1.Effects of combined use of active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of BV2 cells.
Tian-Qing XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Jian-Lin HUA ; Qin SU ; Cun-Yan DAN ; Meng-Wei RONG ; Shi-Ning GE ; Hong GUO ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Jie-Zhong YU ; Cun-Gen MA ; Li-Juan SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3835-3846
This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Glucose/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Inflammation/genetics*
;
Oxygen/metabolism*
;
Pyrazines/pharmacology*
;
Microglia/metabolism*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
;
NF-kappa B/immunology*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
;
Humans
2.Coral calcium hydride promotes peripheral mitochondrial division and reduces AT-II cells damage in ARDS via activation of the Trx2/Myo19/Drp1 pathway.
Qian LI ; Yang ANG ; Qing-Qing ZHOU ; Min SHI ; Wei CHEN ; Yujie WANG ; Pan YU ; Bing WAN ; Wanyou YU ; Liping JIANG ; Yadan SHI ; Zhao LIN ; Shaozheng SONG ; Manlin DUAN ; Yun LONG ; Qi WANG ; Wentao LIU ; Hongguang BAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101039-101039
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory emergency, but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures. Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS, but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns. Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance, thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models. Coral calcium hydrogenation (CCH) is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium (CC). Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS remains unstudied. In this study, we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice. The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group. CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice. CCH promoted mitochondrial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS, and reduced oxidative stress damage. The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation.
3.Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI imaging and clinical pathological features of invasive breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion
Shi-Qi GUO ; Yu-Jiao XIE ; Qing-Yang LI ; Si-Yi CHEN ; Jia-Hong SUN ; Zhao-Feng GAO ; Jun-Qing LIANG ; Yu-Hui CHEN ; Bao-Shi BAO ; Li ZHU ; Jian-Dong WANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):847-854
Objective To explore the relationship between dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)and clinical pathological features of invasive breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion(LVI).Methods Imaging and clinical pathological data were retrospectively collected from 508 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast DCE-MRI at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to August 2021.Patients were divided into the LVI-positive(LVI+)group(n=79)and LVI-negative(LVI-)group(n=429)based on postoperative pathological results.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for LVI.Results Compared with LVI-group,LVI+group had a higher proportion of patients aged<45 years(44.3%vs.27.0%,P=0.002),non-mass-like enhancement(NME)(31.7%vs.17.7%,P=0.004),Ki-67 expression rate(40.0%vs.30.0%,P<0.001),high Ki-67 expression(94.9%vs.78.1%,P=0.001),Luminal B subtype(76.0%vs.60.1%,P=0.008),and positive axillary lymph nodes rate(72.2%vs.31.5%,P<0.001),while the proportion of Luminal A subtype was lower(2.5%vs.21.5%,P<0.001).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age≥45 years(OR=0.468,95%CI 0.280-0.783,P=0.004)was an independent protective factor for LVI,while NME(OR=1.987,95%CI 1.126-3.444,P=0.016)was an independent risk factor.Compared with Luminal A subtype,patients with Luminal B subtype(OR=10.482,95%CI 3.164-64.923,P=0.001),HER-2 overexpression subtype(OR=11.571,95%CI 2.755-79.341,P=0.003)and triple-negative subtypes(OR=8.433,95%CI 1.985-57.908,P=0.009)had a higher risk of LVI.Conclusions Age≥45 years is an independent protective factor for LVI,while NME is an independent risk factor.Among molecular subtypes,patients with Luminal B,HER-2 overexpression and triple-negative subtypes have a higher risk of LVI compared with the Luminal A subtype.
