Objective:To report the follow-up status of patients participating phase Ⅲ clinical trial (ZGDD3) of Donafenib tosilate (abbreviated as Donafenib) in the treatment of progressive radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC), and to explore its efficacy, safety and prognostic factors.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial, and the clinicopathological data and follow-up results of 29 patients (16 males, 13 females, age 40-68 years) who participated in the clinical trial ZGDD3 between August 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into Donafenib group and placebo group using the central dynamic randomization method with the ratio of 2∶1. Adverse reactions (AE) during the trial were observed. Independent-sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve (log-rank test) and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results:There were 22 patients in Donafenib group and 7 patients in placebo group. There were no significant differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups ( t values: -0.68, Z values: from -1.47 to -0.56, all P>0.05). The follow-up was 32.07(21.07, 49.85) months. During the trial, drug-related AEs occurred in all patients in Donafenib group, mostly was grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, no grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ AEs were found. The median PFS was significantly longer in Donafenib group than that in placebo group (13.23 vs 4.03 months; χ2=9.68, P=0.002), and the median OS was 55.00 and 24.30 months respectively ( χ2=2.07, P=0.150). Metastasis to less common sites was the independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio ( HR)=6.789, 95% CI: 1.272-36.246, P=0.025). Conclusions:Donafenib shows good clinical application in the treatment of RAIR-DTC, demonstrating good safety and efficacy. Metastasis to less common sites is closely related to OS.

BACKGROUND:Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are widely used for bone repair and reconstruction,significantly enhancing osteogenesis and promoting angiogenesis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanisms of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures.METHODS:H uman umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were extracted using tissue block culture method.Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were extracted using ultracentrifugation method for identification.Thirty 12-week-old female SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group(n=6)and ovariectomized group(n=24).Osteoporosis model was established by castration in the ovariectomized group.12 weeks after modeling,6 rats in the ovariectomized group and 6 rats in the sham-operated group were randomly selected for Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin staining to verify the models.After verification,the remaining 18 rats in the ovariectomized group were randomly assigned to three groups to establish osteoporotic fracture models.The fracture end was separately injected with PBS(PBS group),exosomes at 1.5×1011 particles/mL(low-concentration exosome group),and 3×1011 particles/mL(high-concentration exosome group).Four weeks after operation,fracture healing and bone angiogenesis were evaluated by imaging and histological observations.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the gross specimens,compared with the PBS group,the exosome group had faster fracture healing and more callus formation.(2)The X-ray score of fracture healing in the exosome group was significantly higher than that in the PBS group,and the difference was significant(P＜0.05).(3)Micro-CT three-dimensional imaging:Compared with the PBS group,the fracture healing in the exosome group was accelerated and the callus formation was significantly increased;the bone volume fraction in the exosome group was significantly higher than that in the PBS group,and the difference was significant(P＜0.01).(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining showed that bone trabeculae and the new bone tissue in the exosome group were more than those in the PBS group.(5)Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of CD31 and osteocalcin in the exosome group was significantly higher than that in the PBS group.The high-concentration exosome group had a higher density of new blood vessels,more callus formation,and faster fracture healing than the low-concentration exosome group,showing a concentration-dependent manner.The results show that exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can promote the repair of osteoporotic fracture by enhancing the angiogenesis and osteogenesis.The mechanism may be related to the increased expression of CD31 and osteocalcin.

BACKGROUND:Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are widely used for bone repair and reconstruction,significantly enhancing osteogenesis and promoting angiogenesis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanisms of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures.METHODS:H uman umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were extracted using tissue block culture method.Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were extracted using ultracentrifugation method for identification.Thirty 12-week-old female SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group(n=6)and ovariectomized group(n=24).Osteoporosis model was established by castration in the ovariectomized group.12 weeks after modeling,6 rats in the ovariectomized group and 6 rats in the sham-operated group were randomly selected for Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin staining to verify the models.After verification,the remaining 18 rats in the ovariectomized group were randomly assigned to three groups to establish osteoporotic fracture models.The fracture end was separately injected with PBS(PBS group),exosomes at 1.5×1011 particles/mL(low-concentration exosome group),and 3×1011 particles/mL(high-concentration exosome group).Four weeks after operation,fracture healing and bone angiogenesis were evaluated by imaging and histological observations.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the gross specimens,compared with the PBS group,the exosome group had faster fracture healing and more callus formation.(2)The X-ray score of fracture healing in the exosome group was significantly higher than that in the PBS group,and the difference was significant(P＜0.05).(3)Micro-CT three-dimensional imaging:Compared with the PBS group,the fracture healing in the exosome group was accelerated and the callus formation was significantly increased;the bone volume fraction in the exosome group was significantly higher than that in the PBS group,and the difference was significant(P＜0.01).(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining showed that bone trabeculae and the new bone tissue in the exosome group were more than those in the PBS group.(5)Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of CD31 and osteocalcin in the exosome group was significantly higher than that in the PBS group.The high-concentration exosome group had a higher density of new blood vessels,more callus formation,and faster fracture healing than the low-concentration exosome group,showing a concentration-dependent manner.The results show that exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can promote the repair of osteoporotic fracture by enhancing the angiogenesis and osteogenesis.The mechanism may be related to the increased expression of CD31 and osteocalcin.

