Efficacy of intermittent iron supplementation in children with mild iron-deficiency anemia. / å„¿ç«¥è½»åº¦ç¼ºé“æ€§è´«è¡€é—´æ­‡è¡¥é“ç–—æ³•çš„æœ‰æ•ˆæ€§ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy of intermittent iron supplementation in children with mild iron-deficiency anemia. METHODS: A total of 147 children with mild iron-deficiency anemia were enrolled in this prospective study. They were divided into an intermittent iron supplementation group (n=83) and a conventional iron supplementation group (n=64). The levels of hemoglobin were measured before treatment and after 1 and 3 months of treatment. The treat response rate and the incidence rate of adverse drug reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Both groups had a significant increase in the level of hemoglobin after iron supplementation (P<0.05). After 1 month of treatment, the conventional iron supplementation group had a significantly higher treatment response rate than the intermittent iron supplementation group (61% vs 42%, P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, there was no significant difference in the treatment response between the two groups (86% vs 78%, P>0.05). The incidence rate of adverse drug reactions in the conventional iron supplementation group was significantly higher than that in the intermittent iron supplementation group (25% vs 8%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For children with mild iron-deficiency anemia, although intermittent iron supplementation is inferior to conventional iron supplementation in the short-term efficacy, there is no significant difference in the long-term efficacy between the two methods, and compared with conventional iron supplementation, intermittent iron supplementation can reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions, alleviate family financial burdens, and improve treatment compliance of children, thus holding promise for clinical application.

Prevention and treatment effect of total flavonoids in Stellera chamaejasme L. on nonalcoholic fatty liver in rats.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing worldwide in parallel with the obesity epidemic. This study aims to investigate the effects of the total flavonoids in Stellera chamaejasme L. (TFSC) on the experimental NAFLD in high fat diet fed (HFD) rats. METHODS: NAFLD model was induced in male Wistar rats by high-fat diet, and the rats in NAFLD group were randomized into NAFLD group (n = 20) and TFSC-treated group (n = 60). Both groups were given high-fat diet, and the normal group (n = 20) was given normal diet. In addition, the TFSC treated group was administered TFSC orally once a day at a low dose of 100 mg/kg (n = 20), medium dose of 200 mg/kg (n = 20), and high dose of 400 mg/kg (n = 20) for 6 weeks. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed and body weight changes, lipid profiles in plasma and liver pathology were examined. The relative levels of fatty acid synthesis and ß-oxidation gene expression in hepatic tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: After the HFD administration for 4 weeks, the body weight,serum TC and TG levels in the rat of model group were significantly higher than in normal group (P < 0.05), and which Showed that the experimental NAFLD model was successfully established. While continual feeding with HFD deteriorated NAFLD and hyperlipidemia, and treatment with the different doses of TFSC effectively improved serum and liver lipid metabolism and liver function. A linear relationship between the dose of TFSC and blood lipid level was observed. The mRNA expression of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), Leptin (LEP) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) -γ were significantly lower in high-dose group compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). The hepatic mRNA expression of Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase1 (CYP7A1), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) -α were significantly higher in the high-dose group compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). However, no difference was detected in the middle-dose group or the low-dose group compared to the positive control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TFSC treatment effectively improved NAFLD-related hyperlipidemia and inhibited liver steatosis in rats, and accompanied by modulating the expression of genes for regulating lipid metabolism.

Transarterial chemoembolization plus stent placement for hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein tumor thrombus is an important indicator of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Transarterial chemoembolization is recommended as the standard first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Portal vein stent placement is a safe and effective therapy for promptly restoring flow and relieving portal hypertension caused by tumor thrombus. AIM: To assess the clinical significance of transarterial chemoembolization plus stent placement for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis. METHODS: We searched English and Chinese databases, assessed the quality of the included studies, analyzed the characteristic data, tested heterogeneity, explored heterogeneity, and tested publication bias. RESULTS: In total, eight clinical controlled trials were included. The results showed that the pressure in the main portal vein after stent placement was significantly lower than that with no stent placement. The cumulative stent patency and survival rates at 6 and 12 months were lower in the transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement group than in the transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement + brachytherapy/radiotherapy group. The survival rates of patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement for 6 and 12 months were higher than those of patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization alone. CONCLUSION: For Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis, transarterial chemoembolization plus stenting is effective. Transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement is more effective than transarterial chemoembolization alone. Transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement + brachytherapy/radiotherapy is more effective than transarterial chemoembolization + stenting.

Safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney patients with gross hematuria: Six case reports.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with gross hematuria. CASE SUMMARY: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating ADPKD patients with gross hematuria. Materials and methods: During the period from January 2018 to December 2019, renal transcatheter arterial embolization was carried out on 6 patients with polycystic kidneys and gross hematuria. Renal arteriography was performed first, and then we determined the location of the hemorrhage and performed embolization under digital subtraction angiography monitoring. Improvements in routine blood test results, routine urine test results, urine color and postoperative reactions were observed and analyzed. Results: Renal transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully conducted in 6 patients. The indices of 5 patients and the color of gross hematuria improved after surgery compared with before surgery. No severe complication reactions occurred. CONCLUSION: For autosomal dominant polycystic kidney syndrome patients with gross hematuria, transcatheter arterial embolization was safe and effective.

Infection by a previously uncharacterized Ehrlichia species in rodents from Inner Mongolia, Northern China.

Ehrlichia are intracellular bacteria of medical importance to both humans and domestic animals. They are mainly vectored by ticks and harbored by domestic and wild animals such as rodents. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Ehrlichia in rodents from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Northern China. In 2021, a total of 359 rodents representing 10 species were captured in two locations of Inner Mongolia: Siziwang Banner and Ar Horqin Banner. Subsequently, an Ehrlichia was detected and characterized in three Spermophilus dauricus and one Meriones unguiculatus. Its rrs, gltA, and groEL sequences have the highest identities of 100%, 87.9%, and 99.7% to known Ehrlichia species, respectively, and they form distinct clades in the phylogenetic trees. Ehrlichia strains mostly related to this species have been detected in ticks from Russia, suggesting that it may be exposed to humans and animals through tick bites. The pathogenicity of this Ehrlichia should be further studied.

The diverse genetic genotypes of Bartonella species circulating in rodents from Inner Mongolia, Northern China.

Bartonella are generally recognized as zoonotic pathogens of mammals, including many rodent species. However, data on the genetic diversity of Bartonella in some regions are still absent in China. In this study, we collected rodent samples (Meriones unguiculatus, Spermophilus dauricus, Eolagurus luteus, and Cricetulus barabensis) from Inner Mongolia located in Northern China. The Bartonella were detected and identified by sequencing the gltA, ftsZ, ITS, and groEL genes in them. An overall 47.27% (52/110) positive rate was observed. This may be the first report that M. unguiculatus and E. luteus harbor Bartonella. Phylogenetic and genetic analysis on gltA, ftsZ, ITS, and groEL genes indicated that the strains were divided into seven distinct clades, suggesting the diverse genetic genotypes of Bartonella species in this area. Of those, Clade 5 meets the criteria for identification as a novel species based on gene sequence dissimilarity to known Bartonella species and herein we name it "Candidatus Bartonella mongolica".

Biochemical Fulvic Acid Modification for Phosphate Crystal Inhibition in Water and Fertilizer Integration.

Biochemical fulvic acid (BFA), produced by organic wastes composting, is the complex organic matter with various functional groups. A novel modified biochemical fulvic acid (MBFA) which possessed stronger chelating ability had been synthesized by the grafting copolymerization of BFA and acrylic acid (AA). Results showed that MBFA effectively inhibited the crystallization of calcium phosphate and increased the concentration of phosphate in water solution. The optimum reaction conditions optimized by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology were reaction temperature 69.24 °C, the mass of monomer to fulvic acid ratio 0.713, the initiator dosage 19.78%, and phosphate crystal-inhibition extent was 96.89%. IR spectra demonstrated AA was grafted onto BFA. XRD data and SEM images appeared the formation and growth of calcium phosphate crystals was effectively inhibited by MBFA.

[The Mechanism of Artesunate Combined with Cytarabine and/or Daunorubicin on the Apoptosis of MV4-11 MLL-rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of artesunate (ARTS) combined with cytarabine(Ara-C) and/or daunorubicin (DNR) on the proliferation and apoptosis of MV4-11 human mixed-lineage leukemia rearranged（MLL-r） acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line. METHODS: CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation effect of individual or in combination of ARTS, DNR, Ara-C on MV4-11 cells. The IC50 of ARTS, DNR and Ara-C was calculated separately. The cell apoptosis and expression of receptors DR4 and DR5 were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in each groups. RESULTS: The inhibition effect of ARTS, Ara-C and DNR on the proliferation of MV4-11 were all dose-dependently (r=0.99, 0.90 and 0.97, respectively). The IC50 of ARTS, Ara-C and DNR on MV4-11 for 48 hours were 0.31 µg/ml, 1.43 µmol/L and 22.47 nmol/L, respectively. At the dose of ARTS 0.3 µg/ml， Ara-C 1.0 µmol/L and DNR 15 nmol/L, the proliferation rate for 48 hours of the tri-combination treatment was significantly lower than that of the bi-combination treatment, while both were significantly lower than that of the individual treatment (all P＜0.05). In terms of bi-combination treatment, the cells proliferation rate for 48 hours of the ARTS+Ara-C group was significantly lower than that of the ARTS+DNR group, while both were significantly lower than that of the Ara-C+DNR group (all P＜0.05). The cooperativity index (CI) of bi- and tri-combination treatment were all less than 1. After 48 hours of drug action, the cell apoptosis rate of the ARTS+DNR+Ara-C group was significantly higher than that of the Ara-C+DNR group, while both were significantly higher than that of the ARTS+DNR group (all P＜0.05). Meanwhile, the was no statistical difference between the cells apoptotic rate of the ARTS+DNR+Ara-C group and the ARTS+Ara-C group (P>0.05). The expression of DR4 and DR5 also showed no difference between control group and drug group. Compared with the DNR+Ara-C group, the expressions of Caspase-3 were significantly down-regulated in both the ARTS+DNR+Ara-C group and the ARTS+Ara-C group (all P＜0.05). The down-regulation of Caspase-3 expression was the most significantly in the combination group of three drugs, while the Caspase-9 expressions in different groups showed no apparent change. CONCLUSION: The in vitro study showed that tri-combination of ARTS+Ara-C+DNR and bi-combination of ARTS+Ara-C could inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of MV4-11 cell line. The inhibition effect of these two combinations were significantly superior to that of the traditional Ara-C+DNR treatment. The mechanism underlying this finding may be identified by the down regulation of Caspase-3, while no altered expression was observed of Caspase-9, DR4 and DR5.

A fluid-structure interaction model accounting arterial vessels as a key part of the blood-flow engine for the analysis of cardiovascular diseases.

According to the classical Windkessel model, the heart is the only power source for blood flow, while the arterial system is assumed to be an elastic chamber that acts as a channel and buffer for blood circulation. In this paper we show that in addition to the power provided by the heart for blood circulation, strain energy stored in deformed arterial vessels in vivo can be transformed into mechanical work to propel blood flow. A quantitative relationship between the strain energy increment and functional (systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse blood pressure) and structural (stiffness, diameter and wall thickness) parameters of the aorta is described. In addition, details of blood flow across the aorta remain unclear due to changes in functional and other physiological parameters. Based on the arterial strain energy and fluid-structure interaction theory, the relationship between physiological parameters and blood supply to organs was studied, and a corresponding mathematical model was developed. The findings provided a new understanding about blood-flow circulation, that is, cardiac output allows blood to enter the aorta at an initial rate, and then strain energy stored in the elastic arteries pushes blood toward distal organs and tissues. Organ blood supply is a key factor in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD), which are caused by changes in blood supply in combination with multiple physiological parameters. Also, some physiological parameters are affected by changes in blood supply, and vice versa. The model can explain the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic diseases such as CCVD and hypertension among others, and the results are in good agreement with epidemiological studies of CCVD.

SDF-1α Facilitates Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Induce Regulatory B Cell Differentiation from Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia.

B cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) by participating in humoral immunity. Meanwhile, regulatory B cells (Bregs), one subset of B cells, express negative regulatory effect on ITP. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated in the ability to induce immunosuppression, and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) plays an important role in the migration and survival of MSCs. To investigate the mechanism of SDF-1α in controlling umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) in inducing regulatory B cell differentiation of patients with ITP, we reconfirmed that SDF-1α promotes the proliferation of MSCs at the low doses of 0.05 µg/mL and 0.1 µg/mL but inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of UC-MSCs at the high doses 0.5 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL; when UC-MSCs are cocultured with SDF-1α at 0.1 µg/mL, the decreased proportion of CD19+/CD24hi/CD38hi cells and IL-10-producing B cells (B 10 cell), considered as the Breg subset from ITP significantly enhanced, and the content of IL-10 in the supernatant is also obviously increased. The proportion of Bregs and the IL-10 secretion could be further promoted by the UC-MSCs treated with 0.1 µg/mL SDF-1α, which could also promote the miRNA-133 expression of UC-MSCs in an exosome-dependent manner; moreover, while the UC-MSCs were transfected with the miR-133 inhibitor, the proportion of induced Bregs decreased obviously when cocultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ITP. We conclude that UC-MSCs could effectively enhance the decreased proportion of Bregs from ITP; at appropriate concentrations, SDF-1α may promote the proliferating and survival ability of UC-MSCs and improve the production of Bregs induced by UC-MSCs through controlling miRNA-133 expression in the exosomes.

Genetic source tracking of human plague cases in Inner Mongolia-Beijing, 2019.

On 12 November 2019, one couple from the Sonid Left Qi (County) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was diagnosed with pneumonic plague in Beijing. The wife acquired the infection from her husband. Thereafter, two bubonic plague cases were identified in Inner Mongolia on November 16th and 24th. In this study, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was used to identify the phylogenetic relationship of Yersinia pestis strains isolated in Inner Mongolia. Strains isolated from reservoirs in 2018 and 2019 in Inner Mongolia, together with the strain isolated from Patient C, were further clustered into 2.MED3m, and two novel lineages (2.MED3q, 2.MED3r) in the 2.MED3 population. According to the analysis of PCR-based molecular subtyping methods, such as the MLVA 14 scheme and seven SNP allele sequencing, Patients A/B and D were classified as 2.MED3m. In addition, strains from rodents living near the patients' residences were clustered into the same lineage as patients. Such observations indicated that human plague cases originated from local reservoirs. Corresponding phylogenetic analysis also indicated that rodent plague strains in different areas in Inner Mongolia belong to different epizootics rather than being caused by spreading from the same epizootic in Meriones unguiculatus in 2019.

Human Plague Case Diagnosed in Ningxia Tracked to Animal Reservoirs - Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, 2021.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: There were a total of 4 and 3 human plague cases that occurred in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2019 and 2020, respectively, with 1 and 2 deaths in 2019 and 2020 respectively, which indicated that plague still poses a significant threat to human health especially for farmers, shepherds, or residents living in native plague foci. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: On August 14, 2021, 1 patient from the Otog Qi (County) in the Inner Mongolia sought treatment in Yinchuan City (the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), where the patient was diagnosed with bubonic plague and secondary septicemic plague. The genetic source tracking of associated Yersinia pestis strains indicated that human plague cases were infected from animal reservoirs in Inner Mongolia. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Major threats of plague to residents living in native plague foci are the infection by bites of bacterium-bearing fleas or direct contact with diseased or dead plague-infected animals. And the ability of early diagnostic is very critical for county-level hospital in native plague foci.

AIE active salicylaldehyde-based hydrazone: A novel single-molecule multianalyte (Al3+ or Cu2+) sensor in different solvents.

A simple asymmetric hydrazone 1 based on salicylaldehyde was designed and prepared, and exhibited an evident aggregation-induced emission (AIE) at a long wavelength of 570 nm in aqueous medium. Probe 1 can selectively sense Al3+ in CH3OH solution through the chelation-enhanced fluorescence mechanism and also recognize Cu2+ via fluorescence quenching in H2O solution through the Cu2+-induced assembly of aggregates. In addition, the probe can be applied for detecting Cu2+ in biological samples.

Isolated Cases of Plague - Inner Mongolia-Beijing, 2019.

What is already known about this topic? Plague is an acute infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis (Y . pestis) and is primarily transmitted by rodents. Human can be infected by bites of bacterium-bearing fleas or direct contact with diseased or dead plague-infected animals. In 2004, the last human plague case was reported in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region due to skinning a dead hare. What is added by this report? This is the first case of pneumonic plague imported into a major city since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Two primary pneumonic plague cases (Patients A and B) found in residents of Inner Mongolia were confirmed in Beijing on November 12, 2019. Another case (Patient C) of Y. pestis was identified as bubonic plague on November 14. Patient A most likely became infected from aerosol exposure to infective droplets while digging on his farm, located in an Meriones unguiculatus (M. unguiculatus) natural plague focus. Patient B became infected from contact with Patient A (her husband). Patient C became infected after skinning a dead hare. There was no epidemiological relationship between the Patient A/B and Patient C. What are the implications for public health practice? When epizootic plague is detected, local health-care providers and the public should be alerted about any possible risks. Public education efforts should focus on promoting personal protection measures.

Dietary iodine and selenium affected the mRNA expression levels of skin monodeiodinase (II, III) in Liaoning Cashmere goats.

Livestock are frequently provided nutrient-depleted diets, which can negatively impact animal health and productivity. In our previous trial, we found that iodine (I) supplementation (not selenium (Se)) could increase cashmere production. In order to explore the role of I and Se in cashmere growth, we investigated the effects of dietary I and Se supplementation in Liaoning cashmere goats. Serum thyroid hormone status and the mRNA expression levels of skin monodeiodinase (MDII, MDIII) were measured during the cashmere fiber growth period. Forty-eight 2.5-year-old Liaoning cashmere goats (38.6 ± 2.65 kg BW) were divided into six equal groups, and their diets were supplemented with I (0, 2, or 4 mg/kg DM) and Se (0 or 1 mg/kg DM) in a 2 × 3 factorial treatment design. The six treatment groups were: I(0)Se(0), I(2)Se(0), I(4)Se(0), I(0)Se(1), I(2)Se(1), and I(4)Se(1). Concentrations of I and Se in the basal diet (group I(0)Se(0)) were 0.67 and 0.09 mg/kg DM, respectively. The trial started in September of 2009 and lasted 70 days. For every measured parameter, supplemental Se had no significant effect on thyroid hormones, but improved the mRNA expression levels of skin MDIII (P < 0.01). However, supplemental I increased levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) and improved the mRNA expression levels of skin MDII (P < 0.05). These results show that the addition of I to cashmere goat feedstock may be an effective means of increasing cashmere production through thyroid hormones regulating the mRNA expression of skin MDII.

[Relationship between the polysomnography and body mass index in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome on children's growth and to discuss operative standards. METHOD: Five hundred and eighty-two children who were 2.5 to 10 years old were monitored with polysomnography(PSG). The index included apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) and computed body mass index (BMI) which was measured with heights and weights. RESULT: Comparing with the normal children in the same age period and the same sex, boys' BMI had distinguished differences (P < 0.01) when AHI > or =2 and girls BMI had distinguished differences (P < 0.01) when AHI > or =1. CONCLUSION: We Suggests to define the diagnosis and operative standards of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome at AHI > or =2.