[An adaptive CT metal artifact reduction algorithm that combines projection interpolation and physical correction]

OBJECTIVE

To propose an adaptive weighted CT metal artifact reduce algorithm that combines projection interpolation and physical correction.

METHODS

A normalized metal projection interpolation algorithm was used to obtain the initial corrected projection data. A metal physical correction model was then introduced to obtain the physically corrected projection data. To verify the effectiveness of the method, we conducted experiments using simulation data and clinical data. For the simulation data, the quantitative indicators PSNR and SSIM were used for evaluation, while for the clinical data, the resultant images were evaluated by imaging experts to compare the artifact-reducing performance of different methods.

RESULTS

For the simulation data, the proposed method improved the PSNR value by at least 0.2 dB and resulted in the highest SSIM value among the methods for comparison. The experiment with the clinical data showed that the imaging experts gave the highest scores of 3.616±0.338 (in a 5-point scale) to the images processed using the proposed method, which had significant better artifact-reducing performance than the other methods (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The metal artifact reduction algorithm proposed herein can effectively reduce metal artifacts while preserving the tissue structure information and reducing the generation of new artifacts.

[A nonlocal spectral similarity-induced material decomposition method for noise reduction of dual-energy CT images]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a nonlocal spectral similarity-induced material decomposition network (NSSD-Net) to reduce the correlation noise in the low-dose spectral CT decomposed images.

METHODS

We first built a model-driven iterative decomposition model for dual-energy CT, optimized the objective function solving process using the iterative shrinking threshold algorithm (ISTA), and cast the ISTA decomposition model into the deep learning network. We then developed a novel cost function based on the nonlocal spectral similarity to constrain the training process. To validate the decomposition performance, we established a material decomposition dataset by real patient dual-energy CT data. The NSSD-Net was compared with two traditional model-driven material decomposition methods, one data-based material decomposition method and one data-model coupling-driven material decomposition supervised learning method.

RESULTS

The quantitative results showed that compared with the two traditional methods, the NSSD-Net method obtained the highest PNSR values (31.383 and 31.444) and SSIM values (0.970 and 0.963) and the lowest RMSE values (2.901 and 1.633). Compared with the datamodel coupling-driven supervised decomposition method, the NSSD-Net method obtained the highest SSIM values on water and bone decomposed results. The results of subjective image quality assessment by clinical experts showed that the NSSD-Net achieved the highest image quality assessment scores on water and bone basis material (8.625 and 8.250), showing significant differences from the other 4 decomposition methods (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The proposed method can achieve high-precision material decomposition and avoid training data quality issues and model unexplainable issues.

The Effects of Dual-Task Training on Cognitive and Physical Functions in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Individuals with Alzheimer disease and dementia experience cognitive decline and reduction in physical capabilities. Engaging in cognitive challenges and physical exercises is effective in reducing age-related cognitive and physical decline. It is believed that physical activity in the context of cognitive challenges might enhance the process of neurogenesis in the adult brain, but how effective are such interventions? Is there enough evidence to support that dual-task training is more effective than cognitive or physical training alone? To what extent can such training improve cognitive and physical functions in patients at various stages of cognitive decline?

METHODOLOGY

This systematic review with meta-analysis summarizes the emerging evidence of dual-task training for enhancing cognitive and physical functions in older individuals with cognitive impairment, dementia or Alzheimer's disease. A systematic search was carried out in MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library with the following search terms: randomized control trials, dual-task training, SCD, MCI, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies with 2,221 participants were identified. The results of dual-task tanning intervention are summarized as change in global cognitive function; SMD = 0.24, (P= 0.002), memory; SMD = 0.28, (P = 0.000), executive function; SMD = 0.35, (P = 0.000), attention; SMD = -0.19, (P = 0.1), gait speed; SMD = 0.26, (P = 0.007), dual-task cost; SMD 0.56, (P = 0.000), and balance; SMD 0.36, (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Primary analysis showed a small-to-medium positive effect of dual-task training interventions on cognitive functions and medium-to-large positive effect on gait functions and balance.

[Research progress on the relationship between circular RNAs and cataract]

Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness on a global scale. The pathogenesis of cataract is not completely understood. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special kind of non-coding RNAs with high stability and conservation. They are widely involved in a variety of biological processes and diseases. Abnormal expression of circRNAs can participate in the development of cataract, affecting the function of lens epithelial cells through interacting with proteins and sponging microRNAs. They are possible targets for cataract prevention and treatment. This article reviews the research progress on the role of circRNAs in the occurrence and development of cataract.

