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Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Adolescent , SARS-CoV-2 , Smell , COVID-19/complications , Cross-Sectional Studies , COVID-19 Vaccines , Incidence , Olfaction Disorders/etiology , Taste Disorders/etiology , PrognosisABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the value of antithrombin Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ) in evaluating patients with decompensated hepatitis B liver cirrhosis and complicated with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB).Methods:From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, clinical data of 193 hospitalized patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis diagnosed in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, which included coagulation indicator (AT-Ⅲ), liver function indicators (total bilirubin, etc.), abdominal ultrasound results (portal vein diameter, portal vein blood flow velocity), and the occurrence of esophagogastric varices. According to the presence or absence of main complications, 193 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis were divided into compensated group (60 cases) and decompensated group (133 cases). According to the presence or absence of EVB, 133 patients of decompensated group were divided into non-bleeding subgroup (96 cases) and bleeding subgroup (37 cases). The above indicators were compared among compensated group, decompensated group and their subgroups. The independent related factors of decompensated hepatitis B liver cirrhosis and EVB were analyzed. The level of AT-Ⅲ of each group were compared, and the relationship between AT-Ⅲ and Child-Pugh score was analyzed. The diagnostic capability of AT-Ⅲ in decompensated hepatitis B liver cirrhosis and complicated with EVB were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test, independent sample t test, chi-square test, multiple logistic regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results:The total bilirubin level of the decompensated group was higher than that of the compensated group, the portal vein diameter was larger than that of the compensated group, and the portal vein blood flow velocity was lower than that of the compensated group (31.50 μmol/L (21.90 μmol/L, 48.80 μmol/L) vs. 19.40 μmol/L (15.00 μmol/L, 25.50 μmol/L); (14.31±3.53) mm vs. (12.57±3.83) mm; (13.39±3.49) cm/s vs. (15.08±4.28) cm/s), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-5.76, t=-2.78 and 2.40; P<0.001, =0.006 and 0.018). The incidence of esophagogastric varices of the compensated group and the decompensated group was compared (40.0%, 24/60 vs. 87.2%, 116/133), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=64.06, P<0.001). The diameter of portal vein of the bleeding subgroup was larger than that of the non-bleeding subgroup, and the portal vein blood flow velocity was lower than that of the non-bleeding subgroup ((15.54±4.23) mm vs. (13.87±3.16) mm; (12.05±3.12) cm/s vs. (13.85±3.51) cm/s), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-2.15 and 2.23, P=0.034 and 0.028). The AT-Ⅲ levels gradually decreased in the non-bleeding subgroup and bleeding subgroup of the compensated group and decompensated group, which were (79.52±16.02)%, (63.91±19.96)% and (35.92±13.69)%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( F=5.71, P=0.018). The AT-Ⅲ level of the compensated group was higher than that of the non-bleeding subgroup and the bleeding subgroup of the decompensated group, and the AT-Ⅲ level of the non-bleeding subgroup of the decompensated group was higher than that of the bleeding subgroup, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=5.11, 13.74 and 7.84, all P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that total bilirubin and AT-Ⅲ were independent related factors of decompensation of hepatitis B liver cirrhosis ( OR (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.060 (1.018 to 1.104) and 0.945 (0.922 to 0.970), P=0.005 and <0.001). AT-Ⅲ was an independent related factor of decompensation of hepatitis B liver cirrhosis and complicated with EVB ( OR(95% CI) 0.902 (0.856 to 0.950, P<0.001). AT-Ⅲ was negatively correlated with Child-Pugh score ( r=-0.559, P<0.001). ROC analysis showed that the cut-off values of AT-Ⅲ in the diagnosis of decompensated stage of hepatitis B liver cirrhosis and complicated with EVB were 62.5% and 61.5%, the sensitivity was 88.3% and 89.2%, the specificity was 70.7% and 61.5%, and the area under the curve (95% CI) was 0.815 (0.755 to 0.874, P<0.001) and 0.899 (0.828 to 0.971, P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion:AT-Ⅲ is an important indicator in evaluating the severity of disease progression in patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis, and it has a certain clinical value in evaluating the bleeding tendency of patients with decompensated hepatitis B liver cirrhosis and complicated with esophagogastric varices.
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Objective To investigate the protective effect of adult human liver-derived stem cell exosomes (HLSC-exo) intravenously injected at different time points against acute liver injury induced by concanavalin A (ConA) in mice. Methods HLSC-exo was extracted by differential centrifugation. Western blot was used to measure the expression of the marker proteins CD9 and CD63, and nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to investigate particle size distribution. A total of 56 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank control group, ConA model group, and HLSC-exo treatment group. The ConA model group and the HLSC-exo treatment group were further divided into 3-, 6-, and 12-hour subgroups according to the interval between phosphate buffer or HLSC-exo injection and ConA injection. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured, and the gross morphology and histopathology of the liver were compared between groups. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups. Results HLSC-exo was a membranous vesicle with a diameter of 90-110 nm, with a clear saucer-like structure under an electron microscope and marked expression of its specific marker proteins CD9 and CD63. In the blank control group, the levels of ALT and AST were 31.81±6.74 U/L and 69.75±8.30 U/L, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, the 3-, 6-, and 12-hour ConA model groups had significant increases in the levels of ALT and AST (all P < 0.001); compared with the 3-and 6-hour ConA model groups, the 3-and 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment groups had significant reductions in the levels of ALT and AST (225.58±115.59 U/L vs 1989.32±347.67 U/L, 1174.71±203.30 U/L vs 2208.33±349.96 U/L, 303.53±126.68 U/L vs 2534.27±644.72 U/L, 1340.70±262.56 U/L vs 2437.13±288.13 U/L, all P < 0.001); compared with the 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment group, the 3-hour HLSC-exo treatment group had significantly greater reductions ( P < 0.001). In the blank group, the levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were 313.51±10.97 pg/ml and 476.05±7.31 pg/ml, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, the 3-, 6-, and 12-hour ConA model groups had a significant reduction in the level of IL-10 (all P < 0.001); compared with the 3-and 6-hour ConA model groups, the 3-and 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment groups had a significant increase in the level of IL-10(331.61±10.46 pg/ml vs 266.20±8.15 pg/ml, 288.13±10.74 pg/ml vs 264.41±9.12 pg/ml, both P < 0.001); compared with the 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment group, the 3-hour HLSC-exo treatment group had a significantly greater increase ( P < 0.001). Compared with the blank control group, the 3-, 6-, and 12-hour ConA model groups had a significant increase in the level of TNF-α (all P < 0.001); compared with the 3-and 6-hour ConA model groups, the 3-and 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment groups had a significant reduction in the level of TNF-α (478.26±12.99 pg/ml vs 551.31±17.70 pg/ml, 515.58±7.18 pg/ml vs 556.21±11.15 pg/ml, both P < 0.001); compared with the 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment group, the 3-hour HLSC-exo treatment group had a significantly greater reduction ( P < 0.001). Compared with the 3-and 6-hour ConA model groups in terms of the gross morphology and histopathology of the liver, the 3-and 6-hour HLSC-exo treatment groups had a significant reduction in the degree of hepatocyte necrosis, and the 3-hour HLSC-exo treatment group had a basically complete lobular structure, with sporadic spotty necrosis; the 12-hour HLSC-exo treatment group had no significant improvement in hepatocyte necrosis compared with the 12-hour ConA model group. Conclusion Intravenous injection of adult HLSC-exo can alleviate acute liver injury induced by ConA in mice, and injection at 3 hours in advance has the most significant protective effect. Regulation of cytokines is one of the important mechanisms for HLSC-exo to alleviate liver injury.
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Objective:To apply multimodal ultrasound imaging in spasticity assessment for stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods:From March to September, 2019, 44 inpatients with lower limb spastic hemiplegia after stroke (patients) and 46 healthy volunteers (controls) were scanned with two-dimensional ultrasound imaging, shear wave elastography and super microvascular imaging at the same area of gastrocnemius muscle of both sides of patients and right side of controls, in resting and maximum isometric contraction. The parameters of shear wave velocity (SWV), blood flow signal, pinnation angle (PA), fascicle length (FL) and muscle thickness (MT) were recorded. Results:SWV increased in the affected side of the patients compared with those of the unaffected side and controls in resting (t > 6.346, P < 0.01), while FL shortened (|t| > 6.235, P < 0.01), MT and PA changed compared with those of the unaffected side (|t| > 2.198, P < 0.05), and blood flow signal decreased compared with those of the controls (t = 2.604, P < 0.05). In maximum isometric contraction, the decrease of FL was less compared with those of the unaffected side and controls (Z > 6.703, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Ultrasound imaging can quantitatively evaluate spasticity of gastrocnemius muscle for patients with stroke in terms of morphological structure, blood flow, and muscle stiffness.
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Objective To establish a new patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of human liver cancer by inoculating the complex of human primary liver cancer cells and a novel microcarrier (microcarrier 6) into mice with normal immune function. Methods Primary liver cancer cells were isolated and extracted from the fresh human liver cancer tissue of five patients and were then co-cultured with microcarrier 6 to construct a three-dimensional tumor cell culture model in vitro . According to the type of graft, 75 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into cell control group, microcarrier control group, and experimental group (each sample corresponded to three groups, with 15 groups in total and 5 mice in each group). The liver cancer cell-microcarrier complex was implanted into the mice by subcutaneous inoculation, and tumor formation time, tumor formation rate, and histopathological manifestations were observed. The Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Results As for the liver cancer cells from the five patients, tumor formation was observed in the mice corresponding to three patients. In these three experiments, tumor formation was not observed in the control groups and was only observed in the experimental groups, and 12 of the 15 mice in the experimental groups had successful tumor formation, with a tumor formation rate as high as 80%, which was significantly different from that in the cell control groups and the microcarrier control groups (all P < 0.05). The tumor formation time was 5-7 days; the xenograft tumor grew rapidly, and HE staining showed nested or flaky cells with obvious heteromorphism, with the presence of pathological mitosis; immunohistochemical staining showed positive CK8/18, Hep, and Gpc-3, which was in accordance with the characteristics of human liver cancer cells. Conclusion This experiment successfully establishes a new PDX model of human liver cancer based on the complex of microcarrier 6 and human primary liver cancer cells in mice with normal immunity. This model can be used to better elucidate the mechanism of the development and progression of liver cancer in the body with normal immunity, and besides, it also provides a new animal model with higher value for the precise treatment of liver cancer.
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OBJECTIVE：To prov ide effective improvement paths and policy suggestions for improving the innovation efficiency of TCM industrial enterprises. METHODS ：Based on the input and output data of innovation resources of 38 listed TCM industrial enterprises from 2014 to 2020，an evaluation index system was constructed from the perspective of all factors. First ，the deta envelopment analysis （DEA）model was used to measure the static efficiency of the sample enterprises ，and at the same time ， four patterns of innovative resource utilization were provided ；then the total factor Malmquist index method was used to analyze the decomposition of the changes in utilization efficiency of innovative resources according to different periods and micro-individuals. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS ：The overall efficiency of innovative resource utilization of listed TCM industrial enterprises was too low，and the average overall efficiency was only 0.293. The input and output of innovation resources of 33 enterprises were unreasonable，and the reasons for the inefficiency are mostly due to insufficient pure technical efficiency. The average value of the all-factor Malmquist index was 0.818 for 38 sample enterprises ，and the overall efficiency was declining. The obstacles to technological progress were a more important reason for the decline in efficiency. It is recommended to improve TCM industrial enterprise’s ability to allocate innovation resources and adjust the proportion of R&D investment in conjunction with the return to scale；clarify the development principles with scientific and technological innovation as the core driving force ，and actively carry out basic research work ；implement the production and research platform of “TCM industrial enterprise-TCM research institution ” to promote the overall technological progress of the industry.
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Objective: To explore whether blood and polyp tissue eosinophil numbers are independent risk factors for poor disease control in patients with nasal polyp. Methods: By using the electronic medical records database and manual evaluation, 183 nasal polyp patients who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery at least one year prior to the study with complete data of tissue specimens, baseline blood routine test, nasal endoscopy and sinus computed tomography, were identified and recruited to assess disease control based on the criteria of a European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012 (EPOS 2012). Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the association between blood and tissue eosinophil numbers and risk of poor disease control by adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. Results: We broke down the cohort into 4 groups according to blood (0.3×109/L) and tissue (10%) eosinophils. The patients without eosinophilic inflammation represented the largest group (41.5%). The group with concordant blood and tissue eosinophilia represented the second largest (31.2%), and the patients with isolated tissue (15.3%) or blood (12.0%) eosinophilia were relatively rare. Multiple logistic regression models found blood eosinophil count and tissue eosinophil percentage were independently associated with increased risk for poor disease control after adjustments for covariates related to poor treatment outcome. Furthermore, subjects with concordant blood and tissue eosinophilia had a higher risk for poor disease control than those with isolated blood or tissue eosinophilia. Conclusion: Concordant blood and tissue eosinophilia relates to a higher likelihood of poor disease control than isolated blood or tissue eosinophilia after adjustment of potential confounders in nasal polyp patients.
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Humans , Chronic Disease , Eosinophilia , Eosinophils , Nasal Polyps , Rhinitis , SinusitisABSTRACT
This study adopted headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) and electronic nose to detect volatile components from Myristicae Semen samples with varying degrees of mildew, aiming at rapidly identifying odor changes and substance basis of Myristicae Semen mildew. The experimental data were analyzed by electronic nose and principal component analysis(PCA). The results showed that Myristicae Semen samples were divided into the following three categories by electronic nose and PCA: mildew-free samples, slightly mildewy samples, and mildewy samples. Myristicae Semen samples with different degrees of mildew greatly varied in volatile components. The volatile components in the samples were qualitatively and quantitatively detected by HS-GC-MS, and 59 compounds were obtained. There were significant differences in the composition and content in Myristicae Semen samples with different degrees of mildew. The PCA results were the same as those by electronic nose. Among them, 3-crene, D-limonene, and other terpenes were important indicators for the identification of mildew. Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 4-methylene-1-(1-methylethyl)-, terpinen-4-ol, and other alcohols were key substances to distinguish the degree of mildew. In the later stage of mildew, Myristicae Semen produced a small amount of hydroxyl and aldehyde compounds such as acetaldehyde, 2-methyl-propionaldehyde, 2-methyl-butyraldehyde, and formic acid, which were deduced as the material basis of the mildew. The results are expected to provide a basis for the rapid identification of Myristicae Semen with different degrees of mildew, odor changes, and the substance basis of mildew.
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Electronic Nose , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Odorants/analysis , Semen/chemistry , Solid Phase Microextraction , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysisABSTRACT
Objective@#To learn the health literacy status, trend and associated factors of Ningbo residents from 2015 to 2019, so as to provide basis for developing health policies and interventions. @*Methods@#The monitoring data of health literacy of Ningbo residents from 2015 to 2019 was collected. The health literacy level was calculated and standardized by the population data of the sixth national census of Ningbo in 2010; five-year absolute growth and growth rate were used to reflect the changing trend. Multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the influencing factors for the health literacy level. @*Results@#The health literacy levels from 2015 to 2019 were 15.44%, 21.73%, 22.41%, 27.60% and 30.03%, with an annual increase trend ( P<0.05 ). The five-year absolute growth and growth rate were 14.59% and 94.49%. The Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the year ( OR=1.158, 95%CI: 1.132-1.184 ), age ( 25-<35岁 years, OR=1.235, 95%CI: 1.039-1.468; 35-<45岁 years, OR=1.416, 95%CI: 1.193-1.681; 45-<55岁 years, OR=1.221, 95%CI: 1.024-1.455 ) , education level ( primary school, OR=1.790, 95%CI: 1.461-2.195; junior high school, OR=2.574, 95%CI: 2.102-3.154; high school/vocational high school/technical secondary school, OR=4.863, 95%CI: 3.943-5.998; college or above, OR=8.829, 95%CI: 7.109-10.965 ) , urban areas ( OR=0.934, 95%CI: 0.874-0.998 ) and occupation ( farmers, OR=0.692, 95%CI: 0.608-0.787; workers, OR=0.746, 95%CI: 0.664-0.837; enterprise staff, OR=0.822, 95%CI: 0.745-0.906; others, OR=1.106, 95%CI: 1.009-1.211 ) were the influencing factors for health literacy level. @*Conclusion@# The health literacy level of Ningbo residents shows an upward trend from 2015 to 2019, which are associated with age, education level, area and occupation.
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Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of syndromes caused by the disorder of metabolism of various substances in the body. The main clinical manifestations are dyslipidemia, central obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. With the changes of diet structure and habits, the incidence rate of MS is increasing, and the patients are younger. It is an important factor in many diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, cirrhosis and some cancers. MS has seriously affected people's lives and health. Central obesity and insulin resistance are recognized as important pathogenic factors. At present, the pathogenesis of MS and its components has not been fully understood. The clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome are complex and diverse. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that the occurrence of metabolic syndrome is related to such factors as proper diet, emotional disorders, excessive escape and little movement, old age and physical deficiency. TCM scholars have studied the pathogenesis of MS in such pathological factors as phlegm and blood stasis, such visceral functions as liver, spleen and kidney, roles of Qi and blood, and emotional factors. As the basic substance of organism, Qi is closely related to the process of metabolism. The occurrence of MS is closely related to the rise and fall of Qi moving to and from the body as well as the abnormal gasification function of the transformation of Qi. Qi is derived from the five internal organs, which are respectively called Heart Qi, liver Qi, spleen Qi, lung Qi and kidney Qi. The "Qi of the five internal organs" is involved in the whole process of the generation, transportation and excretion of the essence of the body. Based on the "Qi of five internal organs", this paper discusses the pathogenesis of MS with phlegm, blood stasis and water drink as pathological factors.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome on the Leptospira interrogans ( L. interrogans)-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines in J774A.1 cells. Methods:Murine mononuclear macrophage cells (J774A.1) were infected with L. interrogans strain 56601. Expression of caspase-11, IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-18 at mRNA level in J774A.1 cells were detected by real-time RT-PCR. The levels of caspase-11, IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-18 in the culture supernatants of J774A.1 cells were detected by ELISA. Results:Real-time RT-PCR showed that caspase-11 expression at mRNA level was 5.12, 14.21, 8.94, 14.06, 18.58 and 0.93 times of that in uninfected cells after 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h of L. interrogans infection, and respectively decreased to 0.10, 0.07, 0.10, 0.09, 0.07 and 0.45 times after caspase-11 inhibitor intervention ( P<0.05). Expression of IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-18 at mRNA level was significantly increased after infection ( P<0.05). After the intervention with caspase-11 inhibitor, IL-1β mRNA decreased to 0.05, 0.03, 0.02, 0.05, 0.06 and 0.02 times ( P<0.05); IL-1α mRNA decreased to 0.14, 0.07, 0.15, 0.10, 0.03 and 0.06 times ( P<0.05); IL-18 mRNA decreased to 0.08, 0.10, 0.16, 0.18, 0.10 and 0.07 times ( P<0.05). ELISA results showed that the expression of caspase-11, IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-18 at protein level was significantly increased. After the intervention with caspase-11 inhibitor, caspase-11 level decreased to 43.07, 41.64, 51.96, 86.56, 105.36, and 129.95 pg/ml ( P<0.05); IL-1β level decreased to 15.01, 14.19, 68.02, 31.20, 173.13 and 104.98 pg/ml ( P<0.05); IL-1α level decreased to 12.14, 15.40, 38.01, 21.97, 24.48 and 27.09 pg/ml ( P<0.05); IL-18 level decreased to 96.27, 102.21, 85.34, 116.28, 155.36 and 114.03 pg/ml ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome was involved in the mediation of IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-18 secretion in mouse mononuclear macrophages after L. interrogans infection.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of combined exposure of fluorine, arsenic, and fluorine-arsenic on the signaling pathway related protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF-6)/nuclear factor κB1(NF-κB1) in a co-culture system of mouse osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 and mouse monocyte macrophage RAW264.7.Methods:MC3T3-E1 cells were co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells after induction with osteogenic inducers. The cells were cultured for 7 days in vitro, and different doses of sodium fluoride (0.0, 0.1, 0.4, 1.6 mmol/L NaF, F), sodium arsenite (0.0, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5 μmol/L NaAsO 2, As) and different doses of fluorine and arsenic were added to the culture medium and cultured for 24 h using factorial design. The expression levels of nuclear factor κB receptor activating factor (RANK), TRAF-6, NF-κB1, T cell activating factor (NFATc1), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) protein were detected by Western blotting. Results:When fluorine was used alone, compared with the control group (F 0.0As 0.0, 1.00 ± 0.00), the expressions of RANK, NF-κB1 and TRAP proteins (1.11 ± 0.04, 1.29 ± 0.05, 1.38 ± 0.04, 1.24 ± 0.04, 1.13 ± 0.03, 1.34 ± 0.05, 1.12 ± 0.03, 1.24 ± 0.04, 1.61 ± 0.06) were increased ( P < 0.05); TRAF-6 protein expressions in F 0.1 and F 1.6 groups (1.23 ± 0.04, 1.35 ± 0.03) were increased ( P < 0.05). When arsenic was used alone, compared with the control group (F 0.0As 0.0), the expressions of RANK, TRAF-6, NF-κB1 proteins were increased in As 0.5 group ( P < 0.05), the expressions of RANK and NFATc1 proteins were reduced in As 12.5 group ( P < 0.05). When fluorine was combined with arsenic, at the same dose of fluorine, RANK protein expression in F 0.1As 0.5 group and TRAF-6 protein expression in F 0.1As 12.5, F 0.4As 0.5, F 0.4As 2.5 groups, NF-κB1 protein expression in F 0.1As 0.5 F 0.4As 2.5, F 0.4As 12.5 groups, NFATc1 protein expression in F 0.1As 0.5 and F 0.4As 0.5 groups, TRAP protein expression in F 0.1As 12.5 group were higher than the corresponding fluorine groups alone (F 0.1, F 0.4, P < 0.05), but lower than the sum of fluorine and arsenic alone. At the same dose of arsenic, RANK protein expression in F 0.1As 12.5 group, TRAF-6 protein expression in F 0.1As 12.5 and F 0.4As 2.5 groups, and NF-κB1 protein expression in F 0.1As 12.5, F 0.4As 2.5, F 0.4As 12.5, and F 1.6As 2.5 groups, TRAP protein expression in F 1.6As 2.5 and F 1.6As 12.5 groups were higher than the corresponding arsenic groups alone (As 2.5, As 12.5, P < 0.05), but lower than the sum of fluorine and arsenic alone. Fluorine had a major effect on the expressions of RANK, TRAF-6, NF-κB1, NFATc1, and TRAP proteins ( F=3.41, 341.73, 66.01, 56.49, 147.40, P < 0.05); arsenic also had a main effect on all protein indicators ( F=686.71, 174.96, 107.32, 235.80, 331.37, P < 0.05); the combined effect of fluorine and arsenic had an interaction effect on each protein indicator ( F=50.39, 234.94, 116.72, 67.77, 36.56, P < 0.05). Conclusions:In the co-culture system of MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cells, fluorine can activate TRAF-6-mediated expression of NF-κB1 signaling pathway-related proteins, thereby promoting osteoclast differentiation; the effects of arsenic on the expression of related proteins are not completely consistent. The interaction of fluorine and arsenic exposure on TRAF-6-mediated expression of NF-κB1 signaling pathway-related proteins is mainly antagonistic.
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Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the new treatment regimen versus the standardized scheme for the initial treatment of smear-positive tuberculosis in the elderly.Methods A total of 302 elderly patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from 14 tuberculosis-designated medical institutions in Beijing.The patients received the initial treatment of smear-positive tuberculosis from January 2014 to August 2016 in the combined prospective and retrospective study.All patients were divided into observation group(n=63)receiving treatment with 6L2 HELfx regimen from August 1,2015 to August 31,2016,and control group (n =239) receiving treatment with 6L2HELfx regimen from January 1,2014 to January 31,2015.The nation-unified standard chemotherapy regimen 2RHZE/4RH was used in tuberculosis medical service institutions for all patients.The differences between the two groups were analyzed and compared in the completion of treatment,negative conversion of sputum culture or smear,adverse drug reactions and treatment outcome.Results The completion rate of long-course therapy was significantly higher in the observation group than in control group [90.5％ (57/63) vs.79.5％ (190/239),x2 =4.034,P =0.045].The rate of negative conversion of sputum culture or smear at the end of the 2nd month was higher in the observation group than in control group,but had no significant difference[87.0％ (47/54)vs.81.6％(155/190),x2 =0.879,P=0.349].The incidence of adverse reactions was much lower in observation group than in control group[46.0％ (29/63) vs.65.3％ (156/239),x2 =7.777,P =0.005].The success rate of treatment(cure or completion of long-course therapy)was higher in observation group than in control group [90.5％ (57/63) vs.77.4％ (185/239),x2 =5.350,P =0.021].ConclusioNS As compared with the standard chemotherapy regimen,the L and Lfxcontaining treatment regimen has better effects,higher success rate of treatment and less adverse reactions in elderly patients with the initial treatment of smear-positive tuberculosis.
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Objective To analyze the spatial distribution and identify the high risk areas of pulmonary tuberculosis at the township level in Beijing during 2005-2015.Methods Data on pulmonary tuberculosis cases was collected from the tuberculosis information management system.Global autocorrelation analysis,local indicators of spatial association and Kulldorff's Scan Statistics were applied to map the spatial distribution and detect the space-time clusters of the pulmonary tuberculosis cases during 2005-2015.Results Spatial analysis on the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis at the township level demonstrated that the spatial autocorrelation was positive during the study period.The values of Moran's I ranged from 0.224 3 to 0.291 8 with all the P values less than 0.05.Hotspots were primarily distributed in 8 towns/streets as follows:Junzhuang,Wangping,Yongding and Tanzhesi in Mentougou district,Yancun in Fangshan district,Wangzuo town in Fengtai district,Tianqiao street in Xicheng district and Tianzhu town in Shunyi district.Spatiotemporal clusters across the entire study period were identified by using Kulldorff's spatiotemporal scan statistic.The primary cluster was located in Chaoyang and Shunyi districts,including 17 towns/streets,as follows:Cuigezhuang,Maizidian,Dongfeng,Taiyanggong,Zuojiazhuang,Hepingjie,Xiaoguan,Xiangheyuan,Dongba,Jiangtai,Wangjing,Jinzhan,Jiuxianqiao,Laiguangying,Sunhe towns/streets in Chaoyang district,Houshayu and Tianzhu town in Shunyi district,during January to December 2005.Conclusion Incidence rates of pulmonary tuberculosis displayed spatial and temporal clusterings at the township level in Beijing during 2005-2015,with high risk areas relatively concentrated in the central and southern parts of Beijing.
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Objective To analyze the spatial distribution and identify the high risk areas of pulmonary tuberculosis at the township level in Beijing during 2005-2015.Methods Data on pulmonary tuberculosis cases was collected from the tuberculosis information management system.Global autocorrelation analysis,local indicators of spatial association and Kulldorff's Scan Statistics were applied to map the spatial distribution and detect the space-time clusters of the pulmonary tuberculosis cases during 2005-2015.Results Spatial analysis on the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis at the township level demonstrated that the spatial autocorrelation was positive during the study period.The values of Moran's I ranged from 0.224 3 to 0.291 8 with all the P values less than 0.05.Hotspots were primarily distributed in 8 towns/streets as follows:Junzhuang,Wangping,Yongding and Tanzhesi in Mentougou district,Yancun in Fangshan district,Wangzuo town in Fengtai district,Tianqiao street in Xicheng district and Tianzhu town in Shunyi district.Spatiotemporal clusters across the entire study period were identified by using Kulldorff's spatiotemporal scan statistic.The primary cluster was located in Chaoyang and Shunyi districts,including 17 towns/streets,as follows:Cuigezhuang,Maizidian,Dongfeng,Taiyanggong,Zuojiazhuang,Hepingjie,Xiaoguan,Xiangheyuan,Dongba,Jiangtai,Wangjing,Jinzhan,Jiuxianqiao,Laiguangying,Sunhe towns/streets in Chaoyang district,Houshayu and Tianzhu town in Shunyi district,during January to December 2005.Conclusion Incidence rates of pulmonary tuberculosis displayed spatial and temporal clusterings at the township level in Beijing during 2005-2015,with high risk areas relatively concentrated in the central and southern parts of Beijing.
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Objective To investigate the effects of chronic fluoride and arsenic co-exposure on bone morphogenetic proteins 2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) gene expressions of bone tissue in rats. Methods One hundred and sixty 8-week-old clean-grade Wistar rats weighting (200 ± 50) g were randomly divided into 16 groups by weight via the random number table method of 10 rats in each group by 2 × 4 factorial experimental design (half female and half male), and treated with different doses of fluoride, arsenite and fluoride plus arsenite in deionized water (untreated control group with 0.0 mg/kg fluoride and 0.0 mg/kg arsenite; low-, moderate- and high-fluoride groups were supplemented with 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg fluoride and 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg arsenite) for 6 months. Rats were divided into control (F0.0As0.0), low fluorine (F5.0As0.0), moderate fluorine (F10.0As0.0), high fluorine (F20.0As0.0), low arsenic (F0.0As2.5), moderate arsenic (F0.0As5.0), high arsenic (F0.0As10.0), low fluorine and low arsenic (F5.0As2.5), low fluorine and moderate arsenic (F5.0As5.0), low fluorine and high arsenic (F5.0As10.0), moderate fluorine and low arsenic (F10.0As2.5), moderate fluorine and moderate arsenic (F10.0As5.0), moderate fluorine and high arsenic (F10.0As10.0), high fluorine and low arsenic (F20.0As2.5), high fluorine and moderate arsenic (F20.0As5.0), high fluorine and high arsenic (F20.0As10.0) groups. The concentrations of urinary fluoride (UF) and urinary arsenic (UAs) were determined as exposure biomarkers via the fluoride ion selective electrode method and the flame atomic fluorescence method. The mRNA expressions of BMP-2 and Runx2 were measured with quantitive real-time PCR. Results There were no dental fluorosis found in F0.0As0.0, F0.0As2.5, F0.0As5.0 and F0.0As10.0 groups, and there was a dose-response relationship between the occurrence of dental fluorosis and fluoride doses. Under exposure of fluorine and arsenic combined with high dose of fluorine (20.0 mg/kg), with increasing of arsenic exposure doses, the degree of injury of dental fluorosis increased (χ2 = 9.124, P < 0.05). Compared with F0.0As0.0 (0.99 ± 0.08, 0.99 ± 0.07), the mRNA expressions of BMP-2 (1.01 ± 0.07, 1.06 ± 0.06, 1.21 ± 0.05) and Runx2 (1.03 ± 0.04, 1.24 ± 0.03, 1.33 ± 0.10) in F5.0As0.0, F10.0As0.0, F20.0As0.0 groups were increased with increasing of fluoride doses. Fluoride had a significant effect on mRNA expressions of BMP-2 and Runx2 (F=3.067, 2.927, P<0.05). There was a significant interaction between fluoride and arsenic combination and BMP-2 and Runx2 mRNA expression levels (F = 3.817, 4.802, P < 0.05). Conclusion When rat is co-exposed to fluorine and arsenic, fluorine plays a leading role on BMP-2 and Runx2 mRNA expressions, and arsenic is indirectly involved in fluoride-induced bone toxicity; fluorine and arsenic has a antagonistic effect on BMP-2 and Runx2 mRNA expressions.
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Objective To analyze the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in bone toxicity in rats co-exposed to fluoride and arsenite.Methods One hundred and ninety-two 8-week-old clean-grade Wistar rats weighing (200 ± 50) g were divided into 16 groups by weight using random number table method of 12 rats in each group by 2 × 4 factorial experimental design (half female and half male),and treated with different doses of fluoride,arsenite and fluoride plus arsenite in deionized water (untreated control group containing 0.0 mg/kg fluoride and 0.0 mg/kg arsenite;low-,moderate-,and high-fluoride groups supplemented with 5.0,10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg fluoride and 2.5,5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg arsenite) for 6 months.Rats were divided into control (F0As0),low fluorine (F5.0As0),moderate fluoride (F10.0As0),high fluoride (F20.0As0),low arsenic (F0As2.5),moderate arsenic (F0As5.0),high arsenic (F0As10.0),low fluorine and low arsenic (F5.0As2.5),low fluorine and moderate arsenic (F5.0As5.0),low fluorine and high arsenic (F5.0As10.0),moderate fluorine and low arsenic (F10.0As2.5),moderate fluorine and moderate arsenic (F10.0As5.0),moderate fluorine and high arsenic (F10.0As10.0),high fluorine and low arsenic (F20.0As2.5),high fluorine and moderate arsenic (F20.0As5.0),high fluorine and high arsenic (F20.0As10.0) groups.The protein expressions of OPG and RANKL in bone were measured via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.The mRNA expressions of OPG and RANKL were measured with quantitative real-time PCR.Results Compared with F0As0 [(2.678 ± 0.136) ng/mg,(29.658 ± 0.662) pg/mg],the protein expressions of OPG [(2.857 ± 0.162),(2.983 ± 0.272),(3.117 ± 0.143) ng/mg],and RANKL [(32.533 ± 0.999),(32.698 ± 1.932),(33.331 ± 1.140) pg/mg] in F5.0As0,F10.0As0,F20.0As0 were increased with increasing of fluoride doses;increased first and then decreased was observed in levels of RANKL protein [(32.348 ± 2.838),(31.589 ±1.359),(28.843 ± 1.908) pg/mg] in F0As2.5,F0As5.0,F0As10.0 with increasing of arsenic doses (P＜0.05).Compared with F0As0 (0.83 ± 0.19,0.92 ± 0.23),the mRNA expressions of OPG (1.14 ± 0.27,1.33 ± 0.39,1.69 ± 0.77) and RANKL (1.02 ± 0.21,1.17 ± 0.15,1.25 ± 0.31) in F5.0As0,F10.0As0,F20.0As0 were increased with increasing of fluoride dose.Fluoride had a significant effect on protein and mRNA expressions of OPG and RANKL (F=11.530,21.765,6.320,3.543,P ＜ 0.05).There was interaction between fluoride and arsenite on the expressions of RANKL protein and mRNA,OPG protein (F =9.496,2.217,3.375,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion When rat is co-exposed to fluorine and arsenic,fluorine plays a leading role in regulating RANKL and OPG,and arsenic is indirectly involved in the fluorine bone toxicity in rats,fluorine and arsenic has a antagonistic effect on OPG and RANKL expressions.
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Objective@#To investigate the protective effect of intraperitoneal transplantation of human liver-derived stem cells at different times against concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute liver injury in mice.@*Methods@#A total of 88 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (group C), ConA model group (group M), and human liver-derived stem cells (HYX1)+ConA group (group E); according to the interval between phosphate buffer/HYX1 injection and ConA injection, Groups M and E were further divided into 3-hour groups (M1 and E1 groups), 6-hour groups (M2 and E2 groups), 12-hour groups (M3 and E3 groups), 24-hour groups (M4 and E4 groups), and 48-hour groups (M5 and E5 groups). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBil) in peripheral blood were measured, liver tissue sections were used to observe pathological changes, and the Ishak score for liver inflammation was determined. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison between groups, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.@*Results@#The levels of ALT, AST, and TBil in group C were (36.25±1.16) U/L, (120.20±5.77) U/L, and (2.20±0.23) μmol/L, respectively; the levels of ALT, AST, and TBil and Ishak score were (8 721.23±837.39) U/L, (8 110.31±290.10) U/L, (8.41±0.10) μmol/L, and (13.32±1.30), respectively, in group M1, (8 334.31±666.50) U/L, (7 560.20±760.34) U/L, (10.40±0.80) μmol/L, and (12.67±0.81), respectively, in group M2, (8 960.75±551.93) U/L, (8 535.62±675.14) U/L, (10.95±1.43) μmol/L, and (14.57±0.65), respectively, in group M3, (8 618.57±886.40) U/L, (11 440.54 ± 1 327.86) U/L, (13.30±1.86) μmol/L, and (13.21±1.06), respectively, in group M4, and (10 170.13±1 112.37) U/L, (11 470.56±1 108.40) U/L, (12.75±1.55) μmol/L, and (15.07±1.58), respectively, in group M5. The levels of ALT, AST, and TBil and Ishak score were (1 016.35±163.47) U/L, (952.30±103.91) U/L, (7.77±0.62) μmol/L, and (3.50±0.21), respectively, in group E1, (42.10±6.20) U/L, (126.72±13.33) U/L, (3.41±0.53) μmol/L, and (2.01±0.40), respectively, in group E2, (44.21±4.30) U/L, (216.71±35.88) U/L, (3.47±0.44) μmol/L, and (2.13±0.25), respectively, in group E3, (2 909.69±212.14) U/L, (2 988.43±333.70) U/L, (7.03±0.93) μmol/L, and (4.70±0.50), respectively, in group E4, and (7 874.26±799.60) U/L, (10 940.54±947.35) U/L, (10.53±1.09) μmol/L, and (8.60±0.83), respectively, in group E5. Groups M1-M5 had significantly higher levels of ALT, AST, and TBil than group C (all P < 0.01), and groups M1-M4 had significantly higher levels of AST and ALT than groups E1-E4 (all P < 0.01), while there were no significant differences in the levels of AST and ALT between groups M5 and E5 (both P > 0.05). The pathological sections of liver tissue showed that compared with group M, group E had significant reductions in the degree of necrosis and Ishak score (both P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#Intraperitoneal transplantation of human liver-derived stem cells has a protective effect against ConA-induced acute liver injury in mice, and the injection at 6 and 12 hours in advance has the best protective effect.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Foreign bodies within the sinuses, orbit, and skull base (FBSOS) are rare; hence, diagnosis and management guidelines are lacking. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) removal is preferred because of the less invasiveness and minimal morbidity. This study was designed to summarize clinical experience with ESS management of FBSOS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively reviewed clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes in consecutive patients with ESS removal of FBSOS between 2004 and 2015 at a tertiary academic medical center. The Chi-square test was performed to compare the infection rate between wooden and nonwooden FBSOS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 23 male and five female patients, with median age of 11 years. FBSOS were located within the sinuses (86%), orbit (75%), and skull base/intracranial region (46%). Wooden FBSOS had a significantly higher risk of infection (78%) compared with nonwooden FBSOS (5%, P < 0.05). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) plus three-dimensional reconstruction was sensitive in all cases. Twenty-seven (96%) FBSOS were removed by ESS alone, while 1 (4%) FBSOS was removed using the combined ESS and lateral cervical approach. Four of the nine intracranial penetrating FBSOS patients had intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and received endoscopic CSF leak repair. Twelve (43%) patients suffered complications (meningitis, diplopia, and vision loss).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ESS is a minimally invasive, safe, and promising surgical approach for FBSOS removal. Contrast-enhanced CT is effective in preoperative diagnosis and intraoperative guidance. Wooden FBSOS had higher risk of infection, thus antibiotics are recommended.</p>
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Objective:To establish a mouse model of gastric cancer by inoculating MKN45 cells into mice with normal immune function utilizing microcarrier technology. Methods:A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups, namely, 2D, con-trol, and 3D groups, according to the coculture system of MKN45 and microcarrier. The mouse models of gastric carcinoma were estab-lished by hypodermic injection. The time of tumorigenesis, rate of tumor formation, and pathological features were observed in each group. Results:In the 3D group, the time of tumor formation was short, whereas the rate of tumor formation was high (80%). No de-tectable tumor formations were observed in the 2D and control groups. HE and immunohistochemical staining of the transplantation tumor model showed evident characteristics of human gastric cancer. Conclusion:A human gastric cancer model in normal immune mice was successfully established. The onset and development mechanism of gastric cancer could be more effectively investigated in mice with normal immune function through this model. Moreover, a more valuable and new animal model for the research and devel-opment of anticancer drug was established.