ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Naoqingtong decoction （NQT） on the kidney damage and the inflammatory factors NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain （ASC）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHRs）. MethodsTwenty-four SHRs were randomized into a model group， a low-dose （12.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1） NQT （NQT-L） group， a high-dose （25.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1） NQT group （NQT-H）， and a captopril （CTP， 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） group， with 6 rats in each group. In addition， 6 homozygous male Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as the control group. The control and model groups were administrated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage for 8 weeks. General behaviors of rats were observed during the intervention period， and the blood pressure was measured periodically. At the end of intervention， the body mass was weighed， and both kidneys were collected and weighed for the calculation of the renal index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the kidney tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were employed to determine the expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-6， and TNF-α in the kidney tissue. ResultsDuring the experiment period， the control group had normal mental status， food intake， and activity， while the model group showed thinning of hair， loss of luster， reduced activity， loss of appetite， fecal adhesion， and irritability， and some of the skin had scratches or blood scabs. The above symptoms were alleviated to different degrees after 8 weeks of NQT administration. An intelligent non-invasive sphygmomanometer was used to measure the tail artery pressure of rats， which showed that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of rats in the model group was higher than that in the control group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， drug interventions lowered the systolic and diastolic blood pressure （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the model group showed severe pathological damage in the kidney tissue， which was alleviated in each drug intervention group. Compared with the control group， the model group showed up-regulated expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-6， and TNF-α in the kidney tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the drug intervention groups showed down-regulated expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-6， and TNF-α in the kidney tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionNQT can lower the blood pressure in SHRs by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes， suppressing renal inflammation， and ameliorating hypertensive kidney damage.

Child ; Humans ; Facies ; Hyperventilation/genetics* ; Intellectual Disability/genetics* ; Mutation ; Transcription Factor 4/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and outcome of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in southwest Hubei, China. METHODS: According to the Montreux definition of neonatal ARDS, a retrospective clinical epidemiological investigation was performed on the medical data of neonates with ARDS who were admitted to Department of Neonatology/Pediatrics in 17 level 2 or level 3 hospitals in southwest Hubei from January to December, 2017. RESULTS: A total of 7 150 neonates were admitted to the 17 hospitals in southwest Hubei during 2017 and 66 (0.92%) were diagnosed with ARDS. Among the 66 neonates with ARDS, 23 (35%) had mild ARDS, 28 (42%) had moderate ARDS, and 15 (23%) had severe ARDS. The main primary diseases for neonatal ARDS were perinatal asphyxia in 23 neonates (35%), pneumonia in 18 neonates (27%), sepsis in 12 neonates (18%), and meconium aspiration syndrome in 10 neonates (15%). Among the 66 neonates with ARDS, 10 neonates (15%) were born to the mothers with an age of ≥35 years, 30 neonates (45%) suffered from intrauterine distress, 32 neonates (49%) had a 1-minute Apgar score of 0 to 7 points, 24 neonates (36%) had abnormal fetal heart monitoring results, and 21 neonates (32%) experienced meconium staining of amniotic fluid. Intraventricular hemorrhage was the most common comorbidity (12 neonates), followed by neonatal shock (9 neonates) and patent ductus arteriosus (8 neonates). All 66 neonates with ARDS were treated with mechanical ventilation in addition to the treatment for primary diseases. Among the 66 neonates with ARDS, 10 died, with a mortality rate of 15% (10/66), and 56 neonates were improved or cured, with a survival rate of 85% (56/66). CONCLUSIONS Neonatal ARDS in southwest Hubei is mostly mild or moderate. Perinatal asphyxia and infection may be the main causes of neonatal ARDS in this area. Intraventricular hemorrhage is the most common comorbidity. Neonates with ARDS tend to have a high survival rate after multimodality treatment.
China ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Meconium Aspiration Syndrome ; Pregnancy ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of fluticasone propionate aerosol in children with allergic rhinitis and its effect on osteopontin (OPN),interleukin-4 (IL-4) and intedeukin-5 (IL-5)expression.Methods Sixty children with allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,30 cases in each group.Control group was treated with ketotifen 1 mg,twice daily.The treatment group was treated with fluticasone propionate aerosol,100 μg each time,twice a day for 2 months.The levels of interleukin (IL)-4,IL-5 and integral optical density (IOD) of immunohistochemical staining of osteopontin in two groups were observed.The clinical effect and the number of eosinophils,neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 1,3,6 months after operation were observed.Results Mter treatment,the levels ofIL-4,IL-5 and OPN in treatment group were (66.31 ± 18.00) ng· mL-1,(62.12 ± 0.33) ng· mL-1,5589.71 ± 267.00,had significant difference with those in control group,which were (85.32 ± 12.34) ng · mL-1,(30.24 ± 0.30) ng · mL-1 and (15.00 ±0.26) + 103(P ＜0.05).The number of eosinophils,neutrophils and lymphocytes in 6 month after treatment in treatment group were (0.21 ±0.01) × 109/L,(0.10 ±0.01) × 109/L,(0.14 ±0.01) + 109/L.The number of eosinophils,neutrophils and lymphocytes in control group at 6 months after treatment were (0.21 ±0.02) + 109/L,(0.10 ±0.01) + 109/L,(0.14 ±0.01) + 109/L respectively,all had significant difference with those in 1 month after treatment (P ＜ 0.05),with no significant between the two groups (P ＞0.05).The total effective rate was 93.33％ (28/30 cases) in treatment group and 36.67％ (11/30 cases) in control group (P ＜0.05).The incidence of adverse drug reaction in treatment group was 3.33％ (1/30 cases).In control group,there were 4 cases of skin allergy,3 cases of thrush,3 cases of bronchospasm with asthma,theincidence of adverse drug reactions was 33.33 ％ (10/30 cases,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Fluticasone propionate aerosol treatment of children with allergic rhinitis have significant clinical efficacy.

