Aged, 80 and over ; Aspergillus ; isolation & purification ; Fever of Unknown Origin ; etiology ; Humans ; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis ; complications ; microbiology ; pathology ; Length of Stay ; Long-Term Care ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial ; complications ; pathology ; Male ; Pulmonary Alveoli ; pathology ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; complications ; pathology

Background and purpose:Although bortezomib has become one of the major therapeutic agents against newly diagnosed or relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), there are some patients who become resistant to bor-tezomib and then relapse, emerging as a major obstacle to long-term survival of MM patients. It has been found that elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels could induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MM cells,which has become an interesting approach to MM therapy. This study aimed to investigate possible effects of forskolin combined with bortezomib on bortezomib-resistant myeloma cells and further explore its mechanisms. Methods:The bortezomib-resistant MM cell lines H929-R and primary cells from patients who do not respond to bortezomib were used asin vitro models. The inlfuences of bortezomib and/or forskolin on MM cells were evaluated through cellular morphology, changes of cell distribution and apoptotic rate. Meanwhile, lfow cytometry analysis was used to detect mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and the expression levels of apoptosis regulators in these cells before and after the treatment were detected by Western blot.Results:Bortezomib (20 nmol/L) synergized with forskolin (50nmol/L) to induce apoptosis of H929-R cells and bortezomib-resistant primary cells. In addition, borte-zomib synergized with forskolin to induce collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane and facilitate the degradation of anti-apoptosis proteins including Bcl-2 and Mcl-1.Conclusion:Bortezomib could synergize with forskolin to induce apoptosis in bortezomib-resistant MM cells.

The stems and branches of Hypericum petiolulatum were extracted by alcohol and liquid-liquid extraction. Seven furofuran lignans were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of H. petiolulatum by using silica gelchromatography, Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by the spectroscopic methods as pinoresinol (1), medioresinol (2), 8-acetoxypinoresinol (3), epipinoresinol (4), (+)-syringaresinol (5), (+)-1-hydroxysyringaresinol (6) and erythro-buddlenolE (7). All the isolates were firstly found in H. petiolulatum. In the bioassay, compound 7 showed remarkable antioxidative activity inhibiting Fe(+2)-cystine induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation with inhibitory rate 38% at a concentration of 1 x 10(-6) mol · L(-1) (positive control Vit E with the inhibitory rate of 35% at the same concentration).
Animals ; Antioxidants ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hypericum ; chemistry ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Microsomes, Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Molecular Structure ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Rats

Objective To observe the angiographic features of patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) by ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFA) and compare with the conventional 7 standard field (7SF) imaging. Methods This is a retrospective clinical description study. Fifty-eight eyes of 56 RVO patients were included. There were 25 males (26 eyes) and 31 females (32 eyes). The age ranged from 25 to 69 years, with a mean age of (48.12±18.56) years. The course of disease was from 2 days to 25 months, with a mean course of (12.78±11.35) months. Thirty eyes were diagnosed with central RVO (51.72%), 26 eyes were diagnosed with branch RVO (44.83%) and 2 eyes were diagnosed with hemicentral RVO (3.45%). Retinal laser photocoagulation was performed in 11 eyes (18.97%). All patients received examinations of UWFA (British Optomap 200Tx imaging system) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Using the protocol for obtaining 7SF images as described in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, 7 circular regions with a range of 30 degrees were combined as the 7SF template to determine the observation area. This template was then overlaid on the UWFA image to identify the potential viewable area of 7SF. The visualized retinal area, retinal non-perfusion area, retinal neovascularization area, and laser spot area of UWFA and 7SF were quantified by a retinal specialist. In addition, the OCT images of the affected eye were observed and analyzed to confirm the existence of macular edema. Correlation analysis was done between retinal non-perfusion, retinal neovascularization and macular edema detected by UWFA. Results The results of UWFA and 7SF examination were the same. Compared with 7SF, UWFA showed 3.53 times more retinal visual area, 3.31 times more non-perfusion area, 1.94 times more neovascularization area, and 3.59 times more laser spots (t=72.13, 4.69, 1.76, 5.78;P=0.000, 0.005, 0.102, 0.000). Lesions of 11 eyes (18.97%) were found outside the range of 7SF images. By UWFA, non-perfusion area correlated with neovascularization and macular edema (χ2=12.13, 4.82;P=0.000, 0.028;C=0.42, 0.28). Non-perfusion area anterior to the equator have significantly correlations with macular edema (χ2=6.32, P=0.012, C=0.31), but non-perfusion posterior to the globe equator have no relevance with macular edema (χ2=2.88, P=0.090, C=0.22). Conclusions UWFA can detect more peripheral retinal lesions than 7SF images. By UWFA, non-perfusion area has correlation with neovascularization and macular edema.