4.COCKROACH SURVEILLANCE IN LANZHOU FROM 2016 TO 2023
Ying ZHANG ; Jing ZUO ; Qing-Ming SHI ; Zi-Peng LI ; Wen-Juan BA ; Zhi-Qing LI ; Ai-Miao LIAO ; Jing-Jing YU ; Guo-Jing BAO ; Xing LI ; Jun GAN ; Xiao-Lei YE
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(2):119-122
Objective To investigate the population composition,seasonal dynamics,and infestation levels of cockroaches in Lanzhou,China,and to provide information for the scientific development of cockroach control strategies.Methods Monitoring was conducted at three locations using the sticky trap method.Habitats included farm product markets,catering establishments,hotels,hospitals,and residential areas.Results From 2016 to 2023,the average cockroach density was 0.77 insects per board,with an average infestation rate of 10.84%.Blattella germanica was the dominant species.Seasonal density of cockroaches showed an approximately unimodal distribution,peaking in September.The highest average density and infestation rates were observed in farm product markets.Conclusions Cockroach density and infestation levels in Lanzhou remained relatively low.A comprehensive prevention and control strategy focusing on environmental management in key areas should be implemented according to the seasonal fluctuations.
5.Clinical pathology and prognostic differences of primary CD5+diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Jialing XIE ; Qing SHI ; Qiyuan BAO ; Lei DONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2024;40(1):29-34
Purpose To explore the clinicopathological features and molecular characteristics of primary CD5+diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods Immunohisto-chemistry and next-generation sequencing(NGS)were used to compare the pathological features,immunophenotypes,and mo-lecular characteristics between primary CD5+DLBCL and CD5-DLBCL,and to analyze their relationship with prognosis and clinical characteristics of patients.Results Among 311 DLBCL patients,there were 46 cases(14.7%)of CD5+DLBCL.There were no statistically significant differences in patient gen-der,clinical staging,international prognostic index between CD5+DLBCL and CD5-DLBCL,and between CD5+DLBCL with and without MYD88 L265P mutation(P>0.05).Immuno-phenotypically,the overexpression of BCL2(69.5%vs 49.4%,P=0.003)and the co-expression of BCL2 and C-MYC(26%vs 14%,P=0.04)were higher in the CD5+DLBCL group than those in the CD5-DLBCL group;the expression of C-MYC(53%vs 20%),BCL6(93.3%vs 61.3%),Ki67(93.3%vs 64.5%),and co-expression(46.7%vs 20.8%)were higher in the CD5+with MYD88 L265P mutation group than those in the CD5+without MYD88 L265P mutation group(P<0.05).Survival analysis showed that the disease progres-sion-free survival time of patients in the CD5+DLBCL group tended to be shorter than that of patients in the CD5-DLBCL group(P=0.09).Furthermore,the disease progression-free survival time of patients in the CD5+without MYD88 L265P mutation group was significantly longer than that of patients in the CD5+with MYD88 L265P mutation group(P=0.04).NGS detection found differences in the distribution of accompan-ying mutated genes between CD5+DLBCL and CD5-DLBCL groups.ConclusionCD5 expression and CD5+with MYD88 L265P mutation may be potential indicators of poor prognosis in DLBCL patients.
