Reliability and validity of a graphical computerized adaptive test Longshi scale for rapid assessment of activities of daily living in stroke survivors.

Stroke survivors frequently experience difficulties in daily activities, such as bathing, feeding, and mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a computer-adaptive test-Longshi scale (CAT-LS) for assessing activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke survivors. This cross-sectional study collected data using an electronic application. The ADL function of stroke survivors in rehabilitation departments of hospitals was assessed using both the CAT-LS and BI. Correlations between the CAT-LS and Barthel index (BI) and concurrent validity were evaluated using Pearson's correlation test and multiple linear regression. Interrater reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient based on a two-way random effect. The internal consistency of the CAT-LS was assessed using Cronbach's coefficient (α) and corrected item-total correlations. Overall, 103 medical institutions in China were used in this study. In total, 7151 patients with stroke were included in this study. The CAT-LS classified patients into three ADL groups (bedridden, domestic, and community) with significantly different BI scores (P < 0.05). The CAT-LS results obtained using the decision-tree scoring model were consistent with the scores for each BI item. A strong correlation was observed between CAT-LS and BI (Pearson's r: 0.6-0.894, P < 0.001). The CAT-LS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.803-0.894) and interrater reliability (ICC, 0.928-0.979). CAT-LS is time-efficient and requires < 1 min to administer. The CAT-LS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing ADL function in stroke survivors and can provide rapid and accurate assessments that reduce the burden on healthcare professionals. Further validation of this tool in other populations and settings is necessary.Study registration number: No.: ChiCTR2000034067; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=54770 .

Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) versus conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) in colorectal liver metastasis: Efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively evaluate drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) for efficacy, safety, and related prognostic factors in the treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 75 patients with CRLM-administered DEB-TACE (n = 36) or cTACE (n = 39) between January 2016 and December 2017. Local control, survival outcome, and complications were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. RESULTS: The median follow-up in the two groups was 10.5 months (range, 0.5-22). Median PFS and OS in the DEB-TACE group were 10.0 and 13.0 months, respectively, and 6.0 and 8.5 months in the cTACE group, respectively (P = 0.009 and P = 0.008). The 3-, 6-, and 12-month OS rates in the DEB-TACE group were 100.0%, 94.4%, and 55.6%, respectively, and 92.3%, 71.8%, and 35.9% in the cTACE group, respectively. The 3-month OS rate (P = 0.083) showed no significant difference between the two groups, but significant differences were found in the 6- and 12-month OS rates (P = 0.008 and P = 0.030). Univariate and multivariate survival analyses showed that treatment method, tumor size, and tumor number were independent prognostic factors affecting PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE has advantages over cTACE in prolonging PFS and OS in patients with CRLM. Treatment method, tumor number, and tumor size are important prognostic factors affecting PFS and OS. However, further multicenter and prospective trials are needed to confirm a deeper comparison between DEB-TACE and cTACE in patients with CRLM.

Nonlinear connection between remnant cholesterol and stroke risk: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The evidence on the relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and stroke remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between RC and stroke risk in a Chinese population of middle-aged and elderly individuals. METHODS: The present study included 10067 Chinese subjects of middle-aged and elderly individuals. The connection between RC and incident stroke was investigated using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, several sensitivity analyses, generalized additive models, and smoothed curve fitting. RESULTS: A total of 1180 participants with stroke were recorded during the follow-up period. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model identified a positive connection between RC and stroke risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.087, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.001-1.180). In addition, the current study discovered a nonlinear connection between RC and incident stroke, and the point of inflection for RC was 1.78 mmol/L. The risk of stroke increased by 25.1% with each unit increase in RC level when RC was < 1.78 mmol/L (HR:1.251, 95%CI: 1.089-1.437, P = 0.0015). The results were not affected by sensitivity tests. CONCLUSION: The current study showed a positive and nonlinear connection between RC and stroke risk in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population. These findings provided new information to help researchers better understand the relationship between RC levels and incident stroke.

Statistically and visually analyzing the latest advancements and future trends of uranium removal.

Uranium contamination and remediation is a very important environmental research area. Removing radioactive and toxic uranium from contaminated media requires fundamental knowledge of targets and materials. To explore the-State-of-the-Art in uranium contamination control, we employed a statistical tool called CiteSpace to visualize and statistically analyze 4203 peer-reviewed papers on uranium treatment published between 2008 and 2022. The primary content presentations of visual analysis were co-authorships, co-citations, keyword co-occurrence analysis with cluster analysis, which could offer purposeful information of research hots and trends in the field of uranium removal. The statistical analysis results indicated that studies on uranium removal have focused on adsorption of uranium from aqueous solution. From 2008 to 2022, biochar and biological treatment were firstly used to sequester uranium, then adsorption for uranium removal dominates with adsorbents of graphene oxide, primary nanofiber magnetic polymers and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In recent years, photocatalysts and metal-organic frameworks are expected to be two of the most popular research topics. In addition, we further highlighted the characteristics and applications of MOFs and GOs in uranium removal. Overall, a statistical review was proposed to visualize and summarize the knowledge and research trends regarding uranium treatment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing tumor progression and complications between radiofrequency ablation and thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most frequent thyroid cancers worldwide. The efficacy and acceptability of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of PTC have been intensively studied. The aim of this study is to focus on extra detailed that may influent for PTC or papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Materials and methods: We identified a total of 1,987 records of a primary literature searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar by key words, from 2000 to 2022. The outcome of studies included complication, costs, and local tumor progression. After scrutiny screening and full-text assessment, six studies were included in the systematic review. Heterogeneity was estimated using I2, and the quality of evidence was assessed for each outcome using the GRADE guidelines. Results: Our review enrolled 1,708 patients reported in six articles in the final analysis. There were 397 men and 1,311 women in the analysis. Two of these studies involved PTC and four focused on PTMC. There were 859 patients in the RFA group and 849 patients in the thyroidectomy group. By contrast, the tumor progression of RFA group was as same as that surgical groups [odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.52-3.29; heterogeneity (I2 statistic), 0%, p = 0.85]. The risk of complication rates was significantly lower in the RFA group than that in the surgical group [odds ratio, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.35; heterogeneity (I2 statistic), 40%, p = 0.14]. Conclusions: RFA is a safe procedure with a certain outcome for PTC. RFA can achieve a good efficacy and has a lower risk of major complications.

Transarterial chemoembolization combined with metformin improves the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: The study aims to investigate the effect of metformin on Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the first time. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2019, T2DM patients diagnosed with HCC in Shandong Cancer Hospital and treated with TACE were included in this retrospective study. Overall survival (OS) and Progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between patients treated with metformin and other antidiabetics. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to evaluate the independent risk factors associated with OS and PFS. And sub-analysis was performed to investigate whether metformin could give a survival advantage in each Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage of HCC. Propensity score matched (PSM) analyses based on patient and tumor characteristics were also conducted. Results: A total of 123 HCC patients with T2DM underwent TACE, of which 50 (40.65%) received treatment with metformin. For the whole cohort, the median OS (42 vs 32 months, p=0.054) and PFS (12 vs 7 months, P=0.0016) were longer in the metformin group than that in the non-metformin group. Multi-analysis revealed that BCLC stage, BMI (Body Mass Index), and metformin use were independent predictors of OS. Metformin use was independently associated with recurrence. After PSM, 39 matched pairs were identified. The use of metformin was associated with a numerically longer m OS (43 vs 35 months, P=0.183) than the use of other anti-diabetics. And the difference in median PFS (13 vs 7 months, p=0.018) between the metformin group and non-metformin group remained significant. Conclusion: The combination of transarterial chemoembolization and metformin may be associated with better OS and PFS in HCC patients with T2DM.

Functional status and its related factors among stroke survivors in rehabilitation departments of hospitals in Shenzhen, China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Many stroke survivors have multiple chronic diseases and complications coupled with various other factors which may affect their functional status. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with poor functional status in hospitalized patients with stroke in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, four urban hospitals were selected using convenient sampling, and all stroke patients in these four hospitals were included using cluster sampling. The functional status of stroke survivors was evaluated using Longshi Scale. Explanatory variables (factors affecting functional status comprising age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, complications, and chronic conditions) were collected. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine which factors were associated with poor functional status. RESULTS: Stroke survivors with poor functional status accounted for 72.14% and were categorised as the bedridden group based on Longshi scale, 21.67% of patients with moderate functional limitation were categorised as the domestic group, and 6.19% of the patients with mild functional restriction were categorised as the community group. The highest dependence scores were noted for feeding (73.39%), bowel and bladder management (69.74%) and entertainment (69.53%) among the bedridden group, and housework (74.29%) among the domestic group. In the adjusted model, the odds of poor functional status were higher among stroke patients with older age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.55-3.80), female sex (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.08-2.77), duration of stroke more than 12 months (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.28-2.95), with pulmonary infection (OR = 10.91, 95% CI: 5.81-20.50), and with deep venous thrombosis (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.28-7.04). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults (age ≥ 60 years) and women were more likely to exhibit poor functional status post-stroke. Pulmonary infection and deep venous thrombosis were related to an increased risk of being dependent on activities of daily living. Therefore, clinical and rehabilitation interventions aimed at preventing or treating these common complications should be addressed to deal with subsequent dysfunction post-stroke. Since all data were obtained in metropolitan areas where the economy is well developed, future studies should be conducted in rural areas and economically less developed cities.

Overweight with HBV infection limited the efficacy of TACE in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the upregulated HMGB1.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the impact of hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection and body mass index (BMI) on TACE is controversial. The present study aimed to compare the influence of HBV and high BMI on TACE outcomes in advanced HCC. METHODS: Based on HBV infection history and BMI, patients were assigned to different subgroups. Blood samples were collected and analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS) in the population. RESULTS: Compared to overweight combined HBV patients who received TACE, people with normal weight or no viral infection had significantly better OS and PFS. Sex, age, portal vein tumor thrombus, BCLC, ECOG, and tumor diameter are the main risk factors affecting PFS and OS. Except for the postoperative fever, no significant difference was detected in adverse reactions. Irrespective of TACE, the average expression of HMGB1 in hepatitis or obesity patients was higher than that in normal individuals and did not show upregulation after TACE. Patients without overweight or HBV infection had a low expression of serum HMGB1 that was substantially upregulated after TACE. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, overweight combined HBV infection patients had shorter PFS and OS than other HCC patients. Thus, HBV and BMI maybe two factors affecting the efficacy of TACE via upregulated HMGB1.

Cardiodynamic variables measured by impedance cardiography during a 6-minute walk test are reliable predictors of peak oxygen consumption in young healthy adults.

Accurate prediction of aerobic capacity is necessary to guide appropriate exercise prescription. It is common to use 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) to predict peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in the clinical environment. The aim of this study was to determine whether prediction of VO2peak can be improved by the inclusion of cardiovascular indices derived by impedance cardiography (ICG) during the 6MWT. A total of 62 healthy university students aged 21±1 years completed in separate days, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and two 6MWTs (30 min apart), during which heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were measured by ICG (PhysioFlow® PF07 EnduroTM). The CPET was conducted with the Ergoselect 200 Ergoline and oxygen consumption measured by a MasterScreenTM CPX breath-by-breath metabolic cart. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to generate VO2peak prediction equations using 6MWD with, or without the cardiovascular indices recorded at the end of the best performed 6MWT as predictor variables. The mean peak HR (bpm), SV (ml) and CO (L/min) recorded during 6MWT were 156±18, 95.6±9, 15±2.8 and during CPET were 176±16, 91.3±8, 16.2±2.7, respectively. Analyses revealed the following VO2peak prediction equation: VO2peak = 100.297+(0.019x6MWD)+(-0.598xHR6MWT)+(-1.236xSV6MWT) + (8.671 x CO6MWT). This equation has a squared multiple correlation (R2) of 0.866, standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 2.28 mL/kg/min and SEE:VO2peak (SEE%) of 7.2%. Cross-validation of equation stability using predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) statistics showed a R2 (Rp2), SEE (SEEp) and SEEp% of 0.842, 2.38 mL/kg/min and 7.6% respectively. The minimal shrinkage of R2 implied regression model stability. Correlation between measured and predicted VO2peak using this equation was strong (r = 0.931, p<0.001). When 6MWD alone was used as the predictor for VO2peak, the generated equation had a lower R2 (0.549), and a higher SEE (4.08 mL/kg/min) and SEE% (12.9%). This is the first study which included cardiac indices during a 6MWT as variables for VO2peak prediction. Our results suggest that inclusion of cardiac indices measured during the 6MWT more accurately predicts VO2peak than using 6MWD data alone.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Combined With Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Only for Ovarian Cancer Liver Metastasis.

PURPOSE: To compare the feasibility and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in patients with ovarian cancer liver metastasis (OCLM). METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 60 patients diagnosed with OCLM between May 2015 to February 2017 were included. All patients with ovarian cancer received chemotherapy and primary cytoreductive surgery before. Thirty patients underwent RFA and chemotherapy, and thirty patients only took chemotherapy. The overall survival (OS), CA-125 levels, and serum AST and ALT levels were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the RFA group, the 1-,2-, and 3-year OS rates after RFA were 93.3%, 80.0%, and 53.3%, respectively. Serum AST and ALT levels were both elevated after RFA (p=0.0004, p<0.0001). In the chemotherapy group, the 1-,2-, and 3-year OS rates were 79.5%, 60.1%, and 42.1%, respectively. Levels of serum AST and ALT were stable. CA-125 levels for both groups were also available. CONCLUSION: Based on our analysis of a single institution's series of patients with OCLM, RFA could be a feasibly effective option in the management of OCLM.

Association of Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and incident of diabetes mellitus: a secondary retrospective analysis based on a Chinese cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have revealed that triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) is one of major risk factors of insulin resistance and diabetes. However, study on the association between TG/HDL-C and diabetes mellitus (DM) risk is limited, especially in Chinese people. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between TG/HDL-C and incident of diabetes in a large cohort in Chinese population. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 114,787 adults from Rich Healthcare Group in China, which includes all medical records for participants who received a health check from 2010 to 2016. The target independent variable and the dependent variable were triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio measured at baseline and incident of diabetes mellitus appeared during follow-up respectively. Covariates involved in this study included age, gender, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum creatinine, smoking and drinking status and family history of diabetes. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to investigate the association of TG/HDL-C and diabetes. Generalized additive models was used to identify non-linear relationships. Additionally, we also performed a subgroup analysis. It was stated that the data had been uploaded to the DATADRYAD website. RESULT: After adjusting age, gender, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum creatinine, smoking and drinking status and family history of diabetes, result showed TG/HDL-C was positively associated with incident of diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.159, 95%CI (1.104, 1.215)). A non-linear relationship was detected between TG/HDL-C and incident of diabetes, which had an inflection point of TG/HDL-C was 1.186. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of the inflection point were 1.718(1.433,2.060) and 1.049(0.981,1.120), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed, the stronger association can be found in the population with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 6.1 mmol/L (P for interaction< 0.0001; HR = 1.296 with FPG < 6.1 mmol/L vs HR = 1.051 with FPG ≥ 6.1 mmol/L).The same trend was also seen in the population with body mass index (BMI)(≥18.5, < 24 kg/m2) (P for interaction = 0.010,HR = 1.324) and family history without diabetes(P for interaction = 0.025, HR = 1.170). CONCLUSION: TG/HDL-C is positively associated with diabetes risk. The relationship between TG/HDL-C and incident of diabetes is also non-linear. TG/HDL-C was strong positively related to incident of diabetes when TG/HDL-C is less than 1.186.

Engineering of Yolk-Double Shell Cube-like SnS@N-S Codoped Carbon as a High-Performance Anode for Li- and Na-Ion Batteries.

A yolk-double shell cube-like SnS@N-S codoped carbon (YDSC-SnS@NSC) was delicately tailored by a self-templated and selective etching method as well as a self-assembly strategy. Herein, the ZnSn(OH)6 (ZHS) solid nanocubes were used as templates for the formation of a thin carbon shell that encapsulated the active material, thereby preventing the aggregation and maintaining the uniformity. ZHS is then converted into an intermediate ZnS-SnS2 hybrid by a facile thermal sulfidation process. Because SnS2 is insoluble in acidic condition, it is easy to create a yolk-shell architecture by selectively removing the ZnS component. Further heat treatment promoted the melting of SnS2 and resulted in the decomposition of SnS2 into SnS, which is simultaneously accompanied with a heat- and capillary-driven self-assembly to form a SnS inner core and SnS/C double shell. Such nanostructures with an inner void space and robust double shells are useful in buffering the volume expansion of SnS during lithiation and sodiation. Furthermore, N and S atoms doped into the carbon shell can enhance the electrical conductivity, which is beneficial to the fast charge-transfer kinetics. Because of these advantages, YDSC-SnS@NSC as the anode for Li-ion batteries exhibits improved electrochemical properties. Especially, the YDSC-SnS@NSC anode for Na-ion batteries shows an outstanding rate capability of 257 mA h g-1 at 8 A g-1 and an ultrastable long-term cyclic performance at a current density of 1 A g-1 with a capacity retention of 83.5% (340 mA h g-1 at the first cycle and ultimately reached 284 mA h g-1) and only 0.012% capacity decay per cycle for over 1500 cycles. Such superior electrochemical performance demonstrated that this rationally designed anode is promising for application in both Li- and Na-ion storages.

User testing of the psychometric properties of pictorial-based disability assessment Longshi Scale by healthcare professionals and non-professionals: a Chinese study in Shenzhen.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to validate a novel pictorial-based Longshi Scale for evaluating a patient's disability by healthcare professionals and non-professionals. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Rehabilitation departments from a grade A, class 3 public hospital, a grade B, class 2 public hospital, and a private hospital and seven community rehabilitation centers. SUBJECTS: A total of 618 patients and 251 patients with functional disabilities were recruited in a two-phase study, respectively. MAIN MEASURES: Outcome measure: pictorial scale of activities of daily living (ADLs, Longshi Scale). Reference measure: Barthel Index. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the validity of Longshi Scale against Barthel Index. RESULTS: In phase 1 study, from March 2016 to August 2016, the results demonstrated that the Longshi Scale was both reliable and valid (intraclass correlation coefficient based on two-way random effect (ICC2,1) = 0.877-0.974 for intra-rater reliability; ICC2,1 = 0.928-0.979; κ = 0.679-1.000 for inter-rater reliability; intraclass correlation coefficient based on one-way random effect (ICC1,1) = 0.921-0.984 for test-retest reliability and Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.836-0.899). In the second phase, in March 2018, results further demonstrated that the Longshi Scale had good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among healthcare professionals and non-professionals including therapists, interns, and personal care aids (ICC1,1 = 0.822-0.882 on Day 1; ICC1,1 = 0.842-0.899 on Day 7 for inter-rater reliability). In addition, the Longshi Scale decreased assessment time significantly, compared with the Barthel Index assessment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The Longshi Scale could potentially provide an efficient way for healthcare professionals and non-professionals who may have minimal training to assess the ADLs of functionally disabled patients.

[Correlation between fasting C-peptide and serum uric acid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between fasting C-peptide (F-CP) and serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 347 hospitalized patients with T2DM were stratified according to F-CP level to analyze the impact of increased F-CP levels on SUA level and the incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA). The patients with an elevated SUA level (>420 µmol/L) and a normal SUA level (≤420 µmol/L) were compared for general data, fasting C-peptide and other clinical indexes. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of SUA level with F-CP levels and other parameters. The risk factors of elevated SUA were analyzed by binary logistic regression, multiple regression analysis and hierarchical interaction analysis. The ROC curve was used to analyze the independent risk factors of elevated SUA and determine the corresponding cut-off values. RESULTS: Compared with those with a normal SUA level, patients with elevated SUA had higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, F-CP, postprandial 2hC peptide (2hP-CP), triglyceride (TG), homocysteine (HCY), serum creatinine (SCr) level (P<0.05), and a greater percentage of drinking (44.8% vs 32.6%, P=0.006), but had significantly lowered levels of HbA1c, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). SUA was found to be positively correlated with F-CP, 2hP-CP, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure, TG, HCY, SCr, smoking and drinking (P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with gender, age, age of disease onset, HbA1c, HDL and eGFR (P<0.05). SUA level and the incidence of hyperuricemia increasea significantly with F-CP level (P<0.05). F-CP was identified as an independent risk factor for elevated SUA, and gender did not affect the relationship between F-CP and SUA. ROC curve analysis showed that a F-CP level >1.260 ng/mL was associated with a significantly increased risk of hyperuricemia in T2DM patients. CONCLUSION: F-CP is closely related with SUA and may be an independent risk factor of elevated SUA in patients with T2DM.

Effects of auricular stimulation in the cavum conchae on glucometabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of auricular stimulation in cavum conchae on the glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Seventy-one cases were treated with auricular electrical stimulator in the cavum choncha for 30 min, once daily for consecutive 3 months. The changes on the fasting plasma glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose after a 75 g oral glucose load (P2BG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), total cholesterol (TC) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were compared before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The level of the HbA1c was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and there were also statistically significant decreases in BUN, SCr, TC and AST after the treatment (P<0.05). A few patients (n=7) reduced the dose of the hypoglycemic agents in response to repeated hypoglycemia during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The stimulation in the cavum conchae of patients with types 2 diabetes mellitus may help decrease HbA1c, BUN, SCr, TC and AST, and may be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

[Effects of stimulating in the cavum concha on glucometabolism in patients with diabetes].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the intervention effect of the auricular stimulator in the cavum concha for diabetes. METHODS: Forty-five cases were treated with auricular simulator in the cavum concha for 30 min, once daily for consecutive 3 months. The changes of the fasting plasma glucose (FBG), blood glucose load after 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (P2 BG)and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: The level of the HbA1c was obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and there were also statistically significant differences in FBG and P2 BG after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: With the auricular stimulator, the stimulation in the cavum concha is benefit for the improvement of HbA1c of the diabetes.

[Development of a xMAP liquid chip assay for the rapid identification of 7 common foodborne pathogens and its application].

OBJECTIVE: To develop an assay for the simultaneous detection of 7 common foodborne pathogens with xMAP liquid chip in a single-tube reaction. METHODS: Seven specific primers and probes were designed and synthesized based on the target gene sequences from GenBank. Target bacterial sequences were amplified by asymmetric PCR. The biotinylated products were hybridized to seven probe beads in a multiplex reaction and analyzed by using streptavidin conjugated to a fluorescent reporter molecule. The developed liquid chip xMAP assay was used to test 140 strains of bacteria and then 56 food samples. RESULTS: No cross-reaction and false signals were observed. The detection limit was 1 - 100 pg and 10(5) - 10(6) cfu/ml. The results tested by xMAP were in accordance with the traditional culture method. CONCLUSION: The processing of xMAP liquid chip assay, including DNA preparation and sample detection, could be finished within 3.5 hours and could be applied to the classification and identification of foodborne pathogens in the food safety monitoring.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung: common findings and unusual appearances on CT.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the computed tomographic (CT) various findings of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung and to improve the diagnostic efficacy for such tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung confirmed by pathology were reviewed retrospectively. All the patients had undergone unenhanced and contrast-enhanced examinations; one of them also had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. RESULTS: There were 6 males and 10 females with a mean age of 34.1 years. On CT plain scan, 14 out of 16 cases showed a well-defined endobronchus mass (n=12) or single peripheral nodule (n=2) with obstructive pneumonia or atelectasis (n=4), one case appeared a cavity in the tumor mass, and one presented diffuse circumferential wall thickening. Punctate calcification was observed in four cases (25%). Tumors showed mild (n=4, 25 %), moderate (n=6, 37.5%), and marked (n=6, 37.5%) degrees of contrast enhancement. Two patients had mediastinal lymph node metastasis, and one of them also had bone metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung likely affects young adults. The common findings included a well-defined ovoid or rounded intraluminal mass; and uncommon findings included cavitation, diffuse thickening, or spiculation. Although CT manifestations of it are variable and nonspecific, a well-defined ovoid or lobulated intraluminal or lung peripheral mass with moderate to marked heterogeneous contrast enhancement may suggest the diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of regional tumors.