Computer-aided diagnosis system versus conventional reading system in low-dose (< 2 mSv) computed tomography: comparative study for patients at risk of lung cancer

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Computer-aided diagnosis in low-dose (≤ 3 mSv) computed tomography (CT) is a potential screening tool for lung nodules, with quality interpretation and less inter-observer variability among readers. Therefore, we aimed to determine the screening potential of CT using a radiation dose that does not exceed 2 mSv. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the diagnostic parameters of low-dose (< 2 mSv) CT interpretation results using a computer-aided diagnosis system for lung cancer screening with those of a conventional reading system used by radiologists. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a comparative study of chest CT images for lung cancer screening at three private institutions. METHODS: A database of low-dose (< 2 mSv) chest CT images of patients at risk of lung cancer was viewed with the conventional reading system (301 patients and 226 nodules) or computer-aided diagnosis system without any subsequent radiologist review (944 patients and 1,048 nodules). RESULTS: The numbers of detected and solid nodules per patient (both P < 0.0001) were higher using the computer-aided diagnosis system than those using the conventional reading system. The nodule size was reported as the maximum size in any plane in the computer-aided diagnosis system. Higher numbers of patients (102 [11%] versus 20 [7%], P = 0.0345) and nodules (154 [15%] versus 17 [8%], P = 0.0035) were diagnosed with cancer using the computer-aided diagnosis system. CONCLUSIONS: The computer-aided diagnosis system facilitates the diagnosis of cancerous nodules, especially solid nodules, in low-dose (< 2 mSv) CT among patients at risk for lung cancer.

Immunogenic molecules associated with gut bacterial cell walls: chemical structures, immune-modulating functions, and mechanisms

Interactions between gut microbiome and host immune system are fundamental to maintaining the intestinal mucosal barrier and homeostasis. At the host-gut microbiome interface, cell wall-derived molecules from gut commensal bacteria have been reported to play a pivotal role in training and remodeling host immune responses. In this article, we review gut bacterial cell wall-derived molecules with characterized chemical structures, including peptidoglycan and lipid-related molecules that impact host health and disease processes via regulating innate and adaptive immunity. Also, we aim to discuss the structures, immune responses, and underlying mechanisms of these immunogenic molecules. Based on current advances, we propose cell wall-derived components as important sources of medicinal agents for the treatment of infection and immune diseases.

Correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with metabolic-related fatty liver disease / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To explore the correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and insulin resistance (IR) in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with metabolic-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods A total of 454 male patients with T2DM combined with MAFLD in National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from May 2018 to July 2020 were enrolled. The general clinical data of subjects were collected, blood routine and biochemical indexes were tested, homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated, visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured. Accordingtothe MHR quartile, patients were divided into group Q1 (MHR≤0.38), group Q2 (0.38<MHR≤0.48), group Q3 (0.48<MHR≤0.64) and group Q4 (MHR>0.64) to compare the differences in measured indicators above. In addition, patients were divided into two groups according to HOMA-IR, HOMA-IR<2.5 and HOMA-IR≥2.5, and the differences in MHR were compared. Results The patients were divided into four groups according to MHR:group Q1 (n=115), group Q2 (n=110), group Q3 (n=120) and group Q4 (n=109). Fasting insulin (FINS) were respectively 6.17(4.20,9.76), 7.73(4.94,10.66), 8.92(5.32,11.33) and 9.13(5.25,12.27) mU/L, 2-hour postprandial insulin were 22.75(12.87,39.59), 27.55(16.44,39.77), 30.98(17.46,43.11) and 31.28(18.54,45.92) U/L. HOMA-IR were 3.12(1.63,4.25), 3.72(2.26,4.66), 3.87(2.48,5.44) and 3.95(2.42,5.31). Neutrophil (Neu) were 3.10(2.60,3.70), 3.20(2.50,3.93), 3.60(2.80,4.28), 4.20(3.30,5.00)×109/L. Subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were (181.27±53.60), (192.64±62.41), (199.53±61.40) and (203.69±71.51) cm2. They all increased gradually. However, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) [1.18(1.06,1.35), 1.02(0.86,1.17), 0.96(0.80,1.03) and 0.80(0.69,0.92) mmol/L] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) [(3.00±0.79), (2.76±0.83), (2.67±0.85) and (2.59±0.92) mmol/L] decreased gradually. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation analysis showed that MHR was positively correlated with FINS, 2-hour postprandial insulin (2hINS), HOMA-IR, VFA and SFA (r=0.190, 0.153, 0.184, 0.114, 0.127, P<0.05). The coronary heart disease history, systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting plasmaglucose (FPG), FINS, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood uric acid (Ur), body mass index (BMI), VFA, SFA and MHR of patients in group HOMA-IR≥2.5 were higher than group HOMA-IR<2.5 (P<0.05). Conclusion　MHR is positively correlated with IR in male patients with T2DM combined with MAFLD, and as MHR increases, the degree of IR is higher.

