Risk factors and prognostic value of osteoporosis in hospitalized patients with bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for osteoporosis and its prognostic value in patients with bronchiectasis is not well characterized. We explored the risk factors for osteoporosis and its prognostic impact in hospitalized non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients in Southeast China. METHODS: This observational cohort study consecutively enrolled 179 hospitalized patients with NCFB bronchiectasis between 2017 and 2021. The risk factors and the impact of osteoporosis on all-cause mortality were assessed. RESULTS: 21.2% (38/179) of hospitalized NCFB patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis had more severe symptoms (assessed by chronic airway assessment test, CAT, median 22 vs. 17, P = 0.017), poorer quality of life (assessed by St. George Respiratory Questionnaires, SQRC, median 42 vs. 27, P = 0.007), more severe disease stage (assessed by bronchiectasis severity index, BSI, median 14 vs. 11, P = 0.02), more comorbidities (assessed by Bronchiectasis Aetiology Comorbidity Index, BACI, median 5 vs. 4, P = 0.021) than patients without. Age, female sex, anemia, post-infection, and history of regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment were independent risk factors for osteoporosis in those patients. 21 patients (11.7%) died over a median follow-up period of 32 months. The all-cause mortality in NCFB patients with osteoporosis [28.94% (11/38)] was significantly higher than those without osteoporosis [7.09% (10/141)] [hazard ratio (HR) 5.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.26-12.67, P < 0.001]. After adjusting for BSI and other confounding factors, osteoporosis was still independently associated with all-cause mortality in hospitalized NCFB patients (HR 4.29, 95% CI 1.75-10.49, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis had an independent effect on all-cause mortality in hospitalized NCFB patients. Management of comorbidities, including bone health, is a critical aspect of treating NCFB patients.

Blocking circ_0010235 suppresses acquired paclitaxel resistance of non-small cell lung cancer by sponging miR-512-5p to modulate FAM83F expression.

The occurrence of paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major challenge for NSCLC treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to associate with cancer resistance, but the role of circ_0010235 in PTX resistance of NSCLC is unclear. The expression of circ_0010235 and microRNA-512-5p (miR-512-5p) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell counting kit-8 assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to measure the PTX resistance, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of cells. All proteins were assessed via western blot analysis. The combination between miR-512-5p and circ_0010235 or FAM83F was predicted by the online database and confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Angiogenesis assay was used to detect the ability of cells to form blood vessels. Animal experiments were employed to confirm the effect of circ_0010235 on NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0010235 and FAM83F were upregulated in PTX-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Circ_0010235 knockdown suppressed the resistance to PTX, proliferation, angiogenesis and migration/invasion in A549/PTX and H1299/PTX cells but promoted apoptosis rate. MiR-512-5p could be sponged by circ_0010235, and its overexpression had an inhibition effect on the PTX resistance of NSCLC cells. FAM83F was a target of miR-512-5p and circ_0010235 could modulate FAM83F expression by sponging miR-512-5p. In vivo experiments revealed that silenced circ_0010235 could improve the sensitivity of the tumor to PTX. Therefore, these findings advocated targeting the circ_0010235/miR-512-5p/FAM83F axis as a potential therapeutic option for patients with NSCLC who are resistant to PTX.

TM4SF19-AS1 facilitates the proliferation of lung squamous cell carcinoma by recruiting WDR5 to mediate TM4SF19.

BACKGROUND: As reported, long non-coding RNAs are a pivotal player in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) progression. We noticed the remarkably upregulated transmembrane-4-l-six-family-19 antisense RNA 1 (TM4SF19-AS1) in LSCC and further demonstrated the function it played in LSCC and the possible molecular mechanism. METHODS: Via bioinformatics approach, we evaluated TM4SF19-AS1 and TM4SF19 levels in LSCC tissue, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot revealed their mRNA and protein levels in LSCC cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays analyzed the proliferation ability of LSCC cells, and cell adhesion ability was detected via cell adhesion assay. RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyzed the underlying mechanism of TM4SF19-AS1 regulating its target, while methylation-specific PCR indicated the methylation level of TM4SF19-AS1. RESULTS: TM4SF19-AS1 was markedly upregulated in LSCC. Functional assays revealed that TM4SF19-AS1 could facilitate the proliferation and adhesion of LSCC. Besides, we revealed the mechanism of TM4SF19-AS1 regulation that it directly bound to WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5), and was then recruited to TM4SF19 promoter region, which activated DNA demethylation, thereby suppressing malignant LSCC progression. CONCLUSION: Our research demonstrated that TM4SF19-AS1 affected LSCC cell proliferation by recruiting WDR5 to manipulate transmembrane-4-lsix-family-member-19 (TM4SF19), which offers a new observation on LSCC pathogenesis, indicating that TM4SF19-AS1 is able to be a promising target for LSCC treatment.

