Vitamin D status and the risk of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with autoimmune diseases, and recent research has found low vitamin D levels in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. We aimed to determine the variances in serum 25(OH)D levels between NMOSD patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

We searched English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Med, VIP) for observational studies related to serum 25(OH)D levels in NMOSD patients published up to August 24, 2023. We included studies with healthy controls and compared serum 25(OH)D levels between NMOSD patients and controls. We computed the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous variables to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels and combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for dichotomized 25(OH)D data.

RESULTS

Six papers were selected for meta-analysis, including 794 participants (347 in the NMOSD group and 447 in the healthy control group). Meta-analysis showed significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels in the NMOSD group (MD: -7.83, 95 % CI: -10.99 to -4.68). The risk of 25(OH)D deficiency was 23.36 times higher in the NMOSD group (OR: 23.36, 95 % CI: 0.85 to 640.76, p = 0.06>0.05), with a 94 % occurrence rate. There was no significant difference in the risk of having sufficient 25(OH)D between the groups (p = 0.12>0.05).

CONCLUSION

NMOSD patients have lower serum 25(OH)D levels than healthy controls. However, the current research results do not provide evidence for a causal relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the onset of NMOSD. Routine vitamin D supplementation may be advantageous for patients with NMOSD.

[Predictive value of serum lactate dehydrogenase on prognosis of patients with paraquat poisoning]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the prognosis of patients with paraquat (PQ) poisoning, and to provide evidence for early prognosis assessment. Methods: In February 2022, 50 patients with PQ poisoning who completed serum LDH detection admitted to the Department of Emergency Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2012 to December 2021 were selected as the observation group, and 50 healthy physical examination personnel were randomly selected as the control group. Patients with PQ poisoning were divided into survival group and death group according to the prognosis, and the differences of blood routine routine, liver and kidney function and other indicators in the first admission between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logisitic regression model was established, ROC curve was drawn, and the influencing factors of prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning were analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the white blood cell count (WBC), total bilirubin (TBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), LDH, glucose (GLU) and creatinine (Cr) in observation group were significantly increased, while albumin (ALB) and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that WBC, elevated LDH (>247 U/L), TBil, ALT, AST and Cr were significantly different between PQ poisoning survival group and death group (P<0.05). Multivariate logisitic regression analysis showed that elevated serum LDH was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of PQ poisoning patients (OR=9.95, 95%CI: 1.34-73.82, P=0.025). The area under the ROC curve of LDH was 0.811 (95%CI: 0.692-0.930). When the cut-off value was 340 U/L, the sensitivity was 0.889 and the specificity was 0.719. Log-rank test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in survival rate between the normal LDH group and the elevated LDH group (P=0.001) . Conclusion: Serum LDH has a good predictive value in evaluating the prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning. Elevated LDH is a risk factor for poor prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning.

[Research progress of ocular organoids]

The development of ocular organoids, which closely mimic the tissue structure and functionality of the human eye, has emerged as a prominent area of research in the field of ophthalmology. These organoids serve as valuable models for investigating the mechanisms and interventions of eye-related diseases. However, the establishment of in vitro models that accurately represent the tissue structure and functionality of the human eye has long been a challenge in ophthalmic research. Numerous efforts have been made to enhance the fidelity of ocular organoid models, aiming to improve their suitability for studying disease pathogenesis and drug efficacy. With advancements in technology, it has become possible to construct individual components of the eye, such as the cornea and retina, in vitro. This review summarizes the recent advancements in ocular organoid research, with a focus on corneal and retinal organoids.

[Clinical characteristics of 13 cases with entrapped temporal horn syndrome and efficacy of refined temporal-to-frontal horn shunt]

Thirteen consecutive patients with entrapped temporal horn syndrome in the Department of Neurosurgery of Beijing Tiantan Hospital from February 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and there were 5 males and 8 females, with a mean age of (43±21) years. Increased intracranial pressure caused by hydrocephalus was the main clinical symptom. All the patients underwent refined temporal-to-frontal horn shunt, and all the symptoms were improved after surgery. Postoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS) [90 (90, 100)] was higher than preoperative KPS [57 (40, 70)] (P=0.001). However, postoperative entrapped temporal horn volume [13.85 (8.90, 15.25) cm³] decreased, compared with preoperative volume [66.52 (38.65, 88.65) cm³] (P=0.001). Likewise, postoperative midline shift [0.77 (0, 1.50) mm] was longer than preoperative midline shift [6.69 (2.50, 10.00) mm] (P=0.002). No surgery-related complications were observed after the operation. Therefore, the refined temporal-to-frontal horn shunt is safe and effective treatment for entrapped temporal horn syndrome, with favorable outcomes.

[Analysis of the difference in MGMT promoter status in gliomas and its significance in prognosis assessment]

The data of 1 268 newly diagnosed gliomas from the Fourth Ward of Neurosurgery Department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital between April 2013 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on postoperative pathology, the gliomas were divided into groups: oligodendrogliomas (n=308), astrocytomas (n=337) and glioblastomas (n=623). According to the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) promoter status defined by the 12% of best cut-off value in previous research results, patients were divided into methylation group (n=763) and non-methylation group (n=505). Methylation level [M (Q₁, Q₃)] in patients with glioblastoma, astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma was 6% (2%, 24%), 17% (10%, 28%) and 29% (19%, 40%), respectively (P<0.001). Compared with non-methylation patients, the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of glioblastomas patients with methylation of MGMT promoter demonstrated more favorable prognosis [M (Q₁, Q₃)]) of PFS: 14.0 (6.0, 36.0) months vs 8.0 (4.0, 15.0) months, P<0.001; M (Q₁, Q₃) of OS: 29.0 (17.0, 60.5) months vs 16.0 (11.0, 26.5) months, P<0.001]. In astrocytomas patients, the PFS was much longer for those with methylation [the median PFS of patients with methylation was not observed at the end of follow-up, but those without methylation showed a median PFS of 46.0 (29.0, 52.0) months] (P=0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in OS [the median OS of patients with methylation was not observed at the end of follow-up, but those without methylation had a median OS of 62.0 (46.0, 98.0) months] (P=0.085). In oligodendrogliomas patients, no statistically significant differences of PFS and OS were observed between patients with methylation and those without methylation. MGMT promoter status was a related factor affecting PFS and OS in glioblastomas (PFS: HR=0.534,95%CI: 0.426-0.668, P<0.001; OS: HR=0.451, 95%CI: 0.353-0.576, P<0.001). Moreover, MGMT promoter status was also a related factor affecting PFS in astrocytomas (HR=0.462, 95%CI: 0.221-0.966, P=0.040), but not for OS (HR=0.664, 95%CI: 0.259-1.690, P=0.389). The methylation level of MGMT promoter differed substantially in different types of gliomas, and the status of MGMT promoter profoundly affected the prognosis of glioblastomas.