Objective To observe the ocular fundus features and consistency of classification of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFA) and the simulated early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) 7 standard field (7SF) imaging. Methods This is a retrospective clinical description study. Ninety-six eyes of 55 DR patients were included. The ages ranged from 25 to 73 years, with a mean age of (41.34±15.07) years. UWFA examination (British Optos 200Tx imaging system) using the protocol for obtaining 7SF images as described in the ETDRS, 7 circular regions with a range of 30 degrees are spliced as 7SF templates to determine the observation range. This template was then overlaid on the UWFA image to identify the potential viewable area of 7SF. And the visualized area of the retina, retinal non-perfusion (NP) area, retinal neovascularization (NV) area, and pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) area of UWFA and 7SF were quantified by a retinal specialist. Results UWFA imaging and 7SF imaging have a high degree of consistency in judging DR classification (kappa=0.851, P=0.000). The retinal visual area, NP area, NV area and PRP area of the UWFA imaging were 3.16, 3.38, 2.22 and 3.15 times more comparing with the simulated 7SF imaging (t=213.430, 45.013, 22.644, 142.665;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.003, 0.000). The lesions of 8 eyes were found outside the range of simulated 7SF imaging, including peripheral NP in 5 eyes, NV areas in 3 eyes, respectively. Conclusion UWFA imaging and simulated 7SF imaging are consistent to judge DR classification, but UWFA can find more peripheral retinal lesions.

OBJECTIVETo observe the risk factor stratification and prevalence of target organ damage in hypertensive patients before therapy and blood pressure control rate after 4 or 12 weeks antihypertensive drug therapy.

METHODSIn this prospective survey, data on cardiovascular risk factors, target organ damage and concomitant disease were collected in 26 655 hypertensive patients. Among them 26 325 and 3457 patients were recruited for antihypertensive drug therapy for 4 and 12 weeks, respectively and blood pressure control rate was determined.

RESULTSThe sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high body mass index, dyslipidemia were found in 52.5%, 34.4%, 31.8%, 24.5%, and microproteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease and diabetes in 21.0%, 23.6%, 20.1%, 26.7% hypertensive patients, respectively. The average systolic and diastolic pressures were 158 +/- 14 mm Hg and 94 +/- 11 mm Hg and 3.2%, 22.2%, 21.1% and 53.3% patients were defined as low, medium, high and very high risk patients in risk stratification to quantify prognosis. There were 77.2%, 20.4% and 2.4% systolic and diastolic, isolated systolic and isolated diastolic hypertensive patients respectively. The goal blood pressure control rate was 50.2% and 56.7% respectively after 4 and 12 weeks antihypertensive drug therapy. The control rate in patients complicated with diabetes and renal disease was significantly lower than patients without them and systolic pressure control rate was remarkably lower than diastolic pressure control rate. Majority patients required 2 or more antihypertensive drugs for effective pressure control (1.5 drug per patients in average in both 4 or 12 weeks groups).