Early Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an essential method for Acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) recovery. We perform a meta-analysis to compare early PR with usual care. A literature search was performed through these databases: PubMed, MEDLINE database, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Embase from inception to July 2021. Eligible trials were clinical randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of early PR and usual care in AECOPD patients. The primary endpoint of this meta-analysis was FEV1% predicted, 6-min walk test (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and George Respiratory Questionnaire-total (SGRQ-total). The secondary outcomes were borg dyspnea score, short-form 36 health survey questionnaire physical (SF-36 physical) and SF-36 mental. We included 13 RCTs with a total of 866 patients. There were no significant effects of the PR group on measures of FEV1% predicted (MD = 0.50, 95%CI -1.43 to 2.44, Z = 0.51, p = 0.61), borg dyspnea score (MD = -0.88, 95%CI -1.89 to 0.13, Z = 1.71, p = 0.09) and SF-36 mental (MD = 4.34, 95%CI -1.64 to 10.32, Z = 1.42, p = 0.16) compared with usual care. PR group achieved better 6MWD (MD = 97.58, 95%CI 17.21 to 177.96, Z = 2.38, p = 0.02), mMRC (MD = -0.36, 95%CI -0.52 to -0.21, Z = 4.56, p ˂ 0.00001), SGRQ-total (MD= -9.67, 95%CI -16.23 to -3.11, Z = 2.89, p = 0.004) and SF-36 physical (MD = 4.98, 95%CI 0.60 to 9.35, Z = 2.23, p = 0.03) compared with usual care group. Early PR in AECOPD patients would lead to better 6MWD, mMRC, SGRQ-total and SF-36 physical. But there were no significant effects of the PR group on measures of FEV1% predicted, borg dyspnea score and SF-36 mental.

Functional responses between PMP3 small membrane proteins and membrane potential.

The Plasma Membrane Proteolipid 3 (PMP3, UPF0057 family in Uniprot) family consists of abundant small hydrophobic polypeptides with two predicted transmembrane helices. Plant homologues were upregulated in response to drought/salt-stresses and yeast deletion mutants exhibited conditional growth defects. We report here abundant expression of Group I PMP3 homologues (PMP3(i)hs) during normal vegetative growth in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, at a level comparable to housekeeping genes, implicating the regular cellular functions. Expression of eukaryotic PMP3(i)hs was dramatically upregulated in response to membrane potential (Vm) variability (Vmvar ), whereas PMP3(i)hs deletion-knockdown led to Vm changes with conditional growth defects. Bacterial PMP3(i)h yqaE deletion led to a shift of salt sensitivity; Vmvar alternations with exogenous K+ addition downregulated prokaryotic PMP3(i)hs, suggesting [K+ ]-Vmvar axis being a significant feedback element in prokaryotic ionic homeostasis. Remarkably, the eukaryotic homologues functionally suppressed the conditional growth defects in bacterial deletion mutant, demonstrating the conserved cross-kingdom membrane functions by PMP3(i)hs. These data demonstrated a direct reciprocal relationship between PMP3(i)hs expression and Vm differentials in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Cumulative with PMP3(i)hs ubiquitous abundance, their lipid-binding selectivity and membrane protein colocalization, we propose [PMP3(i)hs]-Vmvar axis as a key element in membrane homeostasis.

The Effects of Composite Alkali-Stored Spent Hypsizygus marmoreus Substrate on Carcass Quality, Rumen Fermentation, and Rumen Microbial Diversity in Goats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of composite alkali-stored spent Hypsizygus marmoreus substrate (SHMS) on carcass quality, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial diversity in goats. Twenty-four 6-month-old Chuanzhong black goats with similar body weights (20 ± 5 kg) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group) and received four treatments: 0% (control group, CG); 20% (low-addition group, LG); 30% (moderate-addition group, MG); and 40% (high-addition group, HG) of SHMS-replaced silage corn and oat hay. The experiment lasted for 74 days (including a 14 d adaptation period and a 60 d treatment period). The results of this study showed that MG and HG significantly improved the marble score of goat meat (p < 0.05). The flesh color score significantly increased in each group (p < 0.05). The fat color scores significantly increased in LG and MG (p < 0.05). There were no significant effects on the pH value or shear force of the longissimus dorsi in each group (p > 0.05). The cooking loss in MG was higher than that in CG (p < 0.05). The histidine and tyrosine contents in each group of muscles significantly increased (p < 0.05), with no significant effect on fatty acids (p > 0.05). The rumen pH of MG significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) increased by 44.63% and 54.50%, respectively. The addition of the SHMS altered both the alpha and beta diversities of the rumen microbiota and significant differences in the composition and structure of the four microbial communities. The dominant bacterial phylum in each group were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with Prevotella 1 as the dominant bacterial genus. Correlation analysis revealed that rumen bacteria are closely related to the animal carcass quality and rumen fermentation. In the PICRUSt prediction, 21 significantly different pathways were found, and the correlation network showed a positive correlation between the Prevotella 1 and 7 metabolic pathways, while the C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism was positively correlated with nine bacteria. In summary, feeding goats with an SHMS diet can improve the carcass quality, promote rumen fermentation, and alter the microbial structure. The research results can provide a scientific reference for the utilization of SHMS as feed in the goat industry.

Analysis of Rumen Degradation Characteristics, Attached Microbial Community, and Cellulase Activity Changes of Garlic Skin and Artemisia argyi Stalk.

The purpose of this study was to study the chemical composition, rumen degradation characteristics, surface attached microbial community and cellulase activity of garlic skin (GS) and Artemisia argyi stalk (AS), in order to explain their feeding value. Four 14-month-old healthy Min Dong male goats with permanent rumen fistula were selected as experimental animals. The rumen degradation characteristics of GS and AS were determined by using the nylon bag method, and the bacterial composition, cellulase activity and their relationship on the surface of the two groups were analyzed with high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that in GS and AS, the effective degradation rate (ED) values of dry matter (DM) were 42.53% and 37.12%, the ED values of crude protein (CP) were 37.19% and 43.38%, the ED values of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were 36.83% and 36.23%, and the ED values of acid detergent fiber (ADF) were 33.81% and 34.77%. During rumen degradation, the richness and evenness of bacteria attached to the AS surface were higher. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were always the main rumen bacteria in the two groups. At the genus level, fiber-degrading bacteria such as Prevotella, Treponema, and Ruminococcus showed higher levels in GS (p < 0.05). Compared with GS, the activity of ß-glucosidase (BG enzyme), endo-ß-1,4-glucanase (C1 enzyme), exo-ß-1,4-glucanase (Cx enzyme) and neutral xylanase (NEX enzyme) attached to AS surface showed a higher trend. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Succinivibrio and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was positively correlated with the rumen degradability of nutrients in GS, and the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae R-7_group, Succinivibrio and Ruminococcus was positively correlated with the rumen degradability of nutrients in AS. The conclusion of this study shows that AS has more potential to become ruminant roughage than GS. In addition, this study also revealed the relationship between cellulase activity and bacteria, which provided new information for us to better analyze the effects of GS and AS on the rumen of ruminants and provided an important theoretical basis for the development and utilization of agricultural by-products.

[Effects of different antihypertensive strategies on reversing urinary albumin excretion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of different antihypertensive strategies on blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion in patients with hypertension and microalbuminuria. METHODS: For this multi-center, randomized, positively controlled clinical trial, a total of 531 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension and microalbuminuria were enrolled. They were divided randomly into calcium channel blocker (CCB), angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) and CCB+ARB groups. The whole treatment period was 6 months. RESULTS: According to ANOVA analysis, the post-therapeutic urinary albumin level decreased 20.6, 27.6 and 30.9 mg/L in CCB, ARB and CCB+ARB groups respectively (P = 0.067). And the extents of urinary albumin reduction were 31.1 and 6.6 mg/L in patients with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Effective antihypertensive therapy is a key for decreasing urinary albumin excretion in hypertensive patients. As compared with calcium antagonists, ARB-containing regimens appear to be better in reducing urinary albumin.

High-Flow Nasal Oxygen versus Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) can be used in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but the effect of HFNC on clinical outcomes in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is still uncertain. Methods: We searched electronic literature databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HFNC with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in hypercapnic patients with AECOPD. The primary endpoint of this meta-analysis was PaCO2, PaO2, and SpO2. The secondary outcomes were the respiratory rate, mortality, complications, and intubation rate. Results: We included 7 RCTs with a total of 481 patients. There were no significant differences on measures of PaCO2 (MD = -0.42, 95%CI -3.60 to 2.75, Z = 0.26, and P = 0.79), PaO2 (MD = -1.36, 95%CI -4.69 to 1.97, Z = 0.80, and P = 0.42), and SpO2 (MD = -0.78, 95%CI -1.67 to 0.11, Z = 1.72, P = 0.08) between the HFNC group and the NIV group. There was no significant difference in measures of the mortality and intubation rate between the HFNC group (OR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.30 to 1.69, Z = 0.76, and P = 0.44) and the NIV group (OR = 2.38, 95%CI 0.49 to 11.50, Z = 1.08, and P = 0.28), respectively. But the respiratory rate in the HFNC group was lower than that in the NIV group (MD = -1.13, 95%CI -2.13 to -0.14, Z = 2.23, and P = 0.03), and fewer complications were found in the HFNC group (OR = 0.26, 95%CI 0.14 to 0.47, Z = 4.46, and P < 0.00001). Conclusion: NIV was noninferior to HFNC in decreasing PaCO2 and increasing PaO2 and SpO2. Similarly, the mortality and intubation rate was similar among the two groups. The respiratory rate and complications were inferior in the AECOPD group treated with HFNC.

Sepsis Due to Pandoraea sputorum Infection After Multiple Trauma in a Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patient: A Case Report from Southeast China.

Pandoraea sputorum (P. sputorum) infection is of great concern as these gram-negative bacillus species are multidrug-resistant and usually isolated from the patients' respiratory tract suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). A few cases of infection have also been reported in non-CF patients due to its rare pathogenic nature with unclear and overlapping clinical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics with other species. Here, we report an unusual case of a 46-year-old non-CF female, who presented with multiple pelvic fractures, acute traumatic brain injury, multiple rib fractures, and multiple burns (18% of the total body surface area, II°) by the collapse of a brick kiln, suffered from P. sputorum sepsis due to wound infection. Pandoraea species were isolated both from her blood and wound secretion. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated susceptibility to imipenem, tetracyclines, sulfamethoxazole, and ampicillin/sulbactam but resistance to meropenem, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and other beta-lactams. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) PCR assays and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were used to confirm the bacteria as P. sputorum. After effective anti-infection of intravenous antibiotics (imipenem 1.0 Q8H with tigecycline 50 mg Q12H for 14 days), wound care, and other comprehensive treatment for two months, the patient improved and was discharged from the hospital eventually. After reviewing the literature, we observed that the susceptibility results of Pandoraea species were often multidrug-resistant and had a unique pattern of being resistant to meropenem but sensitive to imipenem. Biofilm formation, carbapenemase production, and unique gene procession differed from the environmental isolates could help explain its resistance. This case report highlights the potential virulence of Pandoraea species as a pathogen in patients with no underlying disease. Although they are often multi-resistant, imipenem can be a preferred treatment for Pandoraea species in the earliest identification steps.

Case Report: Disseminated Nocardiosis Caused by Nocardia vulneris in a Patient With Macroglobulinemia.

This report describes a case of disseminated nocardiosis, caused by Nocardia vulneris, in a 61-year-old man with macroglobulinemia and presenting with repeated fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle pain. The isolated Nocardia strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin, but susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic, moxifloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxim, and imipenem. The patient was started on combined meropenem and doxycycline treatment, followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which was subsequently switched to a combination treatment of linezolid, amikacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The patient recovered, and his condition remained stable. Although infection by Nocardia vulneris is rare, and it is easy to miss detection in clinical practice, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of this infection. In addition, the MIC value of the drug sensitivity test should be ascertained when there is a wide choice of medicines. The current case was treated successfully with linezolid, amikacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In cases of disseminated nocardiosis, the patient should be treated with antimicrobial therapy for at least 12 months. Furthermore, bacteriological examination and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be performed regularly.

Effect of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Therapy on the Recovery of Neurological Function and Prognosis of Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease among the middle-aged and elderly, which can lead to a series of neurological disorders. Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, with great value in improving the neurological deficits of stroke patients. In addition, rehabilitation therapy is also of great significance for alleviating the neurological deficits of patients and improving their activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with rehabilitation therapy on the recovery of neurological function and prognosis of stroke patients. METHODS: The case data of 100 stroke patients treated in the Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to July 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the treatment plan patients received, they were divided into the following two groups: an observation group (n = 52) treated with acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy and a control group (n = 48) treated with rehabilitation therapy alone. The two groups were compared in terms of the following items: therapeutic efficacy, plasma levels of cortisol (Cor) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), nerve function, motor function, balance ability, self-care ability, swallowing function, negative emotions, and quality of life. RESULTS: The therapeutic effect of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of Cor and NPY, as well as the neurological function, motor function, balance ability, self-care ability, swallowing function, and negative emotions, were not significantly different between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). While after intervention, all the above indexes improved in both groups, with better improvements in the observation group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). And the various dimensions concerning the quality of life of patients were also significantly better in the observation group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture of traditional Chinese medicine combined with rehabilitation therapy has outstanding effects in stroke treatment and can effectively improve the neurological function, prognosis, and quality of life of patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Astragalus sinicus Incorporated as Green Manure for Weed Control in Corn.

Astragalus sinicus L. (milk vetch), one of the most widespread green manure species, is widely planted in the temperate zone. Eleusine indica L. (goosegrass), a serious annual weed in the world, has evolved resistance to some non-selective herbicides. The use of milk vetch as green manure for weed control in paddy fields was proposed. Aqueous extracts of milk vetch are known to exert a different level of phytotoxicity on weeds and crops. Phytotoxic substances contained in green manure were released into the soil by leaching at the initial stage and decomposition at the later stage after the return of green manure. Considering the need for searching new sustainable strategies for weed control, a question arises: "if milk vetch could be applied in goosegrass control, which stage is the most important to control goosegrass after milk vetch returned to the field, and at the same time, will the subsequent crop, corn (Zea mays L.), be affected by the side effects from milk vetch phytotoxicity?" In this study, the potential of milk vetch for goosegrass control was approached by repeated laboratory experiments, which include the aqueous extract experiment, decomposed experiment, and pot experiment. The effects of milk vetch returning to the field on maize were simulated by a pot experiment. The extract of milk vetch could significantly inhibit the germination of goosegrass at 2% concentration, and the inhibition enhanced with the increase of concentration. In the decomposed liquid experiment, decay time within 15 days, with the increase of decay days or concentration, goosegrass inhibition effect of decomposed liquid was enhanced. When decay time was more than 15 days, the inhibition ability of the decomposed liquid to goosegrass decreased. According to the RI accumulated value, aqueous extract and decomposed liquid have a "hormesis effect" on the germination and growth of goosegrass. Pot experiment proved that the addition of 1-10% (w/w) of milk vetch significantly reduced the germination and growth of goosegrass. On the contrary, the comprehensive analysis showed that the participation of milk vetch was conducive to the growth of corn. Our results constitute evidence that the incorporation of milk vetch into the soil could be a feasible practice to reduce weed infarctions in the corn-based cropping system.

Risk Factors Associated with Impairment in Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity among Patients with Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.