[Relationship between parental reproductive age and the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring]

Objective: To explore the role of parental reproductive age on the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring. Methods: The participants were derived from physical examination data of students aged 6-18 years in seven provinces in China, and questionnaire survey was used to collect demographic characteristics and lifestyle information of the students and their parents. A total of 41 567 children with complete data were included. According to the restricted cubic spline curve, maternal reproductive age was divided into three categories, 14-23, 24-28, and 29-38 years, and paternal reproductive age was divided into 14-23, 24-30, and 31-42 years. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between parental reproductive age and parental nutritional status and the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring. Results: The mean age of 41 567 children was (10.6±3.2) years, and the mean paternal and maternal age were (27.9±4.4) years and (25.8±4.0) years, respectively. The detection rate of overweight and obesity was 23.4%. After adjusting factors of children diet and behaviors, the OR(95%CI)of offspring overweight and obesity in groups of fathers aged 24-30 years and mothers aged 24-28 years was 1.11 (1.04-1.18) and 1.16 (1.08-1.24), respectively. When none parents were overweight and obese, the difference of obesity risk was not statistically significant. When both parents were overweight and obese, the OR(95%CI)of offspring overweight and obesity in groups of fathers aged 24-30 years and mothers aged 14-28 years old was 1.27 (1.00-1.62) and 1.33 (1.07-1.65) respectively. Conclusion: Parental reproductive age and parental overweight and obesity status may both increase the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring, with a significant interaction effect.

[Study on the difference of curative effect of conventional mercury displacement treatment on mercury in brain and kidney]

Objective: To explore the expulsion effect of sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate (DMPS) on mercury in different organs of mercury poisoning and the therapeutic effect of glutathione (GSH) combined with antioxidant therapy on mercury poisoning. Methods: In February 2019, 50 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 10 rats in each group: A (saline negative control group) , B (HgCL2 positive control group) , treatment group (C: intramuscular injection of DMPS 15 mg/kg treatment, D: intramuscular injection of DMPS30 mg/kg treatment, E: intramuscular injection of DMPS 15 mg/kg and intraperitoneal injection of GSH200 mg/kg treatment) . Rats in group B, C, D and E were subcutaneously injected with mercury chloride solution (1 mg/kg) to establish a rat model of subacute mercury poisoning kidney injury. Rats in group A were subcutaneously injected with normal saline. After the establishment of the model, rats in the treatment group were injected with DMPS and GSH. Rats in group A and group B were injected with normal saline. At 21 d (treatment 7 d) and 28 d (treatment 14 d) after exposure, urine and blood samples of 5 rats in each group were collected. Blood biochemistry, urine mercury, urine microalbumin and mercury content in renal cortex, cerebral cortex and cerebellum were detected. Results: After exposure to mercury, the contents of mercury in renal cortex, cerebrum and cerebellum of rats in group B, C, D and E increased, and urine microalbumin increased. Pathology showed renal tubular injury and renal interstitial inflammation. Compared with group B, urinary mercury and renal cortex mercury in group C, D and E decreased rapidly after DMPS treatment, and there was no significant decrease in mercury levels in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of rats, accompanied by transient increase in urinary albumin after DMPS treatment (P<0.05) ; the renal interstitial inflammation in group E was improved after GSH treatment. There was a positive correlation between urinary mercury and the contents of mercury in renal cortex, cerebral cortex and cerebellum (r=0.61, 0.47, 0.48, P<0.05) . Conclusion: DMPS mercury expulsion treatment can significantly reduce the level of metal mercury in the kidney, and there is no significant change in the level of metal mercury in the cortex and cerebellum.

Circ_0059354 aggravates the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma by elevating ARFGEF1 through sponging miR-766-3p

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as vital players in tumors, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The purpose of this study is to explore the functions of circ_0059354 on PTC development.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to examine the levels of circ_0059354, microRNA-766-3p (miR-766-3p) and ADP ribosylation factor guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (ARFGEF1). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay were proceeded for cell proliferation ability. Transwell assay was conducted for cell migration and invasion. Tube formation assay was employed to examine the angiogenesis ability. Flow cytometry analysis was adopted for cell apoptosis. Western blot assay was conducted for protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were utilized to verify the relationships among circ_0059354, miR-766-3p and ARFGEF1. The murine xenograft model was constructed to analyze the function of circ_0059354 in vivo.

RESULTS

Circ_0059354 level was abnormally increased in PTC tissues and cells. Functionally, circ_0059354 silencing suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and facilitated apoptosis in PTC cells. Circ_0059354 was identified to sponge miR-766-3p, which directly targeted ARFGEF1. Moreover, circ_0059354 directly targeted miR-766-3p to positively regulated ARFGEF1 expression. MiR-766-3p inhibition reversed circ_0059354 knockdown-mediated effect of PTC cell malignant behaviors. Overexpression of miR-766-3p restrained the malignant behaviors of PTC cells, whereas ARFGEF1 elevation reversed the effects. Additionally, circ_0059354 deficiency blocked tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0059354 served as an oncogene in PTC progression through regulating miR-766-3p/ARFGEF1 axis.

