Objective To investigate the expressions of 12 cytokines(IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17,IFN-α,IFN-γ,TNF-α)and procalcitonin in patients with infective endocarditis(IE).Methods Ten IE patients admitted to our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were included into the IE group,10 patients with non-infectious and non-rheumatic valvular diseases who were admitted to our hospital at the same period were randomly selected as the control group,and blood sampling of all patients were conducted at admission.The expressions of 12 cytokines and blood routine indexes were detected by flow cytometry,and the level of procalcitonin was detected by ELISA.The correlations among the expression levels of cytokines in IE patients were analyzed by Pearson method and the correlations of IL-8 level and white blood cell count with procalcitonin in IE patients were analyzed by Spearman method.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of cytokines of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,IFN-α,IFN-γ and IL-12p70 in the IE group were significantly increased(P<0.05),the white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage and procalcitonin were significantly increased(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the percentage of monocytes between the two groups(P>0.05).IFN-α of IE patients was positively correlated with IL-2,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-12p70,IL-2 was positively correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β,IL-12p70 was positively correlated with IFN-γ,and procalcitonin was significantly positively correlated with IL-8 and white blood cell count,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,IFN-α,IFN-γ,IL-12p70 and procalcitonin in IE patients are significantly higher than those in the normal population,and the detections of these indicators are of guiding significance for the early diagnosis of IE and the evaluation of the severity of the disease.

Aim To evaluate the therapeutic effect of apigenin on liver fibrosis in mice anrl the pharmacologi¬cal mechanism.Methods Carbon tetrachloride ( CC14) -induced liver fibrosis mouse model was estab¬lished.The mice were divided into six groups of con¬trol, model, silibinin(55 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ) , apigenin in high dosage (60 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ) , apigenin in mid¬dle dosage( 30 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ) and apigenin in low dosage( 15 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ).The general life status, body weight and liver coefficient of the mice in every group were recorded.HE staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to e- valuate the effect of apigenin on the pathological chan¬ges, the markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and signaling pathways of liver tissues.Re¬sults In CCI4-induced liver fibrosis mice, middle and high-dosage of apigenin could improve the general life status, increase body weight, decrease liver coeffi¬ cient, and significantly improve liver lesions.Middle and high-dosage of apigenin significantly increased the expression of the epithelial marker protein E-cadherin and significantly decreased the expression of the mes¬enchymal marker protein Vimentin in liver tissues of mice with the disease.The further results showed that middle and high-dosage apigenin could significantly in¬hibit the expression of phosphorvlated PDK1 and phos- phorvlated AKT protein in liver tissues of model mice.Conclusions Apigenin can inhibit EMT by inhibiting PDK1/AKT signaling pathway, which plays an anti-fi- brosis role.The apigenin has the potential to be further developed as a drug to protect the liver and treat liver fibrosis.

Objective:To explore the predictive factors for efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in drug resistant epilepsy (DRE).Methods:A total of 91 DRE patients underwent VNS in our hospital from July 2015 to August 2019 were chosen in our study. The preoperative evaluation data and postoperative follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate Logistic regression analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the predictive factors for efficacy of VNS.Results:One year after VNS, McHugh grading I in 20 patients (22%), grading II in 37 (40.6%), grading III in 23 (25.3%), grading IV in 2 (2.2%), and grading V in 9 (9.9%)were noted. There were 57 patients (62.6%) reached the responder status (seizure frequency reduction≥50%, McHugh grading Ⅰ or Ⅱ), and 34 (37.4%) patients failed to reach the responder status (seizure frequency reduction<50%, McHugh grading Ⅲ-Ⅴ). The univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the differences in lateralized interictal epileptiform discharge (IED), focal onset, and age of patients accepted electrode implantation were significant between the two groups ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the lateralized IDE ( OR=5.214, 95%CI: 1.331-20.431, P=0.018) and focal onset ( OR=4.111, 95%CI: 1.432-11.802, P=0.009) were the independent predictive factors for efficacy of VNS. Conclusion:The lateralized IDE and focal onset can be used as important references for VNS in DRE patients.