This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity among patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) and compare the predictive value of several scoring systems for the impairment in these patients. Between July 2019 and June 2021, patients who were admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with NCFB were included in this study. Clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 175 NCFB patients were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity diagnosed by carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) <80% prediction was associated with age, Reiff score, body mass index (BMI), comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Disease duration, frequency of exacerbation, hemoglobin level, and COPD were independent risk factors for impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity diagnosed by DLCO/alveolar volume (VA) <80% prediction. Age, Reiff score, and smoking status were independent risk factors for decreased VA diagnosed by VA <80% prediction. The areas under the curve (AUC) for discrimination of DLCO <80% prediction were 0.822 (0.760-0.885) for Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI), 0.787 (0.718-0.856) for FACED, 0.795 (0.729-0.863) for E-FACED, and 0.767 (0.694-0.839) for modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores; the AUC for discrimination of DLCO/VA <80% prediction was 0.803 (0.727-0.880) for BSI, 0.752 (0.669-0.835) for FACED, 0.757 (0.676-0.839) for E-FACED, and 0.762 (0.679-0.845) for mMRC, respectively. The BSI had the largest AUC, but the differences between those scoring systems had no statistical significance (P=0.181 for DLCO <80% prediction and P=0.105 for DLCO/VA <80% prediction). The mMRC score (up to 2 grades) showed a high specificity for discriminating diffusing dysfunction (88.3% for DLCO <80% prediction and 76.1% for DLCO/VA <80% prediction). In NCFB patients, several factors such as age, Reiff score, BMI, exacerbation frequency, disease duration, and comorbid COPD and ILD were associated with impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity, which requires more attention in managing those patients. In addition, several scoring methods, including a simple index of mMRC, showed a comparable and moderate performance for predicting pulmonary diffusing impairment and would facilitate the systematic evaluation of the diffusing capacity of NCFB patients.

From salt to hypertension, what is missed?

Excess salt intake is viewed as a major contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and dietary salt restriction is broadly recommended by public health guidelines. However, individuals can have widely varying physiological responses to salt intake, and a tailored approach to evaluation and intervention may be needed. The traditional sodium related concepts are challenging to assess clinically for two reasons: (1) spot and 24-hour urine sodium are frequently used to evaluate salt intake, but are more suitable for population study, and (2) some adverse effects of salt may be blood pressure-independent. In recent years, previously unknown mechanisms of sodium absorption and storage have been discovered. This review will outline the limitations of current methods to assess sodium balance and discuss new potential evaluation methods and treatment targets.

[Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Tetracycline Antibiotics in Farmland Soil in Yinchuan].

A total of 43 surface soil samples were collected from Yinchuan farmland and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to measure the concentrations of oxytetracycline(OTC), tetracycline(TC), chlortetracycline(CTC), and doxycycline(DOC). The pollution characteristics and spatial distribution of TC were further analyzed using spatial Kriging interpolation, and the ecological risks of OTC, TC, CTC, and DOC in farmland soils were also assessed. Tetracycline antibiotics were detected in all the soil samples at concentrations ranging from 40.68 to 1074.42 µg·kg-1 and an average of 462.24 µg·kg-1. The average proportions were ranked ΣTCs: CTC(69.26%) > OTC(16.34%) > TC(12.86%) > DOC(1.54%), and CTC pollution was the most serious among. The space tended to be high in the middle and low in the periphery, but the concentrations of TC were highest in the northwest. The average contents of ΣTCs in different soils was ranked as follows:vegetable field(596.01 µg·kg-1) > pasture(487.04 µg·kg-1) > cultivated land(437.52µg·kg-1) > garden plot(404.99 µg·kg-1). The average risk values of OTC, TC, CTC, and DOC in farmland soils were 0.14, 0.69, 0.14, and 1.02, respectively. TC and DOC represented a high level of risk in 23.26% and 6.98% of the samples, respectively, which requires particular attention.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen versus conventional oxygen for hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Low-concentration oxygen is an established way for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with Type II respiratory failure. Hypercapnia can complicate both COPD exacerbations and stable COPD. Treating with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can reduce carbon dioxide tension in arterial (PaCO2 ) in hypercapnic COPD. As an open system, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) is easy to tolerate and use. More researches are needed to focus on how HFNC is used to treat COPD patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL database were retrieved from inception to October 2019. Eligible trials were clinical randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of HFNC and conventional oxygen on hypercapnic COPD patients. Two researchers assessed the quality of each study and extracted the data into RevMan 5.3 independently. The primary outcome was PaCO2 and the secondary outcome was PaO2 . RESULTS: Four RCTs with 329 patients were included. The research results indicated that PaCO2 in the HFNC group was similar to the conventional oxygen group. No significant difference were observed in PaCO2 (MD -0.98, CI: -2.67 to 0.71, Z = 1.14, p = 0.25) and PaO2 (MD -0.72, CI: -6.99 to 5.55, Z = 0.23, p = 0.82) between the HFNC group and conventional oxygen group. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed no difference in PO2 and PCO2 between the HFNC and conventional oxygen. But we should treat this conclusion with caution because the number of studies and participants is small and, there is heterogeneity in the PaO2 and PCO2 measurements between stable and AECOPD.

