Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical respiratory syndrome with limited effective interventions. Lung macrophages play a critical role in the pathogenesis of abnormal inflammatory response in the syndrome. Recently, impaired fatty acid oxidation (FAO), one of the key lipid metabolic signalings, was found to participate in the onset and development of various lung diseases, including ALI/ARDS. Lipid/fatty acid contents within mouse lungs were quantified using the Oil Red O staining. The protective effect of FAO activator L-carnitine (Lca, 50, 500, or 5 mg/mL) was evaluated by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), ELISA, immunoblotting, fluorescence imaging, and fluorescence plate reader detection in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/mL)-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. The in vivo efficacy of Lca (300 mg/kg) was determined in a 10 mg/kg LPS-induced ALI mouse model. We found for the first time that lipid accumulation in pulmonary macrophages was significantly increased in a classical ALI murine model, which indicated disrupted FAO induced by LPS. Lca showed potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on THP-1 derived macrophages upon LPS stimulation. Mechanistically, Lca was able to maintain FAO, mitochondrial activity, and ameliorate mitochondrial dynamics. In the LPS-induced ALI mouse model, we further discovered that Lca inhibited neutrophilic inflammation and decreased diffuse damage, which might be due to the preservation of mitochondrial homeostasis. These results broadened our understanding of ALI/ARDS pathogenesis and provided a promising drug candidate for this syndrome.

Abstract On the increasing prevalence of using mAbs (monoclonal antibodies) in cancer therapy and the severe risk of hyperglycemia, we aimed to analyze the main clinical ADRs of mAbs, with a focus on adverse hyperglycemic events associated with currently clinically used mAbs. mAbs as well as target information were selected from Martinadale book and published articles. Drug approving information was collected from each government website, and ADR statistic data were collected from VigibaseR, comparing with Adverse Event Reporting System of US FDA. Top 10 mAbs were classified within listing in total ADR records, ADRs per year, hyperglycemic ADR records. Vigibase data were updated onto 15 Feb 2019. 20 mAbs were analyzed with 263217 ADR reports, wherein 16751 records on Metabolism and nutrition disorders and 1444 records on Glucose metabolism disorders. The geographic, age, gender distributions and annual ADR report numbers were listed respectively. Of the top 10, Rituximab, Bevacizumab and Nivolumab were on the top 3 in total ADR record and hyperglycemic record. Top 3 record results were similar in Vigibase and FDA database. It is of increasing importance for clinicians to be aware of early detection, patient management, or drug selection strategies when using mAbs, particularly within the high glycemic risk-reported mAbs, to improve the efficacy and tolerability of mAbs regiment and optimize patient outcomes.

Abstract Aroma differences are generally sensed in white- and red-fleshed loquats. Here, volatile compounds in four white- and three red-fleshed loquat varieties were investigated by headspace solid-phase microextraction and combined analysis of electronic nose (e-nose) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 83 volatile compounds were identified, and 33 were common in all of the cultivars. D-limonene, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, octanal and nonanal were the most abundant volatile compounds. β-cyclocitral and β-ionone were only detected in red-fleshed varieties. Furthermore, Huayu Seedless 1 (triploid white-fleshed loquats) with low levels of terpenoid compounds detected by GC-MS were clearly differentiated from the other cultivars tested by principal component analysis (PCA), which was consistent with the e-nose results. PCA analysis showed that Huabai 1(white flesh cultivar)had a prominent volatile profile characterized by higher concentrations of C6 aldehydes and alcohols, (E)-2-hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal and hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenol, (E)-2-hexenol and hexanol. In comparison with red-fleshed loquats, white-fleshed loquats were characterized by high aldehydes content. These volatile compounds served to recognize and classify all of the analysed varieties.