BACKGROUNDData on the epidemiology of hypertension in Chinese non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis CKD patients through a nationwide, multicenter study in China.

METHODSThe survey was performed in 61 tertiary hospitals in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Trained physicians collected demographic and clinical data and measured blood pressure (BP) using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medications. BP < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg were used as the 2 thresholds of hypertension control. In multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for sex and age, we analyzed the association between CKD stages and uncontrolled hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients.

RESULTSThe analysis included 8927 non-dialysis CKD patients. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients were 67.3%, 85.8%, and 81.0%, respectively. Of hypertensive CKD patients, 33.1% and 14.1% had controlled BP to < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg, respectively. With successive CKD stages, the prevalence of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients increased, but the control of hypertension decreased (P < 0.001). When the threshold of BP < 130/80 mmHg was considered, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension in CKD 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 stages increased 1.3, 1.4, 1.4, 2.5, and 4.0 times compared with CKD 1 stage, respectively (P < 0.05). Using the threshold of < 140/90 mmHg, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased in advanced stages (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of hypertension Chinese non-dialysis CKD patients was high, and the hypertension control was suboptimal. With successive CKD stages, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased.

Adult ; Aged ; Awareness ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; complications

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects and complications of modified facial mask for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in elderly patients with respiratory failure.Methods A total of 132 elderly patients(107 males and 25 female,aged 78.5±8.6 years) treated with NIV from February 2008 to May 2011 were randomized into two groups:modified facial mask(group A,n=68,56 males and 12 females,aged 78.8±22.2 years) and control facial mask(group B,n=64,64 males and 13 females,aged 76.6±20.4 years).Duration of NIV,time in RICU(respiratory intensive care unit),length of hospital stay,risk for hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP),risk for invasive ventilation,cure rates,in-hospital mortality,NIV failure rate and cost were compared between the two groups.The complications of NIV,such as oropharyngeal dryness,skin damage of face and nose,abdominal bloating,gas leakage from mask were also compared between the two groups.Results Compared with group B,duration of NIV(12.2±2.3 d vs.18.4±3.6d),time in RICU(7.3±3.2d vs.14.6t5.4d),length of in hospital stay(16.6±4.2d vs.28.2±6.2)d,and cost(2.23±0.12 ten thousand yuan vs.4.23± 0.24 ten thousand yua) in group A were significantly decreased(t=9.72,14.91,13.08,10.81 respectively,all P＜0.05).The risk for invasive ventilation [2.9％ (2 cases) vs.43.8％(28 cases)],NIV failure rate [5.9％ (4 cases) vs.12.5％ (28 cases)] were also decreased in group A compared with group B(x2 =31.26,25.74,both P＜0.05).Compared with group B,The complications of NIV such as skin damage of face and nose[4.4％ (3 cases) vs.37.5％ (24 cases)],abdominal bloating [2.9％ (2 cases) vs.28.1％ (18 cases)],gas leakage from mask [8.8 ％ (6 cases)vs.50％(32 cases)] in group A were significantly decreased(x2 =31.26,25.74,all P＜0.05).Conclusions Modified facial mask for NIV is effective in the treatment of elderly patients with respiratory failure.The complications and in-hospital mortality are reduced with the application of modified facial mask for NIV and it is highly tolerated by patients.Modified facial mask for NIV is the first choice in the treatment in elderly patients with respiratory failure.

