Measurement and characterization of retinal vascular morphology parameters based on artificial intelligence automated analysis technology / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To analyze retinal vascular parameters and distribution characteristics in Chinese population via the fully automated quantitative measurement of retinal vascular morphological parameters based on artificial intelligence technology.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed.A total of 1 842 patients without fundus diseases who visited Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2011 to December 2021 were included.Standardized questionnaires, blood draws and ophthalmologic examinations of enrolled subjects were conducted.Color fundus photographs centered on the optic disk of one eye of patients were collected, and a deep learning-based semantic segmentation network ResNet101-Unet was used to construct a vascular segmentation model for fully automated quantitative measurement of retinal vascular parameters.The main measurement indexes included retinal vascular branching angle, vascular fractal dimension, average vascular caliber, and average vascular tortuosity.To compare different retinal parameters between sexes, the correlation between the above parameters and ocular factors such as best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and axial length, as well as systemic factors such as sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease was analyzed.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University (No.20001220). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:The model established in this study achieved an accuracy over 0.95 for both vascular and optic disk segmentation.The vascular branching angle, vascular fractal dimension, average vascular caliber, and average vascular tortuosity were (51.023±11.623)°, 1.573(1.542, 1.592), 64.124(60.814, 69.053)μm, (0.001 062±0.000 165)°, respectively.Compared with females, males had larger vascular branching angle, smaller average vascular caliber and smaller vascular tortuosity, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The average vascular caliber increased by 1.142 μm in people with cardiovascular disease compared to people without cardiovascular disease ( B=1.142, P=0.029, 95% CI: 0.116-2.167). The average vascular tortuosity was positively correlated with hypertension ( B=3.053×10 -5, P=0.002, 95% CI: 1.167×10 -5-4.934×10 -5) and alcohol consumption ( B=1.036×10 -5, P=0.014, 95% CI: 0.211×10 -5-1.860×10 -5) and negatively correlated with hyperlipidemia ( B=-2.422×10 -5, P=0.015, 95% CI: -4.382×10 -5-0.462×10 -5). For each 1-mm increase in axial length, there was a decrease of 0.004 in vessel fractal dimension ( B=-0.004, P<0.001, 95% CI: -0.006--0.002), a decrease of 0.266 μm in the average vessel caliber ( B=-0.266, P=0.037, 95% CI: -0.516--0.016), and a decrease of -2.45×10 -5° in the average vessel tortuosity ( B=-2.45×10 -5, P<0.001, 95% CI: -0.313×10 -5--0.177×10 -5). For each 1.0 increase in BCVA, there was an increase of 3.992° in the vascular branch angle ( B=3.992, P=0.004, 95% CI: 1.283-6.702), an increase of 0.090 in vascular fractal dimension ( B=0.090, P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.078-0.102) and a decrease of 14.813 μm in the average vascular diameter ( B=-14.813, P<0.001, 95% CI: -16.474--13.153). Conclusions:A model for retinal vascular segmentation is successfully constructed.Retinal vessel parameters are associated with sex, age, systemic diseases, and ocular factors.

Association of kinesin family member 2A with increased disease risk, deteriorative clinical characteristics, and shorter survival profiles in acute myeloid leukemia

This study aimed to explore the correlation of kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) expression with disease risk, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and investigate the effect of KIF2A knockdown on AML cell activities in vitro. Bone marrow samples were collected from 176 AML patients and 40 healthy donors, and KIF2A expression was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Treatment response, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed in AML patients. In vitro, KIF2A expression in AML cell lines and CD34+ cells (from healthy donors) was measured, and the effect of KIF2A knockdown on AML cell proliferation and apoptosis in HL-60 and KG-1 cells was detected. KIF2A expression was greater in AML patients compared to healthy donors, and receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that KIF2A expression predicted increased AML risk (area under curve: 0.793 (95%CI: 0.724-0.826)). In AML patients, KIF2A expression positively correlated with white blood cells, monosomal karyotype, and high risk stratification. Furthermore, no correlation of KIF2A expression with complete remission or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was found. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that KIF2A expression was negatively correlated with EFS and OS. In vitro experiments showed that KIF2A was overexpressed in AML cell lines (KG-1, HL-60, ME-1, and HT-93) compared to CD34+ cells, moreover, cell proliferation was reduced but apoptosis was increased by KIF2A knockdown in HL-60 and KG-1 cells. In conclusion, KIF2A showed potential to be a biomarker and treatment target in AML.