Changes and Influencing Factors of Urinary Phosphorus Excretion in Patients with Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to explore the changes and the possible influencing factors of phosphorus excretion in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

METHODS

A database with 204 patients who met the CKD diagnostic criteria was established. Clinical data, including 24-hour urine phosphorus excretion (24-hour UPE), were collected. The demographic and clinical characteristics of CKD patients in different stages and the changes in serum phosphorus (P) and 24-hour UPE with renal function were studied. After exploring the factors influencing 24-hour UPE by multiple linear regression analysis, the effects of gender on 24-hour UPE was assessed.

RESULTS

Among 204 patients, there were significant differences in serum calcium (Ca), P, 24-hour UPE, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)-VD] among different CKD stages. Twenty-four-hour UPE fluctuated greatly, but serum P was relatively stable, which was > 1.46 mmol/L at an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 10 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Male gender (β = 3.42, p < 0.00) and eGFR (β = 0.06, p < 0.00) were related to 24-hour UPE, while age, body weight, albumin (ALB), iPTH, and serum P were not related to 24-hour UPE according to regression analysis. There were significant differences in 24-hour UPE and serum P between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary phosphorus excretion decreased with decreasing renal function in CKD patients. Urinary phosphorus excretion might be affected by eGFR and gender.

The effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysate during dialysis in MHD patients: a prospective cross-over study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysates during dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients by the prospective cross-over study, and detect glucose control methods in MHD patients.

METHODS

A total of 66 MHD 18-75 years old patients in our hospital from Nov. 2019 to Mar. 2020 were recruited. All patients underwent HD with 4 hours per time, three times per week. Glucose-free dialysate (glucose-free group) and then 5.55 mmol/L glucose-containing dialysate (glucose-5.55 group) were used alternately in dialysis. The demographics and parameters of pre- and post-dialysis were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were analyzed, and 28 patients among them had type 2 diabetes. Serum glucose pre and post dialysis were 8.64 ± 4.18 mmol/L versus 5.74 ± 1.82 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-free dialysate, and 9.31 ± 4.89 mmol/L versus 7.80 ± 2.59 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-5.55 dialysate. The post-dialysis blood glucose of glucose-free group was lower than glucose-5.55 group (5.74 ± 1.82 vs 7.80 ± 2.59, p < 0.01). About 18 (30.00%) patients in glucose-free group and 1 patient (1.67%) in glucose-5.55 group whose blood glucose was lower than 4.44 mmol/L (p < 0.01). About 29 patients (48.33%) in glucose-free group and 17 patients (28.33%; p = 0.02) in glucose-5.55 group have hunger feeling. Serum sodium level in the glucose-free group was higher than that in Glucose-5.55 group (137.92 ± 1.64 vs 136.70 ± 1.64, p < 0.01). Post-dialysis blood glucose had no significant differences between patients not using diabetes-related medication (13 patients) and patients using diabetes-related medication (15 patients) in glucose-free group (7.13 ± 1.78 mmol/L vs 6.08 ± 2.84 mmol/L, p = 0.23) and glucose-5.55 group (9.22 ± 2.59 mmol/L vs 9.35 ± 2.88 mmol/L, p = 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose-free and glucose-5.55 dialysate both decrease the blood glucose post-dialysis. Dialysates containing 5.55 mmol/L glucose can reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia and lower serum sodium, but have no effect on blood pressure during dialysis. Stopping insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs once before dialysis may not affect the control of blood glucose.

MRI parameters for predicting the effect of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound in the ablation of uterine fibroids

AIM

To study the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in predicting the efficacy of ultrasonic ablation of fibroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 91 patients were divided into groups based on non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio and blood supply type. The preoperative MRI parameters were measured and analysed. A correlation analysis between the MRI parameters and the NPV ratio was performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse and determine the cut-off value of MRI parameters to predict the ablation rate of fibroids.

RESULTS

The uterine fibroids group with an NPV ratio <80% and the group with an NPV ratio of ≥80% had significant differences in signal intensity (SI) at MRI T2-weighted imaging (WI), fibroid-to-rectus abdominis SI ratio (SIR) at T2WI, and blood supply type (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in fibroid volume, T2WI signal uniformity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The ADC value and SI and SIR at MRI T2WI in the group with poor blood supply were lower than those in the group with a rich blood supply (p<0.05). SI at MRI T2WI correlated negatively with the NPV ratio. The cut-off values for SI and SIR at MRI T2WI of fibroids whose NPV ratio exceeds 80% were 220.58 and 1.315, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SI at MRI T2WI and blood supply type could be predictors of the efficacy of ablation. Ultrasonic ablation of fibroids with MRI T2WI hyperintensity and a rich blood supply had poor efficacy.

Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Bronchial Epithelial Cell Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Through Regulating Endoplasm Reticulum Stress

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a contributing factor in remodeling events of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, but the effect of H₂S in regulating EMT and the underlying mechanisms is not clear. In this study, we assessed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, EMT markers and associated signal molecules in rat lungs, bronchial epithelial cells, and human peripheral lung tissues to investigate the effect of H₂S in regulating EMT and the underlying mechanisms. We found that EMT and ER stress occurred in lung epithelial cells, especially in the bronchial epithelial cells of smokers and COPD patients. In cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed rats, intraperitoneal injection of NaHS significantly alleviated CS-induced lung tissue damage, small airway fibrosis, ER stress, and EMT, while intraperitoneal injection of propargylglycine (cystathionine-gamma-lyase inhibitor) aggravated these effects induced by CS. In the nicotine-exposed 16HBE cells, an appropriate concentration of H₂S donor not only inhibited nicotine-induced ER stress, but also inhibited nicotine-induced enhancement of cell migration ability and EMT. ER stress nonspecific inhibitors taurine and 4-phenyl butyric acid also inhibited nicotine-induced enhancement of cell migration ability and EMT. Both H2S and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) activation inhibitor 4μ8C inhibited nicotine-induced activation of IRE1, Smad2/3 and EMT. These results suggest that H₂S inhibits CS- or nicotine-induced ER stress and EMT in bronchial epithelial cells and alleviates CS-induced lung tissue damage and small airway fibrosis. The IRE1 signal pathway and Smad2/3 may be responsible for the inhibitory effect of H₂S.