6.Risk factors for comprehensive complication index after radical resection of colon cancer and establishment of its dynamic nomogram prediction model
Yi-Fan SHI ; Xiao-Ming SHEN ; Zeng-Hui YANG ; Li XIA ; Bing-Hua XU ; Chuan-Qing BAO
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(4):416-425
Objective To investigate the independent risk factors of comprehensive complication index(CCI)≥26.2 after radical resection of colon cancer,and use these factors to establish and verify a dynamic web-based nomogram model.Methods The clinical data of colon cancer patients who underwent radical resection in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from November 2020 to April 2022 were retrospectively collected,and divided into main cohort(November 2020 to October 2021,n=438)and validation cohort(November 2021 to April 2022,n=196).CCI scores of all patients were obtained based on CCI calculator(http://www.assessurgery.com).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors for CCI≥26.2,and a nomogram model was constructed.Receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC),C index and calibration curve were used to evaluate the differentiation and consistency of predictive nomogram model,and the decision curve analysis was conducted to assess the clinical benefits of the model.Internal validation of the model is performed in the validation cohort.Results A total of 438 patients were identified in present study,of which 63 cases(14.4%)had CCI≥26.2.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age≥60 years(OR=2.662,95%CI 1.341-5.285,P=0.005),low third lumbar spine skeletal muscle mass index(L3MI;OR=4.572,95%CI 2.435-8.583,P<0.001),NRS2002≥3(OR=4.281,95%CI 2.304-7.952,P<0.001),and preoperative bowel obstruction(OR=3.785,95%CI 1.971-7.268,P<0.001)were significant independent risk factors for postoperative CCI≥26.2.Based on these results,a static and web-based dynamic nomogram was established(https://jndxfsyywcwksyf.shinyapps.io/DynNomCCI/).The C-index and area under the curve(AUC)of the nomogram were 0.742 and 0.787,respectively.The calibration curve indicated a good consistency between the predicted probability and the actual probability.In the validation cohort,the nomogram also presented good discrimination(C-index=0.722,AUC=0.795)and predictive consistency.The decision curve analysis indicated the clinical benefit and application value of the nomogram prediction model.Conclusion This easy-to-use dynamic nomogram based on 4 independent risk factors can conveniently and reliably predict the probability of CCI≥26.2 after radical resection of colon cancer,which helps optimize the preoperative evaluation system,formulate precise individualized treatment strategies,and enhance recovery after surgery.
7.Comparison of the predictive value of Padua and the IMPEDE assessment scores for venous thromboembolism in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A single institution experience.
Li Juan FANG ; Xiao Dong YAO ; Min Qiu LU ; Bin CHU ; Lei SHI ; Shao GAO ; Qiu Qing XIANG ; Yu Tong WANG ; Xi LIU ; Yue Hua DING ; Yuan CHEN ; Mengzhen WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Weikai HU ; Kai SUN ; Li BAO
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2023;44(5):395-400
Objective: To compare the predictive efficacy of the two thrombosis risk assessment scores (Padua and IMPEDE scores) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 6 months in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in China. Methods: This study reviewed the clinical data of 421 patients with NDMM hospitalized in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from April 2014 to February 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index of the two scores were calculated to quantify the thrombus risk assessment of VTE by the Padua and IMPEDE scores. The receiver operating characteristics curves of the two evaluation scores were drawn. Results: The incidence of VTE was 14.73%. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index of the Padua score were 100%, 0%, 14.7%, and 0% and that of the IMPEDE score was 79%, 44%, 49.2%, and 23%, respectively. The areas under the curve of Padua and IMPEDE risk assessment scores were 0.591 and 0.722, respectively. Conclusion: IMPEDE score is suitable for predicting VTE within 6 months in patients with NDMM.
Humans
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Venous Thromboembolism/etiology*
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Multiple Myeloma/diagnosis*
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Risk Assessment
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Risk Factors
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ROC Curve
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Retrospective Studies
8.Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population.