The differences between modern modes of biathlon training at the olympic winter games / As diferenças entre os modos modernos de treinamento de biatlo nos jogos olímpicos de inverno / Las diferencias entre las modalidades modernas de entrenamiento de biatlón en los juegos olímpicos de invierno

ABSTRACT Introduction The biathlon is a snow sport that combines cross-country skiing and shooting, originating in Scandinavia. It requires athletes to not only have the ability to glide quickly over long distances but also to have the ability to shoot quickly and accurately. There is little research on biathlon characteristics and analysis of influencing factors and training strategies in China. Objective This study analyzes modern biathlon athletes' specific explosive power, endurance and training effects at the Winter Olympics. Methods Twenty biathlon athletes were selected as research volunteers. Physiological and biochemical indicators of the athletes were experimentally tested after training. Results There was a correlation between maximum speed and the height of the athletes' double stand test (SD) (p < 0.05). The heavier athletes skied relatively faster. However, the excessive body fat rate is not conducive to maintaining high-intensity skiing in the long term. The athletes' VO2max was closely related to their skiing performance and shot hit percentage (p < 0.05). Conclusion Maintaining gun ski training can positively improve the competitive level of world-class biathletes. The athlete's muscles have a solid ability to generate high mechanical power in a short time. It is beneficial to take advantage of a favorable position after the start of the competition. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução O biatlo é um esporte de neve que combina esqui entre as montanhas e tiro, originário da Escandinávia. Requer que os atletas não só tenham a capacidade de deslizar rapidamente por longas distâncias, mas também que tenham a capacidade de atirar com rapidez e precisão. Existem poucas pesquisas sobre características do biatlo e análises de fatores de influência e estratégias de treinamento na China. Objetivo Este estudo analisa o poder explosivo específico, a resistência e os efeitos do treinamento dos atletas modernos de biatlo nos Jogos Olímpicos de Inverno. Métodos Selecionou-se 20 atletas de biatlo como voluntários de pesquisa. Os indicadores fisiológicos e bioquímicos dos atletas foram testados experimentalmente após o treinamento. Resultados Houve uma correlação entre a velocidade máxima e a altura do teste de duplo suporte (DP) dos atletas (p < 0,05). Os atletas mais pesados esquiam relativamente mais rápido. Porém a taxa excessiva de gordura corporal não é propícia para manter o esqui de alta intensidade a longo prazo. O VO2max dos atletas mostrou-se intimamente relacionado com seu desempenho de esqui e porcentagem de acertos no tiro (p < 0,05). Conclusão A manutenção do treinamento de esqui com armas pode desempenhar um papel positivo na melhoria do nível competitivo dos biatletas de classe mundial. Os músculos do atleta têm uma sólida capacidade de gerar alta potência mecânica em um curto período de tempo. É benéfico aproveitar uma posição favorável após o início da competição.Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El biatlón es un deporte de nieve que combina el esquí entre las montañas y el tiro, originario de Escandinavia. Requiere que los atletas no sólo tengan la capacidad de deslizarse rápidamente por largas distancias, sino también la capacidad de disparar con velocidad y precisión. Hay poca investigación sobre las características del biatlón y el análisis de los factores que influyen y las estrategias de entrenamiento en China. Objetivo Este estudio analiza la potencia explosiva específica, la resistencia y los efectos del entrenamiento de los atletas de biatlón moderno en los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno. Métodos Se seleccionaron veinte atletas de biatlón como voluntarios para la investigación. Los indicadores fisiológicos y bioquímicos de los atletas fueron comprobados experimentalmente después del entrenamiento. Resultados Hubo una correlación entre la velocidad máxima y la altura de la prueba de doble apoyo (DP) de los atletas (p < 0,05). Los atletas más pesados esquiaron relativamente más rápido. Sin embargo, la excesiva tasa de grasa corporal no es propicia para mantener el esquí de alta intensidad a largo plazo. Se demostró que el VO2max de los atletas estaba estrechamente relacionado con su rendimiento en el esquí y el porcentaje de aciertos en el tiro (p < 0,05). Conclusión El mantenimiento del entrenamiento de esquí de pistola puede desempeñar un papel positivo en la mejora del nivel competitivo de los biatletas de categoría mundial. Los músculos del atleta tienen una sólida capacidad para generar una gran potencia mecánica en un corto período de tiempo. Es beneficioso aprovechar una posición favorable tras el inicio de la competición. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Muscle strength coordination training for athletes in mountaineering sports / Treinamento de coordenação da força muscular dos atletas em esportes de montanhismo / Entrenamiento de la coordinación de la fuerza muscular de los atletas de deportes de montaña

ABSTRACT Introduction Rock climbing is a physical activity that requires excellent physical conditioning. In addition to improving physical fitness and motor coordination, rock climbing requires constant improvements in muscle coordination skill training to enhance its modern tactics. Objective Explore the muscular coordination skill training of rock climbers. Methods A random sample of 8 athletes were assigned to the experiment involving the measurement of athletes' body composition, serum creatine kinase and blood urea levels, and other biomarkers collected before and after the trial. Results There was a significant negative correlation between dynamic balance and motor coordination ability after training in extreme rock climbing sports. On the second day after the rock climbing exercise, the volunteers' body weight and fat content significantly reduced, and the concentration of creatine kinase (CK) and blood urea (BU) increased significantly. Conclusion The exploration of extreme sports' effect on improving athletes' muscle coordination ability showed that strength and coordination should be enhanced in rock climbing. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução A escalada em rocha é uma atividade física que exige excelente condicionamento físico. Além de melhorar a aptidão física e a coordenação motora, a escalada requer aperfeiçoamentos constantes no treinamento de habilidade em coordenação muscular para aprimoramento de suas táticas modernas. Objetivo Explorar o treinamento da capacidade de coordenação muscular de escaladores em rocha. Métodos Uma amostragem aleatória composta de 8 atletas foi designada para o experimento envolvendo a mensuração da composição corporal dos atletas, níveis séricos de creatina quinase e ureia sanguínea além de outros biomarcadores coletados antes e após o ensaio. Resultados Houve uma correlação negativa significativa entre o equilíbrio dinâmico e a capacidade de coordenação motora após o treinamento em esportes radicais de escalada em rocha. No segundo dia após o exercício de escalada em rocha, o peso corporal e o conteúdo de gordura dos voluntários mostrou uma redução significativa, e a concentração de creatina quinase (CK) e ureia sanguínea (BU) aumentaram significativamente. Conclusão A exploração do efeito dos esportes radicais na melhoria da capacidade de coordenação muscular dos atletas evidenciou que a força e a coordenação devem ser reforçadas no processo de escalada em rocha. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción La escalada en roca es una actividad física que exige una excelente condición física. Además de mejorar la forma física y la coordinación motriz, la escalada requiere una mejora constante en el entrenamiento de las habilidades de coordinación muscular para optimizar su táctica moderna. Objetivo Explorar el entrenamiento de las habilidades de coordinación muscular de los escaladores de roca. Métodos Se asignó una muestra aleatoria compuesta por 8 atletas al experimento que incluía la medición de la composición corporal de los atletas, los niveles de creatina quinasa sérica y de urea en sangre, además de otros biomarcadores recogidos antes y después de la prueba. Resultados Se observó una correlación negativa significativa entre el equilibrio dinámico y la capacidad de coordinación motriz tras el entrenamiento en deportes extremos de escalada. El segundo día después del ejercicio de escalada en roca, el peso corporal y el contenido de grasa de los voluntarios mostraron una reducción significativa, y la concentración de creatina quinasa (CK) y de urea en sangre (BU) aumentó significativamente. Conclusión La exploración del efecto de los deportes extremos en la mejora de la capacidad de coordinación muscular de los atletas puso de manifiesto que la fuerza y la coordinación deben mejorarse en el proceso de escalada en roca. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

The level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells can serve as a potential marker for evaluating the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease after haplo-PBSCT

Early and accurate diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is crucial for the prognosis of patients. This study identified a potential biomarker for the severity of aGVHD after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT). We included 20 healthy subjects and 57 patients who underwent haplo-PBSCT. Of these patients, 22 developed aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT. The results showed that patients with aGVHD had significantly increased levels of Tim-3+/Perforin+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells, but significantly decreased Galectin-9. The differences in Galectin-9 and Tim-3+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells between grade I-II aGVHD and III-IV aGVHD were also significant. In vitro, the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells from aGVHD patients was significantly increased after Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway activation, which decreased Granzyme B secretion. As revealed by univariate analysis, the level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells was a risk factor for severe aGVHD. ROC analysis demonstrated that high levels of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells had a significant diagnostic value for severe aGVHD, with an area under the curve of 0.854 and cut-off value of 14.155%. In conclusion, the binding of Tim-3 with exogenous Galectin-9 can promote apoptosis of CD8+ T cells and affect the secretion of Granzyme B. Tim-3+CD8+ T cells have the potential to serve as immunological markers for assessing the severity of aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT and identifying patients at a higher risk for severe aGVHD.