Objective: To construct the recombinant adenoviral containing fructose 1, 6-biphosphatase 1 (FBP1), and to investigate whether FBP1 has effect on autophagy and proliferation in liver cancer cells (HepG2). Methods: FBP1 cDNA sequence was amplified by PCR and cloned in adenovirus vector pAdTrack-TO4, and then recombinant adenovirus plasmid pAdTrack-FBP1 was constructed. The recombinant adenovirus plasmid was transfected into HEK293 cells by Lipofectamine 3000. High-titer of recombinant adenovirus AdFBP1 was obtained by packaging and amplification. HepG2 cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus AdFBP1, and the Mock and AdGFP group were set at the same time. Western blot and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to observe the effect of FBP1 on the level of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and the effect of FBP1on the proliferation was observed by MTS and colony formation assay. A t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the mean between group. Results: A high-titer recombinant adenovirus FBP1 was successfully constructed. Western blot and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the level of autophagy in AdFBP1 group was significantly lower than that in AdGFP group. Western blot results showed that LC3-II protein expression level in AdGFP was 1.10 ± 0.10 and 0.30 ± 0.01 in AdFBP1 group, F = 90.36, P < 0.01. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that the average number of autophages in AdGFP was 28.33 ± 1.53 and 12.33 ± 1.53 in AdFBP1group, F = 97.40, P < 0.01. In addition, the results of colony formation assay and MTS assay showed that the proliferation of liver cancer cells in the AdFBP1 group was significantly inhibited compared with the AdGFP group. The results of colony formation showed that the cell clones in the AdGFP group was 65.66 ± 2.57 and 34.00 ± 2.00 in AdFBP1 group, F = 141.50, P < 0.01. MTS results showed that the absorbance of AdGFP group at 96h was 39.13 ± 2.21 and 30.61 ± 3.33 in AdFBP1 group, F = 7.80, P < 0.05. Conclusion FBP1 inhibited the autophagy and proliferation in liver cancer cells (HepG2).

BACKGROUNDRecent studies showed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) had risk of ectopic bone formation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of growth and differentiation factor 6 (GDF-6) on the tenogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro, and then combined with small intestine submucous (SIS) to promote tendon regeneration in vivo.

METHODSThe BMSCs were isolated from the green fluorescent protein (GFP) rats, and were characterized by multi-differentiation assays following our previous study protocol. BMSCs cultured with different concentrations of GDF-6, without growth factors served as control. After 2 weeks, mRNA expression and protein expression of tendon specific markers were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting to define an optimal concentration of GDF-6. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the difference in relative mRNA expression among all groups; P ≤ 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. The GDF-6 treated BMSCs combined with SIS were implanted in nude mice and SD rat acute patellar tendon injury model, the BMSCs combined with SIS served as control. After 12 and 4 weeks in nude mice and tendon injury model, the samples were collected for histology.

RESULTSAfter the BMSCs were treated with different concentration of GDF-6 for 2 weeks, the fold changes of the specific markers (Tenomodulin and Scleraxis) mRNA expression were significantly higher in GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) group (P ≤ 0.05), which was also confirmed by Western blotting result. The BMSCs became parallel in orientation after GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treatment, but the BMSCs in control group were randomly oriented. The GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treated BMSCs were combined with SIS, and were implanted in nude mice for 12 weeks, the histology showed neo-tendon formation. In the SD rat patellar tendon window injury model, the histology also indicated the GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treated BMSCs combined with SIS could promote tendon regeneration.

CONCLUSIONSGDF-6 has tenogenic effect on the tenogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) has better tenogenic effect compared to other concentrations. The GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treated BMSCs combined with SIS can form neo-tendons and promote tendon regeneration.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Growth Differentiation Factor 6 ; pharmacology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Regeneration ; drug effects ; Tendons ; drug effects ; physiology

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

BACKGROUNDAlthough heart transplantation has become a standard therapy for end-stage heart disease, there are few published studies regarding the use of transplant organs from marginal donors. Here we describe the clinical outcome we have obtained using marginal donor hearts.

METHODSWe analyzed 21 cases of orthotopic heart transplantation for end-stage heart disease performed in our department between September 2008 and July 2010. Of these patients, six received hearts from marginal donors and the remainder received standard-donor hearts. The two groups were compared in terms of both mortality and the incidence of perioperative complications such as infection, acute rejection, and right heart insufficiency.

RESULTSThe 1-year survival rate of both groups was 100%. Only one death was recorded in standard-donor group during follow-up. Patients who received marginal donor hearts (83%) experienced more early complications than did the standard-donor-heart group (13%), but the mortality of the two groups was the same. The duration of post-ICU stay was greater in the marginal donor group than in the standard-donor group, (35.5 ± 17.4) days and (21.7 ± 2.6) days, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe use of marginal donor hearts increases the number of patients who can receive and benefit from transplants. However, it may introduce an increased risk of early complications, thus care should be taken both in the choice of patients who will receive marginal donor hearts and in the perioperative treatment of those for whom the procedure is performed.

Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Heart Transplantation ; methods ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Tissue Donors

OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution of HER-2 genetic polymorphism at codon 655 and its association with susceptibility of colorectal cancer in Chinese.

METHODSA population-based case-control study was carried out. 292 patients with colorectal cancer and 842 healthy controls were interviewed. Meanwhile, the genetic polymorphism of HRE-2 was detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTSThe frequencies of Ile/Val+Val/Val genotypes and Val allele were both higher in cases (25.34% and 13.36%) than those in controls (18.41% and 9.74%) (P<0.05). Compared with Ile/Ile genotype, Ile/Val+Val/Val genotypes were significantly associated with colorectal cancer [ORadjusted=1.54, 95% CI: 1.11-2.14]. The adjusted odds ratio of interactions between this polymorphism and smoking, alcohol drinking were 1.43 (95%CI: 0.88-2.30) and 1.29 (95%CI: 0.73-2.29), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe present findings suggest that HER-2 genetic polymorphism at codon 655 may be associated with the risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese. In addition, there are no interactions between this polymorphism and smoking, alcohol drinking, respectively.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Codon ; genetics ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo provide scientific methods for quality criterion by studying the chemical components of essential oil from Baeckea frutescens.

METHODThe chemical components of essential oil from B. frutescens were identified by GC-MS-DS, TLC and capillary GC. The relative contents of main components were determined by area normalization.

RESULTMore than 50 peaks were separated, and 38 components were identified, which accounted for over 94% of the total GC peaks areas of the essential oil. The methods for quality evaluation of essential oil from B. frutescens by TLC and capillary GC were established.

CONCLUSIONThe chemical components of essential oil from B. frutescens collected from different habitats and collecting periods have common characteristics as well as differences. Some components, such as linalool, can be used as a standard and chromatography fingerprint to analyze the quality of essential oil from B. frutescens.

Bridged Bicyclo Compounds ; analysis ; China ; Cyclohexanols ; analysis ; Ecosystem ; Monoterpenes ; analysis ; Myrtaceae ; chemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo report the first case of non-composite combined liver and intestinal allotransplantation in China. The technical aspects of the case and pros and cons of such an approach versus composite technique were discussed.

METHODSThe patient suffered from short bowel syndrome and TPN-related liver damage. A non-composite technique was used in this case. During operation, the whole 380 cm intestine was transplanted with systemic drainage and aortic inflow, while the liver graft was placed in a piggyback fashion. Warm ischemic time of donor graft was 2 min and 30 seconds, and cold ischemic duration for intestinal and liver graft was 6 hours and 40 and 8 hours and 7 utes respectively. Postoperative immunosuppression management includes tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, MMF and Zenapax.

RESULTSThe recipient recovered smoothly with no evidence of rejection on days' follow up. Now he is maintained well on enteral nutrition.

CONCLUSIONNon-composite technique should be considered in adult recipients, especially those with a history of abdominal infections or multiple laparotomies.

Adult ; Humans ; Intestines ; transplantation ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Short Bowel Syndrome ; therapy ; Transplantation, Homologous ; methods ; Treatment Outcome