[Fast determination of bongkrekic acid in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a method for rapid determination of bongkrekic acid (BA) in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Methods: In November 2020, plasma samples were extracted by methanol and acetonitrile (1∶1) and purified directly. The samples were separated by C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out with 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate water acetonitrile solution as mobile phase. Under the optimized instrument conditions, the electrospray ionization multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used, and the external standard method was used for quantitative analysis. Results: The linear relationship of BA in plasma was good in the concentration range of 2-100 μg/L, the correlation coefficient was 0.9998, the average recovery was 83.7%-112.0%, the relative standard deviation within and between batches was less than 10%, the detection limit of the method was 0.7 μg/L and the lower limit of quantification was 2.0 μg/L. Conclusion: The method is simple, rapid, accurate and sensitive, and can meet the requirements for the determination of BA in blood samples of poisoning patients.

miR-200a-3p promoted cell proliferation and metastasis by downregulating SOX17 in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Lung cancer has high mortality and incidence rates in which non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the primary type of lung cancer that accounts for about 80%-85% of total patients. It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical in the incidence and progression of tumors, while the role and inner mechanism of miR-200a-3p, one type of essential miRNAs, in NSCLC have yet to be revealed. Herein, we investigated the in vitro and vivo pro-/antiproliferative influence of miR-200a-3p on NSCLC cells and utilized bioinformatic programs to further predict the SOX17 gene as miR-200a-3p's potential target. A double luciferase reporter gene experiment was performed to confirm that miR-200a-3p interacts with the SOX17 3'-UTR region specifically. On the basis of the results of Western blot and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), miR-200a-3p impacted the posttranscriptional levels of SOX17 rather than influencing its mRNA expression. In the end, we found that overexpressed SOX17 can reverse miR-200a-3p's impact on NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, this study demonstrated that miR-200a-3p influences NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis by modulating the levels of SOX17.

[Observation of microstructure and vessel density changes in the superficial retinal layer in buried optic disc drusen patients]

Objective: To investigate the changes of the microstructure and vascular density in the superficial retinal layer of buried optic disc drusen (ODD) patients. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 36 ODD eyes (20 patients) and 26 normal control eyes were recruited in Beijing Union Medical College Hospital from January 2018 to July 2020. Measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit lamp, fundus examination and visual field examination were performed. The images and data of spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were analyzed and summarized. The differences of nasal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and macular superficial vascular density (VD) between ODD patients and normal controls were compared by independent sample t-test or Mann Whitney U test (the right eye was selected in bilateral ODD patients). Results: The 20 ODD patients and 26 normal controls were all female. There was no significant difference in age between the two groups (P>0.05). The BCVA and visual field examination was normal in all ODD patients. The SD-OCT examination showed an oval low signal shadow under the nasal outer nuclear layer of the optic disc, or local accumulation like a medium signal shadow with a clear boundary, and a high signal capsule in ODD patients. The RNFL in the upper nasal side of the ODD group was significantly different from the normal control group [(102.6±19.1) μm vs. (119.0±13.8) μm; t=-2.81; P<0.01]. Compared with normal control group [101.0 (100.0, 102.0) μm], the average GCC thickness in the ODD group [97.0 (89.3, 99.8) μm] was significantly different (U=48.50; P<0.01). The OCTA en-face scan showed that the vascular network in the macular area of the affected eyes was sparser than that of the control eyes. There was significant difference in superficial macular VD beteeen the ODD group (48.5%±2.8%) and the control group (51.0%±2.3%) (t=-2.63; P<0.05). Conclusions: There is thinning in the RNFL upper nasal side and GCC layer of the macular region in buried ODD patients, and the superficial VD of the macular region in buried ODD patients is lower than that in the normal controls.

[The progress in the application of optical coherence tomography angiography in multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory reactive autoimmune disease characterized by diffuse axonal degeneration of the central nervous system. The exact etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Optical coherence tomography angiography is a new technology of angiography, which can obtain the images of each layer of blood vessels in the scanning area. It is non-invasive, fast and quantifiable. Observation of retinal vasculopathy may assist in the evaluation of brain diseases. This article reviews the previous research results at home and abroad of ocular blood flow changes observed by optical coherence tomography angiography in MS in recent years, in order to provide reference for the study of the underlying pathogenesis of MS and clinical evaluation.

Non-magnetic ion site disorder effects on the quantum magnetism of a spin-1/2 equilateral triangular lattice antiferromagnet

With the motivation to study how non-magnetic ion site disorder affects the quantum magnetism of Ba₃CoSb₂O₉, a spin-1/2 equilateral triangular lattice antiferromagnet, we performed DC and AC susceptibility, specific heat, elastic and inelastic neutron scattering measurements on single crystalline samples of Ba_2.87Sr_0.13CoSb₂O₉with Sr doping on non-magnetic Ba²⁺ion sites. The results show that Ba_2.87Sr_0.13CoSb₂O₉exhibits (i) a two-step magnetic transition at 2.7 K and 3.3 K, respectively; (ii) a possible canted 120 degree spin structure at zero field with reduced ordered moment as 1.24μ_B/Co; (iii) a series of spin state transitions for bothH∥ab-plane andH∥c-axis. ForH∥ab-plane, the magnetization plateau feature related to the up-up-down phase is significantly suppressed; (iv) an inelastic neutron scattering spectrum with only one gapped mode at zero field, which splits to one gapless and one gapped mode at 9 T. All these features are distinctly different from those observed for the parent compound Ba₃CoSb₂O₉, which demonstrates that the non-magnetic ion site disorder (the Sr doping) plays a complex role on the magnetic properties beyond the conventionally expected randomization of the exchange interactions. We propose the additional effects including the enhancement of quantum spin fluctuations and introduction of a possible spatial anisotropy through the local structural distortions.

