Psychological capital and alienation among patients with COVID-19 infection: the mediating role of social support.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection continues all over the world, causing serious physical and psychological impacts to patients. Patients with COVID-19 infection suffer from various negative emotional experiences such as anxiety, depression, mania, and alienation, which seriously affect their normal life and is detrimental to the prognosis. Our study is aimed to investigate the effect of psychological capital on alienation among patients with COVID-19 and the mediating role of social support in this relationship. METHODS: The data were collected in China by the convenient sampling. A sample of 259 COVID-19 patients completed the psychological capital, social support and social alienation scale and the structural equation model was adopted to verify the research hypotheses. RESULTS: Psychological capital was significantly and negatively related to the COVID-19 patients' social alienation (p < .01). And social support partially mediated the correlation between psychological capital and patients' social alienation (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Psychological capital is critical to predicting COVID-19 patients' social alienation. Social support plays an intermediary role and explains how psychological capital alleviates the sense of social alienation among patients with COVID-19 infection.

Survival and Versatility of the Flow-Through Lateral-Thigh Free Flap in Severe Electrical Injuries to the Wrist.

BACKGROUND: The hand and wrist are most often in contact with electrical currents and thus most vulnerable to severe electrical burns. The treatment of such severe injury via surgical intervention remains a big challenge because of the vast tissue necrosis and the segmental vascular injury. The flow-through lateral-thigh free flap has been used effectively to resurface these defects and to reconstruct segmental vascular defects. METHODS: Between January 2014 and June 2017, 11 male patients aged 19 to 53 years were admitted to the burn unit of our institution. Each presented with severe electrical burns to the wrist with long segmental vascular injury, and 2 cases suffered from electrical burn on both wrists. After radical debridement, the soft-tissue and segmental artery defects were rebuilt through the application of flow-through lateral-thigh free flap for 1 of the ulnar or radial artery injury (7/12). Ulnar artery defects were rebuilt through the application of flow-through lateral-thigh free flap, and radial artery revascularization was done using a greater saphenous vein graft for both ulnar and radial artery injuries (5/12). Vascular condition was closely monitored throughout the treatment period. RESULTS: Forearm amputation was performed in 1 case as a result of distal immediate necrosis postinjury. Successful limb salvage was achieved in the other 12 wrists. Infection beneath the flap occurred in 3 cases but resolved after debridement. Over the course of the 3- to 12-month follow-up period, the free flaps maintained good texture and sharpness, distal circulation of affected limb became well established, and the appearances of the donor sites were acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: High-voltage electrical burns of the wrist are highly destructive, and sophisticated management of damage requires concomitant vascular reconstruction and soft-tissue coverage. The flow-through anterolateral-thigh flap is an optimal solution for this problem. Emphasis must be placed on the affected blood vessel throughout the treatment period.

Factors influencing work engagement among male nurses: A structural equation model.

AIM: To investigate the male nurses' engagement in nursing work and the influencing factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 13 hospitals in China to collect data from 328 male nurses from August to October 2021. A structural equation model design was tested with validated measurement instruments. RESULTS: The work engagement of male nurses in China was at a medium level. There was a high correlation of the male nurses' work engagement with career identity (r = 0.764, p < 0.01), career success (r = 0.735, p < 0.01) and social support (r = 0.477, p < 0.01). The linear multivariate regression analysis showed that career satisfaction (ß = 0.393), career identity (ß = 0.392) and subjective support (ß = 0.116) entered regression equation of male nurses' work engagement (all p < 0.05). The structural equation model results showed that career identity and social support were the influencing factors of the male nurses' work engagement and the model explained variation of 66.4% variables. CONCLUSION: To know the male nurses' work engagement and influencing factors in China has certain enlightening significance for male nurses themselves and nursing manager. On the one hand, it is necessary to enhance the male nurses' career recognition to nursing work. On the other hand, the society should provide more aid and support to the male nurses. Therefore, the male nurses could devote more into nursing work and promote the nursing development.