Relationship between drug resistance andABCB1 gene in pancreatic cancer / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the relationship between drug resistance and expression of ABC-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) as well as its promoter methylation in pancreatic cancer. Methods: Fifteen pairs of pancreatic cancerous tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues, which were pathologically verified in Fujian Cancer Hospital from August 2015 to August 2018, were collected for this study; in addition, 3 cases of normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 were also collected. Gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990/GZ was induced by intermittent concentration gradient multiplication method. The expression level ofABCB1 in SW1990 cells, SW1990/GZ cells, pancreatic cancer tissues and apara-cancerous tissues was detected by qPCR. Methylation of ABCB1 promoter region in SW1990 cells, SW1990/GZ cells and pancreatic cancerous tissues was determined by MSP-PCR. Results: Compared with SW1990 cells, the morphology of SW1990/GZ cells showed more vacuoles, more mitotic images, clumpy growth and increased drug resistance (P<0.05). ABCB1 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (P<0.01). The expression of ABCB1 in SW1990 and SW1990/GZ cells was significantly higher than that in normal pancreatic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the expression of ABCB1 in SW1990/GZ cells was higher than that in SW1990 cells (P<0.05). ABCB1 promoters in SW1990, SW1990/GZ cells and normal pancreatic tissues were hypomethylated. Rate of methylation in pancreatic can cerous tissues and normalpancreatic tissues was 6.7%(1/15) and 0.00%(0/3) respectively,and the difference was statistically insignificant (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Increased ABCB1 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells is associated with drug resistance, but its gene expression does not depend on promoter methylation regulation.

Comparison of the single or double chest tube applications after lobectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To compare the efficacy of the single tube (ST) and double tube (DT) for closed thoracic drainage after lobectomy. Methods     The PubMed, Medline, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP database and CBMdisc from inception to March 30, 2018 were searched by computer to identify randomized controlled trial (RCT) about ST and DT drainage after lobectomy. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria the literature was screened. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results     Twelve RCTs were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 1 442 patients. Compared with the patients using DT after lobectomy, the patients using ST had significantly less postoperative pain (MD=–0.64, 95%CI –0.71 to –0.56, P<0.000 01) and shorter duration of drainage (MD=–0.62, 95%CI –0.78 to –0.46, P<0.000 01) and hospital stay (MD=–0.55, 95%CI –0.80 to –0.29, P<0.000 1). Besides, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications (RR=1.11, 95%CI 0.83 to 1.49, P=0.49), air leaks (RD=0.03, 95%CI –0.02 to 0.08, P=0.19) and the redrainage rate (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.51 to 1.54, P=0.67). Conclusion    ST drainage after lobectomy is effective, which reduces postoperative pain and duration of hospital stay and drainage, and moreover, does not increase the postoperative complications and redrainage rate.

Genetic variation of aggrecanase-2 (ADAMTS5) in susceptibility to osteoarthritis

Aggrecanase-2 (ADAMTS5) gene is responsible for aggrecan degradation that may contribute to cartilage destruction in a mouse osteoarthritis (OA) model. We aimed to investigate the effects of ADAMTS5 gene polymorphisms on OA risk in a Chinese population. A total of 300 OA patients and 300 controls were recruited and their genotypes for ADAMTS5 gene rs226794 and rs2830585 polymorphisms were determined using a custom-by-design 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism Scan™ kit. ADAMTS5-associated genes were identified by co-expression analysis and their functions were investigated by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Bioinformatics analysis showed that ADAMTS5 was significantly related to the components, structural constituent, and organization of the extracellular matrix. The rs2830585 polymorphism, but not rs226794 polymorphism, was significantly associated with an increased risk of knee OA. Stratified analysis further confirmed this significant association in patients at age ≥55 years. In conclusion, the ADAMTS5 rs2830585 polymorphism may be involved in the development of knee OA by destroying the extracellular matrix, but this finding should be further confirmed by larger studies.

