Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.

Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.

Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between the mutational status of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) gene with the prognosis of patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). METHODS: Immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGH) clonotypic sequence analysis was carried out to assess the mutational status of IGHV in the blood and/or bone marrow samples from 44 WM patients. The usage characteristics of IGHV-IGHD-IGHJ gene was explored. RESULTS: The most common IGHV subgroup was IGHV3, which was similar to the data from the Institute of Hematology of Chinese Academy of Medical Science. IGHV3-23 (20.45% vs. 15.44%) and IGHV3-74 (11.36% vs. 7.35%) were the main fragments used, which was followed by IGHV4 gene family (15.91% vs. 24.26%). However, no significant correlation was found between the IGHV4 usage and the prognosis of the patients. Should 98% be taken as the cut-off value for the IGHV mutation status, only 5 patients had no IGHV variant, and there was no correlation with the prognosis. Based on the X-tile analysis, 92.6% was re-selected as the cut-off value for the IGHV variant status in such patients. LDH was increased in 26 patients (59.1%) without IGHV variant (P < 0.05), whilst progression-free survival (P < 0.05) and overall survival (P < 0.05) were significantly shorter compared with those with IGHV variants. CONCLUSION The usage characteristics of IGHV-IGHD-IGHJ in our patients was similar to reported by the Institute of Hematology of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, albeit that no correlation was found between the IGHV4 usage and the prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, 98% may not be appropriate for distinguishing the IGHV variant status in WM patients.
Humans ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics* ; Multigene Family ; Mutation ; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia/genetics*

Background::NOTCH1 mutation is an essential molecular biologic aberration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL patients with NOTCH1 mutation have shown an unfavorable survival and a poor response to chemoimmunotherapy. This study aims to present the mechanisms of adverse prognosis caused by NOTCH1 mutation from the perspective of the splicing factor heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1). Methods::The microarray data in Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were analyzed by bioinformatics and the function of hnRNPA1 was checked by testing the proliferation and apoptosis of CLL-like cell lines. Afterward, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were applied to explore the relationship among NOTCH1, c-Myc, and hnRNPA1.Results::RNA splicing was found to play a vital part in NOTCH1-mutated CLL cells; hence, hnRNPA1 was selected as the focus of this study. Higher expression of hnRNPA1 validated in primary NOTCH1-mutated CLL samples could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in CLL. The expression of hnRNPA1 increased when NOTCH1 signaling was activated by transfection with NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD)-overexpressed adenovirus vector and declined after NOTCH1 signaling was inhibited by NOTCH1-shRNA. Higher expression of c-Myc was observed in NICD-overexpressed cells and hnRNPA1 expression was downregulated after applying c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4. Moreover, in NICD-overexpressed cells, hnRNPA1 expression decreased through c-Myc inhibition. Conclusion::Overexpression of c-Myc-dependent hnRNPA1 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in NOTCH1- mutated CLL cells, which might partly account for the poor prognosis of patients with NOTCH1 mutation.

A kind of adjustable external fixation device for lower extremity is designed. The circuit is mainly composed of TEC1-00703 semiconductor refrigeration chip, HZC-30A pressure sensor, STC89C52RC single chip microcomputer and other electrical components. It can realize the timing intelligent temperature control and meet the local fixed-point refrigeration. The design of adjustable structure and the application of intelligent air cushion can satisfy the full fixation of lower limbs of different individuals. Its operation does not need much medical knowledge. It can solve the problem of emergency transportation and follow-up treatment of lower limb injury in ice and snow sports. It has a good application prospect and universality.
External Fixators ; Fracture Fixation ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Refrigeration ; Semiconductors

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of bare mental stent (BMS) and covered stent (CS) in the treatment of complete central venous occlusive disease (CVOD) in hemodialysis patients.Methods A total of 66 cases of CVOD who have been treated by endovascular methods successfully in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from Jan 2015 to Jan 2017 were enrolled in this study.According to the type of stent,the patients were divided into two groups,BMS group (n=46)and CS group (n=20).The demographic data,clinical signs and symptoms,and pre-procedure and post-procedure imaging data were followed up and recorded.The primary patency rates were calculated at 1,3,6,9,and 12 months.Results The related symptoms were improved within 2 day post-procedure.The primary patency rates of BMS group in 1,3,6,9 and 12 months were 97.83％,95.65％,69.56％,41.3％,and 34.78％ respectively.The rates of CS group were 100％,100％,95％,65％,and 60％respectively.They did not reached statistical significance for primary patency rates between two groups in 1,3,and 6 months (P ＞ 0.05 respectively).However,from 9 months after procedure,it began to show the significant difference between two groups (P ＜ 0.05).The median patency time of the CS group was (10.30±5.32) months,while BMS group was (8.52±0.49) months.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.046).Conclusions Stent implantation for complete occlusion of central venous in hemodialysis patients can get credible effect.The use of CS for CVOD provides superior patency as well as patency time in long period after procedure as compared with BMS.