[Artificial intelligence aided measurement of cervical squamous epithelial thickness and its correlation with cervical precancerous lesions]

Objective: To study the thickness of cervical squamous epithelia and its correlation with cervical precancerous lesions. Methods: We selected 495 HE slides of 209 cervical biopsies from January 2020 to June 2020 in the Department of Pathology, the First and Seventh Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, including 173 slides with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and 214 slides with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Artificial intelligence labeling software was used to assist in measuring the epithelial thickness of normal cervical squamous epithelium, LSIL and HSIL of each slide. The thickest, thinnest, and middle widths of epithelial thickness were measured, respectively. Average epithelial thickness was defined as the sum of the above three widths divided by 3. The correlation statistical analysis was performed by combining the data of age and pathological diagnosis. Results: The average thickness of normal cervical squamous mucosa was (245.83±91.40) μm, which was (222.42±81.22) μm and was (195.95±66.59) μm in LSIL and HISL epithelial respectively (F=27.09, P<0.01). The average cell layers of normal cervical squamous epithelium was (15.5±4.2) layers, which of LSIL was (14.8±4.8) layers, and that of HSIL was (15.8±4.8) layers. The differences among normal, LSIL and HSIL were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Further statistical analysis was stratified by age (≤30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years, and >60 years), the results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the thickness of normal cervical squamous epithelial gradually thinned with age (correlation coefficient r=-0.141 9, P<0.05), while LSIL and HSIL epithelial thickness had significant correlation with age (P>0.05). In the subgroup of ≤50 years old, the epithelial thickness of normal squamous epithelium was the thickest, followed by LSIL, and HSIL epithelial thickness was the thinnest. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). While in the subgroup of >50 years, the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: The cervical squamous epithelium gradually becomes thinner with the degree of precancerous lesions increasing among patients of ≤50 years old. However, after age of 50 years, with the onset of menopause, the normal mucosal epithelium is becoming atrophy, so that mucosal thickness is no longer correlated with the extent of the lesion. In addition, it is suggested that the cervical vinegar white test performance during colposcopy is related to the protein changes in the mucosal epithelial cells, but not directly related to the thickness of the epithelial layer.

Bacoside-A exerts protective effect against Parkinson’s disease-induced functional damage in mice via inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative response

Purpose: To determine the effect of bacoside-A on Parkinson's disease (PD) in a rat model, and elucidate its mechanism of action.Methods: A rat model of PD was established by administration of 5 µL of 6-hydroxydopamine in ascorbic acid (0.1 %). Measurement of serum levels of inflammatory factors was carried out using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Western blotting was used to assay Bax, cytochrome c and Bcl-2 in rat hippocampus.Results: Bacoside-A treatment significantly reduced PD-induced high turning values in rats (p < 0.05). Treatment with bacoside-A reversed PD-mediated suppression of serum activities of CAT and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In bacoside-A-treated PD rats, dose-dependent suppression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities were observed (p < 0.05). Bacoside-A-treated PD rats significantly (p < 0.018) reduced interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels. Treatment of PD rats with bacoside-A effectively reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, NF-κB p65, (COX)-2 and p53 protein, and also reversed up-regulations of Bax, cytochrome C, caspase-3 and caspase-9.Conclusion: Bacoside-A exhibits a protective effect against Parkinson disease-induced oxidative damage and neuronal degeneration in rats through downregulation of iNOS, AChE, inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic proteins. Therefore, bacoside-A has potentials for use in the management of Parkinson disease. Keywords: Parkinson disease, Neuroprotective, Pro-apoptotic, Cytokines, Neurotoxicity

[Different treatment regimens for primary central nervous system lymphoma:based on SEER database]

Objectives: To explore the prognostic factors of primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) and to analyze the efficacy of different treatment methods. Methods: Clinical data of 4 812 patients with PCNSL in SEER database from January 1975 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them, 2 831 were male and 1 981 were female, the ratio of male to female was 1.4∶1.0.There were 2 236 cases(46.47%) under 60 years old, 1 718 cases(35.70%) aged 60 to 74 years old, and 858 cases(17.83%) aged 75 years old or above. Two thousand four hundred and seventeen cases(50.23%) had supratentorial tumors, 299 cases (6.21%) had infratentorial tumors, and 554 cases(11.51%) had multiple brain tumors, 1 542 cases (32.04%) were other or unspecified location.Three thousand five hundred and thirteen cases(73.00%) had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 234 cases(4.86%) had non DLBCL, 1 065 cases (22.13%) had other or unspecified types of tumor.The treatment included 2 011 cases (41.77%) of biopsy, 61 cases (1.27%) of subtotal resection(STR), 54 cases (1.12%) of gross total resection(GTR), 2 384 cases (49.54%) of biopsy and chemotherapy, 159 cases (3.30%) of STR and chemotherapy, 144 cases (3.00%) of GTR and chemotherapy.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of the patients.Fine-Gray test and competitive risk model were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting cancer-specific survival.Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results: Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age, race, marital status, tumor site, pathological subtype, surgery, chemotherapy, combined with other malignant tumors, and HIV infection were the independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of PCNSL patients.The results of Fine-Gray test and competitive risk model analyses showed that age, race, marital status, tumor location, pathological subtype, surgical method, chemotherapy, combined with other malignant tumors, and HIV infection were independent prognostic factors affecting cancer-specific survival, while gender and radiotherapy had no significant correlation with cancer-specific survival.Compared with biopsy, PCNSL patients may benefit from surgical resection (STR:HR=0.805, 95%CI:0.656‒0.989, P=0.04; GTR:HR=0.521, 95%CI:0.414‒0.656, P<0.01).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the median survival time of biopsy+chemotherapy group was 28 months (95%CI:24.497‒31.503), 2 months (95%CI:1.756‒2.244) in the biopsy group, 2 months (95%CI:1.410-2.590) in the STR group, 19 months (95%CI:0‒39.311) in the biopsy+chemotherapy group, 67 months (95%CI:46.187-87.813) in the STR+chemotherapy group, 84 months (95%CI:57.448‒110.552) in the GTR+chemotherapy group.The median survival time of patients with different treatment methods was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions: Surgical resection may improve the prognosis of some PCNSL patients.Patients who have access to receive GTR or STR combined with chemotherapy may have prolonged Cancer-specific survival.

Correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is one of the common gastrointestinal tumors, with high recurrence and metastasis rates. Tumor marker tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) has been used in the screening and diagnosis of gastric cancer, but whether it can be used as an indicator to monitor the prognosis of gastric cancer remains a great controversy. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed by retrieving on English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (China Knowledge Network, Wanfang, Weipu (VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform), CBM) of clinical study on the correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to October 2020. Two researchers independently extracted and evaluated the quality of the data in the included study. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata12.0 and RevMan5.3 software.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will compare the correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients, so as to provide evidence-based basis for clinicians to select prognostic indicators of gastric cancer.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval was not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI: 10.17605 / OSF.IO / B3AMN.

[Research and application of assessment tools for Residents' Nutrition Literacy]

Nutrition literacy is an important part of health literacy, as well as an significant factor to enhance the quality of population, improving the nutritional status of residents and preventing nutrition-related diseases. In 2010, China developed an evaluation tool for health literacy and began to monitor residents' health literacy. So far, eight national surveys on health literacy have been completed, providing an important basis for health promotion intervention strategies and related policies. However, in health literacy evaluation system, there is neither evaluation content of nutrition literacy, nor evaluation tools. In order to achieve the goals of "national nutrition plan (2017-2030)"and evaluate the implementation effect, it is urgent to carry out the assessment and monitoring of nutrition literacy. According to the nutritional characteristics of different populaitons, this research organizes national experts in related fields, following the principles of scientificity, conciseness and generality and through the scientific formulation procedures to construct the nutrition literacy assessment tools for different populations. This assessment tool can enhance the pertinence and scientificity of nutrition education and improve nutrition development strategy. The establishment of the nutrition literacy assessment tool is the premise of gradually establishing the nutrition literacy assessment system of the residents, and also lays a solid foundation for further conducting the national nutrition literacy evaluation work.

[Clinical effect of bi-layered artificial dermis and autologous skin graft in repairing bone and/or tendon exposed wounds]

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of bi-layered artificial dermis combined with autologous skin graft in the repair of wounds with exposed bone and/or tendon. Methods: The medical records of 25 patients (aged 3 to 79 years, including 21 males and 4 females) with bone and/or tendon exposed wounds caused by various reasons, admitted to Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from May 2014 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Of the 25 patients, 7 patients had exposed bone only, 13 patients had exposed tendon only, and 5 patients had exposure of both bone and tendon. The total wound area was 78.0 (53.4, 103.2) cm(2). The widths of bone exposure and tendon exposure were 3.2 (3.0, 3.6) cm and 2.0 (1.7, 2.4) cm, respectively. All wounds were implanted with bi-layered artificial dermis in the first stage after thorough wound debridement. After 2 to 3 weeks of vascularization of artificial dermis, autologous thin-to-medium-thickness skins or split-thickness skins were grafted to repair the wounds in the second stage. The vascularization of artificial dermis and its time, whether or not producing hematoma, the skin graft survival rate on day 7 post autologous skin grafting, whether or not repeating skin grafting, and the time of complete wound healing were observed and recorded. The patients were further followed up and observed for 3 or more months after discharge. Results: The vascularization of artificial dermis was achieved in 24 patients after the first transplantation with vascularization time being 11-21 (16±4) days. No hematoma was observed in the transplanted artificial dermis. Failed vascularization of grafted artificial dermis was observed in one patient who was later treated with negative pressure drainage and skin grafting alone, and was discharged with wound healing. The skin graft survival rate on day 7 post autologous skin grafting was 92.2%-100.0% ( (99.3±1.3)%), with the remaining wound areas recovered later by themselves or healed by dressing changes without repeated skin grafting. The complete wound healing time was 7-19 (11.9±2.8) days after autologous skin grafting. The patients were followed up for 3 to 60 months after discharge. Except for the pigmentation in skin graft area, the skin grafts survived well, being soft in texture and with no repeated ulceration, obvious hypertrophic scar, or contracture deformity. Conclusions: Artificial dermis combined with autologous skin grafting can effectively repair wounds with bone and/or tendon exposure, providing a repair strategy for this type of wounds.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

[The 475th case: renal tubular acidosis, renal failure, anemia, and lactic acidosis]

A 47-year-old female patient presented nausea and vomiting for half a year and elevated serum creatinine for 3 days. Proximal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) complicated with anemiawas confirmed after admission. Secondary factors, such as autoimmune disease, drugs, poison, monoclonal gammopathy, were excluded. Renal biopsy revealed acute interstitial nephritis. The patient was administrated with daily prednisone 50 mg, sodium bicarbonate 4 g, 3 times per day, erythropoietin 3 000 U, 2 times per week, combined with potassium, calcium, and calcitriol tablets. Serum creatinine reduced to 90 μmol/L. However nausea and vomiting deteriorated with lactic acidosis. Bone marrow biopsy indicated the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, therefore the patient was treated with chemotherapy. Although metabolic acidosis improved gradually after chemotherapy, severe pneumocystis carinii pneumonia developed two weeks later. The patient refused further treatment and was discharged.

[Clinical prognostic factors of adult supratentorial glioblastoma]

Objective: To analyze the treatment effect of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) and explore prognostic factors. Methods: The clinical data of 635 patients diagnosed as GBM at Neurosurgical Oncology Department Ⅳ of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2007 to March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 386 males and 249 females with an age of (48.7±11.8) years (range: 18-75 years). Patients were divided into three groups according to the time of admission: 2007-2010 group(n=174), 2011-2014 group (n=237) and 2015-2018 group (n=224). Kaplan-Meier plot was used to analyze the effects of different treatment periods, treatment schemes and clinical factors on the survival of patients with GBM. Cox proportion hazard regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors. Results: The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients in 2007-2010 group, 2011-2014 group, 2015-2018 group was 9.0 months (95% CI: 7.5-10.5), 10.0 months (95% CI: 8.8-11.2), 12.0 months (95% CI: 10.7-13.3) and 17.0 months (95% CI: 13.2-20.8), 20.0 months (95% CI: 16.9-23.1), 23.0 months(95% CI: 17.5-28.5), respectively. The PFS and OS of patients improved significantly over the years (χ(2)=9.693, P=0.008 and χ(2)=8.616, P=0.013). Multivariate survival analysis showed that age, extent of resection, radiotherapy and tumor distant dissemination were independent prognostic factors (all P<0.05). Conclusions: With the continuous development of clinical treatment regimen, the therapeutic effect of Chinese GBM patients has improved remarkably. Age, extent of resection, radiotherapy and tumor distant dissemination are independent prognostic factors associated with survival time.

[Identification of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood for gliomas by detection of aneuploid cells]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of detecting circulating tumor cells based on capture of heteroploid chromosome cells in peripheral blood of glioma patients. Methods: A total of 88 patients who were considered to suffer from gliomas and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study during January 2016 to December 2016 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, from whom 6 ml preoperative blood was collected. Subtraction enrichment (SE)-immunostaining FISH (iFISH) was applied to capture the heteroploid chromosome 8 cells in those samples. Meanwhile, centromere probe 8(CEP-8)-FISH was used to identify aneuploid cells in 10 tumors and 10 brain tissues. Results: Numerous heteroploid chromosome 8 cells were observed in tumors whereas negative result was present in brain tissues (P<0.01). CTC was successfully detected in 90.9% glioma patients, in contrast, only one healthy volunteer was shown with a heteroploid chromosome 8 cell (P<0.01). Glial fibrillary acidic protein was not exhibited in the overwhelming majority of CTC (96.1%). High grade glioma (HGG) without IDH mutation possessed much more CTC than low grade (12.0 vs 2.2), P<0.01. Furthermore, multiploidy (≥5 copies) CTC accounted for a much significant percentage in HGG, either in tumors originating from oligodendrocyte or astrocyte (75.9% vs 56.0%), P<0.01; 62.7% vs 51.7%, P=0.016, respectively). Conclusion: CTC could be identified and enumerated in glioma by detecting aneuploidy cells in blood. The number and multiploidy proportion of CTC may be correlative with tumor grade and molecular characteristics.