Optimization of Parameters of Granule Spray Process of Tangwang Mingmu Granules and Study on Its Grain Properties / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To select the optimum process of granule spray for Tangwang Mingmu Granules, To improve the yield and finished product quality. Methods The effects of the relative density, the type of excipients, the ratio of the extract and the excipient, the inlet temperature-the material temperature, the spray rate and the atomization pressure were selected by single factor and orthogonal test respectively to determine the optimum preparation process. Validation for three batch sample, particle flow, hygroscopicity and other related content of the preparation were studied. Results The optimum spray granulation process of Tangwang Mingmu Granules: the relative density of extract (60 ℃ determination) was 1.15–1.20; the excipient was selected as dextrin; the ratio of dry extract and excipient was 58:42; inlet temperature - material temperature was 90-75 ℃; atomization pressure was 0.12 mPa;spray rate was 10 Hz.Conclusion The preparation technology of Tangwang Mingmu Granules optimized in this study is with high preparation rate, good fluidity and hygroscopicity, which can be used for the preparation of Tangwang Mingmu Granules.

X-ray dynamic observation of cervical degenerative disease induced by unbalanced dynamic and static forces in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate dynamically the X-ray appearance of cervical degenerative disease induced by unbalanced dynamic and static forces in rats. Methods: A total of 60 Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into test (n=45) and control (n=15) groups, which were randomly subdivided into the one-, three- and six-month post-operative groups. The test group included 10, 15 and 20 rats at the respective corresponding post-operative stage and the control group included five rats at each time-point. By excising cervicodorsal muscles, interspinous ligaments and supraspinous ligament of rats in the test group, the balance of dynamic and static forces on cervical vertebrae was disrupted to establish a rat model of cervical degeneration. Spinal X-ray images were acquired, and intervertebral disc space and intervertebral foramen size were measured at one, three and six months post-operation. The results were analyzed and compared among groups. Results: Cervical dynamic and static imbalance accelerated the appearance of cervical degenerative disease on X-ray. Conclusion: Cervical degenerative disease may be induced by unbalanced dynamic and static forces in rats.

Effect of enteral immunonutriton on patients undergoing renal transplantation / 肠外与肠内营养

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of early enteral immunonutrition on the patients undergoing renal transplantation.Methods:Forty-six patients undergoing renal transplantation were randomly divided into two groups,named enteral immunonutrition (EIN) group and regular enteral nutrition (EN) group (given EIN and EN respetively).The humoral immunity,cellular immunity,serum albumin,prealbumin,hemoglobin,cholesterin and the incidence of rejection were observed in order to compare the therapeutic efficacy of two kinds of nutrition therapy.Results:At the 1 st day,humoral immunity and cellular immunity were no significant differences between two groups.At the 7th day,the serum levels of IgM and IgA were significant higher in EIN group than those in EN group (P ＜ 0.05) except IgG (P ＞ 0.05).The serum level ofCD3+ was also significant higher in EIN group than in EN group at the 7th day after operation.The humoral immunity and cellular immunity were significant higher in EIN group than in EN group (P ＜ 0.05) at the 28th day after operation.The serum albumin,prealbumin,hemoglobin,cholesterin level had no significant differences between two groups before operation or at the 1 st,7th,28th day after operation (P ＞0.05),although they were higher on the 28th day than 1st day both in two groups (P ＜ 0.05).But cholesterin level had no significant differences between two groups at the 28th day and 1st day (P ＞ 0.05).The incidence of rejection was similar in two groups within 30 days after operation.Conclusion:The EIN can improve the humoral immunity and cellular immunity with a better effect than EN.The early postoperative EIN can improve the clinical outcomes of the patients undergoing renal transplantation.

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in horses in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, northwestern China / Prevalência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondiiem cavalos na Região de Uygur, Xinjiang, Noroeste da China

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect warm-blooded animals and humans. The present study was performed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses in Xinjiang, northwestern China. A total of 637 blood samples were collected from seven regions in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang in 2011 and assayed for T. gondiiantibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Risk factors (age, gender, and region) related to seroprevalence were determined by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 200 horses (31.4%, 95% CI 27.79–35.00) were seropositive for T. gondii. Age, gender, and region present no association with seroprevalence (p>0.05) in the logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that T. gondii is widely prevalent in horses in Xinjiang, northwestern China, representing a serious threat to animal and human health. Therefore, more careful measures should be performed to control and prevent T. gondii infection in horses from Xinjiang, northwestern China.