Meng Fan LIU ; Rui Xia MA ; Xian Bao CAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Shui Hong ZHOU ; Wei Hong JIANG ; Yan JIANG ; Jing Wu SUN ; Qin Tai YANG ; Xue Zhong LI ; Ya Nan SUN ; Li SHI ; Min WANG ; Xi Cheng SONG ; Fu Quan CHEN ; Xiao Shu ZHANG ; Hong Quan WEI ; Shao Qing YU ; Dong Dong ZHU ; Luo BA ; Zhi Wei CAO ; Xu Ping XIAO ; Xin WEI ; Zhi Hong LIN ; Feng Hong CHEN ; Chun Guang SHAN ; Guang Ke WANG ; Jing YE ; Shen Hong QU ; Chang Qing ZHAO ; Zhen Lin WANG ; Hua Bin LI ; Feng LIU ; Xiao Bo CUI ; Sheng Nan YE ; Zheng LIU ; Yu XU ; Xiao CAI ; Wei HANG ; Ru Xin ZHANG ; Yu Lin ZHAO ; Guo Dong YU ; Guang Gang SHI ; Mei Ping LU ; Yang SHEN ; Yu Tong ZHAO ; Jia Hong PEI ; Shao Bing XIE ; Long Gang YU ; Ye Hai LIU ; Shao wei GU ; Yu Cheng YANG ; Lei CHENG ; Jian Feng LIU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2023;58(6):579-588
Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female
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Humans
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Adolescent
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SARS-CoV-2
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Smell
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COVID-19/complications*
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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COVID-19 Vaccines
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Incidence
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Olfaction Disorders/etiology*
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Taste Disorders/etiology*
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Prognosis
9.Clinical features, gene mutation profile and prognosis analysis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma complicated with follicular lymphoma
Weiying BAO ; Pengpeng XU ; Qing SHI ; Muchen ZHANG ; Rong SHEN ; Yang HE ; Huiling QIU ; Hongmei YI ; Lei DONG ; Li WANG ; Shu CHENG ; Ying QIAN ; Weili ZHAO
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2023;32(2):92-96
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, gene mutation profile and prognostic influencing factors of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) complicated with follicular lymphoma (FL) (DLBCL/FL).Methods:The clinicopathological data of 50 DLBCL/FL patients admitted to Rui Jin Hospital Affiliated of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from February 2018 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Targeted sequencing was performed to assess the mutation profile of 55 lymphoma-related genes. The clinicopathological characteristics were summarized to evaluate the short-term therapeutic efficacy of all patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients. Cox regression risk models were used to assess the factors affecting the OS and PFS.Results:Among 50 DLBCL/FL patients, 23 cases (46%) were male, 22 cases (44%) had an international prognosis index (IPI) score ≥ 2 points, 16 cases (32%) were double-expression lymphoma (DEL) and 4 cases (8%) were double-hit lymphoma (DHL). The complete response (CR) and overall response rates were 68% (34/50) and 78% (39/50), respectively after the first-line therapy. The median follow-up time was 23.3 months (5.1-50.9 months). The 2-year OS rate was 82.1% and 2-year PFS rate was 67.1%; and the median OS and PFS were not reached. Targeted sequencing results showed that the mutation frequencies of KMT2D, MYD88, TP53, BTG2, DTX1, EZH2, CD70, CREBBP, DUSP2, HIST1H1C, HIST1H1E and PRDM1 genes in this cohort were more than 15%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that male ( HR = 4.264, 95% CI 1.144-15.896, P = 0.031) and IPI score ≥ 2 points ( HR = 6.800, 95% CI 1.771-37.741, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors of PFS in newly diagnosed DLBCL/FL patients, and TP53 mutation ( HR = 4.992, 95% CI 1.027-24.258, P = 0.046) was an risk influencing factor of OS. Conclusions:The proportion of male and female DLBCL/FL patients is similar, with a small proportion of DHL. Mutations of KMT2D, MYD88 and TP53 genes are commonly found in DLBCL/FL patients. Generally, DLBCL/FL patients can have a high overall response and good prognosis. Male and IPI score ≥ 2 points are the independent risk factors of PFS, and TP53 mutation is an independent risk factor of OS in DLBCL/FL patients.
10.Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Hao-Ran ZHANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Pei-Hong MA ; Cheng-Yi SUN ; Chong-Yang SUN ; Xiao-Yu LIU ; Zhen-Qing PU ; Yu-Han LIN ; Bao-Yan LIU ; Cun-Zhi LIU ; Shi-Yan YAN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2023;29(11):1021-1032
BACKGROUND:
Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate.
OBJECTIVE:
To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS:
Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture's effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's tests.
RESULTS:
A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence.
CONCLUSION
Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430).
Pregnancy
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Female
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Humans
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Live Birth
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Fertilization in Vitro/methods*
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Pregnancy Outcome
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Abortion, Spontaneous
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Acupuncture Therapy

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