OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and its mechanism of Bazheng powder on chronic urinary tract infection （CUTI） induced by Escherichia coli in rats. METHODS The rats were divided into normal control group， model group， levofloxacin group （45 mg/kg） and Bazheng powder group （4.95 g/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal control group， other groups were administered an intravesical injection of Escherichia coli suspension （1×10⁸ cfu/mL） via the urethra to establish CUTI model； at the same time， rats in each group were administered the corresponding medicinal solution or water by gavage once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication， blood routine tests （white blood cell count and lymphocyte percentage）， the levels of serum inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， IL-8， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）]， and immune indicators [CD4， CD8， secretory immunoglobulin A （SIgA）]， renal function indicators [cystatin C （Cys-C）， α1- microglobulin （α1-MG）， urea and creatinine] were all determined； the pathological changes in renal and bladder tissues in rats were observed. The protein expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 （NLRP3） in rat bladder tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group， the levels of IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， TNF-α， CD8， Cys-C， α1-MG， urea and creatinine in serum， as well as the protein expressions of TLR4， NF-κB and NLRP3 in bladder tissues， were significantly elevated in the model group （P＜0.05）. Conversely， the levels of CD4 and SIgA were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Pathological changes， such as extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells， were observed in both renal and bladder tissues. Compared with the model group， the above quantitative indicators in the Bazheng powder group were significantly improved （P＜0.05）， with no obvious inflammatory lesions observed in either renal or bladder tissues. CONCLUSIONS Bazheng powder can alleviate inflammatory reaction and improve the immune function of CUTI rats， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB/ NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective : To investigate the effect of lentivirus mediated silencing of NIPBL gene on osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSCs) . Methods : The third generation C57 Mouse Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were divided into experimental group , negative control group and blank control group. The lentiviral vector was transfected into mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells , the transfection results were observed by inverted fluorescence microscope , and the expression of NIPBL gene was detected by real- time PCR. The cells of each group were cultured by osteogenic induction. The alkaline phosphatase activity was 2 and RUNX⁃2. Results : The expression of NIPBL mRNA decreased in the experimental group (P < 0. 05) . The activity of alkaline phosphatase in experimental group was lower than that in negative control group and blank control group (P < 0. 05) . The gene transcription and protein expression levels of OCN, BMP⁃2 and Runx⁃2 in experimental group were lower than those in negative control group and blank control group ( P < 0. 05 ) . Alizarin red staining results showed that the negative control group and blank control group had more red calcium nodules than the experimental group. Conclusion Lentivirus mediated silencing of NIPBL gene reduces the proliferation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells , inhibits the expression of osteogenic differentiation related genes , and reduces the osteogenic differentiation ability.

Objective:To understand the mastery of disaster nursing knowledge of clinical nurses in tertiary general hospitals, so as to provide reference basis for formulating disaster nursing training program.Methods:A total of 374 clinical nurses in tertiary general hospitals in Xi ′an, Shaanxi Province from September to October 2020 were investigated by Nursers Disaster Nursing Emergency Knowledge Scale. Results:The score of the included 374 clinical nurses on disaster nursing emergency knowledge was 2.74±0.98 points. The "accident command system" score was 2.55±1.04 points and the "special care and isolation decontamination" score was 2.93±1.00 points which was the lowest and highest respectively. The followings were important factors which influence the score of emergency knowledge: age, education background, working years, professional title, department, post, hearing of disaster nursing or not, participating in disaster rescue training or not, and participating in disaster rescue or not ( F values were 22.093-2 103.285, P<0.001). Conclusions:The disaster nursing knowledge of clinical nurses in tertiary general hospitals is at a relatively low level. It is necessary to strengthen the training of junior nurses and encourage clinical nurses to actively participate in disaster nursing relevant work to enhance disaster nursing capabilities.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with different types of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:A total of 272 eligible COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People′s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University from January 22 to February 15, 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. General characteristics, the first laboratory examination and imaging data of these patients were collected. According to the clinical classification, there were 236 cases in non-severe group (mild+ common type) and 36 cases in severe group (severe+ critical type). Comparisons between groups were performed by t test, chi-square test or rank-sum test when appropriate. Results:There were 23 males and 13 females in the severe group, 103 males and 133 females in the non-severe group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.149, P=0.023). The age of severe group was (60.5±11.2) years, which was higher than that of non-severe group (46.8±15.7) years. The difference was statistically significant ( t=6.43, P<0.01). The lymphocyte (LYM) count, platelet (PLT) count and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2) in the severe group were 0.90(0.55, 1.10)×10 9/L, 170.00(143.50, 198.00)×10 9/L and 73.50(69.70, 83.00) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively, which were all lower than those in the non-severe group (1.42(1.09, 1.95)×10 9/L, 187.00(148.00, 230.00)×10 9/L and 96.00(83.20, 108.00) mmHg, respectively). The differences were all statistically significant ( Z=5.59, 2.00 and 5.00, respectively, all P<0.05). The levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C reaction protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in the severe group were 123.00(79.00, 212.00) U/L, 32.10(27.00, 47.40) U/L, 305.50(216.00, 396.00) U/L, 37.02(23.92, 63.66) mg/L and 0.09(0.05, 0.19) μg/L, respectively, which were all higher than those in the non-severe group (68.00(48.00, 103.00) U/L, 20.10(16.70, 26.20) U/L, 179.00(150.00, 222.00) U/L, 26.55(18.11, 36.96) mg/L and 0.04(0.03, 0.06) μg/L respectively), and the differences were all statistically significant ( Z=3.89, 5.60, 5.12, 2.85 and 5.43, respectively, all P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in white blood cell count, creatine kinase isoenzyme and blood lactate between the two groups ( Z=1.53, 0.41 and 1.00, respectively, all P>0.05). Conclusion:Gender, age, LYM count, PLT count, PaO 2, CK, AST, LDH, CRP and PCT could be used to provide reference for clinical classification of COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and genetic diagnosis of two cases with rare diseases and X chromosome abnormalities. METHODS: Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and karyotype analysis were carried out on an 8-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Karyotype analysis and PCR assay for SRY and AZF genes were carried out for a-2-month-old male infant with short penis. RESULTS: The girl, who featured short stature and cubitus valgus, was diagnosed as Turner syndrome with a karyotype of 46,X,i(Xq). The male infant was detected with a karyotype of 45,X, with presence of SRY gene but absence of AZF gene. CONCLUSION Both cases may be associated with abnormalities of X chromosome. Genetic testing can facilitate early diagnosis and clinical intervention for such patients.
Chromosomes, Human, X ; Humans ; Infant ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne ; genetics ; Rare Diseases ; Turner Syndrome ; genetics

Objective To explore the expressions of growth factor receptor binding protein 2 -associated bin-ding protein -1 (Gab -1 )and glioma -associated oncogene homologue -1 (Gli -1 )in pediatric medulloblastoma,and to analyze their correlation between clinical and pathological characteristics and prognosis in pediatric medulloblastoma. Methods Elivision immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of Gab -1 and Gli -1 protein in tissue microarray of 40 paraffin embedded pediatric medulloblastoma specimens.Chi -square test or Fisher exact test was used to analyze the correlation between Gab -1 and Gli -1 protein expressions with gender,age,tumor location and pathological subtypes.Follow -up data were handled by using Kaplan -Meier survival analysis and Cox regression anal-ysis.Results Positive expression ratios of Gab -1 and Gli -1 protein in 40 pediatric medulloblastoma were 35.0%and 55.0%,respectively.The positive expression rate of Gab -1 in medulloblastoma tissues had no statistical signifi-cance between different genders[male:30.4%(7 /23 cases)vs.female:41 .2%(7 /17 cases)],age[<3 years old:40.0%(6 /15 cases)vs.≥3 years old:32.0%(8 /25 cases)],tumor location[cerebellum:25.0%(5 /20 cases)vs. the fourth ventricle:45.0%(9 /20 cases)]and pathological subtype[classical type:40.7%(11 /27 cases)vs.desmo-plastic /nodular type:50.0%(5 /10 cases)vs.anaplastic /large cell type:66.7%(2 /3 cases)](χ2 =0.496,0.264, 1 .758,3.289,all P >0.05).There were statistical differences of positive expression rate of Gli -1 protein in different age groups[<3 years old:80.0%(12 /15 cases)vs.≥3 years old 40.0%(10 /25 cases)],different pathological sub-types[classical type:40.7%(11 /27 cases)vs.desmoplastic /nodular type:90.0%(9 /10 cases)vs.anaplastic /large cell type:66.7%(2 /3 cases)](χ2 =6.061 ,7.333,all P <0.05 ).There was no statistical difference in positive expression rate of Gli -1 protein between different gender[male:60.9%(14 /23 cases)vs.female:47.1 %(8 /17 cases)]and different tumor location [cerebellum:55.0% (11 /20 cases)vs.the fourth ventricle:55.0% (11 /20 cases)](χ2 =0.753,0.000,all P >0.05).Kaplan -Meier survival analysis showed that the age,the expressions of Gab -1 and Gli -1 protein were correlated with prognosis of pediatric medulloblastoma(all P <0.05).Cox regression indicated that the age,pathological subtypes and the expression of Gli -1 protein were independent prognostic indicators in pediatric medulloblastoma(all P <0.05).Conclusion Expression of Gab -1 and Gli -1 protein is significantly correlated with the prognosis of medulloblastoma,and the positive expression is a marker of unfavorable prognosis.

