ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Qingre Sanzhuo decoction in treating gouty arthritis （GA） combined with hyperuricaemia （HUA）. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal， model， colchicine （0.5 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （17， 34， 68 g·kg^-1， respectively） Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups （n=10）. The rats in other groups except the normal group were treated with the modified method for the modeling of GA combined with HUA. The drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage in the afternoon every day and the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of sterile normal saline by gavage. The level of uric acid （SUA） in the serum was measured 2 h after the last administration. The degree of ankle joint swelling was calculated 0.5， 12， 24， 48 h after modeling， and joint inflammation was scored. The pathological changes of ankle joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining， and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， C reactive protein （CRP）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD （ASC）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1）， gasdermin D （GSDMD）， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3， ASC， and Caspase-1 in ankle joints. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of GSDMD and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed increased SUA in the serum （P<0.05）， ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation （P<0.05）， increased number of blood vessels in the synovium， inflammatory cell foci in the synovial bursa， elevated serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， CRP， and IL-18 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， GSDMD， and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the medium- and high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups showed reduced SUA in the serum （P<0.05）， alleviated ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation （P<0.05）， lowered serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， CRP， and IL-18 （P<0.05）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， GSDMD， and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints （P<0.05）. However， in terms of ameliorating the pathological changes of ankle joints， only the high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction group showed normal morphology of the synovial membrane of ankle joints and no obvious lesion in the articular cartilage. ConclusionQingre Sanzhuo decoction may play a role in preventing and controlling GA combined with HUA by down-regulating the activity of NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines， such as TNF-α， IL-1β， CRP， and IL-18.

Heibu Yaogao (ointment), which made of Galla chinensis, Scolopendra, etc., is a commonly used hospital preparation with definite clinical efficacy, yet its material basis has not been fully clarified.By ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), the chemical constituents of Heibu Yaogao (ointment) and its crude drug mixture were qualitatively analyzed, and the differences of components before and after preparation were discussed.Scanned by electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive and negative ion modes, a total of 73 compounds were identified via precise molecular weight, characteristic fragment ions and chromatographic retention time.57 and 65 compounds were detected in crude drug mixture and Heibu Yaogao (ointment) respectively, including tannins, phenolic acids, nucleosides, amino acids, etc.In the process of preparation, the chemical structure changes are mainly concentrated in tannins.The change of components of Heibu Yaogao (ointment) before and after processing were proved by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, which provides important reference for elucidating the material basis of Heibu Yaogao (ointment), illustrating the rationality of preparation technology and further promoting the quality control of the preparation.

Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Logistic Models ; Phenotype ; Risk Factors

Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic features of 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, dystonia-deafness, hepatopathy, encephalopathy, Leigh-like syndrome(MEGDHEL syndrome) caused by SERAC1 gene variation. Methods:This study retrospectively described the clinical and molecular features and prognosis of a baby boy who was transferred to Children's Hospital of Fudan University and later diagnosed with MEGDHEL syndrome in August 2016. A summary of the clinical and genetic manifestations of MEGDHEL syndrome cases reported in China and foreign areas was conducted through a literature review.Results:(1) Case report: The 2-day-old patient was transferred to Children's Hospital of Fudan University due to hyperlactic acidemia after birth. Physical examination revealed scattered petechiae and ecchymoses of the skin. Laboratory examination showed coagulation disorders and cranial MRI revealed abnormal signals in both basal ganglia. A homozygous variation of c.442C>T(p.Arg148*) in the SERAC1 gene was detected in the patient, which is a pathogenic variant included in the Human Gene Mutation Database. Both of his parents were heterozygous carriers, thereby the diagnosis of MEGDHEL syndrome was confirmed. Followed up to the age of three years and 11 months, he was found to have psychomotor retardation, spasticity, dystonia, deafness, and loss of language ability. (2)Literature review: Together with the case reported in this study, a total of 88 cases were retrieved, involving 57 different variants. The clinical features were homogenous, with onset mostly in the neonatal period (72%, 62/86), and severe reversible liver dysfunction (49%, 38/77) and neonatal hypoglycemia (44%, 35/80) were the main features. Nervous system was affected since infancy and common symptoms, included hypotonia (86%, 68/79), progressive spasticity (82%, 67/82), dystonia (80%, 66/82), intellectual disability (88%, 58/66) and sensorineural hearing impairment (74%, 59/80). Furthermore, bilateral basal ganglia involvement on cranial MRI (93%,70/75) and 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (98%,80/82) were also seen. Supportive care is currently the main management, however, the prognosis is extremely poor. Conclusions:MEGDHEL syndrome should be highly suspected when reversible neonatal liver dysfunction or hypoglycemia of unknown reasons in neonatal period, followed by progressive deafness-dystonia syndrome in infancy. As the prognosis of these patients is usually poor, genetic testing may provide an early diagnosis in neonatal period.

Objective:To explore the underlying genetic causes of neonatal encephalopathy complicated with perinatal asphyxia.Methods:From the neonates recruited to the Neonatal Genome Project of Children′s Hospital of Fudan University between January 2016 and January 2019, 113 neonates with neonatal encephalopathy and acute peripartum or intrapartum event or Apgar score ≤7 were enrolled in this study. The clinical data, laboratory results, the findings of electroencephalograph and magnetic resonance imaging or head ultrasound, and the genetic information were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Of the 133 neonates with neonatal encephalopathy and acute peripartum or intrapartum event or Apgar score ≤7 scores, 77 (57.9%) were males, 56 (42.1%) were female, 56 (42.1%) were delivered via cesarean section, and 77(57.9%) were born by vaginal delivery. Among these cases, 68 (51.1%) were diagnosed of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, 25 (18.8%) had intracranial hemorrhage, 20 (15%) were related to genetic diseases, and 5 (3.8%) had sepsis without central nervous infection. A total of 20 cases with positive results by next-generation sequencing test were identified, including 19 cases with pathogenic variations and 1 case with variation of uncertain significance. These 20 cases included 4 cases with congenital myopathy (2 cases of MTM1 gene pathogenic variants, 1 case of ACTA1 and 1 case of RYR1 gene pathogenic variants), 4 cases with genetic syndrome (2 cases of CHD7 gene pathogenic variants, 1 case of PTN11 gene pathogenic variant, and 1 case of NSDHL gene pathogenic variant), 3 cases with metabolic disorders (1 case of OTC gene pathogenic variant, 1 case of MTHFR gene pathogenic variant, and 1 case of ALDH7A1 gene pathogenic variant), 2 cases with epileptic encephalopathy (1 case of KCNT1 and 1 case of PACS2 gene pathogenic variants), 1 case with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (PHOX2B gene pathogenic variant) and 6 cases with copy-number pathogenic variations. Among these 20 cases, 8(40.0%) neonates were presented with persistent hypotonia, 7(35.0%) neonates with seizures, and 5(25.0%) neonates with congenital malformation. Genetic counseling and further follow-up were performed or suggested for these 20 cases; 4 neonates were deceased, 10 neonates underwent palliative care, and 6 neonates were improved after supportive care and their further follow-up plan were performed in clinics.Conclusions:Genetic diseases are not rare in neonates with neonatal encephalopathy complicated with perinatal hypoxia event. The common causes in these neonates include congenital myopathy, metabolic disorders, genetic syndrome, and epilepsy encephalopathy.

Adenocarcinoma ; Carcinoma, Adenosquamous ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Therapy ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Fatigue ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand-Foot Syndrome ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Leukopenia ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Neutropenia ; Proteinuria ; Radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

Objective: To observe the safety and short-term efficacy of apatinib in the treatment of recurrent, metastatic cervical cancer in patients who have already received more than two kinds of comprehensive treatment. Methods: Forty-eight patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer after radiotherapy or surgery who received apatinib between June 2016 and June 2017 were involved in this study. These patients experienced progression after first-line or second-line chemotherapy. There were 38 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma, 8 with adenocarcinoma, and 2 with adenosquamous carcinoma. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reviewed and evaluated. Results: All patients had complete follow-up records, and the median follow-up time was 14.5 months (5.5–20.5 months). Among the 48 patients, 14.58% achieved a partial response and 52.08% achieved stable disease. The overall response rate and disease control rate were 14.58% and 66.67%, respectively. The median time that the 48 patients received oral apatinib was 8.2 months. The median PFS was 4.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=3.31–5.26) and OS was 13.9 months (95% CI=8.37–17.96). The main apatinib-related adverse reactions were leukopenia (37.5%), neutropenia (41.67%), hemorrhage (37.5%), hypertension (33.33%), proteinuria (12.5%), fatigue (37.5%), and hand-foot syndrome (27.08%). Most of them were grade 1–2, and no drug-related death occurred. Conclusions Apatinib can improve the disease control rate of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer when chemotherapy has failed, and the treatment is well tolerated. This represents that apatinib may be a new treatment option for metastatic cervical cancer patients.

Objective To study the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Zellweger syndrome caused by PEX1 gene mutation.Method The clinical data of 2 neonates with Zellweger syndrome admitted to the Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The databases of CNKI,Wipp and Wanfang were retrieved with “peroxisomal disease”,“Zellweger syndrome”,“Zellweger pedigree disorder”,and “PEX1 gene” as key words and the human gene mutation database (HGMD) was retrieved with “PEX1” as the gene name.The biomedical literature database (PubMed),Web of Science database and Embase database were retrieved with “Zellweger syndrome”,“Zellweger spectrum disorder PEX1 gene” as key words.All the databases were retrieved up to Nov 8,2018 to summarize the clinical phenotype and genotype characteristics of children with Zellweger syndrome.Result A total of 2 neonates with Zellweger syndrome were admitted to our Hospital,including 1 male and 1 female.Both the newborns presented with hypotonia,feeding difficulties clinically and showed dilated cerebral ventricles in neuroimaging.They were detected compound heterozygous for PEX1 mutations.Case 1 with the variants [NM_000466:exon 12:c.2050C＞T (p.Q684X);NM_000466:exon20:c.3043G＞T(p.E1015X)] have suffered from seizure at 2 months old.Case 2 with the variants [NM_000466.2:exon5:c.892_895dupTATA (p.Asn299IlefsTer2);NM_000466:exon19:c.2927-2delA] died in the neonatal period.No cases of newborn Zellweger syndrome caused by PEX1 gene mutation have been reported in China.There was a total of 6 articles and 13 cases were reported from foreign literature databases.All the cases presented as hypotonia,abnormal liver function,wide sutures (large fontanelle),hypertelorism and broad nasal bridge clinically.2 newborns carrying 2 missense variants were diagnosed as mild Zellweger spectrum disorder and atypical Zellweger syndrome the 10 newborns with 2 variants typed frameshift,nonsense or splice site were diagnosed as Zellweger syndrome.Conclusion Zellweger syndrome caused by defective gene PEX1 manifested as hypotonia,abnormal liver function,wide sutures (large fontanelle),hypertelorism and broad nasal bridge in neonatal period.Newborns with frameshift,nonsense or splice site variants in PEX1 have more severe clinical phenotypical features.

Objective To explore the clinical value of genetic screening for early identification of WAS gene-related disorders in newborns.Methods This was a retrospective study.Neonatal Genome Project from Children's Hospital of Fudan University collected 5 800 high-risk newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit to study the patients' genetic causes using high-throughput sequencing from January 2016 to December 2017.Eleven newborns (all were boys) with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in WAS gene were enrolled.Data of clinical characteristics,gene variants and genotype-phenotype correlation were collected and summarized.Results Eleven patients included 5 cases with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and 6 cases with X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT).Two patients with WAS developed clinical manifestations in the early neonatal period,and 3 patients in 5-8 weeks after birth.Three neonates with XLT were hospitalized for other diseases in the first place.Their platelet count was found to be reduced after admission to hospital,and diagnosis was made after genetic testing.Eleven pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in WAS gene were identified.Among them,7 were first reported in this study,including 2 frame shift variants c.138delG and c.388_390del,4 splicing variants c.1453+ 1G＞A,c.734+ 1G＞C,c.135G＞A and c.1453+3G＞C,and 1 missense variant c.1118C＞T.The other 4 reported variants were c.777+ 1G＞A,c.107_ 108delTT,c.436delC and c.1509_*3delAGTG.Conclusions The clinical features of WAS gene-related disorders in neonatal period lack specificity.Genetic screening in newborns plays an important role in the early diagnosis of diseases and provides providing evidence for the early intervention.

Objective To evaluate the influences of statin treatment on MR vessel wall imagingobserved characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque in the thoracic aorta of the elderly.Methods Elderly subjects (≥ 60 years) without any serious cerebro-cardiovascular diseases were recruited.Thoracic aorta was imaged on MR scanner for all the subjects.The plaque burden was calculated quantitatively,the composition of plaque in thoracic aorta was evaluated qualitatively,and the contributions of statin treatment to these characteristics were also compared by image interpretation personals.The thoracic aorta was divided into three segments (AAO:ascending aorta;AOA:aortic arch,and DOA:descending aorta)on the imaging.Results Totally 55 recruited subjects had atherosclerotic plaque in thoracic aorta,with 24 subjects receiving statin treatment,and 50 ％ (12/24) male,aged 73.8±6.3 years.The level of LDL C[(2.4±0.7)mmol/L vs.(3.1±0.8)mmol/L(P＜ 0.01)]and total cholesterol[(4.4±0.6)mmol/L vs.(5.1 ±1.0)mmol/L(P＜0.01)]were significantly lower in statin group than in non-statin group.The lumen area,wall area,and total vessel area in all three segments of thoracic aorta were significantly smaller in statin group(all P＜0.05)than in nonstatin group.The average wall thickness in segment of AOA[(2.7±0.3)mm vs.(2.8±0.4)mm(P＜0.01)]and DAO[(2.5±0.4)mm vs.(2.6±0.5)mm(P＜0.01)]were smaller in statin group than in non-statin group.The incidence rate of intraplaque hemorrhage / mural thrombus [6 cases (25.0％) vs.8 cases(25.8 ％)]in thoracic aorta was a little lower in statin group than in non-statin group,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusions Statin treatment decreases LDL-C level,reduces the burden of atherosclerotic plaque in thoracic aorta,and maintains the atherosclerotic plaque stability.