Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Background and objective Tumor microenvironment(TME)is one of the important factors in tu-morigenesis and progression,in which tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)play an important role in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)progression.However,the mechanism of TAMs in NSCLC progression remains unclear,so this study aimed to investigate the role of TAMs in NSCLC progression and to find potential therapeutic targets.Methods Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)database was used to analyze the expression of prostaglandin E2 receptor 4(EP4)mRNA in NSCLC and normal lung tissues;the protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),EP4,cluster of differentiation 86(CD86),CD163 and CD31 were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC)in 120 NSCLC tissues and 24 paracancerous tissues specimens.The nude mouse lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 and macrophage RAW264.7 co-transplanted tumor model was established.And the samples were collected by gavage with EP4 inhibitor E7046,and then stained with hematoxylin-eosin(HE),IHC,and immunofluorescence(IF),and then detected by Western blot for the epithelial mesenchymal transformation(EMT)of the tumor tissues of the nude mice in each group.Western blot was used to detect the expressions of EMT related protiens in each group of nude mice;full-length transcriptome sequencing was used to screen the key genes causing liver me-tastasis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis was performed.Results EP4 mRNA expression level in NSCLC tissues was generally lower than that in normal lung tissues(P<0.05);COX-2,EP4,CD163,CD31 proteins were differentially expressed in NSCLC tissues and adjacent tissues,and differences were observed in many clinico-pathological parameters of NSCLC patients;RAW264.7 shortened the latency period of tumorigenesis of A549 and promoted the proliferation of tumors and liver metastasis of tumors,and E7046 could reduce tumor cell proliferation activity,tumor tissue vascular density and M2-type macrophage infiltration in nude mice;IF staining showed that macrophages were mainly distributed around the metastatic foci of tumors;Western blot results showed that compared with A549 alone transplantation group,the relative expression of E-cadherin protein in tumor tissues of mice in A549 and RAW264.7 co-transplantation group was significantly decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),while the relative expression of N-cadherin protein was up-regulated,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);the main pathways enriched in the differ-ential genes of the full-length transcriptome were the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways.Conclusion During NSCLC development,the COX-2/PGE2/EP4 axis may promote tumor progression by inducing macrophage functional activation,and EP4 may be a potential new target for tumor immunotherapy.This study provides new perspectives and ideas for in-depth exploration of the mechanisms of NSCLC development,as well as a theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.

[Objective]To explore the traditional processing techniques and Jingbang(Beijing local)experience of Ophiopogon japonicus,providing a reference for modern research on Opehiopogon japonicus.[Methods]Collecting data on the processing of Ophiopogon japonicus from ancient herbal literature and traditional Jingbang heritage materials,and consulting with old pharmacists,based on the analysis and organization,the various processing methods of Ophiopogon japonicus were restored.[Results]The purification methods of Ophiopogon japonicus have mechanisms such as removing the pith to relieve annoyance,removing the pith to treat channel dryness,and removing the pith to nourish lung Yin,with the first one being the most widely spread.The methods of removing the pith include boiling water to moisten the pith,clear water to moisten the pith,and roasting to soften the pith,with the first one being the most effective.The purpose of the wine soaking method is to alleviate the side effects of long-term use of Ophiopogon japonicus on stomach cold.The rice frying method should spread the rice thinly in the pot,spread Ophiopogon japonicus on the rice,and should not be stirred.If it is stirred with the rice,Ophiopogon japonicus is easy to puff up.The steaming method has two types:clear steaming and mixing with milk steaming.Ophiopogon japonicus is not easy to crush,and the intermittent roasting method recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica is very good.The method of simmering Ophiopogon japonicus and making Ophiopogon pills both utilize its juice-containing characteristics.The traditional Jingbang Ophiopogon japonicus has obvious local characteristics in the methods of moistening and removing the pith.Zhu Ophiopogon japonicus is for sprinkling water and moistening slightly,and cinnabar fine powder is finely scattered with sprinkling and stirring.These two processed varieties have disappeared for half a century.[Conclusion]The restoration and optimization of the processing methods of Ophiopogon japonicus are expected to improve the efficacy of Ophiopogon japonicus,providing higher quality Ophiopogon japonicus medicinal materials for the clinic.It reveals the local characteristics of the traditional Jingbang Ophiopogon japonicus processing,providing a possibility for the revival of the disappeared processed varieties,which is of great significance for enriching Chinese medicine resources and enhancing the clinical application value of Chinese medicine.

BACKGROUND: Currently, a significant number of miners are involved in mining operations at the Gejiu tin mine in Yunnan. This occupational setting is associated with exposure to dust particles, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and radioactive radon, thereby significantly elevating the risk of lung cancer. This study aims to investigate the involvement of leptin-mediated extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in the malignant transformation of rat alveolar type II epithelial cells induced by Yunnan tin mine dust. METHODS: Immortalized rat alveolar cells type II (RLE-6TN) cells were infected with Yunnan tin mine dust at a concentration of 200 μg/mL for nine consecutive generations to establish the infected cell model, which was named R₂₀₀ cells. The cells were cultured normally, named as R cells. The expression of leptin receptor in both cell groups was detected using the Western blot method. The optimal concentration of leptin and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor (U0126) on R₂₀₀ cells was determined using the MTT method. Starting from the 20th generation, the cells in the R group were co-cultured with leptin, while the cells in the R₂₀₀ group were co-cultured with the MEK inhibitor U0126. The morphological alterations of the cells in each group were visualized utilizing hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, concanavalin A (ConA) was utilized to detect any morphological differences, and an anchorage-independent growth assay was conducted to assess the malignant transformation of the cells. The changes in the ERK signaling pathway in epithelial cells after the action of leptin were detected using the Western blot method. RESULTS: Both the cells in the R group and R₂₀₀ group express leptin receptor OB-R. Compared to the R₂₀₀ group, the concentration of leptin at 100 ng/mL shows the most significant pro-proliferation effect. The proliferation of R₂₀₀ cells infected with the virus is inhibited by 30 μmol/L U0126, and a statistically significant divergence was seen when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Starting from the 25th generation, the cell morphology of the leptin-induced R₂₀₀ group (R₂₀₀L group) underwent changes, leading to malignant transformation observed at the 30th generation. The characteristics of malignant transformation became evident by the 40th generation in the R₂₀₀L group. In contrast, the other groups showed agglutination of P40 cells, and the speed of cell aggregation increased with an increase in ConA concentration. Notably, the R₂₀₀L group exhibited faster cell aggregation compared to the U0126-induced R₂₀₀ (R₂₀₀LU) group. Additionally, the cells in the R₂₀₀L group were capable of forming clones starting from P30, with a colony formation rate of 2.25‰±0.5‰. However, no clonal colonies were observed in the R₂₀₀LU group and R₂₀₀ group. The expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) was enhanced in cells of the R₂₀₀L group. However, when the cells in the R₂₀₀L group were treated with U0126, a blocking agent, the phosphorylation level of pERK decreased. CONCLUSIONS Leptin can promote the malignant transformation of lung epithelial cells infected by mine dust, and the ERK signaling pathway may be necessary for the transformation of alveolar type II epithelial cells induced by Yunnan tin mine dust.
Rats ; Animals ; Alveolar Epithelial Cells/pathology* ; Dust ; Tin/adverse effects* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Leptin/adverse effects* ; Receptors, Leptin ; China ; Signal Transduction ; Epithelial Cells/pathology* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/adverse effects*

ObjectiveTo explore the features and assessment for far space neglect in left spatial neglect patients after right brain stroke. MethodsFrom January to October, 2021, 30 left unilateral spatial neglect (USN) patients after right stroke (patients, n = 30) from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and healthy volunteers matching with gender, age and level of education (controls, n = 30) were evaluated with line cancelation (LC), star cancelation (SC) and line bisection (LB) tests, nearly and far away. The 25 controls were evaluated with LB on the second day. ResultsNo line or star was omissed in the controls. Both the deviation and percentage were more in the patients than in the controls (|t| > 4.319, P < 0.001). Both the deviation and percentage were less different for all the test (|Z| < 1.638, t = -1.282, P > 0.05) between nearly and far away, except the deviation of LB (t = -4.994, P < 0.001). The ICC of test-retest was above 0.462 (P < 0.01). ConclusionRight brain stroke patients with USN may present far spatial neglect, which can be assessed with LB.

Objective To understand the compliance of statins and their influencing factors in elderly patients with hyperlipidemia,in order to provide a basis for the improvement of medication compliance. Methods A total of 120 patients who were diagnosed of hyperlipidemia in the elderly ward of a Class Ⅲ hospital in Beijing from January to November 2016 were selected by convenient sampling method and investigated with questionnaire about general information and medication compliance.Results There were 62 cases (51.67％) with good compliance,and 58 cases (48.33％) with poor compliance in total. The result of univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in patients′ medication compliance with different age,education degree and living style (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age,low education level,and living alone were the risk factors of poor medication compliance.Conclusions Medical staff should pay more attention to the elder patients who were living alone and with low education level. It is suggested taking family members into the management of patients′ disease and medication,and taking measures to improve the compliance of statins in elderly patients with hyperlipidemia.

Objective:To study the safety factors of Fuyanyu mixture. Methods: The contents of antiseptic and residual ethanol were determined by HPLC and GC, respectively, and those of heavy metals and harmful elements were detected by ICP-MS. Results:The contents of benzoic acid in 6 batches of samples were less than 0. 3%. In two thirds of samples, ethanol residue was more than 0. 5%. The total mercury exceeded 15μg/day in one of the samples, and the contents of Pb, Ge, Gr, As, Ni and Cu met the limits described in USP<232> in all of the last samples. Conclusion: The methods are accurate and reliable. It is urgent to improve the preparation process so as to reduce the residual amount of ethanol according to the detection results. It is recommended to increase the testing items that affect the safety of the preparation so as to control the preparation quality strictly.

Objective:To study the safety factors of Fuyanyu mixture. Methods: The contents of antiseptic and residual ethanol were determined by HPLC and GC, respectively, and those of heavy metals and harmful elements were detected by ICP-MS. Results:The contents of benzoic acid in 6 batches of samples were less than 0. 3%. In two thirds of samples, ethanol residue was more than 0. 5%. The total mercury exceeded 15μg/day in one of the samples, and the contents of Pb, Ge, Gr, As, Ni and Cu met the limits described in USP<232> in all of the last samples. Conclusion: The methods are accurate and reliable. It is urgent to improve the preparation process so as to reduce the residual amount of ethanol according to the detection results. It is recommended to increase the testing items that affect the safety of the preparation so as to control the preparation quality strictly.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the oncologic efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment concurrent with chemotherapy in a neoadjuvant setting. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 332 cases of invasive breast cancer in patients who were <40 years old at diagnosis and received GnRH agonists concurrent with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (GnRH agonist group) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (neochemotherapy-alone group) from December 2010 to September 2014. Pathologic complete response rates (pCR) and Ki-67 changes were evaluated between the two groups. RESULTS: Median age was 32+/-3.9 and 36+/-3.0 years in the GnRH agonist group and neochemotherapy-alone group, respectively (p<0.001). After adjustment for tumor size, grade, lymph node metastasis, hormone receptor (HR) status, and chemotherapy regimen, the GnRH agonist group exhibited a higher pCR rate with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-6.34) and a greater decrease in Ki-67 expression after treatment (p=0.05) than the neochemotherapy-alone group. For HR-negative tumors, the GnRH agonist group showed a higher pCR rate (multivariate OR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.37-8.95) and a greater decrease in Ki-67 expression (p=0.047). For HR-positive breast cancer, the pCR rate, change in Ki-67 index, and clinical response were higher, and preoperative endocrine prognostic index scores were lower, in the GnRH agonist group, but these did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Concurrent administration of GnRH agonists during neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved pCR rates and suppressed Ki-67 expression, especially in HR-negative tumors.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy* ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Odds Ratio ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To explore if the expression of follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH ) and its receptor ( FSHR) exist in the rat submandibular gland tissue , which may provide a theoretic evidence for further studying on adjusting function of the FSH in submaxillary gland .Methods Twenty normal SD rats , with a mean body weight of (200 ±20)g, were adopted to collect out the submandibular gland after abdominal cavity anesthesia .The method of in situ hybridization was employed on cellular localization of FSH and FSHR .RT-PCR was used to detect if FSH and its receptor mRNA exist in the rat submandibular gland .RNA was extracted from the submandibular gland , then FSH and the core cDNA of its receptor gene were obtained with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and analyzed on its sequence . Results The epithelial cells of serous acinus and granular convoluted tubule in submaxillary gland of rats had FSH and FSHR mRNA hybridized signals , which were detected in cytoplasm with negative nuclei .Specific bands of FSH cDNA and FSHR cDNA were identical to be 193bp and 413bp respectively.Conclusion FSH and FSHR can be synthesized by the epithelial cells of serous acinus and granular convoluted tubule in submaxillary gland of rats , thus this study further proves that the submandibular gland is the target organ of FSH .