Objective To investigate the phenotypic change and proliferation of fibroblasts in human inflammatory strictured bile duct wall. Methods We observed the density and ultrastructure of fibroblasts, and the histologic structure in human normal bile duct wall and inflammatory strictured bile duct wall by light and electron microscope.Results The results showed that fibroblasts were the main source of extracellular matrix production in bile duct wall. The phenotype of fibroblasts in inflammatory strictured bile duct wall changed obviously, quiescent fibroblasts were activated and transformed to myofibroblasts, with massive proliferation. Conclusion These data suggest that massive proliferation of activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts is the main source of extracellular matrix overproduction which results in inflammatory bile duct stricture.
Plasma exchange (PE) is a therapeutic blood component replacement method. The blood of patients is first separated into plasma and blood cell components using a blood cell separator in vitro, the plasma containing harmful pathogenic substances is then discarded and replaced with the same volume of exchange solution. Finally the separated blood cells together with the exchange solution are returned back to the blood circulation of patients. By reducing the circulating antibodies, abnormal plasma proteins or cytokines and other pathogenic molecules, PE can block the disease process. PE has a good therapeutic effect on neuromyelitis optica-related optic neuritis (NMO-ON), which shows resistant to glucocorticoid therapy for the first onset. The American Society for Apheresis guideline evaluates PE for acute optic neuritis as a recommended grade 1B, type II indication. In the implementation of PE treatment for NMO-ON and other diseases, indications and contraindications should be strictly adhered to the guideline, treatment procedures and protocols should be optimized, common adverse events and its prevention and management should be known and alerted. It is important to conduct multi-center clinical cooperation and a high standard clinical randomized controlled study, to find out the optimal time window, the best protocol, and the associated factors for the efficacy and prognosis of PE in NMO-ON.
ObjectiveTo explore and clarify the relationship between epileptic seizure and inducing factors. Avoid inducing factors and reduce epileptic seizure, so as to improve the quality of life in patients with epilepsy.MethodsClinical data of 604 patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Xijing Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January 2018 to January 2019 were collected. The clinical data of patients with epilepsy were followed up 6 months.ResultsAmong the 604 patients, 318 (52.6%) were seizure-free in the last 6 months, 286 (47.4%) had seizures. 169 (59.1%) had seizures with at least one inducing factor. Common inducing factors: 123 cases of sleep disorder (72.8%), 114 cases of emotion changes (67.5%), 87 cases of irregular medication (51.5%), 97 cases of diet related (57.4%), 33 cases of menstruation and pregnancy (19.5%), etc. Using the χ2 test, seizures with age, gender differences had no statistical significance (P > 0.05), but seizure type was statistically different between inducing factors. In generalized seizures, tonic-clonic seizures associated with sleep deprivation (χ2= 0.189), absence seizures and anger (χ2= 0.237), pressure (χ2= 0.203), irregular life (χ2= 0.214). In the focal seizures, focal motor seizures was correlated with coffee consumption (χ2=0.145), focal sensory seizures with cold (χ2=0.235), electronic equipment use (χ2 =0.153), satiety (χ2 =0.257). Complex partial seizures was correlated with anger (χ2 =0.229), stress (χ2 =0.187), and cold (χ2 =0.198). The secondarily generalized seizures was correlated with drug missing (χ2 =0.231), sleep deprivation (χ2 =0.158), stress (χ2 =0.161), cold (χ2 =0.263), satiety (χ2 =0.182). Among the inducing factors, sleep deprivation was correlated with anger (χ2 =0.167), fatigue (χ2 =0.283), and stress (χ2 =0.230).ConclusionsEpileptic seizure were usually induced by a variety of factors. Generalized seizures were associated with sleep disorders, emotional changes, stress, irregular life, etc. While focal seizures were associated with stress, emotional changes, sleep disorders, cold, satiety, etc. An analysis of the triggers found that sleep deprivation was associated with anger, fatigue, and stress. Therefore, to clarify the inducing factors of epileptic seizure, avoid the inducing factors as much as possible, reduce the harm caused by seizures, and improve the quality of life of patients.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of macular structure and microvessels in eyes with diabetes macular ischemia (DMI). MethodsA retrospective case study. From January 2023 to July 2023, 23 patients of 31 eyes diagnosed with DMI at Tangshan Ophthalmological Hospital were included in this study. Among them, there were 14 males with 23 eyes; Female cases with 8 eyes. Age were (59.5±4.6) years old. According to the DMI grading standard formulated by the research group for early treatment of diabetes retinopathy, the patients were divided into mild DMI group, moderate DMI group, and severe DMI group, with 8, 12, and 11 eyes respectively. The blood flow density (VD), perfusion area (FA), small vessel VD (SVD), inner retinal capillary plexus VD, FA, and outer retinal, choroidal, and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness within 1 mm of the macular fovea in retinal superficial vascular plexus (SVP)were measured using a scanning frequency light source optical coherence tomography instrument. The changes in macular structure and microvasculature in the affected eyes of