Study on modified shengmai yin injection for prevention and treatment of brain impairment in endotoxin shock rats

Objective:To examine the effects of modified Shenmai Yin on invigorating vital energy, promoting blood flow, and protection against neural impairment in an endotoxin-induced shock rat model. Methods: Ninety-six SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation (saline 20 ml/kg), shock model (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 8 mg/kg), Reformed Shengmai Yin (加味生脉饮 Pulse-activating Decoction) (LPS 8 mg/kg + reformed Shengmai Yin Injection 10 ml/kg), and dexamethasone (LPS 8 mg/kg + dexamethasone 5 mg/kg) groups. Each group was subdivided into 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 6 h time points for observation. The carotid artery was separated and connected with a biological functional system to monitor mean arterial pressure (MAP). Brain water levels, malonaldehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were also determined. Results: In the shock model group, MAP was progressively decreased after injection of LPS, brain water and MDA contents were increased, brain SOD activity was decreased, and capillary vessel edema in brain tissue was also observed. All these parameters were improved significantly in both treatment groups, although the effects were more marked with Shengmai Yin than with dexamethasone. Conclusion: Modified Shengmai Yin exhibits strong anti-shock and neuroprotective effects against Endotoxininduced shock.     

Silencing of Nesprin‐2 inhibits the differentiation of myofibroblasts from fibroblasts induced by mechanical stretch

Mechanical force plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scar (HTS). Dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the key cells involved in HTS. Myofibroblasts in HTS possess different biochemical and biophysical characteristics by which myofibroblasts are often distinguished from fibroblasts. The role of mechanotransducers outside the nucleus in the pathogenesis of HTS has been reported in many studies. However, the role of Nesprin‐2 in HTS is not clear. Hence, we aim to construct a cell model of HTS and explore the role of Nesprin‐2 in this process. Myofibroblasts and fibroblasts were isolated from HTS and healthy skin tissues of the same patient. Fibroblasts were exposed to cyclic stretch with 10% magnitude and a frequency of 0.1 Hz for 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days, respectively. After the cell model was confirmed, fibroblasts transfected with siRNA targeting human Nesprin‐2 were exposed to cyclic stretch. The mechanical behaviour and biochemical reaction of the dermal fibroblasts were analysed. The stretched fibroblasts at day 5 showed the same mechanotransductive and biochemical features as unstretched myofibroblasts. Mechanical strain could induce the myofibroblasts differentiation and a cell model of HTS was established successfully at day 5. The expressions of lamin A/C, alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor beta 1, and collagen type I in fibroblasts were reduced by the silencing of Nesprin‐2. Mechanical strain could induce the myofibroblasts differentiation and silencing of Nesprin‐2 could block the mechanical stimulation of terminal myofibroblasts differentiation. Nesprin‐2 might be a potential target to treat the HTS.     

Effect of Calcium Carbide Residue on Strength Development along with Mechanisms of Cement-Stabilized Dredged Sludge

The purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of using calcium carbide residue (CCR), a by-product from acetylene gas production, as a solid alkaline activator on the strength development in CCR–Portland cement-stabilized dredged sludge (CPDS). The effects of cement content, CCR content and curing time on the strength development of CPDS were investigated using a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH and electric conductivity (EC) tests. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed to gain additional insight into the mechanism of strength development. Meanwhile, the carbon footprints of CPDS were calculated. Following the results, it was found that CCR can significantly improve the strength of cemented dredged sludge. On the basis of the strength difference (ΔUCS) and strength growth rate (UCS_gr), it was recommended that utilizing 20% cement with the addition of 20% CCR is the most effective way to develop the long-term strength of CPDS. In addition, the microstructural analysis verified that the optimum proportion of CCR benefits the formation of hydration products in CPDS, particularly needle-like gel ettringite, resulting in a less-porous and dense inter-locked structure. Furthermore, the solidification mechanism of CPDS was discussed and revealed. Finally, it was confirmed that CCR can be a sustainable alternative and effective green alkaline activator for the aim of improving cemented dredged sludge.     

Recovery of complete left bundle branch block in a dilated cardiomyopathy patient after treatment with sacubitril/valsartan: A case report

Rationale:The treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has recently been greatly improved, especially with the widespread use of sacubitril/valsartan (ARNI) combination therapy. We know that ARNI-like drugs can significantly improve the symptoms of heart failure with reducing ejection fraction. However, clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of ARNI in DCM-associated arrhythmia are limited, and whether individuals with arrhythmia would benefit from ARNI remains controversial. In this case, we report a patient with complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) associated with DCM whose CLBBB returned to normal after treatment with ARNI.Patient concerns:A 38-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for 20 days for idiopathic paroxysmal dyspnea. He presented with exacerbated dyspnea symptoms at night, accompanied by cough and sputum.Diagnosis:Physical examination revealed a grade 4/6 systolic murmur could be heard in the apical area of the heart and mild edema was present in both lower limbs. Laboratory examination found that the B-type natriuretic peptide was significantly increased. Echocardiography indicated left atrial internal diameter, right ventricular internal diameter, and left ventricular diastolic diameter were enlarged and ejection fraction was significantly decreased. Besides, the pulsation of the wall was diffusely attenuated. Electrocardiogram was suggestive of tachycardia and CLBBB. A diagnosis of DCM with CLBBB was considered based on a comprehensive evaluation of the physical examination, laboratory examination, echocardiography and electrocardiogram.Interventions:The patient was treated with ARNI at a dose of 50 mg (twice a day) at first, gradually increasing to the target dose (200 mg, twice a day) in the following 9 months as shown in Table ​Table1,1, along with metoprolol 25 mg (once a day [qd]), diuretics 20 mg (qd), and aldosterone 20 mg (qd).Table 1Specific medications used in treatment.

KIF23 is a potential biomarker of diffuse large B cell lymphoma: Analysis based on bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of blood cancer. The genetic and clinical heterogeneity of DLBCL poses a major barrier to diagnosis and treatment. Hence, we aim to identify potential biomarkers for DLBCL.Differentially expressed genes were screened between DLBCL and the corresponding normal tissues. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene oncology analyses were performed to obtain an insight into these differentially expressed genes. PPI network was constructed to identify hub genes. survival analysis was applied to evaluate the prognostic value of those hub genes. DNA methylation analysis was implemented to explore the epigenetic dysregulation of genes in DLBCL.In this study, Kinesin family member 23 (KIF23) showed higher expression in DLBCL and was identified as a risk factor in DLBCL. The immunohistochemistry experiment further confirmed this finding. Subsequently, the univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that KIF23 might be an independent adverse factor in DLBCL. Upregulation of KIF23 might be a risk factor for the overall survival of patients who received an R-CHOP regimen, in late-stage, whatever with or without extranodal sites. Higher expression of KIF23 also significantly reduced 3, 5, 10-year overall survival. Furthermore, functional enrichment analyses (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Gene oncology, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) showed that KIF23 was mainly involved in cell cycle, nuclear division, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-beta, and Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in DLBCL. Finally, results of DNA methylation analysis indicated that hypomethylation in KIF23''s promoter region might be the result of its higher expression in DLBCL.The findings of this study suggested that KIF23 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of DLBCL. However, further studies were needed to validate these findings.     

Clinical application of gastrointestinal decompression in anastomotic fistula after McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

AbstractCervical anastomotic fistula is one of the most common complications after McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, leading to septic shock and even death. It is therefore very important to provide effective symptom management after diagnosis of anastomotic fistula. Placing the gastrointestinal decompression tube beside the anastomotic site and connecting the tube to a gastrointestinal decompression disk could support the prevention and treatment of anastomotic fistula after surgical treatment of esophageal cancer.Thirty-eight patients with anastomotic fistula after undergoing McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in our hospital from April 2017 to January 2021 were divided equally into control and observation groups according to the gastrointestinal decompression method used. Gastrointestinal decompression tubes were placed 45 to 50 cm from the incisors in the control group or 25 to 30 cm from the incisors in the observation group. The treatment efficacy was compared between the 2 groups.The drainage time, length of hospital stay after anastomotic fistula detection, and fistula healing time in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (P < .05 for all).Placing the gastrointestinal decompression tube connected to a gastrointestinal decompression disk next to the anastomotic site is a simple procedure and may significantly improve the drainage time, length of hospital stay, and fistula healing time of patients who develop anastomotic fistula resulting from McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.     

Diagnostic significance of long non-coding RNAs expression in tuberculosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives:It is crucial to identify effective diagnostic biosignatures of tuberculosis (TB) to optimize its treatment. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to elucidate the diagnostic efficacy of long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) as TB biomarkers.Methods:We searched Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc databases up to February 18, 2020. These studies focusing on lncRNAs as diagnosis markers of TB were collected. STATA 12.0 and Meta-disc1.4 software were used to analyze the data extracted from eligible studies.Results:We included 8 articles with 1058 TB patients, and 1896 healthy controls in our study. The values of pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.63, 0.86, 4.48, 0.43, and 10.31, respectively. Additionally, we plotted the summary receiver operating characteristic curve to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, and the area under the curve was 0.80.Conclusion:The present study is the first meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of lncRNAs in TB patients. We found that lncRNAs might constitute potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of TB patients. More population-based high-quality research should be conducted to validate the efficacy lncRNAs in TB patients.     

Effectiveness of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for improving the care knowledge,skill, and sense of competence in mothers of preterm infants

ObjectiveThis quasi-randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effects of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model (PPM) in enabling mothers of preterm infants to develop care knowledge, skill, and a sense of competence.MethodsAmong 116 mothers of preterm infants, 60 received traditional discharge education (control group) and 56 received PPM discharge education (PPM group). Improvement in knowledge and skills was transformed into the mothers’ routine daily care of infants. The primary outcome was knowledge of preterm infant care. The secondary outcomes were preterm infant care skills and a sense of competence, routine intervention compliance among mothers, and the readmission rate of infants 6 months after discharge.ResultsSix months after discharge, the mean knowledge score and mean skills score were significantly higher in the PPM group than in the control group. The mothers’ sense of competence with respect to both self-efficacy and satisfaction was also significantly better in the PPM group than in the control group. Moreover, intervention behavior compliance and the readmission rate were significantly better in the PPM group than in the control group.ConclusionCare knowledge, skills, and sense of competence in mothers of preterm infants improved after implementation of the PPM.     

芪蛭胶囊对大鼠脂质代谢紊乱的预干扰作用

目的观察芪蛭胶囊对实验性高脂血症大鼠模型生化指标、血液流变学指标的影响以证实其疗效,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法用高脂乳剂灌胃法建立高脂血症大鼠模型,并设立空白组,模型组,阳性药组,芪蛭胶囊大、中、小剂量组,观察各组生化指标、血液流变学指标的变化。结果芪蛭胶囊能降低大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C、APOB的含量(P<0.01,P<0.05),升高HDL-C、APOAI的含量(P<0.01,P<0.05),降低全血比粘度、血浆粘度、红细胞压积、纤维蛋白原含量(P<0.01,P<0.05),升高大鼠血清SOD(P<0.01),降低血清MDA(P<0.05);对血清ALT、BUN、Cr无明显影响。大剂量组效果优于中、小剂量组。结论芪蛭胶囊对灌服高脂乳剂引起的大鼠脂质代谢紊乱有一定的预防和调节作用,有改善血液流变学和抗脂质过氧化反应的作用。