Effect of orlistat-assisted weight loss on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in obese Chinese subjects with hypertension.

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of orlistat-assisted weight loss on endothelium-dependent vasodilation by ultrasonography in obese Chinese subjects with hypertension. Thirty obese hypertensive patients (mean age: 46.6 +/- 10.3 yr, male:12) were given 120 mg of orlistat 120 mg three times daily for 12 weeks, without a concomitant hypocaloric diet or anti-hypertensive drugs. Fifteen concurrent blood pressure, age, and gender-matched, nonobese hypertensive patients (mean age: 46.6 +/- 11.3 yr, male:6) served as the control. The height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were measured and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) of brachial artery was determined by high-resolution ultrasound before and after 12 weeks treatment with orlistat. The baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups, while body mass index (BMI) and WC were greater in the obese group (p < 0.01). Before treatment, the brachial artery diameter was increased by 9.6% following reactive hyperemia in the obese group, significantly lower than that in the control group (13.3%, P < 0.01). Nitroglycerin-mediated dilation was not difference between the two groups. After 12 weeks of orlistat treatment, the brachial artery diameter was increased by 14.2%, and the FMD was significantly improved (P < 0.01), associated with a significant reduction in weight, BMI, WC, and blood pressures. Nitroglycerin-mediated dilation was not significantly affected. On multiple regression analysis, improvement in FMD was determined by change of body weight (Beta = -0.555, P = 0.001), after adjustments for height, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and WC. Orlistat can effectively reduce body weight and blood pressure and improve endothelium-dependent FMD in obese Chinese hypertensives.

MicroRNA-466 regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of the human lung cancer cells by targeting transcription factor RUNX2.

PURPOSE: Lung cancer causes significant mortality across the globe. This study aimed at the exploration of the regulatory role of microRNA (miR)-466 in lung cancer. METHODS: qRT-PCR analysis was used to infer the expression levels of miR-466 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). CCK8 kit was used for assessment of cell proliferation. Colony forming assay was employed for examining the viability of cancer cells. The wound healing and Matrigel assays were used for investigating the rates of migration and invasion of cancer cells, respectively. Dual luciferase assay was performed to assess the interaction between miR-466 and RUNX2. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression. RESULTS: The results indicated that miR-466 is downregulated in lung cancer cells. Its overexpression led to significant decline of proliferation of cancer cells. The migration and invasion of lung cancer cells transfected with mir-466 mimics also got repressed. At molecular level, the regulatory role of miR-466 was exerted through the RUNX2 transcription factor whose silencing mimicked the effects of miR-466 overexpression. CONCLUSION: Taken all together, miR-466 suppression is associated with the growth and progression of lung cancer. The miR-466 overexpression declined the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells and these effects were modulated through miR-466/RUNX2 molecular axis.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide and ERK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway may participate in the association between homocysteine and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for hypertension, although the mechanisms are poorly understood. METHODS: We first explored the relationship between Hcy levels and blood pressure (BP) by analyzing the clinical data of primary hypertensive patients admitted to our hospital. Secondly, we explored a rat model to study the effect of Hcy on blood pressure and the role of H2S. An hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) rat model was induced to explore the effect of Hcy on blood pressure and the possible mechanism. We carried out tissue histology, extraction and examination of RNA and protein. Finally, we conducted cell experiments to determine a likely mechanism through renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. RESULTS: In primary hypertensive inpatients with HHcy, blood pressure was significantly higher as compared with inpatient counterparts lacking HHcy. In the rat model, blood pressure of the Wistar rats was significantly increased with increases in serum Hcy levels and decreased after folate treatment. Angiotensin converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) expression in the Wistar Hcy group was enhanced comparing to controls, but was decreased in the Wistar folate group. Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) levels in the kidney tissue increased in the Wistar folate group. Both serum H2S and kidney cystathionine γ-lyase decreased with elevated levels of serum Hcy. In vitro, increased concentrations and treatment times for Hcy were associated with increased expression of collagen type 1 and AGTR1. This dose and time dependent response was also observed for p-STAT3 and p-ERK1/2 expression. CONCLUSION: Endogenous H2S might mediate the process of altered blood pressure in response to changes in serum Hcy levels, in a process that is partly dependent on activated RAAS and ERK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway.