[Establishment of a prognostic model for non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy based on unbalanced data].

Objective: To explore the construction of a machine learning model based on unbalanced data to predict the progression of non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy by renal biopsy in Shanxi People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The prediction models were constructed based on logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM) and light gradient boosting machine (lightGBM), respectively. The mixed sampling technology was used to process the unbalanced data, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the models. Finally, Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) was used to interpret the results of the optimal prediction model. Results: A total of 148 patients were included in the study, including 84 males and 64 females, with a mean age of (47.2±12.5) years. The follow-up time [M(Q1, Q3)] was 14(7, 20) months. Twenty-three patients (15.5%) achieved the renal end-point event in the study. The SVM model had the highest AUC (0.868, 95%CI: 0.813-0.925), followed by logistic regression (AUC=0.865, 95%CI: 0.755-0.899) and lightGBM (AUC=0.791, 95%CI: 0.690-0.882). The feature recursive elimination cross validation (RFECV) method based on random forest (RF) and the SHAP plot based on the SVM model showed that immunohistochemistry IgG, total protein (TP), anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R), blood chloride and D-Dimer were risk factors affecting the progress of non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy. Moreover, patients with high immunohistochemistry IgG, anti-PLA2R and D-Dimer had an increased risk of achieving the renal end-point event. Conclusion: The SVM model established in this study can effectively predict the progress of non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy, and provide a new method for the early identification of high-risk patients and precision therapy.

[Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study].

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

[A comparison of current guidelines for the management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma worldwide].

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common human liver malignancy and its incidence rate has been gradually increasing worldwide over the past decades. Surgical resection (R0 resection) is the preferred potentially curative treatment for ICC patients. However, due to its conceal clinical features and high invasiveness, most patients have lost the opportunity for surgical resection at the time of diagnosis. In recent years, with the rapid development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which is represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors, clinicians are expected to provide more effective treatment options for patients with mid-stage or advanced ICC. At present, there are still controversial opinions on different guidelines regarding preoperative biliary drainage, the extent of hepatectomy, the definition of R0 resection, the width of the resection margin, lymph node dissection, postoperative recurrence, adjuvant therapy, etc. In this review, 12 guidelines or expert consensus published worldwide from 2012 to 2022 (including 4 Chinese guidelines, 4 European guidelines, 2 American guidelines and 2 Japanese guidelines) were retrieved. Focusing on sorting and comparing the current views on clinical management of ICC in different guidelines, this review aims to provide reference information for ICC clinical management and decision-making.

Combined training prescriptions for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.

Background: Improved physical fitness is important for preventing COVID-19-related mortality. So, combined training can effectively increase peak oxygen consumption, physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and the healthrelated characteristics of adults; however, its impact in the elderly remains unclear. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of combined training on older adults. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched (until April 2021) for randomized trials comparing the effect of combined training on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults. Results: Combined training significantly improved peak oxygen consumption compared to no exercise (WMD = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.83 to 3.37). Combined resistance and aerobic training induced favorable changes in physical fitness (timed up-and-go = -1.06, 30-s chair stand = 3.85, sit and reach = 4.43, 6-minute walking test = 39.22, arm curl = 4.60, grip strength = 3.65, 10-m walk = -0.47, maximum walking speed = 0.15, one-leg balance = 2.71), body composition (fat mass = -2.91, body fat% = -2.31, body mass index = -0.87, waist circumference = -2.91), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure = -8.11, diastolic blood pressure = -4.55), and cardiometabolic risk factors (glucose = -0.53, HOMA-IR = -0.14, high-density lipoprotein = 2.32, total cholesterol = -5.32) in older individuals. Finally, the optimal exercise prescription was ≥ 30 min/session × 50-80% VO2peak, ≥ 3 times/week for ≥ 12 weeks and resistance intensity 70-75% one-repetition maximum, 8-12 repetitions × 3 sets. Conclusions: Combined training improved VO2peak and some cardiometabolic risk factors in older populations. The dose-effect relationship varied between different parameters. Exercise prescriptions must be formulated considering individual needs during exercise.

Contexte: L'amélioration de la condition physique est importante pour prévenir la mortalité liée au COVID-19. Ainsi, l'entraînement combiné peut augmenter efficacement la consommation maximale d'oxygène, la forme physique, la composition corporelle, la tension artérielle et les caractéristiques liées à la santé des adultes; cependant, son impact chez les personnes âgées reste incertain. Méthodes: Cette revue systématique et cette méta-analyse visaient à évaluer les effets de l'entraînement combiné chez les personnes âgées. Quatre bases de données électroniques (PubMed, Scopus, Medline et Web of Science) ont été consultées (jusqu'en avril 2021) pour trouver des essais randomisés comparant l'effet d'un entraînement combiné sur l'aptitude cardiorespiratoire, la forme physique, la composition corporelle, la tension artérielle et les facteurs de risque cardiométabolique chez les personnes âgées. Résultats: Au total, 37 publications ont été incluses dans cette étude. L'entraînement combiné a considérablement amélioré la consommation maximale d'oxygène par rapport à l'absence d'exercice (DMP = 3,10, IC95 % : 2,83 à 3,37). La combinaison résistance + entraînement aérobie a entraîné des changements favorables dans la forme physique (démarrage chronométré = −1,06, position assise pendant 30 s = 3,85, position assise et lever = 4,43, test de marche de 6 minutes = 39,22, flexion des bras = 4,60, adhérence force = 3,65, marche de 10 m = −0,47, vitesse de marche maximale = 0,15, équilibre sur une jambe = 2,71), composition corporelle (masse grasse = −2,91, pourcentage de graisse corporelle = −2,31, indice de masse corporelle = −0,87, taille circonférence = −2,91), tension artérielle (pression artérielle systolique = −8,11, pression artérielle diastolique = −4,55) et facteurs de risque cardiométabolique (glucose = −0,53, HOMA-IR = −0,14, lipoprotéines de haute densité = 2,32, cholestérol total = −5,32) chez les personnes âgées. Enfin, la prescription d'exercice optimale était ≥ 30 min/séance × 50­80 % VO2pic, ≥ 3 fois/semaine pendant ≥ 12 semaines et résistance à une intensité de 70­75 % une répétition maximale, 8­12 répétitions × 3 séries. Conclusions: L'entraînement combiné a amélioré la VO2pic et certains facteurs de risque cardiométabolique chez les populations âgées. La relation dose-effet variait entre les différents paramètres. Les prescriptions d'exercice doivent être formulées en tenant compte des besoins individuels pendant l'exercice.

[Study on the protective effect of cooling the surface of frozen water on renal function in robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrect].

Objective: To compare the effects of ice water kidney cooling and traditional non-cooling surgery on postoperative renal function in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and explore its clinical value in protecting renal function. Methods: A retrospective analysis is conducted on the base of the clinical data of patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in Second Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University from January to November 2019. A total of 89 cases, of which 21 cases were treated with ice water to cool the kidney surface and block the renal artery during the operation (cooling group); 68 cases only clamp the renal artery (control group). Compare the difference of the operation time, R.E.N.A.L. score, intraoperative blood loss, renal artery block of time,postoperative intestinal recovery time, cut edge positive rate, preoperative and postoperative blood electrolyte levels, the change of blood creatinine and GFR before operation and the first and third months after the operation and other indicators between two groups. Results: All the 89 patients completed the operation normally, and no conversion to open surgery or to general endoscopic surgery. The two groups of patients had statistically significant differences in tumor diameter [7.0(5.5, 8.0) vs 3.8(3.0, 5.0) cm, P<0.001], R.E.N.A.L. score [8.0(6.5, 8.0) vs 6.0(5.0, 8.0), P=0.003], Chloride (Cl-) in the blood [(103.29±2.81) vs (104.74±2.58) mmol/L, P=0.030], (P<0.05) in the preoperative data. There were significant differences in renal artery occlusion time [20.0(18.5, 27.5) vs 19.0(15.0, 21.0) min, P=0.023] and operation time [168.0(130.0, 182.5) vs 130.0(110.0, 177.5) min, P=0.007] between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the blood creatinine after one or 3 month as well as for the glomerular filtration rate (all P>0.05). After follow-up for 3-24 months, no tumor recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in both groups, and no related complications caused by ice-free Water Cooling Technique in the cooling group. Conclusions: It is safe and effective to apply kidney surface cooling technique with ice water in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for complex kidney tumor. It can significantly reduce the renal parenchyma warm ischemia injury of renal parenchyma. And it's conducive to the recovery of patients with postoperative renal function, which can maximize the protection of renal function of patients.

[Progress in diagnosis and treatment of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms].

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are relatively rare heterogeneous tumors that originate from peptidergic neurons and neuroendocrine cells and have been referred to as "carcinoids" in the past. Although this type of tumor had been previously considered to be indolent tumor with a low degree of malignancy, with the development of medicine and clinical study, researchers found that NENs had the potential to metastasize. They can occur in any part of the body where neuroendocrine cells are distributed and gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are the most common type of NENs.Due to the improvement of techniques such as endoscopy and imaging, the incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors(R-NENs) and the number of related clinical researches have both increased significantly in recent years. Although researches in Chinese and foreign medical centers are mostly retrospective studies of small samples and the efficacies of different treatment methods are still under debating and lack of sufficient medical evidence to support, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease is gradually becoming standardized according to the proposal of corresponding guidelines. The recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms are reviewed in this paper.

[Research progress of immunotherapy alone and in combination for liver cancer].

Presently, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fourth among common malignant tumors in China, and the mortality rate ranks second. The preferred method of clinical treatment for HCC is early surgical resection at this time, but most patients have reached to mid-advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, so surgery cannot be performed. Traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy have poor prognosis and many adverse reactions, which make the current clinical treatment of HCC in China full of challenges. Therefore, new treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve the quality of life of liver cancer patients. With the advancement of modern medicine, the treatment of liver cancer is no longer limited to traditional treatments. Immunotherapy as a new treatment has become an important treatment for liver cancer. In recent years, immunotherapy and new targeted drugs for liver cancer have become a research hotspot, and many achievements have been made in the treatment of liver cancer. In this paper, the current situation and progress of single or combined immunotherapy for liver cancer of recent years are briefly reviewed.

[Clinicopathological characteristics of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma].

Objective: To investigate the clinical presentation, clinicopathologic features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Methods: Four cases of ATLL from Fujian Cancer Hospital between October 2017 and May 2018 were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical stains and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HTLV-1 provirus genes. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were two males and two females, age range 38-80 years. All patients were from coastal cities of Fujian province. Clinical presentations including lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were detected in most patients; skin lesion, hypercalcemia and lymphocytosis were also commonly detected.Histologically, there was diffuse effacement of the normal architecture by tumor cells infiltration. The inflammatory background is usually sparse, with scanty eosinophils. The atypical lymphoid cells were typically medium to large sized with pronounced nuclear pleomorphism, irregular nuclei, chromatin clumping and prominent nucleoli. Blast-like cells with transformed nuclei were present in variable proportions. Giant cells with convoluted or cerebriform nuclear contours may be present. Rare cases may be composed predominantly of anaplastic tumor cells. Characteristic "flower cells" with large multi-lobated nuclei can be seen. The tumor cells were strongly positive for CD2, CD3, CD5, CD4 and CD25, but negative for CD7, CD8 and cytotoxic molecules (including TIA-1, Granzyme B and perforin). In three cases, the large transformed cells were positive for CD30. In one case, the anaplastic large cells were diffusely and strongly positive for CD30. All cases were negative for EBER, but positive for HTLV-1 provirus. Conclusions: ATLL is a rare type of T cell lymphoma with unique clinical and pathological features, and should be distinguished from peripheral T cell lymphoma, NOS, ALK negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma and mycosis fungoides. Hypercalcemia, systemic disease, characteristic "flower cells" and specific immunophenotypic profile of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD25(+), and CD7(-) are highly suggestive. However, ATLL can only be confirmed if the presence of HTLV-1 provirus.

[The clinical and laboratory characteristics of congenital pyruvate kinase deficiency].

Clinical data of 19 patients with congenital pyruvate kinase deficiency were analyzed. Insufficient pyruvate kinase confirmed the diagnosis. Laboratory parameters of hemolysis were summarized. In cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and unexplained hemolytic anemia, pyruvate kinase activity and next generation sequencing test may help the early diagnosis.

Narcissus yellow stripe virus and Narcissus mosaic virus detection in Narcissus via multiplex TaqMan-based reverse transcription-PCR assay.

AIMS: Development of a multiplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assay to simultaneously detect Narcissus yellow stripe virus (NYSV) and Narcissus mosaic virus (NMV), frequently causing mixed narcissus infection. Feasibility verification was confirmed in natural samples. METHODS AND RESULTS: Primers and probes were designed based on the conserved CP gene regions of NYSV or NMV and their suitability for singleplex and multiplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assays as well as for conventional RT-PCR. Conventional RT-PCR, singleplex and multiplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assays proved to be NYSV and NMV specific. P-values and coefficients of variation of TaqMan RT-qPCR assays indicated high reproducibility. Significantly increased sensitivity was achieved compared to conventional RT-PCR. The detection limit of both viruses was 103 copies with superior correlation coefficients and linear standard curve responses between plasmid concentrations and Ct values. NYSV and NMV infection of narcissus leaves, petals and bulbs could successfully be detected via our multiplex RT-qPCR method at 1·25 mg. CONCLUSION: Our multiplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assay provides rapid, specific, sensitive and reliable testing to simultaneously detect NYSV and NMV, supplying useful routine monitoring for different narcissus samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Efficient identification and discrimination of the narcissus viruses provides reliable information for scientists and conventional growers. Furthermore, it enriches the information of NYSV, NMV and other narcissus viruses.

[Analysis of infection and drug-resistance in 6 107 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Chengdu area].

Objective: To analyze the infection and drug resistance of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, in order to provide useful references for prevention and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Methods: A total of 6 107 suspected cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, including lymph node, pleural, peritoneal, meningeal, urinary tract, and bone tuberculosis, were collected retrospectively from January 2013 to December 2015 in Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu. There were 4 033 male and 2 074 female patients, and the average age was 37 years.The epidemiological data, infection and drug resistance were analyzed statistically. Results: There were 21 036 cases of mycobacterial culture from January 2013 to December 2015, of which 7 119 were positive(33.8%). Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was found in 6 107 cases, of which 896 were positive, accounting for 12.6% of the positive cases(896/7 119). Culture-positive cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis showed a rising trend from 2013 to 2015 (n=174, 310, 421, respectively), and the annual average increasing rate was over 50%.Cases were distributed at younger ages (21-40 years), with an average age of 34 years.There were more male patients, with a male to female ratio of 2.1∶1. The most common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis was the bone(62/243, 25.5%), followed by lymph node(283/1 297, 21.8%), pleural(289/1 840, 15.7%), urinary tract(63/452, 13.9%), peritoneum(41/303, 13.5%), meningeal(156/1 915, 8.1%)and other types of tuberculosis(2/57, 3.5%). Drug sensitivity test of 896 extrapulmonary tuberculosis strains showed that the resistance rate (from high to low) was in the order of isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, capreomycin and ethambutol. Multidrug-resistant(MDR)and extremely-drug resistant (XDR) rate was 9.7 %(87/896)and 2.0%(17/896)respectively. Conclusions: Cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis sent for bacterial culture and the positive rate showed a rising trend by years in Chengdu area.The drug resistance level was higher than that reported both in China and abroad.The prevention and treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis should be strengthened in this area.

[Delayed effect of liver injury and metabolism of dimethylformamide after high exposures in rats].

Objective: To investigate the delayed effect of liver injury and metabolism of dimethylformamide (DMF) after high exposures in rats. Methods: A total of 12 rats were randomly divided into four groups and 3 rats were in each group. Rats in 1d DMF+2 d delayed group were dosed for 1 day and rested for 2 days, and sacrificed at the 4th day. Rats in 3 d DMF group were dosed for 3 days and sacrificed at the 4th day. Rats in 3 d DMF+3 d delayed group were dosed for 3 days and rested for 3 days, and sacrificed at the 7th day. Rats in control group were administrated with water for 3 days, sacrificed at the 7th day. The administrated dose was 1 000 mg/kg (body weight·d) DMF by oral. The daily observation and body weight were recorded during the study period. After the experiment, the blood biochemistry, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) , alkaline phosphatase (ALP) , total bilirubin (TBIL) etc. were detected. Liver weight, kidney weight, liver/body ratio, kidney/body ratio and pathologic examination of liver and kidney were investigated. The concentrations of hemoglobin-adduct (NMHb) were detected. Results: During the period of 1~3 d, body weight growth rate of rats in each treated group had no significant difference with control rats. In the 4~6 th day of the period, rats in group 3 became thinner than before, and the body weight was negative growth (-4.22±3.29 g/d) and significant lower than that of control rats (10.33±3.21 g/d, F=30.07, P<0.05) . AST and LDH levels of 3 d DMF group were significant higher than control group (P<0.05) . Liver/body ratio in 3 d DMF+3 d delayed group were significant higher than control group (P<0.05) . The gross inspection showed 1 rat and 3 rats were observed liver injury in 3 d DMF group and 3 d DMF+3 d delayed group, respectively. Histopathological lesions of 1d DMF+2 d delayed group, 3 d DMF group and 3 d DMF+3 d delayed group were mainly spotty necrosis, focal necrosis and large necrosis of liver cells, respectively. Only NMHb level of control group was undetectable. NMHb levels in 3 d DMF+3 d delayed group were significantly higher than 3 d DMF group (F=135.46, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The DMF-induced liver injury and DMF metabolism may be delayed after high DMF exposures in rats.

Risk of hip fracture following stroke, a meta-analysis of 13 cohort studies.

This study systematically reviews prospective and retrospective cohort studies evaluating the risk of hip fracture following stroke. Stroke survivors are at high risk of hip fracture and had a 1.5-fold increased risk compared to stroke-free men and women of the same age. Hip fracture often occurs in ageing and female stroke patients. We performed a meta-analysis to summarize evidence from prospective and retrospective cohort studies about the risk of hip fracture following stroke. We identified English and non-English publications in MEDLINE and EMBASE using stroke and fracture as keywords to 31 December 2015. The data of the incidence of hip fracture were extracted to calculate raw incident rate in stroke survivors as well as risk of hip fractures in strokes comparing populations using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify the potential influence of some factors. Six prospective and seven retrospective cohort studies were included, involving 512,214 stroke patients with 22,559 hip fractures. The pooled prevalence of hip fractures was 4.87 % (95 % CI, 4.05 to 5.68 %) in stoke patients. We conducted subgroup analysis according to sex, age, duration of follow-up, study design, and region, which showed that female (vs. male) stroke patients older than 70 years (vs. those less than 70 years) and duration of follow-up more than 2 years (vs. those less than 2 years) have higher proportions of hip fractures. Four studies showed that stroke patients had a significantly higher risk of hip fracture compared with the general population, while the other study had a non-significant higher risk. The overall prevalence of hip fracture was 3.28 % (3431 of 104,646) in stroke patients and 2.83 % (36,493 of 1,287,726) in general population, respectively, and the unadjusted combined relative risk of hip fracture was 1.54 (95 % CI, 1.06-2.25). Hip fractures often occur in ageing and female stroke patients.

Expression profile analysis of ascorbic acid-related genes in response to temperature stress in the tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze.

Ascorbic acid (AsA), also known as ascorbate or vitamin C, is a natural organic compound in green plants that has antioxidant properties, and is an essential nutrient for humans. The tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, is an important global economic crop. Here, the expression profiles of genes related to AsA biosynthesis and recycling were analyzed in tea plants in response to temperature stress. Eighteen genes involved in AsA biosynthesis and recycling pathways were identified based on the transcriptome database. The expression levels of CsPGI1 in two varieties of tea plants ('Yingshuang' and 'Huangjinya') increased, peaked at 4 h, and then decreased in response to cold stress. In 'Yingshuang', the genes involved in AsA biosynthesis pathway rapidly responded to heat stress and substantially increased their expression levels at 1 h. The expression levels of CsMDHAR, CsDHAR1, and CsDHAR2 increased sharply at 1 h in response to heat stress in 'Yingshuang'. In contrast, the expression levels of CsMDHAR, CsDHAR1, and CsDHAR2 in 'Huangjinya' gradually increased during heat treatment from 1 to 24 h. The expression trends of two DHAR isoforms differed in 'Huangjinya' during cold stress. The expression patterns of AsA-related genes differed in the different tea plant varieties and depended on temperature. The genes involved in AsA biosynthesis and recycling pathways were induced by heat and cold stress. Our study provides useful data with which to improve the resistance of tea plants to cold and heat stress.

[Application of three risk assessment models in occupational health risk assessment of dimethylformamide].

Objective: To investigate the application of United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inhalation risk assessment model, Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model, and occupational hazards risk assessment index method in occupational health risk in enterprises using dimethylformamide (DMF) in a certain area in Jiangsu, China, and to put forward related risk control measures. Methods: The industries involving DMF exposure in Jiangsu province were chosen as the evaluation objects in 2013 and three risk assessment models were used in the evaluation. EPA inhalation risk assessment model: HQ=EC/RfC; Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model: Risk= (HR×ER) 1/2; Occupational hazards risk assessment index=2Health effect level×2exposure ratio×Operation condition level. Results: The results of hazard quotient (HQ>1) from EPA inhalation risk assessment model suggested that all the workshops (dry method, wet method and printing) and work positions (pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting) were high risk. The results of Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model indicated that the workshop risk level of dry method, wet method and printing were 3.5 (high) , 3.5 (high) and 2.8 (general) , and position risk level of pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting were 4 (high) , 4 (high) , 2.8 (general) , 2.8 (general) and 2.8 (general) . The results of occupational hazards risk assessment index method demonstrated that the position risk index of pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting were 42 (high) , 33 (high) , 23 (middle) , 21 (middle) and 22 (middle) . The results of Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model and occupational hazards risk assessment index method were similar, while EPA inhalation risk assessment model indicated all the workshops and positions were high risk. Conclusion: The occupational hazards risk assessment index method fully considers health effects, exposure, and operating conditions and can comprehensively and accurately evaluate occupational health risk caused by DMF.

C-reactive protein and risk of fracture: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

UNLABELLED: This study systematically reviews prospective cohort studies evaluating the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and subsequent fracture risk. The positive association cannot completely explain the existing evidence, and further studies are needed to demonstrate the shape of the association. INTRODUCTION: We aimed to perform a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of published prospective studies evaluating associations of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels with fracture risk in general populations. METHODS: We identified relevant studies by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from their inception to May 20, 2014. We included published prospective studies evaluating the associations of hs-CRP levels with risk of fracture in general populations. Two reviewers working independently abstracted the data. RESULTS: Eight prospective cohort studies involving 34,840 participants and 3,407 incident fracture events were eligible for the present analyses. A meta-analysis of six prospective studies showed that the overall risk for incident fracture in a comparison of individuals in the top tertile with those in the bottom tertile of baseline hs-CRP levels was 2.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51-3.05, I(2) = 62.3%]. The moderate heterogeneous disappeared when one study was excluded. However, the remaining two studies reported inconsistent results. One study with the biggest sample size showed a U-shaped association for CRP and fracture risk (the association was positive when CRP > 1 mg/L). Similarly, another study reported that per doubling of CRP was positive only when CRP > 3 mg/L. CONCLUSION: In summary, the present analysis showed that the relationship between CRP concentrations and subsequent fracture risk is still inconsistent. The positive association cannot completely explain the existing evidence, and further larger prospective cohorts with more power are needed to demonstrate the shape of the association, especially for the relatively low CRP concentrations, such as less than 3 mg/L.

Association of CXCL12 and CXCR4 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma.

CXCL12 and its unique receptor CXCR4, play important roles in inflammation and cancer metastasis. This study was undertaken to investigate the association of CXCL12 and CXCR4 polymorphisms with risk and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the Chinese population. Blood was collected from 322 RCC patients and 402 healthy controls. The CXCL12 rs1801157G/A polymorphism and CXCR4 rs2228014C/T polymorphism were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results showed that prevalence of CXCL12 rs1801157AA genotype was significantly increased in RCC cases than in controls [odds ratio (OR) = 3.07, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.98-5.46, P = 6.1 × 10(-6) ; data were adjusted for age and sex]. Similarly, subjects carrying CXCR4 rs2228014CT or TT genotypes showed significantly high risk of RCC (OR = 1.77, 95% CI, 1.28-2.71, P = 0.0003; OR = 4.01, 95% CI, 1.87-9.12, P = 7.8 × 10(-4) , respectively; data were adjusted for age and sex). When analyzing the survival time of RCC, patients with CXCL12 rs1801157AA genotype revealed significantly shorter survival time compared to cases with CXCL12 rs1801157GG and GA genotypes (P = 0.001), whereas RCC patients carrying CXCR4 rs2228014CT and TT genotypes showed shorter survival time than the wild type (P = 0.002). These data indicated that CXCL12 and CXCR4 may be new risk factors for RCC and could be used as prognostic markers for this malignancy.