ObjectiveThis study aims to reveal the mechanism of liver and kidney injuries caused by Dictamni Cortex and its interrelationship by metabonomics analysis of liver and kidney via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）. MethodsThe content of the marker compounds of Dictamni Cortex was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） to carry out quality control. Sprague Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a blank group （normal saline）， an administration group （0.9， 2.7， 8.1 g·kg^-1）， and a high-dose withdrawal control group， with eight rats in each group. Continuous administration was performed once daily for 28 days. The liver and kidney injuries caused by each administration group were assessed by organ indices， pathological observations， and serum and plasma biochemical indices measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The potential biomarkers of liver and kidney injuries caused by Dictamni Cortex were screened， and pathway enrichment analysis and correlation analysis were performed based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. ResultsCompared with the blank group， both the medium- and low-dose groups showed insignificant damage to the liver and kidney of rats. The high-dose group exhibited the most serious damage， and the level of liver and kidney function indices ［alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， creatinine （Cr）， and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］ and serum inflammatory indices （［interleukin 1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）］ in the serum were significantly changed （P<0.01）. The liver and kidney metabolism pathways and differential metabolites were quite different. Among them， phenylalanine metabolism， niacin and nicotinamide metabolism， and glycerophospholipid metabolism were common pathways. Correlation analysis of differential metabolites showed that there were significant correlations among disorders of 4′-Phosphopantothenoylcysteine， PC （16∶0/15∶0）， phenylethylamine， arachidonic acid， and linoleic acid in liver and kidney tissue. ConclusionThe decoction of Dictamni Cortex can cause liver and kidney injuries， and its mechanism may be related to oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders. The correlation of differential metabolites indicates the interaction between liver and kidney injuries.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the immunotoxicity induced by dictamnine （DIC） in rats and the recovery effect after drug withdrawal by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry， thereby providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the toxic mechanism of DIC. MethodsSD rats were randomized into blank （normal saline）， DIC （10 mg·kg^-1）， and DIC withdrawal （recovery period） groups （n=8）. The rats were continuously treated for 7 days， once a day， and the body weight and organ weight were recorded. The levels of interleukin-1 （IL-1）， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the serum and immunoglobulin A （IgA）， immunoglobulin G （IgG）， and immunoglobulin M （IgM） in the spleen were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the spleen. ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was employed to screen the potential biomarkers of immune inflammation caused by DIC， and pathway enrichment analysis and correlation analysis were performed. The mRNA levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 （LPCAT2）， and farnesoid X receptor （FXR） in the serum were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the DIC group showed elevated levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α in the serum （P<0.01）， and the DIC withdrawal group showcased lowered levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α in the serum （P<0.01）. The levels of IgA， IgG， and IgM in the spleen of rats in the DIC group were decreased （P<0.01）， while those in the DIC withdrawal group were recovered （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Untargeted metabolomics of the serum and spleen screened out 14 common differential metabolites and 14 common metabolic pathways. The Spearman correlation analysis between differential metabolites and inflammatory factors identified PC （32∶0）， LysoPC （20∶4/0∶0）， LysoPC （P-18∶0/0∶0）， taurochenodeoxycholic acid， taurocholic acid， LysoPC ［20∶5（5Z，8Z，11Z，14Z，17Z）/0∶0］， chenodeoxycholic acid， arachidonic acid， LysoPC （18∶0/0∶0）， LysoPC （15∶0/0∶0）， LysoPC （16∶0/0∶0）， and LysoPC （17∶0/0∶0） as the biomarkers of immunotoxicity induced by DIC in SD rats. In the process of immunotoxicity caused by DIC， lipid metabolism disorders such as glycerophospholipid metabolism， primary bile acid metabolism， and arachidonic acid metabolism were enriched， which was consistent with the DIC-induced inflammatory factors and pathological characteristics of the spleen. Compared with the blank group， the DIC group exhibited up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， LPCAT2， and FXR （P<0.01）， and the up-regulation was decreased in the withdrawal group （P<0.01）. ConclusionDIC can lead to immune and inflammatory disorders. DIC withdrawal can regulate the expression of biomarkers related to serum and spleen metabolites， regulate the inflammatory metabolic pathway， reduce the inflammation level， and alleviate the metabolic disorders， thus attenuating the potential toxicity induced by DIC.

