[Correlation between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons component phenanthrene and clinical indicators in patients on peritoneal dialysis].

Objective: To explore the correlation between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) component phenanthrene and clinical indicators in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Methods: A total of 22 patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis catheterization and regular dialysis in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June to August 2018 were selected. Meanwhile, 18 healthy adults who underwent physical examination were also selected as the control group. Fasting blood samples were taken to detect the concentration of PAHs components for comparison, and the correlation between PAHs components and clinical indicators was further analyzed. Results: There were 22 cases in CAPD group (13 males and 9 females), and aged (45±13) years, while there were 18 cases in control group (6 males and 12 females), and aged (41±13) years. The concentration of blood phenanthrene (PHE) was the highest in CAPD group [0.449 (0.254, 0.581) mg/L], and it was only lower than acenaphthene in the control group [0.081 (0.050, 0.444) mg/L], with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.008). The analysis of PHE and clinical indicators showed that the concentration of PHE in CAPD patients was negatively correlated with weekly urea clearance index (Kt/V), weekly creatinine clearance (Ccr) and leukocyte level, but positively correlated with triglyceride level (r=-0.743, -0.749, -0.655 and 0.610, respectively, all P<0.05). Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated that for every 0.1 mg/L increase in PHE concentration, weekly Kt/V, weekly Ccr and white blood cell count decreased by 0.226, 3.050 L/1.73 m2 and 0.512×109/L, respectively, but triglyceride level increased by 0.152 mmol/L (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the blood PHE concentration of CAPD patients was negatively correlated with weekly Kt/V and Ccr levels (t=-2.402 and -2.368, respectively, both P<0.05). All CAPD patients were followed up for 3 years, during which 8 patients (36.4%) withdrew from peritoneal dialysis due to technical failure, and the baseline PHE concentration was higher than that of patients who did not quit peritoneal dialysis [0.572 (0.416, 0.662) vs 0.268 (0.120, 0.475) mg/L, P=0.003]. Eight patients (36.4%) had cardiovascular events, and the baseline blood PHE concentration was higher than that of patients without cardiovascular events [0.542 (0.389, 0.741) vs 0.373 (0.157, 0.545) mg/L, P=0.045]. Conclusion: PHE correlates with clinical indicators of CAPD patients, including Kt/v, Ccr, leukocyte and triglyceride.

[Serology and genomic analysis of para-Bombay individuals in a hospital in Hunan Province].

To investigate the serological and genetic characteristics of para-Bombay patients in a hospital in Hunan Province. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the blood type results of 175 439 hospitalized patients born in Hunan Province from the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from 2016 to 2021. Phenotypes of ABO blood group was analyzed by blood group serology, and molecular biological methods were used to analyze the genotype, including ABO genotyping by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) and fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) and fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) gene sequencing. The results showed that 3 cases of Ah and 1 case of Bh were detected. FUT1 sequencing showed that there were 2 cases of h3h3, 1 case of h1h1 and 1 case of h302h1, of which h302 (c.302C>T) was the first discovered mutation. FUT2 sequencing revealed that 4 cases were all Se357Se357. The pedigree study showed that the inheritance of para-Bombay blood group was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. In conclusion, the FUT1 gene mutations leading to para-Bombay blood group mainly include h3, h1 and h302, of which h3 mutation is the most common.

[Analysis of clinical prognosis of 68 patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma].

Objective: To explore the clinical features and prognosis of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Methods: The data of patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma diagnosed and treated at Peking University Cancer Hospital from 2000 to 2019 were collected, and their clinical characteristics, treatment options and effects, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median age of 68 patients was 56 years old, and the ratio of men to women was 0.6∶1.0. Early patients accounted for about 76% (52/68). The most commonly used treatment is Helicobacter pylori eradication, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The total effective rate is 94%, of which the complete remission rate is 72%. With a median follow-up of 44 months, the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 73%, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 83%. Prognostic factor analysis showed that albumin level (P=0.011) and international prognostic index (IPI)(P=0.017) are independent prognostic indicators of PFS, The 5-year PFS rate of patients with normal and reduced albumin was 77% and 50%, respectively, and the 5-year PFS rate of patients with IPI score<2 points and IPI ≥ 2 points was 80% and 48%, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P=0.016) and albumin level (P=0.025) are independent prognostic indicators of OS, and the 5-year OS rates of patients with normal and elevated LDH were 87% and 67%, respectively. The 5-year OS rates of patients with normal albumin and reduced were 92% and 73%, respectively. Conclusions: Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is sensitive to treatment and has a good prognosis. The patient's albumin and lactate dehydrogenase levels are independent prognostic indicators.

[Jinghuaweikang capsules combined with furazolidone-based triple or quadruple therapy as the rescue treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial].

Objective: To explore the efficacy of Jinhuaweikang capsules plus furazolidone-based triple or quadruple therapy as the rescue treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial. Patients with chronic gastritis from H. pylori infection in whom eradication treatment failed were recruited from 6 hospitals. All patients were divided into 4 groups using stratified randomization: group A1 (PAFJ), receiving pantoprazole 40 mg+ amoxicillin 1 000 mg+ furazolidone 100 mg+ Jinghuaweikang 3 capsules, twice a day for 10 d (d1-10); group A2, PAFJ therapy as in group A1, followed by Jinghuaweikang 3 capsules twice a day for 18 d (d11-28); group B1 (PAFB), receiving pantoprazole 40 mg+ amoxicillin 1 000 mg+ furazolidone 100 mg+ bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg, twice a day for 10 d (d1-10); group B2, PAFB therapy as in group B1, followed by Jinghuaweikang 3 capsules twice a day for 18 d (d11-28). At least 28 days after the end of treatment, all patients underwent 13C urea breath test for assessment of H. pylori eradication. Results: A total of 357 patients, 145 males and 212 females, were recruited, including 90 in group A1, 88 in group A2, 89 in group B1, and 90 in group B2. The eradication rates of H. pylori in groups A1 and A2 were 76.1%(67/88)and 79.6%(70/88) in per-protocol (PP) analysis, 74.4%(67/90) and 79.6%(70/88)in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis; the rates in groups B1 and B2 were as 85.9%(73/85) and 92.1%(81/88) in PP analysis, 82.0%(73/89) and 90.0%(81/90)in ITT analysis. There were statistically significant differences in PP eradication rates among the 4 groups (P=0.020); there was statistically significant difference between groups A1 and B2, and also between groups A2 and B2 (P=0.003, 0.020), but not between groups A1/A2 and B1 (P>0.05), nor between groups B1 and B2 (P>0.05). No statistically significant differences in ITT eradication rates were found among the 4 groups (P>0.05). The improvement of belching and poor appetite for patients in groups A2 and B2 was better than those in groups A1 and B1. Conclusions: The efficacy of Jinghuaweikang capsules plus furazolidone-based quadruple therapy is superior to combination with furazolidone-based triple therapy as the rescue treatment of H. pylori, and superior to bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. Extending administration of Jinghuaweikang capsules to 28 days may better improve symptoms of indigestion.

[Establishment of a cell co-culture system in accordance with the immunological characteristics of chronic HBV infection].

Objective: To investigate whether the co-culture of Huh7.93 cells and peripheral blood mononucleated cells from chronic hepatitis B patients (cPBMCs) can simulate the replication features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and immune function in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and to provide an in vitro cell co-culture system for the research on immune clearance in chronic HBV infection. Methods: Huh7.93 cells were cultured alone or co-cultured with peripheral blood mononucleated cells from healthy people who underwent physical examination (nPBMCs) or cPBMCs for 7 days. The CCK8 assay was performed to measure the proliferative activity of Huh7.93 cells, and quantitative real-time PCR and Southern blot were used to measure HBV replication in cPBMCs and co-cultured cells. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison between two groups. Results: When Huh7.93 cells were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) at a certain ratio, Huh7.93 cells had a high proliferative activity and good cell growth. HBV could not infect or replicate in cPBMCs. HBV DNA in the supernatant of Huh7.93 cells co-cultured with cPBMCs showed significant increases and significantly higher than that in the supernatant of Huh7.93 cells cultured alone on day 4 (6.01 ± 0.20 log10copies/ml vs 4.99 ± 0.08 log10copies/ml, P = 0.000) and day 7 (7.82 ± 0.24 log10copies/ml vs 6.96±0.09 log10copies/ml, P = 0.000). On day 7 of culture, the cell lysis buffer of Huh7.93 cells co-cultured with cPBMCs had a significant increase in the level of HBV replicative intermediate compared with that of Huh7.93 cells cultured alone. After HepG2.2.15 cells were co-cultured with cPBMCs, there was no significant increase in HBV replication. Conclusion: The co-culture of Huh7.93 cells and cPBMCs produces similar viral replication as human body infected with HBV and can well simulate the liver microenvironment and immune function in CHB patients, which provides a new method for the research on immune clearance in chronic HBV infection.

Dislocation dynamics modelling of the creep behaviour of particle-strengthened materials.

Plastic deformation in crystalline materials occurs through dislocation slip and strengthening is achieved with obstacles that hinder the motion of dislocations. At relatively low temperatures, dislocations bypass the particles by Orowan looping, particle shearing, cross-slip or a combination of these mechanisms. At elevated temperatures, atomic diffusivity becomes appreciable, so that dislocations can bypass the particles by climb processes. Climb plays a crucial role in the long-term durability or creep resistance of many structural materials, particularly under extreme conditions of load, temperature and radiation. Here we systematically examine dislocation-particle interaction mechanisms. The analysis is based on three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics simulations incorporating impenetrable particles, elastic interactions, dislocation self-climb, cross-slip and glide. The core diffusion dominated dislocation self-climb process is modelled based on a variational principle for the evolution of microstructures, and is coupled with dislocation glide and cross-slip by an adaptive time-stepping scheme to bridge the time scale separation. The stress field caused by particles is implemented based on the particle-matrix mismatch. This model is helpful for understanding the fundamental particle bypass mechanisms and clarifying the effects of dislocation glide, climb and cross-slip on creep deformation.

Effects of organic zinc on tibia quality, mineral deposit, and metallothionein expression level of aged hens.

The study aimed to determine the effects of methionine hydroxy analog chelate zinc on the tibia quality, mineral deposit, apparent retention of nutrients, and liver metallothionein (MT) expression level of aged laying hens. A total of 960 layers (Hy-Line Grey, 57 wk old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups, and each group had 8 replicates of 30 hens. During the first 2 wk, groups were fed a basal diet without extra zinc (Zn: 35.08 mg/kg). During the ensuing 14 wk, 4 levels of Zn (inorganic Zn: 80 mg/kg; organic Zn: 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were added to the diet. The results indicated that both the Zn source and level did influence tibia strength and calcium (Ca) and Zn concentrations of tibia (P < 0.05), whereas there were no differences in the copper (Cu) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of the tibia and the tibia length (P > 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg of organic Zn showed higher Zn and Ca concentrations in the tibia and higher tibia strength. The Cu concentration in the liver showed no difference among the 4 treatments, whereas the Zn concentration in the liver increased with the increasing Zn level. The apparent retention of P, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) was not affected by the Zn level or source (P > 0.05). However, the organic Zn group increased the apparent retention of Cu, Zn, Ca, crude protein (CP), and energy, and the group supplemented with 40 or 80 mg/kg of organic Zn obtained significant effects (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg organic Zn increased the MT mRNA expression of the liver at week 72, whereas 20 mg/kg of organic Zn decreased it (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggested that an optimum dietary (40 mg/kg) organic Zn level plays a key role in promoting the apparent retention of minerals and nutrients, trace element deposit, and MT mRNA expression.

Effects of methionine hydroxyl analog chelated zinc on laying performance, eggshell quality, eggshell mineral deposition, and activities of Zn-containing enzymes in aged laying hens.

The study aimed to determine the effects of methionine hydroxyl analog chelated zinc (MHA-Zn) on laying performance, eggshell quality and mineral deposits, and the activities of Zn-containing enzymes on aged laying hens. A total of 960 layers (Hy-Line Grey, 57 wk old) were fed a basal diet (Zn: 35.08 mg/kg) without extra zinc for 2 wk. During the ensuing 14 wk, birds were randomly divided into 4 groups according to body weight and laying rate, with 8 replicates per treatment, and each group had 8 replicates of 30 hens. Four levels of Zn (ZnSO4: 80 mg/kg; MHA-Zn: 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were added to the diet, respectively. The results shown that dietary Zn did not affect laying rate, average egg weight, average daily feed intake, or feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05); however, compared to the inorganic group, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg MHA-Zn decreased broken egg rate significantly in the whole period (P < 0.05), while significantly increased eggshell weight in week 62 to 72, eggshell thickness and eggshell strength in wk 66 to 72, eggshell weight percent and eggshell density in week 62 to 72 (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary supplementation with different sources and levels of Zn did not affect ash concentration of eggshell (P > 0.05), whereas dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg MHA-Zn improved the Zn and Ca concentrations of eggshells and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity of liver, and 40 mg/kg MHA-Zn increased Zn concentration of liver (P < 0.05). Moreover, no significant differences in alkaline phosphatase activity were observed among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). Therefore, dietary supplementation with 40 mg/kg MHA-Zn can improve eggshell quality by promoting Ca deposition and CA activity.

Factors Associated with Visceral Fat Loss in Response to a Multifaceted Weight Loss Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Visceral adipose tissue is more metabolically active than other fat depots and is more closely associated with obesity-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, than indicators of obesity, such as body mass index. Across various strategies to promote weight loss, including energy-reduced diet and exercise, variable effects on VAT compared to loss of total body fat have been reported. METHODS: To examine the effect of a behavioral weight loss intervention using portion-controlled prepackaged entrées on VAT, we examined data and measurements from overweight/obese men and women (N=183) who were assigned to a weight loss intervention and prescribed a reduced-energy diet with either portion-controlled prepackaged entrées or self-selected meals in a randomized clinical trial. VAT was estimated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and study end (12 weeks). RESULTS: VAT loss was greater for the prepackaged entrees group (p=0.02), with an average loss of 29% compared to an average loss of 19% among participants consuming self-selected meals. VAT (mean [SEM]) was 1651 (71) g and 1546 (157) g at baseline and 1234 (59) g and 1278 (118) g at study end in the prepackaged entrees and self-selected meal groups, respectively. Greater VAT loss was associated with higher baseline weight and VAT, and greater weight loss, but not associated with age or physical activity. CONCLUSION: Prescribing portion-controlled prepackaged entrees in a behavioral weight loss intervention promotes a reduction in VAT, which should promote improved metabolic profile and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

The Cost Effectiveness of High-Dose versus Conventional Haemodialysis: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is fatal if untreated. In the absence of transplant, approximately 50 % of dialysis patients die within 5 years. Although more frequent and/or longer haemodialysis (high-dose HD) improves survival, this regimen may add to the burden on dialysis services and healthcare costs. This systematic review summarised the cost effectiveness of high-dose HD compared with conventional HD. METHODS: English language publications reporting the cost-utility/effectiveness of high-dose HD in adults with ESRD were identified via a search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Publications comparing any form of high-dose HD with conventional HD were reviewed. RESULTS: Seven publications (published between 2003 and 2014) reporting cost-utility analyses from the public healthcare payer perspective were identified. High-dose HD in-centre was compared with in-centre conventional HD in one US model; all other analyses (UK, Canada) compared high-dose HD at home with in-centre conventional HD (n = 5) or in-centre/home conventional HD (n = 1). The time horizon varied from one year to lifetime. Similar survival for high-dose HD and conventional HD was assumed, with the impact of higher survival only assessed in the sensitivity analyses of three models. High-dose HD at home was found to be cost effective compared with conventional HD in all six analyses. The analysis comparing high-dose HD in-centre with conventional in-centre HD produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio generally acceptable for the USA, but not for Europe, Canada or Australia. CONCLUSION: High-dose HD can be cost effective when performed at home. Future analyses assuming survival benefits for high-dose HD compared with conventional HD are needed.

Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To investigate the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and its correlation with the mitotic count, histological grade, and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: PCNA expression was detected immunohistochemically with PC10 monoclonal antibody for 80 cases of HCC. The PCNA labeling index (LI) was assessed by counting the positively-stained nuclei per 500 cells. RESULTS: PCNA LI ranged from 1.8% to 91.4% (mean = 33.9%) in cancerous tissues, and was significantly related to the tumor size, histological grade, mitotic count and the metastases found in HCC samples. CONCLUSION: HCC Proliferation activity, as defined by PCNA immunohistochemical analysis, is strongly correlated with tumor invasiveness. These findings hold potential prognostic value for HCC patients.

[Determination of cell nuclear DNA content in polyps and cancerous degeneration in the large intestine].

Nuclear DNA content was measured by microspectrophotometry in 40 biopsy specimens from patients with large bowel polyps (10 juvenile polyps and inflammatory polyps, 25 adenoma subdivided into 3 groups with 10 Grade I, 10 Grade II and 5 Grade III, 5 cancerous degeneration), and 5 normal epithelium of large intestine. The mean DNA value increased steadily as follows: normal epithelium of intestine (13.54 +/- 1.76 Au); juvenile polyps and inflammatory polyps (14.89 +/- 0.40 Au); adenoma Grade III (21.96 +/- 0.92 Au); cancerous degeneration (24.47 +/- 1.48 Au). The difference in DNA value in these groups was statistically significant (P less than 0.05-0.01). These results suggest that measurement of nuclear DNA content may serve as an objective quantitative parameter for diagnosis of large bowel carcinomatous change of polyps and classification of polypoid adenomas.

[Determination of cell nuclear DNA content in leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma of gastro-intestinal tract (G-I)].

Nuclear DNA content was measured by microspectrophotometry in 15 biopsy specimens from patients with G-I smooth muscle tumors (3 leiomyomas and 12 leiomyosarcomas subdivided into 3 groups with 4 cases to each). The mean DNA value increased steadily as follows: leiomyomas (14.39 +/- 0.62 Au); leiomyosarcoma Grade I (19.78 +/- 2.39 Au); Leiomyosarcoma Grade II (26.39 +/- 1.60 Au); leiomyosarcoma Grade III (30.66 +/- 2.39 Au). The difference of DNA value in the 4 groups had statistical significance (P less than 0.05-0.01). These results suggest that microspectrophotometric measurement of nuclear DNA content may serve as an objective quantitative method for diagnosis of G-I tract smooth muscle tumors and classification of leiomyosarcoma.

[Primary malignant lymphoma of the central nervous system--report of 5 cases].

5 cases of primary malignant lymphoma of the central nervous system are reported. 3 were males and 2 females. Their ages ranged from 7 to 59. In 3 cases, the lesion occurred in the right parietal lobe and 2 in the right frontal lobe. The main clinical manifestations were as follows: headache (4/5), vomiting (5/5), hemiplegia (4/5) and mental disturbances (3/5). The histologic pattern in this group consists of 3 types, i. e. 3 B-small lymphocyte, 1 B-lymphocyte mixed and 1 large non-cleaved cell. The histogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of this tumor are discussed briefly.

[Roles of T cell subsets in the protective immunity of mice against Plasmodium yoelii].

BALB/c mice which had developed protective immunity against Plasmodium yoelii (P. y.) challenge were injected with anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody, and were then challenged again with P. yoelli. No impairment of protection was observed. CD8+T cells obtained from spleens of these mice were transferred to BALB/c nude mice and induced partial protection, while transfer of CD4+T cells did not so. In P. yoelli-mouse model, the parasites invaded reticulocytes in the early infection, and the infected reticulocytes could be recognized and attacked by sensitized CD8+T cells. In late infection when P. yoelli also invaded mature erythrocytes, the protective effect of CD8+T cells decreased and the main role of protection was played by antibodies.