Application of case-based learning based on the clinical case library of stomatology in standardized residency training for comprehensive stomatology / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To investigate the application effect of case-based learning (CBL) based on the clinical case library of stomatology in standardized residency training for comprehensive stomatology.Methods:A total of 52 residents in Department of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, were given CBL teaching based on the clinical case library of comprehensive stomatology, and a questionnaire survey was performed to evaluate the teaching effect. Theoretical and skill assessments were performed before and after CBL teaching, and a comparative analysis was performed. SPSS 19.0 software was used for the t-test. Results:The questionnaire survey showed that CBL teaching based on the clinical case library of stomatology effectively improved the ability of independent learning [92.31% (48/52)], the interest in learning [88.46% (46/52)], and the ability for case diagnosis and the accuracy of investigation and judgment [94.23% (49/52)]. This method helped with the mastery and understanding of the theoretical knowledge in stomatology [96.15% (50/52)] and improved the abilities for expression and communication [84.62% (44/52)] and the ability to find and solve problems [94.23% (49/52)]. It also helped to stimulate the interest in scientific research and teaching [82.69% (43/52)] and create an active classroom atmosphere [82.69% (43/52)]. Among these residents, 94.23% (49/52) liked CBL teaching, and 88.64% (46/52) thought the setting of the case library was reasonable. After the application of CBL teaching, there were significant increases in theoretical score [from (66.74±4.25) points to (81.44±7.16) points] and skill examination score [from (64.00±3.14) points to (81.96±7.50) points].Conclusions:CBL teaching based on the case library of stomatology has a good teaching effect in the standardized residency training for comprehensive stomatology and can not only improve the theoretical and skill assessments of residents, but also improve their learning interest and clinical thinking ability.

Andrgrapholide-mediated c-SKI inhibits myocardial fibroblast transdif-ferentiation and myocardial fibrosis / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of cellular Sloan-Kettering Institute(c-SKI)protein expression on myocardial fibrosis in mice treated with andrgrapholide(Andr).METHODS:Male C57 mice were randomly divided into control group,model group[isoprenaline(ISO)group]and ISO+Andr group,with 6 mice per group.The mice in ISO and ISO+Andr groups were subcutaneously injected with ISO,while those in control group were injected with normal sa-line.The mice in ISO+Andr group was intragastrically given Andr,while those in ISO and control groups were given nor-mal saline.The histopathological characteristics of the heart tissue were detected by HE and Masson staining after 8 weeks of administration.The expression levels of c-SKI and extracellular matrix(ECM)-related proteins were detected by immu-nohistochemistry or Western blot.The c-SKI mRNA level was detected by qPCR.Human cardiac fibroblasts(HCFBs)were treated with different concentrations of Andr for 48 h.The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,and the c-SKI and ECM-related protein levels were detected by Western blot.The transdifferentiated cell model was treated with the lowest effective dose of Andr.The cell morphology was observed under a microscope,the levels of c-SKI and ECM-related pro-teins were assessed by Western blot,and the c-SKI mRNA level was detected by qPCR.The transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-treated HCFBs were treated with the combination of c-SKI knockdown and Andr.The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,and the levels of c-SKI and ECM-related proteins were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:After the intervention of Andr,the myocardial fibers in mice were neatly arranged,the morphology of myocardial cells was basically normal,the cell membrane was intact,and the collagen volume fraction was significantly reduced(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein levels of c-SKI were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the protein levels of fibronectin 1(FN1),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),vimentin and collagen type I(Col I)were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).After 50 μmol/L Andr treatment for 48 h,the viability of HCFBs was significantly decreased(P＜0.01),the pro-tein levels of Col I,α-SMA,vimentin and FN1 were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01),and c-SKI expression was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).Compared with PBS group,the number of the HCFBs in TGF-β1 group increased with flattened and irregular morphological change,and the FN1,α-SMA,Col I and vimentin levels were significantly in-creased(P＜0.01),while c-SKI expression was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).After Andr intervention,the induction effect of TGF-β1 on HCFBs was reversed.Knockdown of c-SKI combined with Andr treatment in HCFBs significantly down-regulated c-SKI expression(P＜0.01),significantly up-regulated FN1,α-SMA,vimentin and Col I levels(P＜0.05),and significantly increased the cell viability.CONCLUSION:Andrgrapholide may affect the TGF-β1 signaling pathway by regulating c-SKI expression,and inhibit the proliferation of myocardial fibroblasts and ECM deposition,thus inhibiting myocardial fibrosis.

