[Construction and preliminary validation of a risk prediction model for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcer in diabetic patients]

Objective: To develop a risk prediction model for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in diabetic patients and primarily validate its predictive value. Methods: Meta-analysis combined with retrospective cohort study was conducted. The Chinese and English papers on risk factors related to DFU recurrence publicly published in China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and the search time was from the establishment date of each database until March 31st, 2022. The papers were screened and evaluated, the data were extracted, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 statistical software to screen risk factors for DFU recurrence, and Egger's linear regression was used to assess the publication bias of the study results. Risk factors for DFU recurrence mentioned in ≥3 studies and with statistically significant differences in the meta-analysis were selected as the independent variables to develop a logistic regression model for risk prediction of DFU recurrence. The medical records of 101 patients with DFU who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2019 to June 2022 were collected. There were 69 males and 32 females, aged (63±14) years. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the predictive performance of the above constructed predictive model for DFU recurrence was drawn, and the area under the ROC curve, maximum Youden index, and sensitivity and specificity at the point were calculated. Dataset including data of 8 risk factors for DFU recurrence and the DFU recurrence rates of 10 000 cases was simulated using RStudio software and a scatter plot was drawn to determine two probabilities for risk division of DFU recurrence. Using the β coefficients corresponding to 8 DFU recurrence risk factors ×10 and taking the integer as the score of coefficient weight of each risk factor, the total score was obtained by summing up, and the cutoff scores for risk level division were calculated based on the total score × two probabilities for risk division of DFU recurrence. Results: Finally, 20 papers were included, including 3 case-control studies and 17 cohort studies, with a total of 4 238 cases and DFU recurrence rate of 22.7% to 71.2%. Meta-analysis showed that glycosylated hemoglobin >7.5% and with plantar ulcer, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral vascular disease, smoking, osteomyelitis, history of amputation/toe amputation, and multidrug-resistant bacterial infection were risk factors for the recurrence of DFU (with odds ratios of 3.27, 3.66, 4.05, 3.94, 1.98, 7.17, 11.96, 3.61, 95% confidence intervals of 2.79-3.84, 2.06-6.50, 2.50-6.58, 2.65-5.84, 1.65-2.38, 2.29-22.47, 4.60-31.14, 3.13-4.17, respectively, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in publication biases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral vascular disease, glycosylated hemoglobin >7.5%, plantar ulcer, smoking, multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, or osteomyelitis (P>0.05), but there was a statistically significant difference in the publication bias of amputation/toe amputation (t=-30.39, P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the predictive model was 0.81 (with 95% confidence interval of 0.71-0.91) and the maximum Youden index was 0.59, at which the sensitivity was 72% and the specificity was 86%. Ultimately, 29.0% and 44.8% were identified respectively as the cutoff for dividing the probability of low risk and medium risk, and medium risk and high risk for DFU recurrence, while the corresponding total scores of low, medium, and high risks of DFU recurrence were <37, 37-57, and 58-118, respectively. Conclusions: Eight risk factors for DFU recurrence are screened through meta-analysis and the risk prediction model for DFU recurrence is developed, which has moderate predictive accuracy and can provide guidance for healthcare workers to take interventions for patient with DFU recurrence risk.

[Management of menopausal syndrome in women with dyslipidemia]

The prevalence of dyslipidemia is increased in postmenopausal women due to dysregulation of lipid metabolism and deficiency of estrogen levels. At the same time, some postmenopausal women also have menopausal syndromes such as vasomotor symptoms, physical physiology, mental psychology, and urogenital tract atrophy. Menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective measure to alleviate menopausal syndrome. And initiating MHT in early menopause can reduce cardiovascular damage. However, menopausal hormone therapy can also bring the risk of thromboembolic diseases such as venous embolism, myocardial infarction and stroke. Different drug regimens have different effects on lipid metabolism. Women with menopausal syndrome should take individualized treatment plans for different types of dyslipidemia. Therefore, this article reviews the management and treatment of menopausal syndrome in women with dyslipidemia, so as to provide a reference for personalized management of dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women.

[Prevalence and influencing factors of abnormal spinal curvature in primary and secondary school students in Shandong Province in 2020]

In 2020, the prevalence of abnormal spinal curvature among 54 079 students in Shandong Province was 1.54%. The multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that, compared with those in primary school, economically underdeveloped areas, and non-residential schools, students in middle and high schools, economically average areas, and residential schools had a higher risk of abnormal spinal curvature, with OR (95%CI) values of 2.029 (1.662-2.476), 2.746 (2.208-3.416), 2.237 (1.740-2.875) and 2.057 (1.705-2.483), respectively. Compared with those in economically underdeveloped areas, who were underweight, who had seat adjustments≤1 time per academic year, and who had physical education classes≤1 per week, students in economically developed areas, who were normal weight, overweight, and obese, who had seat adjustments≥2 times per academic year, and who had physical education classes 2-3 or≥4 per week, had a lower risk of abnormal spinal curvature, with OR (95%CI) values of 0.690 (0.521-0.915), 0.722 (0.546-0.955), 0.535 (0.389-0.735), 0.383 (0.274-0.535), 0.835 (0.711-0.980), 0.561 (0.474-0.663) and 0.491 (0.315-0.766), respectively.

Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic value and safety of ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant were searched for studies published up to June 2022. The diagnostic accuracy of US-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) for the diagnosis of PPLs was evaluated using pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves value (SROC).

RESULTS

The search included 12 original studies (3,830 procedures). For US-guided PTNB, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PPLs were 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.94) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96-1.00), respectively. The pooled estimates of the PLR, NLR, and DOR were 134.88 (95% CI: 24.88-731.74), 0.07 (95% CI: 0.06-0.09), and 1,814.95 (95% CI: 333.62-9,873.76), respectively. The area under the SROC curve was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97). The overall complication rate was 3.6% (136 of 3,830), including self-limited haemoptysis and asymptomatic pneumothorax, and only six cases of pneumothorax requiring chest tube drainage and one case of severe bleeding were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided core-needle biopsy is an excellent diagnostic tool for PPLs, with high accuracy and excellent technical performance and safety.

Study on the prevalence of myopia and its associated factors in China: a systemic review

OBJECTIVE

Myopia is becoming more common, a significant public health issue everywhere, including in China. There needs to be a comprehensive analysis of the evidence about the extent of myopia in Chinese schoolchildren, despite earlier studies showing a growing frequency in China. Therefore, the frequency of myopia in Chinese schoolchildren is examined in this study with supporting data and a meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2022 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were used for this research. From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022, five computerized bibliographic databases, including PUBMED, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and China Index Medicus, were reviewed and aimed at investigating myopia's prevalence in China. The studies' methodological quality was evaluated. Myopia is defined as a refractive error. Data were collected according to gender, age, and refraction method. The prevalence was calculated through a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Data from 11 quality-assessed studies, with a total of 1,013,206 adolescents, were included. Hanting District children had an overall myopia prevalence of 45.47%, but Changyi children had a myopia prevalence of 82.37%. In general, 48.56, 47.30, and 31.62% of elementary, middle, and higher school pupils had mild myopia, compared to 1.12, 8.89, and 20.12% who had high myopia. Children aged 7-9 years old experienced the largest overall increase in the prevalence of myopia. For girls and boys, the prevalence of higher myopia was 7.59% and 6.43% (p<0.001). Yet, the spherical equivalent (SE) dropped as students' ages and grades rose. Myopia prevalence rises as students age and grade.

CONCLUSIONS

The recent findings revealed that myopia predominated among schoolchildren in Weifang. It steadily grew through age, in addition to it being more common in Changyi neighborhoods. Females had a greater frequency of myopia than males.

[Bioinformatics analysis and key gene verification of sepsis myocardial macrophage microarray data based on GEO database]

Objective: Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in macrophages of sepsis myocardial injury and to verify key genes. Methods: Experiment 1 (gene chip and bioinformatics analysis): The gene chip data GSE104342 of cardiac macrophages in septic mice was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. DEGs were obtained by R language analysis. DAVID online database was used to obtain gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of DEGs. STRING online database was used for protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEGs, and then key genes were screened by using Cytoscape software and molecular complex detection (MCODE) plug-ins. Experiment 2 (sepsis model construction and related protein verification): Ten male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-14 weeks. Five mice were randomly selected as control group, and 5 mice were selected as the sepsis group by building a mice sepsis model in vivo. Echocardiography was used to detect the cardiac function. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess the cardiac morphology. TUNEL staining was used to evaluate cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of differentiation antigen cluster 206 (CD206),inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS),F4/80,suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (Socs3) ,interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (Il1rn) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 7 (Ccl7) protein. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured in vitro and divided into 2 groups: LPS groupstimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/L) and blank control group treated with equal-volume phosphate buffer solution. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of Socs3, Il1rn and Ccl7 in vitro. Results: Experiment 1: 24 647 genes were screened in GSE104342 dataset and 177 genes (0.72%) were differential expression, including 120 up-regulated genes and 57 down-regulated genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in inflammatory response, immune response, apoptosis regulation and antigen processing and presentation. KEGG signaling pathway analysis showed that DEGs in cardiac macrophages of septic mice were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, NOD like receptor signaling pathway. Three hub genes were obtained by STRING and Cytoscape analysis, including Socs3, Il1rn and Ccl7. Experiment 2: In vivo, it was found that compared with the control group, the cardiac function of the sepsis mice decreased significantly, the myocardial cells were significantly edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial fiber rupture, some myocardial nuclei dissolved and disappeared, and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased, suggesting that the sepsis myocardial injury model of mice was successfully constructed. Compared with the control group, the expression of CD206 in the myocardium of septic mice was down-regulated, the expression of iNOS, F4/80, Socs3, Il1rn and Ccl7 were up-regulated. In addition, there was co-localization between Socs3, Il1rn, Ccl7 and F4/80 protein. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of Socs3, Il1rn and Ccl7 significantly upregulated after LPS intervention in vitro by RT-PCR. Conclusions: The selected key genes Socs3, Il1rn and Ccl7 were up-regulated in myocardial macrophages of septic mice. Socs3, Il1rn and Ccl7 are expected to become new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis cardiac injury.

[Summary of the best evidence on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot]

Objective: To summarize the best evidence on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot. Methods: A bibliometric approach was used. Systematic searches were carried out to retrieve all the publicly published evidences till July 2022 on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot, including guidelines, evidence summary, recommended practices, expert consensus, systematic review, and original research, from foreign language databases including BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice Database, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Guideline International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, China Biology Medicine disc, China Clinical Guidelines Library, and the official websites of relevant academic organizations including National Institute for Health and Care Excellence of the United Kingdom, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario of Canada, the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, International Diabetes Federation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Diabetes Association, and Chinese Diabetes Society. The literature was screened and evaluated for the quality, from which the evidences were extracted and evaluated to summarize the best evidences. Results: Nine guidelines, three expert consensuses, one evidence summary (with two systematic reviews being traced), two systematic reviews, 6 randomized controlled trials were retrieved and included, with good quality of literature. Totally 33 pieces of best evidences on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot were summarized from the aspects of appropriate exercise prevention of diabetic foot, exercise therapy of diabetic foot, precautions for exercise, health education, and establishment of a multidisciplinary limb salvage team. Conclusions: Totally 33 pieces of best evidences on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot were summarized from 5 aspects, providing decision-making basis for clinical guidance on exercise practice for patients with diabetic foot.

[Progress in research of deaths and disease burden of major chronic diseases caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution in China]

Health damage including chronic disease caused by air pollution have attracted increasing attention. With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the emission of air pollutants has increased, and its association with chronic diseases has become a research trending topic. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease are the major chronic diseases, causing about 86.6% of the total deaths in China. The prevention and control of chronic diseases, especially the etiologic prevention, is a major public health issue related to national health. This article summarizes the recent progress in research of association of indoor and outdoor air pollution with all-cause mortality, the deaths and disease burden of four major chronic diseases, i.e. cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, and puts forward suggestions for the reduction of the burden caused by chronic diseases due to air pollution to provide a theoretical foundation to revise air quality standards in China.

[Research progress in the methodology used in phenome-wide association studies]

Phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) is a reverse genetic analysis method to identify the potential phenotypes associated with genetic variations. With the increasing availability of biomedical databases and electronic medical records (EMR), PheWAS has gradually become an effective tool to unveil the relationships between exposure and a broad range of health phenotypes. The unique advantage of this method is that it can simultaneously explore the associations of a specific exposure with a variety of disease outcomes, thus helping to reveal multiple causal relationships and the shared pathogenic mechanisms among diseases. However, PheWAS has limitations, including selecting instrumental variables and the heavy burden of various corrections. In addition, how to interpret the biological mechanisms underlying significant findings is another crucial issue of PheWAS. This review will focus on the methodology and application of PheWAS to provide meaningful suggestions and insights for future studies.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the new schistosomiasis surveillance program and consolidating schistosomiasis elimination achievements.

METHODS

A total of 54 to 55 national surveillance sites and 6 risk monitoring sites were assigned in historical endemic regions of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, where the Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans, livestock, snails and wild feces were monitored. All data pertaining to the surveillance results were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 34 530 person-time local residents receiving serological screening for S. japonicum infections in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, and the seroprevalance of S. japonicum infections were 0.29% to 0.68%; however, no egg-positives were detected. During the period from 2015 to 2019, there were 62 086 person-time mobile populations receiving serological screening for S. japonicum infections in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province, and the seroprevalance of S. japonicum infections were 0.32% to 0.56%; additionally, there were 27 egg-positives identified, including 3 imported cases with schistosomiasis haematobia and one case with acute schistosomiasis japonica, indicating that the adjusted prevalence of Schistosoma infections were 0.01% to 0.07% among mobile populations. A total of 829 livestock were examined for S. japonicum infections, with no positives detected. There were 10.55 hm² and 2.89 hm² snail habitats found in national surveillance sites and risk monitoring sites of Zhejiang Province during the 5-year period, respectively; however, no S. japonicum infections were identified in snails. Moreover, a total of 305 wild feces were tested for S. japonicum infections, and no egg-positives were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The schistosomiasis elimination achievement have been consolidated in Zhejiang Province; however, the risk factors of re-emerging schistosomiasis have not been completely eliminated, such as residual snails and imported schistosomiasis cases. Further surveillance and control activities of snails and the source of S. japonicum infections should be reinforced.

Suppression of microRNA-101 attenuates hypoxia-induced myocardial H9c2 cell injury by targeting DIMT1-Sp1/survivin pathway

The article "Suppression of microRNA-101 attenuates hypoxia-induced myocardial H9c2 cell injury by targeting DIMT1-Sp1/survivin pathway, by Z.-X. Guo, F.-Z. Zhou, W. Song, L.-L. Yu, W.-J. Yan, L.-H. Yin, H. Sang, H.-Y. Zhang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (20): 6965-6976-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201810_16167-PMID: 30402863" has been withdrawn from the authors due to some inaccuracies. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/16167.

Effect of miR-9 on myocardial fibrosis in rats via TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-9 on the myocardial fibrosis (MF) in rats and explore its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 rats were selected to prepare the models of MF and randomly divided into Sham group, Model group and MiR-9 group. The rat heart weight (HW)/body weight (BW) and left ventricular weight (LVW)/BW were determined. The content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the myocardial tissues of left ventricle was measured using a spectrophotometer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the levels of type I and type III collagens in myocardial tissues, and the level of miR-9 in myocardial tissues was determined via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, Western blotting was conducted to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smads2 proteins.

RESULTS

Compared with Sham group, Model group exhibited increased HW/BW and LVW/BW and markedly raised Hyp content and type I collagen, type III collagen, TGF-β1 protein and Smads2 protein levels, but significantly declined miR-9 expression levels in rats. In MiR-9 group, the rats had substantially decreased HW/BW, LVW/BW, Hyp content, and type I and type III collagen levels as well as lowered TGF-β1 protein and Smads2 protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-9 can alleviate the MF in rats by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Tyrophagus putrescentiae group 4 allergen allergenicity and epitope prediction

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only allergic disease-modifying therapy available for children and adults, and recombinant allergens are an interesting approach to improve allergy diagnosis and ASIT. Tyrophagus putrescentiae is a common storage mite that produces potent allergens. The aim of this study was to express and characterize recombinant group 4 allergen protein of T. putrescentiae (Tyr p 4), and to further investigate allergenicity and potential epitopes of Tyr p 4.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cDNA encoding Tyr p 4 was generated by RT-PCR and subcloned into pET-28a(+) plasmid. The plasmid was then transformed into E. coli cells for expression. After purification by nickel affinity chromatography and identification by SDS-PAGE, recombinant Tyr p 4 protein was used for a skin prick test and an ELISA to determine the allergic response.

RESULTS

Study participants' allergic response rate to Tyr p 4 protein was 13.3% (16/120). Eight B-cell epitopes and three T-cell epitopes of Tyr p 4 were predicted.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to group 4 allergens of other species of mite, allergenicity of Tyr p 4 is weak. The expression, characterization and epitope prediction of recombinant Tyr p 4 protein provide a foundation for further study of this allergen in the diagnosis and ASIT of storage mite allergy.

[Establishment of nutrition literacy core items for Chinese lactating women]

Objective: To establish the nutrition literacy core items for Chinese lactating women. Methods: The framework system and preliminary items of nutrition literacy were established through literature review and experts consultation. E-Delphi method was used to determine the nutrition literacy items. 11 experts in the field of maternal and child nutrition, obstetrics and gynecology, health education and nutrition and diseases were invited to score the importance of each nutrition literacy item via Email. The judgment basis and familiarity of experts towards the items, active coefficient, authority coefficient and harmony coefficient were evaluated and analyzed to generate the final list of nutrition literacy items. Results: The active coefficients of consultation in two rounds were 81.8% (9/11) and 87.5% (8/9). The authority coefficients were (0.86±0.11) and (0.85±0.06). The average scores of importance were (4.03±1.24) and (4.64±0.50)and the harmony coefficients were 0.556 (χ²=163.42, P<0.001) and 0.40 (χ²=64.41, P<0.001). After the second round of consultation, all selected items met the inclusion criteria. We identified the final list of nutrition literacy items consisting of 3 scales (basic knowledge and concept, lifestyles and dietary behaviors, and basic skills), 10 subscales (basic nutrition concept, food and nutrition knowledge, feeding knowledge, lifestyles, dietary behaviors, feeding behaviors, weight management, complementary food production, acquisition, understanding and application of nutrition information, judgement of nutrition information, and nutrition decision making) with 24 items in total. Conclusions: The framework system and core items of nutrition literacy were established for Chinese lactating women based on E-Delphi method. The experts involved in the consultation process presented a performance with good representativeness, enthusiasm and authority. All experts' opinions are coordinated and unified, which could satisfy the demand of developing nutrition literacy core items for target population.

Knockdown of lncRNA HCP5 protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating miR-652-3p

Previous studies have shown that lncRNAs play crucial roles in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, the function and possible mechanism of lncRNA HCP5 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was investigated. An oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model in N2a cells was used to simulate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro. The functional mechanism of lncRNA HCP5 was detected using Trypan blue staining, JC-1, MTT and dual luciferase reporter assays. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) was measured by Western blot analysis. We found that lncRNA HCP5 was upregulated in N2a cells treated with OGD/R, and knockdown of lncRNA HCP5 enhanced cell viability and reduced cell death. In addition, miR-652-3p was found to act as a sponge for lncRNA HCP5. The overexpression of miR- 652-3p can prevent cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury, however, lncRNA HCP5 attenuated the protective effect of miR-652-3p in cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. In conclusion, upregulation of lncRNA HCP5 may exacerbate cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury by sponging miR-652-3p.

[Exploration and application of occupational disease risk assessment model based on information diffusion theory]

Objective: To research build a kind of occupational disease risk assessment model which provides scientific basis for prevention and control of occupational diseases. Methods: Based on the principle of information diffusion, this paper uses spread function to extend the incomplete gathered information, establishes the mapping relationship between observation samples and risk probability distributions, and constructs the occupational disease risk assessment model, to analyzes the risk data of occupational disease reported cases in Guangdong Province in the past five years. Results: Through evaluation analysis, every year, 200-300 cases of pneumoconiosis probability is 67.77%, 100-200 cases of occupational poisoning probability is 68.52%, 20-40 cases of occupational cancers probability is 71.62%, each year, the incidence of occupation otorhinolaryngology and oral diseases in 200 cases was 62.23%. Conclusion: A model of occupational disease risk assessment based on information diffusion theory is constructed, the evaluation result is basically consistent with the actual situation of occupational disease, which can provide reference for occupational disease prevention and control.

Metformin relieves acute respiratory distress syndrome by reducing miR-138 expression

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether metformin can relieve acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Its potential mechanism was also explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ARDS model was established by injecting LPS into mice that received metformin in advance and the mice in the control group. Pulmonary edema was detected by W/D ratios (wet-to-dry weight ratios), and the vascular exudation was reflected by the protein content and cell number of alveolar lavage fluid. Meanwhile, MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity assay was performed to analyze the neutrophil aggregation. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This series of experiments reflected the alleviation effect of metformin on ARDS. To further study the mechanism, we cultured alveolar macrophages (NR8383) in vitro and treated them with LPS and metformin. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation levels of p38, ERK, NF-kB, and SIRT1 expression level. Bioinformatics method was then used to predict the binding of miR-138 to SIRT1. The mRNA and protein expression of SIRT1 was detected in NR8383 cells transfected with miR-138 inhibitor. The dual luciferase gene reporter assay was used to detect the relative luciferase activities of miR-138 and SIRT1.

RESULTS

Pulmonary edema, vascular exudation, and neutrophil accumulation were observed in the ARDS model mice, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly increased. After metformin treatment, these pulmonic damage indicators were found to be partially reversed. At the same time, metformin could significantly reduce LPS-induced death. After NR8383 was treated with metformin and LPS, the expression of SIRT1 was higher than that of LPS treatment alone, but the expression of p-p38, p-ERK, and p-NF-κB was significantly decreased. After the addition of metformin in NR8383 after LPS treatment, the expression level of miR-138-5p was significantly decreased, and miR-138-5p was confirmed to target SIRT1 and regulate its expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin could reduce LPS-induced pulmonic injury and increase expression of inflammatory factors. A possible mechanism might be that metformin-induced low expression of mir-138-5p could target SIRT1 to increase its expression and suppress the MAPK pathway, thus alleviating ARDS.

[Predictive study on recurrence of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps by tissue eosinophils and sinus CT]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between postoperative recurrence and clinical parameters in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and to study predicitve value of total scores of eosinophils (EOS) and sinus CT for postoperative recurrence. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 264 patients with CRSwNP who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2013 to December 2015 was performed. The patient was subjected to a visual analogue scale (VAS) score, a skin prick test, a peripheral blood cell count, a sinus CT score, and a nasal polyp EOS count. All patients underwent endoscopic surgery and were followed up for at least 2 years. The demographic characteristics of the nasal polyps recurrence group and the non-recurrence group were compared with other clinical indicators. Quantitative data were compared by t test or Mann-Whitney U test, qualitative data were compared by chi-square test, and Logistic regression analysis was used for Logistic regression analysis. The risk factors for recurrence were assessed. The best cut-off value was determined by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The predictive value of the parameters was determined by area under curve (AUC). The difference was statistically significant at P<0.05. Results: The recurrence rate of the study patients was 43.56% (115/264). Sex, olfactory VAS score, total sinus CT score, peripheral blood neutrophil ratio, peripheral blood EOS absolute value and proportion, and tissue EOS absolute value and proportion were associated with postoperative recurrence of nasal polyps (χ(2)=5.241, t=-3.146, t=-7.441, χ(2)=180.617, t=-5.313, χ(2)=100.067, t=-7.471, χ(2)=258.916, all P<0.05), and the tissue EOS ratio and total sinus CT scores have higher predictive value for recurrence of nasal polyps (AUC values were 0.793, 0.767, respectively, all P<0.001). With the EOS ratio of nasal polyps >0.032, the sensitivity of predicting recurrence was 83.48%, the specificity was 56.38%. With the total score of sinus CT>15, the sensitivity of predicting recurrence was 51.30% and the specificity was 87.25%. The combined sensitivity of predictive recurrence was 92.00% and the specificity was 49.20%. Conclusion: The percentage of EOS in nasal polyps and the total score of sinus CT in patients with CRSwNP have better predictive diagnostic value for recurrence of nasal polyps.

Suppression of microRNA-101 attenuates hypoxia-induced myocardial H9c2 cell injury by targeting DIMT1-Sp1/survivin pathway

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded RNAs in eukaryotic cells, which play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases. We aimed to investigate the effects of miRNA-101 (miR-101) on hypoxia-induced myocardial infarction (MI) cell injury model (myocardial H9c2 cell injury model). The possible target gene of miR-101 was also analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H9c2 cells were exposed to hypoxia treatment. Cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis and the expression of miR-101 were detected using CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, flow cytometer analysis, Western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. Then, the effects of miR-101 overexpression or suppression on the cell injury induced by hypoxia were assessed. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the possible target gene of miR-101. Finally, the effects of dimethyladenosine transferase 1 homolog (DIMT1), the possible target gene of miR-101, on H9c2 cell injury were investigated.

RESULTS

Hypoxia significantly induced H9c2 cell injury. miR-101 was up-regulated after hypoxia induction. Hypoxia-induced cell injury was significantly reversed by miR-101 suppression and exacerbated by miR-101 overexpression. DIMT1 was a direct target gene of miR-101. Knockdown of DIMT1 markedly inhibited the protective effects of miR-101 suppression on hypoxia-induced cell injury by suppressing specific protein 1 (Sp1)/Survivin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We verified the critical roles of miR-101 in regulating myocardial cell injury induced by hypoxia. DIMT1-mediated the Sp1/Survivin pathway was also involved in this process. Our findings replenished the understanding of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in hypoxia-induced MI cell injury and provided new molecular target for therapy and diagnosis of MI.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000523 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells as miRNA sponge

Among the novel class of endogenous long non-coding RNAs, circular RNA (circRNA) is known as a key regulator in the development and progression of different cancers. Its function and mechanism in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer, however, has not been well studied. This study thus aimed to investigate potential regulation of colorectal cancer by circRNAs and the corresponding regulatory mechanism. We demonstrated that the expression of circRNA hsa_circ_0000523 (also known as circ_006229) was down-regulated in different colorectal cancer cell lines. It was also found that interference of hsa_circ_0000523 induced proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, the proliferation rate of which was reduced by the overexpression of hsa_circ_0000523. In addition, we found that miR-31 could recognize hsa_circ_0000523 sequence and that it acted as a "sponge" of miR-31, indirectly regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which was involved in the progression of colorectal cancer. The results suggested that the expression of hsa_circ_0000523 correlated to the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells. In addition, as a sponge of miR-31, the low level of hsa_circ_0000523 led to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, inducing the subsequent progress of colorectal cancer.

[An analysis of the new "three tubes" method in the treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture]

To investigate the clinical efficacy, feasibility and safety of new "three tubes" method in the treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture. A total of 22 patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture were retrospectively analyzed. Through the new "three tubes" method of treatment, patients achieved leak cured with reduced hospital stay, less medical expenses and early resumption of oral diet. The new "three tubes" method for spontaneous esophageal rupture has the advantages of easy handling, minimal invasion, few complication and exact curative effect.

In ovo feeding of L-arginine alters energy metabolism in post-hatch broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of L-arginine (Arg) on energy metabolism in post-hatch broilers. A total of 720 eggs was randomly assigned to 3 treatments: 1) non-injected control group, 2) 0.75% NaCl diluent-injected control group, and 3) 1.0% Arg solution-injected group. At 17.5 d of incubation, 0.6 mL of each solution was injected into the amniotic fluid of each egg of injected groups. After hatching, 80 male chicks were randomly assigned to each treatment group with 8 replicates per group. The results showed that IOF of Arg increased glycogen and glucose concentrations in the liver and pectoral muscle of broilers at hatch (P < 0.05). The plasma glucose and insulin levels were higher in the Arg group than in the non-injected and diluent-injected control groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, IOF of Arg enhanced the hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) activity at hatch (P < 0.05). There was no difference in hexokinase (HK) or phosphofructokinase (PFK) enzyme activities in the pectoral muscle in all groups. Further, IOF of Arg increased the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) mRNA expressions at hatch (P < 0.05). In addition, broilers in the Arg group had a higher mRNA expression of glycogen synthase and a lower expression of glycogen phosphorylase in the liver and pectoral muscles than in the non-injected controls at hatch (P < 0.05). In conclusion, IOF of Arg solution enhanced liver and pectoral muscle energy reserves at hatch, which might be considered as an effective strategy for regulating early energy metabolism in broilers.

Dietary butylated hydroxytoluene improves lipid metabolism, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

A 10-week growth trail was conducted to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of dietary butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) by evaluating inflammation, apoptosis and hepatic disease related to oxidative stress in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four experimental diets were prepared with BHT supplement levels of 0 (B0), 150 (B150), 300 (B300) and 1500 (B1500) mg/kg, in which B150 was at the maximum recommended level established by European Union Regulation, and the B300 and B1500 levels were 2 and 10-fold of B150, respectively. Each diet was fed to 6 replicates with 30 largemouth bass (initial body weight, IBW = 6.20 ± 0.01 g) in each tank. The BHT inclusion level did not affect the specific growth rate, but fish in the B150 group showed the lowest feed conversion rate (P < 0.05). BHT inclusion significantly decreased the levels of plasma TC, TG, LDL, ALT and AKP, and increased the (HDL-C)/TC ratio (P < 0.05). Plasma MDA was significantly decreased in the B150 group and GSH-Px was extremely enhanced in each BHT inclusion group (P < 0.05). Hepatic T-AOC was significantly enhanced and O₂^- was significantly decreased in each BHT inclusion group compared to the B0 group (P < 0.05), as well as hepatic MDA was significantly decreased in B1500 group (P < 0.05). Dietary BHT inclusion down-regulated the hepatic mRNA levels of inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis related genes, including TNFα, TGF-β1, α-SMA, IL8, IL11β and caspase-9. Moreover, BHT could improve hepatic lipid metabolism via up-regulating the mRNA levels of APOA1, CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and down-regulating the mRNA levels of PPAR-γ and APOB. Histological examination of the liver morphology with H&E and Sirius Red staining showed that BHT inclusion decreased necrotic degenerative changes and collagen deposition in largemouth bass. An immunofluorescence examination revealed significantly decreased cleaved caspase-3 signals in the BHT groups. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that ROS induces hepatic cell apoptosis and fibrosis via the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis by activating caspase-9 in the mitochondria and then initiates apoptosis by activating caspase-3. Consuming 2.32-23.80 mg/kg·bw/d (150-1500 mg/kg in diet) of BHT effectively improved the plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism, antioxidant response as well as reduced ROS production, protecting hepatic cells from injury. It is implied that even a 10-fold increase of the maximum level of BHT (150 mg/kg) is safe for the largemouth bass.

Lichenoid keratosis is frequently misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinoma

Lichenoid keratosis (LK), also known as benign lichenoid keratosis or lichen planus-like keratosis, is a solitary, pink to red-brown scaly plaque representing a host immunological response to a variety of precursor lesions. LK is often misdiagnosed as a dermatological malignancy owing to its clinical resemblance to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or Bowen disease. We performed a retrospective analysis of the pathology records of a series of LK lesions with reference to the demographic features and accuracy of clinical diagnosis. The pathology records from 2008 to 2009 of 263 consecutive patients with a histological diagnosis of LK from a specialized skin laboratory were retrieved. Data relating to clinical diagnosis, age, sex, anatomical location, time of year of presentation and any coexistent pathological lesions adjacent to the LK were recorded. Mean age at presentation was 64 years (range 34-96), and 58% of patients were female. The most common anatomical site was the chest/anterior torso, followed by the back and legs. The most common coexisting lesion was solar keratosis at 14%, followed by seborrhoeic keratosis (SK) at 7.8%. The correct clinical diagnosis of LK was made in 29.5% of cases. The most common clinical diagnosis was BCC (47%), while SK was the preferred diagnosis in 18%. A clinical diagnosis was not given in 5.5% of cases. In conclusion, it appears that LK is frequently misdiagnosed, with misdiagnosis occurring in > 70% of cases in this study.

Expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in pregnant mice correlates with CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells

OBJECTIVE

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) initiated tryptophan degradation in the placenta has a role in the prevention of allogeneic fetus rejection by T-cells. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between IDO and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in pregnant mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and IDO mRNA levels were detected in pregnant mice. The non-pregnant mice were used as control in this study. To confirm the effect of IDO, 1-methyl-trytophan (IDO inhibitor) was used in this study.

RESULTS

The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells in PBMC in pregnant mice was significantly higher than this in non-pregnant mice controls from day-6 to the end of the study (p<0.05). IDO mRNA levels in PBMC also markedly increased after pregnancy. The upregulation of IDO expression reached a maximum at day 18 after pregnancy (p<0.05). Compared to the pregnant group, the inhibitor could significantly decrease the IDO expression and Treg percentage (p<0.05). There was a positive association between IDO mRNA and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested IDO might play a role in the generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in pregnant mice.

The study of endogenous hepatocyte growth factor in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms

The article "The study of endogenous hepatocyte growth factor in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms" by L.-L. Yu, Y.-J. Liu, Z.-H. Wang, L. Shi, L.-X. Liu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21 (4): 795-803 has been withdrawn.

The study of endogenous hepatocyte growth factor in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation as a significant influence factor plays an important role in the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. However, based on plenty of related studies, it is believed that the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is able to prevent vascular inflammation. This paper, therefore, explored the role and mechanism of endogenous HGF in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

16 blood samples were collected from the intracranial aneurysms and the lumens of the femoral artery of 16 patients. Comparison and quantitative detection of HGF serum concentrations in an aneurysm and femoral artery samples according to the immune assay based on Luminex were followed. The tissue of superficial temporal artery (STA) and ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysm from the patients (n=10) who were performed surgical clipping of craniotomy was then collected. The intracranial aneurysm model was induced by surgery on adult c57/B16 mouse and grouping administration of c-Met antagonist PF-04217903 or its solvent DMSO for 3 weeks. Then, the brains of the experimental mouse were dissected and examined whether there were intracranial aneurysms and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The procedures followed by treatment of human endothelial cells cultured in vitro, smooth muscle cells and monocytes with HGF and PF-04217903 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Through Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, with ΔΔCt methods, we used the expressions of β-actin normalized inflammatory factor [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).

RESULTS

It was found that the concentration of HGF (1076±656) pg/ml from the blood collected from human intracranial aneurysms was significantly higher than that from the femoral artery (196±436) pg/ml (p<0.01). Experimental mouse treated with PF-04217903 (c-Met antagonist) and in control group were induced to form intracranial aneurysms. C-Met antagonists did not alter the formation of intracranial aneurysms (p>0.05), but significantly increased the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and reduced the survival rate of mice (p<0.05). HGF attenuated the expression of VCAM-1 (p<0.05) and E-selectin (p<0.05) in human aortic endothelial cells CONCLUSIONS: The plasma HGF levels were elevated in intracranial aneurysms, and the HGF and c-Met were expressed in STA and intracranial aneurysms. In the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, HGF signaling pathway reduced inflammation in endothelial cells and prevented the rupture of intracranial aneurysm through c-Met.

[Clinical value of a domestic portable monitoring system for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of a portable monitoring system(YH600B) in OSAHS by comparing the consistency of overnight sleeping data recorded by polysomnography and YH600B. Method:One hundred and nineteen snoring patients underwent one-night polysomnography(PSG)and YH600B simultaneously.The measured data by the two methods were compared to analysis their correlation,including AHI and LSaO₂.The Bland Altman plots was used to assess the consistency between PSG and STD.Sensitivity and specificity comparisons were plotted graphically using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis.Result:All cases were well tolerated the procedure.①AHI and LSaO₂ measured by the two techniques have strong correlation(r=0.981, r=0.882,P<0.05,respectively).②Bland Altman analyses showed strong agreement between AHI values from the YH600B and PSG recordings.③the ROC-curve showed that AHI cut off value was 7.25,area under the curve was 0.992 3,sensitivity was 98.1%,and specificity was 92.2%.Conclusion:These data suggest that YH600B have highly consistency with PSG,and YH600B is accurate in the application of the diagnosis of OSAHS.

Development and Application of Diagnostics in the National Schistosomiasis Control Programme in The People's Republic of China

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection to human, has a documented history of more than 2100years in The People's Republic of China. In spite of great progress in controlling the disease, it is still one of the most serious parasitic diseases in the country. The study and use of diagnostic techniques play an important role in the targeting of chemotherapy that has been continuously applied in the national schistosomiasis control programme for several decades. This paper reviews the development and application of parasitological, immunodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic technology for S. japonicum in The People's Republic of China with a brief mention of diagnostic imagery, such as ultrasound and radiology. When analysing the efficacy and performance characteristics of the main diagnostic techniques in current use, it becomes apparent that approaches that worked well in the past are less suitable now as successful control has shifted the endemic situation towards control and interruption of transmission. The conclusion is that a mutable approach must be adopted choosing the most appropriate diagnostic technique for each control stage (and area), thus modifying the methodology according to the prevailing diagnostic needs in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a cause for community-acquired infection among pediatric populaztion

BACKGROUND

Atypical pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of mortality among the pediatric age group.

OBJECTIVES

Our study was designed to know the prevalence of M. pneumoniae in children with community-acquired pneumonia and the involvement in the cytoadherence to the respiratory epithelium by M. pneumoniae using electron microscopy and immuno-gold labeling technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 152 children of 1 month to 12 years of age of both sexes attending Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei with diagnosed pneumonia were included in the study.

RESULTS

Out of 152 children 84 (55.3%) were males, and 68 (44.7%) were females. The mean age of the patients in the control group (50 patients) was 18.5 ± 3 months with 31 (62%) males and 19 (38%) females. IgM antibodies against M. pneumoniae were positive in 84 (55.3%) males and 68 (44.7%) females. Out of 50 patients 9 (18%) were found to positive for IgM M. pneumoniae antibodies of which four (44.4%) males and 5 (55.5%) females were positive. Our study observed that the gold particles were clustered on the filamentous extension of the tip of the cells. Out of 152 serum samples subjected to particle agglutination assay 138 (90.7%) were positive 1:320 titer, 9 were >1:80 and 3 showed titer was >1:40.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that clinicians should consider empirical therapy of broad spectrum antibiotics therapy to cover these atypical pathogens to reduce the severity before obtaining the serological results. From our study, we also suggest electron microscopic and biochemical studies for better diagnosis of these pathogens.

Mechanisms of cytotoxicity induced by the anesthetic isoflurane: the role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Isoflurane can induce widespread cytotoxicity. We hypothesized that isoflurane induces apoptosis partly by causing excessive calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via direct activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R). Rat pheochromocytoma cells cultured for seven days with nerve growth factor were divided into four groups: control group (C), IP3R antagonist group (X), isoflurane group (I) and isoflurane + IP3R antagonist group (I+X). Groups I and I+X were treated with 1 MAC isoflurane for 12 h. Groups X and I+X were pretreated with IP3R antagonist. Annexin V/PI apoptosis and TUNEL assays were performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. TEM was used to observe changes in cell ultrastructure. Changes in calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in the cytoplasm were measured by flow cytometry. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate IP3R mRNA expression. TEM showed that isoflurane treatment altered cell ultrastructure. Compared to group C, cell apoptosis rate and [Ca(2+)]i increased in groups I and I+X (P < 0.05). Compared to group C, IP3R mRNA expression was lower in group X and higher in group I (P < 0.05). Compared to group X, cell apoptosis rate, [Ca(2+)]i and IP3R mRNA expression increased in groups I and I+X (P < 0.05). Compared to group I, cell apoptosis rate, [Ca(2+)]i and IP3R mRNA expression decreased in group I+X (P < 0.05). These results suggest that exposure to 1 MAC isoflurane for 12 h causes excessive calcium release partly by direct activation of IP3R on the ER membrane and triggers cell apoptosis.

Multichromatic narrow-energy-spread electron bunches from laser-wakefield acceleration with dual-color lasers

A method based on laser wakefield acceleration with controlled ionization injection triggered by another frequency-tripled laser is proposed, which can produce electron bunches with low energy spread. As two color pulses copropagate in the background plasma, the peak amplitude of the combined laser field is modulated in time and space during the laser propagation due to the plasma dispersion. Ionization injection occurs when the peak amplitude exceeds a certain threshold. The threshold is exceeded for limited duration periodically at different propagation distances, leading to multiple ionization injections and separated electron bunches. The method is demonstrated through multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Such electron bunches may be used to generate multichromatic x-ray sources for a variety of applications.

Radially polarized, half-cycle, attosecond pulses from laser wakefields through coherent synchrotronlike radiation

Attosecond bursts of coherent synchrotronlike radiation are found when driving ultrathin relativistic electron disks in a quasi-one-dimensional regime of wakefield acceleration, in which the laser waist is larger than the wake wavelength. The disks of overcritical density shrink radially due to focusing wakefields, thus providing the transverse currents for the emission of an intense, radially polarized, half-cycle pulse of about 100 attoseconds in duration. The electromagnetic pulse first focuses to a peak intensity (7×10(20)W/cm(2)) 10 times larger than the driving pulse and then emerges as a conical beam. Basic dynamics of the radiative process are derived analytically and in agreement with particle-in-cell simulations. By making use of gas targets instead of solids to form the ultrathin disks, this method allows for high repetition rates required for applications.

Two-color laser-ionization injection

A method is proposed to generate femtosecond, ultralow emittance (∼10-8  m rad), electron beams in a laser-plasma accelerator using two lasers of different colors. A long-wavelength pump pulse, with a large ponderomotive force and small peak electric field, excites a wake without fully ionizing a high-Z gas. A short-wavelength injection pulse, with a small ponderomotive force and large peak electric field, copropagating and delayed with respect to the pump laser, ionizes a fraction of the remaining bound electrons at a trapping wake phase, generating an electron beam that is accelerated in the wake.

Gene expression analysis of lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore the expression difference between lung cancer cells and normal lung cells, and to investigate the mechanism of lung cancer development. Besides, we predicted the potential target site of transcriptional factors and microRNAs for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which may help to regulate expression of DEGs. Small molecules were also identified to cure lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression profiles we used were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) using accession number of GSE2378. Firstly, we identified differential genes between lung cancer cells and normal lung cells by using R package limma. Then, we detected the processes and pathways that changed in lung cancer cells by Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Potential target sites of transcriptional factors and microRNAs were also detected based on gene annotation data in MSigDB. Finally, small molecule drugs were screened via querying Connectivity Map database.

RESULTS

We obtained 2961 differentially expressed genes between lung cancer cells and normal lung cells. Besides changes in cell cycle, metabolic processes and proteasome were also dramatically disordered. Some DEGs shared target sites of the transcription factor such as E2F, ETS and CEBPB. Target sites of hsa-miR-196a and hsa-miR-200c were also significantly enriched by DEGs. Iloprost simulated the state of normal cells, while MS-275 might be potential pathogenic substances.

CONCLUSIONS

We investigate the lung cancer from Gene Ontology, pathway, transcription factors and microRNAs based on gene expression profiles. All these results may facilitate lung cancer treatment with a new breakthrough.

Screening for preeclampsia pathogenesis related genes

OBJECTIVES

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that severely threatens the health of the mother and infant, yet the mechanism of pathogenesis remains unclear. In this article, gene array technology was applied to identify the genes related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and to explore the regulatory effect of epigenetic modification by on these genes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Placental tissue of preeclampsia patients was collected, and DNA methylation arrays and gene expression microarrays were used to identify the genes. The effect of methylation on the regulation of genes related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia was also investigated.

RESULTS

The expression levels of more than ten genes were found to be significantly altered in the placental tissue of patients with preeclampsia as measured by gene expression microarray. This study also identified more than ten genes with notable changes in expression level as well as methylation level. The gene expression of CUEDC1 and DHX34 were verified in this study and the findings were consistent with previous reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research indicates that the occurrence of preeclampsia is correlates closely with differences in the expression of specific genes, which may be regulated through methylation.

Characterization of surface accumulation and release of nanosilica during irradiation of polymer nanocomposites by ultraviolet light

Polymer nanocomposites are increasingly used in applications that are subjected to harsh environments. Owing to polymer's susceptibility to photodegradation, nanofillers in a polymer nanocomposite may be released into the environments during the composite's life cycle. Such release potentially poses an environmental health and safety problem and may hinder commercialization of these advanced materials. This study investigated the fate and release of nanosilica from epoxy/nanosilica composites. Specially-designed holders containing nanocomposite specimens were irradiated with UV light in a well-controlled environmental chamber. UV irradiated samples were removed for measurements of polymer chemical degradation, mass loss, surface morphology, nanosilica accumulation on the composite surface, and nanosilica release. Epoxy matrix underwent rapid photodegradation, resulting in substantial accumulation of silica nanofillers on the composite surface and also release from the composite. A conceptual model for surface accumulation and release of nanosilica during UV irradiation of epoxy nanocomposites is presented.

Potential of a novel polysaccharide preparation (GLPP) from Anhui-grown Ganoderma lucidum in tumor treatment and immunostimulation

Growing evidence indicates the potential of developing novel polysaccharide-based adjuvant for tumor therapy from edible mushrooms, including Ganoderma lucidum. In the present study, a novel polysaccharide preparation (GLPP) was isolated from the fruiting body of G. lucidum grown in Anhui, China, and characterized for its physicochemical properties. GLPP had an average molecular weight of 6600 and a specific optical rotation of +25.6 degrees , contained 10.6% protein, and had a molar ratio of 0.9:15:1 for mannose, glucose, and galactose, respectively. GLPP was also investigated and compared with PSP (polysaccharopeptide preparation), a commercial antitumor and immunostimulating agent, for its antitumor and immunostimulation capacity, and potential in reducing the toxic effects induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy) treatment and Cobalt-60 ((60)Co) radiation in mice. GLPP at levels of 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW)/d significantly inhibited the growth of inoculated S(180), Heps, and EAC tumor cells in mice. GLPP at a dose of 300 mg/kg BW/d showed stronger growth inhibition against all 3 tested tumor cells than PSP at 1 g/kg BW/d. GLPP also dose-dependently increased phagocytic index, phagocytic coefficient, and 50% hemolysin value in the EAC tumor-bearing mice, indicating its potential immunostimulating property. In addition, GLPP at 300 mg/kg BW/d was comparable to PSP at 1000 mg/kg BW/d in preventing the decrease of thymus index, spleen index, white blood cells, and bone marrow karyote numbers induced by Cy treatment and (60)Co radiation. These data demonstrated the potential utilization of GLPP as an adjuvant to conventional treatments of cancers and its use for cancer prevention.

Development and certification of the new SRM 695 trace elements in multi-nutrient fertilizer

During the past seven years, several states within the US have enacted regulations that limit the amounts of selected non-nutritive elements in fertilizers. Internationally, several countries, including Japan, China, and Australia, and the European Union also limit the amount of selected elements in fertilizers. The elements of interest include As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn. Fertilizer manufacturers and state regulatory authorities, faced with meeting and verifying these limits, need to develop analytical methods for determination of the elements of concern and to validate results obtained using these methods. Until now, there were no certified reference materials available with certified mass fraction values for all elements of interest in a blended, multi-nutrient fertilizer matrix. A new standard reference material (SRM) 695 trace elements in multi-nutrient fertilizer, has been developed to help meet these needs. SRM 695 has recently been issued with certified mass fraction values for seventeen elements, reference values for an additional five elements, and information values for two elements. The certificate of analysis includes an addendum listing percentage recovery for eight of these elements, determined using an acid-extraction inductively-coupled plasma optical-emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method recently developed and tested by members of the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials.

Determination of As, Cd, Cr, and Hg in SRM 2584 (trace elements in indoor dust) by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Standard reference material (SRM) 2584 (Trace Elements in Indoor Dust) was developed as a reference standard for evaluating field methods and for validating laboratory and reference methods for the assessment of lead contamination and exposure. In addition to lead, the toxic trace elements As, Cd, Cr, and Hg, at approximately 17, 10, 140, and 5 microg g(-1), respectively, have been certified in the SRM. These four analytes were successfully determined by use of high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). Isobaric interferences at masses of As and Cr were resolved by using the high resolution mode (nominal 8000) and the medium resolution mode (nominal 3000), respectively, of the instrument. The effects of a significant drift in analyte sensitivity in the course of measurement were rectified by use of internal standardization, single spike standard addition, and an optimized analysis sequence. The results were compared with those obtained by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS). The results for the quality control, SRM 2704 (Buffalo River Sediment), were in good agreement with the certified values, indicated by the uncertainty intervals of the measured values overlapping the certified intervals at 95% confidence level.

Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for calibration transfer between environmental CRMs

Multielement analyses of environmental reference materials have been performed using existing certified reference materials (CRMs) as calibration standards for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The analyses have been performed using a high-performance methodology that results in comparison measurement uncertainties that are significantly less than the uncertainties of the certified values of the calibration CRM. Consequently, the determined values have uncertainties that are very nearly equivalent to the uncertainties of the calibration CRM. Several uses of this calibration transfer are proposed, including, re-certification measurements of replacement CRMs, establishing traceability of one CRM to another, and demonstrating the equivalence of two CRMs. RM 8704, a river sediment, was analyzed using SRM 2704, Buffalo River Sediment, as the calibration standard. SRM 1632c, Trace Elements in Bituminous Coal, which is a replacement for SRM 1632b, was analyzed using SRM 1632b as the standard. SRM 1635, Trace Elements in Subbituminous Coal, was also analyzed using SRM 1632b as the standard.

Anti-diarrheal effect of water extract of Evodiae fructus in mice

Our previous study showed that Evodiae fructus (the dried, unripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa) has an inhibitory effect on the intestinal transit (anti-transit effect) in mice. In the present study, a water extract of Evodiae fructus was used to examine its effect on castor oil-induced diarrhea and to compare with its anti-transit effect in mice. The results indicated that Evodiae fructus had both anti-transit and anti-diarrheal effects with comparable ID(50) (the dose for 50% inhibition) values of 54+/-7 and 76+/-17 mg/kg. The time-courses of Evodiae fructus pretreatment for both anti-transit and anti-diarrheal effects were very similar. Because no significant influences of both nitric oxide (NO) precursor L-arginine (600 mg/kg, i.p.) and NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (25 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatment, the NO system was not involved in both the anti-transit and anti-diarrheal effects of Evodiae fructus. Like Evodiae fructus, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine inhibited castor oil-induced increase in fecal weight and loss of body weight. However, the potencies or time-courses of atropine pretreatment for both anti-transit and anti-diarrheal effects were different. Furthermore, the anti-diarrheal effect of atropine was independent of its anti-transit effect at the lower dose (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Therefore, the action of Evodiae fructus appeared to be something different from atropine, suggesting that an action other than the anti-muscarinic action, as previously proposed for Evodiae fructus, may be involved.

Sjögren's syndrome and granulomatous panniculitis

An 83-year-old Cambodian woman presented with multiple painful erythematous nodules on the lower legs, forearms and wrists. Subsequent history and investigations revealed a granulomatous lobular panniculitis associated with Sjögren's syndrome. This is a rare cutaneous association of Sjögrens syndrome with only three similar case reports in the literature.

Bioequivalence study of tramadol by intramuscular administration in healthy volunteers

Tramadol hydrochloride (CAS 36282-47-0) is a centrally acting analgesic agent binding to mu opiate receptors. The bioavailability of a new tramadol hydrochloride injection (Limadol) was compared with a commercially available reference product by intramuscular administration in twelve healthy Chinese male volunteers by a standard two-way cross-over trial. Each volunteer received a single 100 mg injection of tramadol HCl in each phase. The bioavailability was compared using the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 30 h (AUC0-30), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-infinity), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax). No statistically significant difference was observed between the Tmax, Cmax, AUC0-30 and AUC0-infinity of the two preparations. It is concluded that test and reference formulations of tramadol hydrochloride are bioequivalent for both the extent and rate of absorption after a single intramuscular injection.