Objective:To report the follow-up status of patients participating phase Ⅲ clinical trial (ZGDD3) of Donafenib tosilate (abbreviated as Donafenib) in the treatment of progressive radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC), and to explore its efficacy, safety and prognostic factors.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial, and the clinicopathological data and follow-up results of 29 patients (16 males, 13 females, age 40-68 years) who participated in the clinical trial ZGDD3 between August 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into Donafenib group and placebo group using the central dynamic randomization method with the ratio of 2∶1. Adverse reactions (AE) during the trial were observed. Independent-sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve (log-rank test) and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results:There were 22 patients in Donafenib group and 7 patients in placebo group. There were no significant differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups ( t values: -0.68, Z values: from -1.47 to -0.56, all P>0.05). The follow-up was 32.07(21.07, 49.85) months. During the trial, drug-related AEs occurred in all patients in Donafenib group, mostly was grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, no grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ AEs were found. The median PFS was significantly longer in Donafenib group than that in placebo group (13.23 vs 4.03 months; χ2=9.68, P=0.002), and the median OS was 55.00 and 24.30 months respectively ( χ2=2.07, P=0.150). Metastasis to less common sites was the independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio ( HR)=6.789, 95% CI: 1.272-36.246, P=0.025). Conclusions:Donafenib shows good clinical application in the treatment of RAIR-DTC, demonstrating good safety and efficacy. Metastasis to less common sites is closely related to OS.

BACKGROUND:The effect of electroacupuncture on the proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal oligodendrocytes in model mice with Alzheimer's disease remains poorly understood while demyelinating reaction related to oligodendrocytes is a common pathological reaction of Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanism of electroacupuncture stimulation of"Baihui"(GV 20),"Fengfu"(GV 16)and bilateral"Shenshu"(BL 23)in Alzheimer's disease model mice on the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells to neurons and oligodendrocytes. METHODS:Forty 6-week-old SPF APP/PS1 transgenic male Alzheimer's disease model mice were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group(n=20)and Alzheimer's disease model group(n=20).Healthy male C57BL/6J mice of the same age were used as normal controls(n=20).The mice in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Baihui"(GV 20),"Fengfu"(GV 16)and bilateral"Shenshu"(BL 23)for 16 weeks(20 minutes/day and one day off a week).After electroacupuncture,Morris water maze was used to detect the changes of learning and memory function.Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect hippocampal dentate gyrus β-amyloid senile plaques.The expression of BrdU/NeuN and BrdU/GALC in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was detected by immunofluorescence double labeling.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of neuron specific protein Nestin and oligodendrocyte specific protein GALC in the hippocampus.mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Hes1 in the hippocampus were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal control group,the ability of learning and memory in the Alzheimer's disease model group decreased significantly;hippocampal dentate gyrus β-amyloid senile plaques increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of GALC and Nestin in the hippocampus decreased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05).(2)Compared with the Alzheimer's disease model group,the learning and memory ability of the electroacupuncture group was significantly increased;β-amyloid senile plaque in the hippocampal dentate gyrus decreased significantly(P<0.01).BrdU/NeuN double labeled positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and Nestin protein expression in the hippocampus increased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05);GALC expression in hippocampus increased significantly(P<0.01).The mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 in the hippocampus were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The mRNA and protein levels of Hes1 in the hippocampus decreased significantly(P<0.05).(3)These findings indicate that electroacupuncture at"Baihui"(GV 20),"Fengfu"(GV 16)and bilateral"Shenshu"(BL 23)of the Alzheimer's disease model infant mice can promote the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells to neurons and oligodendrocytes,which may be regulated through the Notch1/Hes1 pathway.

Objective:To explore the protective effect of 18α glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA) on acute ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice, providing theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of 18α-GA.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: DSS model group, positive drug control group, high, medium, and low dose groups of 18α-GA, with 8 mice in each group. The 5 groups of mice were continuously fed with 3% DSS solution for 7 days to establish an acute UC animal model. At the same time, each group was intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg physiological saline, 100 mg/kg sulfasalazine, 40 mg/kg 18α-GA, 20 mg/kg 18α-GA, and 10 mg/kg 18α-GA daily. The weight of mice was measured and recorded daily, and the Disease Activity Index (DAI) of mice was evaluated. On the 8th day, the mice were euthanized and their colon length was measured; After slicing, the colon mucosa was observed and pathological scoring was performed; Western blot was used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway related proteins in colon tissue; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the content of interleukin(IL)-1β in colon tissue.Results:Compared with the DSS model group, the weight loss amplitude of the 18α-GA high and medium dose groups was significantly smaller on the 7th day (all P<0.05); Colon length was longer (all P<0.05), the pathological score of colon mucosa was significantly lower (all P<0.05); The expression of GSDMD, cleaved caspase1, and IL-1β in colon tissue was significantly lower (all P<0.05); The 18α-GA high-dose group had lower DAI scores ( P<0.05); The expression of NLRP3 was lower in colon tissue ( P<0.05). Conclusions:18α-GA can improve DSS induced acute ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

