Sarcopenia and its clinical correlation in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of sarcopenia on clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty elderly COPD patients (age>60) recruited from Beijing Shijingshan Hospital were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups according to the severity of sarcopenia at the first admission. Baseline data, geriatric syndrome, laboratory indicators and body composition analysis were analyzed. One year followed-up by outpatient visits was focused on clinical characteristics and telephone follow-ups for collecting all-cause deaths and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as end-point events. The risk factors for sarcopenia were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logical regression. The proportional hazards model (COX) regression was performed to determine the effect of sarcopenia on COPD patients' prognoses. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients (76 men and 44 women) with an average age of 76.7±8.78 years were included, of which 63 patients (52.5%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Compared to the non-sarcopenia group, the sarcopenia group exhibited worse lung function and more severe geriatric syndromes with significantly higher incidence ratios of somnipathy and frailty. The sarcopenia group also showed worse muscle indicators and declined body composition. Multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of sarcopenia in elderly COPD patients was correlated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-1.0, p=0.035), body mass index (BMI) (OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.71-0.89, p=0.035) and hemoglobin (OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-1.0, p=0.023). Furthermore, the COX regression indicated the association of sarcopenia with acute exacerbations of COPD within the follow-up period (HR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.01-5.72, p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia increases the risk of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly. Sarcopenia incidence in elderly COPD is associated with FEV1, BMI, and hemoglobin and closely monitoring indicators is useful for early diagnosis of sarcopenia.

[Attach great importance to the significance of serum anti-müllerian hormone and androgen in the evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome].

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease in women of childbearing age, which seriously affects women's reproductive health. In recent years, more and more studies have found that serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has certain significance in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of PCOS. In addition, with the improvement of detection methods, more attention has been paid to the significance of female androgens and AMH in the evaluation of PCOS. This article reviews the recent research progress of serum AMH and androgens in the evaluation of PCOS.

[The expression and significance of protease activated receptor 2 in ovarian epithelial carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the expression and significance of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in ovarian epithelial carcinoma. Methods: PAR2 mRNA expression levels in 410 cases of epithelial ovarian carcinoma and 88 cases of human normal ovary were analyzed from cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and tissue genotypic expression database (GTEx). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of PAR2 protein was performed in 149 patients with ovarian cancer who underwent primary surgical treatment at Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Then the relationship between mRNA/protein expression of PAR2 and clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed. Gene functions and related signaling pathways involved in PAR2 were studied by enrichment analysis. Results: The mRNA expression of PAR2 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal ovarian tissue (3.05±0.72 vs. 0.33±0.16, P=0.004). There were 77 cases showing positive and 19 showing strong positive of PAR2 IHC staining among the 149 patients, accounting for 64.4% in total. PAR2 mRNA/protein expression was closely correlated with tumor reduction effect and initial therapeutic effect (P<0.05). Survival analysis showed that the progression free survival time (P=0.033) and overall survival time (P=0.011) in the group with high PAR2 mRNA expression was significantly lower than that in the low PAR2 mRNA group. Multivariate analysis showed tumor reduction effect, initial therapeutic effect were independent prognostic factors on both progression-free survival and overall survival (P<0.05). The progression-free survival (P=0.016) and overall survival (P=0.038) of the PAR2 protein high expression group was significantly lower than that of the low group. Multivariate analysis showed PAR2 expression, initial treatment effect and chemotherapy resistance were independent prognostic factors on both progression-free survival and overall survival (P<0.05). Based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), PAR2 target genes were mainly enriched in function related to intercellular connection, accounting for 40%. Gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway (P=0.023), the MAPK signaling pathway (P=0.029) and glycolysis related pathway (P=0.018) were enriched in ovarian cancer patients with high PAR2 mRNA expression. Conclusions: PAR2 expression is closely related to tumor reduction effect, initial treatment effect and survival of ovarian cancer patients. PAR2 may be involved in Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and intercellular connection promoting ovarian cancer invasion and metastasis.