Analysis of macular vascular density and retinal thickness of school-age children / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the correlation between retinal capillary density and retinal thickness in the macula and spherical equivalent (SE) in school-age children.Methods:A cross-sectional study. From May to December 2022, 182 school-age children who visited the ophthalmology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included. There were 95 males and 87 females. The age ranged from 6 to 12 years, and the spherical equivalent (SE) was +0.50 to -6.00 D. They were divided into three groups based on the SE of the right eyes: 54 eyes in emmetropia group (+0.50≤SE<-0.50 D), 71 eyes in low myopia group (-0.50≤SE<-3.00 D), and 57 eyes in moderate myopia group (-3.00≤SE≤-6.00 D). The macular area of 6 mm×6 mm was scanned using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography and was divided into three concentric rings centered on the fovea, including the macular central fovea (0-1 mm diameter), inner ring (1-3 mm diameter) and outer ring (3-6 mm diameter). The retinal thickness and blood flow density of superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) in different zones within 6 mm of the macular area were measured. The relationships between SE and SVP, DVP and retinal thickness in each ring region were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effects.Results:There were significant differences in the SVP ( F=6.64, 26.06, 22.69) and DVP ( F=7.97, 25.01, 5.09) of macular central fovea, inner ring and outer ring among the emmetropia, low myopia and moderate myopia groups ( P<0.05). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that the SVP ( β=-0.56,-1.17, -0.79) and DVP ( β=-1.03, -0.93, -0.45) of the three regions were positively correlated with SE ( P<0.05). After smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis, the SVP and DVP in the macular central fovea were linearly positively correlated with SE ( β=-0.91, -1.40; P<0.05), and SVP and DVP in the inner ring and outer ring showed an inverted U-shaped curve relationship with SE with the inflection (<3.00 D). When the SE was less than <3.00 D, the SVP and DVP in the inner ring and outer ring were positively correlated with SE ( P<0.05). When the SE was higher than -3.00 D, except for the DVP in the inner ring region, the other parameters were negatively correlated with SE ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in retinal thickness of the inner ring and outer ring ( F=5.47, 16.36; P<0.05), and no significant difference in the macular central fovea among the emmetropia, low and moderate myopia groups ( F=2.16, P>0.05). By using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, the retinal thickness in the inner ring and outer ring were negatively correlated with SE ( β =1.99, 3.05; P<0.05). However, no correlation was found between retinal thickness and SE in the macular central fovea ( β=-1.65, P>0.05). Conclusions:In school-age children with SE between +0.50 D and -6.00 D, the retinal capillaries density of the macular central fovea gradually increase, and increase first and then decrease in the inner ring and outer ring with increasing SE. The retinal thickness of inner ring and outer ring gradually decrease and not change significantly in the macular central fovea.

Dosimetric Correlation of Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Hypofractionated Proton Beam Therapy Using Pencil Beam Scanning / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#Pencil-beam scanning (PBS) is a modern delivery technique used in proton beam therapy (PBT) to reduce normal tissue reactions. No dosimetric correlation between dermatitis and PBS has been reported for breast cancer. The current study aimed to investigate the factors associated with grade 2 or higher dermatitis in patients with breast cancer undergoing PBT using PBS. @*Methods@#The medical data of 42 patients with breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy between December 2019 and September 2023 were reviewed. All patients received hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT), either 26 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE])/five fractions or 40.05 or 43.5 Gy (RBE)/15 fractions, for the whole breast/chest wall with or without nodal irradiation. The duration of acute radiation dermatitis was defined as within 90 days from the start of radiotherapy. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used for univariate and multivariate analyses of the actuarial rates of grade 2–3 dermatitis. @*Results@#Twenty-two (52.4%) and 20 (47.6%) patients were diagnosed with grade 1 and 2 dermatitis, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a clinical target volume (CTV) ≥ of 320 cc (p = 0.035) and a skin dose of D 10cc ≥ 38.3 Gy (RBE) (p = 0.009) as independent factors of grade 2 dermatitis. The 10-week cumulative grade 2 dermatitis rates were 88.2%, 39.4%, and 8.3% (p < 0.001) for patients with both high, either high, and neither high CTV and D 10cc , respectively. @*Conclusion@#To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on dosimetric correlations for dermatitis in patients with breast cancer who underwent hypofractionated PBT using PBS. In the era of HFRT, skin dose modulation using PBS may reduce the incidence of dermatitis.

