Directly Unveiling the Energy Transfer Dynamics between Alq3 Molecules and Si by Ultrafast Optical Pump-Probe Spectroscopy.

The energy transfer (ET) between organic molecules and semiconductors is a crucial mechanism for enhancing the performance of semiconductor-based optoelectronic devices, but it remains undiscovered. Here, ultrafast optical pump-probe spectroscopy was utilized to directly reveal the ET between organic Alq3 molecules and Si semiconductors. Ultrathin SiO2 dielectric layers with a thickness of 3.2-10.8 nm were inserted between Alq3 and Si to prevent charge transfer. By means of the ET from Alq3 to Si, the SiO2 thickness-dependent relaxation dynamics of photoexcited carriers in Si have been unambiguously observed on the transient reflectivity change (ΔR/R) spectra, especially for the relaxation process on a time scale of 200-350 ps. In addition, these findings also agree with the results of our calculation in a model of long-range dipole-dipole interactions, which provides critical information for developing future optoelectronic devices.

Wide-range and area-selective threshold voltage tunability in ultrathin indium oxide transistors.

The scaling of transistors with thinner channel thicknesses has led to a surge in research on two-dimensional (2D) and quasi-2D semiconductors. However, modulating the threshold voltage (VT) in ultrathin transistors is challenging, as traditional doping methods are not readily applicable. In this work, we introduce a optical-thermal method, combining ultraviolet (UV) illumination and oxygen annealing, to achieve broad-range VT tunability in ultrathin In2O3. This method can achieve both positive and negative VT tuning and is reversible. The modulation of sheet carrier density, which corresponds to VT shift, is comparable to that obtained using other doping and capacitive charging techniques in other ultrathin transistors, including 2D semiconductors. With the controllability of VT, we successfully demonstrate the realization of depletion-load inverter and multi-state logic devices, as well as wafer-scale VT modulation via an automated laser system, showcasing its potential for low-power circuit design and non-von Neumann computing applications.

Analysis of serum protein electrophoresis results in patients with acute brucellosis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To understand the results of serum protein electrophoresis in patients with acute brucellosis, and to provide objective indicators for clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute brucellosis patients.Methods:Thirty acute brucellosis patients diagnosed by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Donghe District, Baotou City from January to June 2021 were selected as the case group, and 30 local healthy persons who took physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. Blood samples were collected from the two groups of people, serum was separated and serum protein electrophoresis was performed. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare total protein concentrations, protein fractions (albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin and γ-globulin) and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. Results:The age of patients in the case group was (52.35 ± 6.74) years old, with 25 males and 5 females. The course of the disease ranged from 0.3 to 2.6 months, with an average of 1.78 months. The age of people in the control group was (52.74 ± 5.47) years old, with 25 males and 5 females. There were no statistically significant difference in age and sex distuibution between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The concentrations of total protein and α2-globulin fractions were not significantly different between the two groups ( t = 0.78, 2.04, P > 0.05, respectively). Compared with the control group, the differences in the percentage of albumin, α1-globulin, β-globulin, γ-globulin in total protein and A/G ratio were statistically significant ( t = 4.78, 4.76, 2.89, 2.20, 3.65, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The percentage of serum albumin in total protein and A/G ratio decrease in patients with acute brucellosis, while the percentage of α1-globulin, β-globulin and γ-globulin in total protein increase. The percentage of albumin, α1-globulin, β-globulin, γ-globulin in total protein and A/G ratio can be uesed as objective indicators for clinical treatment of acute brucellosis.

Divergent chondro/osteogenic transduction laws of fibrocartilage stem cell drive temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in growing mice / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

The anterior disc displacement (ADD) leads to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and mandibular growth retardation in adolescents. To investigate the potential functional role of fibrocartilage stem cells (FCSCs) during the process, a surgical ADD-TMJOA mouse model was established. From 1 week after model generation, ADD mice exhibited aggravated mandibular growth retardation with osteoarthritis (OA)-like joint cartilage degeneration, manifesting with impaired chondrogenic differentiation and loss of subchondral bone homeostasis. Lineage tracing using Gli1-CreER+; Tmfl/-mice and Sox9-CreER+;Tmfl/-mice showed that ADD interfered with the chondrogenic capacity of Gli1+ FCSCs as well as osteogenic differentiation of Sox9+ lineage, mainly in the middle zone of TMJ cartilage. Then, a surgically induced disc reposition (DR) mouse model was generated. The inhibited FCSCs capacity was significantly alleviated by DR treatment in ADD mice. And both the ADD mice and adolescent ADD patients had significantly relieved OA phenotype and improved condylar growth after DR treatment. In conclusion, ADD-TMJOA leads to impaired chondrogenic progenitor capacity and osteogenesis differentiation of FCSCs lineage, resulting in cartilage degeneration and loss of subchondral bone homeostasis, finally causing TMJ growth retardation. DR at an early stage could significantly alleviate cartilage degeneration and restore TMJ cartilage growth potential.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and cancer associated fibroblasts jointly generate chemo-resistance and affect prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) jointly generate chemo-resistance in epithelial-ovarian cancer and their effect on prognosis. Methods: A total of 119 patients with high-grade ovarian serous cancer who received surgery in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from September 2009 to October 2017 were collected. The clinico-pathological data and follow-up data were complete. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Ovarian cancer tissue chips of patients in our hospital were prepared. EnVision two-step method immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression levels of STAT3, the specific markers of CAF activation, fibroblast activating protein (FAP), and type Ⅰ collagen (COL1A1) secreted by CAF. The relationship between the expression of STAT3, FAP, COL1A1 protein and drug resistance and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients was analyzed, and the correlation between the expression of three proteins was analyzed. These results were verified through the gene expression and prognostic information of human ovarian cancer tissues collected in the GSE26712 dataset of gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Results: (1) Multivariate Cox regression model analysis showed that chemotherapy resistance was an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) of ovarian cancer (P<0.001). (2) The expression levels of STAT3, FAP, and COL1A1 proteins in chemotherapy resistant patients were significantly higher than those in chemotherapy sensitive patients (all P<0.05). Patients with high expression of STAT3, FAP, and COL1A1 had significantly shorter OS than those with low expression (all P<0.05). According to the human ovarian cancer GSE26712 dataset of GEO database, patients with high expression of STAT3, FAP, and COL1A1 also showed shorter OS than patients with low expression (all P<0.05), the verification results were consistent with the detection results of ovarian cancer patients in our hospital. (3) Correlation analysis showed that the protein level of STAT3 was positively correlated with FAP and COL1A1 in our hospital's ovarian cancer tissue chips (r=0.47, P<0.001; r=0.30, P=0.006), the analysis of GEO database GSE26712 dataset showed that the expression of STAT3 gene and FAP, COL1A1 gene were also significantly positively correlated (r=0.31, P<0.001; r=0.52, P<0.001). Conclusion: STAT3 and CAF could promote chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer and lead to poor prognosis.

Hammock-shaped capsular flaps in repair of the bottoming-out and double-bubble deformity of augmentation mammaplasty / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To introduce a novel method to repair bottoming-out and double-bubble deformity after augmentation mammaplasty with a hammock-shaped capsular flap, and to evaluate its clinical effect of the related complications.Methods:From 2015 to 2019, a total of 16 patients (aged range from 23 to years, with average age of 33.4 years) were treated in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai Mylike Cosmetic Hospital. We performed a novel hammock-shaped capsular flap with periareolar incision. First of all, the periprosthetic capsule was widely separated from the lower pole of the breasts. Then the inframammary folds were anchored to the chest wall to eliminate the excess the cavity. Finally, the capsular flaps were raised up from both anterior and posterior leaf and resutured by fold tile shaped suture, in order to elevate the inframammary folds in aesthetic revision.Results:Only one case showed mild hematoma and healed after treatment. After 6 months follow-up, all the inframammary folds were elevated to the ideal position, and the double-bubble deformity was corrected with concealed scars and satisfactory shape and symmetry. Meanwhile, recurrent cases and capsule contraction were not observed.Conclusions:For patients with bottoming-out and double-bubble complications after augmentation mammaplasty, the use of hammock-shaped capsular flap can effectively revise the deformation. This technical refinement seems to afford stable outcomes with convenient operation and minor injury and produce satisfactorily clinical effects with fewer complications.

The protective effect of hesperidin on injury induced by glucolipotoxicity in islet beta cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the protective effect of hesperidin (HSD) on the injury of mouse pancreatic beta cells induced by high glucose and fatty acid and the underlying mechanism. Methods MIN6 cells were treated with high glucose and fatty acid after pretreatment of HSD. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining were used to determine the proliferation and apoptosis of MIN6 cells. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax. RT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ELISA was used to test the insulin secretion of pancreatic islets. Results High glucose and fatty acid decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, increased the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β and inhibited the insulin secretion of mouse pancreatic islets. After pretreatment of HSD, the cell viability and Bcl-2/Bax ratio of MIN6 increased, the expressions of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β decreased, and the insulin secretion of mouse pancreatic islets increased. Conclusions HSD could resist the apoptosis of mouse pancreatic islet B cell line MIN6 induced by high fat and high glucose, reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors and improve the insulin secretion of pancreatic islets.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pediatric Meningiomas / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To analyze the radiological features of idiopathic pediatric meningiomas and explore their relationships with pathological grading,misdiagnoses,and blood loss during surgery.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 29 cases of pathologically confirmed pediatric meningiomas with pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from November 2014 to July 2018.We assessed the imaging features to explore their relationships with pathological grading,misdiagnoses,and blood loss during surgery. Results Among the 29 cases,7 intraparenchymal meningiomas,5 extraparenchymal meningiomas,4 ventricular meningiomas,and 1 transcranial meningioma were misdiagnosed.Tumor location was significantly associated with possibility of misdiagnoses(

Application of artificial intelligence to mental healthcare in primary and middle schools / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#Mental health services in primary and middle schools are facing multiple challenges, including dramatic increase in mental health support, low rate of mental health screening, high vigilance against psychological therapies, and lack of initiatives among students. The interdisciplinary integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and psychology in China, combined with biosensors, language recognition, blood spectrum sensing, and counseling big data, has pointed to a novel mental health service model. This new model, incorporating human computer interaction and objective algorithm, fits the contemporary students characteristics. Through monitoring real time physiological status, regulating emotional responses, and modifying cognitive modes, AI to mental health services can work effectively in mental health screening and counseling in primary and middle schools. It may become an innovative approach to build artificial intelligence for mental health service in schools.

An Antioxidant Enzyme Therapeutic for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people worldwide, and there are currently no specific antivirus drugs or vaccines. We report herein a therapeutic based on catalase, an antioxidant enzyme that can effectively breakdown hydrogen peroxide and minimize the downstream reactive oxygen species, which are excessively produced resulting from the infection and inflammatory process. Catalase assists to regulate production of cytokines, protect oxidative injury, and repress replication of SARS-CoV-2, as demonstrated in human leukocytes and alveolar epithelial cells, and rhesus macaques, without noticeable toxicity. Such a therapeutic can be readily manufactured at low cost as a potential treatment for COVID-19.

Two weeks post-operative ultrasound examination of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulae to predict maturity in a Chinese population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of post-operative ultrasound examination for predicting wrist radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula maturity. METHODS: All radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas performed in our hospital between October 2015 and December 2017 were included in this study. Ultrasound examination of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas was performed 2 weeks post-surgery. Radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula maturation was defined as successful cannulation of a fistula with two needles, delivery of blood via the access route at a flow rate ⩾200 mL/min for 4 h, and dialysis via fistulae in at least six consecutive sessions. RESULTS: Eighty-two wrist radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas were analyzed, of which 13 failed. Cephalic vein diameter >4.285 mm and brachial artery peak systolic velocity >134.75 cm/s were the best post-operative ultrasound predictors of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula maturity (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of predicting radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula maturation were 88.4% and 92.3% for cephalic vein diameter (area under the curve = 0.939), respectively, and 82.9% and 76.9% for brachial artery peak systolic velocity (area under the curve = 0.830), respectively. All assessments predicted radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula maturity (post-operative positive predictive values: cephalic vein diameter = 98.4%, brachial artery peak systolic velocity = 95%) much better than radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula failure (post-operative negative predictive values: cephalic vein diameter = 60%, brachial artery peak systolic velocity = 45.5%). CONCLUSION: Two weeks after surgery, a new wrist radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula with a cephalic vein diameter >4.285 mm was considered suitable for dialysis. A high-risk arteriovenous fistula failure would benefit from early intervention.

A preliminary study on B-mode ultrasonic evaluation of muscle recovery after functional gracilis muscle transplantation / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the value of the B-mode ultrasound method for muscle recovery after transplantation.Methods From January,2009 to January,2014,35 patients of functioning free gracilis muscle transplantation for brachial plexus injury were involved.Using B-mode ultrasound to determine the cross-sectional area (CSA) of transplanted gracilismuscle at rest and contraction state.The contraction ratio (CR) and the muscle bulk ratio (MBR) was calculated based on the CSA.Then the CR and MBR were analysised statistically with manual muscle strength and joint range of motion (ROM) to investigate the correlation.Results The followed-up time was 8-24 months,averaged of 22.4 months.The CR of the transplated muscle was (1.23±0.15),which was significantly correlated with muscle strength and joint ROM (P＜0.01,r=0.872,r=0.847,respectively).CR of transplanted muscle with or larger than M4 was greater than that of less than M4 [CR were (1.35±0.10),(1.09±0.06),respectively],and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).The MBR was greater than 1 in 17 cases,and less than 1 in 18 cases.There was no significant correlation between MBR and muscle strength and ROM (P＞0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in muscle strength and ROM between patients with MBR greater than 1 and those with MBR less than 1 (P=0.054,P=0.284,respectively).Conclusion The transplanted muscle recovery can be quantitatively reflected by the CR.CR enlargement of the transplanted gracilis muscle indicated a better recovery of muscle contraction function.MBR is not suitable for evaluating function recovery of transplanted muscles.

The clinical significance of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in the patients with acute and chronic brucellosis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective The concentrations of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were compared in acute and chronic patients with brucellosis in order to understand the immune characteristics of acute and chronic brucellosis. Methods Using forward-looking design, 35 acute and 35 chronic patients with brucellosis were selected before treatment from the Endemic Disease Prevention and Control Center of Wulanchabu City as the research subjects with 25 local healthy persons as the healthy control group from March to June 2018. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine the serum levels of Th1 cell cytokines interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-12 (IL-12); Th2 cell cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10);and Th17 cell cytokines interleukin-17 (IL-17). Results There were totally 25 patients in the control group, aged (46.48 ± 9.74) years, 15 males and 10 females;35 patients with acute brucellosis, aged(54.00 ± 7.65) years, 23 males and 12 females; and 35 patients with chronic brucellosis, aged (49.04 ± 8.24) years, 22 males and 13 females. The means of IFN-γ[(280.50 ± 40.48), (462.79 ± 47.94), (431.91 ± 40.39) ng/L], TNF-α[(292.17 ± 31.45), (481.21 ± 43.14), (433.70 ± 41.23) ng/L], IL-12 [(45.13 ± 5.55), (70.74 ± 7.58), (62.56 ± 5.73) ng/L], IL-4 [(383.24 ± 53.98), (606.11 ± 51.86), (550.66 ± 51.56) ng/L], IL-6 [(14.48 ± 2.17), (23.54 ± 2.39), (21.89 ± 2.26) ng/L], IL-10 [(140.48 ± 110.97), (464.49 ± 52.10), (404.73 ± 52.10) ng/L], and IL-17 [(13.71 ± 1.58), (23.79 ± 2.15), (21.37 ± 2.26) ng/L] were significantly different between control group, acute brucellosis group and chronic brucellosis group (F = 126.13, 152.58, 106.81, 139.28, 113.80, 155.86, 152.91, P < 0.05). Compared to control group, the levels of the seven cytokines in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis groups were significantly increased before treatment (P < 0.05). The levels of all of the seven cytokines in acute brucellosis group were significantly increased compared to chronic brucellosis group before treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions There is a difference in the expression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in patients with acute and chronic brucellosis group. In the acute brucellosis group, the cell immunity induced by Th1 cells and the humoral immunity guided by Th2 cells are stronger than those in chronic brucellosis group.

Comparison of bone resorption-related cytokines in acute and chronic brucellosis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To observe interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels in acute and chronic brucellosis before and after antibiotics treatment in order to assess the bone resorption. Methods Using group design, 36 acute and 36 chronic brucellosis before antibiotics treatment, and 36 acute and 36 chronic brucellosis after antibiotics treatment from the Endemic Disease Prevention and Control Center of Ulanqab City were selected as the research subjects, with 25 local healthy persons as the healthy control group from January to April 2017. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis, chronic brucellosis and control groups before and after antibiotics treatment. Results The means of IL-6 [(23.19 ± 2.51), (21.93 ± 2.27), (14.52 ± 2.08) ng/L], IL-17 [(23.55 ± 2.24), (21.43 ± 2.44), (13.69 ± 1.85) ng/L], and TNF-α [(478.97 ± 47.11), (434.67 ± 42.11), (290.19 ± 34.67) ng/L] were significantly different in the acute brucellosis, chronic brucellosis and control groups before antibiotics treatment (F = 113.91, 152.88, 153.49, P < 0.01); compared to control group, the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF -α in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis groups were significantly increased before antibiotics treatment (P < 0.05); the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis group were significantly increased compared to those of chronic brucellosis group before antibiotics treatment (P < 0.05). The means of IL-6 [(17.83 ± 2.31), (18.45 ± 2.15), (14.52 ± 2.08) ng/L], IL-17 [(17.58 ± 2.21), (18.56 ± 2.29), (13.69 ± 1.85) ng/L], and TNF-α[(370.73 ± 41.04), (375.46 ± 44.61), (290.19 ± 34.67) ng/L] were significantly different in the acute brucellosis, chronic brucellosis and control groups after antibiotics treatment (F = 25.94, 39.96, 38.30, P < 0.01); compared to the control group, the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis groups were significantly increased after antibiotics treatment (P < 0.05); the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis group were not significantly different compared to those of the chronic brucellosis group after antibiotics treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusions This study shows that before antibiotics treatment, the bone resorption-related cytokines IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α of acute brucellosis are higher than those of chronic brucellosis. Antibiotic treatment can significantly reduce their levels and may affect bone resorption in patients with brucellosis.

Comparison of bone resorption-related cytokines in acute and chronic brucellosis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective@#To observe interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in acute and chronic brucellosis before and after antibiotics treatment in order to assess the bone resorption.@*Methods@#Using group design, 36 acute and 36 chronic brucellosis before antibiotics treatment, and 36 acute and 36 chronic brucellosis after antibiotics treatment from the Endemic Disease Prevention and Control Center of Ulanqab City were selected as the research subjects, with 25 local healthy persons as the healthy control group from January to April 2017. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis, chronic brucellosis and control groups before and after antibiotics treatment.@*Results@#The means of IL-6 [(23.19 ± 2.51), (21.93 ± 2.27), (14.52 ± 2.08) ng/L], IL-17 [(23.55 ± 2.24), (21.43 ± 2.44), (13.69 ± 1.85) ng/L], and TNF-α [(478.97 ± 47.11), (434.67 ± 42.11), (290.19 ± 34.67) ng/L] were significantly different in the acute brucellosis, chronic brucellosis and control groups before antibiotics treatment (F= 113.91, 152.88, 153.49, P < 0.01); compared to control group, the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis groups were significantly increased before antibiotics treatment (P < 0.05); the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis group were significantly increased compared to those of chronic brucellosis group before antibiotics treatment (P < 0.05). The means of IL-6 [(17.83 ± 2.31), (18.45 ± 2.15), (14.52 ± 2.08) ng/L], IL-17 [(17.58 ± 2.21), (18.56 ± 2.29), (13.69 ± 1.85) ng/L], and TNF-α [(370.73 ± 41.04), (375.46 ± 44.61), (290.19 ± 34.67) ng/L] were significantly different in the acute brucellosis, chronic brucellosis and control groups after antibiotics treatment (F=25.94, 39.96, 38.30, P < 0.01); compared to the control group, the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis groups were significantly increased after antibiotics treatment (P < 0.05); the levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in acute brucellosis group were not significantly different compared to those of the chronic brucellosis group after antibiotics treatment (P > 0.05).@*Conclusions@#This study shows that before antibiotics treatment, the bone resorption-related cytokines IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α of acute brucellosis are higher than those of chronic brucellosis. Antibiotic treatment can significantly reduce their levels and may affect bone resorption in patients with brucellosis.

Clinical significance of cytokine changes in acute and chronic brucellosis before and during treatment / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To observe the levels of peripheral blood cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ)and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in patients with acute and chronic brucellosis before and during treatment,and to understand the differences of two immunocytokines in acute and chronic stage of brucellosis,and the effect of antibacterial therapy on these two cytokines to provide immunological basis for clinical evaluation of the therapeutic effect of brucellosis.Methods Research subjects were 36 pre-treatment acute brucellosis and 36 pre-treatment chronic brucellosis and 36 dur-treatment acute brucellosis and 36 dur-treatment chronic brucellosis,which were selected from Ulanqab Center for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control of Jining City with 25 local healthy persons as healthy controls.The levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients with acute and chronic brucellosis and control group before and during treatment.Parameters of IFN-γ and IL-4 were analyzed with One-Way ANOVA analysis in pre-treatment and dur-treatment acute brucellosis,chronic brucellosis and control groups.Results The means of IFN-γ [(462.79 ± 47.94),(431.92 ± 40.39),(280.50 ± 40.48) ng/L] and IL-4 [(606.11 ± 51.86),(550.66 ± 51.56),(383.24 ± 53.98) ng/L] were significantly different in the three groups before treatment (F =141.84,139.28,P ＜ 0.05);Compared to control group,the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis were significantly increased before treatment (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of IFN-γand IL-4 in the acute brucellosis were significantly increased compared to those of chronic brucellosis before treatment (P ＜ 0.05).After about ten days antibiotic therapy,the means of IFN-γ [(356.05 ± 43.75),(368.61 ± 35.69),(280.50 ± 40.48) ng/L] and IL-4 [(487.31 ± 51.59),(496.73 ± 48.70),(383.24 ± 53.98) ng/L] were significantly different in the three groups (F =39.57,41.99,P ＜ 0.05).Compared to control group,the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in acute brucellosis and chronic brucellosis were significantly increased during treatment (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of IFN-γand IL-4 in the acute brucellosis were not significantly different compared to those of chronic brucellosis during treatment (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Different immunological characteristics of cytokines in peripheral blood of patients with acute and chronic brucellosis before treatment have affected the therapeutic effect and clinical outcomes.

Clinical observation of Zhen'ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) on improving quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of Zhen'ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) on quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).Methods:A total of 99 patients with AR who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a conventional needling group (51 cases) and a Zhen'ai needling group (48 cases).The conventional needling group was treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36),Hegu (LI 4),Juliao (ST 3),Yingxiang (LI 20),Yintang (GV 29),Shangxing (GV 23) and Baihui (GV 20).The Zhen'ai needling group added acupoints of Zhen'ai needling method {Lieque (LU 7),Shanglianquan [Extra,located at 1 cun above Lianquan (CV 23)] and Tianrong (SI 17)} in addition to points in the conventional needling group.The needles were retained for 30 min.The treatment was performed twice a week.All patients were assessed by total nasal symptom score (TNSS),total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) before and after 15 treatments to evaluate the quality of life.The clinical efficacy was evaluated after 15 treatments.Results:During the treatment,8 cases dropped out in the conventional needling group and 7 cases in the Zhen'ai needling group.There were no significant differences in TNSS,TOSS and SNOT-20 scores between the two groups before treatment (all P＞0.05).After treatment,the total effective rate of the Zhen'ai needling group was 92.7％,versus 88.4％ in the conventional needling group.There was no significant difference between the two groups (P＞0.05).After treatment,there were no significant differences between the two groups in TNSS and TOSS scores (both P＞0.05).The SNOT-20 score of the Zhen'ai needling group was lower than that of the conventional needling group,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).There were statistical differences between the two groups in the scores of cough and nasal reflux (to the throat) of the NOT-20 scale (both P＜0.05).Conclusion:Both Zhen'ai needling method and conventional acupuncture are effective in the treatment of AR.Zhen'ai needling method has a better effect than conventional acupuncture in improving cough and nasal reflux (to the throat) in AR patients.

Detection of lower levels of SNAP25 using multiple microarray systems and its functional significance in medulloblastoma.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor and patients with high-risk or recurrent MB respond poorly to current therapies, and have a higher related mortality. For this reason, potential molecules related to MB need be identified in order to develop targets for the development of novel therapeutics. In the present study, we compared MB microarray data obtained using different microarray systems and significant targets were selected by gene annotation and enrichment analysis. Genes for soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) annotated with the function 'vesicle' were identified and one of these proteins, synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), was found to have significantly lower expression levels in MB. In addition, SNAP25 was detected in a very low number of MB cells as shown by western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analyses of archived and formalin-fixed/paraffin-embedded human MB specimens. We found that SNAP25 altered the morphology and the chemotherapeutic effects of arabinofuranosyl cytidine (Ara-C) on SNAP25-expressing MB cells. On the whole, our data indicate that the expression of SNAP25 is crucial for dendrite formation and is associated with the effects of targeted chemotherapy. The detection of SNAP25 expression in MB cells may thus be essential for the chemotherapeutic application of Ara-C.

Initial Factors Influencing Duration of Hospital Stay in Adult Patients With Peritonsillar Abscess

OBJECTIVES: To review cases of peritonsillar abscess and investigate the initial clinical factors that may influence the duration of hospitalization. To determine the predictive factors of prolonged hospital stay in adult patients with peritonsillar abscess. METHODS: Subjects were adults hospitalized with peritonsillar abscess. We retrospectively reviewed 377 medical records from 1990 to 2013 in a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan. The association between clinical characteristics and the length of hospital stay was analyzed with independent t-test, univariate linear regression and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean duration of hospitalization was 6.2±6.0 days. With univariate linear regression, a prolonged hospital stay was associated with several variables, including female gender, older ages, nonsmoking status, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, band forms in white blood cell (WBC) counts, and lower hemoglobin levels. With multiple linear regression analysis, four independent predictors of hospital stay were noted: years of age (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), ratio of band form WBC (P<0.001), and hemoglobin levels (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In adult patients with peritonsillar abscess, older ages, history of diabetes mellitus, band forms in WBC counts and lower hemoglobin levels were independent predictors of longer hospitalization.

Study on therapeutic effects of arthroscopic repair on medial patellar retinaculum acute injury / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To accurately define the injury position of medial patellar retinaculum with acute injury under the guiding of high frequency ultrasonography, and to study therapeutic effects of suture operation on medial patellar retinaculum in the injuried position.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2009 to March 2014, there were 17 patients with acute patellar dislocation, 6 males and 11 females with average age of (16.2±6.2) years old. The duration time of patellar dislocation was 2 weeks. Before operation, the medial patellar retinaculum of all patients were examined with the high frequency ultrasonography, and the skin with the non-continuous fiber was iudicated as the surface mark under the high frequency ultrasonography. The injury position of medial retinaculum was in the middle of 5 patients who were treated with suture operation of arthroscopic medial retinaculum. The injury position was in the patellar edge in 12 patients who were treated with fixing bone anchor on patella and arthroscopic suture operation of medial retinaculum. The CT examination and Kujala scores, patellar tilt angle on CT film, measured maximal angles of passive or active knee flexion and apprehension test were observed before treatment and postoperative 18 months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighteen months after treatment, Kujala scores were 92.2±11.1 and patellar tilt angle were(11.5±4.2) °, and there was no statistical difference between post-operation and pre-operation. The difference between maximal angles of passive knee flexion(133.5±4.2) ° and normal had no statistically significance. Maximal angles of active knee flexion were(153.5±4.6) °. Ultrasonography showed the continuous fiber of medial retinaculum. A patient showed positive apprehension test and no patient had the recurrence patella instability after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The injury position of medial patellar retinaculum was accurately shown by high frequency ultrasonography and treated with arthroscopic suture operation. Knee immobilization time after operation was shorten. Eighteen months after operation, knee joint function was good, and no patient had the recurrence patella instability.</p>