[Survival analysis of long-term HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and over under antiretroviral treatment in Henan Province from 2002 to 2020].

Objective: To analyze the survival and influencing factors of HIV infections and AIDS cases (HIV/AIDS) aged 15 years and over who had received antiretroviral treatment (ART) for more than 10 years in Henan Province. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data of HIV infections and AIDS cases in Henan province were collected from the AIDS Prevention and Control System between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2020. This study included 20 256 participants alive after 10-year ART with complete baseline and follow-up information, such as demographic characteristics, CD4+T lymphocyte count and viral load. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze influencing factors of HIV/AIDS survival. Results: A total of 20 256 participants were followed up for 82 738.2 person-years, with an average follow-up of 4.1 person-years, of which most cases were blood transmission (85.5%) and married (71.2%). The male to female ratio was 1∶1.06 and the age at 10 years of ART was (51.2±8.7) years old. About 88.5% of HIV/AIDS patients received ART in village/township treatment institutions. Overall, there were 2 030 deaths during this period, among which 1 897 were due to AIDS-related diseases (93.5%) and the case fatality rate was 9.4% (1 897/20 256). Cox proportional risk regression model showed that participants aged 40-54, 55-69, and ≥70 years had a higher risk of death compared to those aged 25-39, with adjusted HRs (95%CI) of 1.57 (1.19-2.08), 3.78 (2.86-4.99), and 6.17 (4.33-8.79), respectively. Participants with the initial CD4+T lymphocyte count about 200-349/µl and<200/µl had a higher risk of death compared to those with initial CD4+T lymphocyte count ≥350/µl, with adjusted HRs (95%CI) of 1.81 (1.61-2.04) and 3.64 (3.20-4.15), respectively. Participants with the initial viral load outcome ≥1 000 copies/ml had a higher risk of death compared to those with the initial viral load outcome<1 000 copies/ml, with adjusted HRs (95%CI) of 1.73 (1.52-1.97). Participants receiving the second-line ART had a lower risk of death compared to those receiving the first-line ART, with adjusted HRs (95%CI) of 0.12 (0.11-0.14). Conclusion: From 2002 to 2020, the survival rate of HIV/AIDS treated with ART for more than 10 years is high in Henan Province. Age, CD4+T lymphocyte count and viral load are influencing factors of HIV/AIDS survival.

[The value of serum estradiol concentration on the day of endometrial transformation in predicting the outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in hormone replacement cycle].