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the micro-anatomical morphology of ossicular chain in term fetus using micro-CT, in order to analyze the parameters of internal ossicular structure that may affect sound conduction.Four ossicular chains from two term fetuses were scanned by micro-CT. The related structural parameters of the trabeculae within the incus and malleus were calculated and compared. The fine anatomical structure of the auditory ossicles was analyzed.The microstructure of each auditory ossicles in term fetuses was clearly revealed by micro-CT. A marrow cavity was observed in the incus and malleus. In statistical analysis of the structural parameters of trabeculae in the incus and malleus, significant differences were found in BS/BV and Tb.Th (P < 0.05). Micro-CT enables the visualization of internal ossicular structure. The auditory ossicles in term fetus has good bone quality. The obtained bone structure data will help to clarify the physiological functions of normal fetal auditory ossicles.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la morfología microanatómica de la cadena osicular en el feto a término con micro-CT, con el fin de analizar los parámetros de la estructura osicular interna que pueden afectar la conducción del sonido. Cuatro cadenas osiculares de dos fetos a término fueron examinadas por micro-CT. Se calcularon y compararon los parámetros estructurales relacionados de las trabéculas dentro de los incus y malleus. Se analizó la estructura anatómica fina de los osículos. Se observó claramente la microestructura de cada osículo en los fetos y la cavidad medular en el incus y el malleus. En el análisis estadístico de los parámetros estructurales de las trabéculas en el incus y el malleus, se encontraron diferencias significativas en BS / BV y Tb.Th (P <0,05). Micro-CT permite la visualización de la estructura osicular interna. Los osículos en el feto a término tienen buena calidad ósea. Los datos obtenidos de la estructura ósea ayudarán para aclarar las funciones fisiológicas de los osículos auditivos fetales normales.

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale – Second Edition (Y-BOCS-II). Method: A total of 86 adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ranging in age from 15 to 78 years, participated in the study. Participants were administered the Y-BOCS-II by a trained clinician who also rated overall illness severity on two additional measures. Patients completed the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Results: Results indicated high internal consistency and fair 1-week test retest reliability. The Y-BOCS-II scales correlated strongly with clinician-rated obsessive-compulsive severity and modestly with self-reported obsessive-compulsive symptom frequency and distress. The relationship between Y-BOCS-II total score and depressive and anxiety symptoms was strong, which may reflect high rates of comorbid conditions in this sample or the linkage between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and distress. Factor analysis demonstrated a two-factor structure consisting of obsession and compulsion factors, with interference due to obsessions cross-loading. Conclusions: Overall, these results support the use of the Y-BOCS-II among individuals from China. Future study by an independent group is necessary to replicate these findings, as well as investigate interrater reliability and treatment sensitivity.

SUMMARY: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant neurogenetic disease with variable clinical manifestations, which are primarily manifested as neurofibromas, café-au-lait macules (CALMs) and skeletal deformities. Although generally benign, expansile neurofibromas that are characteristic of NF1 readily lead to disturbing deformities. It is often difficult to surgically extirpate a tumor that involves these important tissues or organs. We report a rare case of a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1. The patient presented with a congenital giant scalp neurofibroma and CALMs in the occipito-cervical region, in addition to ear and occipital deformities. We performed a challenging surgical intervention (a near-total resection) to reduce the tumor burden and rehabilitate the appearance and function of the patient while preserving the intracranial tissue structure. Here, we review this case and analyze the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of NF1.

RESUMEN: La neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1) es una rara enfermedad neurogenética autosómica dominante, con manifestaciones clínicas variables, que se manifiestan principalmente como neurofibromas, máculas café con leche (CALM) y deformidades esqueléticas. Generalmente los neurofibromas expansivos benignos que son característicos de NF1 conducen fácilmente a deformidades exageradas. A menudo es difícil extirpar quirúrgicamente un tumor que involucra estos tejidos u órganos importantes. Presentamos un caso raro de un paciente con neurofibromatosis tipo 1. La paciente presentó un neurofibroma congénito gigante del cuero cabelludo y CALM en la región occipitocervical, además de deformidades del oido y región occipital. Realizamos una intervención quirúrgica desafiante (una resección casi total) para reducir la carga tumoral y rehabilitar la apariencia y función de la paciente mientras se preservó la estructura del tejido intracraneal. Aquí, revisamos este caso y analizamos las manifestaciones clínicas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de NF1.