Study on the Distribution Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types in Girls with Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty from Hainan Province / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)from Hainan province.Methods A total of 216 cases of ICPP girls admitted to Hainan Women and Children's Medical Centre from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected.The frequency statistics and grading of TCM syndromes in the included ICPP girls were carried out,and the distribution characteristics of TCM syndromes were discussed on the basis of the analysis of the three TCM syndrome types of yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome,qi and blood insufficiency syndrome and incoordination between heart and kidney syndrome.Results(1)The age of ICPP onset in 216 girls were between 4 and 10 years old,with an average onset age of(7.15±1.06)years.The highest incidence rate of ICPP was found in the girls aged over 7 years old while less than 8 years old,which was 49.54%.(2)Of the three TCM syndrome types,yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome accounted for the highest proportion(147 cases,68.06%),followed by the qi and blood insufficiency syndrome(41 cases,18.98%)and the incoordination between heart and kidney syndrome(28 cases,12.96%).(3)The common 16 TCM symptoms(frequency＞25.0%)in descending order of frequency were aversion to heat and night sweating,feverish sensation in soles and palms,breast distension and pain,irritability,thready and rapid pulse,dry stools,dry throat and mouth,hot flushes,excessive intake of fat and sweet food,red tongue with less fur,depression,mental weakness,flushed cheeks,insomnia and dreaminess,red tongue with yellow fur,and bitterness and dryness in the mouth.(4)The distribution of the age in ICPP girls with various syndromes was as follows:yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome and qi and blood insufficiency syndrome were more common in the ICPP girls aged over 7 years old while less than 8 years old(accounting for 58.50%and 51.22%),and incoordination between heart and kidney syndrome was more common in ICPP girls aged over 8 years old while less than 9 years old(accounting for 89.29%).Conclusion Yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome is the common TCM syndrome that accounts for the highest proportion in ICPP girls from Hainan province.The study of the distribution of TCM syndromes in girls with precocious puberty will be helpful for the observation of the early clinical symptoms of precocious puberty and early diagnosis of the disease,and can provide clues and evidence for the clinical diagnosis and medication for girls with ICPP.

Effectiveness of Acupoint Application in Patients with Pharyngeal Pain: Evidence from CHUNBO, A Prospective Real-World Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the outcomes after acupoint application in patients with pharyngeal pain in a real-world settings, and analyze the characteristics of effective population and prescription characteristics of acupoint application.@*METHODS@#Based on CHUNBO platform, patients with pharyngeal pain who were candidates for acupoint application on the basis of physician-evaluation, were enrolled in a nationwide, prospective, 69-week multicenter observational study from August 2020 to February 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the confounding factors and the association rules were used to analyze the characteristics of effective population and prescription characteristics of acupoint application. Outcome assessments included the disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain (within 3, 7, and 14 days), disappearance time of pharyngeal pain, as well as adverse events.@*RESULTS@#Of 7,699 enrolled participants, 6,693 (86.9%) received acupoint application and 1,450 (21.7%) with non-acupoint application. After PSM, there were 1,004 patients each in the application group (AG) and non-application group (NAG). The disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain in the AG at 3, 7, and 14 days were all higher than those in the NAG (P<0.05). The disappearance time of pharyngeal pain in the AG were shorter than that in the NAG (logrank P<0.001, hazard ratio=1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.41-1.63). The median age of effective cases was 4 years, mainly 3-6 years old (40.21%). The disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain in the application group with tonsil diseases was 2.19 times higher than that in the NAG (P<0.05). The commonly used acupoints for the effective cases were Tiantu (RN 22), Shenque (RN 8) and Dazhui (DU 14). The commonly used herbs for the effective cases were Natrii sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and Herba Ephedrae. Among them, Natrii sulfas was applied to RN 8 most frequently (support 84.39%). A total of 1,324 (17.2%) patients experienced AEs, and mainly occurred in the AG, with significant difference in the incidence of AEs between goups (P<0.05). All AEs reported were the first grade, and the average regression days of AEs was 2.8 days.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupoint application in patients with pharyngeal pain resulted in improved effective rate and shortened duration, especially children aged 3-6 years old, and those with tonsil diseases. Acupoint of RN 22, RN 8 and DU 14, Natrii sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and Herba Ephedrae were the most commonly used herbs in the treatment of pharyngeal pain.

Relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and expression levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines in adult asthmatic patients / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objectives To investigate the relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic patients. Methods A total of 910 adult asthmatic patients were selected as the study subjects, and their occupational noise exposure history and other related information were collected. The peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients, and the expression levels of plasma soluble CD14 (sCD14), complement factor D (CFD), Eotaxin-11 (CCL11), and IL-9 were determined. The relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and the expression levels of the four inflammatory cytokines in patients’ plasma were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. The interactions between confounding factors and self-reported occupational noise exposure were further analyzed by interaction analysis. Results The plasma CCL11, sCD14 and CFD expressions in asthmatic patients with self-reported occupational noise exposure were significantly higher than those in patients without the exposure (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with patients reporting no occupational noise exposure, the plasma CFD expression was increased by 0.17 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.31) natural logarithm units in patients with self-reported occupational noise exposure. During remission, the levels of plasma CCL11 and sCD14 in asthmatic patients with self-reported occupational noise exposure were increased by 0.27 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.49) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.41) natural logarithm units, respectively, when compared with patients without the exposure. Interaction analysis showed that self-reported occupational noise exposure had significant multiplicative interaction with smoking or pet ownership on plasma CCL11 or CFD expressions in asthmatic patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion Self-reported occupational noise exposure is significantly associated with increased expression levels of plasma CFD, CCL11, and sCD14 in adult asthmatic patients.

Effect of type of carrier material on the in vitro properties of solid dispersions of progesterone / 药学学报

This study investigated the effect of different carrier materials on the in vitro properties of progesterone solid dispersions. The solid dispersions of the insoluble drug progesterone were prepared by hot melt extrusion technique using rheological properties as the index of investigation, and the in vitro properties of the solid dispersions were characterized. Scanning electron microscope revealed solid dispersions with rough surfaces and agglomerated microstructures into irregular lumpy particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction showed the change of progesterone crystalline form in solid dispersions from crystalline to amorphous state. In vitro dissolution studies showed that solid dispersions prepared with different carrier materials can effectively improve the dissolution rate of drugs. The results of the study showed that the type of carrier material had a significant effect on the in vitro properties of solid dispersions, providing a reference for the study of solid dispersions in the controlled release of insoluble drugs.

Research progress of needle-free injection technology / 药学学报

Needle-free injection technology (NFIT) refers to the drug delivery systems in which drugs are propelled as high-speed jet streams using any of the pressure source to penetrate the skin to the required depth. NFIT is a promising drug delivery system as it enables the injection of liquids, powders, and depot/projectiles, and has the advantages of preventing needle stick accidents, improving drug bioavailability, eliminating needle-phobia, increasing vaccine immunity, simplifying operations and is convenient for patients to use. NFIT and its research background, the structure and classification of needle-free jet injectors (NFJI), drugs that can be delivered using NFJI and the factors affecting the injection effect are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. The limitations and potential development directions are summarized to provide a theoretical basis for the application and development of NFIT.

Research Advance of Chinese Medicine in Treating Atherosclerosis: Focus on Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 / 中国结合医学杂志

As a serious cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis (AS) causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and poses a threat to human health. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family, and its elevated levels have been shown to contribute to AS. Lp-PLA2 is closely related to a variety of lipoproteins, and its role in promoting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in AS is mainly achieved by hydrolyzing oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) to produce lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). Moreover, macrophage apoptosis within plaque is promoted by localized Lp-PLA2 which also promotes plaque instability. This paper reviews those researches of Chinese medicine in treating AS via reducing Lp-PLA2 levels to guide future experimental studies and clinical applications related to AS.