[Predictive effect of neonatal morbidities on the poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in very low birth weight premature infants]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic effect of neonatal morbidities on poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants . Method: From November 2013 to October 2014, a multi-center retrospective study was conducted in 8 tertiary Maternal and Children's hospitals in Guangdong, Hunan and Fujian. The premature infants survived to a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36 weeks with birth weight less than 1 500 g and without congenital diseases were included, and divided into two groups according to poor outcomes. The birth weight, gestational age, morbidities and poor outcomes (death, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, et al) were recorded. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test to investigate the relationship between morbidities and poor outcomes. And the predictive effect of the top three morbidities were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Result: Total of 834 VLBW premature infants (473 boys and 361 girls) finished the follow-up, whose average gestational age and birth weight were (30.6±1.8) weeks and (1 189±159)g. The incidences of BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis were 207 (24.8%), 119 (14.3%), 58 (7.0%), 281 (33.7%) and 124 (14.9%), respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in the incidences of BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis(χ(2)=42.10, 47.20, 4.81, 44.28, 18.63, all P<0.01), which had significant correlation with poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age. The three top morbidities were severe ROP, BPD and brain injury(OR=3.82, 2.90, 2.80). Combined morbidities with BPD, severe ROP and brain injury correlated with higher risk of poor outcomes (one morbidity, OR=3.14, β=1.15; two morbidities, OR=7.31, β=1.99; three morbidities, OR=22.41, β=3.11; all P<0.01). Conclusion: BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis were the risk factors of poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in VLBW infants. And the more combined morbidities with severe ROP, BPD and brain injury, the higher risk of poor outcomes in this population. Trial registration Clinical Trails, NCT03104946.

[ERK on apoptosis of gastric cancer cells induced by microRNA-433]

Objective: To investigate the role of ERK in the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells induced by miR-433. Methods: Lentivirus was used to transfect BGC-823 gastric cancer cell line to over-express miR-433. The blank control group (BGC-823), negative control group (BGC-823+ miR-433 negative control) and experimental group (miR-433+ miR-433, BGC-823-pMD18-T- miR-433)were set up. After treatment, the gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 was detected at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after culture, in vitro cell activity, cell apoptosis assays were performed by CCK-8 and Annexinv-FITC, respectively, to elucidate biological effects of miRNA-433, and After 72 h of culture, the ERK1/2 detected their protein expression were quantified by BCA method. Result: The growth activity of BGC-823+ miR-433 cells cultured in vitro was significantly lower than that of BGC-823 cells and BGC-823+ miR-433 negative control cells at 48 h and 72 h; BGC-823+ miR-433 cell apoptosis index was significantly increased at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h; the expression of ERK1/2 was significantly lower than BGC-823 cells and BGC-823+ miR-433 negative contral after 72 h culture. There were no significant differences between BGC-823+ miR-433 negative control cells and BGC-823 cells. Conclusion: ERK plays an important role in the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells induced by miR-433.

[The possible failing reasons of balloon catheter dilation procedure in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis]

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of balloon catheter dilation (BCD) in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, and to analyse the possible factors which lead to BCD failure, as well as to provide basic reference for BCD clinical usage.Method:Forty-six sinuses of 32 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were underwent "Balloon-only" BCD or "FESS assisted" BCD at our institution between September 2014 and December 2016. By recording details of the operation of all the subjects in this study and following up the clinical symptoms, nasal endoscopy, computed tomography of the sinuses, and postoperative complications six months after operation, to evaluate the difficulty, safety, effectiveness and especially, the failing reasons of BCD.Result:BCD was approached in 46 sinuses (19 maxillary sinus, 22 frontal and 5 sphenoid), and succeeded in 13 maxillary sinuses, 19 frontal sinuses, and 4 sphenoid sinuses. Of the 13 maxillary sinuses, there were 9 sinuses underwent "Balloon-only" procedure, other 4 cases underwent "FESS assisted" procedure. There were 3 cases of frontal sinus failed, because of the frontal recess anatomical complexity and the twisted drainage. Of the 5 sphenoid sinuses, 4 cases succeeded, including fungal sphenoiditis cases, in which the mould was completely cleared through the dilated ostia, and 1 case failed. All the patients were followed up for 1, 3 and 6 months of patient's quality of life, nasal endoscope, computed tomography of the sinuses. The results showed that the SNOT-20 scores of the quality of life in significant relief of symptoms, nasal mucosa status improved significantly compared with the preoperative, dilated ostium remains open, no obvious scar formation, no severe operative complications.Conclusion:Balloon catheter dilation in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis is safe and effective. But the operation indications is limited, and many factors influence the success rate of BCD, so, preoperatively gaining the information of nasal cavity and anatomical structure around ostium according to patients' nasal endoscopy and sinus CT is critical to success of BCD.

[A new prognostic score system of hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy]

Objective: To establish a new scoring system based on the clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to predict prognosis of patients who received hepatectomy. Methods: A total of 845 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy from 1999 to 2010 at Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. 21 common clinical factors were selected in this analysis. Among these factors, the cut-off values of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and intraoperative blood loss were evaluated by using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the independent risk factors associated with the prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy. HCC postoperatively prognostic scoring system was established according to the minimum weighted method of these independent risk factors, and divided the patients into 3 risk groups, including low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk group. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared among these groups. Results: The univariate analysis showed that clinical symptoms, preoperative α-fetoprotein (AFP) level, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, tumor size, tumor number, abdominal lymph node metastasis, macrovascular invasion or tumor thrombus, extrahepatic invasion or serosa perforation, the severity of hepatic cirrhosis, intraoperative blood loss, the liver operative method, pathological tumor thrombus, intraoperative blood transfusion, perioperative blood transfusion were significantly associated with median RFS of these HCC patients (P<0.05). Alternatively, clinical symptoms, preoperative AFP level, serum ALP level, tumor size, tumor number, abdominal lymph node metastasis, macrovascular invasion or tumor thrombus, extrahepatic invasion or serosa perforation, the severity of hepatic cirrhosis, intraoperative blood loss, the liver operative method, pathological lymphocyte invasion, pathological tumor thrombus, intraoperative blood transfusion, perioperative blood transfusion were significantly associated with the median OS of these HCC patients (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that AFP ≥20 ng/ml, clinical symptoms, tumor diameter ≥5 cm, multiple tumors, macrovascular invasion or tumor thrombus, extrahepatic invasion or serosa perforation, moderate and severe liver cirrhosis, non- anatomic resection were the independent risk factors of RFS and OS (P<0.05). The independent risk factor of RFS was intraoperative bleeding loss ≥325 ml (P<0.05); The independent risk factors of OS were abdominal lymph node metastasis and pathological tumors thrombus (P<0.05). The respective weight of 11 independent factors was used to establish the scoring system (scores range from 0 to 26). In the score system, 0 to 5 points were defined as the low-risk group (286 cases), 6 to 12 points were determined as the intermediate-risk group (503 cases), more than 13 points were classified as the high-risk group (56 cases). The median RFS of the low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk group were 80, 27 and 6 months, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The median OS of the three groups were 134, 51 and 15 months, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: This new score system provides effective prediction of postoperative prognosis for HCC patients.