To report 7 Chinese children with characteristic hyperpigmented macules on the forehead and temples. Among the 7 cases, there were 2 males and 5 females, with the age at onset ranging from 9 to 24 months (12.43 ± 5.32 months), and the disease duration being 1 - 4 months (2.57 ± 1.27 months). Skin examination revealed that the children presented with varying numbers of irregular brown macules and patches scattered on their foreheads and temples, without obvious desquamation. Dermoscopic examination revealed multiple yellowish-brown patches with irregular borders, and linear vessels were observable in some skin lesions. A diagnosis of acquired facial hyperpigmented macules was made in these children. The children received no treatment. After 2 years of follow-up, hyperpigmented macules completely subsided in 2 cases and regressed to varying degrees in 4 cases, while 1 case exhibited no changes in the skin lesions. Considering the literature and the cases discussed in this article, it is hypothesized that acquired facial hyperpigmented macules in young children may represent an independent condition.

Objective:This paper is to propose a calibration model based on sine function which enables more choices to determine the functional relationship between the absorbance and the concentration of the tested substance.Methods:This paper uses Taylor series expansion and Levenberg-Marquardt to obtain the optimal parameters for the Sine model and then summarizes the characters of the Sine model. On the basis of these characters, this paper compares and evaluates the experimental data processed by the Sine model from four aspects: correctness, precision, linearity and correlation.Results:The generated sine function calibration model achieved deviations within ±3% of the national standard substance, precision ( CV%) less than 2%, and a linear correlation coefficient greater than 0.990 within the measurement range of 32-710 mg/L. The correlation coefficients between the sine model and other well-performing linear calibration models for 104 clinical samples were all greater than 0.990. Conclusions:The performance evaluation of the prealbumin assay kit using the sine function calibration model meets industry standards and shows good correlation with the results of clinical sample measurements. This indicates that the sine function calibration model can serve as a new calibration model for in vitro diagnostic research and clinical applications.

Objective:To assess the value of CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte counts for the diagnostic classification and prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods:A total of 95 COVID-19 adult patients admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University from January to March 2020 were recruited. The CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte counts among ordinary, severe and critical patients, as well among the cured, improved, unimproved and death patients were compared. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the value of CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte counts for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. The comparison among groups was performed by Mann-Whitney U test. Results:A total of 95 COVID-19 cases including 68 common, 11 severe and 16 critical cases were enrolled. The counts of CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte of patients in common, severe and critical groups were 419 (309, 612), 267 (212, 540), 141 (77, 201)/μL, and 238 (153, 375), 128 (96, 172), 92 (51, 144)/μL, respectively, with significant differences ( Z=24.322 and 15.956, respectively, both P<0.01). The counts of CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte of the death, unimproved, improved, and cured patients were 149 (143, 349), 315 (116, 414), 344 (294, 426), 745 (611, 966)/μL, and 106 (43, 501), 176(67, 279), 194(188, 432), 429(276, 564)/μL, respectively, with significant differences ( Z=36.083 and 16.658, respectively, both P<0.01). The optimal cut-off point of CD4 + T-lymphocyte counts was 237/μL for critical COVID-19 with AUROC 0.911 (95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.833-0.989, P<0.01), with the sensitivity of 86.1% and specificity of 87.5%. For predicting severe and critical cases, the optimal cut-off point of CD4 + T-lymphocyte counts was 405/μL with AUROC 0.863 (95% CI 0.727-0.999, P=0.001), with the sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 74.6%. Conclusions:The conditions of patients with COVID-19 are aggravated with CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte counts decreasing. CD4 + T-lymphocyte counts may be an indicator for diagnostic classification of COVID-19 and prognostic indicator for severe and critical patients.

Objective:To analyze the association between thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) metastases detected by post-radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy scan, when stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) <1 μg/L.Methods:A total of 314 (68 males, 246 females, age (44.5±12.5) years) post-thyroidectomy DTC patients whose sTg <1 μg/L between March 2013 and May 2017 in Henan Cancer Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Patients underwent 131I whole-body planar imaging ( 131I-WBS) and SPECT/CT imaging 5 d after 131I administration. Iodine avid metastases were compared between TgAb-positive group and TgAb-negative (TgAb<4 kU/L) group. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess odds ratio ( OR) for iodine avid metastases in each subgroup (Q1: 4 kU/L≤TgAb≤9.27 kU/L; Q2: 9.27 kU/L101.43 kU/L) of TgAb-positive patients, with the TgAb-negative patients as the reference. χ2 test was used to analyze the data. Results:Iodine avid metastases were found in 16.9% (53/314) of DTC patients and were more frequently in TgAb-positive group with TgAb>26.75 kU/L than TgAb-negative group (26.0%(19/73) vs 13.7%(23/168); χ2=5.382, P=0.02). Most metastases (92.5%, 49/53) occurred in cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. The OR for iodine avid metastases was obviously high in TgAb-positive patients with 26.75 kU/L