To analyze whether the serum concentration of estradiol on the day of progesterone conversion could predict the pregnancy outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in hormone replacement cycle. In this paper, a case-control study was conducted to retrospectively analyze the 230 cycles of hormone replacement therapy-frozen thawed embryo transfer(HRT-FET)conducted by the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020. The concentration of serum estradiol was between 139.5-3 941.0 pg/ml. According to the percentile of serum estradiol concentration on the day of endometrial transformation, patients were divided into three groups: control group (<25th percentile, n=58), high estradiol group (25th-75th percentile, n=112) and ultra-high estradiol group (>75th percentile, n=60). Comparing the basic characteristics and pregnancy outcome of the three groups, the main observation index was the live birth rate, and the secondary observation index was the clinical pregnancy rate. F test and Kruskal-Wallis (H) test were used to compare the measurement data, and χ2 test was used to compare the counting data. The results showed that there was no significant difference in age, anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH), antral follicle count(AFC), body mass index(BMI), years of infertility and the proportion of primary infertility among the three groups(F=2.375, H=5.479, H=5.374, F=1.391, H=4.779, χ²=1.969, P>0.05). FET cycle treatment: There was no significant difference in the concentration of progesterone (P) before transformation, the thickness of endometrium on the day of transformation, the proportion of single embryo transfer and blastocyst transfer among the three groups (H=5.359, H=5.957, χ²=0.626, χ²=4.532, P>0.05). The days of estrogen administration before endometrial transformation in the three groups during the FET cycle were 13.0 (12.0, 14.0) days in the high estradiol group and 13.0 (12.0, 15.0) days in the ultra-high estradiol group, which were significantly longer than those in the control group 13.0(12.0, 13.3)days. The E2 concentration before intimal transformation in high estradiol group was 1 560.4 (1 170.2, 1 848.2) pg/ml, while that in ultra-high estradiol group was 2 420.9 (2 131.0, 2 849.2) pg/ml, which was significantly higher than that in control group 238.8 (206.9, 287.0) pg/ml. The pregnancy outcome of the three groups: the clinical pregnancy rate of the three groups was 37.9% in the control group, 51.8% in the high estradiol group and 40.0% in the ultra-high estradiol group, of which the high estradiol group had the highest clinical pregnancy rate, followed by the ultra-high estradiol group. But there was no significant difference among the three groups (χ²=3.853, P>0.05). The embryo implantation rate of the three groups was 19.3%, 25.0%, 32.8%, respectively, and the embryo implantation rate of the ultra-high estradiol group was the highest, but there was no significant difference among the three groups (χ²=5.544,P>0.05).The live birth rate of the three groups was 37.9%, 39.3%, 40.0%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ²=0.05, P>0.05). A total of 14(13.5%) abortions occurred in 104 clinical pregnancies, all of which occurred in the high estradiol level group. Of the 104 clinical pregnancies, 24 (23.1%) had twin pregnancies, which occurred in the high estradiol level group (10 cases) and the ultra-high estradiol level group (14 cases). There were no twin pregnancies in the control group. Ectopic pregnancy occurred in 4 of 230 FET cycles (1.7%), 2 in control group and 2 in high estradiol group, and no ectopic pregnancy in ultra-high estradiol group.

[Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the test of the adherence to inhalers (TAI)].

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the test of the adherence to inhalers (TAI) in Chinese patients with chronic airway disease. Methods: Based on the English version of TAI, the items of the Chinese version of TAI were determined after forward-backward translation and cultural adaption. Totally, 165 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma were enrolled from Respiratory Clinic of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July to November 2021, and a questionnaire survey was conducted using the Chinese version of TAI and the Morisky medication adherence scale 8-item version (MMAS-8). The content validity of the scale was expressed by content validity index (CVI) and the construct validity was analyzed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The convergence validity was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. The reliability of the scale was expressed by Cronbach's α coefficient, the split-half reliability and test-retest reliability. Results: The CVI was 0.966. There were 10 items in total. Two factors were extracted from the Chinese version of TAI and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 57.236%. The load value of each item was more than 0.400 and the factor attribution of the item was consistent with the original scale. The total score of the Chinese version of TAI was positively correlated with the total score of the MMAS-8(r=0.835,P<0.001). The Cronbach's α of the overall scale was 0.843, the Guttman's half-reliability coefficient was 0.796 and the test-retest reliability was 0.884 (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The Chinese version of TAI has good reliability and validity, which may be a reliable tool for evaluating the adherence to inhalers of patients with chronic airway disease in China.

[Analysis on mortality in HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and older under antiretroviral treatment in Henan province, 2002-2019].

Objective: To analyze the mortality in HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥15 years under antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Henan province from 2002 to 2019, and provide evidence for reducing the mortality rate of HIV/AIDS and AIDS prevention and treatment. Methods: Data of HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥15 years who received ART in Henan from 2002 to 2019 were obtained from "Infectious Disease Surveillance System - Basic Information on AIDS Prevention and Control". In this retrospective study, Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the influencing factors for HIV/AIDS related deaths. Software SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: From 2002 to 2019, a total of 72 986 HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥15 years received ART, in whom, 16 634 died during this period. Most of the death cases were aged ≥40 years old (68.5%,11 393/16 634), males (62.6%,10 419/16 634), infected through blood-borne transmission (71.7%,11 927/16 634), and farmers or migrant workers (91.7%,15 249/16 634). Most of the deaths were due to AIDS related diseases (73.7%, 12 261/16 634), and the case fatality rate was 16.8% (12 261/72 986). A total of 34.6% (4 237/12 261) of HIV/AIDS cases died of AIDS-related diseases in the first year of ART, and the cumulative survival rates at 10 and 18 years of ART were 78.3% and 71.8%, respectively. The proportion of the HIV/AIDS cases with baseline CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts <200 cells/µl at age 15 years when ART started was 45.5% (30 432/66 898). Cox proportional risk regression model showed that, compared with the cases with baseline CD4 counts ≥350 cells/µl, the risk of death was 1.78 times higher than in the cases with CD4 counts <200 cells/µl (95%CI: 1.64-1.94) and 1.24 times higher in the cases with CD4 counts ≥200 cells/µl (95%CI: 1.13-1.36), respectively. The risk of death in symptomatic cases at baseline survey was 1.25 times higher than that in asymptomatic cases (95%CI: 1.16-1.35). The cases with a latest viral load ≥1 000 copies/ml had 7.09 times higher risk of death than those with a last viral load<1 000 copies/ml (95%CI: 6.65-7.54). Conclusions: The majority of HIV/AIDS deaths occurred in the cases aged ≥15 years receiving ART in Henan province during 2002-2019, who were infected through blood-borne transmission and farmers/migrant workers, and AIDS-related diseases were the main causes of the deaths. With the gradual implementation of ART policy, the high survival rate in HIV/AIDS cases can be maintained for a long time in Henan. To reduce the case fatality rate and improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients, CD4 counts test should be further strengthened and eligible HIV/AIDS patients should be covered by standard ART in a timely manner.

[Characteristics and trends of HIV/AIDS cases with the non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission in Henan province, 2015-2020].

Objective: To analysis the characteristics and trends of non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS cases in Henan province between 2015 and 2020. Methods: Information of newly reported HIV/AIDS through non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission was collected from National Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Information system, using SPSS 22.0 to analyze the characteristics and tend of cases. Results: During 2015-2020, a total of 10 877 HIV/AIDS cases infected by non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission were newly reported in Henan province. This mode of infection increased from 32.6% in 2015 to 35.5% in 2020 (trend χ2=81.880,P<0.01). The male to female ratio was 1.9∶1 (7 105∶3 772). The mean age was (45.5±15.8) years, increasing annually (F=5.184,P<0.01). For female cases, the proportion of aged 15-50 years group was decreased annually (trend χ2=69.888, P<0.01). Most HIV/AIDS cases were distributed in the early HIV epidemic areas and Zhengzhou city, the same as the cases of the first CD4+T cells counts (CD4) below 200 cells/µl. The median (P25, P75) first CD4 count was 298 (143, 462) cells/µl. The proportion of the first CD4<200 cells/µl was no significant change annually, while the proportion of the first CD4≥500 cells/µl was decreasing annually (trend χ2=18.961,P<0.01). Conclusions: The reported cases through non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission increased, with most of them were male, married, junior, farmer, migrant laborer, and aged 40-59 years. It is needed to focus on the rural district and the middle-aged population, combined with biological and social factors to control the prevalence of AIDS through comprehensive prevention and control measures.

[Role of NF-κB p65 and related cytokines in rats with liver function injury induced by dibutyl phthalate and benzo (a) pyrene].

Objective: To explore the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and related cytokines in rats with liver function injury induced by dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) , in order to provide support for enriching the mechanism of liver injury induced by DBP and BaP. Methods: In September to December of 2019, a total number of 160 specific pathogen free Sprague Dawley rats were numbered in order of sex and body weight, then using the statistical table of random numbers, they were randomly divided into eight groups and each group consists of twenty animals (10 male and 10 female rats) , including blank control group, vehicle control group (given corn oil) , DBP 50 mg/kg (DBP(50)) group, DBP 250 mg/kg (DBP(250)) group, BaP 1 mg/kg (BaP(1)) group, BaP 5 mg/kg (BaP(5)) group, DBP 50 mg/kg plus BaP 1 mg/kg (DBP(50)+BaP(1)) group and DBP 250 mg/kg plus BaP 5 mg/kg (DBP(250)+BaP(5)) group, then DBP and BaP were administered to rats as a homogenous mixture in corn oil by gavage. After exposure for 90 days, liver was separated to test the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Then serum of rats was collected to detect the levels of CXCL-13, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) were detected by Reitman-Frankel assay. Results: The protein expression of NF-κB p65 in BaP(1) group was not statistically significant, but the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 in the liver tissues of rats in other exposure group were higher than those in the blank control group (P<0.05) , and the expression levels of NF-κB p65 increased more obvious in the DBP and BaP co-exposed groups than those in the low and high dose groups that single-exposed to DBP and BaP (P<0.05) . The serum levels of CXCL-13 and IL-6 of rats in other group were obviously higher than those of the blank control group except for the BaP(1) group, and the increase was more obvious in the high-dose group that co-exposed to DBP and BaP (P<0.05) . While the level of TNF-α in each exposure group was higher than those in the blank control group and the levels of TNF-α in the DBP and BaP co-exposed groups were strongly augmented compared to those in the low and high dose groups that single-exposed to DBP and BaP (P<0.05) . What's more, compared with the blank control group, the level of ALT in each exposure group was increased significantly. Except for the BaP(1) group, the levels of AST in other exposed groups were increased (P<0.05) , and the levels of ALT and AST in the DBP and BaP co-exposed groups were significantly elevated in comparison to the low and high dose groups that single-exposed to DBP and BaP (P<0.05) . On the contrary, the level of ALB in each exposure group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group, especially decreased significantly in the DBP and BaP co-exposed group (P<0.05) . The level of TP decreased only in the high-dose group that single and co-exposed to DBP and BaP, and the decrease was more significant in the DBP and BaP co-exposed group (P<0.05) . When DBP exposed alone, Pearson correlation analysis showed that NF-κB p65 protein expression level was positively correlated with IL-6, TNF-α and ALT (r=0.762, 0.951, and 0.924, P<0.05) . After BaP exposed alone, the NF-κB p65 protein expression level was positively correlated with TNF-α and ALT (r=0.911 and 0.910, P<0.05) . When DBP and BaP exposed together, NF-κB p65 protein expression level was positively correlated with CXCL-13, IL-6, TNF-α, ALT and AST (r=0.711, 0.764, 0.955, 0.903 and 0.827, P<0.05) . In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between TNF-α and ALT (r=0.833 and 0.894, P<0.05) when DBP or BaP exposed alone. Furthermore, when DBP and BaP exposed together, CXCL-13, IL-6 and TNF-α were positively correlated with ALT (r= 0.871, 0.925 and 0.942, P<0.05) , and also positively correlated with AST (r=0.910, 0.892 and 0.890, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Single and co-exposed to DBP and BaP may regulate the abnormal secretion of related cytokines by upregulating the expression level of NF-κB p65 in rat liver tissue, thus leading to hepatocyte injury in rats, and the damage effect may be enhanced when DBP and BaP are exposed together.

[Effect of RNF152 on NO induced apoptosis of colon cancer cells].

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of ring finger protein 152 (RNF152) in the development of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). Methods: CAC was induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice. Three different stages of mice during the development of colon cancer were obtained, named AD1, AD2 and AD3, respectively. A control group of mice without any treatment was set up as well. The expression of RNF152 in mouse colon tissues was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effects of RNF152 overexpression on apoptosis and nitric oxide (NO) induced apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL were detected by western blot. Results: CAC was effectively induced by AOM and DSS in C57BL/6 mice. The tumor incidence rate of AD3 group was 100%. The whole genome expression microarray data from mouse AOM-DSS model indicated that the mRNA level of RNF152 was gradually decreased during the development of colon cancer. The RT-qPCR results showed that RNF152 mRNA level in AD3 was 1.23±0.18, higher than 0.52±0.08 in negative control (P<0.01). Flow cytometry analysis showed that overexpression of RNF152 increased the apoptosis of RKO cells (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of RKO-RNF152 cells treated with NO donor DETA NONOate was (31.2±3.1)%, higher than (14.2±2.1)% in RKO-PCDB cells (P<0.001). Overexpression of RNF152 significantly decreased the protein expressions of Bcl-XL and Bcl-2. Conclusion: Downregulation of RNF152 may facilitate the development of CAC by inhibiting the cell apoptosis.