Clinical phenotypic and genotypic analysis of 5 pediatric patients with β-ketothiolase deficiency / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with β-ketothiolase deficiency (BKTD). Methods: The clinical characteristics, biochemical, markers detected by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), as well as the variants in ACAT1 gene among 5 children with BKTD in Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between October 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The onset age of the disease in 5 patients (4 males and 1 female) ranged from 9.7 to 28.0 months. During the acute phase, severe metabolic acidosis was observed with a pH of 6.9-7.1, as well as hypoglycaemia (2.3-3.4 mmol/L) and positive urinary ketone bodies (+-++++). Blood levels of methylcrotonyl carnitine, methylmalonyl carnitine and malonyl carnitine were 0.03-0.42, 0.34-1.43 and 0.83-3.53 μmol/L respectively and were significantly elevated. Urinary 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyric acid was 22-202 and 3-hydroxybutyric acid was 4-6 066, both were higher than the normal levels. Methylcrotonylglycine was mild elevated (0-29). The metabolites detected by MS/MS and GC/MS were significantly reduced after treatment. Analysis of ACAT1 gene mutation was performed in 5 children. Most variants were missense (8/9). Four previously unreported variants were identified: c.678G>T (p.Trp226Cys), c.302A>G (p.Gln101Arg), c.627_629dupTGA (p.Asn209_Glu210insAsp) and c.316C>T (p.Gln106Ter), the first 2 variants were predicted to be damaging by SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and Mutation Taster software. c.316C>T (p.Gln106Ter) is a nonsense variant. Conclusions: β-ketothiolase deficiency is relatively rare, lacks specific clinical manifestations, however severe metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and ketosis during the acute onset were consistent findings. Missense mutations in the ACAT1 gene are common genetic causes of β-ketothiolase deficiency.

Cancer statistics in China, 2016 / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: Data for 2016 from cancer registries were used to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2016. Methods: According to the quality control process of the National Central Cancer Registry, the data from 683 cancer registries submitted by each province were evaluated, and the data of 487 cancer registries were qualified and included in the final analysis. Age-specific incidence and mortality rates were calculated by area (urban/rural), sex, age and cancer site, combined with national population data to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2016. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: Total population covered by 487 cancer registries was 381 565 422 (192 628 370 in urban and 188 937 052 in rural areas). The percentages of morphologically verified (MV%) and death certificate-only cases (DCO%) accounted for 68.31% and 1.40%, respectively, and the mortality to incidence ratio was 0.61. It was estimated about 4 064 000 new cases occurred in China in 2016, with the crude incidence rate being 293.91/100 000 (the rates of males and females were 315.52/100 000 and 271.23/100 000), age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 190.76/100 000 and 186.46/100 000, with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) being 21.42%. The crude incidence and ASIRC were 314.74/100 000 and 196.38/100 000 in urban areas, whereas in rural areas, they were 265.90/100 000 and 182.21/100 000, respectively. It was estimated about 2 413 500 cancer deaths occurred in China in 2016, the crude mortality rate was 174.55/100 000 (216.16/100 000 in males and 130.88/100 000 in females), the age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by world standard population (ASMRW) were 106.00/100 000 and 105.19/100 000, and the cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) was 11.85%. The crude mortality and ASMRC were 180.31/100 000 and 104.44/100 000 in urban areas, whereas in rural areas, they were 166.81/100 000 and 108.01/100 000, respectively. The most common cancer cases include lung, colorectal, stomach, liver and female breast cancers. The top five cancers accounted for about 57.27% of all cancer cases. The most common cancer deaths included lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and esophageal cancers. The top five cancers accounted for about 69.25% of all cancer deaths. Conclusions: The burden of cancer shows a continuous increasing trend in China. Regional and gender differences in cancer burden are obvious. The cancer patterns still show the coexistence of cancer patterns in developed countries and developing countries. The situation of cancer prevention and control is still serious in China.

Effect of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma:a multicenter retrospective study / 中华外科杂志