Objective To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of oligodendroglioma with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion. Methods We collected the data of 54 oligodendroglioma patients with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion.The patients'clinicopathological data, including age, histological grade, and tumor site, were analyzed for the effects on progression-free and overall survival. Results Among the 54 patients, 46 cases were with tumor sites in one lobe, and eight cases involved tumor sites in more than two lobes.A total of 12 and 42 cases had WHO grades 2 and 3 oligodendroglioma, respectively.Detection by fluorescence in situ hybridization showed 1p/19q co-deletion in all cases.Immunohistochemical tests revealed diffuse and strong positive results for Olig2.All glial fibrillary acidic proteins were positive.p53 was strongly positive in six cases.ATRX was expressed in all 48 cases.Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 5% to 60%.Sanger sequencing showed that all 54 cases had IDH gene mutations (40 cases were IDH1 mutations, and 14 were IDH2 mutations), and 33 cases had telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations.Relapse and metastasis occurred in 16 patients during treatment.Univariate analysis indicated that the postoperative recurrence and metastasis interval of more than two years can prolong the progression-free and overall survival of patients.All 54 patients had a mean progression-free survival of 33.5 months and the mean overall survival of 40.7 months. Conclusion For oligodendroglioma with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, precision chemoradiotherapy after surgery can reduce the risk of progression, and the postoperative recurrence and metastasis interval is associated with the prognosis.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Shengmaisan granules on myocardial fibrosis in chronic heart failure patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome by cardiac magnetic resonance （CMR） imaging and serological indicators. MethodSixty-six chronic heart failure patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome who visited the Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine， Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to January 2023 were selected. The patients were assigned into a control group （33 cases） and an observation group （33 cases） by the minimization random method. Both groups received standardized Western medicine treatment for heart failure. In addition， the control group was treated with placebo granules， and the observation group with Shengmaisan granules for a course of 6 months. The baseline data， clinical efficacy， TCM symptom scores， serological indicators ［high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 protein （sST2）， pro-collagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide （PⅢNP）， interleukin （IL）-6， IL-11， transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）］， echocardiography ［Left atrial diameter （LAD）， left ventricular end systolic diameter （LVEDs）， left ventricular end diastolic diameter （LVEDd）］ and CMR indicators ［left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， myocardial extracellular volume fraction （ECV）， and longitudinal relaxation time （T1）］ were compared between the two groups. ResultFinally， 31 patients in the control group and 30 patients in the observation group were included. There was no significant difference in baseline data or indicators between the two groups before treatment. Compared with those before treatment， the scores of TCM symptoms （shortness of breath， fatigue， palpitations， spontaneous or night sweats， thirst/dry throat， feverish feeling in palms and soles， and edema in lower limbs）， total score of TCM symptoms， ECV， T1， inflammation/fibrosis indicators （hs-CRP， sST2， PⅢNP， IL-6， IL-11， and TGF-β₁） in observation group decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the scores of TCM symptoms （except feverish feeling in palms and soles）， T1， and inflammation/fibrosis indicators in the control group decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， the observation group had lower scores of TCM symptoms （except feverish feeling in palms and soles and edema in lower limbs）， ECV， T1， and inflammation/fibrosis indicators than the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， the total response rate in the observation group was 93.33% （28/30）， which was higher than that （80.65%， 25/31） in the control group （Z=2.976， P<0.01）. There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups during treatment. ConclusionFor patients with chronic heart failure with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome， Shengmaisan Granules can alleviate the TCM symptoms， reduce inflammation， and inhibit myocardial fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β₁/IL-11 signaling axis.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP) in high-altitude population aged 18 years and over in Xining, Qinghai and establish the reference interval (RI) of IOP.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Xining, Qinghai Province at 2.271 km above sea level from September 2019 to May 2020.Ophthalmic examinations and IOP measurement were conducted among subjects from Physical Examination Center of Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital.The subjects who had been living in Xining without leaving for three months were enrolled.Ophthalmic examinations included vision examination, IOP measurement, slit-lamp microscopy, fundus photography, anterior and posterior segment optical coherence tomography.IOP was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry under local anesthesia.Subjects with factors that could cause significant changes in IOP and affect the accuracy of IOP measurement, and those who were unable to receive IOP measurement were excluded.Subjects were grouped according to sex, age and ethnicity, and the distribution and RI of IOP were compared among all groups.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University (No.TRECKY2017-024). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:A total of 6 120 subjects (6 120 eyes) aged 18-90 years old were enrolled, including 2 850 males and 3 270 females with average age of (45.54±13.85) years.The average IOP of high-altitude population in Xining, Qinghai Province was (14.32±1.93) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), with the RI of 10.54-18.10 mmHg.The average IOP was (14.42±1.98) mmHg in male with the RI of 10.54-18.30 mmHg, (14.23±1.88) mmHg in female with the RI of 10.55-17.91 mmHg.The IOP of male was higher than that of female ( t=3.71, P<0.001). The IOP of Han, Tibetan, Hui and other nationalities were (14.38±1.91), (13.93±2.06), (14.21±1.87), (13.94±1.95) mmHg, respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( F=6.73, P<0.001). The IOP of Han nationality was significantly higher than that of Tibetan, Hui and other nationalities, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:RI of IOP in high-altitude population from Xining, Qinghai is lower compared with normal altitude area.

