[Short-term effects and seasonal variation of ozone on daily hospital outpatient visits for childhood asthma in Lanzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of ozone (O3) concentrations measured with different approaches across different seasons on the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits, as well as the differentiation of such effects across different groups of patients. METHODS: The outpatient data of three grade A tertiary hospitals in Lanzhou City spanning from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017, as well as air pollution and meteorological data during the same period were collected. Considering the nonlinear relationship between O3 concentrations and the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits and meteorological factors, a generalized additive temporal sequence model was employed to analyze the short-term association between changes in O3 concentrations and the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits. Taking into account of the variations in O3 concentrations within 1 day, this study adopted different measurement approaches to address the three types of O3 exposures, namely, the maximum 1 h daily concentration (O3max1h), the maximum 8 h daily concentration (O38h) and the mean 24 h daily concentration (O324h) as the short term exposure indicators to O3, followed by a model-based analysis. RESULTS: The increase in short-term exposure levels to O3 in summer had a significant effect on the increase in the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits. With lag0 for the current day, every 10 µg/m3 increase in atmospheric concentration of O3max1h was associated with an increase in the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits by 3.351% (95%CI: 1.231%-5.516%); for every 10 µg/m3 increase in O38h concentration, the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits increased by 3.320% (95%CI: 0.197%-3.829%); for every 10 µg/m3increase in O324h concentration, the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits in summer increased by 6.600% (95%CI: 0.914%-12.607%); moreover, an increase in exposure to O3max1h also led to a significant rise in the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits among the males. CONCLUSION: The increase in short-term exposure levels to O3 in summer in Lanzhou City has a significant effect on the increase in the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits; O3max1h is more closely correlated with the increase in the total number of childhood asthma-related clinical visits.

[Expression and prognostic value of programmed cell death ligand 1 in patients with locally advanced and non-EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy].

Objective: To explore the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in patients with locally advanced and non-EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) and its association with clinical outcome of patients. Methods: The basic clinical information of 19 patients with unresectable, non-EGFR mutated LA-NSCLC receiving radical cCRT in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to December 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. The rabbit monoclonal antibody SP263 was used for immunohistochemical analysis to detect the expression of PD-L1 in LA-NSCLC tissues and the tumor proportion score (TPS) equal to or greater than 1% was defined as PD-L1 positive. The associations between PD-L1 ≥1% and PD-L1 ≥25% with the clinical characteristics and clinical outcome of LA-NSCLC patients were evaluated respectively. Results: Among 19 LA-NSCLC patients, 13 had PD-L1 positive expression, and 4 had PD-L1 expression greater than or equal to 25%. No significant difference was observed between patients with PD-L1 positive and negative expressions regarding the distribution of age, smoking history, pathological classification, and TNM staging (P>0.05). A total of 15 patients could be evaluated for therapeutic effect, including 7 patients with partial response (PR), 7 patients with stable disease (SD), and 1 patient with progressive disease (PD). In the group with PD-L1 expression<1%, 3 patients were in objective response, and 4 patients were in disease control. In the group with PD-L1 expression ≥1%, 4 patients were in objective response, and 10 patients were in disease control. When the PD-L1 expression was less than 25%, 6 patients gained the objective response, and 11 patients gained the disease control. When the PD-L1 expression was greater than or equal to 25%, 1 patient gained the objective response, and 3 patients gained the disease control. The median overall survival (OS) was 35 (95%CI: 12.7-57.3) months for patients with PD-L1 ≥1% and 40 (95%CI: not reaching the end point) months for patients with PD-L1<1% (P=0.284). Patients with PD-L1 ≥25% had a median survival time of 12 (95%CI:0.0-34.5) months, and patients with PD-L1<25% had a median survival time of 40 (95%CI: 27.4-52.6) months (P=0.241). Conclusions: The prognosis of LA-NSCLC patients with PD-L1 positive and no-EGFR mutation receiving concurrent chemoradiation has a trend of poor prognosis. A larger sample size study is warranted to explore the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in inoperable LA-NSCLC patients and to further explore the effect of immunotherapy on patients with different PD-L1 expression levels.

Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Gastric Cancer: The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is a potential risk factor for gastric cancer. However, findings from cohort studies that examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and gastric cancer risk among Japanese population are not conclusive. METHODS: A total of 54,682 Japanese men and women participating in the Japan Collaborative Cohort study completed a questionnaire, including alcohol consumption information. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: After a median 13.4-year follow-up, we documented 801 men and 466 women incident cases of gastric cancer. Alcohol consumption was associated with increased risk of gastric cancer among men (HRs in ex-drinkers and current alcohol consumption of <23 g, 23-<46 g, 46-<69 g, and ≥69 g/d categories versus never drinkers were 1.82; 95% CI, 1.38-2.42, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10-1.80, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.17-1.85, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.48-2.38, and 1.85; 95% CI, 1.35-2.53, respectively, and that for 10 g increment of alcohol consumption after excluding ex-drinkers was 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10). The association in men was observed for cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer (HRs in the highest alcohol consumption category versus never drinkers were 9.96; 95% CI, 2.22-44.67 for cardia cancer and 2.40; 95% CI, 1.64-3.52 for non-cardia cancer). However, no such trend was observed in women. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of gastric cancer among Japanese men, regardless of anatomical subsite of the cancer.

[Effects of temperature and relative humidity on the number of outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their interaction effect in Lanzhou, China].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the relationships of daily average temperature and relative humidity with outpatient visit frequency of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and whether temperature and relative humidity have a lag effect. METHODS: The effects of daily average temperature, relative humidity, and their interaction in Lanzhou between January 2013 and December 2017 on the outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were analyzed using Poisson generalized linear regression model combined with distributed lag non-linear model. RESULTS: There was a non-linear relationship between the daily average temperature and the outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Between -12 °C and -8 °C, the outpatient visit frequency increased gradually with the decrease of the daily average temperature, and the outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients increased by 11.60% per 1 °C of temperature drop. The daily average relative humidity also presented a non-linear effect on the outpatient visit frequency chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. When the daily average relative humidity was in the range of 15%-28%, the outpatient visit frequency increased gradually with the decrease of relative humidity, and the outpatient visit frequency of COPD patients increased by 37.05% for every 1% decrease of relative humidity. A synergistic effect was found between air temperature and relative humidity on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that is, under different relative humidity, the effect of air temperature was different. When the daily average relative humidity ≤ 50% and the daily average temperature≤11 °C, the effect of air temperature was the most obvious. For every 1 °C drop in temperature, the daily out-patient visit frequency of the whole population increased by 12.68% (5.62% in males and 7.56% in females; 5.24% in population < 65 years and 14.74% in population ≥ 65 years). When the daily average relative humidity > 50% and the daily average temperature ≤ 11 °C, the daily outpatient visit frequency of the whole population increased by 9.00% for every 1 °C drop in temperature (< 65 years, 7.11%; ≥65 years, 10.93%). When the daily average temperature > 11 °C, the temperature had no effect on the daily outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients under different relative humidity. CONCLUSION: The presence of a certain extent of interaction is observed between daily average temperature and relative humidity. Low-temperature and dry environment (relative humidity ≤50%, temperature ≤11 °C) as well as low-temperature and high-humidity environment (relative humidity > 50%, temperature ≤11 °C) can both increase the risk of outpatient visit in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Diagnostic value of transvaginal four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography combined with recanalization in patients with tubal infertility.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of transvaginal four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TVS 4D-HyCoSy) combined with recanalization versus laparoscopy for patients with tubal infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 195 patients undergoing TVS 4D-HyCoSy were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 72 patients underwent laparoscopy, which was the gold standard. The endpoints were coincidence rate (defined as a parameter consistent with results arising from TVS 4D-HyCoSy and laparoscopic examination using dye), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index for TVS 4D-HyCoSy. RESULTS: A total of 385 fallopian tubes were assessed by TVS 4D-HyCoSy, of which 147 (38.2%) were tubal patency, 178 (46.2%) as partial tubal obstruction, and 60 (15.6%) as complete tubal obstruction. Of 195 patients, 72 patients with 144 fallopian tubes underwent laparoscopy and a total coincidence rate of 90.97% compared with TVS 4D-HyCoSy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index for 4D-HyCoSy versus laparoscopy were 97.7%, 86.7%, 98.4%, 81.3%, and 0.84, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TVS 4D-HyCoSy represents a highly useful method for diagnosing tubal patency. However, further large-scale studies are warranted to investigate our findings in patients with tubal infertility.

[Distributed lag effects on the relationship between daily mean temperature and the incidence of bacillary dysentery in Lanzhou city].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the lag effects of daily average temperature on the daily cases of bacillary dysentery in Lanzhou city. METHODS: The data of daily cases of bacillary dysentery were collected during 2008 and 2015 in the city, and the meteorological data at the same period was integrated. The distributed lag non-linear model was used to analyze the relevance between daily average temperature and the daily cases of bacillary dysentery. RESULTS: The exposure response relationship between the daily temperature and the incidence of bacillary dysentery was "J" type, the lowest incidence temperature was 17 °C, and the effect of high temperature on different gender and age groups was higher than that of the intermediate effect. The effect of high temperature and intermediate effect on the male and female groups showed an acute effect, the effect of the day was the highest, followed by fluctuations in temperature, and the greater the impact on women. In different age groups, high temperature effect and the intermediate effect of bacterial dysentery in 0-3 years old groups were the biggest; the effects of high and intermediate temperature on people aged 0-3 and 19-64 year all showed acute effects, which were the maximum value at the day, then decreased volatility; and for people aged over 65 years, the day after the onset, decreases and then increases slowly. There were obviously increasing risks of bacillary dysentery both the high temperature (32 °C) and the middle temperature (26 °C) with respect to 17 °C. The accumulative effects were highest at lag14 days, and the RR (95%CI) values of middle temperature was 2.30 (1.53-3.13), 2.45 (1.65-3.30), 2.41 (1.59-3.28), 2.54 (1.40-3.79), 1.82 (0.41-3.43), 1.98 (1.11-2.93), and 1.73 (0.68-2.88) among the males, females, 0-3 years old, 4-11 years old, 12-18 years old, 19-64 years old and over 65 years old people, respectively; while the high temperature was 2.93 (1.38-4.69), 3.08 (1.48- 4.90), 3.26 (1.60-5.16), 3.12 (1.06-5.56), 1.94 (0.73-5.39), 2.31 (0.54-4.36), and 2.06 (0.02-4.51), respectively. CONCLUSION: The high temperature may increase risks of bacillary dysentery, and the females and younger people were the sensitive population. Meteorological factors play an important role in the occurrence and development of bacillary dysentery in Lanzhou. The incidence of bacillary dysentery is affected by multiple meteorological factors, but the primary one is high temperature. The temperature has not a direct effect on the incidence of bacillary dysentery, but an indirect influence in different populations through the impacts of various aspects of the incidence of bacterial dysentery (residents living habits, communication channels and the habits of the susceptible population).

[Research on the relationship between the daily mean temperature and the daily cases of varicella during 2008-2016 in Lanzhou, China].

Objective: To explore the effects of temperature on the daily cases of varicella. Methods: The data of daily cases of varicella was collected during 2008 to 2016 in Lanzhou from National Notifiable Disease Report System, and the meteorological data at the same period was integrated from Gansu Meteorological Administration. Distributed lag nonlinear model was fitted to reveal the relationship between the daily mean temperature and the daily cases of varicella and susceptible population. The minimum morbidity temperature was defined as the reference for the estimation of RRs in different temperature level (-5.2 ℃, 1.7 ℃, 20.1 ℃ and 25.4 ℃). Results: The total of 21 254 cases were reported from 2008 to 2016, of which the ratio of male to female was 1.28 (11 951/9 303) and people aged 6-14 years accounted for 52.87%. The relationship between the daily mean temperature and the daily cases of varicella was M type. For all subjects, the accumulative effects of temperature had statistical significance from lag 0-14 d when temperatures was at -5.2 ℃, 1.7 ℃ and 20.1 ℃,while the RRs (95%CI) were 1.87 (1.64-2.12) , 1.33 (1.10-1.62) ,1.60 (1.38-1.86) ,while from lag 0-7 d when temperatures was at 25.4 ℃,and the RR (95%CI) was 2.51 (1.93-3.27) . The RR value of accumulative effects was 6.23(95%CI: 4.38-8.86) on lag 7 d when temperatures was at -5.2 ℃, which was the highest value at different temperature during lag days. The cumulative effects trends of different temperatures were similar for different gender population or different age subjects. However, the cumulative effects of was highest for children aged 6-14 years among all subjects, and the value of RR was 6.12 (95%CI:3.71-10.10) on lag 5d when temperatures was at -5.2 ℃. Conclusion: We conclude that the increasing risk of varicella is associative with low and high temperature in Lanzhou. The effects of low temperature are stronger than those of high temperature. The children aged 6-14 years belong to the high-risk population of varicella.

Ossifying inverted papilloma and ossifying polyp of the sinonasal tract: comparison of CT and MRI features.

AIM: To investigate the key imaging points in distinguishing ossifying inverted papilloma (IP) from polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The native computed tomography (CT), conventional and enhanced MRI manifestations of 20 ossifying IPs and eight polyps, which were confirmed histopathologically, were retrospectively evaluated by two doctors majoring in head and neck imaging. RESULTS: A significant difference was detected between the two entities for the involved sites (p<0.05). Although two lesions had similar CT findings, the MRI features differed significantly (p<0.05). Twenty ossifying IPs demonstrated heterogeneously isointense with moderate gadolinium enhancement, and a convoluted "cerebriform" configuration. Seven ossifying polyps revealed low T1 and high T2 signal, with marginal enhancement, and one showed isointense with moderate enhancement. The ossification appeared as oval or striped bone-like high attenuation, which consisted of peripheral hyperattenuating cortical bone and central fat-like attenuation of the medullary cavity. The corresponding MRI findings of the ossifying regions were peripherally low signal and centrally high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images. The occurrence of two key MRI features of cystic appearance and the "cerebriform" sign were significantly different between two entities (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CT can better detect intralesional ossification, but MRI is the optimal imaging technique for discriminating between two disease entities.

First Report of Fusarium solani Causing Root Rot on Coptis chinensis in Southwestern China.

China is the world's largest producer country of coptis (Coptis chinensis), the rhizomes of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Since 2008, however, root rot symptoms, including severe necrosis and wilting, have been observed on coptis plants in Chongqing, southwestern China. Of the plants examined from March 2011 to May 2013 in 27 fields, 15 to 30% were covered with black necrotic lesions. The leaves of infected plants showed wilt, necrotic lesions, drying, and death. The fibrous roots, storage roots, and rhizomes exhibited brown discoloration and progressive necrosis that caused mortality of the infected plants. Infected plants were analyzed to identify the causal organism. Discoloration of the internal vascular and cortical tissues of the rhizomes and taproots was also evident. Symptomatic taproots of the diseased coptis were surface sterilized in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, rinsed in sterile distilled water for 2 min, and then air-dried in sterilized atmosphere/laminar flow. Small pieces of disinfested tissue (0.3 cm in length) were transferred to petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with 125 µg ml-1 streptomycin sulfate and 100 µg ml-1 ampicillin, and incubated for 5 days at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Four distinct species of fungal isolates (HL1 to 4) derived from single spores were isolated from 30 plants with root rot symptoms collected from the study sites. To verify the pathogenicity of individual isolates, healthy coptis plants were inoculated by dipping roots into a conidial suspension (106 conidia/ml) for 30 min (15 plants per isolate), as described previously (1). Inoculated plants were potted in a mixture of sterilized quartz sand-vermiculite-perlite (4:2:1, v/v) and incubated at 25/18°C and 85 to 90% relative humidity (day/night) in a growth chamber with a daily 16-h photoperiod of fluorescent light. Plants dipped in sterile distilled water were used as controls. After 15 days, symptoms similar to those observed in the field were observed on all plants (n = 15) that were inoculated with HL1, but symptoms were not observed on plants inoculated with HL2, HL3, and HL4, nor on control plants. HL1 was re-isolated from symptomatic plants but not from any other plants. Morphological characterization of HL1 was performed by microscopic examination. The septate hyphae, blunt microconidia (2 to 3 septa) in the foot cell and slightly curved microconidia in the apical cell, and chlamydospores were consistent with descriptions of Fusarium solani (2). The pathogen was confirmed to be F. solani by amplification and sequencing of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA-ITS) using the universal primer pair ITS4 and ITS5. Sequencing of the PCR product revealed a 99 to 100% similarity with the ITS sequences of F. solani in GenBank (JQ724444.1 and EU273504.1). Phylogenetic analysis (MEGA 5.1) using the neighbor-joining algorithm placed the HL1 isolate in a well-supported cluster (97% bootstrap value based on 1,000 replicates) with JQ724444.1 and EU273504.1. The pathogen was thus identified as F. solani based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. To our knowledge, this is the first report of root rot of coptis caused by F. solani in the world. References: (1) K. Dobinson et al. Can. J. Plant Pathol. 18:55, 1996. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 2006.

Lactotripeptides intake and blood pressure management: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lactotripeptides (LTPs, including IPP and VPP) have held promise in the framework of lifestyle modification for prevention and control of hypertension - a cardiovascular risk factor, as LTPs are reported to have an inhibitory effect on angiotensin-converting enzyme. While the number of clinical trials to test the efficacy of LTP continues to increase, the results have been inconsistent, especially in the last few years. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to precisely estimate the pooled mean effect of LTPs on conventional blood pressure (BP) generally and on 24-h ambulatory BP (ABP) particularly, as well as the change of BP in relation to baseline BP, race, and study design, to better reflect the evolving field. DATA SYNTHESIS: In general analysis of 24 studies with 28 trials on 1919 human subjects, there are small reductions in both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) with the pooled mean effects of 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.48 and -0.84) and 0.76 mmHg (-1.31 and -0.20) in response to LTP administration. In analysis of 24-h ABP response to LTP intervention, the reductions of SBP and DBP are 1.30 (-2.49 and -0.11) and 0.57 mmHg (-1.49 and 0.35). In subgroup analysis, the anti-hypertensive efficacy appears to be related to baseline BP, ethnic differences, treatment duration and double versus not double-blind design. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that the BP-lowering effect of LTP is statistically significant, though small in magnitude. More clinical investigations (especially randomized double-blind trials with ABP) are warranted to determine the anti-hypertensive efficacy of LTP conclusively.

[Prospective randomized controlled trial on 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser combined with fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars].

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser combined with fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency (FMR) therapy and 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled research was conducted. A total of 100 atrophic acne scar patients (38 males and 62 females, aged 18-37 years) who were treated in the Scar Laser Clinic of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from March 2018 to March 2021 and conformed to the inclusion criteria were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into erbium laser+FMR group and erbium laser alone group, with 50 cases in each group. The facial acne scars of patients in erbium laser alone group were treated with 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser, while the facial acne scars of patients in erbium laser+FMR group were treated with erbium laser as above, besides, the scars of U and M types were treated with FMR, once every 3 months for a total of 3 times. Before the first treatment and 3 months after each treatment, the Echelle D'Assessment Clinique des Cicatrices D'Acne (ECCA) was used to score the scar. The occurrence of adverse reaction during the treatment process was observed and recorded, and the incidence was calculated. Three months after the last treatment, the 5-level classification method was used to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with the treatment effect, and the satisfaction rate was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test and chi-square test. Results: A total of 89 patients completed the study, including 46 patients in erbium laser+FMR group (19 males and 27 females, aged (26±5) years) and 43 patients in erbium laser alone group (15 males and 28 females, aged (27±6) years). The ECCA scores before the first treatment and 3 months after the first treatment of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). The ECCA scores of patients in erbium laser+FMR group at 3 months after the second and third treatment were 72±23 and 61±18, respectively, which were significantly lower than 85±26 and 76±25 in erbium laser alone group (with t values of -2.45 and -3.26, respectively, P<0.05). During the treatment process, the incidence of adverse reaction of patients in erbium laser+FMR group and erbium laser alone group were 23.91% (11/46) and 16.28% (7/43), respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The satisfaction rate of patients in erbium laser+FMR group was 78.26% (36/46) at 3 months after the last treatment, which was significantly higher than 53.49% (23/43) in erbium laser alone group (χ2=6.10, P<0.05). Conclusions: The 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser combined with FMR is superior to 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser alone in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars, achieving significantly higher efficacy without significantly increasing the incidence of adverse reaction, and patients are more satisfied with the efficacy. It can be used as a recommended therapy in clinical practice.

Dynapenic Abdominal Obesity and Risk of Heart Disease among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The vicious cycle of dynapenia and abdominal obesity may have synergistic detrimental impacts on health. We aim to investigate the prospective association between dynapenic abdominal obesity and the risk of heart disease among middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, 2002-2019. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4734 participants aged 50 years and older were included. MEASUREMENTS: Individuals were divided into non-dynapenia/non-abdominal obesity (ND/NAO), non-dynapenia/abdominal obesity (ND/AO), dynapenia/non-abdominal obesity (D/NAO), and dynapenia/abdominal obesity (D/AO) according to grip strength and waist circumference at baseline. The Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain the hazard ratios (HRs) of incident heart disease associated with dynapenia and abdominal obesity after adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 1040 cases of heart disease were recorded. Compared with ND/NAO group, the multivariable HRs were 1.05 (0.92, 1.21) for ND/AO group, 1.31 (0.96, 1.81) for D/NAO group, and 1.39 (1.03, 1.88) for D/AO group. The significant association of D/AO with incident heart disease was detected in women but not in men [HR = 1.55 (1.07, 2.24) and 1.06 (0.60, 1.88), respectively]. Among middle-aged adults, significant associations of D/NAO and D/AO with incident heart disease were observed [HR = 2.46 (1.42, 4.29) and 1.74 (1.02, 2.97), respectively]. CONCLUSION: Both D/NAO and D/AO might increase the risk of developing heart disease, highlighting the importance of dynapenia and obesity early screening for heart disease prevention.

MRI study of solitary fibrous tumor in the orbit.

OBJECTIVE: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare lesion of the orbit. The purpose of this study is to determine the MRI features of orbital SFTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 15 patients with histopathologically proven orbital SFTs. All patients underwent orbital MRI. The location, size, shape, margin, and MRI signal of 15 lesions were reviewed. The time-intensity curve (TIC) of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in 14 patients and diffusion-weighted imaging in four patients were also analyzed. RESULTS: Ten orbital SFTs were located in the extraconal space (seven at the superior aspect and three at the lateral aspect), three in the retrobulbar intraconal space, one in the superomedial aspect of the intraconal space, and one in the lacrimal sac region. All SFTs appeared ovoid in configuration and had well-defined margins. The mean maximum diameter was 30.2 mm (range, 15-56 mm). Fourteen SFTs appeared homogeneously isointense to gray matter on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, the lesions showed heterogeneous isointensity in nine patients and hypointensity in five patients. The lesions showed heterogeneous marked enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI. Streaky high-signal-intensity areas on T2-weighted images with marked enhancement were observed in nine patients. Flow-void signal was identified in six patients. The TICs of 14 patients showed a washout pattern. The contrast index was 1.61±0.42, the time to peak enhancement was 34.15±14.04 seconds, and the washout ratio was 37.32%±14.37%. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient value of four patients was 1.28±0.23×10(-3) mm2/s. Another case exhibited multicystic appearance. CONCLUSION: Isointense or hypointense signal on T2-weighted images, marked enhancement, and a washout TIC pattern are the characteristic MRI features of orbital SFTs.

Effect of dietary taurine supplementation on metabolome variation in plasma of Nile tilapia.

Taurine has been considered as an essential nutrient for many aquaculture species. While dietary taurine supplementation is highly recommended, novelty studies on taurine metabolism in fish are needed. The present study aimed to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in multiple metabolome changes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by studying plasma metabolic profile changes in response to graded levels of dietary taurine supplementation. The analysis used proton nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics. Four groups of tilapias were fed with four diets supplemented with 0.0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% taurine for 84 days. Fish plasma was sampled at multiple time points to provide an accurate snapshot of specific metabolic profiles during growth. Under the effect of taurine supplementation, 21 and 12 metabolites in tilapia plasma shown significant changes in terms of time-dependence and diet-dependence, respectively. These metabolic changes in tilapia plasma were mainly associated with energy and amino acid metabolism, lipids, nucleotides and protein metabolism. The results indicate that 0.8% taurine supplementation could significantly improve the carbohydrate synthesis, protein digestion and absorption, and fat deposition of tilapia and thereby promoted growth and development of tilapia.