Abnormal expression of miRNA-122 in cerebral infarction and related mechanism of regulating vascular endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting CCNG1

Abstract Objective: To analyze the value of serum miRNA-122 expression in the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of Acute Cerebral Infarction (ACI) and the correlation mechanism of serum miRNA-122 on the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in ACI. Method: A total of 60 patients with ACI who were admitted to the emergency department of the Taizhou People's Hospital from January 1, 2019, to December 30, 2019, and 30 healthy controls during the same period were selected. General clinical data of all patients at admission were collected. Including age, sex, medical history, and inflammatory factors (C-Reactive Protein [CRP], Interleukin-6 [IL-6], Procalcitonin [PCT], Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipid carrier protein [NGAL]). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission and short-term prognosis (the Modified Rankin Score [mRS]) score at 3 months after onset were recorded. The expression level of miRNA-122 in the serum of patients with ACI and normal controls was detected by reverse-transcription quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-QPCR), and the correlation between the expression level of miRNA-122 in the serum of patients with ACI and the level of inflammatory factors, NIHSS and mRS scores were analyzed. The expression levels of miRNA-122 in the serum of patients with ACI, normal people, and Human Umbilical cord Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) cultured in a blank control group were detected by RT-QPCR and statistically analyzed. MTT and flow cytometry was used to compare the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in the miRNA-122 mimics and inhibitors transfection groups and the corresponding negative control group. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis-related factors Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and angiogenesis-related proteins Hes1, Notch1, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF), and CCNG1 were detected by RT-QPCR and Western blot. Bioinformatics methods predicted CCNG1 to be the target of miRNA-122, and the direct targeting relationship between CCNG1 and miRNA-122 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporting assay. Result: Serum miRNA-122 expression in patients with ACI was significantly higher than that in healthy controls, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.929, 95% Confidence Interval of 0.875‒0.983, and an optimal cut-off value of 1.397. The expression levels of CRP, IL-6, and NGAL in patients with ACI were higher than those in healthy control groups, p < 0.05; miRNA-122 was positively correlated with CPR, IL-6, NIHSS score, and mRS score. At 48h and 72h, the proliferation rate of HUVECs cells in the miRNA-122 mimics group decreased and the apoptosis rate increased. Cell proliferation rate increased, and apoptosis rate decreased significantly in the groups transfected with miRNA-122 inhibitors. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased in the miRNA-122 mimics transfection group, while those of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 were significantly decreased compared to those of the control group. The expression of Bax and Caspase-3 decreased, and the expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased in the transfected miRNA-122 inhibitors group. mRNA expression levels of Hes1, Notch1, VEGF, and CCNG1 in the miRNA-122 mimic transfected group were significantly decreased, while mRNA expression levels in the miRNA-122 inhibitors transfected group were significantly increased. Bioinformatics showed that there was a miRNA-122 binding site in the 3′UTR region of CCNG1, and dual luciferase assay confirmed that CCNG1 was the target of miRNA-122.

Factor analysis on serum biomarkers in patients with stage Ⅰ silicosis / 中国职业医学

@#Objective ， To investigate the role of serum chemokines and oxidative and antioxidant biomarkers in occupational （ silicosis） Methods silicosis hereinafter referred to as . A total of 58 patients with stage Ⅰ silicosis were selected as the - （ ）， research subjects using convenient sampling method. The serum levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 Nrf2 -（ - ） - （ - - ） - heme oxygenase 1 HO 1 and 8 isoprstaglandin F2α 8 iso PGF2α were determined by enzyme linked immunesorbent assay. （ ） （ - ） The serum levels of lipid peroxide LPO and total antioxidant capacity TAOC were determined by chemistry colorimetric method. - - （ - ）， Luminex flow fluorescence technology was used to detect the serum levels of interferon γ inducible protein10 IP10 macrophage （ ）- ， - - （ ） inflammatory protein MIP 1α MIP1β and macrophagederived chemokine MDC . The above indicators were analyzed by factor Results - analysis. The information extraction rate of the original indicators of the nine biomarkers was 58.5%96.5%. Four common ， ， （ ） ， factors were extracted including Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway helper T cell Th 1 dominant chemotaxis the total ， ， ， ， ， oxidation/antioxidant balance and Th2 dominant chemotaxis whose variance contribution rates were 32.2% 19.1% 16.4% ， ， Conclusion - and 11.8% respectively and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 79.5%. Both the oxidant antioxidant ， disturbance and the dominance chemotaxis are involved in the occurrence and development of silicosis and the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway plays the most critical role.

Epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies of infectious diseases in schools of Beijing from 2010 to 2020 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of infectious diseases at schools in Beijing from 2010 to 2020, providing evidence for the prevention and control strategies in school infectious diseases.@*Methods@#Information on public health emergencies was collected from Public Health Emergency Reporting System (the subsystem of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System) reported from 2010 to 2020.@*Results@#A total of 146 public health emergencies and 138 public health emergencies of infectious diseases in schools were reported in Beijing from 2010 to 2020, including 4 291 cases with the rate of 2.32% and affected or exposed 185 179 cases. There were significant difference in mean annual incidence rates( χ 2=782.46, P <0.01). There were 71 events of respiratory infectious diseases and 66 events of intestinal infectious diseases, accounting for 51.45% and 47.83%, respectively. The annual incidence peaks of public health emergencies of infectious diseases were during March-June and October-December. The events mainly occurred in kindergartens and primary schools among each stage of school periods with 51 and 46 incidences respectively, which accounted for 70.29% of the total number of public health emergencies in schools. The leading infectious diseases among all the reported events in kindergartens and primary schools were hand foot mouth disease and varicella. Varicella and other infectious diarrhoeal diseases were at the top lists of infectious disease outbreaks at the secondary and university stages.@*Conclusion@#Infectious diseases events were the major type of public health emergencies at schools in Beijing from 2010 to 2020. Respiratory infectious diseases and intestinal infectious diseases were the keys to the prevention and control of public health emergencies related to school. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance for public health emergencies especially for symptom surveillance. The prevention and control measures should be taken according to the characteristics of different age groups. At the same time, the prevention and control of school infectious diseases and the drill of the plan during peak periods need to be particularly strengthened.

The long-term outcomes of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in patients with allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial / Os resultados no longo prazo da neurectomia nasal posterior com ou sem neurectomia faríngea em pacientes com rinite alérgica: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction Allergic rhinitis is a form of IgE mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to specific allergens, resulting in typical symptoms. Objectives This study was designed with the primary goal of comparing the clinical efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe perennial allergic rhinitis. Secondary study aims included a comparison of the severity of comorbidities, including chronic cough and asthma, between patients in these two surgical treatment groups. Methods A total of 52 patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and were assigned to either the control group (posterior nasal neurectomy) or the experimental group (posterior nasal neurectomy + pharyngeal neurectomy). The visual analog scale and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire were used to compare the differences in patient symptoms between baseline and 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-treatment. In addition, patient cough and asthma symptoms were monitored during follow-up via visual analog scale and asthma control test respectively. Results No significant differences in preoperative scores were evident between groups (p> 0.05). At 6-months post-treatment, there were significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, and asthma control test scores relative to baseline values in experimental group and control group patients (p< 0.05), and this remained true upon 12- and 24-month follow-up. No significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, or asthma control test scores were observed between the two treatment groups at any postoperative follow-up time point (p> 0.05), while coughing severity was found to be significantly reduced in the experimental group relative to the control group (p< 0.05). Conclusion posterior nasal neurectomy can be safely implemented with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in order to effectively treat allergic rhinitis. Combined posterior nasal neurectomy and pharyngeal neurectomy treatment may offer greater value than posterior nasal neurectomy alone for the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients with chronic cough.

Resumo Introdução A rinite alérgica é uma forma de inflamação da mucosa nasal mediada por IgE em resposta a alérgenos específicos, resulta em sintomas típicos. Objetivos Comparar a eficácia clínica da neurectomia nasal posterior com ou sem neurectomia faríngea para o tratamento da rinite alérgica perene de moderada a grave. Além disso, comparar a gravidade das comorbidades, inclusive tosse crônica e asma, entre os pacientes nesses dois grupos de tratamento cirúrgico. Método Foram incluidos neste ensaio clínico randomizado e designados para o grupo controle (neurectomia nasal posterior) ou para o grupo experimental (neurectomia nasal posterior + neurectomia faríngea) 52 pacientes. A escala visual analógica e o questionário de qualidade de vida na rinoconjuntivite (rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire) foram usados para comparar as diferenças nos sintomas dos pacientes entre o período inicial e 6, 12 e 24 meses após o tratamento. Além disso, a tosse e os sintomas de asma dos pacientes foram monitorados durante o acompanhamento por meio da escala visual analógica e do teste de controle da asma (asthma control test ), respectivamente. Resultados Nenhuma diferença significante nos escores pré‐operatórios foi evidenciada entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Aos seis meses pós‐tratamento, houve diferenças significantes nos escores da escala visual analógica, no questionário de qualidade de vida na rinoconjuntivite e no teste de controle de asma em relação aos valores basais dos pacientes no grupo experimental e no grupo controle (p < 0,05), o que permaneceu verdadeiro após 12 e 24 meses de acompanhamento. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes nos escores da escala visual analógica e nem no questionário de qualidade de vida para conjuntivite ou no teste de controle da asma entre os dois grupos de tratamento em qualquer momento do acompanhamento pós‐operatório (p > 0,05), enquanto a gravidade da tosse foi significantemente reduzida no grupo experimental em relação ao grupo controle (p < 0,05). Conclusão A neurectomia nasal posterior pôde ser feita com segurança com ou sem neurectomia faríngea para o tratamento eficaz da rinite alérgica. O tratamento combinado com neurectomia nasal posterior e neurectomia faríngea pode oferecer mais benefício do que a neurectomia nasal posterior isolada para o tratamento de pacientes com rinite alérgica e tosse crônica.