MicroRNA-150 protects against cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and airway epithelial cell apoptosis through repressing p53: MicroRNA-150 in CS-induced lung inflammation

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is an important risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) is involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the role of miR-150 in the pathogenesis of COPD. In this study, we established a CS-related mouse model of COPD and evaluated the impact of miR-150 on CS-induced lung inflammation. We further investigated the effects of miR-150 overexpression on pro-inflammatory cytokine production and apoptosis in airway epithelial cells exposed to CS extract (CSE). It was found that miR-150 was significantly ( p < 0.05) downregulated in the lungs of CS-exposed mice, compared to control mice under normal air. The CSE-exposed BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells displayed a four- to six-fold reduction in miR-150 levels, compared to control cells ( p < 0.05). Delivery of miR-150 mimic attenuated CS-induced lung inflammation and accumulation of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, miR-150 overexpression prevented the induction of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-8 expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptional activity in BEAS-2B cells by CSE. Additionally, miR-150 protected BEAS-2B cells from CSE-induced apoptosis, which was associated with reduced p53 expression. Co-expression of p53 restored apoptotic response to CSE in miR-150-overexpressing BEAS-2B cells. Collectively, miR-150 suppresses CS-induced lung inflammation and airway epithelial cell apoptosis, which is causally linked to repression of p53 expression and NF-κB activity. Restoration of miR-150 expression may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for CS-related COPD.

MiR-22 functions as a biomarker and regulates cell proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion in renal cell carcinoma

It is well known that microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with tumor occurrence and development, and the functions of microRNA-22 (miR-22) have been investigated in numerous kinds of cancer. However, the significance of miR-22 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been fully explored. In this study, we found that miR-22 was down-regulated both in serum and tissues of RCC patients by using real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses. In addition, miR-22 was negatively associated with hepatic metastatic sites and lymphatic metastasis, as well as the clinical stages and prognosis. Moreover, the expression of miR-22 could be increased though surgical treatment in serum of RCC patients. Functional studies were performed to investigate the role of miR-22 in the progression of RCC. Data suggested that overexpression of miR-22 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in Caki-1 cells, whereas blockage of miR-22 could reverse these oncogenic effects. We also identified erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase (ERBB3) was a novel target of miR-22 in RCC cells. Consequently, our work provides evidence that the down-regulation of miR-22 expression contributed to RCC. And miR-22 may be a potential molecule biomarker for diagnose and therapy evaluation in RCC.

[Application advances of three-dimensional bioprinting in burn and plastic surgery field]

Three-dimensional bioprinting is one of the latest and fastest growing technologies in the medical field. It has been implemented to print part of the transplantable tissues and organs, such as skin, ear, and bone. This paper introduces the application status, challenges, and application prospect of three-dimensional bioprinting in burn and plastic surgery field.

Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Cigarette Smoke-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Background: Apoptosis of lung structural cells contributes to the process of lung damage and remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our previous studies demonstrated that exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) can reduce the lung tissue pathology score, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects in COPD, but the effect of H₂S in regulating cigarette smoke (CS) induced bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms are not clear.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of H₂S on CS induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis.

Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats randomly divided into four groups for treatment: control, CS, NaHS + CS, and propargylglycine (PPG) + CS. The rats in the CS group were exposed to CS generated from 20 commercial unfiltered cigarettes for 4 h/day, 7 days/week for 4 months. Since the beginning of the third month, freshly prepared NaHS (14 μmol/kg) and PPG (37.5 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered 30 min before CS-exposure in the NaHS and PPG groups. 16HBE cells were pretreated with Taurine (10 mM), 5 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) or NaHS (100, 200, and 400 μM) for 30 min, and then cells were exposed to 40 μmol/L nicotine for 72 h. ERS markers (GRP94, GRP78) and ERS-mediated apoptosis markers 4-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-3 and caspase-12 were assessed in rat lung tissues and human bronchial epithelial cells. The apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells were detected by Hoechst staining in vitro and TUNEL staining in vivo.

Results: In CS exposed rats, peritoneal injection of NaHS significantly inhibited CS induced overexpression ERS-mediated apoptosis markers and upregulation of apoptotic rate in rat lungs, and inhibiting the endogenous H2S production by peritoneal injection of PPG exacerbated these effects. In the nicotine-exposed bronchial epithelial cells, appropriate concentration of NaHS and ERS inhibitors taurine and 4-PBA inhibited nicotine-induced upregulation of apoptotic rate and overexpression of ERS-mediated apoptosis markers.

Conclusion: H₂S inhibited lung tissue damage by attenuating CS induced ERS in rat lung and exogenous H₂S attenuated nicotine induced ERS-mediated apoptosis in bronchial epithelial cells.

[Mutation Analysis of 19 STR Loci in 20 723 Cases of Paternity Testing]

OBJECTIVES

To observe and analyze the confirmed cases of paternity testing, and to explore the mutation rules of STR loci.

METHODS

The mutant STR loci were screened from 20 723 confirmed cases of paternity testing by Goldeneye 20A system．The mutation rates, and the sources, fragment length, steps and increased or decreased repeat sequences of mutant alleles were counted for the analysis of the characteristics of mutation-related factors.

RESULTS

A total of 548 mutations were found on 19 STR loci, and 557 mutation events were observed. The loci mutation rate was 0.07‰-2.23‰. The ratio of paternal to maternal mutant events was 3.06:1. One step mutation was the main mutation, and the number of the increased repeat sequences was almost the same as the decreased repeat sequences. The repeat sequences were more likely to decrease in two steps mutation and above. Mutation mainly occurred in the medium allele, and the number of the increased repeat sequences was almost the same as the decreased repeat sequences. In long allele mutations, the decreased repeat sequences were significantly more than the increased repeat sequences. The number of the increased repeat sequences was almost the same as the decreased repeat sequences in paternal mutation, while the decreased repeat sequences were more than the increased in maternal mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant differences in the mutation rate of each locus. When one or two loci do not conform to the genetic law, other detection system should be added, and PI value should be calculated combined with the information of the mutate STR loci in order to further clarify the identification opinions.

[Utilisation of electrical impedance tomography and/or ultrasound and mammography in breast disease diagnosis: a controlled study]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for benign and malignant breast diseases incomparison to conventional ultrasonography and mammography. Methods: A total of 121 patients with 126 breast lesions who underwent mammography ultrasonography and EIT were enrolled in the study. All of these lessions were were confirmed by pathological biopsy. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of EIT, ultrasonography and mammography were calculated with histology as the gold standard. Results: The accuracy of EIT, ultrasonography and mammography were 75.4%, 81.7% and 76.1% respectively. The sensitivity was 76.8%, 94.6% and 74.4% respectively. The specificity was 74.3%, 71.4% and 77.6% respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of EIT combined with ultrasound in diagnosis of breast lesions were 91.3%, 98.2% and 85.7%, respectively. The accuracy(χ(2)=4.896, P=0.027) and specificity(χ(2)=4.242, P=0.039) ere significantly higher on EIT compared to ultrasound.The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of EIT combined with mammography were 95.5%, 97.4% and 93.9%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of mammography (χ(2)=13.474, P<0.001; χ(2)=8.573, P=0.003; χ(2)=5.333, P=0.021). Conclusion: When together with ultrasound or mammography, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) could be a valuable complementary examination in the diagnosis of breast diseases. Furthermore, EIT could provide very useful additional information for metabolic assessment of mammary glands, which may be used for early screening of breast diseases.