[The clinical phenotype and gene analysis of syndromic deafness with PTPN11 gene mutation]

Objective: To analyze the clinical phenotype and screen the genetic mutations of hereditary deafness in three deaf families to clarify their molecular biology etiology. Methods: From January 2019 to January 2020, three deaf children and family members were collected for medical history, physical examination, audiology evaluation, electrocardiogram and cardiac color Doppler ultrasound, temporal bone CT examination, and peripheral blood DNA was obtained for high-throughput sequencing of deafness genes. Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the variant sites among family members. The pathogenicity of the variants was evaluated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Results: The probands in the three families had deafness phenotypes. In family 1, proband had multiple lentigines, special facial features, growth retardation, pectus carinatum, abnormal skin elasticity, cryptorchidism and other manifestations. In family 2, proband had special facial features, growth retardation and abnormal heart, and the proband in family 3 had growth retardation and abnormal electrocardiogram. Genetic testing of three families detected three heterozygous mutations in the PTPN11 gene: c.1391G>C (p.Gly464Ala), c.1510A>G (p.Met504Val), c.1502G>A (p.Arg501Lys). All three sites were missense mutations, and the mutation sites were highly conserved among multiple homologous species. Based on clinical manifestations and genetic test results, proband 1 was diagnosed with multiple lentigines Noonan syndrome, and probands 2 and 3 were diagnosed with Noonan syndrome. Conclusion: Missense mutations in the PTPN11 gene may be the cause of the disease in the three deaf families. This study enriches the clinical phenotype and mutation spectrum of the PTPN11 gene in the Chinese population.

[Analysis of changes in mortality of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years in China from 2004 to 2018 and policy effects]

Objective: To analyze the trend of child and adolescent mortality rate in China from 2004 to 2018 and explore the possible policy effects. Methods: This study used the mortality data of child and adolescent aged 5 to 19 years from 2004 to 2018 based on the National Disease Surveillance System. Age-standardized mortality rate was calculated by using the population from the sixth national census. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trend of child and adolescent mortality with different features from 2004 to 2018. Results: From 2004 to 2018, the overall mortality rate of children and adolescents in China dropped from 40.02 per 100 000 to 22.00 per 100 000, and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was -4.28 (95%CI:-5.35,-3.20,P<0.001). The mortality rate dropped rapidly from 2004 to 2006, and the annual percentage change (APC) was -9.20 (95%CI:-15.63,-2.28,P=0.017). The decline rate slowed down between 2006 and 2013, and the APC was -1.56 (95%CI:-2.78,-0.33,P=0.020). The downward trend accelerated from 2013 to 2018, and the APC was -5.99 (95%CI:-7.52,-4.43,P<0.001). The trend of child mortality rate in rural area, females, eastern provinces of China, children aged 10 to 14 years, children aged 15 to 19 years, and injury mortality rate were basically consistent with the overall trend. The child mortality rate in urban area, central provinces of China and the mortality rate of infectious diseases, maternal and infant, and nutritional deficiencies diseases showed a uniform downward trend from 2004 to 2018, with AAPC values about -3.59 (95%CI:-4.38,-2.78,P<0.001), -2.89 (95%CI:-3.24,-2.54,P<0.001) and -6.66 (95%CI:-7.64,-5.68,P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The mortality rate of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years in China continues to decline from 2004 to 2018, and the decline rate becomes faster after 2011.

[Clinical and laboratory features compared between JAK2 exon12 and JAK2 V617F mutated polycythemia vera]

Objective: To compare clinical and laboratory features between JAK2 exon12 and JAK2 V617F mutated polycythemia vera (PV) . Method: We collected data from 570 consecutive newly-diagnosed subjects with PV and JAK2 mutation, and compared clinical and laboratory features between patients with JAK2 exon12 and JAK2 V617F mutation. Results: 543 (95.3%) subjects harboured JAK2 V617F mutation (JAK2 V617F cohort) , 24 (4.2%) harboured JAK2 exon12 mutations (JAK2 exon12 cohort) , and 3 (0.5%) harboured JAK2 exon12 and JAK2 V617F mutations. The mutations in JAK2 exon12 including deletion (n=10, 37.0%) , deletion accompanied insertion (n=10, 37.0%) , and missense mutations (n=7, 25.9%) . Comparing with JAK2 V617F cohort, subjects in JAK2 exon12 cohort were younger [median age 50 (20-73) years versus 59 (25-91) years, P=0.040], had higher RBC counts [8.19 (5.88-10.94) ×10(12)/L versus 7.14 (4.11-10.64) ×10(12)/L, P<0.001] and hematocrit [64.1% (53.7-79.0%) versus 59.6% (47.2%-77.1%) , P=0.001], but lower WBC counts [8.29 (3.2-18.99) ×10(9)/L versus 12.91 (3.24-38.3) ×10(9)/L, P<0.001], platelet counts [313 (83-1433) ×10(9)/L versus 470 (61-2169) ×10(9)/L, P<0.001] and epoetin [0.70 (0.06-3.27) versus 1.14 (0.01-10.16) IU/L, P=0.002] levels. We reviewed bone marrow histology at diagnosis in 20 subjects with each type of mutation matched for age and sex. Subjects with JAK2 exon12 mutations had fewer loose megakaryocyte cluster (40% versus 80%, P=0.022) compared with subjects with JAK2 V617F. The median follow-ups were 30 months (range 4-83) and 37 months (range 1-84) for cohorts with JAK2 V617F and JAK2 exon12, respectively. There was no difference in overall survival (P=0.422) and thrombosis-free survival (P=0.900) . Conclusions: Compared with patients with JAK2 V617F mutation, patients with JAK2 exon12 mutation were younger, and had more obvious erythrocytosis and less loose cluster of megakaryocytes.

[Effects of unsafe sexual behavior and sexual orientation on previous HIV testing and HIV testing willingness among college students in Harbin]

Objective: To analyze the effects of unsafe sexual behavior and sexual orientation on previous HIV testing and HIV testing willingness among college students in Harbin, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting and promoting HIV testing among them. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to place the automatic vending machine of HIV urine test kit in 9 universities in Harbin from December 2017 to January 2018. The questionnaire star was used to design and recruit college students to carry out an anonymous online survey. The estimated sample size was 6 659. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the effects of unsafe sexual behavior and sexual orientation on previous HIV testing and HIV testing willingness among college students. WPS 2016 was used to sort out the database, and SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 60 849 valid questionnaires were collected. 19.1% (11 189/58 605) of college students reported having sex. College students who used condoms correctly every time, occasionally or never during sex in the past six months 58.5% (6 206/10 603), 25.2%(2 669/10 603)and 16.3% (1 728/10 603), respectively. Heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality accounted for 94.1% (54 393/57 823), 2.4% (1 369/57 823) and 3.5% (2 061/57 823), respectively. The HIV testing willingness of college students was 73.3% (44 572/60 849). The proportion of previous HIV testing was 10.3% (951/9 241). Results of the multivariate logistic analysis showed that compared with the college students who used condoms correctly whenever they had sex in the past six months, there was no significant difference in the proportion of previous HIV testing among college students who sometimes/occasionally used or never used condoms (OR=0.94,95%CI:0.69-1.29; OR=1.11,95%CI:0.73-1.67), but their willingness to HIV testing was lower (OR=0.79, 95%CI:0.71-0.89; OR=0.48, 95%CI:0.42-0.55); Compared with heterosexual college students, homosexual or bisexual college students have a higher proportion of previous HIV testing (OR=2.62, 95%CI:1.62-4.24; OR=2.04, 95%CI:1.25-3.32), but have lower HIV testing willingness (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.62-0.93; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.53-0.77). Conclusions: Unsafe sexual behavior existed among college students in Harbin, and college students with weak awareness of HIV prevention also have weak awareness of testing. Behavioral intervention should be strengthened and HIV testing promoted. Compared with heterosexuals, homosexual or bisexual college students had a higher proportion of previous HIV testing, but their willingness to test was lower. The HIV detection mode with better concealment, accuracy, and convenience should be promoted on the college's campus.

Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts for Ozone Decomposition: The Synergic Role of M2+ and M3

In previous work, we successfully prepared a NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) with superior activity and stability for catalytic ozone decomposition, which fundamentally avoids deactivation under high-humidity conditions. However, the role of the metal elements (M²⁺ and M³⁺) in LDH catalysts is not clear. Here, LDH materials containing different metals (NiFe, NiAl, NiMn, CoFe, and MgFe) were prepared by a simple co-precipitation method. It was found that the LDHs containing Ni²⁺ exhibited catalytic performance far superior to that of Co²⁺ and Mg²⁺ for ozone elimination, and NiFe-LDH had the best activity and stability among LDH materials prepared in this study. The NiFe-LDH can maintain 78% catalytic activity within 144 h at room temperature, even under a relative humidity of 65% and a space velocity of 840 L·g^-1·h^-1. Physicochemical characterizations demonstrated that chemical stability in an oxidizing atmosphere and the synergic role of M²⁺ and M³⁺ ions are crucial. The result of density functional theory calculation showed that the synergic role of Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺ weakens the interaction between O and H in the O-H bond, which effectively lowers the reaction barrier of ozone decomposition compared with MgFe-LDH.

Age and Sex Differences in the Association of Sleep Duration and Overweight/Obesity among Chinese Participants Age above 45 Years: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and obesity and estimate the attributable risk of sleep in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study surveys (CHARLS).

METHODS

A total of 9061 adults aged 45 years above from CHARLS (2011-2015) were included. The main outcome of this study was incident overweight/obesity specific to general and abdominal obesity. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 23.0 (kg/m2) and BMI≥27.5 (kg/m2), respectively. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women. Self-reported sleep durations were obtained using a structured questionnaire. We assessed hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as well as the population attributable fraction (PAF) for associations between sleep duration and obesity.

RESULTS

986 and 606 participants were identified as overweight and general obesity respectively, 1253 experienced abdominal obesity events. In multivariable-adjusted models, participants with daytime sleep of 0-30 minutes and more than 30 minutes associated with 30% (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.87) and 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55-0.78) decreased incident overweight risk respectively compared to those having no daytime sleep, this association also found among females and middle-aged, not males or elderly. Similarly, 0-30 minutes (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.96) and more than 30 minutes of daytime sleep (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.91) were associated with a reduced risk of abdominal obesity, similar results also found among females and middle-aged. Compared with 7-9 hours of nocturnal sleep, people who slept 5-7 hours had a reduced risk of overweight (HR: 0.59, 95% CI=0.47-0.74),but not found in subgroups. The hazard role of long nocturnal sleep for abdominal obesity was only found among elderly (HR: 2.33, 95% CI=1.35-4.04) and males (HR: 2.24, 95% CI=1.17-4.29). Compared with moderate total sleepers (7-9hours/day), participants with short total sleep duration exhibited an elevated risk of overweight (HR: 1.13, 95% CI=1.00-1.28), this also found among middle-aged. The PAF for inadequate total sleep duration (<7 hours/day) was 10.77% for overweight individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient sleep duration was associated with an elevated risk of overweight only detected among middle-aged not elderly and other subgroups specific by age. The risks for abdominal obesity were increased for males and middle-aged with long nocturnal sleep. Daytime sleep may significantly reduce the risk of overweight and abdominal obesity in female and middle-aged individuals. The link between sleep duration and obesity requires further study.

Androgen receptor suppresses inflammatory response of airway epithelial cells in allergic asthma through MAPK1 and MAPK14

BACKGROUND

Dysfunction of airway epithelial cells in patients with asthma is closely with the occurrence and development of allergic asthma. Finding the differences of airway epithelium between asthmatic patients and normal patients is helpful to find out new treatment strategies.

METHODS

First, three original microarray datasets (GSE89809, GSE41861, GSE104468) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset were used to assess differentially expressed genes in the epithelial tissues between patients with allergic asthma and healthy controls. Then, 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 treated BEAS-2B cells and rats with ovalbumin induced allergic asthma were performed to confirm our assumption from the gene expression analysis with microarrays.

RESULTS

Top ten hub significant difference genes were obtained by Cytohubba plug-in from GSE41861, and found that androgen receptor (AR) was closely associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, especially MAPK1 and MAPK14. After treated with the TGF-β1 treated BEAS-2B cells and rats with allergic asthma, we found that 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), AR agonist, significantly decreased the Th2 inflammation (IL-25 and IL-33), MAPK1 and MAPK14 proteins expression in vitro and in vivo. The roles of 5α-DHT were similar with the results of chicanine (a p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 inhibitor), but the roles of 5α-DHT were masked by the C16-PAF (a MAPK and MEK/ERK activator) treatment.

CONCLUSION

Androgen receptor limits the secretion of Th2 inflammatory factors by downregulating MAPK1 and MAPK14 in the TGF-β1 treated BEAS-2B cells and rats with ovalbumin induced allergic asthma, which plays a critical role for the therapeutics of patients with asthma.

A simple method to regulate surface hydroxy groups on Al2O3 for improving catalytic oxidation performance for HCHO on Pt/Al2O3

For supported noble metal catalysts, the properties of the support had great influence on the state of noble metals. Herein, we chose Al2O3 as model to find a simple method...

Boosting the Dispersity of Metallic Ag Nanoparticles and Ozone Decomposition Performance of Ag-Mn Catalysts via Manganese Vacancy-Dependent Metal-Support Interactions

Ozone (O₃) removal has important implications for environmental protection and human health, and Ag-Mn catalysts have shown promising O₃ decomposition. Catalysts with Ag supported on porous cube-like α-Mn₂O₃ (Ag/Mn-C) with high utilization of Ag were prepared by the impregnation method and showed excellent O₃ decomposition activity. Physicochemical characterizations demonstrated that metallic Ag nanoparticles (Ag_n⁰) were mainly anchored on manganese vacancies, forming Ag-O-Mn bonds between Ag_n⁰ and α-Mn₂O₃-C. The abundant manganese vacancies of α-Mn₂O₃-C can lead to Ag_n⁰ with a smaller particle size and more uniform dispersion, thereby resulting in markedly enhanced O₃ decomposition performance compared to Ag_n⁰ with a large particle size and uneven distribution on rod-like α-Mn₂O₃ (Ag/Mn-R). Under a relative humidity of 65% and a space velocity of 1,110,000 h^-1, the conversion of 40 ppm O₃ over the 2%Ag/Mn-C catalyst within 6 h (98%) at 30 °C was more than twice as high as that of the 2%Ag/Mn-R catalyst (42%). The study provides guidance for the design of highly efficient Ag-based catalysts and the understanding of the microstructure of supported catalysts.

[Emergency training need and effect evaluation analysis of novel coronavirus pneumonia in centers of disease control and prevention]

A questionnaire was used to investigate the emergency training needs of novel coronavirus pneumonia of disease prevention and control institutions in provinces, deputy provincial level regions and cities specifically designated in the state plan, and the effect evaluation of emergency training activities conducted by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). The results showed that 67.4% of 47 disease prevention and control institutions (31/46) believed that the emergency training at the initial stage of the epidemic should be conducted as soon as possible, and the form of network training should be given priority. The training should focus on the urgently needed technologies such as epidemiological investigation, formulation and response of prevention and control strategies, laboratory testing, etc. The teaching materials should highlight pertinence and practicability and be presented in the form of electronic video. The average satisfaction score of the video training conducted by China CDC was (8.81±1.125) and the score of audio-video courseware was (8.97±0.893). The needs analysis and evaluation of novel coronavirus pneumonia prevention and control in disease prevention and control institutions could provide reference for the follow-up training and improve the emergency training management.

Yak miR-2285o-3p attenuates hypoxia-induced apoptosis by targeting caspase-3

miRNAs are a class of hairpin‐derived RNAs, 21–24 nucleotides in length, which are involved in a range of biological processes. The bta‐miR‐2285 family has over 40 members spanning the entire bovine genome. We previously found that bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p was highly expressed in yak heart and lung when compared with cattle, which prompted us to investigate its potential function in high‐altitude adaptation of yaks. In this study, we detected wide‐spread high expression of bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p in yak tissues. Further experiments revealed that the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type M (PTPRM) gene was the host gene of bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p and that two linked SNPs in bta‐mir‐2285o precursor affected the biogenesis of mature miRNA (bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p). Functional analysis in vitro indicated that bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p attenuated hypoxia‐induced apoptosis by targeting very low‐density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and caspase‐3. Expression level analysis in vivo revealed the high negative Pearson’s correlation between bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p and caspase3 in yak, highlighting the potential important roles of bta‐miR‐2285o‐3p in yak high‐altitude adaptation. Our study provides a typical model for deciphering the function of miRNAs in environmental adaptation.

Point-of-care testing of butyrylcholinesterase activity through modulating the photothermal effect of cuprous oxide nanoparticles

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an important indicator for clinical diagnosis of liver dysfunction, organophosphate toxicity, and poststroke dementia. Point-of-care testing (POCT) of BChE activity is still a challenge, which is a critical requirement for the modern clinical diagnose. A portable photothermal BChE assay is proposed through modulating the photothermal effects of Cu₂O nanoparticles. BChE can catalyze the decomposition of butyrylcholine, producing thiocholine, which further reduce and coordinate with CuO on surface of Cu₂O nanoparticle. This leads to higher efficiency of formation of Cu₉S₈ nanoparticles, through the reaction between Cu₂O nanoparticle and NaHS, together with the promotion of photothermal conversion efficiency from 3.1 to 59.0%, under the excitation of 1064 nm laser radiation. An excellent linear relationship between the temperature change and the logarithm of BChE concentration is obtained in the range 1.0 to 7.5 U/mL, with a limit of detection of 0.076 U/mL. In addition, the portable photothermal assay shows strong detection robustness, which endows the accurate detection of BChE in human serum, together with the screening and quantification of organophosphorus pesticides. Such a simple, sensitive, and robust assay shows great potential for the applications to clinical BChE detection and brings a new horizon for the development of temperature based POCT.

[The treatment strategy and outcome of pregnancy complicated with Stanford type A aortic dissection]

To summarize the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment experience of pregnant women with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.We collected the clinical data of 12 cases with acute aortic dissection during pregnancy and puerperal period from June 2010 to July 2020 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital and analyzed retrospectively, and summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes for both mother and fetus. The age of these patients was(29±5)years old, and the onset time was from 16 weeks of gestation and 1 month after delivery. All the 12 patients underwent surgical treatment. The patients in the puerperium received aortic surgery after delivery. Four of them received the aortic surgery and continued pregnancy. Five of them underwent aortic repair and cesarean section simultaneously. Surgical treatment should be actively considered in pregnancy complicated with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. Multi-disciplinary team cooperation can effectively improve the safety of the patients and fetus.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonization and subsequent infection in a neonatal intensive care unit in Shanghai, China

Background

Colonization has been reported to play an important role in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection; however, the extent to which carriers develop clinical CRE infection and related risk factors in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the frequency of CRE colonization and its contribution to infections in NICU patients.

Methods

CRE colonization screening and CRE infection surveillance were performed in the NICU in 2017 and 2018.

Findings

Among 1230 unique NICU patients who were screened for CRE colonization, 144 patients tested positive (11.7%, 144/1230), with 9.2% (110/1197) in the intestinal tract, which was higher than that in the upper respiratory tract (6.6%, 62/945) (P=0.026). Gestational age, low birth weight and prolonged hospitalization were risk factors for CRE colonization (all P<0.001). Diversilab homology monitoring found an overall 17.4% (25/144) risk of infection among patients colonized with CRE. For carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CR-ECO), the risks were 19.1% (21/110) and 13.8% (4/29), respectively. The independent risk factors for CR-KP clinical infection among CR-KP carriers were receiving mechanical ventilation (odds ratio (OR), 10.177; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.667–38.830; P=0.013), a high level of neonatal nutritional risk assessment (OR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.072–0.881; P=0.031) and a high neonatal acute physiology II (SNAP-II) score (OR, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.882–1.034; P=0.025).

Conclusions

The colonization of CRE may increase the incidence of corresponding CRE infection in NICU patients. Receiving mechanical ventilation, malnutrition and critical conditions with high SNAP-II scores were independent risk factors for subsequent CR-KP clinical infection.

Prognostic value of PCSK9 Levels in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients is still an open question and the PCSK9 concentration of clinical usefulness remains unknown in guiding treatment.

Purpose

To explore the role of PCSK9 in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods

272 patients with NSTEMI were included in our study, all patients received PCI therapy after admission. Patients were followed up for 1 year and MACEs were recored. Their baseline plasma PCSK9 levels were determined by ELISA. Patients were divided into high, medium and low PCSK9 groups and the associations of PCSK9 with other biomarkers and MACEs were evaluated.

Results

The results showed that PCSK9 levels was related to levels of lipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r=0.162, P=0.008), platelet volume distribution width (r=0.299, P&lt;0.001) and D-dimer (r=0.285, P&lt;0.001). And the concentrations of PCSK9 was greater higher in people with MACEs (137.2ng/ml vs 243.6ng/ml) (Fig. 1A). The Kaplan-Meier curves showed patients with high PCSK9 level had lower event-free survival rate (Fig. 1B). Survival analysis indicated high level of PCSK9 predicted MACEs independently after adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and GRACE score (HR=2.646, 95CI%: 1.047–6.686, P=0.027) (Fig. 1C, Fig. 2). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of high PCSK9 level was greater for patients classified by the GRACE score as high risk (Fig. 1D).

Conclusions

In a NSTEMI setting, the concentration of PCSK9 is associated with hypercoagulability and hyper-inflammation. High levels of PCSK9 independently predict future MACEs in NSTEMI patients, particularly those classified by the GRACE score as high risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

A comparison of long-term clinical outcomes between PCI and medical therapy in patients with chronic total occlusion in non-Infarct-related arteries after AMI PCI

Background

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a non-infarct-related artery (IRA) is one of the risk factors for mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, there are limited data comparing the long-term outcomes of patients underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (s-PCI) with patients having medical therapy (MT) in CTO lesion after AMI PCI.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 330 patients (n=166 in s-PCI group and n=164 in MT group) with CTO in a non-IRA from a total of 4372 patients who underwent PCI after AMI from July 2011 to July 2019 in our center (Figure 1). Propensity matching (119 matched pairs) was used to adjust for baseline differences. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) on follow-up were defined as the composite of cardiac death, all cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and any revascularization. Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to evaluate the long-term outcomes between s-PCI and MT group.

Results

The patients in MT group were older, more likely to be diagnosed as STEMI, had lower eGFR and higher peak troponin T level during AMI compared with s-PCI group. Furthermore, in MT group, the involvement of LAD as IRA (50.6% vs 38.6%, p=0.028) and LCX as CTO vessel (45.1% vs 27.1%, p=0.001) was more frequent than in s-PCI group, and thus the involvement of LAD as CTO vessel was less frequent (28.9% vs 39.8%, p&lt;0.001). During a median follow-up period of 946 days, patients in s-PCI group had significantly lower incidences of cardiac death (3.0% vs 10.4%, p=0.017) and all cause death (5.4% vs 14.0%, p=0.030) when compared with patients in MT group. Moreover, after PSM, patients in s-PCI group still showed lower incidence of cardiac death (2.5% vs 9.2%, p=0.04). The incidence of MI, stroke, revascularization and MACCE showed no significant difference between the two groups both before and after PSM. In multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10, p=0.003) and LVEF&lt;50% (HR 4.71, 95% CI 1.72–12.90, p=0.003) showed significant correlation with long term cardiac death, however, successful CTO PCI showed borderline significance (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.15–1.16, p=0.095). In subgroup analysis, Kaplan–Meier curve showed s-PCI group had a lower incidence of cardiac death compared with MT in patients with LVEF&lt;50% both before (p=0.011) and after PSM (p=0.045). However, no difference was observed between two groups in patients with LVEF≥50%.

Conclusions

In our center, s-PCI of CTO in non-IRA after AMI PCI showed better long-term cardiac survival as compared with MT. Moreover, patients with low LVEF may be benefit from CTO PCI in non-IRA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Flow chart of the studyKaplan-Meier analysis between two groups