Objective To explore the effects of glycyrrhizic acid(GA)on neurons injury in traumatic brain injury(TBI)rats and the possible mechanism.Methods The rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups,with 20 rats each group.The sham-operation group was only treated with craniotomy;the other 5 groups were used to establish TBI models by extracorporeal shock method.At 0,24 and 48 h after modeling,the experimental-L,-M,-H groups were intraperitoneally injected with 10,50 and 100 mg·kg-1 GA solution,respectively;control group was intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg·kg-1 nimodipine;sham-operation and model groups were intraperitoneally injected with the equal volume of phosphate buffered solution.The degree of neurological dysfunction was evaluated by cerebral edema and modified neurological severity score(mNSS).The apoptosis rates of neurons in rat brain tissue was evaluated by apoptosis staining.Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and aquaporin 4(AQP4)protein.Results The mNSS scores of experimental-M,-H groups,control group,model group,sham-operation group were(6.98±0.82),(5.28±0.37),(5.91±0.52),(13.28±1.59)and(0.36±0.01)points;the degrees of brain edema were(63.27±10.33)％,(60.09±9.38)％,(66.86±9.91)％,(85.92±11.93)％and(52.17±8.53)％;the apoptosis rates of neurons were(6.81±0.73)％,(5.39±0.25)％,(5.87±0.62)％,(15.13±3.29)％and(2.56±0.03)％;the relative expression levels of B cell lymphoma 2(Bel-2)protein were 0.49±0.06,0.68±0.15,0.62±0.03,0.13±0.03 and 0.95±0.13;the relative expression levels of Bel-2 associated X protein were 0.61±0.08,0.55±0.17,0.39±0.09,0.92±0.19 and 0.16±0.02;the relative expression levels of AQP4 protein were 0.69±0.15,0.38±0.03,0.47±0.09,0.86±0.13 and 0.13±0.09,respectively.There were statistically significant differences in the above indexes between the model group and the experimental-M,-H groups and control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion GA is able to reduce the brain edema degree and neurological dysfunction in TBI rats,and inhibit neuronal damage and apoptosis,and the mechanism of action may be associated with the inhibition of AQP 4 expression.

Humans ; Female ; Prevalence ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cancer Survivors ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; Liver

Objective:To explore the performance of the commonly used whole blood C-reactive protein (CRP) detection systems and give related recommendation on the performance requirements of detection systems.Methods:A total of 7 540 venous blood samples from 26 maternal, child and children′s hospitals were collected to conduct this multi-center study on the analytical performance of 5 commonly used whole blood CRP detection systems from March to April in 2019. The blank check, carryover, repeatability, intermediate precision, linearity, sample stability, influence of hematocrit/triglyceride/bilirubin, comparison with SIEMENS specific protein analyzer and trueness were evaluated. The 5 systems included BC-5390CRP autohematology analyzer, AstepPLUS specific protein analyzer, Ottoman-1000 Automated Specific Protein POCT Workstation, i-CHROMA Immunofluorometer equipment Reader and Orion QuikRead go detecting instrument. The 5 systems were labeled as a, b, c, d and e randomly.Results:Within the 5 systems, all values of blank check were less than 1.00 mg/L, the carryovers were lower than 1.00%. The repeatability of different ranges of CRP concentrations including 3.00-10.00, 10.00-30.00 and>30.00 mg/L were less than 10.00%, 6.00% and 5.00%, respectively, and the intermediate precision was less than 10.00%. The linearity correlation coefficients of the 5 systems were all above 0.975, while the slope was within 0.950-1.050. Whole blood samples were stable within 72 hours both at room temperature (18-25 ℃) and refrigerated temperature (2-8 ℃). The CRP results were rarely influenced by high triglyceride or bilirubin, except for the immmunoturbidimetric test based on microparticles coated with anti-human CRP F(ab) 2 fragments. When triglyceride was less than 15.46 mmol/L, the deviation of CRP was less than 10.00%. When bilirubin was less than 345.47 μmol/L, the deviation of CRP was less than 10.00%. CRP was more susceptible to Hct on the systems without Hct correction. The deviation of CRP between different Hct dilution concentration and 40% dilution concentration can reach as high as 67.48%. The correlation coefficients ( r) of 5 systems were all more than 0.975 in the range of 0-300.00 mg/L compared with Siemens specific protein analyzer. All systems passed the trueness verification using the samples with specified values of 12.89 and 30.60 mg/L. Conclusion:The performance of 5 systems can basically meet the clinical needs, but it is suggested that the whole blood CRP detection system without automatic Hct correction should be modified manually.

Objective To investigate the effects of 3 kinds of broth media,including tryptose soya broth(TSB),LB and M-H,on the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S.epidermidis).Methods The effects of TSB,LB and M-H broth media on the biofilm formation of S.epidermidis were investigated by the construction of bacterial biofilm in 96-well and 6-well microplates and the crystal violet straining for the semi-quantitative analysis and microscopic observation of the bacterial biofilm.The effects of TSB,LB and M-H broth media on the expression of adhesion-related genes in S.epidermidis were determined by the extraction of bacterial total RNA,reverse transcription and real-time PCR.Results Compared with LB (0.149 ± 0.047) and M-H (0.323 ± 0.003) media,TSB medium (2.954 ± 0.287) could significantly promote the biofilm formation of S.epidermidis (TSB vs LB,t =16.706,P ＜ 0.01;TSB vs M-H,t =15.877,P ＜ 0.01).Compared with LB medium,TSB medium could significantly enhance the expression of icaA gene (t =9.667,P＜0.01) but inhibit icaR gene (t =13.283,P＜0.01).Conclusion Compared with LB and M-H broth media,TSB medium may significantly improve the biofilm formation and the expression of adhesion-related gene icaA of S.epidermidis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the regulatory effect of ATP?binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) knockdown on inflammatory response induced by Pam3CSK4 in mouse mononuclear macrophage RAW264.7 cell line.

METHODSA mouse mononuclear macrophage RAW264.7 cell line with stable ABCA1 knockdown was constructed and stimulated with Toll?like receptor 2 (TLR2) ligand Pam3CSK4, and the changes in the transcriptional levels of the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in this cell model.

RESULTSIn RAW264.7 cells, ABCA1 knockdown significantly up-regulated Pam3CSK4 stimulation?induced expressions of IL?1β, TNF?α and IL?6 and also enhanced the expression of transcription factor cAMP?dependent transcription factor 3 (ATF3) without obviously affecting the expressions of the transcription factors ATF1, ATF2, ATF4 or ATF5.

CONCLUSIONABCA1 knockdown in macrophages may have both proinflammatory and anti?inflammatory effects. ABCA1 knockdown up?regulates the transcription of ATF3 possibly through a mechanism that is different from that for the other members of the ATF protein family.

As molecular targets continue to be identified and more targeted inhibitors are developed for personalized treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), multigene mutation determination will be needed for routine oncology practice and for clinical trials. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of multigene mutation testing by using the Snapshot assay in NSCLC. We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 110 consecutive NSCLC specimens for which epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing was performed between November 2011 and December 2011 using Sanger sequencing. Using the Snapshot assay, mutation statuses were detected for EGFR, Kirsten rate sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphoinositide-3-kinase catalytic alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), v-ras neuroblastoma viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), dual specificity mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in patient specimens and cell line DNA. Snapshot data were compared to Sanger sequencing data. Of the 110 samples, 51 (46.4%) harbored at least one mutation. The mutation frequency in adenocarcinoma specimens was 55.6%, and the frequencies of EGFR, KRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, and MEK1 mutations were 35.5%, 9.1%, 3.6%, 0.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. No mutation was found in the HER2, NRAS, or BRAF genes. Three of the 51 mutant samples harbored double mutations: two PIK3CA mutations coexisted with KRAS or EGFR mutations, and another KRAS mutation coexisted with a PTEN mutation. Among the 110 samples, 47 were surgical specimens, 60 were biopsy specimens, and 3 were cytological specimens; the corresponding mutation frequencies were 51.1%, 41.7%, and 66.7%, respectively (P = 0.532). Compared to Sanger sequencing, Snapshot specificity was 98.4% and sensitivity was 100% (positive predictive value, 97.9%; negative predictive value, 100%). The Snapshot assay is a sensitive and easily customized assay for multigene mutation testing in clinical practice.
Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; genetics ; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Genes, erbB-1 ; Genes, erbB-2 ; Genes, ras ; Humans ; Mutation ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) ; Retrospective Studies ; ras Proteins

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 study the course setting of the core competencies training for obstetrics nurse specialists (OBNS).Methods A total of 40 nursing experts were selected by Delphi method for two turns of questionnaires.Results Two turns of questionnaires had a 92％ and 97％ valid return.The Coordination coefficient was 0.423 (P ＜ 0.001).The CR,Cs and Ca was 0.858,0.900,and 0.817.The overall scale reliability had a Cronbach' sα of 0.802 and a overall interrater agreementof 0.782.The final course setting for OBNS was confirmed,consisting of 4 items (basic nursing of obstetrics,core nursing technique and knowledge,obstetrics nursing administration,Legal/ethical practice) in the first dimension and 20 items in the second dimension.Conclusions It is necessary and feasible to provide professional training for obstetrics nurses.The course setting for OBNS will underlie core competencies training and continuing education.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of 153Sm-EDTMP in the treatment of bone metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) by comparison with zoledronic acid.

METHODSWe assigned 55 PCa patients with bone metastasis to receive 153Sm-EDTMP (n = 31) and zoledronic acid (n = 24), the former injected intravenously at the dose of 37.0 MBq/kg body weight, and the latter administered by slow intravenous drip at 4 mg in 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride. We performed 99mTc-MDP bone scan before and 1 -2 months after the treatment.

RESULTSThe rate of pain relief was 83.9% in the 153Sm-EDTMP group and 58.3% in the zoledronic acid group (P = 0.035), and that of bone metabolism change was 64.5% in the former and 33.3% in the latter (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION153Sm-EDTMP is an ideal agent for the treatment of prostate cancer with bone metastasis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Diphosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; drug therapy ; Organometallic Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Organophosphorus Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology

Objective To explore the clinial value of airbronchogram in diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer (diameter≤3). Methods Comparing study between thin section CT and pathology was done on 174 nodules (129malignant and 45 benigin) in 150 patients. Results Thin section CT showed 30 cases (23%) of airbronehogram in nodules,only seen in bronchioalveolocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (significance difference). Conclusion Airbronchogram in peripheral small nodules was a certain sign of malignant nodule. The sign suggested diagnosis of histologic types in lung center.