Objective To explore the clinical value of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapse.Methods From Jan 2013 to Jan 2017,26 patients with complete rectal prolapse were divided into control group (15 patients) undergoing laparoscopic rectal fixation,and 11 patients in study group were treated with rectal ventral fixation.Results There was no significant difference in operation time,bleeding volume and exhaust time between the two groups (t =1.839,0.138,0.932,all P ＞ 0.05).In the study group,2 cases had temporarily postoperative fever.Following up for 12 to 36 months,1 case recurred in the control group and 1 case in the study group.The length of rectal prolapse was about 2 cm.Of the 7 patients with constipation in the control group,symptoms disappeared in 2 cases,symptoms improved in another 2 cases,and 5 cases had new constipation.Of the 4 patients with anal incontinence,2 cases had recovered and 1 case had symptoms improved.Among the 6 patients with constipation in the study group,symptoms disappeared in 3 cases,symptoms improved in 2 cases.Of the 3 patients with pelvic prolapse,2 cases recovered and 1 case improved.The pelvic prolapse and constipation in the study group was less severe than that in the control group (x2 =4.909,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Laparoscopic rectal ventral fixation for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse is less traumatic,safor and more effective.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and value of multi-detector computed tomography venography (MDCTV) and three dimensional reconstruction image in the assessment of central venous occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients,and in the value of guiding interventional treatments.Methods Sixty hemodialysis patients with swelling of upper limbs were scanned by Toshiba 128-multislice spiral computed tomography (128-MSCT) and totally 80-100 ml non-ionic contrast media was injected into each of the patients via the peripheral veins of the contralateral limb with the rate of 4 ml/s.MSCT scanning was taken by the technique of intelligent triggering after setting scanning triggering threshold,with the monitoring point set in the development of the lumen of inferior vena cava,to detect the position and degree of vascular stenosis.The images were reformed as maximum intensity projection (MIP),volume rendering (VR),curved planar reformation and threedimensional image reconstruction technique.Results MDCTV clearly demonstrated the lesion location in all cases enrolled.Seventy-five occlusive lesions were detected in the total of 60 hemodialysis patients with swelling of upper limbs by MDCTV,of which the lesions of brachiocephalic vein was 47,superior vena cava 15 and subclavian vein 13.Among the 75 stenosis lesions,the number of complete occlusive,severe,moderate and mild stenosis was 31,24,19 and only 1,respectively.MDCTV provided information coincident with that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA),which the correlation index was 0.401,while DSA showed that number of complete occlusive,severe,moderate and mild stenosis was 49,7,14 and 5,respectively.Pereutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in 53 patients,and stent placement was done in 40 patients.After interventional treatments,swelling of upper limbs were obviously relieved and vascular accesses got functional recovery to the extent that they could meet the requirement of hemodialysis.Conclusions MDCTV is the first choice to evaluate the condition of central venous occlusive diseases of hemodialysis patients with advantages of non-invasion,high definition and three-dimensional reconstruction.It can provide accurate evaluations of the conditions of occlusive lesions,which can be of great clinical significance to subsequent interventional therapy.

[Objective] To investigate association between the time point of sorafenib administered and suppress effect on tumor growth secondary to the increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).[Methods] Fifty SD rats were performed intrahepatic implantation using tumor tissues from subcutaneous tumors in nude mice which were administered Walker 256 tumor cells.Ten days after the procedure,MR scans were used to choose forty SD rats with successful hepatic tumor transplantation among fifty experimental animals.Then they were randomly divided into four groups:(A,control group) mere injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF);(B) administration of sorafenib 72 hours prior to VEGF injection;(C) administration of sorafenib together with VEGF injection;(D) administration of sorafenib 72 hours later to VEGF injection.The tumor growth and median survival time of rodents were observed and compared.After each experimental animal died,immunohistochemical (IHC) methods were applied to detect the expression of VEGF in tumors.[Results] Ten days after the administration of sorafenib,MR showed significant growth of hepatic tumors,the tumor size in experiment group were significiant smaller,than control group (5.4 cm) with statistical significance.Median survival time of four groups were (19.6 ± 1.8) d,(31.2 ± 7.0) d,(27.4 ± 4.9) d,and (26.5 ± 4.6) d,respectively,which indicated that animals in sorafenib groups lived longer than those in control group (P ＜ 0.05).Differences can be obseverd in sorafenib groups with statistical significance existing (P ＜ 0.05).Harvest hepatic tumor tissues from dead animals and HE staining as well as IHC examination were performed.The expression of VEGF in four groups were 88.3 ± 13.6,42.8 ± 8.0,71.9 ± 15.7,and 73.6 ± 13.7.There were statistical significance between control group and sorafenib groups.And further in sorafenib groups,the expressions of VEGF also varied greatly.[Conclusion] Sorafenib can extend the survival time,reduce tumor angiogenesis.And we can conclude that administration of sorafenib before the transient increased expression of VEGF offers survival benefits than that after the evaluation of VEGF levels.