[Role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in cigarette smoke induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease related pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats]

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related pulmonary vascular remodeling. Methods: Twenty four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, cigarette smoke (CS) group, CS+ Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) group and CS+ DL-propargylglycine (PPG) group. Rats in control group were fed normally and breathed clear air, and for the rest groups, passive cigarette smoke inhalation method were adopted to establish COPD model. After 8 weeks, the rats in corresponding groups were treated by NaHS or PPG. After 16 weeks, the markers of pulmonary vascular remodeling in all groups were measured. Proliferation marker proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and oxidative stress marker 3-neurotrophin (3-NT) in all groups were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Compared with control group, the airway resistance was increased (0.859±0.283 vs 0.578±0.088, P<0.05) and the pathological scores was much higher in CS group, which suggested that the COPD model was successful. The degree of small resistance pulmonary artery medial wall thickness and full vascular muscularization of CS group were much higher (0.54±0.20 vs 0.37±0.12, 0.39±0.08; 0.61±0.16 vs 0.20±0.12, 0.34±0.13, all P<0.01)than control group and CS+ NaHS group, there was no significant difference between CS+ PPG group and CS group. In accordance with the results of morphometric analysis, the proliferation marker PCNA was more in CS group when compared with control group and CS+ NaHS group (0.27±0.08 vs 0.12±0.06, 0.14±0.06, both P<0.05), there was no significant difference between CS+ PPG group and CS group. Furthermore, the IHC also showed that 3-NT significantly increased in CS group compared with control group and CS+ NaHS group (0.26±0.08 vs 0.18±0.04, 0.19±0.06, both P<0.01), there was no significant difference between CS+ PPG group and CS group as well. In addition, the small resistance pulmonary artery medial wall thickness had strong correlation with the expression level of oxidative stress marker 3-NT (r=0.906, P<0.001). Conclusion: H2S significantly attenuates cigarette smoke induced COPD related pulmonary vascular remodeling, which could be related to its ability to decrease oxidative stress.

Direct uterine sampling using the SAP-l sampler device to detect endometrial lesions during histopathological examination

AIMS

To evaluate the sampling adequacy and diagnostic accuracy of the endometrial SAP-l sampling device in detecting endometrial lesions based on histopathological examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 182 patients who required an endometrial biopsy were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent endometrial biopsies with the SAP-l sampler prior to hysteroscopy (169/182) or dilatation and curettage (D&C) (13/182). Endometrial tissues were obtained at biopsy for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Ad- equate endometrial specimens were obtained in 148 of 182 patients (81.32%). Menopause (p = 0.000), endometrial thickness (p = 0.004), and the types of endometrial diseases (p = 0.009) differed significantly between the two groups. Among the 169 patients who underwent hysteroscopy, sampling scratches were observed in the uterine cavity in 147 cases (86.98%). Compared to traditional methods, such as hysteroscopy and D&C, the sampling diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 82.35%, 100%, 100% , and 97.76% for endometrial carcinoma (n=17) and 37.5%, 100%, 100% and 97.76% for endometrial atypical hyperplasia (n=8), respectively. Those that were misdiagnosed occurred because the lesions were focal or localized in a small part of the uterine cavity. The sampling diagnostic sensitivity for polyps (n=32) was 12.5%. Two patients with submucosal leiomyoma went undiagnosed based on the sample specimens.

CONCLUSION

Endometrial sampling using the SAP-l sampler is a minimally invasive altemative technique for obtaining adequate endometrial specimens for histopathological examination. The SAP-l sampler was useful in detecting endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia cases that were not highly suspected to be localized; however, this method was not useful in detecting endometrial polyps and submucosal leiomyomas.

[Cross-sectional study of family drug stockpile and children medication in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current situation of family medicine stockpile and children medication in China, analyze the existing problems and provide the rationalized suggestions.

METHODS

The questionnaire was designed and convenient sampling survey was performed in 20 children hospitals in China. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the survey results.

RESULTS

A total of 13 940 completed questionnaires were returned, 98.33% of the families had medicine stockpile, the top three types of the medicine for children were cold medicine(73.95%), oral paregoric/febrifuge(48.01%)and external used drugs for skin disease(wound)(41.10%). The medicine was bought according to physician's prescription and guide(71.18%). Drug poisoning occurred in children of 238 families(1.71%), overdose use was the first cause(44.96%). 22.33% of the parents didn't read the specification carefully before medicine use. The non-appropriate medication for children were mainly the use of adult medicine(32.70%), untimely medication(30.90%), non-rational or unneeded use of febrifuge(26.35%).

CONCLUSIONS

In China, the families mainly store common medicine for their children. The parents bought medicine mainly according to physician' s prescription and paid attention to the safety and efficiency of the medicine, but non-appropriate use of medicine was still common. It is necessary to improve the rational use of medicine for children through expert counsel and guidance.

An Aqueous Rechargeable Zn//Co3 O4 Battery with High Energy Density and Good Cycling Behavior

An aqueous rechargeable Zn//Co3 O4 battery is demonstrated with Zn@carbon fibers and Co3 O4 @Ni foam as the negative and positive electrodes, respectively, using an electrolyte of 1 m KOH and 10 × 10(-3) m Zn(Ac)2 . It can operate at a cell voltage as high as 1.78 V with an energy density of 241 W h kg(-1) and presents excellent cycling. The battery is also assembled into a flexible shape, which can be applied in flexible or wearable devices requiring high energy.

Enhanced capacitive desalination of MnO2 by forming composite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The MnO₂/MWCNTs composite shows a high desalination capacity of 6.65 mg g⁻¹ and good efficiency, which can be considered as a promising electrode material for CDI.

Protective effects of bifidobacteria on intestines in newborn rats with necrotizing enterocolitis and its regulation on TLR2 and TLR4

We established a necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) rat model and explored the role of bifidobacteria in the intestines of the rats and its regulation on intestinal Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Seventy-five newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (15 rats/group): group A, artificial feeding group (formula-fed); group B, NEC model (LPS + formula-fed); group C, bifidobacterium (LPS + formula-fed + bifidobacterium microcapsules, intragastric administration); group D, artificial feeding + bifidobacterium (formula-fed + bifidobacterium microcapsules gavage); group E, rat breast-feeding group (rat breast-feeding). After 3 days of feeding, rats were placed in incubators, fasted for 12 h, and killed by decapitation. The ileocecal proximal segment ileum was fixed and sliced; pathological examination was conducted, and TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kB p65 protein expression in the intestinal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. There was a statistically significant difference in pathological scores between groups C and B (H = 21.789, P = 0.000), and the former was lower than the latter. TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kB p65 expression in intestinal tissue was determined in groups A-E. There were statistically significant differences between groups C and B (P = 0.001; P = 0.000; P = 0.000). Bifidobacteria had a protective effect on the intestines of newborn rats with NEC, which showed reduced NEC and intestinal damage severity. This observation may be related to the reduced levels of TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kB P65 observed during the inflammatory response.