[Proliferation effects of sirolimus, cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil on human transitional cell carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To compared the effects of three immunosuppressive agents, i.e. sirolimus (SRL), cyclosporine A (CsA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), with different mechanisms of action on the in vitro growth of various tumor cell lines of human transitional cell carcinoma of bladder cell lines EJ and T24 and in vivo growth of cell line of EJ in nude mice model. METHODS: The effects of SRL, CsA and MMF on the proliferation of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder cell lines were examined with the method of methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The effects of these immunosuppressants on tumor growth and metastasis were explored in a nude mice model with human transitional cell carcinoma of bladder cell line EJ. Forty-two nude mice were divided into 7 groups to receive normal saline (control), SRL, CsA, MMF, SRL + CsA, SRL + MMF and CsA + MMF respectively (n = 6 each). RESULTS: The in vitro cell proliferation was inhibited by SRL and MMF versus the control groups. But no obvious inhibition of proliferation was observed at < 1000 ng/ml in the CsA-treated group. In the in vivo nude mice mode, the tumor volume of SRL, CsA group were lower than that in control group ((441 ± 231), (463 ± 110) vs (1032 ± 382) mm(3), both P < 0.05). In the in vivo nude mice mode of EJ treated by SRL, CsA, SRL + CsA, SRL + MMF and CsA + MMF, tumor volume at Day 23 was the lowest in the SRL + CsA group ((191 ± 92) vs (1032 ± 382) mm(3), P < 0.05). There was an inhibition of 75.26% in SRL + CsA group versus the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: SRL and MMF demonstrate dose-dependent antiproliferative effects in human transitional cell carcinoma of bladder cell both in vitro and in vivo. CsA can inhibit the growth of human transitional cell carcinoma of bladder cell lines EJ cells in vivo.

[Effects of mild hypothermia on low cardiac output after cardiac surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of mild hypothermia on low cardiac output in patients after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Twelve patients manifesting low cardiac output after cardiac surgery despite of the use of massive doses of catecholamine and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) underwent mild hypothermia during May 2009 to February 2011. Changes in hemodynamic parameters of the patients were measured, including cardiac index (CI),mixed venous oxygen saturation [SvO(2)] and urine volume. RESULTS: In the process of mild hypothermia treatment, bladder temperature of patients was lowered to 33-35 centigrade in order to reduce the body oxygen demand. The CI [ml·s(-1)·m(-2)]of patients after mild hypothermia treatment was increased obviously (38.34 ± 5.00 vs. 30.01 ± 5.00), the same as SvO(2) (0.64 ± 0.07 vs. 0.54 ± 0.08) and urine output [ml·kg(-1)·h(-1): 3.0 ± 2.1 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1, all P < 0.05]. However, there was no significant change in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and blood oxygen pressure. CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia is an effective and simple procedure to improve the cardiac function in patients after cardiac surgery complicated with low cardiac output.

Latent profile analysis of security among patients with COVID-19 infection in mobile cabin hospitals and its relationship with psychological capital.

Aim: COVID-19 patients' security is related to their mental health. However, the classification of this group's sense of security is still unclear. The aim of our research is to clarify the subtypes of security of patients infected with COVID-19, explore the factors affecting profile membership, and examine the relationship between security and psychological capital for the purpose of providing a reference for improving patients' sense of security and mental health. Methods: A total of 650 COVID-19 patients in a mobile cabin hospital were selected for a cross-sectional survey from April to May 2022. They completed online self-report questionnaires that included a demographic questionnaire, security scale, and psychological capital scale. Data analysis included latent profile analysis, variance analysis, the Chi-square test, multiple comparisons, multivariate logistical regression, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Three latent profiles were identified-low security (Class 1), moderate security (Class 2), and high security (Class 3)-accounting for 12.00, 49.51, and 38.49% of the total surveyed patients, respectively. In terms of the score of security and its two dimensions, Class 3 was higher than Class 2, and Class 2 was higher than Class 1 (all P < 0.001). Patients with difficulty falling asleep, sleep quality as usual, and lower tenacity were more likely to be grouped into Class 1 rather than Class 3; Patients from families with a per capita monthly household income <3,000 and lower self-efficacy and hope were more likely to be grouped into Classes 1 and 2 than into Class 3. Psychological capital was an important predictor of security, which could independently explain 18.70% of the variation in the patients' security. Conclusions: Security has different classification features among patients with COVID-19 infection in mobile cabin hospitals. The security of over half of the patients surveyed is at the lower or middle level, and psychological capital is an important predictor of the patients' security. Medical staff should actively pay attention to patients with low security and help them to improve their security level and psychological capital.

High conservation of hepatitis B virus surface genes during maternal vertical transmission despite active and passive vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to explore the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene heterogeneity and maternal vertical transmission. METHODS: HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates were selected and classified into a vertical infection neonate group (group N), a vertical infection mother group (group M) and a control group (group C). Serum HBsAg and HBeAg were examined. HBV gene fragments, including the pre-S1, and pre-S2 and S coding regions, were amplified and sequenced, and the genotype and serotype of the sequences were identified. Mutation sites and frequency of mutations were then compared between group N and group C. RESULTS: A total of 104 HBV clone sequences were obtained. All obtained sequences belonged to genotype C and serotype adr. Upon comparing sequences between group N and group C, 4 nonsynonymous mutations were found with significant difference in mutation frequency (p < 0.05). When the mothers were both HBsAg and HBeAg positive, 10 nonsynonymous mutations were found. The frequencies of these mutations were significantly lower in group N than in group C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 10 HBV mutations were negatively associated with vertical transmission when maternal HBeAg was positive. Furthermore, the species that were vertically transmitted to the fetus were mainly wild-type.

Radiotherapy of unicentric mediastinal Castleman's disease.

Castleman's disease is a slowly progressive and rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Here, we report a 55-year-old woman with superior mediastinal Castleman's disease being misdiagnosed for a long term. We found a 4.3 cm mass localized in the superior mediastinum accompanied with severe clinical symptoms. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, but the mass failed to be totally excised. Pathologic examination revealed a mediastinal mass of Castleman's disease. After radiotherapy of 30 Gy by 15 fractions, the patient no longer presented previous symptoms. At 3 months after radiotherapy of 60 Gy by 30 fractions, Computed tomography of the chest showed significantly smaller mass, indicating partial remission. Upon a 10-month follow-up, the patient was alive and free of symptoms.

Removal of trichlorobenzene using 'oxygen-enriched' highly active absorbent.

Fly ash, industry lime and an additive, Ca(ClO2)2 (C) were used to prepare the 'oxygen-enriched' highly active absorbent (HAA). The influencing factors for removal of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) using this absorbent such as reaction temperature, simulating gas flow rate, oxygen content, etc. were studied in a self-designed reactor. The optimum experimental conditions of removing 1,2,4-TCB are that the content of an oxidizing additive in the absorbent is 3% (wt), simulating gas flow rate is 100 mL/min, reaction temperature is 250 degrees C, and the content of oxygen in simulating gas is 6%. The maximum removal efficiency is 81.71% in 10 mins. The absorption capacity of the absorbent is 0.000111 g/g. The reaction products were determined by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/ MS), 2,6-Bis-[1,1-Dimethylethyl]-4-methyl-Phenol is considered to be the major intermediate product. The reaction route was revealed.

Development and preliminary evaluation of Chinese School-aged Children's Eating Behavior Scale.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a scale to assess eating behaviors of school-aged children (6-12 years old) in China. METHODS: To develop the scale, a literature review and qualitative interviews were conducted. The draft scale contained 115 items and went through three evaluations among three groups of caregivers (n = 140, 400, 700) selected from suburban and urban kindergartens in Xi'an, Hanzhong, and Yanan, China, from March 2017 to October 2018. The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using exploratory, confirmatory factor analysis, and variability analysis. RESULTS: The final scale consisted of 46 items across eight dimensions including food fussiness, satiety responsiveness, food responsiveness, bad eating habits, susceptible diet, restrained eating, enjoyment of food, and junk food addiction. The total cumulative variance contribution rate was 52.16%. The scale and dimensions' Cronbach's α coefficients, Guttman split-half reliability, and test- retest reliability were all above 0.65. The fitting indices for the confirmatory factor analysis were all close to 1. The scores for education of caregiver, family structure, and the body mass index of children were different among dimensions and groups, thus suggesting good discriminative utility. CONCLUSIONS: All of the results indicated that the scale has good reliability and construct validity for evaluating the eating behaviors of school-aged children in China.

[Prognosis of different operative procedures of coronary artery bypass grafting in the senile patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate myocardial protection and prognosis of the different operative procedures of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the senile patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: From July 2008 to June 2009, 125 cases (age ≥ 65 years old) underwent CABG were divided into 3 groups.Group A (70 cases) undertook off-pump CABG, group B (33 cases) undertook on-pump beating heart CABG. group C (22 cases) undertook on-pump CABG with cardiac arrest. Serum level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) activity were examined right before operation and 0, 24, 72 and 168 h after operation. The complications during perioperative period and the mortality were investigated. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the right before operation and 168 h after operation of the serum level of cTnI and CK-MB in the 3 groups (P > 0.05). The serum level of cTnI and CK-MB activity of group A was the lowest and group B was lower than group C. Group A was the best concerning the complications during perioperative period. The mortality of group A was lower than group B but no significant difference was found in the mortality between group A and C. No significant difference was found in the complications during perioperative period and the mortality between group B and C. CONCLUSION: Off-pump CABG could reduce myocardial injury and the complications during perioperative period in the senile patients.

[Correlation between major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A gene alleles and graft rejection in small intestine, liver and kidney transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A (MICA) gene alleles matching rates and graft rejection in small intestine, liver and kidney transplantation. METHODS: Genome DNA were extracted from blood samples or pathological sections collected from donors and recipients of living-related transplantation, included 4 cases of small bowel transplantation, 5 cases of liver transplantation and 6 cases of kidney transplantation. The correlation between MICA alleles matching rates and acute graft rejection was analyzed following 13 MICA alleles determination by polymerase chain reaction based on sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). RESULTS: HLA zygosity of all donors and recipients was confirmed to be half-matching. The recipients displaying higher matching rates of MICA alleles with donors showed lighter clinical and pathological rejection and longer survival time. On the contrary, recipients with lower matching rates of MICA alleles with donors showed severer clinical and pathological rejection and shorter survival time relatively. CONCLUSION: Matching rates of MICA alleles has negative relevance to acute rejection, and positive relevance to survival time of recipients in small bowel, liver, and kidney transplantation.

Quantitative associations between osteocyte density and biomechanics, microcrack and microstructure in OVX rats vertebral trabeculae.

Osteocytes actively regulate bone modeling and remodeling, direct skeletal mineralization, and regulate calcium/phosphate homeostasis and extracellular matrix metabolism; yet the specific role of osteocytes in maintaining bone structural integrity and strength is unknown. Studies have shown that the density of osteocytes decreases with age and estrogen deficiency, as seen in postmenopausal women. Here, we examined the relationships between osteocyte density and the related variables, including biomechanics, bone mineral density, microcrack and microstructure of vertebral trabeculae, in ovariectomized rats. We found that osteocyte density correlated with some of the parameters that determine the biomechanical quality of bone. Our findings suggest that osteocytes could play a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical quality of bone, and osteocyte density could be considered as an alternative index in assessing bone quality.

Hepatocyte growth factor combined with insulin like growth factor-1 improves expression of GATA-4 in mesenchymal stem cells cocultured with cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND: In a suitable microenvironment, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can transdifferentiate into myocardial cells whose special gene can be expressed as structural proteins. Growth factor (GF) plays an important role in the cell migration, survival and differentiation. However, the effect of GF on the cellular differentiation is not well understood. In this study, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were used in the mixed culture of BMSCs and myocardial cells and the effects of these growth factors on the GATA-4 expression of BMSCs were investigated. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated from the marrow of rabbit femurs and tibias and foetal rabbit ventricular myocytes were isolated with trypsin sequential digestion. These two kinds of cells were cocultured in a ratio of 1:1 for 6 weeks; cocultured cells with added HGF and IGF-1 were the experimental group. The differentiated BMSCs were collected using the laser capture, microdissection system and their RNA isolated. Immunocytochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the transformation of the stem cells into cardiomyocytes like cells. RESULTS: When cultured separately, BMSCs did not express alpha-actin and the stem cells had many nucleoli. However, when cocultured with cardiomyocytes, BMSCs expressed alpha-actin and the cardiac transcription factor GATA-4 and showed cardiomyocyte like ultrastructure. In comparison with the control group, the experimental group exhibited the enhanced expression level of GATA-4. The GATA-4 expression of BMSCs increased gradually following the addition of HGF and IGF-1, reached the maximal level after two weeks and decreased slightly thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: BMSCs can transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes like cells and express the cardiac transcription factor GATA-4 after being cocultured with myocardial cells. HGF and IGF-1 can stimulate transdifferentiation of BMSCs into cardiac phenotype and enhance the expression of GATA-4. These results indicate that growth factors have a great potential in clinical cellular therapy.

