OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care could further reduce the recurrence of ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe bleeding. METHODS: A total of 23 Chinese medical centers participated in this trial. Adult patients with a history of ischemic stroke were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a block design to receive either Naoxintong Capsule (1.2 g orally, twice a day) or placebo in addition to standard care. The primary endpoint was recurrence of ischemic stroke within 2 years. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction, death due to recurrent ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality. The safety of drugs was monitored. Results were analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: A total of 2,200 patients were enrolled from March 2015 to March 2016, of whom 143 and 158 in the Naoxintong and placebo groups were lost to follow-up, respectively. Compared with the placebo group, the recurrence rate of ischemic stroke within 2 years was significantly lower in the Naoxintong group [6.5% vs. 9.5%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.665, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.492-0.899, P=0.008]. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary outcomes and safety, including rates of severe hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care reduced the 2-year stroke recurrence rate in patients with ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe hemorrhage in high-risk patients. (Trial registration No. NCT02334969).
Adult ; Humans ; Secondary Prevention/methods* ; Ischemic Stroke ; Stroke/prevention & control* ; Cerebral Hemorrhage/complications* ; Double-Blind Method ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors

To scientifically evaluate the intervention effect of Chinese medicine preventive administration(combined use of Huo-xiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) on community population in the case of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), a large cohort, prospective, randomized, and parallel-controlled clinical study was conducted. Total 22 065 subjects were included and randomly divided into 2 groups. The non-intervention group was given health guidance only, while the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention group was given two coordinated TCM in addition to health guidance. The medical instructions were as follows. Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid: oral before meals, 10 mL/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days. Jinhao Jiere Granules: dissolve in boiling water and take after meals, 8 g/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days, followed up for 14 days, respectively. The study found that with the intake of medication, the incidence rate of TCM intervention group was basically maintained at a low and continuous stable level(0.01%-0.02%), while the non-intervention group showed an overall trend of continuous growth(0.02%-0.18%) from 3 to 14 days. No suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case occurred in either group. There were 2 cases of colds in the TCM intervention group and 26 cases in the non-intervention group. The incidence of colds in the TCM intervention group was significantly lower(P<0.05) than that in the non-intervention group. In the population of 16-60 years old, the incidence rate of non-intervention and intervention groups were 0.01% and 0.25%, respectively. The difference of colds incidence between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). In the population older than 60 years old, they were 0.04% and 0.21%, respectively. The incidence of colds in the non-intervention group was higher than that in the intervention group, but not reaching statistical difference. The protection rate of TCM for the whole population was 91.8%, especially for the population of age 16-60(95.0%). It was suggested that TCM intervention(combined use of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) could effectively protect community residents against respiratory diseases, such as colds, which was worthy of promotion in the community. In addition, in terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events and adverse reactions in the TCM intervention group was relatively low, which was basically consistent with the drug instructions.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Betacoronavirus ; Coronavirus Infections ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral ; drug therapy ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: We reviewed data on 40 patients (22 male cases, and 18 female cases) diagnosed with UPJO in Peking University First Hospital from May 2017 to April 2019. The median age was 26.5 years (IQR 23.25-38.75) years. There were 11 patients complicated with ectopic vessels, 14 patients with kidney stones, 3 patients with horseshoe kidney, and 6 patients with obstruction after pyeloplasty. All the patients underwent preoperative enhanced CT scan, and the CT data were reconstructed into three-dimensional image models. The obstruction position of ureteropelvic junction and the relationship between ureteropelvic junction and blood vessels and organs were observed by three-dimensional models to assist planning surgery. Thirty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty (including 3 cases combined with pyelolithotomy with flexible cystoscope, 1 case combined with pyelolithotomy by sun-style cystoscope, 1 case with laparoscopic ureter resection and anastomosis, 3 cases of laparoscopic pyeloplasty of horseshoe kidney), 2 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty, and 1 patient underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CT image clearly showed the relationship between the obstruction of ureteropelvic junction and blood vessels and organs after three-dimensional reconstruction. The type, diameter, position and direction of the ectopic vessels could be observed clearly before operation according to the three-dimensional reconstruction model, and the number, size, location and shape of renal calculi or other masses, the number of involved renal calyces and the anatomical distribution in the renal pelvis and calyces could be also evaluated preoperatively. After comprehensive analysis of the above information, individualized operation plans were performed on the patients, all the 40 cases were successfully completed with the surgery without any transfer to open surgery. The average operative time was (129.91±37.90) min (range: 75 to 273), the average blood loss was (48.1±78.0) mL (range: 10 to 400), the average hospitality was (5.04±1.99) d (range: 2 to 10), and the average postoperative drainage time was (3.8±1.4) d (range: 2 to 8). CONCLUSION The preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction has a high clinical value in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and it is of great help to assist surgery planning and is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Kidney Pelvis ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Ureteral Obstruction/diagnostic imaging* ; Urologic Surgical Procedures ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the availability and safety of ileal ureter replacement combined with ileal augmentation cystoplasty in treating ureteral stenosis with contracted bladder.Methods From August 2015 to November 2018,three patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty were treated with ileal ureter replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty.There were 1 male and 2 females with the age ranging from 34 to 55 years (mean 39 years).Two patients suffered from left ureter stenosis,and one patient had stenosis on the both sides.The length of the ureter stenosis ranged from 6 to 18 cm (mean 9.8 cm).The preoperative bladder capacity ranged from 60 to 150 ml (mean 103.3 ml).In the surgery,part of ileum was used to replace the ureter,and the distal intestine was made into U-shape to enlarge the bladder.Results All operation were completed successfully.The operation time ranged from 220 to 400 min (mean 303.0 min),and the blood loss ranged from 150 to 500 ml (mean 283.3 ml).Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 1 case and open surgery in 2 cases.Three weeks after the surgery,the bladder volume underwent cystography ranged from 300 to 400 ml (mean 360.0 ml).Three months after the surgery,the postvoid residual urine volume ranged from 20 to 50 ml (mean 33.3 ml).Postoperative frequency and urgency of urine were completely relieved in 1 case,alleviated in 2 cases.Flank pain was completely relieved in 1 case,and alleviated in 2 cases postoperatively.The serum creatinine of 2 patients mildly increased after the surgery,while 1 patient remained stable.For complications,1 patient had urinary infection,and 1 patient suffered from metabolic acidosis.Conclusions Ileal ureteral replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty can be the choice of treatment for long segment ureteral stenosis and enlarge the bladder simultaneously.The postoperative complications and the kidney functions should be regularly followed up.

