OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of aristolochic acid (AA)-associated cancer in patients with AA nephropathy (AAN). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with AAN at Peking University First Hospital from January 1997 to December 2014. Long-term surveillance and follow-up data were analyzed to investigate the influence of different factors on the prevalence of cancer. The primary endpoint was the incidence of liver cancer, and the secondary endpoint was the incidence of urinary cancer during 1 year after taking AA-containing medication to 2014. RESULTS: A total of 337 patients diagnosed with AAN were included in this study. From the initiation of taking AA to the termination of follow-up, 39 patients were diagnosed with cancer. No cases of liver cancer were observed throughout the entire follow-up period, with urinary cancer being the predominant type (34/39, 87.17%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, follow-up period, and diabetes were potential risk factors, however, the dosage of the drug was not significantly associated with urinary cancer. CONCLUSIONS No cases of liver cancer were observed at the end of follow-up. However, a high prevalence of urinary cancer was observed in AAN patients. Establishing a direct causality between AA and HCC is challenging.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Incidence ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Kidney Diseases/chemically induced* ; Aristolochic Acids/adverse effects*

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

Selective dorsal neurotomy (SDN) is a surgical treatment for primary premature ejaculation (PE), but there is still no standard surgical procedure for selecting the branches of the dorsal penile nerves to be removed. We performed this study to explore the value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) of the penile sensory-evoked potential (PSEP) for standard surgical procedures in SDN. One hundred and twenty primary PE patients undergoing SDN were selected as the PE group and 120 non-PE patients were selected as the normal group. The PSEP was monitored and compared between the two groups under both natural and general anesthesia (GA) states. In addition, patients in the PE group were randomly divided into the IONM group and the non-IONM group. During SDN surgery, PSEP parameters of the IONM group were recorded and analyzed. The differences in PE-related outcome measurements between the perioperative period and 3 months' postoperation were compared for the PE patients, and the differences in effectiveness and complications between the IONM group and the non-IONM group were compared. The results showed that the average latency of the PSEP in the PE group was shorter than that in the normal group under both natural and GA states (P < 0.001). Three months after surgery, the significant effective rates in the IONM and non-IONM groups were 63.6% and 34.0%, respectively (P < 0.01), and the difference in complications between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). IONM might be useful in improving the short-term therapeutic effectiveness and reducing the complications of SDN.
Male ; Humans ; Premature Ejaculation/surgery* ; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring/methods* ; Prospective Studies ; Neurosurgical Procedures/methods* ; Penis/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies

Abstract: Objective　To master the condition of cockroach population distribution, seasonal dynamics, cockroach density for different habitat, and to provide a basis for developing cockroach control strategies. Methods　Six types of surveillance sites, including residential areas, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and farm product markets, were set up in 14 cities in Liaoning to monitor cockroaches using the sticky-trap method. The cockroach surveillance data from vector surveillance sites in fourteen cities of Liaoning Province in 2021 were collected and statistically analyzed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 23.0 software. The density and species composition of cockroaches were analyzed, and the density difference and seasonal dynamics trend of cockroaches in different habitats were compared. Results　A total of 3 031 cockroaches were captured in 2021, of which Blattella germanica accounted for 94.66% (2 869/3 031) and was the dominant population. The total density of cockroaches was 0.230 0 cockroaches per sheet (3 031/13 234) and the total infestation rate of cockroaches was 5.59% (562/10 052). The density and infestation rate of cockroaches in different habitats were in the order of farm product markets, restaurants, and hotels and the difference in infestation rate between habitats was statistically significant (χ2=168.327, P<0.05). The seasonal dynamics trend of cockroach density and disoperation rate showed a unimodal curve, and the peaks were distributed in July. The seasonal dynamics of cockroach density and disoperation rate in different habitats showed a unimodal curve in the habitats of farm product markets, supermarkets, hotels, hospitals and residential areas all, while the habitats of restaurants were close to a double peak curve. Conclusions　B. germanica is the dominant species of cockroaches in Liaoning Province in 2021. Compared with 2020 the density and disoperation rate of cockroach in 2021 showed a slight downward trend, and the seasonal dynamics trend of cockroach density and disoperation rate showed a unimodal curve. The farm product markets are the key places for cockroach prevention and control. According to the seasonal fluctuation trends in cockroach density and infestation rate in different habitats, comprehensive prevention and control measures should be taken before the peak periods to reduce cockroach density and control diseases.

AIM: To explore the correlation between the integrity of the macular microstructures and the visual outcomes before and after idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)surgery.METHODS: A total of 43 patients(43 eyes)with IMEM who were treated in our hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 were selected. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of each patient was examined preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9mo after surgery. Moreover, metamorphopsia(M-chart)examination was given, and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)was used to measure central foveal thickness(CFT), subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT), the thickness of ganglion cells-inner plexiform layer(GC-IPL)and the length of interdigitation zone(IZ)defect.RESULTS: The BCVA and the metamorphopsia were gradually improved at postoperative 3, 6 and 9 mo(all P<0.05). Moreover, the BCVA was positively correlated with CFT and the length of the IZ defect(P<0.05), while it was not correlated with SFCT and the thickness of GC-IPL(P>0.05). The metamorphopsia assessment was positively correlated with the CFT at postoperative 3, 6, and 9mo(P<0.05), while it was not correlated with SFCT, the thickness of GC-IPL and the length of IZ defect(P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The CFT and the length of IZ defect were significantly correlated with the BCVA after IMEM surgery, which can be used as indicators to predict the recovery of visual function after IMEM surgery.

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of salvianolic acid B on retina and its influence on angiogenesis in retinal vein occlusion(RVO)injured rats.METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and salvianolic acid B group, with 10 rats in each group. In addition to the control group, rats in model group and salvianolic acid B group were induced RVO by Bengal red combined with laser photodynamic method. The rats in salvianolic acid B group were intraperitoneally injected with salvianolic acid B 50 mg/(kg·d), while the rats in control group and model group were only given the same amount of normal saline for 21 consecutive days. Fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)was used to observe the retinal vein structure before and after administration. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of rat retina. The retinal function of rats was evaluated by electroretinogram(ERG). The fluorescence expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)in retina of rats in each group was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The relative expression of HIF-1α, STAT3, p-STAT3 and VEGFA proteins in retinal tissue were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the blood flow at the retinal obstruction in the model group was recanalized, and the effective collateral circulation was abundant, but the shape was irregular, and there was fluorescence leakage. In salvianolic acid B group, the retinal vein circulation recovered, the shape became regular gradually, and the collateral vessels decreased. The retina of the model group and salvianolic acid B group showed different degrees of pathological damage. At the same time, the amplitude of ERG a wave and b wave, the thickness of retinal total layer(RTL), inner nuclear layer(INL)and outer nuclear layer(ONL)decreased, the fluorescence intensity of VEGFA enhanced, and the relative expression of HIF-1α, p-STAT3 and VEGFA protein increased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the retinal histopathological damage of salvianolic acid B rats was alleviated, the amplitude of ERG a-wave and b-wave, the thickness of RTL, INL and ONL were increased, the fluorescence intensity of VEGFA was weakened, and the relative expression of HIF-1α, p-STAT3 and VEGFA proteins was decreased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Salvianolic acid B can alleviate the retinal histopathological injury and improve retinal function in RVO rats, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of HIF-1α/STAT3/VEGFA pathway and reducing angiogenesis.

AIM: To explore the efficacy of Danshen injection iontophoresis in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion(RVO).METHODS: The clinical data of 90 patients(90 eyes)with RVO treated in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, and they were divided into control group and observation group according to treatment methods. A total of 38 patients(38 eyes)in the control group were treated with intravenous Xueshuantong+oral compound Xueshuantong capsule+enteric-coated aspirin, and 52 patients(52 eyes)in the observation group were treated with Danshen injection iontophoresis on this basis. The treatment time of the two groups was 3mo. The clinical efficacy, best corrected visual acuity, retinal condition and hemorheological indexes(whole blood low shear viscosity, fibrinogen)were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.RESULTS: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(87% vs 58%,P<0.05)at 3mo after treatment. The best corrected visual acuity in both groups was better than that before treatment, and the observation group was better than the control group(all P<0.05).The circulation time of retinal vein, the relative diameter of retinal vein and the relative area of retinal hemorrhage in the observation group were lower than those before treatment,and the observation group was lower than the control group(all P<0.05). The whole blood low shear viscosity and fibrinogen levels in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the observation group was lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Danshen injection iontophoresis is effective in the treatment of patients with RVO, which can effectively improve the visual acuity, treat fundus lesions and improve the abnormal blood flow.