different degrees of DMI groups were compared and observed. Inter group comparisons were conducted using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis H-test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between DMI severity and GCC, outer retina, choroid thickness, VD, FA and SVP VD, SVD and FA in inner retina. ResultsThe GCC (F=70.670), outer retinal thickness (H=12.393), VD (F=105.506), SVD (H=25.300), FA (F=107.655), and VD (H=24.098) and FA (H=25.300) of the retinal SVP in the mild, moderate, and severe DMI groups were compared, and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in choroidal thickness (H=2.441, P＞0.05). Pairwise comparison between groups: VD, SVD, FA of GCC thickness and SVP, and VD of inner retina were statistically significant between severe DMI group and moderate DMI group, and between moderate DMI group and mild DMI group (P＜0.05). The thickness of outer retina was statistically significant between severe DMI group and moderate DMI group (P＜0.05). Inner retinal FA: there were statistically significant differences between severe DMI group, moderate DMI group and mild DMI group (P＜0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that GCC (rs=－0.918), outer retinal thickness (rs=－0.448), and inner retinal VD (rs=－0.894) and FA (rs=－0.918), as well as VD (rs=－0.919), SVD (rs=－0.924), and FA (rs=－0.939) of retinal SVP, were all negatively correlated with the degree of DMI (P＜0.05). There was no correlation between choroidal thickness and degree of DMI (rs=－0.081, P＞0.05). ConclusionThe thickness of GCC, outer retina and choroid, the VD, SVD, and FA of the retinal SVP, the VD and FA of inner retina are all reduced in eyes with different degrees of DMI, while all of them are negatively correlated with the degree of DMI, except for choroid thickness.
In recent years, the incidence of hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis (HLAP) has been increasing year by year, but its pathogenesis has not been completely clear. There are many clinical treatment methods for HLAP, such as lipid-lowering drugs, low molecular weight heparin, insulin, and plasma exchange. Actively reducing serum triglyceride is the core of treatment. Plasma exchange can quickly and effectively reduce the level of triglyceride, and its application in the treatment of HLAP is gradually increasing. This article reviews the recent advances in the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of HLAP, focusing on the mechanism, indications, timing, and disadvantages of plasma exchange therapy for HLAP.
Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of exchange of cerebrospinal fluid in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Methods Sixty SAH patients diagnosed by CT and lumbarpuncture were randomly assigned into a control group （n =30, received conventional treatment） and a treatment group （n =30, received exchange of cerebrospinal fluid plus conventional treatment）. The main complications and effectiveness between the two groups were compared. SPSS 10.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results Compared with the control group, complications of persistent headache （ P =0.002 and 0. 007 respectively）, cerebral vasospasm （ P =0. 028 ） and hydrocephalus （ P =0. 038 ） were fewer in the treatment group. No significant difference in the incidence of rehaemorrhagia was found between the two groups （P = 1. 000）. Better effectiveness was observed in the treatment group （RR. 3.00, 95% CI 1. 014 to 8. 880, P = 0. 044 ）. Conclusions Exchange of cerebrospinal fluid plus conventional treatment is more effective than conventional treatment alone in the treatment of SAH.
ObjectiveTo investigate the successful signs of laser photocoagulation or endolaser combined vitrectomy for congenital optic disc pit (ODP) with serous macular detachment.MethodsA retrospective case analysis. Twelve eyes of 12 patients with congenital ODP complicated with serous macular detachment diagnosed in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from 2003 to 2018 were included in this study. There were 2 males (2 eyes) and 8 females (8 eyes). The average age was 30.17 years old. Retinal laser photocoagulation and/or vitrectomy were performed in all the eyes. The optic disc and macular area were scanned using the tracking mode of the Germany Heidelberg Spectralis OCT instrument. The " dam-sign” change was a retinal choroidal scar on the channel between the ODP and the macula on the OCT image after treatment. The eyes were divided into a " dam-sign” change group (group A, 10 eyes) and no " dam-sign” change group (group B, 2 eyes). The BCVA of eyes in group A was 0.03-0.6. In group A, 1 eye was treated with laser photocoagulation alone, 9 eyes were treated with vitrectomy combined with laser photocoagulation. The BCVA of eyes in group B was 0.1. All the eyes in group B underwent vitrectomy combined with laser photocoagulation. The follow-up was ranged from 6 to 174 months. The same equipment and method before treatment were used for 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. The BCVA, absorption of subretinal fluid (SRF) and the formation of " dam-sign” change were observed.ResultsAt the last follow-up, the BCVA of eyes in group A was 0.4-1.0 (0.4 in 1 eye, 0.5 in 3 eyes, 0.6 in 2 eyes, 0.8 in 3 eyes, 1.0 in 1 eye). In 9 eyes treated with vitrectomy combined with laser photocoagulation, SRF was completely absorbed. In 1 eye treated with laser photocoagulation alone, SRF remained in small amount. The BCVA of the two eyes in group B was 0.03 and 0.3, respectively; and SRF was not absorbed in both of them.ConclusionsThe " dam-sign” change near optic disc after laser photocoagulation can promote SRF absorption and improve BCVA. It can be used as a success indicator after treatment.
