Int J Med Sci
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Since the end of 2019, a new type of coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading rapidly throughout the world. Previously, there were two outbreaks of severe coronavirus caused by different coronaviruses worldwide, namely Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This article introduced the origin, virological characteristics and epidemiological overview of SARS-CoV-2, reviewed the currently known drugs that may prevent and treat coronavirus, explained the characteristics of the new coronavirus and provided novel information for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Based on clinical presentation, pathophysiology, high infectivity, high cardiovascular involvement, and therapeutic agents with cardiovascular toxicity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), regular cardiovascular treatment is being changing greatly. Despite angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 serving as the portal for infection, the continuation of clinically indicated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockers is recommended according to the present evidence. ⋯ In patients with elevated cardiac enzymes, it is very important to differentiate patients with Type 2 myocardial infarction or myocarditis from those with true acute coronary syndromes because invasive percutaneous intervention management in the former may be unnecessary, especially if they are hemodynamically stable. Finally, patients with baseline QT prolongation or those taking QT prolonging drugs must be cautious when treating with lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.
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The aim of this study was to determine whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) promotes oxidised low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) uptake by human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs) and its effect on the expression of lectin-like Ox-LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) and to identify pathways through which IL-1β affects lipid uptake. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry were used to observe the effect of IL-1β on lipid uptake by HMCs and the pathway by which IL-1β may mediate lipid uptake. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting were used to evaluate the effect of IL-1β on LOX-1 expression. ⋯ Inflammatory cytokine IL-1β promotes Ox-LDL uptake by HMCs. Furthermore, IL-1β promotes the mRNA and protein expression of LOX-1, a specific receptor of Ox-LDL, suggesting that the enhancement of Ox-LDL uptake may be mediated by LOX-1 pathway. Anti-LOX-1 therapy may be a promising option for treatment of glomerulosclerosis.
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Epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing protein 6 (EGFL6) belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) superfamily. EGFL6 is expressed at higher levels in embryos and various malignant tumors than in normal tissues. Recent studies suggest that EGFL6 participates in the development of a variety of tumors. ⋯ Furthermore, our review results indicate the mechanism of EGFL6 activity angiogenesis. We also describe work toward the preparation of monoclonal antibodies against EGFL6. Altogether, the work of this review promotes understanding of the role of EGFL6 in tumor development, the mechanism of that action, and the potential of EGFL6 as a therapeutic target for tumor prevention and treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Management of Postoperative Pain after Elective Craniotomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of a Neurosurgical Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Program.
Objective: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of a neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on the management of postoperative pain after elective craniotomies. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the neurosurgical center of Tangdu Hospital (Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China). A total of 129 patients undergoing craniotomies between October 2016 and July 2017 were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing an ERAS protocol to a conventional postoperative care regimen. ⋯ In addition, the median postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly decreased with the incorporation of the ERAS protocol compared to controls (ERAS: 4 days, control: 7 days, P<0.001). Conclusion: The implementation of a neurosurgical ERAS protocol for elective craniotomy patients has significant benefits in alleviating postoperative pain and enhancing recovery leading to early discharge after surgery compared to conventional care. Further evaluation of this protocol in larger, multi-center studies is warranted.