Objectives: To examine the influence of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection on the survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC) and to identify patients who may benefit from it. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 654 patients with ICC diagnosed by postoperative pathology from December 2011 to December 2017 at 13 hospitals in China were collected retrospectively. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,455 patients were included in this study,including 69 patients (15.2%) who received adjuvant chemotherapy and 386 patients (84.8%) who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. There were 278 males and 177 females,with age of 59 (16) years (M(IQR))(range:23 to 88 years). Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to balance the difference between adjuvant chemotherapy group and non-adjuvant chemotherapy group. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curve,the Log-rank test was used to compare the difference of overall survival(OS) and recurrence free survival(RFS)between the two groups. Univariate analysis was used to determine prognostic factors for OS. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were then performed for prognostic factors with P<0.10 to identify potential independent risk factors. The study population were stratified by included study variables and the AJCC staging system,and a subgroup analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method to explore the potential benefit subgroup population of adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: After 1∶1 PSM matching,69 patients were obtained in each group. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). After PSM,Cox multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (HR=3.06,95%CI:1.52 to 6.16,P=0.039),width of resection margin (HR=0.56,95%CI:0.32 to 0.99,P=0.044) and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.51,95%CI:0.29 to 0.91,P=0.022) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median OS time of adjuvant chemotherapy group was significantly longer than that of non-adjuvant chemotherapy group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RFS time between the adjuvant chemotherapy group and the non-adjuvant chemotherapy group (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that,the OS of female patients,without HBV infection,carcinoembryonic antigen<9.6 μg/L,CA19-9≥200 U/ml,intraoperative bleeding<400 ml,tumor diameter>5 cm,microvascular invasion negative,without lymph node metastasis,and AJCC stage Ⅲ patients could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Adjuvant chemotherapy can prolong the OS of patients with ICC after radical resection,and patients with tumor diameter>5 cm,without lymph node metastasis,AJCC stage Ⅲ,and microvascular invasion negative are more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Highly Sensitive Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide Microgel-based Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of SARS-COV-2 Spike Protein / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#Late 2019 witnessed the outbreak and widespread transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new, highly contagious disease caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Consequently, considerable attention has been paid to the development of new diagnostic tools for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2.@*METHODS@#In this study, a new poly-N-isopropylacrylamide microgel-based electrochemical sensor was explored to detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) in human saliva. The microgel was composed of a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid, and gold nanoparticles were encapsulated within the microgel through facile and economical fabrication. The electrochemical performance of the sensor was evaluated through differential pulse voltammetry.@*RESULTS@#Under optimal experimental conditions, the linear range of the sensor was 10 -13-10 -9 mg/mL, whereas the detection limit was 9.55 fg/mL. Furthermore, the S protein was instilled in artificial saliva as the infected human saliva model, and the sensing platform showed satisfactory detection capability.@*CONCLUSION@#The sensing platform exhibited excellent specificity and sensitivity in detecting spike protein, indicating its potential application for the time-saving and inexpensive detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Effect of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf on myocardial cell apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin/PPARγ pathway in arrhythmic rats / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to investigate the effect of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf on myocardial cell apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) pathway in arrhythmic rats. SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose(20 mg·kg~(-1)) group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf, a medium-dose(40 mg·kg~(-1)) group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf, a high-dose(80 mg·kg~(-1)) group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf, a propranolol hydrochloride(2 mg·kg~(-1)) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except the control group, rats in other groups were prepared as models of arrhythmia by sublingual injection of 1 mL·kg~(-1) of 0.002% aconitine. After grouping and intervention with drugs, the arrhythmia, myocardial cells apoptosis, myocardial tissue glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), catalase(CAT), malondialdehyde(MDA), serum interleukin-6(IL-6), prostaglandin E2(PGE2) levels, myocardial tissue apoptosis, and Wnt/β-catenin/PPARγ pathway-related protein expression of rats in each group were measured. As compared with the control group, the arrhythmia score, the number of ventricular premature beats, ventricular fibrillation duration, myocardial cell apoptosis rate, MDA levels in myocardial tissues, serum IL-6 and PGE2 levels, Bax in myocardial tissues, and Wnt1 and β-catenin protein expression levels increased significantly in the model group, whereas the GSH-Px and CAT levels, and Bcl-2 and PPARγ protein expression levels in myocardial tissues reduced significantly. As compared with the model group, the arrhythmia score, the number of ventricular premature beats, ventricular fibrillation duration, myocardial cell apoptosis rate, MDA leve in myocardial tissues, serum IL-6 and PGE2 levels, Bax in myocardial tissues, and Wnt1 and β-catenin protein expression levels reduced in the drug intervention groups, whereas the GSH-Px and CAT levels and Bcl-2 and PPARγ protein expression levels in myocardial tissues increased. The groups of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf were in a dose-dependent manner. There was no significant difference in the levels of each index in rats between the propranolol hydrochloride group and the high-dose group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf. The total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf inhibit the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, up-regulate the expression of PPARγ, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in myocardial tissues of arrhythmic rats, reduce myocardial cell apoptosis, and improve the symptoms of arrhythmia in rats.

Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.