Objective:To explore the clinical value of ultrasonic inferior vena cava parameters in predicting supine hypotension syndrome after subarachnoid block.Methods:80 cases of cesarean section under subarachnoid block in singleton pregnancy treated in Beijing Maternity Hospital from August 2019 to March 2020 were selected retrospectively. According to the occurrence of supine hypotension syndrome after anesthesia, they were divided into two groups (group A had supine hypotension syndrome and group B did not), with 40 cases in each group. The changes of related parameters of inferior vena cava in supine position and left 30 ° lying position were compared between the two groups. The correlation between the maximum end expiratory diameter (IVCe), the minimum end inspiratory diameter (IVCi) and the collapse index (IVC-CI) of inferior vena cava and the changes of systolic blood pressure in supine hypotension syndrome were analyzed, and the value of IVCe, IVCi and IVC-CI in predicting supine hypotension syndrome were compared.Results:Under the condition of supine position and left 30 ° lying position, the levels of IVCe and IVCi in group A were significantly lower than those in group B ( P<0.05), and the levels of IVC-CI were higher than those in group B ( P<0.05). Spearman analysis showed that the levels of IVCe and IVCi were positively correlated with the changes of systolic blood pressure in the occurrence of supine hypotension syndrome ( P<0.05), and the levels of IVC-CI were negatively correlated with the changes of systolic blood pressure in the occurrence of supine hypotension syndrome ( P<0.05). IVC-CI had the highest yoden index and the highest sensitivity in predicting the occurrence of supine hypotension syndrome, and IVCe had the highest specificity in predicting the occurrence of supine hypotension syndrome. Conclusions:Cava collapse index has high sensitivity to predict supine hypotension syndrome, while the maximum end-expiratory diameter of inferior vena cava has high specificity to predict supine hypotension syndrome.

Objective:To explore the correlation of endothelial microparticles and progression of advanced lung cancer, and its predictive value in therapeutic effect.Methods:The data of patients with advanced lung cancer in the Oncology Department of Frist Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019 were collected. Blood routine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor markers, and circulating endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) were measured before treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD105+ EMPs, and multivariate regression analysis was used to study the predict factors of advanced lung cancer progression.Results:A total of 88 patients were recruited in the study, including 60 in the objective response (OR) group and 28 in the disease progression (PD) group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, basic diseases, tumor stage, cancer type and therapeutic intervention between two groups, while there were significant differences in tumor marker, LDH, total microparticles (MPs), and endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) between two groups ( P<0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, CD105+ EMPs ≥70 events/μl ( OR=3.623, 95% CI=1.345~9.761, P=0.011) and LDH ( OR=1.008, 95% CI=1.001~1.015, P=0.032) were able to predict the progression of advanced lung cancer. A predictive model of advanced lung cancer progression was established based on the multivariate regression results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.729 (95% CI=0.620~0.837, P=0.001), the sensitivity was 32.1%, the specificity was 91.6%, the positive predictive value was 64.2%, and the negative predictive value was 74.3%. Conclusion:Circulating endothelial microparticles are associated with the progression of advanced lung cancer, it combined with LDH can predict the therapeutic effect of advanced lung cancer.

Objective:To explore the correlation of endothelial microparticles and progression of advanced lung cancer, and its predictive value in therapeutic effect.Methods:The data of patients with advanced lung cancer in the Oncology Department of Frist Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019 were collected. Blood routine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor markers, and circulating endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) were measured before treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD105+ EMPs, and multivariate regression analysis was used to study the predict factors of advanced lung cancer progression.Results:A total of 88 patients were recruited in the study, including 60 in the objective response (OR) group and 28 in the disease progression (PD) group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, basic diseases, tumor stage, cancer type and therapeutic intervention between two groups, while there were significant differences in tumor marker, LDH, total microparticles (MPs), and endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) between two groups ( P<0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, CD105+ EMPs ≥70 events/μl ( OR=3.623, 95% CI=1.345~9.761, P=0.011) and LDH ( OR=1.008, 95% CI=1.001~1.015, P=0.032) were able to predict the progression of advanced lung cancer. A predictive model of advanced lung cancer progression was established based on the multivariate regression results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.729 (95% CI=0.620~0.837, P=0.001), the sensitivity was 32.1%, the specificity was 91.6%, the positive predictive value was 64.2%, and the negative predictive value was 74.3%. Conclusion:Circulating endothelial microparticles are associated with the progression of advanced lung cancer, it combined with LDH can predict the therapeutic effect of advanced lung cancer.