Comparison of transient changes in renal function between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of all patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) subsequently develop acute renal failure (ARF). The purpose of the study was to compare early transient changes in renal function within the first post-operative week following CABG in patients that were either off-pump or on-pump. METHODS: Eight hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients with isolated CABG in a single institution between January 1990 and August 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, including 518 off-pump and 331 on-pump patients. A multivariate Logistic regression model was constructed to identify risk factors for the development of AKI. RESULTS: Sixty-one off-pump patients and 63 on-pump patients developed AKI. Risk factors for the development of post-operative AKI included an ejection fraction > or =50% or < or =30%, a pulse pressure > or =60 mmHg, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, emergent procedure, triple-vessel disease, body mass index, peri-operative and post-operative. intra-aortic balloon pumping, NYHA class III and IV, and cardiopulmonary bypass. An ejection fraction > or =50% and peri-operative and post-operative intra-aortic balloon pumping were protective (OR <1). Peak serum creatinine for post-operative AKI was noted 12 hours and 24 hours in the off-pump and on-pump patients, respectively. Serum creatinine kinetics revealed rapid recovery in the 24th to 48th hour (off-pump) and the 48th to 72nd hour (on-pump). CONCLUSION: Renal protection strategies are indicated from general anesthesia induction until 48 and 72 hours post-operatively in off-pump and on-pump patients, respectively.

[Dynamic effects of glucocorticoid on bone mineral density and microarchitecture: experiment with rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the Dynamic effects of glucocorticoid (GC) on bone mineral density and microarchitecture time-related changes of trabecular bone in bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture in glucocorticoid-treated rats. METHODS: Fifty-two 3.5-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Ten rats were killed at the beginning of experiment with their right tibiae taken out as the baseline group; 22 rats underwent subcutaneous injection of methylprednisolone once daily (GC-treated group), and the other 20 rats underwent subcutaneous injection of normal saline once daily as control group. One and 9 weeks after the beginning of experiment 11 and 10 rats from GCT Group and control group each were killed with their right tibiae taken out. High resolution micro-CT was used to identify the densitometric and microarchitectural properties of the trabecula in the proximal metaphysic of tibia. RESULTS: Compared with the control group the values of volumetric BMD (vBMD), tissue BMD (tBMD), bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular number (Tb.N), degree of anisotropy (DA), and trabecular connectivity (Conn.D) in the trabecular bone at different time-points, of the GCT group all decreased; and the values in the ninth week were the lowest (all P < 0.05). The values of trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and structure model index (SMI) at different time-points of the GCT group were higher than those of the control group. A time-related analysis within the GCT group showed there was a declination in BVF, Conn.D, Tb.N, and DA with administration time, but Tb.Th and Tb.Sp were increased significantly (all P < 0.05). The mean values of Tb.Th in the first week and the ninth week of GCT Group were (0.076 +/- 0.020) mm and (0.086 +/- 0.026) mm respectively, both higher than the baseline value [(0.067 +/- 0.014) mm] and the values of the control group in the first and ninth weeks [(0.075 +/- 0.022) mm and (0.072 +/- 0.009) mm respectively]. CONCLUSION: Administration of GC time dependently decreases the BMD and causes deterioration in microarchitecture of trabecular bone; and the remaining trabeculae seem thicken to increase their strength as compensation.

[Bentall operation combined with total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation for serious Debakey I aortic dissecting aneurysm].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experience of Bentall operation combined with total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation for serious Debakey I aortic dissecting aneurysm. METHODS: Twelve patients with serious Debakey I aortic dissecting aneurysm underwent surgical treatment from January 2005 to December 2007. There were 10 male and 2 female with the mean age of (40.1 +/- 9.5) years old. There were acute aortic dissection in 9 cases, chronic aortic dissection in 3 cases. The inner diameter of aorta was (5.3 +/- 1.8) cm. There were Marfan syndrome in 4 cases, aortic regurgitation in all cases, severely persistent chest pain in 9 cases, acute left heart failure in 8 cases, and cardiac tamponade in 4 cases. Bentall operations combined with total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation were performed by using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion in all cases. RESULTS: Urgent surgery underwent in 9 cases. The mean interval between the onset of aortic dissection and the accomplishment of surgery was (41.0 +/- 15.9) hours. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was (191 +/- 26) min, average cross clamp time was (134 +/- 31) min, and average deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time was (50.0 +/- 14.5) min. One patient died in hospital. The time stayed in ICU was 3 to 27 d. Mental disorder in 6 cases, hemi-paralysis in 1 case, amputation in 1 case, hemorrhage of anastomosis in 1 case, hemorrhage of alimentary tract in 1 case, and pleural effusion in 4 cases were recorded. Eleven cases were followed-up for 8 weeks to 36 months. There were no bending of the stents and no obstruction in the vascular prosthesis.No re-operation was needed. One case died 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Bentall operation combined with total arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation is safe and effective for serious Debakey I aortic dissecting aneurysm, while good organs protection and consummate cardiopulmonary bypass were taken.

[Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury post off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) within the first postoperative week after off-pump or on-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB or CCAB) surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients underwent CABG between January 1990 and August 2006 in our institution and had normal serum creatinine (Scr) and estimated creatinine clearance (Ccr) values before operation were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the development of AKI defined as Scr 130 - 199 micromol/L or Ccr 30 - 60 mlxmin(-1)x1.73 m(-2). RESULTS: Incidence of AKI was significantly higher in patients underwent CCAB compared to those underwent OPCAB (63/331 vs. 61/518, P < 0.01). Peak Scr value was seen at 12th hour post OPCAB and 24th hour post CCAB, respectively. The rapid recovering of Scr occurred between 24th hour to 48th hour in patients underwent OPCAB and 48th hour to 72th hour in patients underwent CCAB surgery. Multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that LVEF < 30%, pulse pressure >/= 60 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, emergent procedure, triple-vessel disease, higher body mass index (kg/m(2)), intraoperative and postoperative IABP, NYHA class III or IV and cardiopulmonary bypass were risk factors for the development of postoperative AKI following CABG, while LVEF > 50% and intraoperative and postoperative IABP were associated with lower incidence of AKI (OR < 1). CONCLUSION: AKI is not a rare complication post OPCAB or CCAB surgery, especially in patients with reduced LVEF, increased pulse pressure, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, emergent procedure, triple-vessel disease, higher body mass index, intraoperative and postoperative IABP.

Screening cellular proteins binding to the core region of hepatitis C virus RNA genome with digoxin-labeled nucleic acids.

OBJECTIVE: To screen and identify cellular proteins binding to the core region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome. METHODS: The plasmid pHCV core was constructed to generate in vitro transcripts of the core region of HCV RNA genome. Ultraviolet (UV) cross-linking experiment and competition analysis were performed to screen HepG2 cellular proteins, which interact with digoxin-labeled transcripts of the core region of HCV RNA genome. RNA-binding proteins were separated by immunoprecipitation, analyzed by electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE and detected by immunoblotting with anti-digoxingenin-AP. After being excised from SDS-PAGE, the proteins bands were analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. RESULTS: Several cellular proteins of hepG2 cell specifically bound to the core region of HCV RNA genome. The binding of cellular proteins to digoxin-labeled HCV core RNA was competed out in proportion to the increasing amount of unlabeled RNA. One of the HCV RNA-binding proteins was the B (brain) isozyme of human phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-B) identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. CONCLUSION: PGAM-B could specifically bind to the core region of HCV RNA genome in vitro.

[X-chromosomal inactivation skewing in blood cells is associated with early development of lung].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the relationship between skewed X-chromosomal inactivation (SXCI) and development of lung cancer in females. METHODS: DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells from patients with primary lung cancer (n = 148) and control subjects (n =289). Exon 1 of androgen receptor ( AR) gene was amplified, with its products from different alleles resolved on denaturing polyacrylamide gels and visualized by silver staining. The corrected ratio (CR) between products from different AR alleles before and after Hpa II pretreatment was calculated. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: With CR> or = 10 adopted as the criterion, SXCI was found more frequently in the younger patients ( C50 years; 7. 9%) than in the controls of the same age group (1. 2% ; P = 0. 046). The SXCI frequency, however, were not significantly different between the old patients ( > 50 years; 4. 5% ) and the controls of the same age group (5. 4% ; P =0. 488). Whether taking CR> or =3 or CR> or =10 as the criteria, the average ages of the patients with SXCI were more than 10 years younger than those without SXCI (P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: SXCI in blood cells is associated with early development of lung cancer in females.