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of risk factors, target organ damage and concomitant disease were high in Chinese patients with hypertension and comprehensive interventions were indicated. To reach goal blood pressure control in patients with hypertension, follow up intensifying and drug therapy guidance are required within the context of usual medical care.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Background Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) is one of the most effective therapies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Understanding the influence of IVR on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroidal thickness is helpful for us to choose the operative times and timing based on pharmacologic effects and tissue response.However,limited studies are available about quantitative analysis of RPE atrophic area and subfoveal choroidal thickness after IVR for nAMD.Objective This study was to report the changes of RPE atrophic area and subfoveal choroidal thickness after IVR for nAMD.Methods A prospective series cases-observational study was designed.Forty-one eyes of 41 consecutive patients with nAMD were enrolled in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2015 to June 2015,and written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to entering the cohort.The affected eyes received intravitreal injection of 0.05 ml ranibizumab (10 mg/ml) and then followed up monthly for 12 months.The RPE atrophy area around macula and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured by a newly developed RPE analysis software spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and enhanced depth imaging of SD-OCT (EDI-OCT),respectively,and the RPE atrophy area and choroidal thickness changes were compared before IVR and 3,6 and 12 months after IVR.The correlation between RPE atrophy area and choroidal thickness before and after IVR was analyzed.Results All the patients finished the treating procedure and follow up.The visual acuity (logMAR) after IVR was considerably improved in comparison with before IVR (F=7.631,P＜0.001).The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness value was (264.55 ± 100.95) μm before IVR,and that of 3,6,12 months after IVR was (247.42±105.46),(246.81± 99.85) and (253.97±101.15)μm,respectively,showing a significant difference among different time points (F =2.030,P ＜ 0.05),and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness values 3,6,12 months after IVR were evidently thinned in comparison with before IVR (all at P＜0.05).No significant difference was found in RPE atrophic area among different time points (F=0.116,P =0.951).Weak linear correlations were seen between RPE atrophy area and choroidal thickness (r =-0.185),the RPE atrophy area change values and choroidal thickness change values between IVR ＞ 6 times and ≤ 6 times (r =0.297,-0.327),but these results were not statistically significant (P =0.248,0.282,0.103).At the end of the follow up,weak linear correlations were seen in RPE atrophy area change values and choroidal thickness change values with IVR times (r,=-0.266,0.342),but these results were not statistically significant (P =0.148,0.060).Conclusions IVR for nAMD can lead to subfoveal choroid atrophy instead of RPE atrophy.IVR does not accelerate the atrophy progression of both RPE and choroid.

Objective To explore the clinical application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in gastroin- testinal nutrition among critically ill patients.Methods Twenty-two patients were undertaken percutaneous endo- scopic gastrostomy under the lead of gastroscope.The puncturatio site was located in anterior wall of stomach.Results All the procedures were performed successfully for one time.Intraoperational blood pressure was very steady.At the same time,intraoperational SpO_2 of the patients all exceeced 97%.The bleeding amount and operation time were respectively (3.8?1.9) ml and (15.5?2.3) min.Severe complications such as gastrostoma,gastrocolic fistula, pneumoperitoneum,refluxing or aspiration of gastric juice,inhalant pneumonia didn't occur after the operation.Con- clusion Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was safe and feasible among critically ill patients who needed gastroin- testinal nutrition because of its slight injury,little bleeding and shorter operational time.

Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of apolipoprotein E and lipid levels in patients for early diagnosis of cerebral infarction.Methods A total of 80 patients with cerebral infarction were enrolled in this study as the study group from June 2015 to October 2016.Meanwhile,80 healthy subjects were selected as the control group.The serum apolipoprotein E and blood lipid were compared between the two groups.Results The difference of apolipoprotein E levels between the two groups was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Apolipoprotein E combined with serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol for the diagnosis of cerebral infarction had a sensitivity of 37.5 ％,specificity accuracy of 100％,and diagnostic efficiency of 60％.Conclusion Early cerebral infarction patients diagnosed with apolipoprotein E combined with lipid levels had a good clinical value.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) on the proliferation of hepatocytes and hepatic tumor cells and the expression of ALR in herpatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSPrimary rat hepatocytes, QGY and HepG2 cells were cultured separately with ALR from different species. Cell proliferation was detected by their 3H-TdR uptake. The expression of ALR was examined in 9 normal hepatic tissues and 21 HCC cases using immunohistochemistry method.

RESULTSDifferent ALRs could stimulate the proliferation of HepG2 and QGY cells in a dose-dependent way in vitro, but all ALR had no influence in the proliferation of primary rat hepatocytes. The expression of ALR was absent in normal hepatic tissues, but present in all HCC hepatic tissues. However, the expression of ALR had no relationship with the differentiation and size of the carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONALR might play an important role in the occurrence and development of HCC.

Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Liver Regeneration ; drug effects ; physiology ; Male ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar