Identification of heterosis and combining ability in the hybrids of male sterile and restorer sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] lines.

In sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], combining ability and heterosis analysis are commonly used to evaluate superior parental lines and to screen for strongly heterotic hybrids, which helps in sorghum variety selection and breeding. In this context, combining ability and heterosis analysis were assessed using 14 restorer lines and seven cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines in 2019 and 2020. The analysis of variance of all cross combinations had highly significant differences for all characters studied, which indicated a wide variation across the parents, lines, testers, and crosses. Combining ability analysis showed that the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of the different parents were differed significantly among different traits. Most combinations with high SCA also showed high GCA in their parent lines. The heritability in the narrow sense of grain weight per panicle and grain yield was relatively low, indicating that the ability of these traits to be directly inherited by offspring was weak, that they were greatly affected by the environment. The better-parent heterosis for plant height, grain weight per panicle, panicle length, and 1000-grain weight was consistent with the order of mid-parent heterosis from strong to weak. The GCA effects of two lines 10480A, 3765A and three testers 0-30R, R111, and JY15R were significant for the majority of the agronomic traits including grain yield and might be used for improving the yield of grains in sorghum as parents of excellent specific combining ability. Seven strongly heterotic F1 hybrids were screened; of these, hybrids 3765A × R111, 1102A × L2R, and 3765A × JY15R showed significant increases in seed iristectorigenin A content and will feature into the creation of new sorghum varieties rich in iristectorigenin A.

Tongbi Huoluo Decoction alleviates cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis by inhibiting degradation of extracellular matrix.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is an age-related degenerative disease characterized by abrasion of articular cartilage. Tongbi Huoluo Decoction (TBHLD) has been transformed from the famous traditional Chinese medicine Duhuo Jisheng Decoction, which can effectively alleviate pain symptoms in KOA. However, the active components and mechanisms of TBHLD in treating KOA have not yet been elucidated. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the molecular mechanism of TBHLD in treating KOA. METHODS: The components and targets of TBHLD and KOA were collected from multiple databases, and the protein to protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Next, we performed topological calculation and enrichment analysis. Besides, we performed virtual screening for molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Furthermore, the vitro and vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the validity and mechanism of TBHLD. RESULTS: 206 active components and 187 potential targets were screened from Tongbi Huoluo Decoction. A total of 50 intersecting genes were identified between TBHLD and KOA, 20 core targets were calculated by network topology analysis. The core targets were enriched in the ECM interaction pathways. The results of virtual screening for molecular docking and MDS showed that the active components of TBHLD had steady binding conformations with core genes. Moreover, we identified 32 differential serum components in TBHLD-containing serum using LC-MS, including 22 upregulated and 10 downregulated serum components. TBHLD improved the proliferation activity of OA chondrocytes, decreased the expression of Col1a1, Col1a2, Mmp2, Mmp13 in OA chondrocytes, ameliorated the cartilage lesions and restored the cartilage abrasion. CONCLUSION: TBHLD inhibited degradation of cartilage ECM by regulating the expression of type I collagens and Mmps to ameliorate cartilage degeneration in KOA.

Genome­wide identification and characterization of miR396 family members and their target genes GRF in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) widely participate in plant growth and development. The miR396 family, one of the most conserved miRNA families, remains poorly understood in sorghum. To reveal the evolution and expression pattern of Sbi-miR396 gene family in sorghum, bioinformatics analysis and target gene prediction were performed on the sequences of the Sbi-miR396 gene family members. The results showed that five Sbi-miR396 members, located on chromosomes 4, 6, and 10, were identified at the whole-genome level. The secondary structure analysis showed that the precursor sequences of all five Sbi-miR396 potentially form a stable secondary stem-loop structure, and the mature miRNA sequences were generated on the 5' arm of the precursors. Sequence analysis identified the mature sequences of the five sbi-miR396 genes were high identity, with differences only at the 1st, 9th and 21st bases at the 5' end. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Sbi-miR396a, Sbi-miR396b, and Sbi-miR396c were clustered into Group I, and Sbi-miR396d and Sbi-miR396e were clustered into Group II, and all five sbi-miR396 genes were closely related to those of maize and foxtail millet. Expression analysis of different tissue found that Sbi-miR396d/e and Sbi-miR396a/b/c were preferentially and barely expressed, respectively, in leaves, flowers, and panicles. Target gene prediction indicates that the growth-regulating factor family members (SbiGRF1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/10) were target genes of Sbi-miR396d/e. Thus, Sbi-miR396d/e may affect the growth and development of sorghum by targeting SbiGRFs. In addition, expression analysis of different tissues and developmental stages found that all Sbi-miR396 target genes, SbiGRFs, were barely expressed in leaves, root and shoot, but were predominantly expressed in inflorescence and seed development stage, especially SbiGRF1/5/8. Therefore, inhibition the expression of sbi-miR396d/e may increase the expression of SbiGRF1/5/8, thereby affecting floral organ and seed development in sorghum. These findings provide the basis for studying the expression of the Sbi-mir396 family members and the function of their target genes.

The Identification of a Yield-Related Gene Controlling Multiple Traits Using GWAS in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.).

Sorghum bicolor (L.) is one of the oldest crops cultivated by human beings which has been used in food and wine making. To understand the genetic diversity of sorghum breeding resources and further guide molecular-marker-assisted breeding, six yield-related traits were analyzed for 214 sorghum germplasm from all over the world, and 2,811,016 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers were produced by resequencing these germplasms. After controlling Q and K, QTLs were found to be related to the traits using three algorisms. Interestingly, an important QTL was found which may affect multiple traits in this study. It was the most likely candidate gene for the gene SORBI_3008G116500, which was a homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana gene-VIP5 found by analyzing the annotation of the gene in the LD block. The haplotype analysis showed that the SORBI_3008G116500hap3 was the elite haplotype, and it only existed in Chinese germplasms. The traits were proven to be more associated with the SNPs of the SORBI_3008G116500 promoter through gene association studies. Overall, the QTLs and the genes identified in this study would benefit molecular-assisted yield breeding in sorghum.

Study on the regulatory effect of Panax notoginseng saponins combined with bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on IRAK1/TRAF6-NF-κB pathway in patients with diabetic cutaneous ulcers.

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNSs) have been found as the major active ingredient of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen (PN) leaves, which has the effect of reducing inflammatory response, facilitating fibroblast proliferation, as well as promoting angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of PNS combined with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for treating diabetic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) and its mechanism of action. METHODS: A total of 75 SD rats were selected to make diabetic cutaneous ulcers model. According random number table method, the rats were randomly divided into a control group, a DCU group, a BMSCs group, a PNS group and BMSCs + PNS group. Five groups of rats were given without treatment. After being treated for 7 days, the rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and granulation tissue was collected from the central point of the wound. They were used for pathological analysis, Western blot (WB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. RESULTS: The wound healing area was the largest in the BMSCs + PNS group. HE staining results showed that the PNS + BMSCs group could promote the formation of new epidermis and reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that the PNS + BMSCs group could up-regulate the expression of Ki67 protein and cell proliferation. In addition, PNS combined with BMSCs up-regulated the expression of miR-146-5p and down-regulated the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, IRAK1, TRAF6 and p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PNS combined with bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation up-regulated miR-146a-5p targeting and binding to IRAK1/TRAF6, inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway, which reduced the inflammatory response of DCU and facilitated the skin healing of DCU. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis and a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of DFU with PNS combined with BMSCs.

Development of the Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) tool for clinical practice guidelines / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#This study aimed to develop a comprehensive instrument for evaluating and ranking clinical practice guidelines, named Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings tool (STAR), and test its reliability, validity, and usability.@*METHODS@#This study set up a multidisciplinary working group including guideline methodologists, statisticians, journal editors, clinicians, and other experts. Scoping review, Delphi methods, and hierarchical analysis were used to develop the STAR tool. We evaluated the instrument's intrinsic and interrater reliability, content and criterion validity, and usability.@*RESULTS@#STAR contained 39 items grouped into 11 domains. The mean intrinsic reliability of the domains, indicated by Cronbach's α coefficient, was 0.588 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.414, 0.762). Interrater reliability as assessed with Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.774 (95% CI: 0.740, 0.807) for methodological evaluators and 0.618 (95% CI: 0.587, 0.648) for clinical evaluators. The overall content validity index was 0.905. Pearson's r correlation for criterion validity was 0.885 (95% CI: 0.804, 0.932). The mean usability score of the items was 4.6 and the median time spent to evaluate each guideline was 20 min.@*CONCLUSION@#The instrument performed well in terms of reliability, validity, and efficiency, and can be used for comprehensively evaluating and ranking guidelines.

Functional effect of aerobic combined with resistance exercise on old patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension using WHO-FICs framework / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of moderate intensity aerobic combined with low intensity resistance exercise on old patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension. MethodsFrom November, 2021 to May, 2022, 16 patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension in Wuhan Donghu Hospital were divided into control group (n = 8) and experimental group (n = 8). Based on the World Health Organization Family of International Classification (WHO-FICs), the exercise intervention program was constructed. The control group accepted routine treatment, and the experimental group accepted moderate intensity aerobic combined with low intensity resistance exercise in addition, for eight weeks. They were measured lung function and cardiac function with cardiopulmonary exercise test system, and assessed with Timed 'Up and Go' Test, 6-Minute Walk Distance, 2-Minute Step Test, 30-Second Sit to Stand Test and grip strength before and after intervention. ResultsThe vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced expiratory volume in the one second as percentage of predicted volume, peak expiratory flow and maximal voluntary ventilation improved in the experimental after intervention (|t| > 2.391, P < 0.05), and the vital capacity, force vital capacity and maximal voluntary ventilation were more in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.207, P < 0.05). Peak oxygen uptake, anaerobic subthreshold oxygen uptake, metabolic equivalents, oxygen pulse, maximum work load and exercise load time improved in the experimental group after intervention (|t| > 2.823, P < 0.05), and they all were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.295, P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure improved in both the groups (|t| > 4.608, P < 0.01), and diastolic blood pressure improved in the experimental group (t = 5.964, P < 0.01); while systolic blood pressure was less in the experimental group than in the control group (t = -3.654, P < 0.01). The performances of Timed 'Up and Go' Test, 6-Minute Walk Distance, 2-Minute Step Test, 30-Second Sit to Stand Test and grip strength improved in the experimental group after intervention (|t| > 2.996, P < 0.05), and all the performances were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.220, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe moderate intensity aerobic combined with low resistance exercise developed based on WHO-FICs can improve the cardiac function, lung function, cardiac load and motor function of old patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension.

Cytotoxicity of 4 Wild Mushrooms in a Case of Yunnan Sudden Unexplained Death / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the cytotoxicity of four wild mushrooms involved in a case of Yunnan sudden unexplained death (YNSUD), to provide the experimental basis for prevention and treatment of YNSUD.@*METHODS@#Four kinds of wild mushrooms that were eaten by family members in this YNSUD incident were collected and identified by expert identification and gene sequencing. Raw extracts from four wild mushrooms were extracted by ultrasonic extraction to intervene HEK293 cells, and the mushrooms with obvious cytotoxicity were screened by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The selected wild mushrooms were prepared into three kinds of extracts, which were raw, boiled, and boiled followed by enzymolysis. HEK293 cells were intervened with these three extracts at different concentrations. The cytotoxicity was detected by CCK-8 combined with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Assay Kit, and the morphological changes of HEK293 cells were observed under an inverted phase contrast microscope.@*RESULTS@#Species identification indicated that the four wild mushrooms were Butyriboletus roseoflavus, Boletus edulis, Russula virescens and Amanita manginiana. Cytotoxicity was found only in Amanita manginiana. The raw extracts showed cytotoxicity at the mass concentration of 0.1 mg/mL, while the boiled extracts and the boiled followed by enzymolysis extracts showed obvious cytotoxicity at the mass concentration of 0.4 mg/mL and 0.7 mg/mL, respectively. In addition to the obvious decrease in the number of HEK293 cells, the number of synapses increased and the refraction of HEK293 cells was poor after the intervention of Amanita manginiana extracts.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The extracts of Amanita manginiana involved in this YNSUD case has obvious cytotoxicity, and some of its toxicity can be reduced by boiled and enzymolysis, but cannot be completely detoxicated. Therefore, the consumption of Amanita manginiana is potentially dangerous, and it may be one of the causes of the YNSUD.

An extension of the RIGHT statement for introductions and interpretations of clinical practice guidelines: RIGHT for INT.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the extension of the RIGHT Statement for INTroductions and INTerpretations of Clinical Practice Guidelines (RIGHT for INT) is to promote the development of comprehensive and clear articles that introduce and interpret clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: The RIGHT for INT checklist was developed following methods recommended by the EQUATOR Network. The development process included three stages. In the first stage, a multidisciplinary team of experts was recruited by email and WeChat and further divided into three groups (a steering group, a consensus group, and a secretariat group); in the second stage, the initial items were collected by literature review and brainstorming; and in the third stage, the final items were formed through a Delphi survey and expert consultation. RESULTS: A total of 40 initial items were collected through literature review and brainstorming. A final checklist of 27 items was formed after the Delphi survey and expert consultation. The RIGHT for INT checklist contains items on the following 10 topics: title, abstract, background of guideline interpretation, background of guideline development, guideline development methodology, recommendations, strengths, and limitations, implications for local guidelines and clinical research, dissemination and implementation, and reporting quality. CONCLUSION: The RIGHT for INT checklist provides guidance for guideline interpreters on how to introduce and interpret clinical practice guidelines in a scientific and comprehensive manner.

The protective effects of simvastatin in Cadmium-Induced preosteoblast injury through Nox4.

Cadmium (Cd) has a direct toxic effect on bones. Statins such as simvastatin have protective effects on various diseases, including on tissue injury. The current study revealed the efficacy of simvastatin on Cd-induced preosteoblast injury. Preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated with various doses of CdCl2 for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, and then the cell cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression level of Nox4 was assessed by Western blot and qRT-PCR. The morphological appearance of MC3T3-E1 cells was observed under a microscope. Cells exposed to CdCl2 (5 µM) were further treated by simvastatin at various doses, subsequently cell viability, apoptosis and the expression of Nox4 were measured. Furthermore, to confirm the protective effects of simvastatin on Cd-induced pre-osteoblast injury, functional rescue assays were performed after corresponding cell treatment by simvastatin (10-8 M), CdCl2 (5 µM), and overexpression of Nox4. Expressions of cell apoptosis-related markers were measured by Western blot and qRT-PCR. The results revealed that CdCl2 caused MC3T3-E1 cell injury because the cell viability was decreased and the apoptosis was increased. Nox4 expression was up-regulated with the increase of CdCl2 concentrations. Simvastatin increased the cell viability, relieved the cell apoptosis and Nox4 expression previously increased by CdCl2. The effects of CdCl2 on MC3T3-E1 cells and Nox4 expression could be attenuated by simvastatin, and promoted by Nox4 overexpression. The current study found that simvastatin protects Cd-induced preosteoblast injury via Nox4, thus, it can be used as a potential drug for treating cadmium-induced bone injury.

Intracardiac echocardiography versus transesophageal echocardiography for left atrial appendage occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To systematically evaluate the safety, efficacy, and economics of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) versus transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Methods     PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Database were systematically  searched to collect relevant studies on comparing ICE and TEE-guided LAAO from inception to June 15th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 and R 4.0.3. Retrospective cohort studies were excluded for sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the types of occluder and ICE catheter. Results     A total of 14 studies with 6 599 patients were included. Meta-analyses showed no statistical differences in technical success rate, overall complications, device embolization, peri-device leakage, device-related thrombus, stroke, vascular complications, bleeding, operation time, fluoroscopy time, or contrast agent volume between the ICE and TEE-guided LAAO. The total in-room time (MD=–33.47 min, 95%CI –41.20 to –25.73, P<0.000 01) and radiation dosage (MD=–170.20 mGy, 95%CI –309.79 to –30.62, P=0.02) were lower in the ICE group than those in the TEE group, whereas the incidence of pericardial effusion/tamponade was higher than the TEE group (RR=1.57, 95%CI 1.01 to 2.45, P=0.048). Except for pericardial effusion/tamponade, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis showed similar results. The analysis based on the cost data from the United States showed comparable or even lower total costs for ICE versus TEE, but comparative domestic cost studies were lacking. Conclusion     Current evidence suggests that ICE-guided LAAO can reduce radiation dosage and total in-room time, and there is no statistical difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups. Owing to the limitations of sample size and quality of the included studies, the conclusion still needs to be verified by large sample size and high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Polyaspartic acid grafted dopamine polymer chelated Fe 3+ for magnetic resonance imaging visual photothermal therapy agent / 生物医学工程学杂志

This study aims to explore the potential of polyaspartic acid grafted dopamine copolymer (PAsp- g-DA) chelated Fe 3+ for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visual photothermal therapy. Polyaspartic acid grafted copolymer of covalently grafted dopamine and polyethylene glycol (PAsp- g-DA/PEG) was obtained by the ammonolysis reaction of poly succinimide (PSI), and then chelated with Fe 3+ in aqueous solution. The relaxivity in vitro, magnetic resonance imaging enhancement in vivo and photothermal conversion effect at 808 nm were investigated. The results showed that polymeric iron coordination had good near-infrared absorption and photothermal conversion properties, good magnetic resonance enhancement effect, and good longitudinal relaxation efficiency under different magnetic field intensities. In summary, this study provides a new magnetic resonance visual photothermal therapeutic agent and a new research idea for the research in related fields.

Study on the potential active components and molecular mechanism of Xiao Huoluo Pills in the treatment of cartilage degeneration of knee osteoarthritis based on bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking technology.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint degenerative disease. Xiao Huoluo Pills (XHLP) has been used to treat degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and hyperosteogeny. However, XHLP's specific effective ingredients and mechanism of action against osteoarthritis have not been explored. Therefore, bioinformatics technology and molecular docking technology are employed in this study to explore the molecular basis and mechanism of XHLP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Public databases (TCMSP, Batman-TCM, HERB, DrugBank, and UniProt) are used to find the effective active components and corresponding target proteins of XHLP (screening conditions: OB > 30%, DL ≥ 0.18). Differentially expressed genes related to cartilage lesions of knee osteoarthritis are obtained based on the GEO database (screening conditions: adjust P value < 0.01, |log2 FC|≥1.0). The Venn package in R language and the BisoGenet plug-in in Cytoscape are adopted to predict the potential molecules of XHLP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The XHLP-active component-target interaction network and the XHLP-knee osteoarthritis-target protein core network are constructed using Cytoscape software. Besides, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis on core genes is performed using the Bioconductor package and clusterProfiler package in the R language to explain the biological functions and signal pathways of the core proteins. Finally, molecular docking is performed through software such as Vina, LeDock, Discovery Studio 2016, PyMOL, AutoDockTools 1.5.6, so as to verify the binding ability between the active components of the drug and the core target protein. RESULTS: XHLP has been screened out of 71 potentially effective active compounds for the treatment of OA, mainly including quercetin, Stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, Izoteolin, and ellagic acid. Knee osteoarthritis cartilage lesion sequencing data (GSE114007) was screened out of 1672 differentially expressed genes, including 913 upregulated genes and 759 downregulated genes, displayed as heat maps and volcano maps. Besides, 33 core target proteins are calculated by Venn data package in R and BisoGenet plug-in in Cytoscape. The enrichment analysis on these target genes revealed that the core target genes are mainly involved in biological processes such as response to oxygen levels, mechanical stimulus, vitamin, drug, and regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation. These core target genes are involved in signaling pathways related to cartilage degeneration of knee osteoarthritis such as TNF signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Finally, the molecular docking verification demonstrates that some active components of the drug have good molecular docking and binding ability with the core target protein, further confirming that XHLP has the effect of inhibiting cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, based on the research foundation of bioinformatics and molecular docking technology, the active components and core target molecules of XHLP for the treatment of cartilage degeneration of knee osteoarthritis are screened out, and the potential mechanism of XHLP inhibiting cartilage degeneration of knee osteoarthritis is deeply explored. The results provide theoretical basis and new treatment plan for XHLP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Bioinformatics analysis and identification of genes and molecular pathways in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common hip joint disease and is difficult to be diagnosed early. At present, the pathogenesis of steroid-induced ONFH remains unclear, and recognized and effective diagnostic biomarkers are deficient. The present study aimed to identify potentially important genes and signaling pathways involved in steroid-induced ONFH and investigate their molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Microarray data sets GSE123568 (peripheral blood) and GSE74089 (cartilage) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 34 ONFH samples and 14 control samples. Morpheus software and Venn diagram were used to identify DEGs and co-expressed DEGs, respectively. Besides, we conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genome (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analysis. We construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network through GEO2R and used cytoHubba to divide the PPI network into multiple sub-networks. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the bioinformatics analysis results. RESULTS: A total of 118 intersecting DEGs were obtained between the peripheral blood and cartilage samples, including 40 upregulated genes and 78 downregulated genes. Then, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that upregulated DEGs focused on the signaling pathways related to staphylococcus aureus infection, leishmaniasis, antigen processing, and presentation, as well as asthma and graft-versus-host disease. Downregulated genes were concentrated in the FoxO signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, signaling pathway regulating stem cell pluripotency, and mTOR signaling pathway. Some hub genes with high interactions such as CXCR1, FPR1, MAPK1, FOXO3, FPR2, CXCR2, and TYROBP were identified in the PPI network. The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that CXCR1, FPR1, and TYROBP were upregulated while MAPK1 was downregulated in peripheral blood of steroid-induced ONFH patients. This was consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study would provide novel insight into the genes and associated pathways involved in steroid-induced ONFH. CXCR1, FPR1, TYROBP, and MAPK1 may be used as potential drug targets and biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of steroid-induced ONFH.

Pneumonia, Multiple Pulmonary Infarction and Abscess Caused by a Bamboo Stick Accidentally Piercing into Chest: a Case Misdiagnosed as Pulmonary Tuberculosis / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Computed tomography (CT) examination is the major measure for detecting and diagnosis of foreign bodies in human body. Although CT has high sensitivity in diagnosis of foreign body, some interference factors may still lead to missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Here we report a rare case that a bamboo stick accidentally pierced into the left chest of a young man who was drunk and unware of this hurt. The patient experienced cough, chest pain, fever, hemoptysis, and was misdiagnosed as primary and secondary tuberculosis based on chest CT examinations at a local hospital, although no tubercular bacillus detected by sputum smear. He subsequently received anti-tuberculous treatments in the following three years, but no improvement of his symptoms was observed. Until one month before his death, the bamboo stick was detected by spiral CT examination as well as three-dimensional image reconstruction at another hospital. Postmortem examination revealed pneumonia, pulmonary infarction, and abscess as the causes of his death. We analyze the potential reasons of misdiagnosis in this case, aiming to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary inflammation associated with foreign body in the future.

Selection of homemade mask materials for preventing transmission of COVID-19: a laboratory study

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has swept the whole world with high mortality. Since droplet transmission is the main route of transmission, wearing a mask serves as a crucial preventive measure. However, the virus has spread quite quickly, causing severe mask shortage. Finding alternative materials for homemade masks while ensuring the significant performance indicators will help alleviate the shortage of masks. Referring to the national standard for the "Surgical Mask" of China, 17 materials to be selected for homemade masks were tested in four key indicators: pressure difference, particle filtration efficiency, bacterial filtration efficiency and resistance to surface wetting. Eleven single-layer materials met the standard of pressure difference ([≤]49 Pa), of which 3 met the standard of resistance to surface wetting ([≥]3), 1 met the standard of particle filtration efficiency ([≥]30%), but none met the standard of bacterial filtration efficiency ([≥]95%). Based on the testing results of single-layer materials, fifteen combinations of paired materials were tested. The results showed that three double-layer materials including double-layer medical non-woven fabric, medical non-woven fabric plus non-woven shopping bag, and medical non-woven fabric plus granular tea towel could meet all the standards of pressure difference, particle filtration efficiency, and resistance to surface wetting, and were close to the standard of the bacterial filtration efficiency. In conclusion, if resources are severely lacking and medical masks cannot be obtained, homemade masks using available materials, based on the results of this study, can minimize the chance of infection to the maximum extent.

Cardiac Disease Associated Genetic Variants in Yi Nationality in Regions with High Incidence of Yunnan Sudden Unexplained Death / 法医学杂志

Objective To explore the association of cardiac disease associated genetic variants and the high incidence of Yunnan sudden unexplained death （YNSUD） in Yi nationality. Methods The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples collected from 205 Yi villagers from YNSUD aggregative villages （inpatient group） and 197 healthy Yi villagers from neighboring villages （control group）. Fifty-two single nucleotide variants （SNVs） of 25 cardiac disease associated genes were genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS）. The SPSS 17.0 was used to analyze data. The pathogenicities of variants with differences between the two groups that have statistical significance were predicted by protein function prediction software PolyPhen-2 and SIFT. All villagers from inpatient group were given electrocardiogram （ECG） examination using a 12-lead electrocardiograph. Results The allele frequency and the genotype frequency of missense mutation DSG2 （rs2278792, c.2318G>A, p.R773K） of pathogenic genes of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy （ARVC） in inpatient group was higher than that in control group （P<0.05）. Abnormal ECG changes were detected in 71 individuals （34.6%） in the inpatient group, among which 54 individuals carried R773K mutation, including clockwise （counterclockwise） rotation, left （right） axis deviation, ST segment and T wave alteration and heart-blocking. Conclusion Definite pathogenic mutations have not been found in the 52 cardiac disease genes associated SNVs detected in Yi nationality in regions with high incidence of YNSUD. The cause of high incidence of YNSUD in Yi nationality needs further study.

Effect of nursing intervention based on protection motivation theory on medication compliance and quality of life in elderly Parkinson patients / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of nursing intervention based on protection motivation theory on medication compliance and quality of life in elderly patients with Parkinson′s disease.Methods:From August 2017 to August 2018, 60 elderly patients with Parkinson′s disease were selected. The patients were randomly divided into the control group ( n = 30) and the intervention group ( n = 30). In the control group, the routine nursing model was adopted, and the intervention group accepted the nursing intervention based on the protection motivation theory. Two groups of patients were investigated by using medication compliance scale and the 39-item Parkinson′s Disease Questionnaire. Results:Three months after the intervention, 86.67%(26/30) of the patients in the intervention group and 33.33%(10/30) of the patients in the control group had good compliance with the drug, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2 value was 17.778, P < 0.05). The total scores of quality of life and scores of physical activity, daily life behavior, mental health, humiliation, social support, cognition, communication and physical discomfort in the intervention group were 26.20±3.12, 4.00±0.76, 4.87±1.19, 2.33±0.72, 1.93±0.17, 2.80±0.86, 4.40±1.12, 2.27±0.80, 3.27±1.10, the scores in the control group were 39.20±2.88, 7.40±1.12, 7.13±0.83, 3.80±0.68, 2.87±0.64, 4.27±0.96, 5.20±0.68, 3.73±0.70, 5.07±0.80, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t value was -2.366-11.849, P <0.05). Conclusion:Nursing intervention based on the protection motivation theory can improve the compliance of elderly patients with Parkinson's disease and their quality of life.

Effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning with different frequencies on anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning with different frequencies on anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group A (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency), an electroacupuncture group B (continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency) and an electroacupuncture group C (continuous wave, 100 Hz in frequency), 40 cases in each group. Electroacupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Chengshan (BL 57) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation in all groups. The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the 3 groups, the visual anal pain score (VAS) and limb activity score at 4, 12, and 24 h after operation, the maximum VAS score within 24 h after surgery and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine were compared.@*RESULTS@#The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the electroacupuncture group A, the electroacupuncture group B and the electroacupuncture group C were 4, 5, 4 respectively, and there was not statistically significant (>0.05). There was no significant difference in the anal pain VAS score and limb activity score at 4 h after operation among the 3 groups (>0.05), at the 12 h after operation, the VAS scores and limb activity scores in the electroacupunctures group A and B were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group C (<0.05), at 24 h after operation, the VAS score and limb activity score in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C (<0.05), the maximum VAS score within 24 h and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine within 24 h after operation in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different frequency electroacupuncture preconditioning has the effect of alleviating anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture with different frequencies is different. The electroacupuncture analgesic effect of 2 Hz /100 Hz dilatational wave is better than 2 Hz and 100 Hz continuous waves.

Effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination on urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination on urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.@*METHODS@#Eighty patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a routine group, 40 cases in each group. Anesthesia at Yaoshu (GV 2) was given in the two groups. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3)，Guanyuan (CV 4)，Pangguangshu (BL 28) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency. After operation, induced urination was given, namely hot compress of bladder area and sound of hearing water. In the routine group，induced urination was given after operation. The score of the first urination waiting time, the distension of lower abdomen on the evening of the postoperative, the first time urinary volume and incidence of urinary retention were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The scores of the first urination waiting time after operation and distension of lower abdomen in the evening of the postoperative in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the routine group, the first time urinary volume was more than that in the routine group, and the incidence of urinary retention was lower than that in the routine group (5.0% (2/40) vs 22.5% (9/40), all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination can effectively prevent the incidence of urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.