[Urinary retinol binding protein and ß2-microglobulin were associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and renal function in hospitalized diabetic patients].

Objective: To explore the associations of urinary retinol binding protein (RBP) and ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and renal function in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 1 030 Chinese patients with T2DM were included in this study. The subjects were divided into the UACR normal group (<30 mg/g), microalbuminuria group (30-300 mg/g) and macroalbuminuria group (>300 mg/g). Patients with normal UACR were further divided into two groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): the eGFR low group (<90 ml·min-1·1.73m-2) and the normal eGFR group (≥90 ml·min-1·1.73m-2). Urine RBP and ß2-MG levels among the groups were compared. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to evaluate risk factors of urine RBP and ß2-MG. Results: In all patients (n=1 030), urine RBP and ß2-MG increased gradually with the increase of UACR across the three groups, the proportions of abnormal urine RBP (>0.7 mg/L) and ß2-MG (>370 µg/L) in these groups were 3.8%, 8.5%, 39.0% (P<0.001), and 12.9%, 26.7%, 46.8% (P<0.001), respectively. In the UACR normal group (n=788), 12.2% of the patients were with eGFR<90 ml·min-1·1.73m-2. The proportion of abnormal ß2-MG (>370 µg/L) was higher in the eGFR low group than that in the eGFR normal group (29.2% vs. 10.7%, P<0.001). Multivariate linear stepwise regression analyses were performed using natural logarithm of urine RBP or ß2-MG as dependent variable, and showed that urine RBP was independently associated with UACR (ß=0.0005, P<0.001), serum creatinine (ß=0.006, P<0.001) and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (ß=0.050, P=0.001), and ß2-MG was independently correlated with UACR (ß=0.000 4, P<0.001), serum creatinine (ß=0.011, P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (ß=0.005, P=0.031) and fasting blood-glucose (ß=0.027, P=0.046). Conclusions: Urine RBP and ß2-MG are positively associated with high UACR and impaired renal function in T2DM patients, and these changes could occur before UACR and eGFR turned out to be abnormal. It is recommended that urine RBP and ß2-MG be detected as early as possible to identify diabetic kidney disease in patients with normal UACR and eGFR.

[Prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in young and middle-aged population in Nanjing].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in young and middle-aged population in Nanjing. Methods: Subjects of the study were those who underwent physical examination in the physical examination center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2009 to 2016. The prevalence and risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in young (aged 18-44 years old) and middle-aged people (aged 45-59 years old) were analyzed. Results: A total of 142 857 participants aged 18-59 years old were analyzed. Among them, 64 220 cases in the pre-hypertension group and 13 912 cases in the hypertension group. The prevalence of hypertension was 9.74% (12.51% in males and 5.82% in females). The prevalence of pre-hypertension was 44.95% (53.31% in males and 33.15% in females). In the middle-aged group, the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension were 51.68% and 15.13%, respectively, which was higher than that in the young group (37.95% and 4.13%, respectively). The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in 2013-2016 was 45.37% and 10.65%, respectively, which was higher than that in 2009-2012(44.52% and 8.78%). In addition, the prevalence of abnormal blood glucose metabolism, abnormal blood lipid metabolism and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in the pre-hypertension group was higher than that in the normal blood pressure group, but lower than that in the hypertension group (P<0.001). A logistic regression analysis indicated that age, overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were risk factors of pre-hypertension in male. Age, overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyper-low density cholesterolemia were associated with hypertension in male and with pre-hypertension and hypertension in female. Conclusions: Middle age, overweight/obesity, elevated fasting plasma glucose, elevated triglyceride and elevated total cholesterol were risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in both men and women. Intervention on the related risk factors should be conducted as early as possible.

MiRNA-1297 inhibits myocardial fibrosis by targeting ULK1.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the potential effect of miRNA-1297 on myocardial fibrosis (MF) and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MF model was established by cardiac perfusion of Angiotensin II (Ang-II) in mice. The primary myocardial fibroblasts were extracted from MF mice (Ang-II infusion group) and controls (sham group), respectively. The relative levels of miRNA-1297 and ULK1 in the in vivo and in vitro MF models were determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Meanwhile, the protein expressions of fibrosis-related genes in MF mice and primary myocardial fibroblasts were determined by Western Blot. Subsequently, the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay was applied to verify the downstream gene of miRNA-1297. In addition, a series of rescue experiments were conducted to elucidate the role of miRNA-1297/ULK1 in regulating MF. RESULTS: Masson staining showed plenty of micro-vessels around myocardial tissues and significantly increased contents of intercellular collagen in Ang-II infusion group when compared with those in the sham group. Western blot results revealed that the protein expressions of Col1a1 and α-SMA were significantly upregulated in myocardial tissues of MF mice. QRT-PCR data illustrated that miRNA-1297 was remarkably downregulated in MF model. ULK1 was verified as the target gene of miRNA-1297, which was upregulated in the MF model. The overexpression of miRNA-1297 or the knockdown of ULK1 could downregulate the protein levels of Col1a1 and α-SMA in primary myocardial fibroblasts extracted from MF mice. Notably, ULK1 overexpression could reverse the regulatory effect of miRNA-1297 on MF. CONCLUSIONS: MiRNA-1297 suppresses myocardial fibrosis via down-regulating ULK1.

A new room temperature LECR5 ion source for the SESRI project.

The Space Environment Simulation and Research Infrastructure project, which uses various ion beams as irradiated materials in life science research, is being built at the Harbin Institute of Technology. A new room temperature electron cyclotron resonance ion source, the Lanzhou Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source No. 5 (LECR5), has been designed and constructed. It is an intense, highly charged, heavy ion beam injector which generates ion beams from H to Bi, typically ∼50 eµA 209Bi32+. The LECR5 is designed to operate at microwave frequencies in the range of 14.5-18 GHz. The typical magnetic parameters are designed based on those optimized for SECRAL, which operates at 18 GHz. This paper presents the LECR5 ion source, its test bench, and the preliminary beam results.

Effects of recombinant activated coagulation factor VII on apoptosis and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of recombinant activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) on apoptosis and the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with similar weight were selected and randomly divided into normal group (n=30), ICH control group (n=30), and rFVIIa treatment group (n=30). Five days later, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological changes in rat brain in three groups. Cell apoptosis in rat brain was detected at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 120 h, respectively. The relative expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in brain tissues were measured via fluorescence quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with those in ICH control group, rats in rFVIIa treatment group had fewer degenerated and necrotic nerve cells and milder pathological changes in the marginal zone. The number of apoptotic cells in ICH control group and rFVIIa group was gradually increased in a time-dependent manner, and achieved the peak at 72 h. The number of apoptotic cells in treatment group was significantly lower than that in ICH control group after 24 h (p<0.05). Both fluorescence qPCR and Western blotting results proved that in comparison with ICH control group, rFVIIa group had a higher relative expression level of Bcl-2 (p<0.05) and a lower expression level of Bax (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis mechanism may be involved in secondary brain injury after ICH. RFVIIa may have an important protective effect on neuronal injury after ICH by promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibiting the expression of Bax protein.

UV-curable ladder-like diphenylsiloxane-bridged methacryl-phenyl-siloxane for high power LED encapsulation.

A UV curable ladder-like diphenylsiloxane-bridged methacryl-phenyl-siloxane (L-MPS) was synthesized from phenyltrichlorosilane, diphenylsilanediol and methacryloxypropyldimethylmethoxysilane via dehydrochlorination precoupling, supramolecular architecture-directed hydrolysis-condensation and end-capping reactions. The L-MPS has a condensation degree of ∼100%, and can be complete crosslinked by UV curing. XRD, TEM and molecular simulation suggest that the ladder-like molecules are close packed with a periodic distance of ca. 1.2 nm. The L-MPS shows transmittance of 98% and a refractive index of ca. 1.61 at 450 nm. The cured L-MPS with a T d5% value of 465.5 °C showed excellent anti-yellowing and anti-sulfidation properties. The cured L-MPS film and the encapsulated LED samples were compared with those of Dow Corning OE-6630 and OE-7662. It is believed that the dense nano-ladder unit also contributes to the thermal, gas barrier and even optical properties. L-MPS shows promising potential as a high power LED encapsulant and optical coating for use in harsh environments. This work provides an approach to integrate this novel ladder structure with advanced properties.

[A qualitative study on high risk behaviors and related factors of reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 60 years and above in some areas of Henan province].

Objective: To understand the major high risk behaviors and related factors among reported HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥60 years in some areas of Henan province. Methods: In Dengzhou, Xunxian county of Hebi and Xiangcheng county of Xuchang, where the reported number and proportion of HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥60 years were high, a face to face interview was conducted among the cases aged ≥60 years during July-August in 2016. The information about the high risk behaviors before HIV infection confirmation were collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 33 HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥60 years were interviewed, including 28 males and 5 females. Their average age was 67.4 years. The infection route was sexual contact. The main findings revealed that the main factor for HIV infection in elder males was commercial heterosexual behavior with local female sex workers. The condom use rate was low. The poor awareness of the knowledge about AIDS prevention could explain why the elderly could not recognize the risk of HIV infection. There were also homosexual and bisexual behaviors in elder male HIV/AIDS patients. Late detection of HIV transmission among couples was the main cause of HIV infection in elder women. Conclusions: The major epidemiological related factors for HIV infection in the elderly in some areas of Henan were unsafe sex behavior and the poor awareness of knowledge about AIDS prevention. A targeted strategy should be taken to control the spread of HIV in the elderly.

[Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based urinary metabolomics in very low birth weight premature infants].

Objective: To investigate the urinary metabolic spectrum and pathways in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants. Method: A prospective case-control study was conducted to collect and compare the data of VLBW premature infants and full term infants from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yet-Sen University in 2014. Within 24 hours after birth, urine specimens in each group were collected. Metabolites of urine samples including amino acid, fatty acid and organic acid were detected using the urease pre-processing and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology. Using the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), the biomarkers and differences between the two groups were found. The online metabolic pathway website was explored and multivariable analysis was conducted to investigate the valuable pathways and biomarkers related to the prematurity. Result: A total of 20 VLBW premature infants were enrolled, among whom 11 were male, 9 were female; and 20 full term infants were enrolled, among whom 9 were male, 11 were female. The urinary metabolites were established and compared between the VLBW premature and term infants. The investigation showed that the following nine pathways were enriched: amino-acyl-tRNA biosynthesis(P=0.000), lysine degradation(P=0.007), fatty acid biosynthesis(P=0.008), pyrimidine metabolism(P=0.014), pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis(P=0.022), valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis(P=0.022), lysine biosynthesis(P=0.031), glycerolipid metabolism(P=0.046), and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation(P=0.031). Almost all the metabolites decreased except for the glyceric acid exhibiting a higher content in the VLBW premature infant. 12 potential biomarkers were explored with the most significant covariance and correlation, within which stearic acid, palmiticacid, myristic acid, ß-amino-isobutyric acid, and uric acid were lower, while myo-inositol, mannitol, glycine, glucose1, glucose2, glyceric acid and N-acetyl-tyrosine were higher in the VLBW premature group compared with the control group. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the VLBW premature infants and full-term infants in the metabolic state and pathways. The urease pre-processing and GC-MS technology followed by the OPLS-DA and multivariable analysis to investigate VLBW premature infants' urinary metabolites is a valuable method to evaluate the patients' metabolism.