Blockage of TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition by oxymatrine prevents renal interstitial fibrosis

Abstract Most chronic kidney disease inevitably progress to renal fibrosis. Tubular epithelial- to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized to play major roles in renal fibrosis. Oxymatrine (OM) is a major alkaloid component found in a Chinese herb Sophora roots and has many effects. The aim is to investigate the effect of OM on renal tubular EMT and elucidate its mechanism. Mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) followed by intraperitoneal injection of OM (120 mg/kg) or control vehicle. Human kidney proximal tubular cell line (HK-2) was used and EMT was induced with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In vivo, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was induced and E-cadherin was down-regulated, while the expressions of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1 and its type I receptor (TGF-βRI) were up-regulated in UUO mice. In contrast, OM significantly ameliorated renal fibrotic lesions and attenuated the expressions of FN, α-SMA, TGF-β1 and TGF-βRI, but increased E-cadherin in the obstructed kidneys. In vitro, OM abolished TGF-β1-mediated E-cadherin suppression and FN, α-SMA and TGF-βRI induction in HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These observations strongly suggest that the renal protective effects of OM could be mediated by prevention of EMT and manifested as suppression of TGF-β1 and TGF-βRI expressions.

Long non-coding RNA H19 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells by regulating microRNA-140-5p/SATB2 axis

The osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has potential clinical values in the treatmentof bone-related diseases. Long non-coding RNA H19 and microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p) have attractedmuch attention of researchers by virtue of their biological importance in cell differentiation and bone formation. Moreover, bioinformatics analyses suggest that miR-140-5p have the potential to bind with H19 andSATB homeobox 2 (SATB2). In this study, we further explored whether H19 could regulate osteogenicdifferentiation of human bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) by miR-140-5p/SATB2 axis. RT-qPCRassay was conducted to examine the expression of H19, miR-140-5p and SATB2. The osteogenic differentiation capacity of BM-MSCs was assessed through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteogenic markerexpression. The relationships among H19, miR-140-5p and SATB2 were examined through bioinformaticsanalyses, luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay. H19 expression was remarkablyincreased and miR-140-5p expression was dramatically reduced during osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. Functional analyses revealed that H19 overexpression or miR-140-5p depletion accelerated osteogenicdifferentiation of BM-MSCs. Conversely, H19 loss or miR-140-5p increase suppressed osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs. MiR-140-5p was confirmed as a target of H19, and miR-140-5p could bind to SATB2 aswell. Moreover, H19 knockdown reduced SATB2 expression by upregulating miR-140-5p. Additionally, miR140-5p depletion antagonized the inhibitory effect of H19 knockdown on osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. And, miR-140-5p inhibited osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs by targeting SATB2. In conclusion,H19 promoted osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs through regulating miR-140-5p/SATB2 axis, deepeningour understanding on the molecular mechanisms of H19 in coordinating osteogenesis.

Dietary behavior of primary school children in Haidian District of Beijing and its relationship with family environment / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the status of dietary behaviors among urban primary school children, to explore the relationship with the family environment in order to provide a basis for adopting the intervention measures and reducing the occurrence of child dietary behavior problems.@*Methods@#A questionnaire survey was conducted among 507 children of grade 5 randomized selected through dustering method from 4 in primary schools in Haidian district，as well as their parents.@*Results@#About 80.3% of the surveyed children reported the rate of frequency consumptions of vegetables 6-7 days per week. The frequency of consumption of fruits was lower than that of vegetables（67.8%）. The frequency of consumption of meat, eggs, milk and beans was lower（the rate of 6-7 days per week was 57.5%,45.3%,60.0%,17.3%, respectively）, and the number of children who did not eat beans was the highest(9.9%). The multiple linear regression revealed that parents’ dietary behaviors（β=0.21）, parents’ restrictions on snacks（β=0.21）, family cohesion（β=0.15）, and family monthly income（β=0.13） were promoting factors for children’s good dietary behaviors. The stock of snacks was a risk factor for children’s good dietary behaviors (β=-0.11)(P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Dietary behavior of primary school children in urban area was influenced by family environment factors, especially dietary environment in family. Family environment factors could promote children’s dietary behaviors through parental support and modelling. Giving the parents intervention on nutrition and healthy diet, normalizing the family dietary environment are conducive to children’s dietary behaviors.

