1.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of two probiotics combined with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus on functional dyspepsia in rats
Zongnian LI ; Ying XIONG ; Xiaohui GONG ; Lanlan WANG ; Zhongqing GUO ; Linlin JIANG ; Hongying LIU ; Kezhong DENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1593-1598
OBJECTIVE To investigate ameliorative effects and mechanisms of two probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) combined with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) on functional dyspepsia (FD) in rats. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive control group (domperidone group, 2.7 mg/kg), AFI group (9 g/kg), L. acidophilus group (5×107 cfu/kg), B. subtilis group (5×107 cfu/kg), L. acidophilus+ AFI group (L. acidophilus 5×107 cfu/kg+ AFI 9 g/kg), and B. subtilis+AFI group (B. subtilis 5×107 cfu/kg+AFI 9 g/kg), with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, FD model was established by tail-clamping stimulation+hunger and satiety disorder+swimming exhaustion in other groups. After modeling, each group was given the corresponding drug/probiotic suspensions/physiological saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last medication, gastric emptying rate and the rate of propulsion of the small intestine in rats were measured; the levels of brain-gut peptide-related indicators [gastrin (GAS), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS) and cholecystokinin (CCK)] in the serum of rats were measured. The pathological morphology of the gastric antrum tissue and duodenal tissue was observed. Cecal contents from the rats were collected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis. The protein expression levels of tyrosine kinase receptor c-Kit and stem cell factor (SCF) in the gastric antrum tissue, as well as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in the duodenal tissue of the rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, model group showed significantly lower gastric emptying rate, small intestinal propulsion rate, serum levels of GAS and SP, relative abundance of Firmicutes, Ace, Chao and Sobs indexes of the gut microbiota, and protein levels of SCF and c-Kit in gastric antrum (P<0.05), while serum levels of VIP, SS and CCK, relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, as well as protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB, were significantly higher (P<0.05). The histological structure JZYC23S53) of the gastric antrum tissue appeared basically normal; however, abnormalities were observed in the duodenal structure, with a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells visible. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups significantly modulated most of the above indexes (P<0.05). The histological structure of the gastric antrum tissue was normal. Except for the B. subtilis group and the B. subtilis+AFI group, the pathological states of the duodenum in the remaining rats gradually recovered. Compared with each single drug group, most of above indexes in rats from each combination group showed further improvement (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of AFI with two probiotics can improve gastrointestinal motility in FD rats, and the effect is superior to that of using the drugs alone. The specific underlying mechanisms may be related to the activation of the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway and the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Altered brain dynamic functional network connectivity in Parkinson's disease patients with postural instability/gait difficulty
Zihan LI ; Xinxin MIAO ; Shaoyun GE ; Jun LIU ; Yongfeng JIA ; Jianwei WANG ; Kezhong ZHANG ; Min WANG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(4):348-356
Objective:To investigate the alterations in brain dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) and their significance in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD).Methods:Ninety PD patients admitted to Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May 2016 to August 2019 were recruited, and 54 healthy controls matched with gender and age were chosen; their clinical data and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data were collected. PD patients were divided into PD with PIGD (PD-PIGD) group ( n=49) and PD without PIGD (PD-non-PIGD) group ( n=41) according to Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores. Independent component analysis (ICA), sliding window method and k-means clustering were used to analyze the dFNC and compare among groups. Correlations of dFNC alterations with clinical scales were verified by partial correlation analysis. Results:Four repeated recurring functional connectivity states were identified, and PD-PIGD patients had high frequency in state 3 (44%) and state 2 (23%) of the low dFNC. In terms of dFNC time attributes, PD-PIGD patients had longer mean dwell time in state 3 than PD-non-PIGD patients and had lower number of transitions in state 3 than PD-non-PIGD patients and healthy controls, with significant differences ( P<0.05); PD-PIGD patients had significantly higher fractional windows and statistically longer mean dwell time in state 2 than healthy controls ( P<0.05). In terms of dFNC strengths, compared with healthy controls, PD-PIGD patients showed significantly decreased functional connectivity within default mode network (DMN, between medial superior frontal gyrus and precuneus) and auditory network (AN, between superior temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus), but significantly increased functional connectivity between sensorimotor network (SMN, supplementary motor area) and DMN (precuneus) in state 2 ( P<0.05, false discovery rate [FDR]-corrected). Partial correlation analysis indicated positive correlation between mean dwell time in state 3 and PIGD scores in PD-PIGD patients ( r=0.450, P=0.039). Conclusion:PD-PIGD patients exhibit specific dFNC, mainly characterized by low connectivity of the brain functional network and prolonged dwell time; local functional network domains often separate between DMN, AN and SMN networks and within the networks.