ObjectiveTo summarize the therapeutic targets of pancreatic cancer (PC). MethodsThe related literatures about the therapeutic targets of PC were reviewed. ResultsPC was one of the most challenging tumor in worldwide, and was characterized as a highly aggressive disease with poor overall prognosis and a high mortality rate. The hallmark of PC was its poor response to radio-and chemo-therapy. Current chemotherapeutic regimens could not provide substantial survival benefit with a clear increase in overall survival. Recently, several new approaches which could significantly improve the clinical outcome of PC had been described, involving signal-transduction pathways, immune response, stroma reaction, and epigenetic changes. ConclusionsMany therapeutic targets are involved in the treatment of PC. As current therapies failed to significantly improve the progression and the survival of PC, new therapeutic approaches and clinical studies are strongly required.
ObjectiveTo analyze the gender-specific distribution patterns of the disease burden of tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancer (hereinafter referred to as lung cancer) attributed to tobacco from 1990 to 2021 globally and in China and the United States (US), and to predict the trend of disease burden changes from 2022 to 2031, aiming to provide multi-dimensional evidence-based support for optimizing tobacco control strategies and precise lung cancer prevention and control systems. MethodsData on the disease burden of lung cancer attributed to tobacco from 1990 to 2021 globally and in China and the US were extracted and integrated from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. The Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 software was used to analyze the corresponding trends in disease burden. The Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) prediction model was employed to forecast the disease burden of lung cancer from 2022 to 2031. ResultsIn 2021, China had the highest number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to lung cancer attributed to tobacco, followed by the US. The top three risk factors for lung cancer globally and in China and the US from 1990 to 2021 were tobacco, air pollution, and occupational risks. The disease burden of lung cancer patients attributed to tobacco has been decreasing year by year in the global and US populations [the average annual percentage change (AAPC) values of age-standardized mortality rate and DALYs rate were: globally: ?0.96%, ?1.28%; US: ?2.33%, ?2.72%], while it has been increasing in China (the AAPC values of age-standardized mortality rate and DALYs rate were 0.28% and ?0.02%, respectively). From a gender perspective, the disease burden of male patients with lung cancer attributed to tobacco was much higher than that of female patients from 1990 to 2021. Compared to the global average, the disease burden of lung cancer attributed to tobacco in China and the US from 1990 to 2021 was still heavy, with China’s burden being higher than that of the US. The elderly population aged ≥65 years in the global context and in China and the US was the primary group affected by the disease burden of lung cancer attributed to tobacco. The BAPC prediction model indicated that from 2022 to 2031, the age-standardized rates of lung cancer attributed to tobacco in the global context and in China and the US would show a declining trend. ConclusionFrom 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of lung cancer attributed to tobacco in China and the US was still heavy compared to the global average, with China’s burden being significantly higher than that of the US. The focus on prevention and control for both countries remains among the middle-aged and elderly population (especially males), which is a key challenge for tobacco-related lung cancer prevention and treatment work in the next 10 years.
Objective To explore the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) change and the prognosis of patients with stroke. Methods Individuals who were diagnosed with stroke from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) registry were included. The baseline characteristics in 2011, blood tests in 2011 and 2015, and follow-up data in 2018 were collected. The patients were divided into three groups according to their CPR change from 2011 to 2015, and the cut-off values of CRP change were 0 and 5 mg/L. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CRP change and the risk of death after stroke. Results A total of 1065 participants diagnosed in 2011 were enrolled. There were 383 participants in the CRP decreased group (CRP change ranging from –74.30 to –0.01 mg/L), 584 participants in the CRP stable group (CRP change ranging from 0 to 4.98 mg/L), and 98 participants in the CRP increased group (CRP change ranging from 5.00 to 79.27 mg/L). By 2018, the numbers (rates) of deaths in CRP decreased group, CRP stable group, and CRP increased group were 25 (6.53%), 33 (5.65%), and 13 (13.27%), respectively, and the difference in the mortality among the three groups was statistically significant (P=0.020). Logistic regression analysis showed that the CRP change≥5 mg/L was associated with a higher risk of death after stroke [odds ratio=2.332, 95% confidence interval (1.099, 4.946), P=0.027]. Conclusions Increasing CRP levels over time may indicate an increased risk of death in stroke patients. A 4-year increase in CRP greater than 5 mg/L may be an independent predictor of the risk of long-term death in stroke patients.