[Application value of flexible endoscopy and rigid endoscopy in the clinical examination of chronic sinus tract wounds with different shapes].

Objective: To explore the application value of flexible endoscopy and rigid endoscopy in the clinical examination of chronic sinus tract wounds with different shapes. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 1 to December 23, 2019, a total of 46 patients with chronic sinus tract wounds, who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Wound Healing Center of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, including 23 males and 23 females, aged 18-81 (48±21) years. On admission, computer tomography (CT) imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed to examine the shapes of wound sinus tract and classify the wounds, with the lengths of wound sinus tract by CT imaging examination (hereinafter referred to as reference lengths) recorded. The lengths of wound sinus tract were examined and measured by rigid endoscopy and flexible endoscopy. The wounds with and without obviously curved sinus tract were classified into curve group and linear group respectively, and the deviation rates between the lengths of wound sinus tract measured by flexible endoscopy or rigid endoscopy and the reference lengths (hereinafter referred to as deviation rates of lengths) in each group were calculated. The difference between the deviation rates of lengths examined by flexible endoscopy and rigid endoscopy and the differences between the above two and the deviation rate of reference lengths (0) in each group were compared. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Results: CT imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction showed that there were 4 types of wound sinus tract, including tubular (36/46), lamellar (4/46), club-mallet (4/46), and irregular (2/46) shape. Tubular wounds were further divided into type I (23/36), type L (4/36), and type Y (9/36). Wounds with type I tubular, lamellar, and club-mallet sinus tract were classified into linear group (31/46), while those with type Y tubular, type L tubular, and irregular sinus tract were classified into curve group (15/46). In linear group, the deviation rates of lengths examined and measured by rigid endoscopy and flexible endoscopy were 0. In curve group, the deviation rate of lengths examined and measured by flexible endoscopy was 0 (0, 0.58%), which was significantly lower than 41.18% (31.68%, 48.41%) examined and measured by rigid endoscopy, Z=-3.408, P<0.01; the deviation rate of lengths examined and measured by rigid endoscopy (40±19)% was significantly higher than the deviation rate of reference lengths (t=8.343, P<0.01), while the deviation rate of the lengths examined and measured by flexible endoscopy was similar to the deviation rate of reference lengths (Z=-1.342, P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with rigid endoscopy, flexible endoscopy can observe the internal characteristics of chronic sinus tract wounds in a wider range in the clinical examination of this kind of wound, especially for the exploration of curved chronic sinus tract wounds. The promotion of this method will be conducive to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic sinus tract wounds.

[Diagnosis and treatment standard for treatment with endoscopy technique in chronic wounds with sinus tract (trial version)].

The " exploration of treatment technology of chronic wound with sinus tract supported by endoscope and related auxiliary methods" study had been conducted by Wound Healing Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The feasibility and effectiveness of this technique have been confirmed, and good clinic results have been achieved. In order to further promote the new technology and its related research, the theoretical knowledge and technical experience accumulated in the early stage are summarized as diagnosis and treatment standard for treatment with endoscopy technique in chronic wounds with sinus tract, including four parts: the applicable subjects, the diagnosis and treatment procedures and classification criteria, the healing criteria, and the risk assessment and prevention measures. The purpose of this standard is to facilitate the application of standardized endoscopy technique, to make the most of its technological advantages, prevent risks, and provide a reference for the official version of the diagnosis and treatment standard.

[Preliminary evaluation and mechanism of adipose-derived stem cell transplantation from allogenic diabetic rats in the treatment of diabetic rat wounds].