3.Influence of adipose tissue and its derivative on wound repair and vascularization
Lixin ZHAO ; Qingxi TANG ; Kezhong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(13):2120-2125
BACKGROUND:Vascularization is essential for wound healing and functional recovery during soft tissue repair.Adipose tissue is believed to be the body's largest source of stem cells,and a number of different fat complexes have been developed for research and treatment.Its ability to promote angiogenesis and soft tissue repair has been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE:To review the progress of vascularization in soft tissue repair,and to summarize the preparation methods of adipose tissue and its derivative and their applications in vascularization and soft tissue repair.It is proven that adipose tissue and its derivative have excellent research value and clinical application prospects in vascular and soft tissue engineering. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science and CNKI databases were used to search the related articles published from January 2010 to February 2023.The search terms were"soft tissue repair,wound healing,vascularization,angiogenesis,adipose tissue,stromal vascular fraction,adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragment,nanofat,adipose extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel"in Chinese and English.A small number of old classic literature was also included.An initial screening was performed by reading the titles and abstracts to exclude literature that was not relevant to the topic of the article,and 69 papers were finally included for the analysis of the result. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Wound healing is an important physiological process,which mainly occurs when tissue is damaged,such as injury,surgery,burn,tumor,infection and vascular disease caused by tissue damage and defects.(2)Adequate vascularization of the wound site is essential for tissue repair,reconstruction of local homeostasis and functional recovery.(3)Adipose tissue is believed to be the body's largest pool of stem cells and a number of different fat components have been used for research and treatment.(4)Due to its inherent composition and preparation advantages,adipose tissue will continue to play an important role in tissue engineering research and therapy.
4.Clinical analysis of early Klebsiella pneumoniae infection after liver transplantation
Kezhong ZHENG ; Song CHEN ; Zhixiang HE ; Guobin WANG ; Hongchuan ZHAO ; Xiaoping GENG ; Fan HUANG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(5):805-815
Objective To identify early Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP)infection after liver transplantation and its impact on prognosis.Methods Clinical data of 171 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into the non-infection(n=52)and infection groups(n=119)according to the bacterial culture results at postoperative 2 weeks.In the infection group,KP was not detected in 86 cases(non-KP infection group),and KP was cultured in 33 cases(KP infection group).Preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative data were statistically compared between the non-infection and infection groups,and between the non-KP infection and KP infection groups.The risk factors of early KP infection after liver transplantation and the influencing factors of long-term survival of the recipients were analyzed.Results Compared with the non-infection group,model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score and total bilirubin level were higher,the operation time was longer,the length of postoperative intensive care unit(ICU)stay and the length of hospital stay were longer,the amount of intraoperative red blood cell transfusion was higher,the hospitalization expense was higher,the incidence of severe complications was higher,white blood cell count,absolute neutrophil cell count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at postoperative 14 and 30 d were higher,absolute lymphocyte count at postoperative 14 d was lower and hemoglobin level at postoperative 30 d was lower in the infection group.The differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Compared with the non-KP infection group,MELD score,total bilirubin level and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)level were higher,the operation time and the length of postoperative ICU stay were longer,the hospitalization expense was higher,the 90-d fatality was higher,the albumin level at postoperative 14 d was lower,and total bilirubin level at postoperative 30 d was higher in the KP infection group.The differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Among 33 recipients with KP infection,16 cases were resistant to carbapenem antibiotics,and 7 of them died within postoperative 90 d.Seventeen cases were intermediate or sensitive to carbapenem antibiotics,and 4 of them died within postoperative 90 d.Preoperative MELD score ≥17 and operation time≥415 min were the independent risk factors for KP infection after liver transplantation(both P<0.05).The length of postoperative ICU stay ≥44 h and KP infection were the independent risk factors for long-term prognosis of liver transplantation(both P<0.05).Conclusions KP infection is an independent risk factor for death after liver transplantation.High preoperative MELD score and long operation time are the independent risk factors for early KP infection after liver transplantation.
5.Effect of shoulder-high head back-up position on airway obstruction and hypoxia during fiberoptic bronchoscopy under non-intubated general anesthesia
Guangshun LIU ; Yahong WANG ; Yuhang QUAN ; Kezhong YE ; Xiangwu ZHANG ; Zhiyong LYU
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(6):570-575
Objective To observe the effect of shoulder-high head back-up position on airway ob-struction and hypoxia during fiberoptic bronchoscopy under non-intubated general anesthesia.Methods A total of 170 patients undergoing painless fiberoptic bronchoscopy,97 males and 73 females,aged 18-64 years,BMI 18.5-28.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,were randomly divided into two groups by ran-dom number method:observation group(group D,n=84)and control group(group C,n=83).Group D adopted the shoulder-high head back-up position,and group C adopted the supine position.All the pa-tients received intravenous general anesthesia of propfol combined with sufentanil,and were oxygenated via an ordinary endoscopic mask with an oxygen flow rate of 8-10 L/min.Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was per-formed when the modified observer assessment of alertness and sedation(MOAA/S)score was≤1 point.The number of cases in which hypoxia occurred and corrective measures were taken were recorded.The changes of HR,SBP,DBP,and SpO2 before induction of anesthesia(T1),1 minute after induction of an-esthesia(T2),endotracheal surface anesthesia(T3),at the time of examination(T4),and at the end of the examination(T5)were recorded.The degree of obstruction of the retropalatal space and retroglossal space at T2 were recorded.The level of glottic exposure and operating comfort of the endoscopist were recor-ded during the examination,and the incidence of postoperative neck discomfort,postoperative headache,postoperative dizziness,and nausea and vomiting were recorded.Results Compared with group C,the in-cidence of intraoperative moderate hypoxia,severe hypoxia,jaw support,and assisted ventilation was signifi-cantly decreased in group D(P<0.05).Compared with T1,the HR were significantly increased at T3 and T4(P<0.05),SBP and DBP were significantly decreased at T2,T4,and T5(P<0.05),SpO2 was sig-nificantly increased at T2 and decreased at T4 in the two groups(P<0.05),and SpO2 in group C was sig-nificantly decreased at T3(P<0.05).Compared with group C,SpO2 was significantly increased at T4,the incidence of non-obstruction in the retrolingual space was significantly increased,and the incidence of com-plete obstruction in the retrolingual space was significantly decreased at T2,and the incidence of good glottic exposure was significantly increased,the incidence of poor glottic exposure was significantly decreased,and the incidence of good operating comfort of the endoscopist was significantly increased in group D(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse events between the two groups.Conclusion Shoulder-high head back-up position can alleviate airway obstruction and reduce the incidence of hypoxia during fiberoptic bronchoscopy under non-intubated general anesthesia.
6.A case of pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Bo ZHANG ; Kezhong TANG ; Xin DONG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2023;52(5):578-582
A 68-year-old male was admitted due to fatigue and poor appetite and diagnosed pathologically as pancreatic adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis. The tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) level was 2003.4 U/mL. The patient received two cycles of modified FOLFIRINOX plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (penpulimab). However, the tumor did not shrink and CA199 level was even higher. Anlotinib was added from the 3rd cycle, and the size of primary tumor and metastatic lesions were significantly reduced. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy as well as liver metastasis resection was performed. Three cycles of combined therapy were adopted after surgery followed by maintenance therapy with anlotinib plus penpulimab. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence during the follow-up (nearly 19 months since diagnosis).
Male
;
Humans
;
Aged
;
Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
;
Adenocarcinoma
;
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery*
;
Immunotherapy
;
Liver Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Pancreatectomy
7.A study of factors influencing the willingness of primary healthcare workers in Qinghai Province to engage in non-discriminatory behaviors towards HBV-infected patients
Juan WU ; Kezhong A ; Zengping HAO ; Ruiyao DING ; Zizhe GUO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(12):1206-1211
ObjectiveTo understand the current status of primary healthcare workers’ knowledge of hepatitis B and their willingness to engage in non-discriminatory behaviors, to explore the factors influencing their willingness, and to provide a basis for health education on hepatitis B for primary healthcare workers in Qinghai Province. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among primary healthcare institutions in eight cities (prefectures) of Qinghai Province using a combination of random sampling and convenience sampling. The questionnaire included demographic information, knowledge related to hepatitis B, and willingness to engage in non-discriminatory behaviors. ResultsA total of 393 subjects were included in the survey. The accurate awareness rate of hepatitis B transmission route among primary healthcare workers in Qinghai Province was 36.89%. Of the respondents, 46.31% were unwilling to live with family members infected with HBV or carriers, and 50.13% were unwilling to dine with friends infected with HBV or carriers. The willingness of primary healthcare workers to engage in non-discriminatory behaviors related to hepatitis B varied by different places of residence, gender, marital status and per capita household income (P<0.05). Regarding different dimensions of HBV-related knowledge, there were significant differences in age, education level, and per capita household income for transmission route (P<0.05). Vaccination showed significant differences based on marital status and per capita family income (P<0.05). There were significant differences in treatment and outcome among different gender, education level, and per capita family income. Anti-discrimination policies varied significantly by place of residence, age, ethnicity, and per capita income. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that primary healthcare workers’ knowledge of hepatitis B transmission route was a significant factor influencing their willingness to engage in non-discriminatory behaviors (OR=0.49, 95%CI:0.29‒0.84). ConclusionIt is essential to continuously strengthen hepatitis B health education for primary healthcare workers in western China to reduce the willingness to engage in non-discriminatory behaviors towards hepatitis B and protect the rights of HBV-infected individuals.
8.A resting-state MRI-based study on the characteristics of degree centrality of local brain function in patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesias
Heng ZHANG ; Xingyue CAO ; Yongsheng YUAN ; Min JI ; Huimin SUN ; Lina WANG ; Caiting GAN ; Kezhong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2023;42(9):1035-1040
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of regional brain functional centrality(DC)in patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesia(LID)and to explore the pathogenesis of LID.Methods:A total of 33 PD patients with LID(PD-LID), 41 PD patients without LID(PD-nLID)and 37 healthy controls from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled in this study.Differences in DC among the three groups were compared and the correlation between Z-DC values of the brain regions with differences and the scores of the involuntary movement scale(items 1-7)was analyzed.Results:Compared with Controls, PD-LID patients showed increased DC in the right amygdala(extending to the right globus pallidus)(MNI: x=30, y=-3, z=-18, t=4.00, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction)and in the right postcentral gyrus(MNI: x=57, y=-9, z=39, t=-3.59; MNI: x=42, y=-33, z=57, t=-4.23, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction)and reduced DC in the right superior parietal lobule(MNI: x=24, y=-51, z=72, t=-3.95, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction).Compared with the PD-nLID group, the PD-LID group showed increased DC in the right globus pallidus(MNI: x=30, y=-12, z=-3, t=3.09, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction).DC changes in the right globus pallidus were positively correlated with AIMS score( r=0.482, P=0.004). Conclusions:The enhancement of DC function in the right globus pallidus may be closely related to the onset and severity of LID.
9.Resting-state fMRI study of Parkinson disease patients with peak-dose dyskinesia: an ALFF analysis
Xingyue CAO ; Heng ZHANG ; Yongsheng YUAN ; Huimin SUN ; Min JI ; Lina WANG ; Caiting GAN ; Kezhong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2022;31(4):314-319
Objective:To observe the characteristics of resting-state brain activity in Parkinson disease (PD) patients with peak-dose dyskinesia, and to explore its pathogenesis.Methods:From March 2017 to November 2019, totally 27 PD patients with peak-dose dyskinesia (dyskinetic group), and 29 PD patients without dyskinesia (non-dyskinetic group) treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and 27 healthy controls from the community were recruited.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and clinical scale data were collected.SPSS 26.0 software and REST software were used for data analysis.The whole brain amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values were compared among the three groups.Correlation analysis was performed between ALFF values of the significant brain regions and the scale scores.Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of ALFF values of significant brain regions in identifying three groups of subjects.Results:The peak-dose dyskinetic group showed decreased ALFF in right inferior frontal gyrus(MNI: x=36, y=21, z=30; x=36, y=18, z=30)and increased ALFF in right supplementary motor area (MNI: x=9, y=0, z=69; x=6, y=-3, z=72)(all P<0.05, Alphasim correction) compared with non-dyskinetic group and healthy controls.ALFF value in right inferior frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with unified dyskinesia rating scale (UDysRS) scores ( r=-0.47, P=0.018). The ALFF value of the right inferior frontal gyrus was more effective in identifying peak-dose dyskinetic patients from non-dyskinetic patients and healthy controls, and the area under the curve of right inferior frontal gyrus were 0.881 and 0.787 (both P<0.01), respectively. Conclusion:Abnormal spontaneous brain activity in right inferior frontal gyrus and right supplementary motor area can be the neurobiological basis of peak-dose dyskinesia in PD patients.The severity of peak-dose dyskinesia is associated with abnormal brain activity of right inferior frontal gyrus.The ALFF value of right inferior frontal gyrus is a potential imaging marker for identifying peak-dose dyskinetic patient.
10.The multi-dimensional molecular characteristics of the indolent pulmonary ground-glass nodules
Yun LI ; Sida CHENG ; Zihan WEI ; Haifeng SHEN ; Wenxiang WANG ; Fan YANG ; Kezhong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2022;60(6):528-534
With the dramatically increasing detection rate of ground-glass nodules (GGN), exact understanding and treatment strategy of them has become the hottest issue currently. More and more studies have begun to explore the underlying mechanisms of their indolent characteristics and favorable prognosis from the perspectives of molecular evolution and immune microenvironment. GGN has different dominating gene mutations at different evolutional stages. The pure GGN has a lower tumor mutation burden and genomic instability, while a gradually evolutionary feature of genomic mutation along with the pathological progression can be observed. GGN has less infiltration of immune cells, and they are under the pressure of immune surveillance with weakened immune escape. With the increase of solid components, an inhibitory immune microenvironment is gradually established and immune escape is gradually enhanced, leading to rapid tumor growth. Further exploration of the molecular characteristics of GGN will help to more precisely distinguish these highly heterogeneous lesions, which could be helpful to make personalized treatment plans.

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