Resumo Fundamentos: A antraciclina gera uma disfunção ventricular esquerda progressiva associada a um prognóstico ruim. Objetivos: O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar se a análise layer específico de strain poderia avaliar disfunção ventricular esquerda subclínica após exposição a antraciclina. Métodos: Foram inscritos quarenta e dois sobreviventes tratados com antraciclina por linfoma não Hodgkin de células B grandes, de 55,83 ± 17,92 anos (grupo de quimioterapia) e 27 voluntários saudáveis, de 51,39 ± 13,40 anos (grupo controle). A dose cumulativa de epirrubicina no grupo de quimioterapia foi de 319,67 ± 71,71 mg/m2. O tempo desde a última dose de epirrubicina até o exame ecocardiográfico foi de 52,92 ± 22,32 meses. Analisaram-se o strain longitudinal global (GLS), o circunferencial (GCS) e o strain radial (GRS), os valores das camadas subendocárdica, média e subepicárdica so strain longitudinal (LS-ENDO, LS-MID, LS-EPI) e do strain circunferencial (CS-ENDO, CS-MID, CS-EPI). O gradiente de strain transmural foi calculado como a diferença no strain sistólico pico entre as camadas subendocárdicas e subepicárdicas. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Os parâmetros convencionais da função sistólica e diastólica não mostraram diferenças significativas entre dois grupos. Comparados aos controles, os pacientes apresentaram GCS e GLS significativamente menores. A análise de speckle tracking multi-layer mostrou uma redução significativa no strain circunferencial da camada subendocárdica, o gradiente transmural CS e o strain longitudinal das três camadas. Em contraste, os dois grupos não diferiram no gradiente de strain longitudinal transmural e de strain radiais. Conclusões: Provou-se a deterioração preferencial do strain subendocárdico em sobreviventes de longa duração após exposição à antraciclina. O ecocardiograma de speckle tracking multi-layer pode facilitar o acompanhamento longitudinal dessa coorte de pacientes em risco. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018; 110(3):219-228)

Abstract Background: Anthracycline generates progressive left ventricular dysfunction associated with a poor prognosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether layer-specific strain analysis could assess the subclinical left ventricular dysfunction after exposure to anthracycline. Methods: Forty-two anthracycline-treated survivors of large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aged 55.83 ± 17.92 years (chemotherapy group) and 27 healthy volunteers, aged 51.39 ± 13.40 years (control group) were enrolled. The cumulative dose of epirubicin in chemotherapy group was 319.67 ± 71.71mg/m2. The time from last dose of epirubicin to the echocardiographic examination was 52.92 ± 22.32 months. Global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial strain (GRS), subendocardial, mid and subepicardial layer of longitudinal (LS-ENDO, LS-MID, LS-EPI) and circumferential strain (CS-ENDO, CS-MID, CS-EPI) values were analyzed. Transmural strain gradient was calculated as differences in peak systolic strain between the subendocardial and subepicardial layers. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Conventional parameters of systolic and diastolic function showed no significant difference between two groups. Compared with controls, patients had significantly lower GCS and GLS. Multi-layer speckle tracking analysis showed significant reduction of circumferential strain of subendocardial layer, transmural CS gradient and longitudinal strain of all three layers. In contrast, the two groups did not differ in transmural longitudinal strain gradient and radial strains. Conclusions: It proved the preferential impairment of subendocardial deformation in long-term survivors after exposure to anthracycline. Multi-layer speckle tracking echocardiography might facilitate the longitudinal follow-up of this at-risk patient cohort.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a serious complication of diagnostic coronary angiograph and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CI-AKI development are largely unknown. The present study examined whether urinary semaphorin 3A levels predict the development of CI-AKI in patients undergoing PCI. This study enrolled 168 patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI. Serial urine samples, obtained at baseline and 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h post-PCI were analyzed by semaphorin 3A and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) ELISA kit. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine beyond 50% according to the RIFLE classification system. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses identified optimal semaphorin 3A and NGAL values for diagnosing CI-AKI. CI-AKI occurred in 20 of 168 patients. There were no significant differences in the baseline clinical characteristics and angiographic findings between non-AKI patients group and AKI patients group. Both urinary semaphorin 3A and NGAL levels significantly increased at 2 and 6 h post-PCI. ROC analysis showed that the cut-off value of 389.5 pg/mg semaphorin 3A at 2 h post-PCI corresponds to 94% sensitivity and 75% specificity and the cut-off value of 94.4 ng/mg NGAL at 2 h post-PCI corresponds to 74% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Logistic regression showed that semaphorin 3A levels at 2 and 6 h post-PCI were the significant predictors of AKI in our cohort. Urinary semaphorin 3A may be a promising early biomarker for predicting CI-AKI in patients undergoing PCI.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that affects nearly all organs and tissues. As knowledge about the mechanism of SLE has increased, some immunosuppressive agents have become routinely used in clinical care, and infections have become one of the direct causes of mortality in SLE patients. To identify the risk factors indicative of infection in SLE patients, a case control study of our hospital's medical records between 2011 and 2013 was performed. We reviewed the records of 117 SLE patients with infection and 61 SLE patients without infection. Changes in the levels of T cell subsets, immunoglobulin G (IgG), complement C3, complement C4, globulin, and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-ds-DNA) were detected. CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ T cell levels were significantly lower and CD8+ T cell levels were significantly greater in SLE patients with infection than in SLE patients without infection. Additionally, the concentrations of IgG in SLE patients with infection were significantly lower than those in SLE patients without infection. However, complement C3, complement C4, globulin, and anti-ds-DNA levels were not significantly different in SLE patients with and without infection. Therefore, clinical testing for T cell subsets and IgG is potentially useful for identifying the presence of infection in SLE patients and for distinguishing a lupus flare from an acute infection.

Abstract Crude polysaccharides of Lentinus edodes were extracted using homogenate method. Factors affecting the yield of crude polysaccharides were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The homogenate extraction method was compared with traditional heating extraction method. The antioxidant activity of crude polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes was evaluated. Results showed that, the optimal conditions of homogenate extraction were as follows: solvent pH, 10; liquid-solid ratio, 30: 1 (mL: g), extraction time, 66 s; number of extraction, 1. Under these conditions, the yield of crude polysaccharides was (13.2 ± 0.9)%, which was 29.82% higher than that of traditional heating extraction. Crude polysaccharides of Lentinus edodes had good DPPH scavenging activity. Compared with the traditional heating extraction, the homogenate extraction had notable advantages including good extraction yield, short extraction time and low extraction temperature. It is an efficient way to extract crude polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the course of the supraorbital nerve and temporal branch of the facial nerve, and to verify the clinical security of cutting the frontalis muscle flap to treat blepharoptosis in one-third of the eyebrow. Twenty cadavers were dissected. The relationship of the supraorbital nerve and the course of the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve with the head and neck muscles was evaluated. Forty patients underwent clinical frontal muscular flap suspension surgery for the treatment of blepharoptosis. The postoperative curative and complication rates were determined. The courses of the supraorbital nerve and frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve were observed to determine a relatively safe area in one-third of the eyebrow. The average width of the zone was 25.0±3.5 mm. In forty cases, satisfactory results were achieved in correcting blepharoptosis by cutting the frontal muscular flap in the middle of eyebrow within the wide range of 17±2.1 mm. No secondary sensory and motor dysfunctions occurred. One-third of the eyebrow (eyebrow center, within 17±2.1 mm) was a relatively safe area and allowed for the prevention of damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve inside the supraorbital nerve and supraorbital artery and the outer frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el curso del nervio supraorbital y la rama temporal del nervio facial, para verificar la seguridad clínica de cortar el vientre frontal del músculo occipitofrontal (colgajo de músculo frontal) para tratar la blefaroptosis en un tercio de la ceja. Veinte cadáveres fueron disecados. Se evaluó la relación del nervio supraorbital y el curso de la rama temporal del nervio facial con los músculos de la cabeza y cuello. Cuarenta pacientes fueron sometidos a la cirugía de confección del colgajo del músculo frontal para el tratamiento de la ptosis palpebral. Se determinaron las tasas de curación y de complicaciones postoperatorias. Se observaron los cursos del nervio supraorbital y la rama temporal del nervio facial para determinar un área relativamente segura en un tercio de la ceja. El ancho medio de la zona fue 25,0±3,5 mm. En cuarenta casos, se lograron resultados satisfactorios en la corrección de la blefaroptosis con el colgajo del músculo frontal en la mitad de la ceja en un rango de 17±2,1 mm. No se produjeron disfunciones sensoriales o motoras secundarias. El tercio de la ceja (centro del entrecejo, dentro de 17±2,1 mm) es una zona relativamente segura y permite la prevención de daños al ramo temporal del nervio facial ubicada medial al nervio supraorbitario y a la arteria supraorbitaria, además del ramo temporal lateral del nervio facial.