decreased by 1 167(580-4 806)μg/L [5 271(3 420-8 278)μg/L at baseline; 3 036(1 474-5 551)μg/L after 12 months' treatment; the percentage change from baseline as 42% ] after 12 months of deferasirox treatment. The most common adverse events (AEs) were increased serum creatinine levels (40.98%), gastrointestinal discomfort (40.98%), elevated liver transaminase (ALT: 21.31%; AST: 13.11%)and proteinuria (24.59%). The increased serum creatinine levels were reversible and non-progressive. Of 38 patients with concomitant cyclosporine use, 12(31.8%)patients had two consecutive values >ULN, 10(26.3%)patients had two consecutive values >1.33 baseline values, but only 1(2.6%)patient's serum creatinine increased more than 1.33 baseline values and exceeded ULN. For both AST and ALT, no patients experienced two post- baseline values >5 ×ULN or >10 × ULN during the whole study. In AA patients with low baseline PLT count (less than 50 × 10(9)/L), there was no decrease for median PLT level during 12 months' treatment period.

CONCLUSIONSAA patients with iron overload could achieve satisfactory efficacy of iron chelation by deferasirox treatment. The drug was well tolerated with a clinically manageable safety profile and no major adverse events.

Anemia, Aplastic ; drug therapy ; Benzoates ; therapeutic use ; Blood Transfusion ; China ; Ferritins ; blood ; Humans ; Iron ; blood ; Iron Chelating Agents ; therapeutic use ; Iron Overload ; drug therapy ; Liver ; Prospective Studies ; Triazoles ; therapeutic use

Acute cerebral infarction （ACI）， also known as ischemic stroke， is a disease with a high disability rate， which brings heavy burdens to society and families. Its pathogenesis is related to many factors， of which the inflammatory theory is one of the important mechanisms. In the early stage of ACI， microglia are activated， and the inflammatory mediators， such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， released by them induce vascular endothelial cells to express adhesion molecules. The circulating leukocytes （neutrophils， monocyte-macrophages， etc.） are promoted to roll and adhere to the injured vascular endothelium， migrate and cross the blood-brain barrier， penetrate and infiltrate the brain parenchyma， and further expand the local inflammatory response by releasing a variety of proinflammatory mediators， thus exacerbating the tissue injury at the injury site and ischemic penumbra. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has advantages in treating the disease. TCM believes that the occurrence of stroke is related to blood stasis caused by various reasons， which block the brain vessel. This article reviewed the research progress on the effect of activating blood therapy on inflammatory factors in patients with ACI in recent years and discussed its regulation of inflammatory factors in ACI such as interleukin-1 （IL-1）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， TNF-α， C reactive protein （CRP）， and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 （MCP-1）， hoping to elucidate the scientific connotation of TCM treatment of ACI and lay the foundation for further research.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Naoluo Xintong Decoction (NLXTD) on pyroptosis and angiogenesis of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and explore the possible mechanisms in rats with oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reperfusion (OGD/R). METHODS: Rat BMECs with or without caspase-1 siRNA transfection were cultured in the presence of 10% medicated serum from NLXTD-treated rats (or blank serum) and exposed to OGD/R. CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, and tube formation assay were used to assess proliferation, migration, and tube-forming abilities of the cells. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture supernatant was determined using a commercial assay kit, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 were detected with ELISA. The cellular expressions of pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, NLRP3, Gasdermin D, and angiogenesis-related proteins VEGF and VEGFR2 were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: The BMECs showed obvious injuries after OGD/R exposure. Compared with the blank serum, the medicated serum significantly improved the cell viability, migration ability, and lumen-forming ability (P < 0.01) and lowered the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and the LDH release (P < 0.01) of the cells with OGD/R exposure. Western blotting showed that in the BMECs exposed to OGD/R, the medicated serum strongly upregulated the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 proteins (P < 0.01) and reduced the protein expressions of pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, NLRP3, and Gasdermin D (P < 0.01), and transfection of the cells with caspase-1 siRNA further promoted the expressions of VEGFR2 protein in the cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION NLXTD can improve the proliferation, migration, and tube- forming ability and promote angiogenesis of BMECs with OGD/R injury probably by inhibiting the caspase-1/Gasdermin D pathway in pyroptosis, alleviating cell injury, and upregulating the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2.
Animals ; Rats ; Endothelial Cells ; Caspase 1 ; Gasdermins ; Interleukin-18 ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Reperfusion Injury ; Brain ; Angiogenic Proteins ; Glucose