Objective To evaluate the effects,safety and economic cost of long-term home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) therapy in elderly patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.Methods A total of 128 elderly patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure were randomly assigned to two groups:the NIV group (n=66) with conventional therapy in addition to long-term home NIV therapy,and the control group (n=62) with conventional therapy alone.Compared were parameters before and after two year follow up,which included dyspnea grade,scale for accessory muscle use,scoring for emotional disorders,mean pulmonary pressure (mPAP) by electrocardiography,arterial blood gas,the times of pulmonary infection and hospitalization rates,the duration of hospitalization invasive ventilation,the duration of in RICU and in hospital stay,tracheal intubation rates and mortality.The medical cost was calculated.Results After two years,the differences in the dyspnea grade,scale for accessory muscle use,anxiety scores,depression scores,mPAP,arterial PaCO2 and PaO2,hospitalization rates,the times of pulmonary infection,the days of hospitalization for exacerbation in the home NIV group [2.2± 0.2,2.4 ± 0.3,4 ± 1,5.3 ± 1.2,(36.6±5.2)mm Hg,(50.2±4.5)mm Hg,(63.5±4.2)mm Hg,(1.3±0.2) times/year,(2.4±0.2) times/year,(15.8 ± 4.4) days/times] were statistically significant compared to the control group [4.1±0.2,4.9±0.5,12±3,11.3±1.6,(45.2±5.2)mm Hg,(67.3±4.5) mm Hg,(48.3±4.3)mm Hg,(5.4±0.4)times/year,(8.9 ±0.3) times/year,(38.5± 6.3) days/times] (all P＜0.01).The duration of invasive ventilation,the days in RICU and in hospital stay,tracheal intubation rates on admission to the hospital were significantly decreased in the home NIV group [(8.2 ± 2.2)days,(9.6±3.1) days,(15.8±4.4) days,(2±0.2) times/two years],as compared with the control group [(15.8±3.4) days,(18.6±4.4)days,(38.5±6.3)days,(8.0±0.8) times/two years].The mortality was decreased significantly in the home NIV group (3.0 ％)compared with the control group (29.0％) (P＜0.05).The medical cost in two years was significant lower in the home NIV group [(6.4 ± 0.5) thousand yuan],compared with the control group (18.4 ±0.6) thousand yuan (P＜0.01).Conclusions Long-term home NIV therapy in patients with chronic hypercapinc respiratory failure is effective,safe and can decrease the mortality and medical cost.

OBJECTIVETo compare the instructive value of the 6th and 7th editions of the UICC-AJCC staging system in prognosis of esophageal cancer (EC) patients.

METHODSThe staging and prognosis of 1397 esophageal carcinoma patients undergoing curative resection from Jan. 2003 to Dec. 2006 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed according to the 6th AJCC staging system and the 7th UICC-AJCC staging system.

RESULTSThe 5-year overall survival (OS) of EC patients with curative resection was 38.5% (481/1250 cases), with a follow-up rate of 89.5% (1250/1397 case). In overall terms, both the editions were statistically significant discriminators of OS (P < 0.05). The 5-year OS of stages I, II and III patients were 64.9%, 43.5%, 25.2% according to the 6th edition, and 63.5%, 44.5%, 23.5% according to the 7th edition, respectively. Distinct differences in survival were present among patients categorized as stage Ia and Ib according to the 7th edition (P < 0.05), with a 5-year OS of 80.0% and 58.3%, respectively. Similarly, according to the 7th edition, the 5-year overall survivals (OS) of the stages IIIa, IIIb and IIIc patients were 28.2%, 18.4% and 16.7%, respectively, showing that the prognoses were significantly different (P < 0.05). In addition, according to the 7th edition, the prognoses of patients in stages N0, N1, N2 and N3 were also significantly different (P < 0.01), and the 5-year OS were 50.0%, 31.5%, 18.7% and 16.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSBoth the 6th and 7th editions of UICC-AJCC staging system are significant discriminators for survival of esophageal cancer patients. The 7th edition is proved to be more accurate in prognosis. The number of lymph node metastases is an important predictor of prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; classification ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; classification ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene variations of influenza B virus isolated in Hunan province from 2007 to 2010.

METHODSA total of 42 strains of influenza B virus,which were isolated in the Influenza Surveillance Network Laboratories in Hunan province between year 2007 and 2010, were selected for the study. The hemagglutinin 1 (HA1) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of the selected strains were amplified by RT-PCR, and the sequence of the purified product were detected and homologically compared with the sequence of influenza vaccine strains isolated from Northern Hemisphere by WHO during the same period. In addition, the phylogenetic trees were constructed to characterize the molecular features.

RESULTSIn the Victoria branch of the HA1 gene phylogenetic tree, the strains isolated from year 2007 to 2009 were included in the V1 sub-branch, as well as the vaccine strain Malaysia/2506/2004; the strains isolated in year 2010 were involved in the V2 sub-branch, similar to the vaccine strains Brisbane/60/2008. In the Yamagata branch,the strains isolated in year 2007 were in the Y1 sub-branch,different from the strains isolated between year 2008 and 2010, which were in the Y2 sub-branch, instead. All virus in NA gene phylogenetic tree were included in the Yamagata branch, indicated their Yamagata origin. The genetic sequence analysis of the 7 strains isolated in year 2010 revealed that the viruses were classified as genotype 2 and genotype 15. The results of homological comparison between HA1 molecule and the influenza vaccine strains recommended by WHO were as below: Victoria lineage, 98.6% - 99.1% in 2007, 98.6% - 99.1% in 2008, 98.1% - 99.1% in 2009, and 97.6% - 99.1% in 2010; and Yamagata lineage, 97.9% - 98.5% in 2007, 97.9% - 98.5% in 2009 and 97.9% - 98.2% in 2010. The major mutations of the strains isolated in year 2007 were found in sites R48K, K88R, P108A, D197N and S230G. While the major mutations of the strains isolated between year 2009 and 2010 were sited in K88R, S150I, N166Y, D197N and S230G.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalent influenza B virus isolated in Hunan province from 2007 to 2010 has mutated and evolved continuously.

China ; epidemiology ; Genes, Viral ; Humans ; Influenza B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; virology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral ; Sequence Homology

Objective To present our single-center experience in treating traumatic direct carotidcavemous fistulas (TDCCFs)by using detachable balloon,coil and Willis covered stent via arterial route.Methods During the last five years,transarterial endovascular treatment by using detachable balloon,coil and Willis covered stent was performed in fifty-one consecutive patients of traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas.with a total of 54 TDCCFs.The detachable balloon was the material of first choice,while Willis covered stents and coils were regarded as the back-up materials.A clinical and angiographic follow-up for 348 months (mean 20.8 months) was conducted to evaluate the arterial patency and the stability of embolization.The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Results By using the detachable balloon alone via transarterial route.85%TDCCFs were successfully treated with good preservation of ICA.A total of 98% TDCCFs in this study were successfully treated by using detachable balloon,coil and/or Willis coveted stent,the fistulas became occluded,and ICAs were preserved except one patient.Forty TDCCFs were treated with detachable balloons alone,two TDCCFs with the Willis covered stent alone,and one DCCF with coils alone.Eight TDCCFs were treated with detachable balloons together with Willis covered stent.Of these eight TDCCFs,two were treated with a single session,three were treated with detachable halloons in combination with coils,and one had to receive Willis covered stent.Second and third times of endovascular treatment were needed in 12 TDCCFs.The TDCCF-rel(at)ed symptoms were gradually relived or improved within 1 day to 6 months after treatment,except for five patients who suffered from ipsilateral moderate visual loss or cranial nerve deficit.No perioperative complications.such as vessel rupture,distal embolization or new neurologic deficits,occurred.During the follow-up period lasting for six months,neither delayed neurologic or vascular complications nor recurrence of the lesions developed.Conclusion Via the transarterial route,using detachable balloon to occlude the fistula and at the same time to preserve ICA remains the optimal treatment for TDCCFs.When the standard treatment fails.various coils and the Willis covered stents can be used as an effective alternative or remedial tool in the treatment of TDCCFs,which can preserve ICA.Willis covered stent deployment seems to be an effective,safe,feasible and economical endovasculal treatment for TDCCF,but more clinical studies are needed before we can further clarify its specifications and indications.