New model of PIRADS and adjusted prostatespecific antigen density of peripheral zone improves the detection rate of initial prostate biopsy: a diagnostic study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study explored a new model of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) and adjusted prostate-specific antigen density of peripheral zone (aPSADPZ) for predicting the occurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). The demographic and clinical characteristics of 853 patients were recorded. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), PSAD of peripheral zone (PSADPZ), aPSADPZ, and peripheral zone volume ratio (PZ-ratio) were calculated and subjected to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The calibration and discrimination abilities of new nomograms were verified with the calibration curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The clinical benefits of these models were evaluated by decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves. The AUCs of PSA, PSAD, PSADPZ, aPSADPZ, and PZ-ratio were 0.669, 0.762, 0.659, 0.812, and 0.748 for PCa diagnosis, while 0.713, 0.788, 0.694, 0.828, and 0.735 for csPCa diagnosis, respectively. All nomograms displayed higher net benefit and better overall calibration than the scenarios for predicting the occurrence of PCa or csPCa. The new model significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of PCa (0.945 vs 0.830, P < 0.01) and csPCa (0.937 vs 0.845, P < 0.01) compared with the base model. In addition, the number of patients with PCa and csPCa predicted by the new model was in good agreement with the actual number of patients with PCa and csPCa in high-risk threshold. This study demonstrates that aPSADPZ has a higher predictive accuracy for PCa diagnosis than the conventional indicators. Combining aPSADPZ with PIRADS can improve PCa diagnosis and avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Research Progress of Long Non-coding RNA in Acute Myeloid Leukemia--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is not "transcriptional noise". It can regulate gene expression at pre-transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic level and participate in the occurrence and development of diseases. A large number of studies have shown that the abnormal expression of lncRNA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and drug resistance. LncRNA can participate in the occurrence, development and drug resistance of AML by acting on target genes and regulating related signal pathways. Detection of its expression has a certain prognostic value. Therefore, this article briefly discusses the research progress of lncRNA in AML, hoping to provide ideas for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Licochalcone A induces cell cycle arrest in human lung squamous carcinoma cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of licochalcone A (LCA) on the proliferation and cell cycle of human lung squamous carcinoma cells and explore its possible molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#MTT assay was used to detect the changes in proliferation of H226 cells after treatment with different concentrations of LCA for 48 h, and the IC50 of LCA was calculated. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle changes in H226 cells treated with 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L LCA, and the expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase CDK2 and CDK4, and p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, and Akt in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting. The effect of intraperitoneal injection of LCA for 24 days on tumor volume and weight was assessed in a BALB/c-nu mouse model bearing lung squamous carcinoma xenografts.@*RESULTS@#MTT assay showed that LCA significantly decreased the viability of H226 cells with an IC50 of 28.3 μmol/L at 48 h. Flow cytometry suggested that LCA treatment induced obvious cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. LCA treatment also significantly decreased the expressions of cyclin D1, CDK2, and CDK4, and inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt in H226 cells. In the tumor-bearing mice, LCA treatment for 24 days significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight.@*CONCLUSION@#LCA is capable of inhibiting the proliferation and inducing cell cycle arrest in lung squamous carcinoma cells possibility by regulating the PI3K/Akt singling pathway.

Effect of local unstable atherosclerotic plaque on plaque formation in the carotid artery and abdominal aorta of rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the effect of local unstable atherosclerotic plaque on plaque formation in the carotid and aortic arteries of rabbits.@*METHODS@#Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into atherosclerosis model group, highfat diet feeding group, and normal chow feeding group (blank control group). In the model group, carotid artery balloon injury was induced after 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding. Eight weeks later, all the rabbits were euthanized for histopathological examination of the carotid artery and abdominal aorta, and the mean intimal thickness and plaque to lumen area ratio were measured using image analysis software. Venous blood samples were collected from the rabbits for blood lipid analysis.@*RESULT@#At the ends of 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the rabbits in the model group and high-fat feeding group, but not those in the blank control group, all showed significant weight gain compared with their body weight at 0 week (P < 0.05). The mean intimal thickness was significantly greater in atherosclerosis model group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). In atherosclerosis model group, the mean intimal thickness and plaque to lumen area ratio in the injured carotid artery were significantly greater than those in the contralateral carotid artery and abdominal aorta (P < 0.05). At the end of the 12 weeks, the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) and highsensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were all significantly higher in the model group and high-fat feeding group than in the blank control group (P < 0.05); the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C did not differ significantly between the model group and high-fat feeding group (P>0.05), but the level of CRP was significantly higher in arteriosclerosis model group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Local unstable atherosclerotic plaque can increase the level of CRP and promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery and abdominal aorta in rabbits.