Objective: To investigate whether adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from allogeneic diabetic rats can promote wound healing in diabetic rats or not and the mechanism. Methods: (1) Fifty-six male Wistar rats aged 12-16 weeks were divided into diabetic group and healthy group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 28 rats in each group. Rats in healthy group were not treated with any treatment. Rats in diabetic group were injected with 10 g/L streptozotocin 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally in one time to establish the diabetic model. Four rats in diabetic group and 4 rats in healthy group were selected according to the random number table, and the adipose tissue in the inguinal region was taken to culture and purify ASCs, so as to obtain healthy rat-derived ASCs (hereinafter referred to as nASCs) and diabetic rat-derived ASCs (hereinafter referred to as dASCs). The third passage of nASCs (n=3) and dASCs (n=3) were taken, and the positive expression rates of cell surface differentiation antigens CD105, CD31, CD34, and CD44 were detected with flow cytometer for defining ASCs purity. (2) The rest 24 rats in healthy group and 24 rats in diabetic group were used to make three round full-thickness skin defect wounds with a diameter of 12 mm on the back of each rat. Immediately after injury, phosphate buffer saline (PBS), nASCs of 2×10(7)/mL, and dASCs of 2×10(7)/mL each in the volume of 0.5 mL were subcutaneously injected into three wounds and their margins of each rat, respectively. On post injury day (PID) 1, 3, 7, and 12, 6 rats in each group were selected according to the random number table to calculate the wound area, and the wound tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe the histological morphology of the wound. (3) Human ASCs (hASCs) were subcultured, and the 4th to 7th passage of cells were used for the subsequent experiments. The hASCs were divided into 7 groups, with 12 samples in each group. Cells in blank control group were cultured with mesenchymal stem cell culture medium, and cells in simple advanced glycation end products (AGEs) group, simple protein group, simple high glucose group, simple high osmotic pressure group, AGEs-high glucose combination group, and protein-high osmotic pressure combination group were cultured with mesenchymal stem cell culture medium containing a final mass concentration of 100 mg/L AGEs, 100 mg/L bovine serum albumin (BSA), 28 mmol/L D-glucose, 28 mmol/L mannitol, 100 mg/L AGEs+ 28 mmol/L D-glucose, 100 mg/L BSA+ 28 mmol/L mannitol, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 at post culture hour (PCH) 2 and on post culture day (PCD) 2, 4 and 6. (4) The hASCs were divided into blank control group, simple AGE group, simple high glucose group, and AGE-high glucose combination group, with 12 samples in each group, which were treated the same as corresponding groups in experiment (3). On PCD 0, 2, 4, and 6, the positive expression rates of cell surface differentiation antigens CD105, CD44, and CD45 were detected by flow cytometer to estimate their homeostasis. (5) The hASCs were divided into AGE-high glucose combination group and protein-high osmotic pressure combination group, with 9 samples in each group, which were treated the same as corresponding groups in experiment (3). On PCD 2, 4, and 6, the expression of intracellular protein was detected by cyanine 3-streptavidin double-antibody sandwich technique. Data were processed with analysis of variance for factorial design, least significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) The positive expression rates of CD44 in nASCs and dASCs were both higher than 96%, the positive expression rates of CD31 and CD34 were low, and the positive expression rates of CD105 were about 40%, which basically met the purity requirements. (2) The areas of wounds treated by three methods in rats of healthy group and diabetic group were similar on PID 1 (P>0.05). In healthy group, compared with (0.682 1±0.078 9), (0.314 3±0.113 7), and (0.064 3±0.002 1) cm(2) of the PBS-treated wounds in rats, the area of nASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3, 7, and 12 [(0.464 1±0.092 6), (0.223 9±0.072 7), and (0.034 3±0.012 5) cm(2), P<0.05], the area of dASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3 and 12 [(0.514 1±0.124 1) and (0.043 7±0.032 8) cm(2), P<0.05] but was not obviously changed on PID 7 [(0.274 2±0.062 5) cm(2), P>0.05]. Compared with those of the dASCs-treated wounds of rats within the same group, the area of the nASCs-treated wounds of rats in healthy group decreased significantly on PID 3 and 7 (P<0.05) but was not obviously changed on PID 12 (P>0.05). In diabetic group, compared with (0.853 5±0.204 8), (0.670 5±0.164 8), and (0.131 4±0.074 4) cm(2) of the PBS-treated wounds in rats, the area of nASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3, 7, and 12 [(0.633 4±0.132 5), (0.331 8±0.023 5), and (0.074 2±0.003 8) cm(2), P<0.05], the area of dASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3 [(0.773 6±0.182 2) cm(2), P<0.05] but was not obviously changed on PID 7 and 12 [(0.510 6±0.192 2) and (0.114 4±0.003 1) cm(2), P>0.05]. Compared with the dASCs-treated wounds of rats within the same group, the area of the nASCs-treated wounds of rats in diabetic group was not obviously changed on PID 3 and 7 (P>0.05) but decreased significantly on PID 12 (P<0.05). There was no obvious difference in histological morphology of the wounds treated with three methods in rats of each group on PID 1. On PID 3, a small amount of microvessels were formed in the wounds treated with nASCs and dASCs of rats in both groups, but microvessel formation was almost undetected in the PBS-treated wounds. On PID 7, more small blood vessels and fibroblasts (Fbs) were observed in the wounds treated with nASCs and dASCs of rats in both groups, but the small blood vessels and Fbs were slightly less in the PBS-treated wounds. On PID 12, the wounds treated with nASCs and dASCs of rats in the two groups were covered by epithelial tissue, the granulation tissue in the PBS-treated wounds of rats in healthy group was not obvious, and the PBS-treated wounds of rats in diabetic group were not completely epithelialized. (3) Compared with those of blank control group, the cell number of hASCs in simple AGEs group decreased significantly on PCD 2, 4, and 6 (P<0.05), which increased significantly on PCD 2 and 4 in simple high glucose group (P<0.05), and that in AGEs-high glucose combination group decreased significantly on PCD 4 and 6 (P<0.05). (4) Compared with that on PCD 4 within the same group, the positive expression rate of CD105 in hASCs decreased significantly in blank control group, simple AGEs group, and AGEs-high glucose combination group on PCD 6 (P<0.05). The positive expression rate of CD44 was higher than 95%, and that of CD45 was less than 2% in hASCs of each group at each time point. (5) Detection values of 7 proteins were located in the confidence interval. The expression levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group and protein-high osmotic pressure combination group showed increasing trend with the prolongation of culture time. The expression level of human monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group showed increasing trend with the prolongation of culture time, while the expression level of growth-regulated oncogene (GRO) on PCD 6 was significantly higher than that on PCD 4 within the same group (P<0.05); the expression levels of MCP-1 and GRO in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group showed decreasing trend with the prolongation of culture time. The expression level of follistatin in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group decreased obviously on PCD 4, while that in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group was significantly lower on PCD 6 than that on PCD 4 (P<0.05). The expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group decreased gradually with the prolongation of culture time, while that in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group on PCD 4 decreased significantly as compared with that on PCD 2 (P<0.05). The expression level of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group on PCD 6 was significantly higher than that on PCD 4 within the same group (P<0.05) and that of AGEs-high glucose combination group on PCD 6 (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both nASCs and dASCs can promote wound healing in rats with simple defect injury, but dASCs have no significant effect on wound healing in rats with diabetes mellitus, which may be related to the inhibition of ASCs proliferation and the influence of high glucose and AGEs intervention on their homeostasis and secretory function.

[Advances in the research of techniques for traumatic scars intervention with photoelectric acoustic therapy].

Traumatic scar is a common complication of skin injury, such as burn, trauma, and surgery. The mechanism for scar formation still remains unclear. Traumatic scar has a negative impact on the quality of patients' life, due to the appearance of scar always causes physical or/and psychological problems to patients. The treatments for scar include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and pressure, depending on the kind of scar present. Recently, a great progress in treating scar has been achieved by novel techniques with laser, intense pulsed light, micro-plasma radiofrequency, and ultrasound. The aim of this review is introducing the advances of these techniques for traumatic scars intervention.

[Clinical effects of a combination treatment with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light and fractional carbon dioxide laser on hypertrophic scar pruritus].

Objective: To observe the effects of a combination treatment with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light and fractional carbon dioxide laser on hypertrophic scar pruritus in clinic. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 90 patients with hypertrophic scars conforming to the inclusion criteria who were hospitalized in our ward from March to December 2017 were divided into combination treatment group and control group according to the random number table, with 45 patients in each group. For scar pruritus, patients in control group were treated twice by narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light with a one-month interval, while patients in combination treatment group were firstly treated by narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light combined with fractional carbon dioxide laser once, and with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light once one month later. Before and 3 months after treatment, scar pruritus was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale and the Four-item Itch Questionnaire, and the improvement of scar was assessed by photography. Three months after treatment, the treatment satisfaction of scar pruritus was self-rated by patients. Meanwhile, adverse effects were recorded during the procedures and follow-up periods. Data were processed with Chi-square test, paired t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in scar pruritus degree evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale and score distribution of scar pruritus location, extent, frequency, and sleep effect of the Four-item Itch Questionnaire between patients of two groups (Z=-1.08, -0.91, -0.03, -0.69, -1.49, P>0.05). Three months after treatment, there was reducing degree of scar pruritus of patients evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale in control group or combination treatment group compared with before treatment within the same group (Z=-1.98, -4.65, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the latter was more obvious than the former (Z=-2.14, P<0.05). There were reducing scores of scar pruritus extent and frequency of patients in control group, along with location, extent, frequency, and sleep effect of patients in combination treatment group compared with those before treatment within the same group (Z=-2.33, -2.34, -3.53, -4.96, -3.32, -4.84, P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, scores of scar pruritus location and sleep effect of patients in control group were similar to those before treatment within the same group (Z=-0.58, -1.34, P>0.05). The scores of scar pruritus location, extent, frequency, and sleep effect of patients were obviously lower in combination treatment group compared with control group (Z=-2.09, -2.69, -1.99, -2.23, P<0.05 or P<0.01). It was much better of scar improvement of patients in combination treatment group compared with control group (Z=-4.00, P<0.01). The percentages of treatment satisfaction of scar pruritus of patients with 0, 1%-25%, 26%-50%, 51%-75%, 76%-100% were 0, 2.2% (1/45), 17.8% (8/45), 48.9% (22/45), and 31.1% (14/45) respectively in combination treatment group, which were obviously better than 0, 11.1% (5/45), 53.3% (24/45), 28.9% (13/45), and 6.7% (3/45) in control group (Z=-4.42, P<0.01). During the treatment and follow-up periods, the adverse effect ratio of patients in control group was 6.7% (3/45), similar to 2.2% (1/45) of combination treatment group (P>0.05). Conclusions: The combination of narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light and fractional carbon dioxide laser can greatly reduce pruritus, improve effect of scar treatment, and bring higher patient satisfaction compared with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light alone in treating hypertrophic scar pruritus. Clinical trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-ONH-17012350.