Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its alternative perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) alter hepatic bile acid profiles via different pathways.

The disruption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on bile acid (BA) homeostasis has raised public concerns, making the evaluation of their effects and underlying mechanisms a high priority. Although the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been restricted, it remains a widespread legacy PFAS in the environment. Concurrently, the use of its prevalent short-chain alternative, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), is increasing, yet the toxicity assessment of PFBA remains inadequate. In this study, C57BL/6N mice were exposed to PFOA and PFBA (0.4 or 10 mg/kg body weight) by gavage for 28 days. The results showed that both PFOA and PFBA significantly increased hepatic weight, although PFBA exhibited lower bioaccumulation than PFOA in the liver. Targeted metabolomics revealed that PFOA significantly decreased total BA levels and altered their composition. Conversely, PFBA, without significantly altering total BA levels, notably changed their composition, such as increasing the proportion of cholic acid. Further investigations using in vivo and in vitro assays suggested that PFOA inhibited the expression of Cyp7A1, a key BA synthetase, potentially via PPARα activation, thereby reducing BA levels. In contrast, PFBA enhanced Cyp7A1 expression, associated with the inhibition of intestinal Farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FXR-FGF15) pathway. This study evaluated the differences in the BA-interfering effects of PFOA and PFBA and shed light on the potential mechanisms, which will provide new insights into the health risks of legacy PFASs and their alternatives.

A preliminary review of Isonychia Eaton, 1871 from Chinese mainland with a re-description of I.kiangsinensis Hsu, 1936 (Insecta, Ephemeroptera, Isonychiidae).

Previously, seven species of the genus Isonychia Eaton, 1871 were reported in China, but they have never been systematically reviewed. After examining our collections from the Chinese mainland, six species and one additional subspecies have been recognized, compared, and photographed. Among them, I.kiangsinensis is redescribed in all stages and a neotype is designated. Its males have triangular penes and nymphs have three dark pigments on each gill. A synonym of I.guixiensisWu et al., 1992 (I.sinensisWu et al., 1992) is confirmed. The males of this species have nearly cylindrical penes and clear abdominal markings. Finally, two species and one subspecies are recorded for the first time in China: I.ussuricasibiricaTiunova et al., 2004, I.ussuricaussurica Bajkova, 1970 and I.vshivkovaevshivkovaeTiunova et al., 2004. Together with the I.ignota (Walker, 1853), I.sexpetalaTiunova et al., 2004, I.formosana (Ulmer, 1912) and possible I.japonica (Ulmer, 1920), they show the rich diversity of the genus Isonychia in China.

Diagnostic value of physical examination tests for supraspinatus tendon tears / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the diagnostic value of 6 conventional physical examination tests for the diagnosis of supraspinatus tendon tears, and how well they could tell the difference between partial-and full-thickness tears.@*METHODS@#A total of 91 patients with different shoulder symptoms who received shoulder arthroscopic procedure were enrolled in the study from June 2017 to September 2020. The intraoperative findings were compared with the results of the preoperative physical examination of 6 clinical tests, including the Hug-up test, the Jobe test, the 0°abduction test, the drop arm test, the Neer test, and the Hawkins test, to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratio of each test.@*RESULTS@#By arthroscopy, a total of 44 full-thickness tears, 34 partial-thickness tears, and 13 intact supraspinatus tendons were found in all 91 cases. The Hug-up and the Jobe tests significantly correlated with the intraoperative findings. The sensitivity of the Hug-up test, the Jobe test, the 0° abduction test, the drop arm test, the Neer test, and the Hawkins test was 0.90, 0.79, 0.64, 0.42, 0.49, 0.24 respectively;the specificity was 0.61, 0.69, 0.54, 0.38, 0.31, 0.77;the positive predictive value was 0.93, 0.94, 0.89, 0.80, 0.81, 0.86;the negative predictive value was 0.50, 0.36, 0.20, 0.10, 0.09, 0.14;the accuracy was 0.86, 0.78, 0.63, 0.42, 0.46, 0.32;the positive likelihood ratio was 2.30, 2.58, 1.39, 0.69, 0.71, 1.06;and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.16, 0.30, 0.67, 1.50, 1.65, 0.98.@*CONCLUSION@#The Jobe test and the Hug-up test are both effective at accurately diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears, the Hug-up test detects supraspinatus tears with a high sensitivity, and similar specificity. The tests assessed in this study are not capable of distinguish between partial-and full thickness supraspinatus tendon tears.

Methods used for evaluation of volume retention rate in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation: a systematic review / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Autologous fat grafting has gained popularity in breast augmentation. Various methods can be used to estimate the volume retention rate. This systematic review aimed to establish whether the type of method used for measuring breast volume is a factor that influences the reported volume retention rate.@*METHODS@#Studies were identified using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science from inception of the database up to February 2019. Articles describing autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The characteristics of the included studies were summarized, and the reported volume retention rate from the studies was compared. A quality assessment of all included articles was performed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies criteria.@*RESULTS@#A total of 618 articles were identified, of which 12 studies, with a total of 1337 cases, were eligible. The retention rate of injected adipose tissue varied when the method of fat grafting and volume analysis used were both the same, as well as when the method of fat grafting was the same but the method of volumetric evaluation used was different.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Currently, the tools available for estimating the volume retention rate come with limitations. In order to objectively evaluate the percentage of graft retention, a standard protocol that applies to the different methods should be established in the future.

Methods used for evaluation of volume retention rate in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation: a systematic review / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Autologous fat grafting has gained popularity in breast augmentation. Various methods can be used to estimate the volume retention rate. This systematic review aimed to establish whether the type of method used for measuring breast volume is a factor that influences the reported volume retention rate.@*Methods@#Studies were identified using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science from inception of the database up to February 2019. Articles describing autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The characteristics of the included studies were summarized, and the reported volume retention rate from the studies was compared. A quality assessment of all included articles was performed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies criteria.@*Results@#A total of 618 articles were identified, of which 12 studies, with a total of 1337 cases, were eligible. The retention rate of injected adipose tissue varied when the method of fat grafting and volume analysis used were both the same, as well as when the method of fat grafting was the same but the method of volumetric evaluation used was different.@*Conclusions@#Currently, the tools available for estimating the volume retention rate come with limitations. In order to objectively evaluate the percentage of graft retention, a standard protocol that applies to the different methods should be established in the future.

Clinical Study on Modified Huanglian Wendan Decoction for Treatment of Tic Disorder Children with Syndrome of Wind Stirring Due to Phlegm-heat / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of modified Huanglian Wendan Decoction for treatment of tic disorder (TD) children with syndrome of wind stirring due to phlegm-heat; To detect its effects on peripheral-blood miR-429 expression. Methods Eighty cases of TD children were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,with 40 cases in each group.In the treatment group,children were treated with modified Huanglian Wendan Decoction, one dosage a day, twice a day, orally. In the control group, TD children were treated with haloperidol, 0.03 mg/(kg?d), orally, according to the symptom to adjust dose, and the maximum amount did not exceed 0.08 mg/(kg?d). 30 d was a treatment course for both groups. The treatment lasted for three courses. Before and after 3 months of clinical observation, the severity of disease was evaluated by TCM syndrome and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) score. Clinical efficacy and TCM syndrome efficacy were evaluated; the level of miR-429 in peripheral blood was detected; the adverse reactions were observed. Results The total effective rate of clinical efficacy was 82.5% (33/40) in treatment group and 80.0% (32/40) in the control group, without statistical significance (P>0.05); The total effective rate of TCM syndrome efficacy was 92.5% (37/40) in treatment group and 75.0% (30/40) in the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the YGTSS score and TCM syndrome score significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01), and the TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was much lower than the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, miR-429 level in both groups increased obviously after treatment (P<0.01), and the miR-429 level in the treatment group was much higher than the control group after treatment (P<0.05). There were mild constipation (1 cases), diarrhea (2 cases), and anorexia (2 cases) in the treatment group, and obvious lethargy (3 cases) and dizziness (3 cases) in the control group. Conclusion Modified Huanglian Wendan Decoction shows obvious effects for treating TD, and can up-regulate miR-429 of peripheral-blood.

Comparison of joint quality control and equivalence between two SPECT machines / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To conduct a joint quality control between domestic dual-head variable-angle NET632 SPECT device and imported device to evaluate the application effectiveness.Methods The domestic NET632 SPECT was marked as the trial device,and the imported Philips Brightview XCT was marked as the comparative device.The same quality control methods were applied to the two devices for both pre-trial quality control and in-trial weekly quality control.The Qc data were recorded and analyzed.Results Static images of a thyroid phantom and tomographic images of a complex performance phantom demonstrated nearly the same image quality.The images from both devices were within acceptable range.The noise and cold-region resolution of the trial devices were slightly worse while the hot-region resolution was slightly better than those of the comparative device.In the weekly QC procedures,slightly worse intrinsic spatial resolution and linearity,and better non-uniformity and energy resolution were observed on the trial device.All QC indices of both devices were within acceptable range.Conclusion The domestic dual-head NET632 SPECT has equivalent performances when compared with the imported device and is worthy applying clinically.

Comparison of joint quality control and equivalence between two SPECT machines / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To conduct a joint quality control between domestic dual-head variable-angle NET632 SPECT device and imported device to evaluate the application effectiveness.Methods The domestic NET632 SPECT was marked as the trial device,and the imported Philips Brightview XCT was marked as the comparative device.The same quality control methods were applied to the two devices for both pre-trial quality control and in-trial weekly quality control.The Qc data were recorded and analyzed.Results Static images of a thyroid phantom and tomographic images of a complex performance phantom demonstrated nearly the same image quality.The images from both devices were within acceptable range.The noise and cold-region resolution of the trial devices were slightly worse while the hot-region resolution was slightly better than those of the comparative device.In the weekly QC procedures,slightly worse intrinsic spatial resolution and linearity,and better non-uniformity and energy resolution were observed on the trial device.All QC indices of both devices were within acceptable range.Conclusion The domestic dual-head NET632 SPECT has equivalent performances when compared with the imported device and is worthy applying clinically.

Functional annotation of the microRNA-mediated network in gigantomastia by integrating microRNA and mRNA expression profiling / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Gigantomastia is the overdevelopment of the female mammary gland, and it causes great physiological and psychological burdens to patients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in gigantomastia is needed to develop less invasive and more effective medical treatments. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small noncoding RNAs that play an important regulatory role at the post-transcriptional level. These miRNAs are known to be involved in many diseases, including breast cancer; however, the relationship between miRNA and gigantomastia is largely unknown.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Whole genome-wide expression of miRNA and mRNA in gigantomastia was detected using microarray and functional annotation was performed based on the altered expression of miRNAs and mRNAs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We found many miRNAs and mRNAs to be significantly differentially expressed in gigantomastia compared with normal breast tissues. Functional annotation analysis indicated that APK, Wnt, and Neurotrophin signaling pathways may participate in gigantomastia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study addresses the need for better diagnosis and treatment of gigantomastia by providing new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease.</p>

Digital evaluation of breast symmetry with 3D scanning technique / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a standard method for digital evaluation of breast symmetry with 3D scanning technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2009 to July 2010, 167 patients received 3D scanning before breast augmentation. The coordinate system was established and the 3D reconstructed breast models were analyzed by software. The discrepancy of nipple level, the distance between nipple to midline, inferior mammary fold location, breast width, breast projection, breast volume and anterior chest wall projection were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean discrepancy of nipple level, the distance between nipple to midline, IMF level, breast width, breast projection and anterior chest wall projection were (4. 8 +/- 3.9) mm, (4.5 +/- 3.4) mm, (4.6 +/- 3.7) mm, (4.8 +/- 2.9) mm, (5.4 +/- 3.9) mm and (4.8 +/- 3.3) mm, respectively. The mean difference of breast volume was (51 +/- 44) ml. The incidence of significant asymmetry was 73% (122/167)in nipple position, 95% (159/167)in breast shape, 38% (63/167)in anterior chest wall projection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>3D scanning technique can provide an accurate 3D measurement of breast. A thorough and objective evaluation of breast symmetry can be achieved.</p>

Application of MDCT angiography for breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the significance of preoperative MDCT angiography for breast reconstruction with abdominal flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Preoperative MDCT angiography scans were performed on 34 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with abdominal flaps during December 2006 to June 2009. The operation was designed based on the MDCT results. Then the MDCT results were proved intraoperatively. Another 22 cases who underwent breast reconstruction with abdominal flap without preoperative MDCT were selected as controls. The rate of operative method change, the operation time and the flap necrosis were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The preoperative design changed in 23.53% of the patients, based on the MDCT results. No one had any method change intraoperatively in the group with MDCT. The operative method was changed intraoperatively in 13.64% of the patients in the control group. The mean time spending on flap harvesting was (2.51 +/- 0.64) h in the experimental group and (4.42 +/- 0.21) h in the controlled group (P < 0.05). The rate of complication was 6.12% in the experimental group and 12.5% in the control group (P = 0.017).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Preoperative MDCT angiography is an easy and reliable method for breast reconstruction with abdominal flap. The preoperative design can be more reasonable. It helps to save the operation time and reduce the risk.</p>

Progressing study in treating discogenic low back pain / 中国骨伤

Lumbago is a general, frequently and complicated clinical symptom. 60% to 80% in adults suffer from back pain of varying degrees. The pain causing by various pathological changes stimulateing the ache receptor in intervertebral disc is call discogenic low back pain. Along with people knowing more and more about this disease, all kinds of treatment techniques are applied in clinic. But the indication and therapeutic effects are both evidently different. Below is a summary of the therapic method about discogenic low back pain based on international and domestic reference data of recent years and the author's clinical experiences.

Nipple-areolar reconstruction with the modified arrow flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce the clinical experience of nipple-areolar reconstruction with the modified arrow flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The arrow flaps were modified for nipple-areolar reconstruction in 12 cases. Among them, 2 cases were treated with combined thin split-thickness skin graft; 4 cases with autologous rib implant and tattoo; 6 cases with tattoo.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the reconstructed nipples were survived. The reconstructed nipples lost projection 1 month after operation in 2 cases. The other 10 cases retained 50% of the nipple projection 3 months after operation. The results were maintained with satisfactory symmetry during the follow-up period of 6 months to one year.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The modified flap is easily performed with reasonable design and no need of donor site. The nipple projection can be maintained with good long-term effect.</p>

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematom aand spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma:report of six cases / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To study the etiology,clinical presentation,MR images,treatment and prog-nosis of spontaneous spinal epidural and subdural hematoma.Methods From1995to2002,6cases diag-nosed as spontaneous spinal epidural and subdural hematoma were reviewed retrospectively.All of the pa-tients were males aging from30to68years with an average of 47years.The onset was acute while the pa-tients were in resting or light activity without prior history of any infection,administration of drugs or trau-ma.One patient had the history of hypertension,and another one was found to have diabetes after admission.The clinical characteristics were sudden pain involving neck,shoulder,chest and back,then dysfunction of motion and sensation of extremities and sphincter within few minutes.4cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma were located at T 5~6 ,T 2~4 ,C 4~5 and C 6 ~T 1 respectively,and2cases of spontaneous spinal subdu ral hematoma at C 7 ~T 1 and C 7 ~T 2 respectively.Results All cases were proved with surgery and pathology.MR imaging showed occupying mass in the posterior or posteriolateral region inside the spinal canal.T 1 -weighted imaging was most useful owing to its typical signal changes with the hematoma.T 2 -weighted gra-dient echo sequence was capable to identify epidural and subdural spinal hematoma.Total laminectomy and hematoma debridement were performed.The outcome was closely related to the interval between the onset and surgery.The patients were followed up from6to18months with an average of 10months.All cases showed no significant improvement of spinal cord function except 5cases with incomplete recovery of sphincter function.Conclusion Spontaneous spinal epidural and subdural hematoma are rare entities.MRI is a most helpful diagnostic tool for this disorder.It should be stressed that early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are of great importance for prognosis of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.