Objective To investigate the protective effect and its potential molecular mechanism of Nec-1 on cytotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A.Methods MRTEpiC, glomerular endothelial cell MGEC and mesangial cell line MMC were co-administered with Nec-1 and cyclosporin A in mouse renal tubular epithelial cell line, and then MTT assay and soft agar clone formation assay were used to detect Cell growth curve changes, clonal formation ability.Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.The expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK2, Cyclin E and apoptosis-related Caspase 3 were detected by Western blot.Results After cyclosporine A action, the cell growth ability was significantly decreased and the clone formation ability was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK2 and Cyclin E were significantly increased(P<0.05), but the ratio of apoptosis and the expression of Caspase 3 did not change.Nec-1 has obvious protective effect on cytotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A, which can increase the cell growth ability and clone formation ability, and reduce the cell cycle-related proteins Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK2, Cyclin E.Conclusion Nec-1 has cytotoxic effect on the glomeruli and renal tubular cells by up-regulating the cell cycle-related proteins Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK2 and Cyclin E, while Nec-1 has protective effect.

Objective To observe the prevalence of cancer-associated anemia and its effect on elderly patients with advanced cancer.Methods Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia Version 4 (FACT-An) was used to investigate the quality of life (QOL) of 86 elderly patients with advanced cancer.The patients were divided into anemia group and non-anemia group.The influence factors for QOL of the elderly patients with advanced cancer were examined,and a multivariate regression was used.Results The prevalence of cancer-associated anemia in elderly patients with advanced cancer was 61.63 ％ (53/86).The scores in physical well-being (16.03±4.14 vs 12.47±4.68,P =0.001),emotional well-being (11.30±3.98 vs 9.45±4.04,P =0.041),functional well-being (13.61±3.74 vs 10.30±4.02,P ＜ 0.001),additional concerns (57.39±7.28 vs 40.06±10.45,P ＜ 0.001) and FACT-An (111.70±13.19 vs 84.34±18.95,P ＜ 0.001) of the non-anemia group were all significantly higher than those of the anemia group.The multivariate regression analysis results indicated that hemoglobin (P ＜ 0.001),comorbidities (P =0.002),performance status (P =0.018),age (P =0.030) were the influence factors for QOL of elderly patients with advanced cancer.Conclusion The morbidity of anemia in elderly patients is increased and it affects the QOL of senior patients with advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVETo analyze potential mutation in keration 9 (KRT9) gene in a large Chinese family with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) and to perform prenatal diagnosis on the fetus at 10th gestational week.

METHODSPeripheral venous blood samples were obtained from 5 affected and 8 unaffected individuals of the family. Fifty unrelated healthy individuals were also recruited as controls. PCR was used to amplify exons 1 and 6 of KRT9 gene, and the products were sequenced directly. After the mutation was confirmed, prenatal diagnosis was performed on the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTSA heterozygous missense mutation c.482A to G in the KRT9 gene, which has led to substitution of Asparaginate by Serine at codon 161 (p.N161S), was detected in all patients but not in other individuals of the family and the 50 healthy controls. The fetus was found to have carried the p.N161S mutation too. Following selected abortion, analysis of fetal tissue was consistent with prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONThe missense mutation c.482A to G (p.N161S), which has been shown previously to cause EPPK, is found in the KRT9 gene of patients in this family. Gene mutation analysis for prenatal diagnosis is efficient to facilitate detection of affected fetus in time.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; Humans ; Keratin-9 ; genetics ; Keratoderma, Palmoplantar, Epidermolytic ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods

Objective To analyze the mutations of IDS gene in a mucopolysaccharidosis type Ⅱ (MPS Ⅱ) family and to make prenatal diagnosis on the high-risk fetus which has been pregnant for eleven weeks.Methods IDS gene was analyzed by bidirectional DNA sequencing in 2 patients and their mother,and 5 unaffected individuals.Prenatal diagnosis for the high-risk fetus was performed by chorionic villus sampling after the genotypes was identified.Results The mutation c.344delA (N115fsX15) was detected in the two patients,and the mother of patients carried the heterozygous c.344delA (N115fsX15) mutation.None of the mutant was detected in the 5 unaffected subjects.The fetus carried c.344delA (N115fsX15) heterozygous mutation and was a carrier.Conclusion The deletion mutation c.344delA (N115fsX15) is causative to the pedigree of MPS Ⅱ,and prenatal diagnosis is the efficient method to avoid defect birth.