Objective To establish and assess the new method of APTT assay based on the combinations of Mg2+and Ca2+for lupus anticoagulants(LA)measurements.Methods This prospective study included 309 trisodium citrate anticoagulated plasma samples from 244 random patients and 65 patients with different autoimmune diseases(AID)to establish and assess the method of LA measurement, respectively.Final concentrations of 0,2.0, 4.0, 8.0,16.0 mmol/L Mg2+were added into 25 mmol/L Ca2+solution, and Actin reagent was used to measured plasma APTT of 94 patients.The applied concentration of Mg2+-Ca2+solution was confirmed through the special and significant alteration of APTT from LA-positive and -negative plasma observed in the presence of Mg 2+(test solution).Based on Actin reagent use,the test solution and 25 mmol/L Ca2+solution were applied to measure APTT of patients and normal individuals, respectively, and the ratio of Mg2+-Ca2+-APTT to Ca2+-APTT(Mg2+-Ca2+-APTT indices)and normalized Mg2+-Ca2+-APTT indices(NAR)were calculated, respectively.Mixed plasma NAR was measured,and CV%was calculated to evaluate the repeatability and stability of Mg 2+-Ca2+-APTT method.APTT of 150 patients was measured with the test solution and Actin reagent to calculate Mg 2+-Ca2+-APTT indices, and normalized LA ratio was determined with dRVVT method.The applicability of Mg2+-Ca2+-APTT assay was assessed through comparisons of the results from the two methods.Finally, NAR and NLR of 65 patients with AID(including 26 SLE patients)were measured with Mg2+-Ca2+-APTT assay and dRVVT method, respectively, and ROC curve was also used to assess the efficacy of the two methods for LA measurements.Results In all LA-negative plasma,APTT increased from 28.1 ±4.5 s to 61.2 ±7.9 s in normal APTT group,47.2 ±8.9 s to 97.5 ±10.3 s in increased APTT group,and 27.6 ± 5.1 s to 61.2 ±7.9 s in ACA-positive group when Mg2+increased from 0 to 8 mmol/L in Mg2+-Ca2+solution(F=34.12, 38.9 and 28.35,P<0.01).Following increased Mg2+concentration, APTT shortened from 0 to 4.0 mmol/L, but simultaneously prolonged from 4.0 to 16.0 mmol/L in LA-positive plasma with prolonged or normal APTT(F=31.55 and 39.51, P<0.01), and APTT was significantly higher in 8.0 mmol/L than that in 4.0 mmol/L(P<0.001).The test concentration of Mg 2+/Ca2+solution was 4.0 mmol/L.The within, inter-day CV% of NAR was 1.39%,2.30%, and 3.44%, respectively. According to the judging criteria of <0.966 and >1.034 of Mg2+/Ca2+indices, there was 141 patients with increased indices and NLR <1.20, and 9 patients with decreased ones and NLR≥1.20 in all 150 patients.The area under ROC curve of NAR and NLR for LA detection was 0.913(95%CI:0.848-0.978) and 0.892(95%CI:0.817-0.966), respectively, and the cut-off value was 0.87 and 1.13, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of NAR(85% and 77%)was higher than that of NLR(81% and 74%), respectively.The accordant rate of positive,negative,and total results between NAR and NLR was 94.4%, 98.5%,and 98%,respectively.Conclusion The method of APTT assay based on Mg2+combining Ca2+for LA measurements is feasible,and can be used to detect plasma LA of patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of prostaglandin E2 receptor subtypes, E-prostanoid (EP) 1–4 receptors, in acquired cholesteatoma and its possible role in the pathologic process of this disorder. METHODS: Specimens of human acquired cholesteatoma were obtained from 29 patients and 19 skin biopsies of normal external auditory canal were as controls. The mRNA and protein expression of EP receptors was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: In acquired cholesteatoma, EP1–EP4 receptors were mainly expressed on squamous epithelium and subepithelial infiltrated inflammatory cells. In external auditory canal skin, EP1–EP4 receptors were mainly expressed on squamous epithelium and glandular epithelium. The expression of EP4 receptor on mRNA and protein levels were significant lower in acquired cholesteatoma compared with controls. EP1–EP3 receptors had no significant difference between the experimental and control group. CONCLUSION: Low expression of EP4 may play a crucial role in the pathologic process of inflammation reaction and bone destruction in acquired cholesteatoma, but not EP1, EP2, or EP3 receptors.
Biopsy ; Blotting, Western ; Cholesteatoma ; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear* ; Dinoprostone* ; Ear Canal ; Ear, Middle* ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inflammation ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin