OBJECTIVES: To investigate the antioxidative mechanism of snake venom-derived protein C activator (PCA) in mitigating vascular endothelial cell injury. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in DMEM containing 1.0 g/L D-glucose and exposed to hypoxia (1% O₂) for 6 h followed by reoxygenation for 2 h to establish a cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The cell model was treated with 2 μg/mL PCA alone or in combination with 2-ME2 (a HIF-1α inhibitor) or DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer), and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 were detected using DCFH-DA fluorescence probe, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The OGD/R cell model was transfected with a BNIP3-specific siRNA or a scrambled control sequence prior to PCA treatment, and the changes in protein expressions of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 and intracellular ROS production were examined. RESULTS: In the OGD/R cell model, PCA treatment significantly upregulated HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 expressions and reduced ROS production. The effects of PCA were obviously attenuated by co-treatment with 2-ME2 but augmented by treatment with DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer). In the cell model with BNIP3 knockdown, PCA treatment increased BNIP3 expression and decreased ROS production without causing significant changes in HIF-1α expression. Compared with HUVECs with PCA treatment only, the cells with BNIP3 knockdown prior to PCA treatment showed significantly lower Beclin-1 expression and higher ROS levels. CONCLUSIONS Snake venom PCA alleviates OGD/R-induced endothelial cell injury by upregulating HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling to suppress ROS generation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress in vascular pathologies.
Humans ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism* ; Up-Regulation ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Snake Venoms/chemistry* ; Beclin-1

Objective To develop an expert consensus on subcutaneous injection for allergen-specific immunotherapy.Methods Relevant domestic and intemational literature was reviewed,and nursing experts who had experiences in subcutaneous injection of allergen-specific immunotherapy were interviewed to form the initial draft of the consensus.A total of 85 experts from 42 hospitals nationwide were invited to participate in discussions.2 rounds of expert consultations,adjustments,revisions,and improvements were made to the initial draft,and an online meeting was held to form the final version of the consensus.The content approved by more than 75％of the expert group is adopted,or it will be discussed or deleted.Results The expert consensus includes operational standards for subcutaneous injection of allergen-specific immunotherapy,identification and management of adverse reactions,and health education.Conclusion The consensus demonstrates strong scientific rigor and practicality,providing guidance for nursing practices in the field of clinical allergology.

Particle size and surface properties are crucial for lymphatic drainage (LN), dendritic cell (DC) uptake, DC maturation, and antigen cross-presentation induced by nanovaccine injection, which lead to an effective cell-mediated immune response. However, the manner in which the particle size and surface properties of vaccine carriers such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) affect this immune response is unknown. We prepared 50, 100, and 200 nm of MSNs that adsorbed ovalbumin antigen (OVA) while modifying β-glucan to enhance immunogenicity. The results revealed that these MSNs with different particle sizes were just as efficient in vitro, and MSNs with β-glucan modification demonstrated higher efficacy. However, the in vivo results indicated that MSNs with smaller particle sizes have stronger lymphatic targeting efficiency and a greater ability to promote the maturation of DCs. The results also indicate that β-glucan-modified MSN, with a particle size of ∼100 nm, has a great potential as a vaccine delivery vehicle and immune adjuvant and offers a novel approach for the delivery of multiple therapeutic agents that target other lymph-mediated diseases.

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy in acute stroke patients with anterior circulation tandem occlusions caused by atherosclerosis or dissection.Methods:A retrospective cohort study. A total of 98 patients with anterior circulation tandem lesions undergoing endovascular therapy in the Wuhan NO.1 Hospital (March 2016 to March 2022) were analyzed. Median age was 64(55,71) years old, and 82.7% (81/98 cases) were males. According to the lesion etiology, the patients were divided into atherosclerosis and dissection groups. The differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups were investigated, including favorable 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebrovascular Infarction score of 2b-3), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, stroke-associated pneumonia, 90-day all-cause mortality, and average hospitalization days. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders affecting functional outcomes in both groups, and to determine odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.Results:Seventy-one patients were grouped into the atherosclerotic cause and 27 into the dissection cause cohorts. The rate of favorable 90-day functional outcome was 43.7% (31/71 cases) in the atherosclerosis group versus 55.6% (15/27 cases) in the dissection group (adjusted odds ratio=1.339; 95% confidence interval, 0.374-4.798; P=0.654). No significant differences were found in other clinical outcomes between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The clinical prognosis of patients with tandem lesions caused by atherosclerotic stenosis or artery dissection was similar after endovascular therapy. Future studies are still needed to verify our results.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility in mice. Methods A total of 130 Kunming mice were randomly divided into negative control group, low-dose and high-dose groups of raw poria cocos powder, low-dose and high-dose groups of cooked poria cocos powder, low-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos surrogate culture powder, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos water extract, and low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos alcohol extract, with 10 mice in each group. The animals were administered by gavage for 7 days, once a day. After the last administration, the intestinal propulsion function test and gastric solid emptying test were conducted to observe the regulating effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility of mice. Results Compared with the negative control group, the small intestine propulsion rate in the low-dose group of poria cocos surrogate culture powder was significantly increased (P<0.01). Except the high-dose group of raw poria cocos powder, the other poria cocos groups had higher gastric residual rate (P<0.05). Conclusion Poria cocos does not promote intestinal propulsion of mice under normal physiological condition, but it can inhibit gastric empting and exert a moderating effect on gastrointestinal function in normal mice.

To investigate the postoperative serum triglyceride (TG) levels in predicting the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in patients following allogeneic liver transplantation. One hundred and forty three patients undergoing allogeneic liver transplantation in Shanghai General Hospital from July 2007 to July 2014 were enrolled in this study. The NODM developed in 33 patients after liver transplantation. The curve of dynamic TG levels in the early period after liver transplantation was generated. Independent risk factors of NODM were determined by univariate and multivariant logistic regression analyses. The clinical value of TG in predicting NODM was analyzed by area under the ROC curve (AUC). Serum TG levels were gradually rising in the first week and then reached the plateau phase (stable TG, sTG) in patients after surgery. The sTG in NODM group were significantly higher than that in non-NODM group (=-2.31, <0.05). Glucocorticoid therapy (=4.054, <0.01), FK506 drug concentration in the first week after operation (=3.482, <0.05) and sTG (=3.156, <0.05) were independent risk factors of NODM. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of sTG in predicting NODM was 0.72. TG shows a gradual recovery process in the early period after liver transplantation, and the higher TG level in stable phase may significantly increase the risk of NODM in patients.
China/epidemiology* ; Diabetes Mellitus/etiology* ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Tacrolimus/adverse effects* ; Triglycerides

Objective: To investigate the predictors of death after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) in patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke (VBOS). Methods: Patients with acute VBOS treated with EMT in Wuhan No. 1 Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. The demographic and clinical data were collected. According to whether the patients died at 90 d after procedure, they were divided into survival group and death group. The demographic and clinical data were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for death at 90 d after EMT. Results: A total of 47 patients were enrolled. The median age was 62 years, 34 were males (72.3%), the median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16, 42 patients (89.4%) had recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction[mTICI] 2b/3 grade), and 12 (25.5%) died within 90 d after procedure. Univariate analysis showed that the baseline NIHSS score (26 [21-28]vs. 12 [5-23]; Z=-3.165, P=0.002), percentage of neutrophil (81.61% ±11.82% vs. 72.20% ±12.09%; t=-2.137, P=0.033), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (10.54±7.17 vs. 4.98±3.57; t=-2.393, P=0.017), and incidence of sICH (25.0% vs. 2.9%; χ²=5.627, P=0.018) in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group, while the percentage of lymphocyte (12.00%±9.04% vs. 20.67%±10.39%; t=-2.429, P=0.015) was significantly lower than that of the survival group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high baseline NIHSS score (odds ratio [OR] 1.243, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.046-1.318; P=0.038), high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR 1.278, 95% CI 1.002-1.630; P=0.049) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 5.088, 95% CI 1.065-38.718; P=0.046) were the independent predictors for death. Conclusion High baseline NIHSS score, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage are the independent predictors for death within 90 d after EMT in patients with acute VBOS.

Objective To compare the dosimetric effects of micro-multileaf collimator (MLC)(2 mm leaf width) and conventional MLC (10 mm leaf width) on inverse intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) in intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS). Methods In view of the fact that the micro-MLC has a small open field,30 patients with intracranial tumor with a<10 cm diameter were enrolled in this study. Their inverse dynamic IMRT plans were established using conventional MLC (conventional group) and micro-MLC (micro group) with the same other conditions. The radiation doses to the target volume and the organs at risk (OAR) were compared between the two groups with t test. Results Compared with the conventional group, the micro group had a significantly better dose distribution in the target volume (P=0.019). However, there were no significant differences in D98,D95,D50,and D3between the two groups (P=0.774,0.650,0.170,0.080). The micro group had a 58.7% lower mean homogeneity index and a 20.1% higher mean conformity index than the conventional group (P=0.000). The micro group had significantly lower radiation doses to OAR than the conventional group (P=0.044). The mean Dmeanand Dmaxof the brain stem in the micro group were 10.0% and 8.2%,respectively,lower than those in the conventional group (P=0.768,0.753). The mean Dmeanand Dmax of the right eye and left eye in the micro group were 16.5%,19.3%,21.4%,and 13.4%,respectively,lower than those in the conventional group (P=0.572,0.775 and 0.734,0.630). The mean Dmaxof the left lens, right lens, left optic nerve, right optic nerve, and optic chiasm in the micro group were 50.4%, 24.1%, 38.5%, 27.8%, and 5.7%, respectively, lower than those in the conventional group (P=0.172,0.467, 0.521,0.740,0.899). The PRV100,PRV50,and PRV25of the normal tissue in the micro group were no more than those in the conventional group(P=0.839,0.832,0.972). Conclusions In inverse IMRT in intracranial SRS,micro-MLC is better than conventional MLC because it can improve CI of the target volume and reduce the radiation doses to OAR.

Objective To explore the management process and prevention and control during the high incidence of influenza in elderly patients in community hospitals. Methods To standardize the treatment and control of the elderly patients with high incidence of influenza by perfecting the rules and regulations, strengthening the discipline construction, the monitoring of the key crowd, the epidemiological investigation, the effective protection and isolation, and the drug treatment. Results Older patients under the flu could control the development and spread of the disease in a timely and effective way during the visit. No serious complications and cross-infections occurred, and the patient's quality of life and self-protection were improved. Conclusion The standardized management of disease diagnosis and treatment in a special period is of great significance for reducing the incidence of the disease and ensuring the physical and mental health of patients.

Objective: To compare the value of right ventricular (RV) free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and conventional parameters in evaluation of RV dysfunction in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: Sixty CTEPH patients were enrolled as group A and 45 pulmonary embolism (PE) patients with normal pulmonary pressure were enrolled as group B in this study. CTEPH patients were divided into 2 subgroups using the World Health Organization (WHO) function classification: patients with WHO Ⅰ-Ⅱ were designated as group A1 and those with WHO Ⅲ-Ⅳ were designated as group A2. Conventional RV functional parameters including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S′), fractional area change (FAC), RV index of myocardial performance (RVIMP), and STE-derived RV FWLS were measured and compared. Clinical right heart failure (RHF) was defined as the presence of symptoms of heart failure and signs of systemic circulation congestion during hospitalization. Results: Compared to group B, group A patients had significant enlarged right heart dimension and impaired RV systolic function parameters (all P<0.001). The TAPSE, S′, FAC, and RV FWLS showed significant differences between CTEPH patients with mild (group A1) and severe symptoms (group A2) (all P<0.01), while RVIMP showed no significant difference (P=0.188). On receiver operating characteristic analysis, FWLS had the largest AUC to identify RHF (AUC=0.864, P<0.001), when the cutoff value was 15.05%, the sensitivity was 85.71%, and the specificity was 64.29%, respectively. On binary logistic regression analysis, only right atria area (OR=1.212, 95%CI=1.004-1.48, P=0.046) and RV FWLS (OR=0.662, 95%CI=0.470-0.933, P=0.018) were identified as independent predictor of RHF. Conclusions Compared with conventional parameters, RV FWLS showed advantages in identifying abnormal RV function in CTEPH patients.