Objective: To explore the relationship between selenium and the risk for oral cancer. Methods: We performed a case-control study in 325 cases of newly diagnosed primary oral cancer from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and 650 controls from the same hospital and community. Unconditional logistic regression and stratification analyses were used to explore the association between selenium and oral cancer. Adjusted OR and corresponding 95%CI were calculated. The analyses on multiple interactions between selenium and smoking or drinking status, and fruit or fish intake frequencies were conducted. Results: The level of serum selenium was 112.42 (80.98-145.06) μg/L in the case group, which was lower than 164.85 (144.44-188.53) μg/L in control group, the difference was statistical significant (P<0.01). There was a negative correlation between serum selenium level and the risk for oral cancer regardless of smoking and drinking status, and fruits and fish intake frequencies (P<0.05). There were multiple interactions between serum selenium level and smoking or drinking status, and fruit and fish intakes. Conclusions The high level of serum selenium is a protective factor for the incidence of oral cancer, and serum selenium has multiple interactions with smoking or drinking status, and fruit and fish intakes. Therefore, reducing tobacco use and alcohol consumption and increasing the intakes of fruit and fish can reduce the risk for oral cancer to some extent.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Tangzhiping Prescription on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and the effects on serum vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF). Methods Totally 86 NPDR patients were randomly divided into treatment group (43 cases) and control group (43 cases). Both groups were given hypoglycemic, anti hypertensive and lipid-regulatory basic therapy. The control group was given calcium distillate capsules, 0.5 g per time, 3 times a day, orally; the treatment group was treated with Tangzhiping Prescription based on the control group, 1 dosage per day, twice a day, orally. Four weeks were set as one treatment course. Treatment for both groups lasted for three courses. Clinical efficacy and fundus efficacy of both groups were evaluated. TCM symptom scores, fundus scores, and visual condition were observed; FPG, 2 h PG, Hb A1 C, TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C and changes in the contents of VEGF and PEDF were detected. Results The control group and the treatment group lost 2 and 3 cases respectively. The total effective rate of clinical efficacy and total fundus efficiency of the control group were 65.00％ and 68.35％, respectively, and the treatment group were 87.50％ and 84.62％ respectively, with statistical significance (P＜0.05). Compared with before treatment, TCM symptom scores and fundus scores decreased significantly after treatment in both groups (P＜0.01); After treatment, the TCM symptom scores and fundus scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Compared with before treatment, visual acuity improved significantly after treatment in both groups (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Compared with before treatment, levels of FPG, 2 h PG, Hb A1 c, TC, TG, and LDL-C decreased significantly in both groups after treatment (P＜0.01). After treatment, the levels of 2 h PG, Hb A1 c, TC, TG, and LDL-C in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Compared with before treatment, the levels of VEGF decreased and PEDF levels increased in both groups, with statistical significance (P＜0.01). After treatment, the improvement of VEGF and PEDF in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (P＜0.05, P＜0.01); negative correlation was found between VEGF and PEDF (r=-0.320, P＜0.01). Conclusion Tangzhiping Prescription can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with NPDR and slow down the progress of NPDR via reducing the blood glucose and blood lipids, and regulating the contents of VEGF and PEDF.

Objective To learn the current status of health literacy of residents in Wenling City, and to explore the relationship between health literacy and socioeconomic status. Methods A total of 3200 residents aged 15-69 years old from 6 townships were selected by stratified multi-stage random sampling method and probability proportionate to size sampling (PPS) method, and a questionnaire surveyed was conducted. Results Totally 3189 questionnaires were effective and the overall level of health literacy of residents was 19.79％ (631/3189) . The percentages of residents who had the basic health knowledge and concept, healthy lifestyle and behavior, health related skills were 23.27％、 24.21％ and 23.83％, respectively. About 55.47％ of residents had the literacy of safety and first-aid, which was the highest, followed by 38.66％ with scientific health belief, 32.77％ with literacy for disease prevention, 26.12％ with health information, 14.14％ with primary medical care and 7.49％ with the literacy for chronic disease prevention. Logistic regression model showed that the health literacy level with institutions class was 2.25 times of manual workers class, and the health literacy level of people have bachelor degree or above was 6.93 times less literate or illiterate, and the health literacy level of family income of 200 thousand Yuan and above was 7.70 times of 0～50 thousand Yuan. The health literacy were different among different socioeconomic status residents (P<0.01) . Conclusion There are obvious gaps in health literacy among different socioeconomic status groups. Health education should be strengthened among residents, especially among the manual workers class, low education class and low income class.

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction usually exhibits an irreversible course,and available treatments for delaying the progression to end-stage renal disease are limited.This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine,Niaoduqing particles,for delaying renal dysfunction in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.Methods:The present study was a prospective,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trial.From May 2013 to December 2013,300 CKD patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 20 and 45 ml,min-1· 1.73 m-2,aged 18-70 years were recruited from 22 hospitals in 11 Chinese provinces.Patients were randomized in a 1∶1 ratio to either a test group,which was administered Niaoduqing particles 5 g thrice daily and 10 g before bedtime for 24 weeks,or a control group,which was administered a placebo using the same methods.The primary endpoints were changes in baseline serum creatinine (Scr) and eGFR after completion of treatment.The primary endpoints were analyzed using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.The present study reported results based on an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis.Results:A total of 292 participants underwent the ITT analysis.At 24 weeks,the median (interquartile range) change in Scr was 1.1 (-13.0-24.1) and 11.7 (-2.6-42.9) μmol/L for the test and control groups,respectively (Z =2.642,P =0.008),and the median change in eGFR was-0.2 (-4.3-2.7) and-2.2 (-5.7-0.8) ml·min-1.1.73 m-2,respectively (Z =-2.408,P =0.016).There were no significant differences in adverse events between the groups.Conclusions:Niaoduqing particles safely and effectively delayed CKD progression in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.This traditional Chinese medicine may be a promising alternative medication for patients with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction.

BACKGROUNDThe interaction between activated microglia and T lymphocytes can yield abundant pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our previous study proved that thymus immune tolerance could alleviate the inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate whether intrathymic injection of myelin basic protein (MBP) in mice could suppress the inflammatory response after co-culture of T lymphocytes and BV-2 microglia cells.

METHODSTotally, 72 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 24 in each): Group A: intrathymic injection of 100 μl MBP (1 mg/ml); Group B: intrathymic injection of 100 μl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); and Group C: sham operation group. Every eight mice in each group were sacrificed to obtain the spleen at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively. T lymphocytes those were extracted and purified from the spleens were then co-cultured with activated BV-2 microglia cells at a proportion of 1:2 in the medium containing MBP for 3 days. After identified the T lymphocytes by CD3, surface antigens of T lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, CD152, and CD154) and BV-2 microglia cells (CD45 and CD54) were detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of pro-inflammatory factors of BV-2 microglia cells (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference test were used for data analysis.

RESULTSThe levels of CD152 in Group A showed an upward trend from the 3rd to 7th day, with a downward trend from the 7th to 14th day (20.12 ± 0.71%, 30.71 ± 1.14%, 13.50 ± 0.71% at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, P < 0.05). The levels of CD154 in Group A showed a downward trend from the 3rd to 7th day, with an upward trend from the 7th to 14th day (10.00 ± 0.23%, 5.28 ± 0.69%, 14.67 ± 2.71% at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, P < 0.05). The ratio of CD4+/CD8 + T in Group A showed a downward trend from the 3rd to 7th day, with the minimum at postoperative day 7, then an upward trend from the 7th to 14th day (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of CD45 and CD54 in Group A were found as the same trend as the ratio of CD4+/CD8 + T (CD45: 83.39 ± 2.56%, 82.74 ± 2.09%, 87.56 ± 2.11%; CD54: 3.80 ± 0.24%, 0.94 ± 0.40%, 3.41 ± 0.33% at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, P < 0.05). The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS in Group A were significantly lower than those in Groups B and C, and the values at postoperative day 7 were the lowest compared with those at postoperative days 3 and 14 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between Groups B and C.

CONCLUSIONSIntrathymic injection of MBP could suppress the immune reaction that might reduce the secondary immune injury of brain tissue induced by an inflammatory response.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Brain Injuries, Traumatic ; drug therapy ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Coculture Techniques ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Microglia ; immunology ; Myelin Basic Protein ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology

PURPOSE: Cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)-expressing CD8+T cells have been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying the loss of self-tolerance remain unclear. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in the development of homeostasis in the immune system. We, therefore, hypothesized that a reduced ability of Tregs to inhibit autologous CD8+CLA+T cells might be underlying mechanism in AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CD8+CLA+T cells and Tregs were obtained from the peripheral blood of AD patients and control volunteers. The frequencies of CD8+CLA+T cells were evaluated. The proliferative responses of CD8+CLA+T cells were assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in culture supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Our results revealed higher frequency and increased expression of perforin and granzyme-B in peripheral CD8+CLA+T cells in AD, and lower inhibitory ability of Tregs on proliferation of CD8+CLA+T cells in AD. Meanwhile, the levels of TGF-beta1 produced by Tregs were significantly lower in AD, and anti-TGF-beta1 abolished such suppression. CONCLUSION: The attenuated inhibitory ability of Tregs on hyper-activated autologous CD8+CLA+T cells, mediated by TGF-beta1, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Adult ; Aged ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects/*immunology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Separation ; Dermatitis, Atopic/*immunology/pathology ; Female ; Granzymes/metabolism ; Humans ; Interleukin-10/metabolism ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Perforin/metabolism ; Skin/*immunology/pathology ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects/immunology ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects/*immunology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology