[Diagnostic Efficacy of Platelet-Related Parameters on Anxiety and Depression in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis].

Objective To analyze the correlations between platelet-related parameters and the incidence of anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis(PD),and evaluate the efficacy of the parameters in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in PD patients. Methods A total of 245 patients undergoing PD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from September 2022 to February 2023 were enrolled.The generalized anxiety scale(GAD-7) and the patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9) were used to evaluate the anxiety and depression of the patients,respectively.The personal information and biochemical indicators of the patients were collected,and the platelet count(PLT),mean platelet volume(MPV),and platelet distribution width(PDW) were measured.Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the relationships of platelet-related parameters with anxiety and depression in PD patients. Results Among the 245 patients undergoing PD,the incidences of anxiety and depression were 15.9% and 38.0%,respectively.There were differences in the dialysis period(Z=-2.358,P=0.018;Z=-3.079,P=0.002),MPV(Z=-4.953,P<0.001;Z=-7.878,P<0.001),and PDW(Z=-4.587,P<0.001;Z=-7.367,P<0.001) between the anxiety group and the non-anxiety group as well as between the depression group and the non-depression group.The correlation analysis showed that MPV(r=0.358,P<0.001;r=0.489,P<0.001) and PDW(r=0.340,P<0.001;r=0.447,P<0.001) were positively correlated with anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing PD.The Logistic regression model showed that MPV(P=0.022,P=0.011),PDW(P=0.041,P=0.018),and dialysis period(P=0.011,P=0.030) were independent risk factors for the anxiety and depressive state in PD patients.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MPV in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in PD patients were 0.750 and 0.800,respectively,and those of PDW were 0.732 and 0.780,respectively. Conclusion MPV and PDW have high efficacy in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression associated with PD and can be used as objective indicators to evaluate the anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing PD.

COVID-19 and early-stage lung cancer both featuring ground-glass opacities: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Radiological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) featured ground-glass opacities (GGOs), especially in the early stage, which might create confusion in differential diagnosis with early lung cancer. We aimed to specify the radiological characteristics of COVID-19 and early lung cancer and to unveil the discrepancy between them. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven COVID-19 patients and 374 early lung cancer patients from four hospitals in China were retrospectively enrolled. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics were compared between the two groups using propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: COVID-19 patients had more distinct symptoms, tended to be younger (P<0.0001), male (P<0.0001), and had a higher body mass index (P=0.014). After 1:1 PSM, 121 matched pairs were identified. Regarding radiological characteristics, patients with a single lesion accounted for 17% in COVID-19 and 89% in lung cancer (P<0.0001). Most lesions were peripherally found in both groups. Lesions in COVID-19 involved more lobes (median 3.5 vs. 1; P<0.0001) and segments (median 6 vs. 1; P<0.0001) and tended to have multiple types (67%) with patchy form (54%). Early lung cancer was more likely to have a single type (92%) with oval form (66%). Also, COVID-19 and early lung cancer either had some distinctive features on computed tomography (CT) images. CONCLUSIONS: Both COVID-19 and early lung cancers showed GGOs, with similar but independent features. The imaging characteristics should be fully understood and combined with epidemiological history, pathogen detection, laboratory tests, short-term CT reexamination, and pathological results to aid differential diagnosis.

Time-dependent pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone and its efficacy in human breast cancer xenograft mice: a semi-mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model.

Dexamethasone (DEX) is the substrate of CYP3A. However, the activity of CYP3A could be induced by DEX when DEX was persistently administered, resulting in auto-induction and time-dependent pharmacokinetics (pharmacokinetics with time-dependent clearance) of DEX. In this study we investigated the pharmacokinetic profiles of DEX after single or multiple doses in human breast cancer xenograft nude mice and established a semi-mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model for characterizing the time-dependent PK of DEX as well as its anti-cancer effect. The mice were orally given a single or multiple doses (8 mg/kg) of DEX, and the plasma concentrations of DEX were assessed using LC-MS/MS. Tumor volumes were recorded daily. Based on the experimental data, a two-compartment model with first order absorption and time-dependent clearance was established, and the time-dependence of clearance was modeled by a sigmoid Emax equation. Moreover, a semi-mechanism-based PK/PD model was developed, in which the auto-induction effect of DEX on its metabolizing enzyme CYP3A was integrated and drug potency was described using an Emax equation. The PK/PD model was further used to predict the drug efficacy when the auto-induction effect was or was not considered, which further revealed the necessity of adding the auto-induction effect into the final PK/PD model. This study established a semi-mechanism-based PK/PD model for characterizing the time-dependent pharmacokinetics of DEX and its anti-cancer effect in breast cancer xenograft mice. The model may serve as a reference for DEX dose adjustments or optimization in future preclinical or clinical studies.

Two-dimensional self-assembly of hydrophobic nanoparticles at oil/water interfaces via nanoscale phase separation of mixed ligands.

Hydrophobic nanoparticles were assembled into large-area monolayer films by combining oil/water interfacial self-assembly and phase separation of mixed ligands. Mixed ligands-capped nanoparticles were prepared simply by partially replacing the initial ligands of nanoparticle surfaces with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate that O atom of PVP binds to the nanoparticle surface, changing the wettability of the nanoparticle. By controlling the polarity of solvent, nanoparticles can spontaneously migrate to toluene/water interfaces, forming large-area, close-packed monolayer films. This approach provides a straightforward way to fabricate nanoparticle films with a centimeter-scale size without LB trough, and may have potential applications in the fabrication of catalytic electrodes and photovoltaic electrodes.

[The research of the foamy fracture fixation splint].

A new production method of fracture fixation splint is introduced in the paper. The basic raw materials are multi-isocyanic acid, mixed with surfactants, catalysts, fillers, and so on. The splint, with light weight, high strength, and good injured anastomosis site, could be able to shape easily. It is dry and comfortable, avoiding a gas-tight uncomfortable feeling, easy to remove, remodel, nurse, clean and disinfect after fixed. Patients also could film review directly with fixed splint.

The effect of co-cultivation and selection parameters on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Chinese soybean varieties.

In the present study, an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated gene transformation system was developed for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] based on the examinations of several factors affecting plant transformation efficiency. Increased transformation efficiencies were obtained when the soybean cotyledonary node were inoculated with the Agrobacterium inoculum added with 0.02% (v/v) surfactant (Silwet L-77). The applications of Silwet L-77 (0.02%) during infection and L-cysteine (600 mg l(-1)) during co-cultivation resulted in more significantly improved transformation efficiency than each of the two factors alone. The optimized temperature for infected explant co-cultivation was 22 degrees C. Regenerated transgenic shoots were selected and produced more efficiently with the modified selection scheme (initiation on shoot induction medium without hygromycin for 7 days, with 3 mg l(-1) hygromycin for 10 days, 5 mg l(-1) hygromycin for another 10 days, and elongation on shoot elongation medium with 8 mg l(-1) hygromycin). Using the optimized system, we obtained 145 morphologically normal and fertile independent transgenic plants in five important Chinese soybean varieties. The transformation efficacies ranged from 3.8 to 11.7%. Stable integration, expression and inheritance of the transgenes were confirmed by molecular and genetic analysis. T(1) plants were analyzed and transmission of transgenes to the T(1 )generation in a Mendelian fashion was verified. This optimized transformation system should be employed for efficient Agrobacterium-mediated soybean gene transformation.

[Effects of specific small interfering RNA on Smoothened expression and LoVo cell proliferation and apoptosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) on Smoothened (Smo) gene expression and the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer LoVo cells. METHODS: Three different siRNAs (siRNA-1, siRNA-2, and siRNA-3, respectively) were transfected into LoVo cells via cationic liposome, and the changes of Smo mRNA level were determined using semi-quantitative RT-PCR 48 h after transfection. Flow cytometry and MTT assay were performed to assess the effect of the siRNAs on the proliferation and apoptosis of LoVo cells. RESULTS: Forty-eight hours after Smo siRNA-1 transfection, Smo mRNA expression in LoVo cells decreased by about 63.56%, a reduction significantly greater than that in cells transfected with the other two siRNAs. The cell proliferation decreased significantly after Smo siRNA-1 transfection in comparison with the control cells, and 48 h after transfection, significantly higher apoptosis rate was observed in Smo siRNA-1-transfected cells than in the control cells. CONCLUSION: Specific siRNA can significantly decrease Smo mRNA expression and inhibit the proliferation while inducing apoptosis of LoVo cells.

[The tracking of allogenic grafted rat bone marrow stem cells in rat liver and their role on repairing injured liver].

OBJECTIVE: To study the location, immigration of allogenic grafted Feridex-labeled rat bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in chemically-induced acute injured livers and their role on repairing the injured liver function. METHODS: The rat models of chemically-induced acute hepatic injury established with CCl4 Feridex-labeled BMSCs were injected into the injured livers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was conducted on rat livers, the levels of ALT, AST and Fe3+ in the serum and hepatic tissues were studied 6 h before and 6 h, 1 w and 5 w after injection. RESULTS: Cellular necrosis, congestion in the hepatic sinusoid and infiltration of inflammatory cells were seen in the model livers. Above 90 percent of the cells were Feridex-labeled BMSCs positive by prussian blue staining and iron particles were found in their endochylema through electron microscopy. MRI examination at the sequence of SE-T2WI showed remarkably low signal changes 6 h after injecting Feridex-labeled BMSCs and the site with signal changes gradually expanded 1 and 5 w after injection. Comparatively, the changes of low signal images at each time point in the injured livers were more obvious than those of the controls at all time points, respectively. Simultaneously, pathological injuries in the livers were ameliorated and the levels of ALT and AST in serums declined: these changes in the Feridex-labeled BMSCs group were more obvious than those in the non-Feridex-labeled BMSCs group. Uniformly, there were no significant differences between the Feridex-labeled BMSCs group and the non-Feridex-labeled BMSCs group in view of histopathological examination and serological examination (including ALT, AST, Fe3+ levels) at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: The liver function in the model of chemically-induced acutely-injured liver may be repaired by BMSCs implantation. Traced by MRI, BMSCs in the injured liver of rats disperse at a higher rate than in the normally fed ones.

[Antitumor effect of GPI-CD80 fusion protein in nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the antitumor effect GPI-CD80 fusion protein and its mechanisms. METHODS: A tumor vaccine was prepared by culturing HepG2 cells in the presence of purified GPI-CD80 followed by inactivation with mitomycin, with mitomycin-inactivated HepG2 cells as the control group. The two preparations were co-cultured with nude mouse splenic lymphocytes, and the changes of lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were detected by MTT assay. The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity was evaluated by LDH-release assay, and the changes of gross tumor volume were measured in tumor-bearing nude mice after administration of different vaccines. RESULTS: The application of GPI-CD80 tumor vaccine resulted in significantly increased optical density, IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels and CTL activity of the nude mouse splenic lymphocytes in comparison with the control groups. The average tumor volume in nude mice treated with GPI-CD80 tumor vaccine was significantly smaller than that in negative control and blank control groups. CONCLUSION: GPI-CD80 fusion protein may inhibit the tumor growth velocity in nude mice, possibly by promoting lymphocyte proliferation, stimulating the production of the cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and enhancing of CTL activity.

[Factors influencing Agrobacterium-mediated cotyledonary-node transformation of soybean (Glycine max L.)].

Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 carrying binary vector p1301, which containing the gus and hpt genes, a highly efficient transformation system was developed based on the study of factors influencing the Agrobacterium-mediated cotyledonary-node transformation of soybean. The results demonstrated the additions of acetosyringone (200 micromol/L) and ascorbatic acid (50 mg/L) in both infection medium and co-cultivation medium resulted in a significant increase in the transformation efficiency. The induction of the shoots was benefited from the combined utilization of Carbnicillin (250 mg/L) and Cefotaxime (100 mg/L). The inclusion of a 7-d resting step made the selection scheme using hygromycin B as the selective agent more efficient to produce transgenic shoots. Using the optimized transformation procedure, three soybean cultivars widely grown in North China were successfully transformed and the frequency of PCR-positive plant ranged from 3.8%-7.6%. The integration of the transgenes into the soybean nuclear genome was confirmed by PCR analysis using gus- and hpt-specific primers and by Southern blot using hpt-specific probe.

[Histological observations of chemically induced acute hepatic injury repaired by allogeneic bone marrow stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of repairing chemically induced acute hepatic injuries with allogeneic bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) transplantation. METHODS: A SD rat model of CCl(4)-induced acute hepatic injury was established, which received transplantation of BMSCs (2.0 ml, 1x10(6)/ml) or normal saline injection into the local liver parenchyma, respectively. The rats were sacrificed at 6 h before and 6 h, 1, and 5 weeks after transplantation, and the livers were prepared for microscopic examination. RESULTS: Cellular necrosis, bridging necrosis, congestion in the hepatic sinusoid, and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in the chemically injured livers 6 h after model establishment, and these changes were ameliorated in rats receiving BMSC transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic BMSC transplantation can repair chemically induced acute liver injuries.

[Microenvironment of positive pressure powered air purifying medical protective equipment].

OBJECTIVE: To study the filtration efficiency of a positive pressure powered air purifying medical protective equipment and the effect of the flow rate on the microenvironment of the equipment. METHODS: The filtration efficiency of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter was measured with the biologic aerosol of simulating virus (Escherichia coli bacteriophage f(2)). The simulation work was done at the walk rate of 4 km/h in summer. The effect of the flow rate on the oxygen content, the carbon dioxide content, the temperature and the humidity of the microenvironment of the equipment was investigated. The clinical experiments were conducted in three appointed hospital for fighting against SARS. RESULTS: The HEPA filter could filtrate 99.99% simulating viruses in the air. When the flow rate ranged from 75 to 125 L/min, the microenvironment parameters of the equipment were: the oxygen content was between 19.6% and 20.1% (the physiological safety limit is more than 14.6%); the carbon dioxide content ranged from 0.43% to 0.57% (the physiological safety limit is less than 1.0%); the temperature was between 32.0 degrees C to 32.2 degrees C; the humidity ranged from 49.7% to 59.4% (the physiological safety limit is the temperature 31 degrees C and the humidity 85% or temperature 38 degrees C and humidity 50%). Each microenvironment parameter met the demand of a healthy person under the normal workload. In the clinical experiments, the doctors wearing the equipment who performed the tracheotomy for a SARS patient in a deep coma were not infected. CONCLUSION: The medical protective equipment can protect the doctor and nurse in SARS contaminated areas effectively and improve their work conditions.

Site-specific DNA excision in transgenic rice with a cell-permeable cre recombinase.

The removal of selected marker genes from transgenic plants is necessary to address biosafety concerns and to carry out further experiments with transgenic organisms. In the present study, the 12-amino-acid membrane translocation sequence (MTS) from the Kaposi fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-4 was used as a carrier to deliver enzymatically active Cre proteins into living plant cells, and to produce a site-specific DNA excision in transgenic rice plants. The process, which made cells permeable to Cre recombinase-mediated DNA recombination, circumvented the need to express Cre under spatiotemporal control and was proved to be a simple and efficient system to achieve marker-free transgenic plants. The ultimate aim of the present study is to develop commercial rice cultivars free from selected marker genes to hasten public acceptance of transgenic crops.

[Expression of Smo protein and the downstream transcription factor Gli1 protein in Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway in gastric carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of Smo protein and the downstream transcription factor Gli1 protein in Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway in gastric carcinoma. METHODS: A tissue microarray was constructed using 85 gastric carcinoma and 25 normal gastric mucosa specimens. The expression of Smo and Gli1 proteins were detected immunohistochemically and the correlation between their expression in gastric carcinoma was analyzed. RESULTS: Only weak expression, if any, of Smo and Gli1 proteins was detected in normal gastric mucosa, but in papillary adenocarcinoma, tubular adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, their expressions were significant increased as the differentiation degree was lowered. Smo protein expression in gastric carcinoma was significantly correlated with that of Gli1 protein with correlation coefficient of 0.989 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The abnormal activity of Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway may play an important role in the occurrence of papillary adenocarcinoma, tubular adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and this abnormality is associated with Smo protein overexpression, which upregulates the expression of the downstream transcription factor Gli1 protein.

[Investigation of the role of hepatic oval cell in primary hepatocarcinogenesis using specific Y chromosome].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of hepatic oval cell in primary hepatocarcinogenesis using specific Y chromosome. METHODS: The model of hepatic oval cell proliferation was established by feeding 30 male Wistar rats with 0.06% 3'3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) for 4 weeks. Another 40 female Wistar rats were equally randomized into two groups: control group and experimental group. Experimental group was inoculated with oval cells suspension from the prepared male rats under the hepatic amicula and fed with DAB for 14 weeks continuously to promote hepatocarcinogenesis. Control group was fed with DAB for 14 weeks. After primer fragments were worked out on the male rats' SRY genes using the software of primer design, DNAs were extracted from the hepatic carcinomas of the female rats of the two groups and then amplified with PCR. Electrophoretic analysis was performed on the products. RESULTS: After 14 weeks, primary hepatocarcinogenesis was found in the livers of all the 40 female rats. Electrophoresis showed the positive straps from the experimental group with the same length to the designed segments, whereas no positive straps were seen in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The hepatic oval cells can differentiate into hepatic cancer cells, which provides the evidence that the hepatocellular carcinoma has its source from the hepatic oval cells.