Investigation on Behavior of Macro-Particles in TiN Film by Arc Ion Plating

Macroparticle contamination deteriorates the qualities and performances of protective coatings by arc ion plating, resulting in a limitation in their applications. In this work, the effects of transverse magnetic field (TMF), pulsed bias, gas pressure, and substrate position on behavior of the macro-particles (MPs) in TiN films are quantitatively investigated. It is demonstrated that the key factor of the deposition process on the MPs behavior is magnetic field, which controls the movement of arc spot significantly. At relatively low magnetic field intensity, the MPs behavior is greatly influenced by the other three process parameters. The sensibilities of the three parameters on MPs behavior are decreased with the increasing magnetic field intensity. At high magnetic field intensity, the MPs distribution keeps almost the same even when the other parameters are varied.

Interleukin-6 gene -174G>C polymorphism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk: a meta-analysis

Association studies of interleukin-6 (IL-6) -174G>C polymorphism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have yielded inconsistent results, possibly because single studies often lack sufficient statistical power. A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Elsevier, Web of Science databases, Wanfang, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for published studies investigating the associations between IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism and COPD. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess the possible associations. Seven studies with a total of 2701 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. A significantly increased risk was detected in the C allele of the IL-6 -174G>C in Caucasians (C vs G: OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.03-1.30; CC+GC vs GG: OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.02-1.42; CC vs GG: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.03-1.70). This meta-analysis suggests that the C allele of the IL-6 -174G>C might act as a COPD risk factor in Caucasians. Further well-designed case-control studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these conclusions.

[Hydrogen sulfide attenuates bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide on nicotine-induced bronchial epithelial cell endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis.

METHODS

Nicotine was used to establish the apoptotic model in human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE) for mimicing the effect of cigarette smoke on apoptosis. The 16HBE cells were grouped by the concentration gradients of 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 µmol/L nicotine dosing. All groups were treated for 72 h. And 16HBE cells were grouped by the time gradients of 0 (control), 24, 48, 72 h of nicotine dosing. For control group, the nicotine concentration was 40 µmol/L. Then the protein expression level of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) was measured by Western blot to define the effect of various concentrations of nicotine and different dosing periods of nicotine on the protein expression level of CHOP. For observing the role of hydrogen sulfide in ER stress-mediated apoptosis, 16HBE cells were divided into 6 groups of control, 40 µmol/L nicotine, 100 µmol/L sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) + 40 µmol/L nicotine, 200 µmol/L NaHS + 40 µmol/L nicotine, 400 µmol/L NaHS + 40 µmol/L nicotine and 10 mmol/L taurine + 40 µmol/L nicotine. NaHS or taurine was pretreated for 30 min and then nicotine dosed for 72 h. The protein expression levels of GRP78 and ER stress-mediated apoptosis markers, such as cleaved caspase-12 and CHOP, were measured by Western blot. And chromatin dye Hoechst 33258 was used to detect the morphological changes of apoptotic 16HBE cells and apoptotic index calculated.

RESULTS

Nicotine could concentration and time-dependently improve the expression of CHOP in 16HBE cells. The ratio of CHOP to average absorbance of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was significantly higher in 40 µmol/L nicotine group than that in control group (1.04 ± 0.32 vs 0.30 ± 0.17, P < 0.05). The ratio of GRP78 to average absorbance of β-actin (0.59 ± 0.19 vs 1.00 ± 0.08), cleaved caspase-12 to average absorbance of procaspase-12 (0.06 (0.01, 6.06) vs 20.30(12.79, 23.78)) and CHOP to average absorbance of β-actin (0.18 ± 0.10 vs 0.53 ± 0.09) in 200 µmol/L NaHS + 40 µmol/L nicotine group were all significantly lower than those in 40 µmol/L nicotine group (all P < 0.05). The apoptotic index in 200 µmol/L NaHS + 40 µmol/L nicotine group (3.04 ± 1.83 vs 16.60 ± 3.32) and apoptotic index in 10 mmol/L taurine + 40 µmol/L nicotine group (4.08 ± 2.04 vs 16.60 ± 3.32) were significantly lower than those in 40 µmol/L nicotine group (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

NaHS exerts its protection against nicotine-induced bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis through suppressing ER stress. And the underlying mechanism may be through a down-regulation of ER stress-mediated apoptosis markers of cleaved caspase-12 and CHOP.

Hybrid system for rechargeable magnesium battery with high energy density

One of the main challenges of electrical energy storage (EES) is the development of environmentally friendly battery systems with high safety and high energy density. Rechargeable Mg batteries have been long considered as one highly promising system due to the use of low cost and dendrite-free magnesium metal. The bottleneck for traditional Mg batteries is to achieve high energy density since their output voltage is below 2.0 V. Here, we report a magnesium battery using Mg in Grignard reagent-based electrolyte as the negative electrode, a lithium intercalation compound in aqueous solution as the positive electrode, and a solid electrolyte as a separator. Its average discharge voltage is 2.1 V with stable discharge platform and good cycling life. The calculated energy density based on the two electrodes is high. These findings open another door to rechargeable magnesium batteries.

Administration of low-dose cyclosporine alone for the treatment of elderly patients with membranous nephropathy

This study aimed to investigate the effects of administration of low-dose cyclosporine A (CsA) alone and the combination of low-dose CsA and a low-dose hormone for the treatment of elderly patients with membranous nephropathy. We divided 27 patients into two groups as follows: low-dose CsA group (group A) and the group receiving a combination of a low-dose hormone and low-dose CsA (group B). The treatment and follow-up times were ≥ 6 months. We observed no difference in gender, age, serum creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and 24-h urinary protein levels between the two groups before treatment; in addition, the rates of complete and partial remission were not different 6 months after treatment. The rate of complications in group B was higher than that in group A (84.6 vs 35.7%, respectively; t = 0.018). While the pretreatment eGFR of patients who achieved remission was significantly higher than that of patients who did not achieve remission, the 24-h urinary protein levels and incidence of hypertension were significantly lower than those of patients who did not achieve remission (t = 0.042, 0.035 and 0.043, respectively). The efficacy of administration of low-dose CsA alone and in combination with a low-dose hormone was similar; the efficacy was related to eGFR, urinary protein levels, and the incidence of hypertension before the treatment. The side effects of administration of CsA alone were significantly lower than those of the combination treatment.