A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose global causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, o qual pode infectar animais de sangue quente e seres humanos. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar a soroprevalência em cavalos para T. gondii, na região de Xinjiang, no Noroeste da China. Em 2011, foram recolhidas 637 amostras de sangue em sete distritos da Prefeitura Autônoma de Changji Hui do Xinjiang, as quais foram testadas para a presença de anticorpos, utilizando-se o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT). Foram estimados fatores de risco relacionados com a soroprevalência (idade, sexo e distrito), através de uma análise de regressão logística multivariada. Um total de 200 equinos (31,4%, 95% IC 27,79 – 35,00) foi positivo para T. gondii. Idade, sexo e região estudada não apresentaram associação com a soroprevalência (p>0,05) na análise de regressão logística. Os resultados revelam que a infecção por T. gondii tem uma prevalência generalizada em todo o território de Xinjiang, no Noroeste da China, constituindo uma séria ameaça à saúde de animais e de humanos. Consequentemente, propõe-se que sejam adotadas medidas reforçadas para o controle e prevenção da infecção de cavalos por T. gondii, no Xinjiang, Noroeste da China.

Gelatin-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-minocycline biomimetic nanocomposite materials for repair of rabbit radius defects / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Gelatin-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-minocycline biomimetic nanocomposite materials were developed in our previous studies. OBJECTIVE:To observe the capability of gelatin-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-minocycline biomimetic nanocomposite materials in the repair of rabbit radius defects. METHODS: Thirty healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were selected to make critical-size lacunar bone defects of the upper radius (15 mm×6 mm). Then, the rabbit models were randomized into experimental group (n=15), autogenous bone graft group (n=10) and blank group (n=5). Gelatin-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-minocycline biomimetic nanocomposite materials were implanted into radial bone defects in the experimental group. Bone defect in blank group was implanted without any materials; in the autogenous bone graft group, the contralateral radius with same length was taken and implanted into the defect. General observation, histological observation and X-ray observation were performed respectively at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 12 weeks after operation, the experimental group showed obvious new blood vessels at the defect region, complete bony union and disappearance of the composite implant, but lamelar bone structure appeared, smal blood vessels were visible, the edge of new bone was connected to the original bone edge, exhibiting a continuity of bone, the bone density was slightly lowered, and the defect region became unobvious. In the autogenous bone graft group, bony union and trabecular bone reconstruction were distinct, the lamelar bone became mature, the medulary cavity was recanalized, the fracture line disappeared completely, and the bone density was completely consistent with that of the original bone. In the blank group, there was no obvious bone formation, which led to bone nonunion, and there were a great amount of fiber tissues and inflammatory cel infiltrated. To sum up, the gelatin-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-minocycline biomimetic nanocomposite material can obviously promote the repair of critical-size bone defects, and the repairing effect is basicaly the same with that of autologous bone grafting.

Effect of heche chongcao capsule on expression of TNF-α protein in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) protein in the lung tissue of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to evaluate the intervention and mechanism of Heche Chongcao Capsule (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The COPD rat model was prepared by exposure to cigarettes smoke plus intratracheal injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Forty successfully modeled SD rats were randomly divided into the COPD model group, the control group, the low dose HCC group, the medium dose HCC group, and the high dose HCC group, 8 in each group. Meanwhile, a normal control group consisting of 6 rats was also set up. HCC at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg was administered to rats in the 3 dose HCC groups respectively by gastrogavage combined with Theophylline Sustained Release Tablet (TSRT). Rats in the control group were administered with TSRT by gastrogavage at 4.5 mg/kg, 1 mL/100 g each time, once daily. All medication lasted for 4 successive weeks. Equal volume of distilled water was administered by gastrogavage to rats in the COPD model group and the normal control group. Morphological changes of the lung tissue were observed under microscope. The expression of TNF-α protein in the lung tissue were also detected using Real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Under electron microscope, the cilium in the tracheal epithelium was disorderly arranged, type I and II alveolar cells were degenerated, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were swollen, the lamellar body was emptied, and free fragment could be seen inside alveolar space. Compared with the model group, all lesions were somewhat ameliorated in all medicated groups, especially in the medium dose HCC group. Compared with the model group, the expression of TNF-α protein decreased in all medicated groups, especially in the medium and low dose HCC groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of TNF-α protein decreased in the medium and low dose HCC groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HCC could effectively regulate the expression of TNF-α protein and inhibit airway inflammation reaction in COPD rats.</p>

Passive leg raising as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in patients with severe sepsis / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: In the management of critically ill patients, the assessment of volume responsiveness and the decision to administer a fluid bolus constitute a common dilemma for physicians. Static indices of cardiac preload are poor predictors of volume responsiveness. Passive leg raising (PLR) mimics an endogenous volume expansion (VE) that can be used to predict fluid responsiveness. This study was to assess the changes in stroke volume index (SVI) induced by PLR as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis. METHODS: This was a prospective study. Thirty-two mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis were admitted for VE in ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Ningbo Medical Treatment Center Lihuili Hospital from May 2010 to December 2011. Patients with non-sinus rhythm or arrhythmia, parturients, and amputation of the lower limbs were excluded. Measurements of SVI were obtained in a semi-recumbent position (baseline) and during PLR by the technique of pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system prior to VE. Measurements were repeated after VE (500 mL 6％ hydroxyethyl starch infusion within 30 minutes) to classify patients as either volume responders or non-responders based on their changes in stroke volume index (ΔSVI) over 15％. Heart rate (HR), systolic artery blood pressure (ABPs), diastolic artery blood pressure (ABPd), mean arterial blood pressure (ABPm), mean central venous pressure (CVPm) and cardiac index (CI) were compared between the two groups. The changes of ABPs, ABPm, CVPm, and SVI after PLR and VE were compared with the indices at the baseline. The ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the value of ΔSVI and the change of CVPm (ΔCVPm) in predicting volume responsiveness. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the 32 patients, 22 were responders and 10 were non-responders. After PLR among the responders, some hemodynamic variables (including ABPs, ABPd, ABPm and CVPm) were significantly elevated (101.2±17.6 vs.118.6±23.7,P=0.03; 52.8±10.7 vs. 64.8±10.7,P=0.006; 68.3±11.7 vs. 81.9±14.4,P=0.008; 6.8±3.2 vs. 11.9±4.0,P=0.001). After PLR, the area under curve (AUC) and the ROC curve of ΔSVI and ΔCVPm for predicting the responsiveness after VE were 0.882±0.061 (95％CI 0.759–1.000) and 0.805±0.079 (95％CI 0.650–0.959) when the cut-off levels of ΔSVI and ΔCVPm were 8.8％ and 12.7％, the sensitivities were 72.7％ and 72.7％, and the specificities were 80％ and 80％. CONCLUSION: Changes in ΔSVI and ΔCVPm induced by PLR are accurate indices for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis.

Resources of Lycium species and related research progress / 中国中药杂志

Solanaceae Lycium speices are deciduous shrubs. In ancient Chinese medicine works, Lycium plants are described to work well in nourshing liver and kidney, enhancing eyesight, enriching blood, invigorating sex, reducing rheumatism and so on. More of their functions such as immunity improvement, anti-oxydation, anti-aging, anti-cancer, growth stumulation, hemopoiesis enhancing, incretion regulating, blood sugar reducing, bearing improvement and many other new functions are conformed in modern clinic researches. Lycium is also widely used in brewing, beverage and many other products. The world Lycium-related researches are mostly on Lycium species genesis and evolution, sexual evolution, active ingredient separation and pharmacological effects. The future research direction is indicated in this article, molecular evolution and systematics rather than traditional taxonomy will do better in explanation of present global distribution of Lycium species; comparative genomics research on Lycium will be a whole new way to deep gene resources exploration; relationship of genetic diversity and active ingredient variation on L. barbarum and L. chinense will lay theory basis for new germplasm development, breeding, cultivation and production regionalization.