Objective: To analyze the clinical epidemiological characteristics including composition of pathogens , clinical characteristics, and disease prognosis acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in Chinese children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and laboratory data of 1 610 children <15 years of age with ABM in 33 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were divided into different groups according to age,<28 days group, 28 days to <3 months group, 3 months to <1 year group, 1-<5 years of age group, 5-<15 years of age group; etiology confirmed group and clinically diagnosed group according to etiology diagnosis. Non-numeric variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, while non-normal distrituction numeric variables were compared with nonparametric test. Results: Among 1 610 children with ABM, 955 were male and 650 were female (5 cases were not provided with gender information), and the age of onset was 1.5 (0.5, 5.5) months. There were 588 cases age from <28 days, 462 cases age from 28 days to <3 months, 302 cases age from 3 months to <1 year of age group, 156 cases in the 1-<5 years of age and 101 cases in the 5-<15 years of age. The detection rates were 38.8% (95/245) and 31.5% (70/222) of Escherichia coli and 27.8% (68/245) and 35.1% (78/222) of Streptococcus agalactiae in infants younger than 28 days of age and 28 days to 3 months of age; the detection rates of Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae were 34.3% (61/178), 14.0% (25/178) and 13.5% (24/178) in the 3 months of age to <1 year of age group; the dominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and the detection rate were 67.9% (74/109) and 44.4% (16/36) in the 1-<5 years of age and 5-<15 years of age . There were 9.7% (19/195) strains of Escherichia coli producing ultra-broad-spectrum β-lactamases. The positive rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and blood culture were 32.2% (515/1 598) and 25.0% (400/1 598), while 38.2% (126/330)and 25.3% (21/83) in CSF metagenomics next generation sequencing and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen detection. There were 4.3% (32/790) cases of which CSF white blood cell counts were normal in etiology confirmed group. Among 1 610 children with ABM, main intracranial imaging complications were subdural effusion and (or) empyema in 349 cases (21.7%), hydrocephalus in 233 cases (14.5%), brain abscess in 178 cases (11.1%), and other cerebrovascular diseases, including encephalomalacia, cerebral infarction, and encephalatrophy, in 174 cases (10.8%). Among the 166 cases (10.3%) with unfavorable outcome, 32 cases (2.0%) died among whom 24 cases died before 1 year of age, and 37 cases (2.3%) had recurrence among whom 25 cases had recurrence within 3 weeks. The incidences of subdural effusion and (or) empyema, brain abscess and ependymitis in the etiology confirmed group were significantly higher than those in the clinically diagnosed group (26.2% (207/790) vs. 17.3% (142/820), 13.0% (103/790) vs. 9.1% (75/820), 4.6% (36/790) vs. 2.7% (22/820), χ²=18.71, 6.20, 4.07, all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the unfavorable outcomes, mortility, and recurrence between these 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The onset age of ABM in children is usually within 1 year of age, especially <3 months. The common pathogens in infants <3 months of age are Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae, and the dominant pathogen in infant ≥3 months is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Subdural effusion and (or) empyema and hydrocephalus are common complications. ABM should not be excluded even if CSF white blood cell counts is within normal range. Standardized bacteriological examination should be paid more attention to increase the pathogenic detection rate. Non-culture CSF detection methods may facilitate the pathogenic diagnosis.
Adolescent ; Brain Abscess ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Escherichia coli ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Meningitis, Bacterial/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Streptococcus agalactiae ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Subdural Effusion ; beta-Lactamases

Skin wound healing tends to slow down with aging, which is detrimental to both minor wound recovery in daily life and the recovery after surgery. The aim of current study was to explore the effect of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) on wound healing during aging. Cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and mouse full-thickness skin wound model were used to explore the functional changes of replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts and the effect of aging on skin wound healing. Scratch wound healing assay revealed significantly decreased migration speed of senescent HDFs, and BrdU incorporation assay indicated their considerably retardant proliferation. The protein expression levels of collagen and HDAC6 were significantly decreased in both senescent HDFs and skin tissues from aged mice. HDAC6 activity inhibition with highly selective inhibitor tubastatin A (TsA) or HDAC6 knockdown with siRNA decreased the migration speed of HDFs and considerably suppressed fibroblast differentiation induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which suggests the involvement of HDAC6 in regulating fundamental physiological activities of dermal fibroblasts. In vivo full-thickness skin wound healing was significantly delayed in young HDAC6 knockout mice when compared with young wild type mice. In addition, the wound healing was significantly slower in aged wild type mice than that in young wild type mice, and became even worse in aged HDAC6 knockout aged mice. Compared to the aged wild type mice, aged HDAC6 knockout mice exhibited delayed angiogenesis, reduced collagen synthesis, and decreased collagen deposition in skin wounds. Together, these results suggest that delayed skin wound healing in aged mice is associated with impaired fibroblast function. Adequate expression and activity of HDAC6 are required for fibroblasts migration and differentiation.
Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; Aged ; Histone Deacetylase 6 ; Skin ; Wound Healing ; Cell Movement ; Collagen/pharmacology* ; Fibroblasts ; Mice, Knockout ; Cells, Cultured

Recent population studies have significantly advanced our understanding of how age shapes the gut microbiota.However,the actual role of age could be inevitably confounded due to the complex and variable environmental factors in human populations.A well-controlled envi-ronment is thus necessary to reduce undesirable confounding effects,and recapitulate age-dependent changes in the gut microbiota of healthy primates.Herein we performed 16S rRNA gene sequenc-ing,characterized the age-associated gut microbial profiles from infant to elderly crab-eating maca-ques reared in captivity,and systemically revealed the lifelong dynamic changes of the primate gut microbiota.While the most significant age-associated taxa were mainly found as commensals such as Faecalibacterium,the abundance of a group of suspicious pathogens such as Helicobacter was exclusively increased in infants,underlining their potential role in host development.Importantly,topology analysis indicated that the network connectivity of gut microbiota was even more age-dependent than taxonomic diversity,and its tremendous decline with age could probably be linked to healthy aging.Moreover,we identified key driver microbes responsible for such age-dependent network changes,which were further linked to altered metabolic functions of lipids,carbohydrates,and amino acids,as well as phenotypes in the microbial community.The current study thus demon-strates the lifelong age-dependent changes and their driver microbes in the primate gut microbiota,and provides new insights into their roles in the development and healthy aging of their hosts.