Involvement of HSP90 in ischemic postconditioning-induced cardioprotection by inhibition of the complement system, JNK and inflammation

Abstract Purpose To investigate whether heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is involved in complement regulation in ischemic postconditioning (IPC). Methods The left coronary artery of rats underwent 30 min of occlusion, followed by 120 min of reperfusion and treatment with IPC via 3 cycles of 30s reperfusion and 30s occlusion. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with 1 mg/kg HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) after anesthesia. Eighty rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), IPC and IPC + GA. Myocardial infarct size, apoptosis index and the expression of HSP90, C3, C5a, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were assessed. Results Compared with the I/R injury, the IPC treatment significantly reduced infarct size, release of troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These beneficial effects were accompanied by a decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β, C3, C5a and JNK expression levels. However, all these effects were abrogated by administration of the HSP90 inhibitor GA. Conclusion HSP90 exerts a profound effect on IPC cardioprotection, and may be linked to the inhibition of the complement system and JNK, ultimately attenuating I/R-induced myocardial injury and apoptosis.

Association between genetic variation of kinase insert domain receptor and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients received 5-FU based adjuvant chemotherapy / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To investigate the association between genetic variation of kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) and the prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients received 5-FU based adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: The clinical data of 176 CRC patients, who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou during January 2012 and December 2017, were retrospectively analyzed, and 93 cases of tumor tissues were collected for this study. The genotype of KDR polymorphism locus was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). qPCR was used to detect the expression of KDR mRNAin colorectal cancer tissues. The correlation between the polymorphism genotypes and other variables was analyzed by logistic regression model. The expression of different genotypes of KDR was analyzed by nonparametric test. The relationship between KDR genotype and prognosis of patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the other variables were adjusted by Cox risk scale model. Results: Of the polymorphisms analyzed, only rs2071559 was of clinical significance. The distribution frequency of KDR rs2071559 in 176 CRC patients was as follows: TT genotype in 95 cases (53.98%), TC genotype in 70 cases (39.77%) and CC genotype in 11 cases (6.25%); the minor allele frequency was 0.26; and the distribution of three genotypes was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg's Equilibrium (P=0.690). The median disease free survival (mDFS) of patients carrying C allele and wild type TT genotype was 4.4 and 3.2 years, respectively (P<0.05); The median overall survival (mOS) of patients with TC/CC genotype and TT genotype was 5.2 and 4.0 years, respectively (P<0.05). After COX model modification, the effect of TC/CC genotype on mOS was still statistically significant (OR=0.55, P<0.05). The mRNA expression of KDR in cancer tissues of the patients with TC/CC genotypes were significantly lower than those of the wild type TT genotype (P<0.01). Conclusion: The polymorphism of KDR rs2071559 is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. KDR rs2071559 may affect the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients by affecting the mRNAexpression of KDR.

Clinical comparison between a percutaneous hydraulic pressure delivery system and balloon tamp system using high-viscosity cement for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) affect the elderly population, especially postmenopausal women. Percutaneous kyphoplasty is designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures for which conservative therapy has been unsuccessful. High-viscosity cement can be injected by either a hydraulic pressure delivery system (HPDS) or a balloon tamp system (BTS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of these two systems. METHODS: A random, multicenter, prospective study was performed. Clinical and radiological assessments were carried out, including assessments of general surgery information, visual analog scale, quality of life, cement leakage, and height and angle restoration. RESULTS: Using either the HPDS or BTS to inject high-viscosity cement effectively relieved pain and improved the patients' quality of life immediately, and these effects lasted at least two years. The HPDS using high-viscosity cement reduced cost, surgery time, and radiation exposure and showed similar clinical results to those of the BTS. In addition, the leakage rate and the incidence of adjacent vertebral fractures after the HPDS treatment were reduced compared with those after treatment using the classic vertebroplasty devices. However, the BTS had better height and angle restoration abilities. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous HPDS with high-viscosity cement has similar clinical outcomes to those of traditional procedures in the treatment of vertebral fractures in the elderly. The HPDS with high-viscosity cement is better than the BTS in the treatment of mild and moderate OVCFs and could be an alternative method for the treatment of severe OVCFs.

Pharmacognostical studies of Premna microphylla

Abstract Various traditional systems of medicine enlightened the importance of Premna microphylla Turcz., Lamiaceae, medicinally. The present study was carried out to provide a scientific basis of the identification and the authenticity of P. microphylla with the help of pharmacognostical parameters, which is not done before. Roots, stems, and leaves of P. microphylla were collected for pharmacognostical studies involving macros, microscopic evaluation, physicochemical parameters analysis like fluorescence analysis and thin layer chromatography, in addition with DNA barcodes of internal transcribed spacer and psbA-trnH regions. Transverse section of root indicated the presence of stone cell bands. Transverse section of stem showed the presence of stone cells and vessels. Transverse section of leaf midrib revealed the presence of shaft type of porosity. Microscopic studies of powder revealed the presence of cork cells, fibers, vessels, nonglandular hairs, stone cells and glandular scale cells. Thin layer chromatography of the extract revealed the presence of oleanolic acid in P. microphylla with specific R f values. Identification through DNA barcode showed the sequence of internal transcribed spacer region was novel while the sequence of psbA-trnH region displayed no differences from known sequence. The observations confirmed that P. microphylla has an obvious pharmacognostical characteristics, which will be useful toward providing a reliable basis for identification, purity, quality and classification of the plant.

Clinical application of two-step fine impression into single complete denture with mandibular alveolar ridge atrophy / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#The present study investigated the clinical effects of a single complete denture using two-step fine impression during the restoration of mandibular alveolar ridge atrophy. @*Methods @#A back-end window tray that was personalized and adjusted was used to obtain the original impression for a mandibular alveolar ridge case. The individual trays were made with the conception of mandibular occlusal denture, and the final impression was obtained after active edge shaping using different viscous silicones. @*Results @#A case of single complete denture with mandibular alveolar ridge atrophy restoration was accomplished using a single complete denture and two-step fine impression. The denture was well fixed and functioned well, and the patient was satisfied.@*Conclusion @#The application of fine impression into a single complete denture is helpful for the restoration of mandibular alveolar ridge atrophy.

Identification of key genes and pathways involved in response to pain in goat and sheep by transcriptome sequencing

PURPOSE: This aim of this study was to investigate the key genes and pathways involved in the response to pain in goat and sheep by transcriptome sequencing. METHODS: Chronic pain was induced with the injection of the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in sheep and goats. The animals were divided into four groups: CFA-treated sheep, control sheep, CFA-treated goat, and control goat groups (n = 3 in each group). The dorsal root ganglions of these animals were isolated and used for the construction of a cDNA library and transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in CFA-induced sheep and goats and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed. RESULTS: In total, 1748 and 2441 DEGs were identified in CFA-treated goat and sheep, respectively. The DEGs identified in CFA-treated goats, such as C-C motif chemokine ligand 27 (CCL27), glutamate receptor 2 (GRIA2), and sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 3 (SCN3A), were mainly enriched in GO functions associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, inflammatory response, and immune response. The DEGs identified in CFA-treated sheep, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related DEGs (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor gamma 3 subunit [GABRG3], GABRB2, and GABRB1), SCN9A, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), were mainly enriched in GO functions related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, NMDA receptor, and defense response. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that NMDA receptor, inflammatory response, and immune response as well as key DEGs such as CCL27, GRIA2, and SCN3A may regulate the process of pain response during chronic pain in goats. Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and NMDA receptor as well as GABA-related DEGs, SCN9A, and TRPV1 may modulate the process of response to pain in sheep. These DEGs may serve as drug targets for preventing chronic pain.

Application of bioabsorbable screw fixation for anterior cervical decompression and bone grafting

OBJECTIVES: To examine the application of bioabsorbable screws for anterior cervical decompression and bone grafting fixation and to study their clinical effects in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. METHODS: From March 2007 to September 2012, 56 patients, 36 males and 20 females (38-79 years old, average 58.3±9.47 years), underwent a novel operation. Grafts were fixed by bioabsorbable screws (PLLA, 2.7 mm in diameter) after anterior decompression. The bioabsorbable screws were inserted from the midline of the graft bone to the bone surface of the upper and lower vertebrae at 45 degree angles. Patients were evaluated post-operatively to observe the improvement of symptoms and evaluate the fusion of the bone. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate the recovery of neurological functions. RESULTS: All screws were successfully inserted, with no broken screws. The rate of symptom improvement was 87.5%. All of the grafts fused well with no extrusion. The average time for graft fusion was 3.8±0.55 months (range 3-5 months). Three-dimensional reconstruction of CT scans demonstrated that the grafts fused with adjacent vertebrae well and that the screws were absorbed as predicted. The MRI findings showed that the cerebrospinal fluid was unobstructed. No obvious complications appeared in any of the follow-up evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical spondylosis with one- or two-level involvement can be effectively treated by anterior decompression and bone grafting with bioabsorbable screw fixation. This operative method is safe and can avoid the complications induced by metal implants.