Novel acrylamide-based baits for effective control of subterranean termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

BACKGROUND: Acrylamide-based bait has super water absorption making it highly attractive to subterranean termites that are lured by wood with high water content. This study investigated the control efficiency of these baits on subterranean termites. In particular, we evaluated the water-absorption capacity, attractiveness to subterranean termites, and control efficiency of these baits on subterranean termites through wooden blocks (Populus deltoides and three types of particleboards). RESULTS: The results indicated a substantial water absorption capacity of acrylamide (70.6%; control: 14.8%) and a strong attraction for feeding subterranean termites (P. deltoides: 198 highest; 81 lowest subterranean termites individuals; combination of neem leaves and walnut shells: 168 highest; 36 lowest subterranean termites individuals). When acrylamide was combined with boric acid at the highest concentration, it resulted in the lowest wood consumption rates (P. deltoides: 24.1%; control: 63.8%, combination of neem leaves and walnut shells: 32.5%; control: 62.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this research supports the commercial viability of employing innovative acrylamide-based toxic baits and particleboards for subterranean termite management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell products and their exosomes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease / 中国药科大学学报

@#Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whose pathogenesis remains elusive, is a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic, progressive, and lifelong inflammation of the digestive tract. The pathogenesis of IBD remains elusive. Although a number of drugs have been developed to treat IBD, their effects are merely anti-inflammatory. In addition, current treatments for IBD are easily susceptible to resistance in clinical practice. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to have the ability to migrate to the site of inflammation, with potent immunoregulatory effects, and to rebalance the immune microenvironment and restore the integrity of the epithelial barrier with significant value of application, particularly for patients who are refractory to classic medicines. In this paper, we reviewed the clinical applications, mechanisms and engineerable properties of MSC products and their exosomes to provide some reference for the use of MSCs and their exosomes in the treatment of IBD.

Evaluate the Performance of Statistical Quality Control Procedures in Westgard Sigma Rules Based on Power Function Graphs in Clinical Laboratories / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective The performance characteristics of statistical quality control procedures in Westgard sigma rule are analyzed by using the power function graph.Methods According to the drawing principle of power function graph,the internal quality control program design software of clinical laboratory quantitative measurement was developed.and the Westgard sigma rule quality control procedures were simulated with power function graph.The performance of the quality control procedures recommended by Westgard sigma was analyzed by combining different sigma quality levels.Results The rules recommended by Westgard sigma were relatively simple rules that can meet the requirements of error detection probability and false rejection probability.Conclusion The internal quality control procedure design software for quantitative clinical testing has verified the performance of Westgard sigma recommendation rules.The Westgard sigma rule diagram is intuitive and convenient,the laboratory can use the Westgard sigma recommendation rules for internal quality control.

Evaluation of myocardial structure and function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy via cardiac MR after ultrasound-guided interventional therapy / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the change of cardiac structure and function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy(HOCM)after ultrasound-guided percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation(PIMSRA)via cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR).Methods Patients with HOCM who underwent PIMSRA,echocardiography and CMR preoperative scanning and one year after surgery were analyzed retrospectively.Myocardial structural and functional parameters were measured by Circle cardiovascular imaging post-processing software.The changes of myocardial parameters before and after surgery were compared by using paired sample t-test and Chi-square test.Results Compared with the preoperative assessment,patients'clinical symptoms and the cardiac function were significantly improved one year after surgery.The left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient(LVOT-PG)was significantly decreased and length of mitral regurgitation was shortened one year after surgery compared with before surgery via ultrasound(P<0.05).Compared with the preoperative assessment,CMR showed that patients with end-systolic volume of left atrium,minimum volume of left atrium,transverse diameter of left atrium,thickness of ventricular septum and free wall of left ventricular at end-systolic section were significantly reduced,and left ventricular mass(LVM)was significantly decreased one year after surgery,with statistical significance between before and after surgery(P<0.001).One year after surgery,the left atrium ejection fraction(LAEF)was significantly increased(P<0.05),the maximum slope and the maximum signal intensity of the ventricular septum and the left ventricular free wall of the papillary muscle were significantly increased(P<0.001),and the peak time was significantly decreased(P<0.001)compared with before surgery.Conclusion After PIMSRA treatment,the systolic function of left atrium in HOCM patients is improved,and the microcirculation perfusion of left ventricular is significantly improved.

Evaluation of Coefficients of Variation for Clinical Chemistry Tests Based on Internal Quality Control Data Across 5,425 Laboratories in China From 2013 to 2022

Background@#Clinical chemistry tests are most widely used in clinical laboratories, and diverse measurement systems for these analyses are available in China. We evaluated the imprecision of clinical chemistry measurement systems based on internal QC (IQC) data. @*Methods@#IQC data for 27 general chemistry analytes were collected in February each year from 2013 to 2022. Four performance specifications were used to calculate pass rates for CVs of IQC data in 2022. Boxplots were drawn to analyze trends of CVs, and differences in CVs among different groups were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U-test or Kruskal– Wallis test. @*Results@#The number of participating laboratories increased significantly from 1,777 in 2013 to 5,425 in 2022. CVs significantly decreased for all 27 analytes, except creatine kinase and lipase. Triglycerides, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, iron, and γ-glutamyl transferase achieved pass rates > 80% for all goals. Nine analytes with pass rates < 80% based on 1/3 allowable total error were further analyzed; the results indicated that closed systems exhibited lower CVs than open systems for all analytes, except total protein. For all nine analytes, differences were significant between tertiary hospitals and non-tertiary hospitals and between accredited and non-accredited laboratories. @*Conclusions@#The CVs of IQC data for clinical chemistry have seen a continuous overall improvement in China. However, there is ample room for imprecision improvement for several analytes, with stricter performance specifications.

Predictive value of lipoproteins on progression to chronic critical illness in intensive care unit patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the predictive value of lipoproteins on the progression of critically ill patients to chronic critical illness (CCI).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze clinical data of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and apolipoproteins (ApoA-Ⅰ, ApoB) at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after admission to ICU were collected. The progression to CCI was recorded. CCI was defined as the length of ICU stay ≥14 days with sustained organ dysfunction [sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score ≥2]. Differences in lipoprotein levels between the patients with and without CCI were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for critically ill patients progressing to CCI. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of lipoproteins on critically ill patients progressing to CCI.Results:A total of 200 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. 137 patients (68.5%) progressed to CCI, and 63 patients (31.5%) did not. The lipoprotein indicators in the CCI group showed a decrease after the acute phase, while the lipoprotein indicators in the non-CCI group showed an increase. The levels of HDL, LDL, ApoA-Ⅰ, and ApoB at various time points in the CCI group were significantly lower than those in the non-CCI group. HDL at 7 days in the CCI group was significantly lower than that in the non-CCI group [mmol/L: 0.44 (0.31, 0.61) vs. 0.67 (0.49, 0.75), P < 0.01]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that 7-day HDL was an independent risk factor for critically ill patients progressing to CCI [odds ratio ( OR) = 0.033, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.004-0.282, P = 0.002]. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 7-day HDL for predicting critically ill patients progressing to CCI was 0.702, with a 95% CI of 0.625-0.779, P < 0.001. When the optimal cut-off value was 0.59 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 69.8%, and the specificity was 72.4%. Conclusions:The low level of lipoproteins is closely related to the progression of critically ill patients, and 7-day HDL has a certain predictive value for critically ill patients progressing to CCI. Continuously observation of the change trend of lipoprotein level is helpful to judge the progression of CCI in critically ill patients.

The effect of Ephedra aqueous extract on lung injury of rats with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia via regulating ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway / 免疫学杂志

This study was performed to evaluate the role and mechanism of Ephedra aqueous extract in alleviating lung injury of rats with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia via regulating reactive oxygen species(ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/caspase-1 pathway.Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,Ephedra aqueous extract(100 mg/kg,200 mg/kg,400 mg/kg)groups,solvent control group(110 ml/kg DMSO),model+solvent group,high-dose Ephedra aqueous extract+solvent group,and high-dose Ephedra aqueous extract+trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO,110 mg/kg)group.Pneumonia model was established by instilling Streptococcus pneumoniae solution into the trachea.After 24 hours of modeling,each group was given medication by gavage for 10 consecutive days.24 hours after the last gastric lavage,pathological changes in lung tissue and the contents of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were detected;and the contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),the activity of ROS and the expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD-N in lung tissue were detected.The model group rats demonstrated pathological changes in lung injury including thickening of alveolar septa and infiltration of inflammatory cells,as well as the contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α in BALF and serum,the content of MDA,the activity of ROS,the expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in lung tissue were higher than those of the control group,while the SOD content in lung tissue was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The lung injury of the low,medium,and high dose Ephedra aqueous extract groups were reduced,and the contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α in BALF and serum,the content of MDA,the activity of ROS,the expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in lung tissue were lower than that of the model group,while the SOD content in lung tissue was higher than that of the model group(P<0.05).The lung injury of rats in the high-dose ephedra aqueous extract+TMAO group worsened,the contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α in BALF and serum,the content of MDA,the activity of ROS,the expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in lung tissue were higher than those of the high-dose Ephedra aqueous extract+solvent group,while the SOD content in lung tissue was lower than that of the high-dose Ephedra aqueous extract+solvent group(P<0.05).In conclusion,Ephedra aqueous extract alleviates the lung injury of rats with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia via inhibiting the inflammatory response,oxidative stress and pyroptosis mediated by ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway.

Relational model of factors influencing fluid management in hemodialysis patients based on the health belief model / 中华护理杂志

Objective To investigate the influencing factors and pathways of fluid management adherence and interdialytic weight control in hemodialysis patients based on the health belief model.Methods Using convenience sampling,433 patients receiving hemodialysis were included from 4 hospitals in Guangdong province.The demographic and clinical data questionnaire,Health Belief Scale of Fluid Restriction,and Fluid Intake Adherence Scale were used.The relative-interdialytic weight gain(R-1DWG)was calculated.Results The mean score of patients'fluid management adherence was 3.08±0.97,indicating a moderate level,with 35.57％of patients exceeding the required R-IDWG standard.Regarding health beliefs,perceived benefits(β=0.161)and self-efficacy(β=0.685)of fluid restriction directly affected fluid adherence;perceived threats of poor fluid restriction indirectly affected fluid management adherence through perceptions of benefits and self-efficacy(β=0.235);perceived barriers were indirectly and negatively associated with fluid management adherence through self-efficacy(β=-0.246).Higher fluid management adherence was associated with better control of R-IDWG(β=-0.361).Regarding the coordinating factors,age,educational level,hemodialysis vintage and diabetes were influential factors of fluid management adherence(|β|:0.050-0.162)and R-IDWG control(|β |:0.049-0.309).The coefficients(β)of each path were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Healthcare providers should comprehensively assess patients'health beliefs,focus on patients with lower educational levels and diabetes,and identify weakness in their fluid management to achieve the required R-IDWG standard.

Analysis on the results of external quality assessment for quality indicators of clinical laboratory in China / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To analyze the implementation of the external quality assessment plan for quality indicators of clinical laboratories in China from 2016 to 2021, as well as that of the external quality assessment of 15 quality indicators in clinical laboratories, in order to provide reference for quality management of clinical laboratory specialties.Methods:The research data was collected from the external quality assessment plan for quality indicators, which was conducted by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories joining the clinical laboratory centers of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly). The essential information reported by each participating clinical laboratory from 2016 to 2021 and the external quality assessment data of 15 quality indicators in clinical laboratories were collected, followed by a descriptive analysis on the number of participating laboratories and the number of returns for each indicator. Median representation was used for the external quality assessment data of 15 quality indicators in clinical laboratories, and the TOPSIS method was applied to comprehensively evaluate the quality of the total testing process of participating clinical laboratories in each year.Results:From 2016 to 2021, the number of laboratories participating in the external quality assessment plan for quality indicators of clinical laboratory increased from 7 704 to 12 142. Quality indicators in pre-analytical phases: the incorrect sample type rate, incorrect sample container rater, and incorrect fill level rate had been decreasing year by year, reaching 0, 0, and 0.005 8% in 2021, respectively. The anticoagulant samples clotted rate had decreased from 0.068 6% in 2016 to 0.042 8% in 2021, and the blood culture contamination rate from 2017 to 2021 had been 0 without exception. The pre-examination turnaround time had been shortened from 28 minutes in 2016 to 2019 to 24 minutes in 2020 and 2021. Quality indicators in analytical phases: the intra-laboratory turnaround time had been extended from 45 minutes in 2016 to 2019 to 50 minutes in 2020 and 2021. Test covered by an IQC rate had been increasing year by year, reaching 60.61% in 2021. Test with inappropriate IQC performances rate was 0 in 2020 and 2021, the test covered by an EQA-PT control rate was 100%, and unacceptable performances in EQA-PT schemes rate from 2017 to 2021 was 0. The inter-laboratory comparison rate had increased from 1.56% in 2016 to 3.00% in 2021. Quality indicators in post-analytical phases: the incorrect laboratory reports rate, critical values notification rate and timely critical values notification rate had been 0, 100%, and 100%from 2016 to 2021 respectively. The comprehensive evaluation results of TOPSIS method showed that the overall quality level of clinical laboratory testing in 2020 was the highest, with Ci value of 0.850 5, while the lowest Ci value in 2016 was 0.143 6. Conclusions:The quality of clinical laboratory testing in China has been effectively improved. Clinical laboratories should continue to strengthen their monitoring of quality indicators, especially the intra-laboratory turnover time and the inter-laboratory comparison rate, for the purposes of identifying errors, analyzing causes and taking corrective measures to improve quality.

Carbomer hemorrhoid gel for the treatment of second-degree internal hemorrhoid bleeding / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of carbomer hemorrhoid gel in the treatment of second-degree internal hemorrhoid bleeding.Methods:A total of 160 anorectal outpatients with second-degree internal hemorrhoid bleeding who received treatment in Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2017 to January 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group ( n = 80/group). In the observation group, carbomer hemorrhoid gel was used to plug the anus, while in the control group, a hemorrhoid suppository was used to plug the anus. All patients were treated for 7 days. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Results:After 4 days of treatment, the bleeding score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [1(0) point vs. 2(1) points, Z = -6.70, P < 0.05). After 7 days of treatment, the bleeding score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [0(1) point vs. 1(1) point, Z = -4.73, P < 0.05]. After 4 days of treatment, there was no significant difference in the size score of the hemorrhoids between the two groups ( P > 0.05). After 4 days of treatment, the size score of hemorrhoids in the control group did not differ significantly compared with before treatment ( P > 0.05). After 4 days of treatment, the size score of hemorrhoids in the observation group differed significantly compared with before treatment ( Z = -3.16, P < 0.05). After 7 days of treatment, the size score of the hemorrhoids in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [1(1) point vs. 1(0) point, Z = -4.48, P < 0.05]. The total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [97.5% (78/80) vs. 75% (60/80), Z = -4.50, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Carbomer hemorrhoid gel is a new drug used to treat hemorrhoids. It has a new dosage form, has no stimulation to the rectum, and is safe to use. Carbomer hemorrhoid gel is highly effective on second-degree internal hemorrhoid bleeding and deserves clinical popularization.

Association of AluYb8 insertion in the MUTYH gene with the risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function in elderly diabetic patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between AluYb8 insertion in the MUTYH gene and the risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function in the elderly.Methods:In the retrospective analysis, 498 elderly patients with decreased left ventricular diastolic function(the disease group)and 155 people without left ventricular diastolic function(the control group)were recruited.Polymerase chain reaction was employed to analyze the genotype distribution of AluYb8 insertion in MUTYH gene.Cardiac function was measured by high-resolution color Doppler ultrasound.Results:The frequencies of the A/A, A/P and P/P genotypes were 30.1%(150/498), 48.4%(241/498)and 21.5%(107/498)in patients with decreased left ventricular diastolic function, and 27.7%(43/155), 54.8%(85/155)and 17.5%(27/155)in the control group, respectively.There were no significant differences in genotype( χ2=2.162, P=0.339)and allele frequency( χ2=1.342, P=0.794)between the two groups.Further analysis after stratification revealed that there were statistically significant differences in genotype( χ2=7.173, P=0.028)and allele frequency( χ2=8.352, P=0.015). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, in elderly patients with diabetes, P-allele carriers had a higher risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function than non-carriers( OR=3.450, 95% CI: 1.148-10.372, P=0.027). Conclusions:AluYb8 insertion in the MUTYH gene may be associated with the risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function in the elderly with diabetes.

Analysis of external quality assessment results of quality indicators for national emergency examination turnaround time / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To establish preliminary quality specifications for emergency examination turnaround time (TAT).Methods:The National Center for Clinical Laboratories organized 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly) and Xinjiang production and Construction Corps centers to launch a synchronous Quality Indicators (QIs)-External Quality Assessment (EQA) program and the collected data were reported via developed online EQA system. The essential information of the clinical laboratories, the data of pre-examination and intra-laboratory TAT quality indicators of emergency departments at each specialty (biochemistry, automatic immunity, three routines tests and coagulation) and four specific tests (blood potassium, troponin I/T, white blood cell count and international normalized ratio (INR)) were collected from 2019 to 2021. TAT returned the median and 90th percentile ( P90) of the specified month were calculated. The median (lower quartile, upper quartile) of the TAT returned laboratories were calculated and second result grading statistics for 2021 (2 422 tertiary hospital and 5 088 secondary hospital) were performed to understand the difference of pre-examination and the laboratory TAT between different tertiary hospitals. Results:From 2019 to 2021, there were 9 540 laboratories, 9 709 laboratories and 10 653 returned laboratories. The pre-examination TAT of each specialty was similar, and the results were relatively stable. The median distribution was about 15 (10, 30) min, and the monthly P90 distribution was about 20 (10, 30) min. The distribution results of the median intra-laboratory TAT in each specialty were as follows: automatic immunity≥biochemistry>coagulation>three routine tests. The distribution of the latest (second result in 2021) survey results of each specialty were as follows: automatic immunity 53 (30, 60) min, biochemistry 45 (30, 60) min, coagulation 30 (23, 40) min, and three routine tests 20 (11, 30) min. The median results of monthly P90 of intra-laboratory TAT were as follows: 60 min for automatic immunity and biochemistry specialty, about 38 min for coagulation specialty, and about 27 min for three routines tests. The hierarchical statistical results showed that the monthly P90 distribution of laboratory TAT of the pre-examination and intra-laboratory TAT from the tertiary hospital was higher than that of the secondary hospital. The pre-examination TAT of each specialty of the tertiary hospital/secondary hospital was as follows: biochemistry 35 (22, 60)/20 (11, 30) min, automatic immunity 33 (20, 60)/20 (10, 30) min, three routine tests 30 (20, 49)/20 (10, 30) min and coagulation 31 (20, 58)/20 (10, 30) min, the intra-laboratory TAT of each specialty of the tertiary hospital/secondary hospital was as follows: biochemistry 65 (50, 91)/60 (40, 70) min, automatic immunity 75 (55, 113)/60 (40, 90) min, three routine tests 30 (23, 38)/28 (19, 30) min and coagulation 53 (36, 72)/35 (30, 57) min. In terms of the distribution results of the median of intra-laboratory TAT of the four specific tests, 96.76% (9 484/9 801) of the blood potassium and 95.96% (8 733/9 101) of the troponin I/T medical institutions were TAT within 69 min in the laboratories, 95.34% (9 679/10 152) of the white blood cell count medical institutions were TAT within 31 min in the laboratories, and 98.85% (9 462/9 572) of the INR medical institutions were TAT within 66 min in the laboratories. Conclusions:This survey provides a preliminary quality specification for the emergency department turnaround time at each specialty. Lower quartile, median and upper quartile of the monthly P90 at the tertiary and secondary hospitals can be used to define the best, appropriate and minimum performance levels, respectively.

Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids ameliorate methamphetamine-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in a Sigmar-1 receptor-dependent manner

Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse can cause serious mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. The gut microbiota is a crucial contributor to maintaining host mental health. Here, we aim to investigate if microbiota participate in Meth-induced mental disorders, and the potential mechanisms involved. Here, 15 mg/kg Meth resulted in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of mice successfully and suppressed the Sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1)/BDNF/TRKB pathway in the hippocampus. Meanwhile, Meth impaired gut homeostasis by arousing the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-related colonic inflammation, disturbing the gut microbiome and reducing the microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Moreover, fecal microbiota from Meth-administrated mice mediated the colonic inflammation and reproduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in recipients. Further, SCFAs supplementation optimized Meth-induced microbial dysbiosis, ameliorated colonic inflammation, and repressed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Finally, Sigmar1 knockout (Sigmar1-/-) repressed the BDNF/TRKB pathway and produced similar behavioral phenotypes with Meth exposure, and eliminated the anti-anxiety and -depression effects of SCFAs. The activation of SIGMAR1 with fluvoxamine attenuated Meth-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Our findings indicated that gut microbiota-derived SCFAs could optimize gut homeostasis, and ameliorate Meth-induced mental disorders in a SIGMAR1-dependent manner. This study confirms the crucial role of microbiota in Meth-related mental disorders and provides a potential preemptive therapy.

Design of internal quality control program for specific protein testing based on patient risk / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:Patient risk-based statistical quality control (SQC) program was designed for 9 specific protein projects using Westgard sigma rules with run length.Methods:The cumulative coefficient of variation of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, rheumatoid factor (RF), antistreptolysin O (ASO), transferrin (TRF) and prealbumin (PA) from the laboratory department of Beijing Tongren Hospital between December 2018 to May 2019 were used as the estimated value of imprecision. The mean of the absolute value of the percentage difference of 10 batches in the laboratory, which was derived from the results of participating the external quality assessment (EQA), was used as the estimated value of bias. The National Center for Clinical Laboratories EQA evaluation criteria was used as an allowable total error (TEa), and the sigma value of each project (σ) was calculated. Westgard Sigma rule with run length was used to design appropriate SQC program for each project, including quality control rules, number of control measurements (N) and frequency of quality control.Results:The sigma value was larger than 6 for SQC procedure of IgG, IgA, IgM, C4 and TRF. SQC could be established with the use of 1 3s rule, number of control measurements (N)=2, number of runs (R)=1, and a run length of 1 000 patient samples. Combined with the average daily workload, internal quality control could be conducted once every 10 days for IgG, IgA, IgM and C4, every 50 days for TRF. The σ was 5.86 for C3, SQC program could be established with run length of 450 using 1 3S/2 2S/R 4s rule (N=2, R=1), combined with average daily workload, internal quality control could be conducted every 4.5 days. σ was between 3 and 4 for RF, ASO and PA. With the use of 1 3S/2 2S/R 4s/4 1s/6 X rule (N=6, R=1), SQC program with a run length of 45 and higher frequency internal quality control activities. Conclusion:It is feasible to use Westgard sigma rules with run length for the laboratories design of personalized risk-based SQC procedures, the method is very simple and intuitive. This tool is valued to be recommended to be actively applied by all clinical laboratories.

Analysis of quality indicators results pre-analytical stage related to the sample acceptability of microbial laboratory from 2016 to 2021 / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:By reviewing and analyzing the results of external quality assessment of pre-test quality indicators related to the acceptability of microbiology laboratory sample from 2016-2021, we aimed to understand the acceptability of microbiology laboratory sample and therefore to provide a reference for establishing preliminary quality specifications.Methods:The National Center for Clinical Laboratories organized 31 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government) and the Xinjiang production and Construction Corps centers to launch a synchronous Quality Indicators (QIs)-External Quality Assessment (EQA) program and the collected data were reported via an online EQA system. The essential information of the clinical laboratories and the data of quality indicators from 2016 to 2021 were collected and the data from overall, continuous return laboratories were analyzed. Sigma values were calculated to assess the quality level of laboratory.Results:The median of the 13 quality indicators of national laboratories for all years was 0 (except for the first microbiological contaminated sample rate in 2018). Ten of the quality indicators (incorrect fill level rate, sample loss rate, misidentified sample rate, unsuitable sample for storage rate before analysis, sample damaged rate during transportation, sample transported at inappropriate temperature rate, sample with excessive transportation time rate, inappropriate time in sample collection rate, sample recollection rate for error due to laboratory staff, sample recollection rate for error not due to laboratory staff) had quartiles of 0 for all years, reaching six sigma level. The results of the median (upper quartile) of each year of the three quality indicators of continuous return laboratories for tertiary hospitals show that the incorrect sample container rate was the lowest, followed by the incorrect sample type rate, and the microbiological contaminated sample rate was the highest. The highest values of corresponding median (upper quartile) results were 0.047% (0.191%), 0.059% (0.252%), 0.251% (0.6%) respectively. The median incorrect sample type rate and median incorrect sample container rate in 2016/1 and 2021/1 tertiary hospitals were ranked by province respectively. The median for the incorrect sample type rate of Liaoning, Hebei, Jiangxi, Tianjin, Beijing, Guizhou, Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia tertiary hospitals in 2021/1 was significantly lower than the respective values in 2016/1, and the median for incorrect sample container rate of Liaoning, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Hubei, Shanxi, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guizhou, Ningxia and Hunan tertiary hospitals in 2021/1 was significantly lower than those respective values in 2016/1.Conclusions:The results of the sample acceptability of microbial laboratory are generally acceptable. The laboratories should explore and establish their own quality indicators system, strengthen the long-term monitoring of key quality indicators and improve their service quality.

Application of Westgard internal quality control frequency on-line calculator in general chemistry internal quality control / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:An on-line calculator for calculating the frequency of internal quality control is recommended to select quality control procedures and appropriate run lengths for general chemistry in Beijing Tongren Hospital.Methods:The cumulative controlled coefficient of variations of 10 general chemical tests in the laboratory department of Beijing Tongren Hospital for 19 consecutive months were used as the imprecision. The mean value of absolute percentage difference between the quality control results and the target value of 15 batches of 10 tests in the external quality assessment (EQA) general chemistry in 2018 was used to estimate the Bias of each test. Use the allowable range of EQA target value of the National Center for Clinical Laboratories in 2018 to estimate the total allowable error (TEa) of each test. The data were input into the Westgard internal quality control frequency calculator, and 10 different candidate statistical quality control (SQC) procedures and corresponding run lengths were calculated online, including single rule and multiple rule, number of quality control concentration levels (or test projects) ranging from 1 to 4. The SQC program with relatively simple quality control rules and long run length was selected according to the actual situation of the laboratory.Results:The 1 3s, N=3 or 1 3s, N=2 rule could be adopted for ALP and CR, and the corresponding run length was 1000. TBIL and ALT projects can adopt 1 3s, N=3 or 1 3s, N=2 rule and its corresponding run length; UA can use multiple rules 1 3S/2 2S/R 4s/4 1s, N=4 (run length 395) or 1 3S/(2of3) 2S/R 4s/3 1s N=3 (run length 259); CHO, AST and AMY can adopt two multiple rules 1 3S/2 2S/R 4s/4 1s, N=4 or 1 3S/(2of3) 2S/R 4s/3 1s, N=3 and their corresponding run length. GGT project can adopt 1 3S/2 2S/R 4s/4 1S, N=4 rule (run length 50); The run length of 10 candidate quality control rules calculated by LDH was too short, the detection performance should be improved preferentially, and the quality control rules and corresponding run length were not recommended for the time being. Conclusion:The Westgard internal quality control frequency online calculator is easy to operate. Clinical laboratories can use this calculator to select SQC program and appropriate run length. It is recommended that laboratories adjust SQC program according to the current actual situation.

Advances in relationship between cell senescence and atherosclerosis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Cellular senescence is a biological process associated with the degeneration of cell structure and function, which contribute to age-related diseases. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause a variety of cardiovascular disorders. In this article, we review the effects of cellular senescence on the development of atherosclerosis through diverse physiopathological changes, focusing on the alterations in senescent organelles and the increased senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and exploring the relevant therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis by clearing senescent cells and reducing SASP, to provide new insights for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Advances in the research and clinical application of the third generation EGFR TKIs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most common targeted oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the standard treatment for metastatic or recurrent NSCLC patients harboring EGFR positive or concomitant T790M mutations. However, the inevitable emergence of acquired resistance markedly limits their prolonged clinical benefits, although the third-generation EGFR TKIs have shown potent clinical outcomes in initial several months. This paper firstly reviews the characEpidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most common targeted oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the standard treatment for metastatic or recurrent NSCLC patients harboring EGFR positive or concomitant T790M mutations. However, the inevitable emergence of acquired resistance markedly limits their prolonged clinical benefits, although the third-generation EGFR TKIs have shown potent clinical outcomes in initial several months. This paper firstly reviews the characteristics and clinical efficacy of the third-generation EGFR TKIs in the market or in the clinical development. Then this article summarizes the detailed mechanisms behind the acquired drug resistance of third-generation EGFR TKIs，and further expounds the current treatment strategies to overcome the resistance. Collectively, this review could provide more information for the development and clinical application of drugs targeting EGFR.

Overexpression of antisense phosphatase 2C affords cold resistance in hybrid Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of the abiotic and biotic stress-resistance genes of the plant signaling pathway is well known for its significant role in the regulation of plant growth and enhancement of the productivity of agricultural land under changing climatic conditions. OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to clone Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana PP2C (PdPP2C) gene and analyze its structure and function, and downregulate PdPP2C by overexpression of its antisense PdPP2C (AS-PdPP2C) gene for enhancing cold resistance in transgenic lines of hybrid P. davidiana × P. bolleana. METHODS: PdPP2C was cloned and transformed to identify its function, and its antisense was overexpressed via downregulation to increase the cold resistance in transgenic lines of hybrid P. davidiana × P. bolleana. RESULTS: Antisense inhibition of protein phosphatase 2C accelerates the cold acclimation of Poplar (P. davidiana × P. bolleana) gene in terms of antifreeze. CONCLUSION: PdPP2C was expressed in the roots, stems, and leaves of P. davidiana × P. bolleana, and the expression was higher in the leaves. The expression of PdPP2C was also significantly downregulated at low-temperature (0 °C and 4 °C) stress. The relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content of non-transgenic lines were higher than those of AS-PdPP2C lines after 2 days of cold treatment at - 1 °C. The leaves of the transgenic lines were not wilted and showed no chlorosis compared with those of the non-transgenic lines. The AS-PdPP2C transgenic lines also showed higher freezing resistance than the non-transgenic lines. AS-PdPP2C participated in the regulation of freezing resistance.

Rnf20 deficiency in adipocyte impairs adipose tissue development and thermogenesis

RNF20, an E3 ligase critical for monoubiquitination of histone H2B at lysine 120 (H2Bub), has been implicated in the regulation of various cellar processes; however, its physiological roles in adipocytes remain poorly characterized. Here, we report that the adipocyte-specific knockout of Rnf20 (ASKO) in mice led to progressive fat loss, organomegaly and hyperinsulinemia. Despite signs of hyperinsulinemia, normal insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance were observed in the young and aged CD-fed ASKO mice. In addition, high-fat diet-fed ASKO mice developed severe liver steatosis. Moreover, we observed that the ASKO mice were extremely sensitive to a cold environment due to decreased expression levels of brown adipose tissue (BAT) selective genes, including uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), and impaired mitochondrial functions. Significantly decreased levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ) were observed in the gonadal white adipose tissues (gWAT) from the ASKO mice, suggesting that Rnf20 regulates adipogenesis, at least in part, through Pparγ. Rosiglitazone-treated ASKO mice exhibited increased fat mass compared to that of the non-treated ASKO mice. Collectively, our results illustrate the critical role of RNF20 in control of white and brown adipose tissue development and physiological function.