Objective To explore the application value of low-flow rate and-contrast injection scheme for pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography(CTA)in the elderly patients.Methods Sixty elderly patients undergoing pulmonary artery CTA in some hospital from April 2020 to January 2023 were selected and divided into a control group(30 cases)and an experimental group(30 cases)according to the contrast agent injection schemes.A conventional contrast injection scheme was used for the control group,and an optimized contrast injection scheme with low flow rate and low contrast dose was designed for the experimental group.The two gorups were observed and subjectively scored in terms of the degree of pulmonary artery enhancement,the display of pulmonary artery trunks and branches and the sharpness of image vessel edges,and objectively evaluated for the degree of contrast sclerosis artifacts in the superior vena cava and the enhancement CT values of the pulmonary artery trunks and the left and the right pulmonary veins.The extravasation of the contrast agent was recorded for the patients in the 2 groups.SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results The two groups had no significant differences in score pulmonary artery CTA image quality(P＞0.05);the experimental group had the socre of contrast sclerosis artifacts in the superior vena cava statistically lower than that of the control group(P＜0.05).The two groups had no obvious differences in the CT values of the pulmonary artery trunks and the left and the right pulmonary veins(P＞0.05).There were no patients with the extravasation of the contrast agent found in the experimental group,while there one case with severe extravasation and 4 cases with mild or moderate extravasation in the control group.Conclusion Low-flow rate and-contrast injection scheme for pulmonary artery CTA of the elderly patients contributes to avoiding contrast agent extrava-sation while ensuring image quality,enhancing patient experience and safety.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(10):66-70]

Objective: To understand the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV in different ethnic groups in China. Methods: The HBsAg positive samples were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from the sample base of national HBV sero-epidemiological survey in 2020 for the amplification of S gene of HBV by nested PCR. A phylogeny tree was constructed to determine the genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV. The distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV were analyzed comprehensively by using laboratory data and demographic data. Results: A total of 1 539 positive samples from 15 ethnic groups were successfully amplified and analyzed, and 5 genotypes (B, C, D, I and C/D) were detected. The proportion of genotype B was higher in ethnic group of Han (74.52%, 623/836), Zhuang (49.28%, 34/69), Yi (53.19%, 25/47), Miao (94.12%, 32/34), Buyi (81.48%, 22/27). The proportions of genotype C were higher in ethnic groups of Yao (70.91%, 39/55). Genotype D was the predominant genotype in Uygur (83.78%, 31/37). Genotype C/D were detected in Tibetan (92.35%,326/353). In this study, 11 cases of genotype I were detected, 8 of which were distributed in Zhuang nationality. Except for Tibetan, sub-genotype B2 accounted for more than 80.00% in genotype B in all ethnic groups. The proportions of sub-genotype C2 were higher in 8 ethnic groups, i.e. Han, Tibetan, Yi, Uygur, Mongolian, Manchu, Hui and Miao. The proportions of sub-genotype C5 were higher in ethnic groups of Zhuang (55.56%, 15/27) and Yao (84.62%, 33/39). For genotype D, sub-genotype D3 was detected in Yi ethnic group and sub-genotype D1 was detected in both Uygur and Kazak. The proportions of sub-genotype C/D1 and C/D2 in Tibetan were 43.06% (152/353) and 49.29% (174/353). For all the 11 cases of genotype I infection, only sub-genotype I1 was detected. Conclusions: Five genotypes and 15 sub-genotypes of HBV were found in 15 ethnic groups. There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV among different ethnic groups.
Humans ; Asian People ; China/epidemiology* ; Ethnicity ; Genotype ; Gerbillinae ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; Hepatitis B/virology*

Objective: To determine the efficacy of eltrombopag for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults and the predictive factors for treatment-free response (TFR) . Methods: Clinical data of adults with ITP who received eltrombopag from June 14, 2013 to May 31, 2021 in the Hematology Department of Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical College were retrospectively analyzed. The initial dose of eltrombopag was 25 mg/d, and the maximum dose was 75 mg/d; the dose was adjusted to maintain the platelet count to within 50-150×10(9)/L. Treatment was discontinued according either to the protocol, on the patient's wishes or doctor's judgment (prescription medication), or based on clinical trials. The efficacy of eltrombopag and factors for TFR among patients who achieved complete response and those who discontinued treatment were analyzed. Results: Overall, 106 patients with ITP (33 men and 73 women) were included in the study. The median age of patients was 50 (18-89) years. There were 2, 10, and 94 cases of newly diagnosed, persistent, and chronic ITP, respectively. The complete response rate was 44.3% (47/106), the response rate was 34.0% (36/106), and the overall response rate was 78.3% (83/106). Meanwhile, 83 patients who responded to treatment discontinued eltrombopag; of these, 81 patients were evaluated. Additionally, 17 patients (21.0%) achieved TFR. The median follow-up duration of patients who achieved TFR was 126 (30-170) weeks. The recurrence rate was 17.6% (3/17), and the relapse-free survival rate was 76.5%. The results of univariate analysis revealed that non-recurrence after discontinuation of other treatments for ITP (P=0.001), and platelet count and eltrombopag dose of ≥100×10(9)/L (P=0.007) and ≤25 mg/d (P=0.031), respectively, upon discontinuation of eltrombopag were predictors of TFR; these effects were attributed to prolonged effective duration of eltrombopag. Multivariate analysis showed that there was a correlation between non-recurrence and prolonged effective duration after discontinuation of other treatments for ITP (P=0.002) . Conclusion: Eltrombopag is effective for patients with ITP as it can result in TFR. Predictors for TFR include non-recurrence after discontinuation of concomitant ITP treatment, and platelet count and eltrombopag dose of ≥100 × 10(9)/L and ≤25 mg/d upon discontinuation of treatment, respectively.
Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/diagnosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; China/epidemiology* ; Benzoates/therapeutic use*

To investigate the intervention effect and mechanism of Zhenwu Decoction on diabetic nephropathy(DN) mice of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome based on the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase(ROCK)/IκB kinase(IKK)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) pathway. Ninety-five 7-week-old db/db male mice and 25 7-week-old db/m male mice were fed adaptively for one week. The DN model of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome was induced by Dahuang Decoction combined with hydrocortisone by gavage, and then the model was evaluated. After modeling, they were randomly divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose Zhenwu Decoction groups(33.8, 16.9, and 8.45 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and an irbesartan group(25 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with at least 15 animals in each group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks. After the intervention, body weight and food intake were measured. Serum crea-tinine(Scr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), fasting blood glucose(FBG), urinary albumin(uALb), and urine creatinine(Ucr) were determined. The uALb/Ucr ratio(ACR) and 24 h urinary protein(UTP) were calculated. Renal pathological morphology was evaluated by HE staining and Masson staining. The levels of key molecular proteins in the ROCK/IKK/NF-κB pathway were detected by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), interleukin-10(IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased content of BUN, uALb, and SCr, increased values of 24 h UTP and ACR, decreased content of Ucr(P<0.05), enlarged glomeruli, thickened basement membrane, mesangial matrix proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen fiber deposition. The protein expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, IKK, NF-κB, phosphorylated IKK(p-IKK), phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB), and phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κB(p-IκB) increased(P<0.05), while the protein expression of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB) decreased(P<0.05). The levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α increased(P<0.05), while the level of IL-10 decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the groups with drug treatment showed decreased levels of BUN, uALb, SCr, 24 h UTP, and ACR, increased level of Ucr(P<0.05), and improved renal pathological status to varying degrees. The high-and medium-dose Zhenwu Decoction groups and the irbesartan group showed reduced protein expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, IKK, NF-κB, p-IKK, p-NF-κB, and p-IκB in the kidneys(P<0.05), increased protein expression of IκB(P<0.05), decreased levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α(P<0.05), and increased level of IL-10(P<0.05). Zhenwu Decoction can significantly improve renal function and renal pathological damage in DN mice of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory response by down-regulating the expression of key molecules in the ROCK/IKK/NF-κB pathway in the kidney.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukin-10 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6 ; I-kappa B Kinase ; Spleen ; Irbesartan ; Uridine Triphosphate ; Yang Deficiency/drug therapy* ; Kidney/pathology*

Objective: To analyze the short-time efficacy of empagliflozin in the treatment of glycogen storage disease type Ⅰb (GSD Ⅰb). Methods: In this prospective open-label single-arm study, the data of 4 patients were collected from the pediatric department in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022. All of them were diagnosed by gene sequencing and had neutropenia. These patients received empagliflozin treatment. Their clinical symptoms such as height and weight increase, abdominal pain, diarrhea, oral ulcer, infection times, and drug applications were recorded at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 15 months after treatment to assess the therapeutic effect. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to monitor the changes in 1, 5-anhydroglucitol (1, 5AG) concentration in plasma. At the same time, adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia and urinary tract infection were closely followed up and monitored. Results: The 4 patients with GSD Ⅰb were 15, 14, 4 and 14 years old, respectively at the beginning of empagliflozin treatment, and were followed up for 15, 15, 12 and 6 months, respectively. Maintenance dose range of empagliflozin was 0.24-0.39 mg/(kg·d). The frequency of diarrhea and abdominal pain decreased in cases 2, 3, and 4 at 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment, respectively. Their height and weight increased at different degrees.The absolute count of neutrophils increased from 0.84×10⁹, 0.50×10⁹, 0.48×10⁹, 0.48×10⁹/L to 1.48×10⁹, 3.04×10⁹, 1.10×10⁹, 0.73×10⁹/L, respectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was gradually reduced in 1 patients and stopped in 3 patient. Plasma 1, 5 AG levels in 2 children were significantly decreased after administration of empagliflozin (from 46.3 mg/L to 9.6 mg/L in case 2, and from 56.1 mg/L to 15.0 mg/L in case 3). All 4 patients had no adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia, abnormal liver or kidney function, or urinary system infection. Conclusion: In short-term observation, empagliflozin can improve the symptoms of GSD Ⅰb oral ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and recurrent infection, also can alleviate neutropenia and decrease 1, 5AG concentration in plasma, with favorable safety.
Humans ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Prospective Studies ; Glycogen Storage Disease Type I/drug therapy* ; Neutropenia ; Abdominal Pain ; Diarrhea/drug therapy* ; Hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical characteristics and impact on mortality of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) colonized or infected patients with hematological disorders in order to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of CRPA. METHODS: The patients who were colonized or infected with CRPA in the Department of Hematology of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from January 2020 to March 2021 were selected as the research subjects, the clinical data such as hospitalization time, primary disease treatment regimen, granulocyte count, previous infection and antibiotic regimen of these patients were analyzed, meanwhile, antibiotic regimen and efficacy during CRPA infection, 30-day and long-term survival were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were included in this study, and divided into CRPA infection group (43 cases) and CRPA colonization group (16 cases). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that ECOG score (P =0.003), agranulocytosis (P <0.001), and exposure to upper than 3^rd generations of cephalosporins and tigecycline within 30 days (P =0.035, P =0.017) were the high-risk factors for CRPA infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ECOG score of 3/4 ( OR=10.815, 95%CI: 1.260-92.820, P =0.030) and agranulocytosis ( OR=13.82, 95%CI: 2.243-85.176, P =0.005) were independent risk factors for CRPA infection. There was a statistically significant difference in cumulative survival rate between CRPA colonization group and CRPA infection group ( χ²=14.134, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the influencing factors of 30-day survival in patients with CRPA infection were agranulocytosis (P =0.022), soft tissue infection (P =0.03), and time of hospitalization before CRPA infection (P =0.041). Cox regression analysis showed that agranulocytosis was an independent risk factor affecting 30-day survival of patients with CRPA infection (HR=3.229, 95%CI :1.093-3.548, P =0.034). CONCLUSIONS Patients with hematological disorders have high mortality and poor prognosis after CRPA infection. Bloodstream infection and soft tissue infection are the main causes of death. Patients with high suspicion of CRPA infection and high-risk should be treated as soon as possible.
Humans ; Carbapenems/therapeutic use* ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Soft Tissue Infections/drug therapy* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Hematologic Diseases ; Survival Analysis

Overexpression of ABCG2 transporter in cancer cells has been linked to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), an obstacle to cancer therapy. Our recent study uncovered that the MET inhibitor, tepotinib, is a potent reversal agent for ABCB1-mediated MDR. In the present study, we reported for the first time that the MET inhibitor tepotinib can also reverse ABCG2-mediated MDR in vitro and in vivo by directly binding to the drug-binding site of ABCG2 and reversibly inhibiting ABCG2 drug efflux activity, therefore enhancing the cytotoxicity of substrate drugs in drug-resistant cancer cells. Furthermore, the ABCB1/ABCG2 double-transfected cell model and ABCG2 gene knockout cell model demonstrated that tepotinib specifically inhibits the two MDR transporters. In mice bearing drug-resistant tumors, tepotinib increased the intratumoral accumulation of ABCG2 substrate drug topotecan and enhanced its antitumor effect. Therefore, our study provides a new potential of repositioning tepotinib as an ABCG2 inhibitor and combining tepotinib with substrate drugs to antagonize ABCG2-mediated MDR.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new form of ultrasound (US) that can dynamically display microvessels in a highly sensitive manner. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of CEUS for characterizing testicular lesions in comparison with conventional US. Forty-seven patients with testicular lesions were enrolled. The histopathology results revealed that 31 cases were neoplastic (11 cases of seminomas, 8 nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, 8 lymphomas, 2 Leydig cell tumors, and 2 nonspecific tumors), and 16 cases were nonneoplastic (8 cases of infarctions, 3 epidermoid cysts, and 5 inflammation). The indicators of shallow lobulated morphology and cystic-solid echogenicity on conventional US were suggestive of germ cell tumors. More indicators on CEUS were found to be useful for characterizing testicular lesions. All the neoplastic lesions showed hyperenhancement on CEUS. Moreover, germ cell tumors presented with heterogeneous enhancement (73.7%, 14/19), a twisted blood vessel pattern, rapid wash-in and wash-out, and peripheral rim hyperenhancement signs. Lymphoma was characterized by nonbranching linear vessel patterns (87.5%, 7/8), rapid wash-in and slow wash-out. In nonneoplastic lesions, infarction and epidermoid cysts showed no enhancement, and abscesses were observed with marginal irregular enhancement. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CEUS for differentiating between neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions were 100%, 93.8%, and 97.9%, respectively, and these values were higher than those for conventional US (90.3%, 62.5%, and 80.9%, respectively). CEUS can sensitively reflect the microvascular perfusion in testicular lesions and offers high accuracy for characterizing them.
Contrast Media ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Epidermal Cyst ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Male ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/diagnostic imaging* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Testicular Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography/methods*

The name， origin， place of origin， medicinal parts， harvesting and processing of lotus are verified by consulting ancient Chinese herbal medicines and medical books， combined with modern literature， providing a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing lotus. According to textual research， the original base of lotus is Nelumbo nucifera since ancient times， rhizome （Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus）， leaf （Nelumbinis Folium）， seed （Nelumbinis Semen）， embryo （Nelumbinis Plumula）， receptacle （Nelumbinis Receptaculum）， stamen （Nelumbinis Stamen） and other medicinal parts of N. nucifera can be used as medicine and have different clinical effects. Nelumbinis Semen was originally produced in Henan， and then gradually expanded to Jiangnan. Today， it can be cultivated and planted throughout the country， with Fujian， Hunan， and Jiangxi as the authentic production areas. After combing the medicinal parts of N. nucifera and the historical evolution of its processing， it is suggested that the dried and mature fruits of N. nucifera taking in autumn and removing the shell and Nelumbinis Plumula should be used in Qingxin Lianziyin. Nelumbinis Folium in Erdongtang should be harvested in summer and autumn， and the raw products was used as medicine and processed in accordance with the provision of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Based on the ancient literature of all dynasties， this article makes a systematic textual research on the name， origin， producing area， quality， harvesting and processing of Zisu （Perillae） in the famous classical formulas， so as to clarify the information of the drug in different historical periods and provide a reference for the development and utilization of the related formulas. The main origin of Perillae in the ancient literature was Perilla frutescens var. frutescens （purple leaf type）， followed by P. frutescens var. acuta （purple leaf type）， but not Baisu. Modern chemical composition studies also show that there are obvious differences between Perillae and Baisu， which provides a scientific basis for distinguishing them. Although they are often treated as a species in plant classification， P. frutescens var. frutescens （purple leaf type） is recommended in the development of famous classical formulas， and Baisu should be avoided. Perillae is widely distributed， but its producing area did not record in most of the literature in the past dynasties， or the producing area is described as everywhere today. In the period of the Southern and Northern dynasties， the medicinal parts of Perillae included stems， leaves and seeds， and doctors in the Ming dynasty began to pay attention to the differentiation of different medicinal parts. The harvesting and processing methods of Perillae in the past dynasties are close to that of today. Perillae Fructus is mostly stir-fried and ground into medicine， Perillae Folium and Perillae Caulis are mainly simple cleansing. In production， we can refer to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.